Favorite Summer Running Gear, Recommended by a Running Coach

As I was cleaning out my running bag the other day, I looked at the temperature on my phone (82 degrees!) and realized that it was probably safe to pull out my winter gloves and hat from the bag and shove them into the back of a drawer. I won’t be needing those any time soon.

But even though the weather is warmer now, that doesn’t mean I can just head out for my runs completely carefree. Here are some summer running gear items that help me get through the hot and humid months:

1. Running sunglasses

My eyes are very sensitive to sunlight so I like to wear sunglasses even during partly sunny days. If I don’t, I find myself squinting throughout my run, which sometimes gives me a headache.

A good pair of UV-blocking running sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays, and even give your face some additional protection (but don’t skip the sunscreen!).

For years, I wore a pair of inexpensive running sunglasses that I had bought at a race expo. I was too worried that I’d lose or break a pricey pair. HOWEVER, I completely changed my mind about shelling out some money for a nice pair of running sunglasses when my husband bought me my first pair of Oakleys.

What a difference a good pair of sunglasses makes!  My Oakley Half Jacket sunglasses are so comfortable that I sometimes almost forget I’m wearing them. Even when the sweat is pouring down my face, they stay put.

And they come with a hard case, which I always use when I’m not wearing them, keeping them safe from me accidentally sitting on them or crushing them with something heavy in my running bag.

I also own a pair of Tifosi running sunglasses, which are also very durable, comfortable, and affordable. And because they’re casual looking, I wear them even when I’m not running. Goodr sunglasses are another budget-friendly and popular favorite among runners.

2. Sunscreen

I’ve made numerous sunscreen mistakes over the years – forgetting it completely, not reapplying during a sweaty long run, and thinking I didn’t need it for a short run.

I’ve finally figured out what works for me and haven’t had a sunscreen mishap in a while. I slather on a water-resistant sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 about 15 to 20 minutes before I head out, so my skin has time to absorb it. I like to use the stick type on my face because then it doesn’t run in my eyes.

Skin can get burned in as little as 10 minutes (trust me), so I wear it even for short runs. Finally, if I’m doing a really long run and I’m concerned about sweating off my sunscreen, I tuck a disposable sunscreen wipe in my running pack.

Also see: Best Sunscreens for Runners

3. Water bottle (or other carriers)

Staying hydrated during runs is important all year long, but especially in the hot weather when you’re sweating a lot. I prefer to use a hand-held water bottle, like Amphipod’s Hydraform, but lots of runners use hydration belts or backpacks. I used a Camelbak when I did some Spartan obstacle course races because I didn’t have great access to water for refilling and I also needed to keep my hands free.

For shorter runs, I love the size and comfort of Amphipod’s 10.5 oz bottle. It’s perfect when I don’t want to or really need to carry a larger bottle, but still need a few sips during my run.

4. Water running flotation belt

I’ll admit, sometimes it’s just too hot and humid to run outside! That’s when I put on my flotation belt and do some water running instead. I bought my AquaJogger belt on a whim for a couple bucks at a tag sale, and I absolutely love it!  

If you’ve never tried water running, I highly recommend it. It’s not as easy as it looks – but it’s a fun and refreshing way to get in a running workout on a brutally hot day. If you have young kids, it’s a great way to be in the pool with them and still get a workout in.

5. Running Shorts

I love running in capris in the spring and fall, but summer running means I have to break out my best running shorts. Once I find a pair of running shorts I really like, I tend to get multiple pairs, so I don’t have to do laundry so frequently.

One of my recent favorites are these comfy running shorts. The material is super soft and lightweight, so it’s perfect for summer running. Best of all, they don’t ride up or bunch! I also like these compression shorts because they’re also super comfortable, doesn’t lead to ANY chafing, and are very convenient for stashing my phone.

6. Running Visor

I like to wear a Headsweats running visor for summer runs, since it provides good protection of my face without feeling too hot or constricting. Plus, it has a terrycloth sweatband that helps mop up forehead sweat and keeps it from running into my eyes.

What Should I Wear When Running in Hot Weather?

When choosing clothes when running in hot and humid weather, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Look for loose-fitting or vented clothes that allow air to pass over and cool your skin.
• Choose shirts, shorts, and socks that are made of a moisture-wicking fabric (typically polyester-based) to aid the evaporation process. Avoid clothes made of 100% cotton, since they’ll quickly turn into heavy, wet apparel that trap heat against your body.
• Opt for light-colored fabrics, as dark hues absorb the sun’s heat.

Runners may also want to invest in a lightweight, moisture-wicking hat, visor, or headband to absorb sweat and cool their head. And don’t forget a comfortable pair of running sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Check out my Summer Running Bucket List!

More About Summer Running Gear:

• 9 Tips for Running in Humidity
• How to Dress for Hot Weather Running
• Tips for Running on the Beach

Running coach, marathon runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Founder of the website Run for Good and author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.

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