New year, new Strava PB. 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
“Why hello there, 2026. A new year usually brings lots of fresh motivation and determined self-promises to lots of people – whether that’s avoiding the sweet cupboard or finally lacing up those running shoes again. Whether that’s for the muddy trails or gliding around the pavements, motivation never seems to be higher after those midnight fireworks spark.
For the more serious crowd, January often comes with setting some speed goals or race targets for the year ahead. Either way, I never see so many people hitting the pavements in the early weeks of January and saving those Strava activities, come rain, ice, snow or shine – myself included.
One of my favourite parts of having time off work over Christmas was simply having the capacity and energy to run more. I think I clocked up around 90km over those two weeks alone – with a lot of faster sessions included in that mix. I loved heading to Parkrun with my family and friends too – I even dragged some sore heads to a New Year’s Day Parkrun in Reading (RIP my friend’s husband who hadn’t put his trainers on since his school crosscountry days). But that’s all simply part of the fun of running, isn’t it – doing things you’re a little afraid of.
Something that’s made a big difference to my confidence when it comes to running in winter has been investing in the right gear. Yeah okay, I do still prefer wearing shorts and a vest top in freezing temperatures if running at a speedier pace (I overheat massively). But good shoes, gloves, daily routine and a little bit of self-belief goes quite a long way.
Running with others really helps too if you struggle with self-motivation. I don’t have specific targets for my speed as such right now (that’s a complete lie) – but for now I’d really like to find some faster runners to tag along with this year. I do think that’s one of the only ways you’ll get better at things you’re not good at, so bring on the lung pain. I’m such a hypocrite too, because I try to avoid ever running as my ‘usual’ pace with slower friends because I know that hideous feeling of approaching hell within the first one minute all too well.
Looking at the weekly mileage I’m running fairly comfortably, it’s hard to believe that this time last year I was averaging just 5k – 10k a week after worsening injuries meant my body simply couldn’t do my favourite activity – let alone running across consecutive days. My 5k time was around 26 minutes in June 2025, now I’m hovering around the 23 mark fairly comfortably.
Both of legs have improved over the last few months for both endurance and speed – and I think a lot of that boils down to doing the somewhat dull grunt work behind the scenes – strength sessions, stretching, regular hot baths and being realistic with my body. Rest is so key too.”
Here’s to banking the kilometres in style – and making time for serious recovery too. Enjoy!
1 Reebok x Lucyd Flash sunglasses
Gadgets don’t get much smarter than these high-tech sunglasses. Experience innovation and style with Reebok Smart Eyewear, presented in sleek, eco-conscious packaging that reflects modern performance and sustainability. Open-ear technology lets you hear your world while you power through the workouts, whilst clever details include superior glare reduction and sun protection with impact-resistant, anti-fog, and anti-scratch protection. Let’s get shady.
£138.00, shop via lucyd.co
2 Asics’ Running Gel-Kayano 32 Trainers – White
Now, this is a running shoe designed for comfort. An excellent choice for those with a high gait, Asics’ GEL-KAYANO 32 running shoe aims to combine maximum support with ultimate comfort to give you complete confidence on your run, especially the longer outings. An advanced stability shoe, it’s designed to help you run further for longer.
The shoe’s 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM technology is a revolutionary stability system that will help keep you steady while running – paired with PureGEL technology and soft FF BLAST PLUS foam that delivers responsive shock absorption and a soft, supportive feel for lasting comfort. Less joint impact, increased durability. This is a shoe designed for both men and women, so choose a style that works for you and get going.
£180, shop via very.co.uk
3 Hapi Patch’s Easee Sleep Patches
Sleep is such an important part of fitness – it always knocks me for six how exhausted I am after a late night or poor quality shuteye. You really can’t run well – let alone perform – if your body has nothing in the tank. These Easee Sleep Patches from Hapi Patch have been carefully designed to help you drift off faster and wake up refreshed. Vitamin patches deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream through the skin, bypassing the digestive system. This method enhances the bioavailability of the ingredients and ensures a consistent, controlled release over time. What a snooze.
£9.99 for a pack of six, shop via hapipatch.com
4 Ghilt’s Contour Stripe Bra – Navy
I do love a nice sports bra. Designed to balance structure with simplicity, the Contour Stripe Bra offers a refined take on everyday support. The clean scoop neckline and contrast stripe detailing create a flattering silhouette with subtle definition. Crafted from a smooth, supportive fabric, it sits comfortably against the body while maintaining a calm, considered aesthetic. Don it for sessions or recovery stretches – either way, I’m a fan.
£45.00,shop via ghilt.com
5 SIMOND’s Rechargeable headlamp – 300 lumens – HL500 USB V3 – Turquoise
I never thought I’d say (type) this, but I have somehow absolutely started to enjoy the grit and grubbiness of trail running. Grass, mud, forests, hills… all the things I’ve avoided or taken very slowly for the last couple of years have never made me so happy. It’s really not about the pace on these sessions… but being in nature and just moving the body. But that doesn’t mean I’m not constantly thinking about safety. Light up dark trails with this rechargeable head torch. Designed to withstand knocks and water splashes, choose this robust little head torch as your trekking partner. I love the turquoise shade, too – finally, a bit of tech that isn’t boring black!
£24.99, shop via decathlon.co.uk
6 Light Up Scrunchies for Girls LED Reflective Hair Scrunchie
I have to admit, I think the idea of a light up scrunchie is absolutely genius for winter runs. This LED set includes 6 LED White Satin Scrunchies, each equipped with built-in LED lights. With 3 different light modes (quick flash, slow flash, solid-on), these scrunchies will light up your hair, making them ideal for staying visible on early morning or late evening outings. Who said being safe couldn’t look cute?
£6.49, shop via amazon.co.uk
7 adidas Ultraboost 5 Running Shoes – Pink
Fast girls wear pink – and proudly. These Ultraboost 5 Running Shoes from Nike are designed for a regular go-to shoe, from track runs to errand runs, putting a light spring in your step. Made with the brand’s lightest BOOST cushioning ever, they give back energy with every stride. Combined with the Torsion System for heel-to-toe stability, they deliver a smooth, comfortable ride you have to feel to believe. Bank the easy miles and enjoy the post-run high.
£160, shop via very.co.uk
8 Puresport Ultra Electrolytes (30 Pack) – Watermelon Salt
I’ve featured Puresport’s electrolytes in a few roundups before on The Wordrobe and there’s a good reason for that – they’re one of my favourite brands when it comes to a post-run rehydrate. I just love the tang of their Watermelon flavour – something just sour enough to revive my brain after pushing my legs round some kind of track loop.
Electrolytes are crucial minerals that help to keep your body functioning by regulating fluid balance, enabling nerve signals, powering muscle contractions, maintaining pH levels, and supporting hydration, heart rhythm, and blood pressure – basically, all of things a runner needs after striving towards another unrealistic Strava target! And if you struggle to drink water like me, it’s an easier way to replenish without needing sugary or fizzy drinks.
From £23.10, shop via puresport.co
9 lululemon’s Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0 Waist Length – True Navy
The UK has felt rather baltic lately, and whilst I still wear a vest for the speed runs, taking it easy requires a little less body heat – and on those days, I reach straight for a long sleeve. The Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0 does the job nicely, providing a snug fit to help bank the easy kilometres. When the wind chill settles in, you’ll be glad of that extra arm material! It even comes with helpful little thumbholes.
£68.00, shop via lululemon.co.uk
10 Westlab’s Epsom Bath Salt’s The Muscle Relaxer
Tough sessions require bubble baths, I don’t make the rules. Ideal for helping to improve recovery, these bath salts can help support muscle fatigue. Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulphate. When placed in water these two molecules separate and are absorbed trans dermally (through the skin), making them accessible to the cells in the body.
By replacing the magnesium that has been used up during exercise as energy production and lost in sweat. Magnesium relaxes muscles, assisting in muscle recovery and preventing cramping and injury, which is especially important to athletes. When we exercise, we see a build-up of toxins due to the number of metabolic processes that are activated within the body. To remove the toxins one of the detoxification pathways the body uses requires usable sulphate ions. If the body does not have sufficient sulphate present for the pathway to be enabled, then the detoxification will not be able to happen. It is this unique combination of both body cleansing and muscle relaxation that makes Epsom Salt so effective after exercise. Lather up!
£4.99, shop via westlabsalts.co.uk
11 Vievé’s new protein bars
My friends often bring up the amount of protein bars I get through and it’s true – I love those things. There’s usually at least two in my handbag. Ideal for something a little less artificial than my usual brands, Vievé has launched a range of delicious new all-natural protein bars that are ideal for sneaking in more protein without reaching for a more processed bite.
Designed for busy and health-conscious individuals, there are three flavour-forward protein bars to try – which are also low in sugar and boast 12g fibre in every pack:
- Pistachio punch: Dubai chocolate meets protein! One of the world’s first pistachio flavoured protein bar packed with real pistachio and nutpieces
- Strawberry blondie: “raising the bar” in protein bars with real pieces of strawberry wrapped in a white chocolate coating. Blondes do have more fun!
- Coconut Crunch: A tropical getaway and not your typical protein bar: bursting with coconut flavour and pieces of real shredded coconut
With 15g of protein and 12g fibre (almost ⅓ daily requirement) in every 45g bar, it’s an easy way to squeeze a little more protein in on those busy days or to avoid a blood sugar crash.
RRP £2.29, shop via Amazon and drink-vieve.co.uk
12 Bimble & Bolt’s Blue Stripes Mid Crew socks
I couldn’t like this brand more when it comes to comfortable, well-designed and straight up flattering run wear. Perfect for running, these socks from female-owned Bimble&Bolt offer a barely-there feel, keeping those sessions feeling supple and blister-free. Breathable panels help to keep your feet cool and dry, even on longer runs, whilst targeted compression gives a snug and supportive fit around the arch. There are heaps of designs to choose from, but I particularly like this light blue number.
£12.00, shop via bimbleandbolt.com
13 Salomon’s Temper Trail Running shoes – Cosmic Sky / Astral Aura
January might be a pretty dreary month in general, but there are a few reasons to stay smiling – and of those is a winter sale. Ideal for stocking up, Salomon’s January offers include plenty of discounts across shoes and various bits of kit, including these beautiful Temper trail shoes – a versatile, do-it-all trail number that scores high on cushioning, comfort and terrain adaptability.
With a balanced midsole and foot-hugging hold, it also has anti-debris mesh on the upper to keep the treasures of trail adventuring out of your shoes. Versatile and reassuring in grip, it adapts to a wide variety of trail terrains. Embrace the mud.
£55.00, shop via salomon.com
What’s That Patch’s Creatine Patches
Recharge and repair – this patch supports brain energy, muscle recovery, and cellular repair with a smart blend of amino acids, B vitamins, and creatine precursors. No mixing, no measuring – just peel, stick, and go. Stick one on post-session in the office under a long sleeve and nobody will the wiser to the secret muscle recovery.
£16.15, shop via whatsthatpatch.co
