Running Gear

Build a running kit by fit, weather, duration, terrain, and risk. Ken covers shoes, socks, clothing, watches, hydration, safety, trail gear, and what to skip.

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.

The best heart rate monitor for running, ranked by signal reliability, interval response, comfort, connectivity, battery, running dynamics, and real training usefulness.

The best GPS watch for running, ranked by GPS reliability, battery life, training tools, maps, comfort, buttons, ecosystem, and real runner value.

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.

I run Atlantic City winters where windchill off the ocean can drop to -10°C or colder. The secret is not one big coat — it’s a precise three-layer system and knowing what gear to protect first.

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.

I learned about chafing the hard way at mile 18 of a marathon. Here’s the honest, tested list of anti-chafe balms that will save your skin — literally.