Want the best? Head straight to the top 6 running gadgets we’re geeking out over!
Marathon runners in the 1908 London Olympics drank cocktails with ingredients like brandy, champagne, and strychnine (rat poison) as energy drinks to get them through the race [source].
Alcohol is the last thing you should drink before or during a run as it actually leads to dehydration 🥵
It’s fair to say we’ve come a long way from those crazy days.
In lieu of champagne, there are some amazing running gadgets out there to help you run faster, for longer and more efficiently.
Here are some of our favorites!
The Coolest Gadgets For Runners In 2024
1. Garmin HRM-Pro Premium Heart Rate Strap
What if your heart rate monitor could do more?
The Garmin HRM-Pro Premium Heart Rate Strap gathers more information than just your heart rate and sends it in real-time to any connected Garmin device.
In addition to monitoring your heart rate, it records your running dynamics, like ground contact time, vertical oscillation, vertical ratio, stride length, and more.
With a user-replaceable battery that lasts up to a year, you don’t need to worry about making sure it’s charged when you’re ready to use it.
2. NURVV Run Insole Running Activity Tracker
Wouldn’t it be great to have a coach with you on every run?
With the NURVV Run Insole Running Activity Tracker, you get the recommendations and encouragement of a coach, with even more detailed feedback than a human could provide in real-time.
There are 16 sensors plus GPS in each insole, which help provide guidance and insights into your cadence, footstrike, step length, pronation, and balance so you can run further and faster while reducing your chance of injury.
Connect the device to your phone or smartwatch and Bluetooth earbuds for live, in-run cues and metrics.
3. Sparthos High Altitude Simulation Training Mask
There’s a good reason the flagship US Olympic Training Facility is in Colorado Springs, which has an elevation of 6,035 feet above sea level.
When training at high altitude, you get less oxygen with each breath, and your muscles get less oxygen as a result. In time, the body adapts by creating more red blood cells. Then, when you’re at a lower altitude, your muscles get even more oxygen.
With the Sparthos High Altitude Simulation Training Mask, you get the same benefits, even when exercising at sea level. With a 16-level valve system, you can gradually decrease how much air you get per breath and increase your endurance and performance.
4. Garmin Forerunner 945 Premium GPS Running Smartwatch
GPS. Music. Performance monitoring features. Full color onboard maps. Safety and tracking features. Contactless payment. The Garmin Forerunner 945 Premium GPS Running Smartwatch does all that and more.
Performance monitoring features include training status and Vo2 Max with adjustments for altitude acclimation status, heat, recovery time, training load focus, and aerobic and anaerobic training effects.
With up to a 10-hour battery life in GPS mode with music (and longer battery life the fewer features you use), this smartwatch will keep up with you for an entire marathon or triathlon.
In case of an emergency, incident detection (during some activities) can automatically send your real-time location to emergency contacts through your paired compatible smartphone.
5. High Visibility LED Reflective Running Belt
Do you worry about drivers being able to see you when you’re running after dark or in bad weather? Enhance your ability to be seen with this High Visibility LED Reflective Running Belt.
Combining LED light with reflective material, you can be seen from as far as a mile away and up to completely around your body (depending on your waist measurement).
The easily adjustable belt has both steady and flashing modes, and one charge will last up to 20 hours in flashing mode.
6. Thule Glide 2 Performance Jogging Stroller
If you’re looking for the Cadillac of running strollers, you need to check out the Thule Glide 2 Performance Jogging Stroller.
Built-in suspension makes it comfortable for both the runner and the child, while a 5-point harness and integrated hand brake keep your kid safe, even going downhill.
There’s no need to leave your diaper bag behind, either, because this stroller comes with tons of storage space.
You don’t need to stick close to home, either. Since you can remove the wheels and easily fold the stroller, it will fit in just about any trunk.
7. AfterShokz OpenMove Bone Conduction Headphones
Do you hate having to choose between listening to your music and being able to hear your surroundings when you run? With these AfterShokz OpenMove Bone Conduction Headphones, you can hear both!
The unique bone-conduction technology lets you listen to the music through your cheekbones, leaving your ear canals open to hear ambient sounds and get fresh air.
Sweatproof, water-resistant, and with a 6-hour battery life, these headphones can handle your longest runs with ease, regardless of the weather.
8. Oakley Flak 2.0 Sunglasses
Regular sunglasses often don’t hold up to the rigors of running. Oakley Flak 2.0 Sunglasses were designed for athletes, with enhanced lens coverage and a lightweight design.
These sunglasses have an 8.75 base lens curvature for protection against wind, sun, and impact, while patented XYZ Optics maintains clarity along the full curve.
Unobtainium provides a comfortable, secure grip on your head, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping down your nose as you sweat.
9. Bose Sport Sunglasses With Open Ear Audio
Why not combine sunglasses that can stand up to your most hard-core run with headphones that still allow you to hear ambient sounds?
With Bose Sport Sunglasses With Open Ear Audio, you get both running glasses and open ear audio sound tech.
The specially designed speakers are loud enough to overcome the wind while still letting you listen to traffic and everything else around you.
Soft silicone nose pads and flexible temple grips make the sunglasses secure and comfortable. They’re also sweatproof and water-resistant.
Up to 8 hours of music playing on a single charge should get you through a marathon and more.
10. Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds
Not all wireless earbuds can withstand the bouncing and sweating of running, but the Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds are made to do just that.
StayHere Sport Tips were designed to stay in your ears during even the most intense workout. Speaking of intense workouts, these earbuds are sweat- and water-resistant, too.
One thing that sets these earbuds apart is that they work with the Tile App on your phone, which can help you find your headphones if you misplaced them.
If you have glasses or just prefer regular earbuds, these are a great option.
11. Lifeproof Lifeactiv Armband With Quickmount
Let’s face it – keeping your phone in your pocket while running is less than ideal (if your pants even have pockets). Now, there’s a better way with the Lifeproof Lifeactiv Armband With Quickmount.
Quickmount accessories allow you to just click your phone in place, keeping it both secure and easily accessible on your arm while you run.
Since it’s adjustable and allows you to mount your phone in either portrait or landscape position, you can make it as comfortable as possible.
This armband works with all Lifeproof phone cases and some other brands, as well.
12. Nathan TrailMix Running Vest & 7L Hydration Pack
Have you been struggling to find a running vest that fits properly? The Nathan TrailMix Running Vest & 7L Hydration Pack is fully adjustable and fits most people with a snug fit that won’t bounce or chafe while you run.
A men’s design, women’s design, and extended size strap option means this vest can accommodate a variety of body types.
With 7 L of storage space, including a 2 L bladder and two additional water bottle pockets, this hydration pack is big enough to carry everything you need on a long run.
Use the 2-zippered back storage area for snacks, rain gear, or your phone.
13. Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness & Activity Tracker
More than just another smartwatch, the Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness & Activity Tracker has a variety of features that help you meet your fitness goals.
Its most unique feature is Active Zone Minutes, which gives you a buzz when you’ve reached your target heart rate zone, so you can maximize each run.
Other features we love include built-in GPS to see your distance and pace on screen and the ability to see a workout intensity map in the app that shows your heart rate changes along your route.
Sweatproof, swimproof, and waterproof up to 50 m with a battery life of up to 7 days, this fitness tracker can go with you anywhere.
Is tracking & improving your health important to you? If so you’ll love our article on the coolest health gadgets & smart monitoring devices to help you live your best life!
14. Theragun Mini Muscle Treatment Massage Gun
Attack stiff or sore muscles anywhere with the ultra-portable Theragun Mini Muscle Treatment Massage Gun.
Its small size, light weight, ergonomic design, 150-minute battery life, and carrying case make it easy to take along wherever you go, while the proprietary brushless QX35 motor with QuietForce Technology offers quiet treatments.
With 3 speeds and the ability to use any Theragun attachment (although it only comes with the standard ball attachment), you get exactly the treatment you need.
15. URBNFit Vibrating Deep Tissue Foam Roller
You probably already know that using a foam roller after your workout increases mobility, pliability, flexibility, and circulation as well as reducing muscle soreness to help you recover quickly post-workout.
With the URBNFit Vibrating Deep Tissue Foam Roller, you get all those benefits and more since it has 5 vibration levels to offer your muscles a massage while you’re already rolling them out.
A 6+ hour battery life means you can use it after multiple runs without needing to toss it back onto the USB charger after every session.
16. FlipBelt The Original Running Waistband
Are you looking for something more comfortable than a fanny pack with more storage than an armband? You’ll appreciate the FlipBelt The Original Running Waistband.
The elastic band stays in place while you run and is big enough to hold your phone, keys, ID, earbuds, and more without causing any chafing since it doesn’t have any buckles.
Available in 13 colors and 7 sizes, you’re sure to find the perfect solution to your storage woes.
17. Airofit Pro Enhanced Lung Capacity Training
You exercise the rest of your muscles, but have you ever thought about actively training your breathing muscles? You can do just that with the Airofit Pro Enhanced Lung Capacity Training.
In 5-10 minutes a day with the breathing exerciser and associated app, you can increase your lung capacity and improve your running.
Fully customized to your gender, size, age, and physical abilities, you’ll get tailored programs specifically designed for your personal needs.
Most people see results within 1-2 weeks, and even professional athletes are using this product to up their game.
Always looking to ‘level-up’ your fitness goals? Check out our article on the best fitness gadgets to enhance your workout routines.
18. Under Armour HOVR™ Phantom 2 Connected Running Shoes
What if you could combine awesome running shoes with technology that tracks and analyzes your running metrics, helping you become a better runner?
You get just that with the Under Armour HOVR™ Phantom 2 Connected Running Shoes. Every aspect of this shoe is designed to give you the best running experience possible.
A “zero gravity feel,” compression mesh, and sock-like fit give your feet all the support they need, while the ability to connect them to UA MapMyRun™, which tracks your running metrics, gives you the information you need to improve your performance.
19. RUNFast/Max Adjustable Weighted Vest
One way to push yourself harder during runs is to use the RUNFast/Max Adjustable Weighted Vest.
With options from 12 lbs up to 140 lbs and the ability to add or remove weight (up to the capacity of the vest size), you can get exactly the added level of resistance you’re looking for.
One size fits most, and there are options to get this vest with or without shoulder pads.
Since you can remove weight from the vest but only add up to its max capacity, you might want to buy a larger size than you think you need.
20. Bala Bangles Adjustable Wrist & Ankle Weights
If you’re looking to add resistance to your runs but your aren’t ready for a weighted vest, the Bala Bangles Adjustable Wrist & Ankle Weights may be perfect for you.
Weighing 1 pound each, with two weights per set, these are a great way to tone your arms or make your legs work harder while you run.
One size fits all, and there are 7 colors to choose from.
21. AVANTO Clip On LED Running Light
Are you getting annoyed by your headlight bouncing or rubbing on your forehead?
Try something new with the AVANTO Clip On LED Running Light, which can clip onto your clothing, hydration pack, or anything else.
At the brightest setting, 300 lumens, the battery will last for 3 hours, and it’ll go longer on lower settings. There’s also a flashing SOS mode that will last for up to 5 hours.
The cover on this weatherproof light is made from recycled plastic, and it comes in as little packaging as possible, so there’s no obsolete packaging waste.
This is also a great option when hiking in low light. If you enjoy hitting the trails you’ll love our article on the best ultralight & portable hiking gadgets.
22. SKLZ Speed Chute Resistance Parachute
If you’re looking for a resistance training tool that’s a bit more versatile than weights, you may be interested in the SKLZ Speed Chute Resistance Parachute.
Using a resistance parachute promotes quick ground contact, an upright posture, and better leg recovery.
Thanks to the fully adjustable 360° rotation belt, you can get resistance no matter which direction you move, while a quick-release clip allows you to release the parachute mid-stride and get that shot-out-of-a-cannon feeling.
Built-in mesh panels prevent the strings from tangling and help to stabilize the chute during training.
23. SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash
Dogs can be great running partners, but handling a leash while you’re running can be frustrating.
Take some of the frustration out of running with your dog by using the SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash.
Unlike some similar products, this leash uses 2 stainless steel clasps that take all the tension off the plastic buckle and help prevent it from breaking when pulled on. Just in case your dog does tend to pull, the bungee material of the leash helps absorb the strain on both you and your pup.
This leash is ready for anything, with a traffic handle and the ability to convert into a regular leash.
The Top 6 Running Gadgets We’re Geeking Out Over
Sparthos High Altitude Simulation Training Mask
Train and perform just like elite athletes.
NURVV Run Insole Running Activity Tracker
Get real-time feedback on your performance.
Thule Glide 2 Performance Jogging Stroller
This is the Cadillac of running strollers.
Nathan TrailMix Running Vest & 7L Hydration Pack
The best hydration packs for runners, bar none.
Theragun Mini Muscle Treatment Massage Gun
Take your massage treatments where you go!
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Hey! I'm Nathan Jude, also known as the HPGE (Human Powered Gadget Engine) and I freaking love all things gadgets. I started 6gadgets.com to share my passion and geek out with other like minded 'tech heads'! If I'm not searching the globe for new gizmos, you'll find me on the golf course or spending time with my beautiful family.
