It’s time to shake off the winter blues and hit the ground running. Let us help you find the right gear for where you most want to rack up some miles this year.
Scarpa
Ribelle Run GTX
Designed for the type of loose, wet, rocky, rooty, and generally tough terrain that’s par for course when trail running in the Blue Ridge, this shoe serves up stability and confidence. The 4mm drop is just enough for a bit of cushion without subtracting feel and the solid Presa outsole sticks to all that ugly stuff underfoot. And the Gore-Tex liner and sock fit keep out at least some of the wet elements.
$199; scarpa.com
Hoka
Mafate Speed 4
You can always count on Hoka to deliver underfoot comfort, and this sleek shoe for those who like to hit it hard on the trail is no exception. The low-profile cushion bed is not as plush as some of the brand’s other offerings, making the shoe more quick and responsive, and the Profly+ midsole delivers explosive performance on tricky trail surfaces. Also, a Vibram Megagrip outsole provides plenty of traction.
$185; hoka.com
Scott
Ultra Carbon RC
Designed for the rigors of ultra racing and training, this carbon-plated shoe combines the lightweight and durability necessary to tackle day-long distances. Built with an innovative swallowtail design, that carbon plate actually stiffens as you run faster and eases up when you slow down. That kind of responsiveness in a shoe not only helps you keep pace and navigate tough terrain, it also helps prevent injury. Add a bit of rocker for more roll on your foot strike and you have the perfect weapon for long-distance endeavors.
$230; scott-sports.com
Altra
Rivera 3
This road runner brings trail ingenuity to the pavement. It’s the ideal shoe for those who want to mix in some road training with trail running or just want to get out for a run a few days a week. The Altra Ego midsole and balanced cushioning makes it comfy and bouncy with each step. And breathable mesh keeps your dogs cool when you are pounding out miles.
$140; altrarunning.com
Roark
Alta Light Men’s Shorts
You don’t want to have to think about your running shorts. With four-way stretch and a moisture-wicking brief liner, these babies both breathe and refuse to sweat out. Thoughtfully designed, the super-light shorts feature a water resistant finish on the seat and a flat, jacquard elastic single-ply waistband to ensure they stay where you want them while you are on the move.
$89; roark.com
Tracksmith
Thaw Long Sleeve
Merino is the key to the cozy feel and high performance of this long-sleeve running shirt. Bolstered by a wicking eco-friendly finish that sheds mud and wet, it’s made for those cold ugly days when you are just getting back in your training groove or refusing to be kept from your run by bad weather.
$118; tracksmith.com
Tailwind
Active Hydration
Every runner knows that hydration and nutrition are the all-important back-end necessities of the sport. Tailwind gives you both in this tasty mix—flavors include cherry acai, strawberry lemonade, tangerine grapefruit, and tropical orange—with electrolytes, collagen, and vitamin C. Hydrate pre-run or load up your bottle for long rambles.
