Fall Running Gear – Best Shoes, Jackets, Socks, Leggings & More

At this point in summer, most of us are more than ready to welcome fall. No more hot and humid temperatures and bring the diapers and PSL. And for many runners, fall is truly their favorite season.

“I would say, hands down, you’ll see the runners most excited about running in the fall – from fall marathons to turkey trots, chilly mornings to hot apple cider after a long run, and all new fall racing gear, “says Nathalie Mitchell, a 12-time marathoner (with a PR of 3:05!), running trainer and co-host of the Suite performance podcast.

Now get ready and gear up properly!

4 benefits of the fall run

1. The cooler weather makes running fun and endurance training easier. “For those who have trained in brutal summer heat, the fall temperatures are a reward on race day,” says Mireille Siné, MPH, USATF running trainer. “It can take a long time for our body to adjust in hot weather, the heat and humidity can cause additional stress on our body.” Once you’re warmed up, it’s easier to get into a good rhythm that makes you feel like you can keep going, says Siné.
2. You don’t get dehydrated that quickly. “I don’t have to worry about hydration all the time, like I do when I run in the summer heat,†explains Michel Rosengart, CPT, specialist in pre-education on Moxie.
3. Your schedule is back to “normal”. “People go back to a routine after the summer, and having a reliable schedule makes them more likely to stick with training,” says Mike Wardian, running trainer and athlete Nathan. “If you have kids, they’re back to school and you might have a little extra time to run your errands,†Mitchell adds.
4. It’s high racing season. “Everyone you know trains and competes in fall races so that makes the race super exciting! Mitchell said. Your list of workout buddies just got longer.

How to dress for the fall run

• Wear reflective clothing. It’s a fall staple, says Siné. “The sun sets earlier in the evening, so it’s important to be visible wherever you are running – always be safe.”
• Protect your extremities. “You lose most of your heat through your head and feet, so a light beanie or headband is a key item to take with you because it holds a lot of heat in a very small layer,†says Shupe. Performance hoodies also work well for this purpose.
• Be prepared for the rain. “A very light rain jacket for rainy mornings in late October and November protects you from soaking,†notes Mitchell. “No runner wants something heavy on their body.”
• Wear the right socks. Merino socks are a must-have because they wick away moisture, dries and thermoregulates quickly, says Shupe. “I turn to ankle-length socks in the fall for extra warmth to my ankle. In the fall and winter especially, it’s important to keep my feet dry and warm.”
• Choose items with ventilation. Many runners like vests for this reason or vests with underarm zippers. “Personally, I turn to half-zip tops that you can easily unzip for ventilation,†says Shupe. When running in the fall, she always wears a long sleeve merino wool top, which is great for regulating the temperature. “If you start out cold but warm up quickly, then choosing thermoregulatory layers is essential,†she says.
• Don’t forget about sun protection. Remember: You can still get sunburned in the fall. That is why Bonie Shupe, trail runner and general manager of Ibex, loves long sleeve tops with UPF protection. “I also like to wear tops with thumbholes that can be pulled over your hands for protection from the sun,†she says.

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