[Closed] Affordable running kit

Sports Direct, He/She running section.

Decathlon

Decathalon ftw!

Decathlon's Kalenji branded kit is great value, and I use my former running tops for cycling these days too.

I sense a consensus.

I mostly use my bike kit... in winter I wear summer bike tops / thermals for running, plus my thinnest waterproof - depending on the weather. The only running specific kit I have are the trainers and a pair of lycra tights.

I only run occasionally, but would have thought that you could get by for six months if you wanted that way...

Nike running kit serves me well, technical and well enough made but half the price of fancy running brands. Also, much of my MTB kit is actually the "fast and light" ranges from outdoor manufacturers picked up on clearance, so it functions perfectly well for running (possibly better in fact).

More Mile stuff is good value and long lasting too.

Hind clothing from Sweat Shop is good value. Also seen some in T K Max.

What size are you Andy? I've got a few pairs or ronhill leggings / 3/4's that I used for running. Not been used too much as running just isn't for me.

Another vote for Decathlon, I get most of my running kit there.

i use riding gear often too, cos it has rear pockets, whats the deal with running tops that have like ZERO pockets....

Sports Direct. As much as people slag off their stuff, some of it is pretty good. The same holds true for the Decathlon stuff though, so go for what ever is closest and you like the look of.

In winter I wear l-s cycling tops so I can stuff a magicshine battery in there. Tops have to be tight though - stuff bouncing around in pockets is really annoying.

For shorts, I only ever buy ones with a little zipped pocket for a key etc. Small thing but makes a big difference for me.

Sports Direct

Even if my kit has pockets I never use them, apart from the one in the back of my shorts/tights. I hate stuff bouncing around when I run.

[i]I hate stuff bouncing around when I run.[/i]

http://www.sportsdirect.com/usa-pro-bra-top-ladies-341212?colcode=34121203 🙂

unless it's properly cold, actually below freezing, you'll melt to death in about 5mins if you're wearing too much.

for normal winter conditions (above freezing), a pair of ronhills (or similar) and a medium weight jersey is enough.

(sometimes, if i'm feeling soft, i'll start of with a skull cap to keep my ears warm, i've usually taken it off after 5mins. And i'm a skinny bald giffer, i need more insulation than most)

sportsshoes.com have some bargains. but really its just a case of getting down and wading through google. before xmas i got an adidas adiviz top that should have been 50quid or so for 14. my damp days top is a montane singletrack event jacket, really lovely, that was 22quid. bargains are there.

but as the others have said. socks, shorts. leggings if its cold. couple of sports tops and a wind/rain jacekt if its cold/wet.

lidl is another option.

Shorts, whatever's in the cuppboard
T-shirt, see above
High-vis endura cycling gillet and some very thin football style socks I bought from Lidl if it's a bit nippy.

I think the only thing I spent money on was the shoes, and those were just bought from Sports Direct based on their high or low arch => under/over protonate method.

Decathlon and my existing cycling kit.

This time of year just use your cycling base layers and any old lightweight fleecy top. Get a pair of tracksters too. Socks, whatever is in the bargain bin at sports direct. No need for anything fancy.

Shoes... the most important bit of kit, loads of threads on here and loads of different opinions on what's right and what's not. I'd recommend going for something fairly basic and minimal, steer clear of overly built up shoes with big spongy soles. You might need to have a think about your running style though (everyone thinks they know how to run but people generally tend to run with very bad form because they've never thought about it or worked on it - study some footage of how top runners run.)

High-vis endura cycling gillet

Often wonder why people feel the need to run in high vis kit. Makes sense on country lanes but I see it a lot around town running on pavements. Does seem a bit odd.

Outlet shops for branded stuff.
Check out the sales on Wiggle too.

I found the Decathlon stuff good quality, but didn't fit me quite right.

Classic run hill tracksters are dirt cheap, cheap socks but replace them frequently and whatever tops you have or can pick up from decathlon. I've got a lightweight shell thing I picked up in Calais decathalon years ago for <€10 and its perfect at this time of year.
I found that some cheaper lightweight wicking t-shirts chafed a bit in longer runs so be careful there.

Sports Direct, [b]He/She [/b]running [b]section[/b].

On a serious note, whatever wiggle have on offer usually.

Often wonder why people feel the need to run in high vis kit. Makes sense on country lanes but I see it a lot around town running on pavements. Does seem a bit odd.

cars turning into drives / junctions / shops / petrol stations - peds are invisible - fast moving peds are unexpected and doubly invisible

cars turning into drives / junctions / shops / petrol stations - peds are invisible - fast moving peds are unexpected and doubly invisible

Been running dressed like a ninja for about 25 years and I've yet to even have a near miss. Just keep an eye out for traffic around junctions, driveways etc. But then I do tend to pay attention and not wear headphones.

Trainers: some Salomon running shoes I bought ages ago;
Shorts: some Howies board shorts that I got on 2for1 five years ago;
Top: cheap on-One merino baselayer
Top: worn out bike waterproof (Endura Helium, I think) mainly for the windproofness and a rear pocket to hold my phone for Strava, and the reflectives. It's a bit warm, really, so I need to get something better..

I run on an evening, so just wear whatever pants and socks I had on that day anyway. Oh, my hands get cold, so I wear some gloves too.

Been running dressed like a ninja for about 25 years and I've yet to even have a near miss. Just keep an eye out for traffic around junctions, driveways etc. But then I do tend to pay attention and not wear headphones.

Doesn't work like that though. You're suggesting that it's OK to dress in night time camouflage provided you stay away from the fast moving bits of metal? Mental. How is a driver, who hasn't seen you, able to take you into account when performing an manoeuvre? Or can you read their minds so its OK? Wear something that makes you visible ffs. It's hugely selfish to try and make yourself invisible from other road users who might have to live with the consequences of hitting you.

It's hugely selfish to try and make yourself invisible from other road users who might have to live with the consequences of hitting you.

WTF? If I was running on the road I could see the sense in that argument.

Do you go high viz when walking to the shops?

Edit: Sorry Andy, bit of a digression there!

Thanks for all the responses, fellas. Much appreciated. Think I'll be heading in to Decathlon soon.

gravitysucks, I'm a 34" waist/33" leg.

More Mile and Decathlon (if you have one nearby)

WTF? If I was running on the road I could see the sense in that argument.

Do you go high viz when walking to the shops?

You say that you exercise caution when crossing any entrances, driveways, junctions etc. Do you stop, or do you keep moving but "avoid" any potential traffic (either by slowing down or speeding up)?

If you stop at every single potential interface with the road, fair enough, but I suspect that would get in the way of the "running". Therefore you're making a judgement call about what the traffic around you is doing. Traffic which might not have taken you into account. I'm continually amazed at people who wander out into the road having made a judgement call based on my road speed and position, assuming that I won't change. Which of course, I won't....if I've actually seen them.

I'm not trying to suggest you're reckless, but surely as a driver you understand the need to see things around you which could impact on the decisions you make on the road?

As above - Sports Direct, Decathlon, also M&M Direct have cheap stuff as well - Asics, More Mile etc

Not into what's hot and not but just picked the mrs up some tights and a training top from this sale. Many bargains to be had.
[url= http://www.fieldandtrek.com/SearchResults?DescriptionFilter=452040&utm_source=FT-Email-140131&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Karrimor-Running-140131 ]Field and trek[/url]

gravitysucks, I'm a 34" waist/33" leg.

As am I. I'll send you a few pics tonight if your interested.

I found that some cheaper lightweight wicking t-shirts chafed a bit in longer runs so be careful there.

[img] [/img]

(Cheaper alternatives are also available...)

I'll send you a few pics tonight if your interested.

I didn't know it was that sort of thread...

#grindr

Often wonder why people feel the need to run in high vis kit. Makes sense on country lanes but I see it a lot around town running on pavements. Does seem a bit odd.

Knowing you're going to be running at night, and having two similarly priced jackets one high-vis / the other not... I'd get the high-vis.

I've had a couple of near misses with ninja dog walkers near my house, a bit of reflective clothing would have helped.

Do you stop, or do you keep moving but "avoid" any potential traffic (either by slowing down or speeding up)?

Mostly the latter. If I think I need to be seen then I make sure I'm seen or out the way.

I'm not trying to suggest you're reckless, but surely as a driver you understand the need to see things around you which could impact on the decisions you make on the road?

It is an interesting one that. If I was going to be putting myself in positions where drivers didn't expect me to be and needed to know I was there (e.g. running along a country lane or maybe a busy city) then I would definitely be making myself as visible as possible. Running along pavements in a quiet town with street lighting and the occasional road crossing, high vis really not needed IMO.

It is an interesting one that. If I was going to be putting myself in positions where drivers didn't expect me to be and needed to know I was there (e.g. running along a country lane) then I would definitely be making myself as visible as possible. Running along pavements with the occasional road crossing, high vis really not needed IMO.

I agree with you to some extent, but you're putting a huge amount of confidence into the awareness of road users, which in my experience is misplaced 🙂

I don't go overboard with the High Vis stuff, but I like to give myself at least a fighting chance of being seen by those drivers who maybe aren't completely on the ball or likely to do something unpredictable/silly. The other thing I've noticed when out running is that the dangers aren't linked exclusively to cars...i've had my fair share of near misses from cyclists too!

You're right though, it is subjective. If you're only crossing a few roads, it's probably not as big an issue. But I run in a suburban area of a city and you're constantly crossing entrance, driveways and roads. Lots of other road users and lots of traffic. It's just asking for trouble to make yourself less visible.

Doesn't take much to wear a bit of high vis. Pedestrians ARE regularly knocked down. Drivers not seeing them IS a cause of those accidents. Not a huge amount of effort is needed to help mitigate that risk.

The incidence of runners being hit by cars is far higher than you imagine. A 1981 survey found that 0.6 percent of runners who responded had suffered injuries from being hit by cars, and the rest of us can remember those near misses when we nearly got skittled by a car coming out of a driveway when the driver wasn’t looking. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 69,000 pedestrians are injured each year, with 4,500 of that number being fatalities. Almost certainly over 1,000 of these injured pedestrians are runners and joggers.

The statistics also show that males bear the brunt of pedestrian fatalities (70 percent), and here’s another statistic that will curl your toes: 36 percent of pedestrian fatalities involve drunk drivers.

[url= http://www.healthandfitnessmag.com/magazine-sections/sports-and-recreation/running-column-6 ]Linky[/url]

Yes, think you just need to make an assessment based on where and when you run.

I think for a lot of people though, taking their headphones out and generally being aware of their surroundings is a lot more likely to save them from getting run over than wearing a high vis jacket!

Back to the original thread. Adidas tights when it's cold (from the local Adidas outlet). Rest of clothes from Wiggle sale/Sports Direct/Decathlon. The one item I did think was worth spending a little on was a Montane Pertex top for when it's showery. When it's raining hard, I just use the GoreTex cycling top.

I also wear running gloves (from Sports Direct I think) and a hat when it's parky.

I find a nice by-product of hi-via is that you get drivers actually waiting for you to cross junctions. I regularly get people seeing me and stopping before they turn into a side road and waving me across as they see me early and see me moving at speed. It's nice because I don't need to alter my pace.

Hi-viz is also very useful so that other pedestrians see you. Moving at speed on pavement, it's not the cars you're worried about it's peds seeing you and not wandering into your path.

The really useful thing for running at night is a small torch. You can shine it at cars or peds to attract their attention. Really handy when you need to step off the pavement and into the road to avoid the dog.

Shoes - Sportshoes unlimited Braford (great bargains never pay more than £35, and I professionaly fit them myself)

Tops - Decathlon

Socks - Decathlon

Shorts - Nike currently.

Headtorch - Alpkit

gravitysucks - YGM.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Looks like a mix of existing cycling kit + one or two key pieces from Decathlon/Sports Direct should see me fine.

I think for a lot of people though, taking their headphones out and generally being aware of their surroundings is a lot more likely to save them from getting run over than wearing a high vis jacket!

Agreed, but high vis takes away one more SMIDSY defence for very little effort.

I tend to run offroad in the middle of nowhere but I still 'viz up' for the few bits of road that connect the trails, and that's with 150 lumens bobbing around on my head.

Not sure if it's been mentioned above, but get some proper running trainers - and spend time in a shop with gait analysis.

http://www.runnersneed.com/gait-analysis/expert-advice/fcp-category/list

(Running is dirt cheap by comparison of bikes!)

I generally buy the karrimor trail / outdoor t-shirts rather than the running ones. They have a slightly nicer cut and the material is less flimsy. I use them for running, biking and climbing
If i need to be visible i use a cheap and lightweight ronhill vest which does the trick and cost £3 i think

(Running is dirt cheap by comparison of bikes!)

Spent far more on running last year than I did on bikes... A new hydration pack, a fair few races, obviously I "needed" a new GPS watch, etc.

Bike's winning this year, though, with a new fork.

As I runner who lives in the countryside, I think you're taking your life in your hands if you think a head torch and a bit if hi vis is going to protect you from being battered by cars.

Socks. Spend some money on nice ones, makes a difference if you're running any distance.

I highly rate Nike Drifit running kit. I've got a couple of tops and a hoody, all bought well below rrp (especially the Livestrong branded kit, which was particularly good vfm after Lance spilled the beans 😀 )

EDIT: Have a look on the Debenhams website, they had some really cheap Asics kit in the sale with free delivery to store

As I runner who lives in the countryside, I think you're taking your life in your hands if you think a head torch and a bit if hi vis is going to protect you from being battered by cars.

Socks. Spend some money on nice ones, makes a difference if you're running any distance.

Don't think anyone is suggesting that nick. Simply that high vis is better than black for getting you seen by motorists at night.

wasnt there something about gait analysis and the people running them just want to make your feet hit "normal" - when in fact that can cause problems with ankles, knees and hips, and in fact you should just run how you run and simply get neutral shoes.

i'll try and dig it out.

for sure if you look at some runners on TV you wonder how they stay upright!

I always use Ron Hill running tops, find that they are of a very high quality. Baselayers are a mix of Nike and Decathlon. The Decathlon baselayers are very good. Don't usually bother with a jacket unless it's really really bad weather. And then it's an Lidl/Aldi one I bought years ago.

Shorts I have to have pockets in to hold car car key, work ID badge etc.

Socks are very important, I use very slim running socks bought from Run4it, can't remember the brand, but everyone will have their own preferences. I found that the thicker the sock the less comfortable my feet were.

Gloves are Aldi running gloves and I have a Nike running headband for subzero temperatures. I look like an idiot but at least my ears are warm!

Again the more technical the kit the beter the running experience but no need to spend a fortune unless you are going to be very serious about your running.

and spend time in a shop with gait analysis.

Ohh nooooo 🙄

and spend time in a shop with gait analysis.
Ohh nooooo

Didn't this get done to death last week?

I ran my first marathon in a pair of trainers from Woolworths that cost £5, my school running shorts and a vest from the Army and Navy stores.

It's not actually about the money you spend on what to wear.