Checkout
×

21 Spring Running Gear Essentials From Head-To-Toe

By Sportitude

With spring just around the corner and the winter blues fading into memory, it’s one of the best times of the year to gear up with warm weather running essentials to enjoy the positive benefits of running on your mental health and body.

The fresh and rejuvenating air, sunny skies and just-right temperature of spring can inspire you to lace up in your running shoes and burst out of your winter cocoon. It’s one of Sportitude's favourite seasons for setting a new personal best (but of course, like our team we bet you love crushing your running goals all-year round!).

Discover what to wear when running in spring. As always, comfort is the priority when creating a spring workout wardrobe that can fuel your motivation to move and keep you loving every stride. What’s even better is that your spring gear can effortlessly transition into summer – so you can feel primed to perform even as we head closer to the hottest months of the year.

Sportitude gives you a sneak peek into our favourite spring running gear from top sportswear brands including 2XU, Asics and Nike to shed off the cold weather layers and run light from head-to-toe. From your daily training, to racing, to trail adventures, we guide you on the must-have running clothing to re-energise your goals this season.

We'll also dive into Precision Hydration and PREPD products to highlight the crucial part your running nutrition and hydration plays in putting your best foot forward when the road is calling.

Head

1. 2XU Running Cap & 2XU Light Speed Running Cap

A running cap is the ultimate way to top off your spring running gear and performs multiple functions beyond just sun protection.

The 2XU running cap is a favourite of the season, featuring a lightweight design with moisture-wicking materials to keep you cool, dry and fresh. Some runners prefer running visors to running caps as they allow your head to breathe – but the 2XU running cap ticks all your boxes, providing full coverage of your head coupled with mesh ventilation to allow heat and humidity to escape.

A glare-blocking bill paired with the Goodr sports sunnies below means you’ll embrace sunny days rather than taking cover away from the light. Also, a running cap is a great way to keep flyaway hair tucked out of the way, while keeping light spring rain out of your face to keep your vision clear.

Available in a range of vibrant or classic colours with an adjustable Velcro closure to create a personalised fit and lock it in place, you won’t want to lace up without a 2XU running cap.

2. Goodr Circle Gs Polarised Sports Sunglasses

It’s easy to forget that it’s just as important to protect your eyes from the sun as your skin when you’re enjoying the outdoors. No worries, because Goodr has your eyes covered.

The Goodr Circle Gs Polarised sports glasses are your versatile, stylish and affordable sun protection. These multi-sport sunnies are the go-to for everyday athletes, whether you’re trail running, chasing your parkrun PB or unwinding at the beach on off-duty days.

The polarised lenses provide 100% protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays – a big tick for keeping you sun safe. Even when your running circuit faces the sun, you can carry on with the glare-reducing design offering distraction-free comfort for your eyes – so you don’t have to squint as you rule the road.

Lightweight yet durable frames with a non-slip and bounce-free style lets you put them on and forget about them. Circular lenses in your choice of eye-catching colours means you can personalise your eyewear to suit your mood and tastes of the day.

3. Shokz Wireless Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones

Spring invites you to enjoy the sensory experience of running – tuning into your senses to listen to birds singing and leaves gently dancing in the wind. However, this doesn’t mean you need to compromise on listening to your go-to running playlist and the benefits of music on your running performance.

The Shokz Wireless Bluetooth Bone Conduction headphones give you the best of both worlds – allowing you to tune into your running soundtrack, while staying auditorily aware of your surroundings. The open ear design with bone conduction technology makes this possible.

Rather than forming a close-fitting seal in your eardrum like traditional earbuds, bone conduction headphones keep your ears free to hear more. Tiny transducers positioned on your cheekbones transfer sound via mini vibrations through your bones and to your inner ear. The result is crystal clarity in every note, keeping your motivation running high in every stride. 

Upper Body

Spring Running Tops For Her

4. Daily Training: Asics Silver Women's Short Sleeve Running T-Shirt

Next to choosing a sports bra, having a go-to women's running t-shirt that you can trust in your fitness rotation, can help to take the guesswork out of what to wear on your runs.

The Asics Silver women's short sleeve running t-shirt is a soft, sweat-wicking staple all-year round. It has a luxurious feel, with flat seams to prevent chafing and irritation on your runs.

With the airy knit fabric providing lightweight breathability to handle rises in temperature, and a reflective detail to help you transition safely from day to night running, it's a natural fit for your spring running wardrobe.

To complete the feel-good vibes, the main fabric is made with a minimum of 50% recycled materials for environmentally preferable sportswear.

5. Daily Training: Nike Dri-Fit One Women's Training Tank Top & Nike Dri-Fit One Elastika Women's Training Tank Top

When it comes to sportswear, Nike is one of the leading brands for comfort. They consistently use Dri-Fit technology in their performance running clothing for a reason. It works hard to fight off sweat so you can work hard crushing your personal best when the mercury climbs – feeling lighter and more energised without perspiration weighing you down.

Nike’s eye for detail really shines in their women's running singlets & tank tops, with many featuring side slits for easy mobility and a curved hem for stay-put coverage and confidence – whether you're putting these rejuvenating yoga poses to work or marathon training.

The Nike Dri-Fit One women’s training tank top will keep you moving freely from cross-training at the gym to parkrun. If you prefer spaghetti-thin straps in an adjustable style, reach for the popular Nike Dri-Fit One Elastika women's training tank top.

The performance fabric feels luxurious and soft against your skin – so you can say goodbye to chafing and irritation on-the-run.

They are made with 100% recycled polyester, staying true to Nike’s mission to make sport sustainable for the generations to come. You can read about Nike’s sustainability initiatives in Nike’s 50th Anniversary: A Celebration Of Sport & Future Sustainability.

6. Trail: Nike Dri-Fit Women's Trail Running Tank Top

Run with total freedom during your trail adventures with your Nike Dri-Fit women's trail running tank top. This lightweight and breezy design is ideal for shifting the pace up a gear and is equally at home when you coast over the terrain at a relaxed pace.

Sweat-wicking Dri-Fit technology keeps you fresh and focused as spring transitions into summer. The athletic fit is easy to layer, so you can top it off with a lightweight, weather-ready women's running jacket when the spring rain rolls in.

7. Racing: On Performance-T Women's Running T-Shirt

On is a Swiss-born brand known for its innovation, from LightSpray technology in their elite marathon shoes, to advanced fabric in On running clothing.

Whether you're a loyal On running shoes wearer or new to the brand, the On Running Performance-T women's running t-shirt keeps you on track of your running journey as the heat rises, providing intuitive temperature regulation. This makes it ideal for race day, tempo training and warm conditions.

Breathable mesh fabric allows heat and humidity to escape and cool air to enter, with top-class performance material for a distraction-free feel. A minimalist design meets sweat-wicking, fast-drying fabric so you don't have to hesitate - you can power forward to meet your new potential on race day.

Spring Running Tops For Him

8. Daily Training: Nike Dri-Fit Men's Training T-Shirt

When you need to beat the heat, the Nike Dri-Fit men’s training t-shirt takes the fuss out of what to wear on your road sessions. Nike Dri-Fit technology sets you up with moisture-wicking power to outrun the pack – encouraging quick evaporation for a cooling effect that helps make sweat work in your favour.

You get the advantage of its lightweight and breathable design for a barely there feel, without compromising on your Nike brand love with the contrast Nike Swoosh.

Airy, stretchy and soft to the touch, true to the brand Nike have crafted another men’s running t-shirt that tops the winners’ podium in terms of performance-enhancing comfort.

9. Trail: Nike Dri-Fit Trail Solar Chase Men's Trail Running T-Shirt

The Nike Dri-Fit Trail Solar Chase men's trail running t-shirt gears you up in off-road inspiration with the Nike trail graphic. Staying honest to the comfort and sweat-wicking power of Nike running clothing, it features Dri-Fit technology for moisture management, and soft knit performance fabric for a premium feel.

Nike haven't missed any detail, with additional breathability in sweat-prone zones thanks to an underarm gusset, and angled side seams to move with no restrictions. Pair it with your go-to hydration pack and running nutrition to keep you run-ready on your next adventure.

10. Racing: Nike Aeroswift Dri-Fit ADV Men's Running Singlet

The Nike Aeroswift Dri-Fit ADV men's running singlet meets the demands of snappy training sessions and competitive racing with a smooth feel and lightweight design optimised for speed.

Perforated to conquer the distance with refreshing breathability, this data-based design helps you run your fastest PB. Dri-Fit ADV technology sweeps sweat away from your skin, bonded seams prevent chafing and the longer hem provides confidence-inspiring coverage in every stride.

Lower Body

Spring Running Shorts For Her

11. Daily Training: Nike One Women's Mid-Rise 3 Inch Brief-Lined Running Shorts

What’s the best way to let your hard-working legs stay cool on-the-run? Keep it short! The Nike One women's mid-rise running shorts provide just-right coverage in a feather-light style, so you don’t feel stuffy or restricted when the intensity heats up.

A must-have for supporting your fitness journey during the spring and summer months, it features a minimalist design that cuts back on non-essential fabric while keeping comfort at a new high.

Dri-Fit technology sweeps away sweat, a mesh brief liner provides support and an envelope waistband pocket provides a secure and personalised home for essentials as you elevate the pace. That’s sweat control, support and security all in one – a winning formula for distraction-free spring running to inspire you to train for both speed and endurance.

12. Trail: Nike Repel Mid-Rise 3 Inch Brief-Lined Women's Trail Running Shorts

Whether you're heating up your trail runs by shifting the pace up a gear, or climbing up mountainous terrain, the Nike Repel Mid-Rise 3 Inch brief-lined women's trail running shorts are your adventure-ready essential.

Even in rejuvenating spring rain, these trail running shorts are ready to perform with a water-repellent finish. Their formula of durability and adaptability make them a favourite for trail blazers of all levels.

A breezy, sweat-wicking design meets convenient storage with 3 mesh-lined pockets on the waistband, and zip pocket on the right thigh. When you need to layer down, the waistband loop allows you to stash your women's running t-shirt within easy reach.

13. Racing: 2XU 5 Inch Women's Compression Shorts & 2XU Light Speed Mid-Rise Women's Compression Shorts

For serious training and racing in the warmer months, women's compression shorts can be game-changing to your overall comfort and performance while speeding up your recovery. 2XU's sleek and powerful designs hug your body like a smooth second skin - providing support to your muscles during movement, and eliminating chafing.

Graduated compression improves the flow of nutrient and oxygen-rich blood to your hard-working muscles, helping keep them feeling energised while reducing soreness.

They're ideal for wearing on their own or layering beneath your relaxed women's running shorts for additional comfort, coverage and performance benefits.

Spring Running Shorts For Him

14. Daily Training: Asics Silver 5 Inch Men's Running Shorts

Whether your spring running goal is to get from couch to 5K, or turn your marathon training into action, the Asics Silver 5 Inch men's running shorts give you the cool, fresh feel to cross the finish line.

The woven performance fabric combines softness and durability to keep you feeling comfortable and confident in every stride. The elastic waistband ensures a stay-put fit for easy runs to race day.

A hidden inner pocket provides easy storage of essentials and the Asics reflective logo can be paired with visibility essentials to stay safe and seen on your night runs.

15. Trail: Nike Core Second Sunrise 5 Inch Men's Trail Running Shorts

The Nike Core Second Sunrise 5 inch men's trail running shorts provide plenty of options for stashing your running essentials close, with 7 pockets to ensure everything from your energy gels to your keys have a secure home.

Keeping you trail-ready, it provides a smooth, cool feel against your skin and offers freedom of movement to conquer the summit or coast over bush trails.

Its combination of durability, sweat-wicking power and a high content of recycled materials keeps you motivated in comfort when you're exploring off-road.

16. Racing: Nike Aeroswift ADV Men's Brief-Lined Running Shorts

Just like your favourite Nike running shoes, the Nike Aeroswift ADV men's brief-lined running shorts have a speed-driven design that encourages you to be ambitious in your running goals.

Less is more with these minimalist Nike running shorts that offer a short length to take you from refreshing spring sessions to balmy summer races. Lightweight 4-way stretch woven fabric allows you to move naturally from foot strike to toe-off and creates a smooth, distraction-free feel.

An elastic and mesh Flyvent waistband helps prevent heat build-up, a supportive knit inner brief liner keeps you moving confidently during high-impact activity and multiple pockets keep your energy gels close.

Feet

17. Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab Running Socks

Having the best running shoes for you is a critical part of your running journey – but it’s easy to forget what a technical running sock can do for your feet in terms of performance, comfort and your foot health from heel-to-toe.

It’s no secret that you run better when you’re comfortable and free of distractions – allowing you to flow onto your most efficient motion path and to be in a positive place mentally.

Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab running socks are the ideal running sock for spring, summer and all-year round running for road warriors that prefer an ultra-thin and minimalist style.

These performance socks prevent blister-causing environments that can occur naturally during running due to heat, sweat and friction. iWick performance fibres transfer sweat away from your skin and a foot-conforming fit eliminates rubbing between skin and fabric.

Feetures have the balance spot-on with the winning combination of a barely there feel and Ultra Light cushioning for protection without the bulk. Sock-Lock technology offers targeted compression and a supportive, stay-put fit so you won’t have to adjust your socks mid-run. The no show height provides just-right coverage for when the weather warms up.

18. OOFOS OOAHH Sport & OOFOS OOriginal Recovery Slides

No matter whether you’re a recreational runner or gearing up for race day, recovery is an essential part of your training all-year round.

Your feet can feel worn out and beaten up after pounding on the pavement and enduring repetitive impacts on road surfaces. Give your body a well-deserved break by sliding into OOFOS recovery thongs and slides to help rejuvenate fatigued feet between running sessions.

Running has positive benefits on your mental health, but increases physical stress on your ligaments and joints as they adapt and strengthen. Overtraining can increase your risk of overuse injuries, with common running injuries like plantar fasciitis putting you on the sidelines of achieving your running goals and making it difficult to fuel your motivation.

Recovery shoes are worth it – with OOfoam offering a high compression rate to soak up impact forces to take the pressure off your feet. It’s not just about your feet – OOFOS recovery shoes feature a rocker-like geometry that also provides relief to your ankles, knees, hips and lower back. The open-toed designs allow your feet to breathe, making them the ideal out-and-about footwear for warmer conditions.

These recovery thongs are also a must-have for anyone in occupations that keep you standing on your feet all day, like nursing, retail and the hospitality industry. If you don’t have time to put your feet up after work or running, put them into recovery slides to take care of your feet with luxurious cushioning from heel-to-toe and reliable arch support.

Hoka recovery thongs are another favourite in this space, injecting the max cushioning of popular Hoka running shoes into a supportive, shock-absorbing ride for when you're off-duty.

Hydration & Nutrition

19. Nike Hypersport BPA Free Sports Water Bottle - 590ml

Drinking water is essential to every body function – from your mental clarity and decision-making skills to the transport of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to your hard-working muscles during physical activity.

The first of Sportitude's hydration tips is to keep water accessible – and what better way to do that than gearing yourself up with a water bottle from your favourite activewear brand. The Nike drink bottles are popular for a reason, being high quality and offering a leak proof valve to prevent any spills when you throw it into your gym bag.

The Nike Hypersport BPA Free sports water bottle is designed to be active with you, featuring an asymmetrical, one-handed design with a textured panel for a comfortable and natural grip. The durable and reusable design makes it a great way to help make one-use plastic bottles history.

With a vibrant range of colours and 590ml capacity, the Nike Hypersport BPA Free sport water bottle offers a fun and practical way to store hydration for both kids and adults.

If you're seeking a running drink bottle with a larger capacity, check out the Nike Hyperfuel BPA Free sports water bottle -710ml and the Nike Hyperfuel BPA Free sports water bottle - 946ml.

20. Precision Hydration Electrolyte Tablets - Moderate, Strong & Very Strong

Now that you’ve decided on a sports water bottle, you need to plan your hydration strategy and how to replenish the fluids and electrolytes you lose in sweat.

As your sweat rate increases, whether during high-intensity activity or exposure to warmer temperatures, your body’s level of electrolytes (especially sodium) and hydration decreases. A drop in sodium can have adverse effects on your brain’s ability to communicate to the central nervous system (e.g. to transmit messages that are critical to muscle movement) and your body's ability to maintain a healthy fluid balance.

The Precision Hydration PH electrolyte tablets - available in Moderate, Strong and Very Strong strength levels - allow you to transform water into a low-calorie sports drinks (1 effervescent tablet dissolved in 500ml of water). They help sustain your athletic performance and boost your water absorption, and are easy to include as part of your pre-race hydration and to drink up as needed during your event or training.

The different strength levels allow you to personalise your replenishment of sodium based on your unique requirements with your training load, sweat rate, body mass, the temperature and gender all factors contributing to your rate of electrolyte loss. All strength levels also contain an optimum formula of potassium, calcium and magnesium.

The convenient tube can be easily thrown into your running hydration pack or gym bag so you’re never caught out without a much-needed source of electrolytes at hand. Precision Hydration electrolyte capsules are another popular method to include a research-driven electrolyte formula into your hydration strategy.

21. PREPD Prime & PREPD Recover Hydration Enhancing Sports Drink

Whether you’re running in a rejuvenating spring rain or under sunny, cloudless skies, your hydration is a critical factor to both performance and to help support your recovery from the inside out. Even a slight reduction in hydration can have dramatic consequences to your performance.

PREPD is a research-based hydration formula. It contains a unique resistant starch that increases the capacity of your large intestine to absorb fluid – allowing you to get more out of the water you drink. Staying in a well-hydrated state throughout activity helps boost your energy, power output and concentration.

PREPD Prime keeps you hydrated for longer so you can tackle endurance racing like your next marathon and ultramarathon like a pro. PREPD Recover helps speed up your recovery, aiding in rapid rehydration and the replenishment of electrolytes lost in sweat.

You can read more about the origins, science behind PREPD and how to include it in your hydration strategy in PREPD Hydration: Your Secret Weapon To Improve Performance & Recovery. 

Happy spring running!

 

If you liked this, you'll love

Back To Blog