Running Gear

I compare wrist and chest heart rate monitors for easy runs, threshold work, intervals, and races, then show how to spot cadence lock and test your signal.

Ken’s four-rung Kit Ladder shows what running gear you need now, what can wait, and how to choose shoes, clothing, hydration, weather, trail, and tech gear.

The best insoles for running, ranked by shoe volume, arch contact, support stiffness, heel security, forefoot comfort, and running use – not standing softness.

My 10 best running belts for phones, ranked by phone fit, bounce control, comfort, access, weather protection, trails, races, and hydration.

Heel drop explained for runners: what 0mm, 4mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm drops change, who should use each, how to transition safely, and how Ken chooses shoe drop.

Ken compares eight running heart-rate monitors: ECG chest straps, comfortable upper-arm sensors and Garmin-specific options. Find the right fit for your workouts.

Ken’s 10 GPS running-watch picks for 2026, from simple training watches to mapping and ultrarunning tools. Compare fit, navigation, battery modes and tradeoffs.

Ken’s honest test for deciding whether you need special running socks, with a hotspot map, sock–shoe fit lab, and no product-first sales pitch.

Ten trail running headlamps compared by sustained brightness, beam shape, bounce, battery strategy, weather resistance, and terrain.

The best running insoles for heavy runners must fit the foot and shoe—not merely add stiffness. Compare 10 current picks by arch feel, volume, durability, and rejection cues.

Ken’s -10°C winter running gear plan: layers, hands, face, shoes and traction, plus wind-chill and ice decisions that tell you when to run indoors.

My 10 best running socks to prevent blisters, chosen by blister location, moisture control, fit security, cushion, shoe volume, and real-run comfort.

Compare 10 current trail-running hydration vests by loaded fit, capacity, access and bounce. Includes a six-point fit test and clear skip cues.

Ken compares 10 anti-chafe balms, sticks, creams and a roll-on for runners, with clear picks for thighs, straps, feet and long runs.