Whether you’re just starting a running journey or working towards your next treadmill target, editor Sophie Ritchie shares her favourite running-led products to help keep you motivated and ready for the miles ahead
“Before I delve into these autumn must-haves, let me start with a bit of background. Running is the thing that gets me up in the morning. It’s also something the absolute Scrooge in me is truly willing to spend money on, whether that be a cool race or a beautiful piece of kit. I run a fair bit – around 30-40km a week at the moment, with a half marathon race coming up in November – and I would recommend all of these products.
I had a nasty fall over two years ago now which stalled my running journey for a while, it also means I look at kit in a different way than just “Is that flattering?” now. These products will keep you safer, healthier and hopefully a little bit more confident to push for faster too.
You don’t have to run that distance to need or want them of course, you might not even have pulled on your shoes in weeks. But if you’re a runner, especially a female one, you’re going to love them. Hopefully these will give you a dose of motivation now that the clocks have gone back and the UK is plunged into darkness once again. Enjoy, ladies.
P.S Here’s my Strava if you want to follow my obsession.
Ronhill’s Women’s Tech All-Terrain Jacket
We’re reaching that awkward weather phase where it’s no longer baking, but not quite yet freezing either. This all-terrain jacket is ideal for the trail girlies, especially on a long run with rain. Weighing just 98g, it’s the perfect companion for hill and mountain runners who need extra protection when wind chill sets in, yet just as useful for running in civilisation too.
£75.00, shop via ronhill.com
lululemon’s Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top 2.0
I ordered this lululemon tank top in Deep Sea Blue back in September and after a single run, knew it would be a new wardrobe staple. It’s lightweight and breathable, but gives enough warmth to not feel like your teeth are chattering pre-run for those autumn outings.
I wear this for speedier runs in public when wearing just a sports bra feels uncomfortable. If you’re asthmatic like me, the lack of fabric across the chest is a huge win too. I’ve already purchased it in more colours, so consider me a FAN.
£45.00, shop via lululemon.co.uk
BetterMe’s Better League Wide-Leg Sweatpants
Do you want to know my dream weekend really looks like? An early 6am long run that makes me feel like I’m dying a bit from the pace, then getting in front of that TV with something deeply trashy for a few hours. Then dinner out, somewhere delicious. If that makes me basic then so be it.
These super soft sweatpants from the new BetterMe League collection are great for that itinerary, giving comfort and a sporty athleisure look along with the couch rotting. Perfect for relaxed office days too – pull them on and let the recovery take the lead.
$69.00, shop via store.betterme.world
Bloxx Small Backpack (Black/Silver)
When constantly dragging kit around with you, the tote bag life gets old very fast. The Bloxx Backpack is the new must have companion for multi-discipline people that are on the move, and not prepared to compromise. Inspired by, and originally created for athletes, the Bloxx bag considers the need for speed and precision in making transitions, when every second counts.
If your average day means switching between work, rest and play, you need all your kit, organised in a streamlined way. This bag offers you multiple compartments that vary in size, and fit together neatly inside the robust and stylish design, meaning you can pack everything you need, and be ready for anything. Shoulder pain, be gone.
RRP £49.99, shop via bloxxbag.com
Keen’s the ‘Seek’ trail shoe – Black/Sunset Sand
I took on a 15km trail race in October and made the ultimate rookie error – wearing completely the wrong shoes, with the disgusting blisters and bruised toes to show for it. So please take me seriously when I say that investing in your footwear should be a top priority. For 22 years, KEEN has been creating durable, comfortable, protective shoes and boots to get folks closer to nature. Now, the innovative shoemaker is taking its trail DNA and Consciously Created approach into trail running with its first-ever trail running shoe, the Seek (£160).
KEEN’s innovation team spent nearly two years developing the Seek trail runner – starting with in-depth interviews with runners to learn more about what they were looking for in a trail running shoe and working with a team of wear testers around the country to fine-tune the geometry and design through multiple prototypes. One of the lead developers at KEEN ran 900 miles last year wearing prototypes that became the Seek.
Engineered with relentless innovation, genuine runner insights, and love for the trail, Seek is built better for feet, the planet, and longer runs. This wide-forefoot trail running shoe provides extra room in the toe box for natural toe splay and improved comfort during runs on uneven terrain. It leverages cutting-edge technology and a highly energetic midsole for a responsive, durable ride that’s optimised for heel strikers – the predominant foot strike pattern for recreational runners. It’s tough, pinnacle performance and comfort for every runner on the trail – beginners and longtime runners alike. Plus, it just looks kinda’ sexy.
£160.00, shop via keenfootwear.co.uk
Zooki’s Sour Cherry Electrolytes+ Exercise and Recover
Did you know that losing as little as 2% of your body’s water can slash your athletic performance by up to 20%? Dehydration affects endurance, strength, and recovery, keeping you from reaching your peak. Falling hydration levels will lead to an immediate decrease in physical functions. Luckily, Zooki is on-hand to help. Ideal for busy girls on the go, these tasty little sachets contain a balanced blend of electrolytes for optimal hydration, plus extra ingredients to support exercise and recovery.
This Exercise and Recovery Hydration+ formula delivers an optimised blend of key electrolytes to replenish and maintain hydration, while also providing tailored ingredients to enhance exercise performance and promote a smooth recovery. Bottoms’ up.
£13.99 for a pack of 7, shop via zooki.com
Puresport’s Energy Gels – Berry
Putting some science behind the sport, Puresport have just launched a brand new range of energy gels, designed for those longer, tougher outings. They’ve run the numbers for you. One gel, every 30 minutes. Puresport’s Berry Energy Gel is designed for runners and endurance athletes who want simple, effective fuelling. Each gel delivers 30g of DualCarb™ energy in a precise 1:0.8 glucose-to-fructose ratio, supporting sustained performance and reducing gut discomfort.
We especially love the light, non-artificial tasting berry flavour that’s both refreshing and easy to take mid-run, made with natural ingredients to help you fuel smarter, train stronger, and recover faster, every 30 minutes. Carb up and watch the performance speak for itself.
Available in 6-pack, 12-pack and 24-pack sizes. From £14.00, shop via puresport.co
Stile Reflective LED Run Vest & Phone Carrier – UP3260
Now that it’s darker, feeling safe on a run has really become a priority of mine – and not just because I like pitch black routes. I’m so thrilled that more people are following my return to running on Strava but I have also absolutely started hiding my maps due to privacy fears. That anxiety seeps into my head when I run in the dark too, not just from a tripping/falling perspective but as a solo female runner. So I’m a big fan of this nifty run vest, which offers more visibility.
The Stile Reflective LED Run Vest & Phone Carrier offers total ease of movement and night-time safety. It has rear LED lights with constant and flash modes, which are visible for up to half a mile. Battery powered with CR2032 battery supplied giving 144 hours of use in flash mode, and 72 hours in constant mode
One press for constant mode, two for flash. High visibility reflective detailing. Phone compartment fits most standard and +sized phones Flip-down touch window – use phone screen on the move. Fully adjustable waist and shoulder straps fit most sizes. Water-resistant and ultra lightweight Available in fluorescent yellow and black.
£28.00, shop via 1000mile.co.uk
Silva’s SMINI FLY – Rose
Light up your life (and the trail) with this Silva head torch. Let the light experience begin with Smini. Weighing only 53 grams in a size that fits in the palm of your hand, Smini is a trusted ally on your daily runs and a smart backup light for races. It boasts 250 lumens, has a red light for night vision, and a rear safety light that keeps you visible.
Smini comes with an interchangeable slim 15 mm headband and USB-C rechargeable batteries that keep you powered up and ready for your next run. Crafted with recycled material, we love the Rose colourway in particular.
£39.99, shop via silvasweden.uk
OQO Hydration Plus Green Apple Blend
Staying hydrated, whether taking on a training session or simply getting through a day of emails, is crucial for the body’s wellbeing. These delicious sachets are formulated to be vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and free from artificial additives too.
Wake up and stir up – they’re designed for daily use to maintain optimal hydration and energy levels. With a fresh green apple flavour, each mouthful is packed with electrolytes and vitamins.
£19.99, shop via mydiso.com
Salomon Aero Blaze 3 GRVL Gtx
Another one for the trail girlies. The Gravel movement is more than just running—it’s a lifestyle. Whether pounding the pavement, exploring park trails, or taking on dusty gravel roads, Salomon’s Gravel range is designed for those who embrace the joy of running beyond traditional routes. With the Aero Blaze 3 GRVL Gtx, urban runners can transition effortlessly from city streets to natural landscapes.
Engineered with a 100% TPU optiFOAM2 midsole, this lightweight shoe delivers soft landings and a responsive bounce, keeping every stride smooth and dynamic. Designed with a tread pattern inspired by gravel bike tires, this shoe features 3.5mm chevron lugs on both sides with smaller lugs in the middle made with specific gravel contaGRIP to provide unparalleled adaptability and stability across different surfaces.
The combination of internal sensiFIT and traditional laces ensures a precise fit, while the toe cap and heel box keep your feet protected. No matter the weather, the breathable GoreTex membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable, so you can push boundaries and explore new terrain with confidence. Love!
£145.00, shop via salomon.com
Bimble & Bolt Marathon Care Pack Sock Box
If you have a fellow jogging junkie friend with a birthday or big race approaching, this handy little package is the perfect gifting idea. The Bimble & Bolt Marathon Care Box is the ultimate winter treat for the runner in your life – packed with everything they need to go the distance, including performance socks, a protein snack, energy gel, hydration aid, chafe cream and bib tags. It’s a thoughtful, all-in-one gift that covers every detail and really ‘socks’ it to them on how much you care.
RRP £25.00, shop via bimbleandbolt.com
Silva’s Strive Fly Vest – Rose
Another one from the Swedish experts at Silva – introducing the Strive Fly – Silva’s latest innovation in running vests, designed to elevate your running experience. Run, or fly, with this super slim running vest weighing only from 110 grams. I like a running vest for longer outings but there’s no denying those things get heavy on the shoulders, fast.
This vest is made of soft lightweight ripstop nylon and thin, breathable mesh, featuring multiple smart pockets and straps for your running poles. Strive Fly is available in four sizes (XS-L) and three colours: black, green, and rose. Rose is our favourite of course – speed never looked so stylish.
£69.99, shop via silvasweden.uk
