Runners: what has been your best purchase(s) that you couldn't be without?

[Stumpedasatree]

Could be shoes, watch, clothing etc.

I think mine are my:
Ambit 3, merino baselayers (brilliant at keeping warm, yet breathable and sweat wicking) and my compressport headband which is sweat wicking and keeps my earphones in. Also my running belt from decathlon for phone and key, although it does keep slipping!

I've had to tie a knot in my decathlon bum bag, but I still love it.

I haven't bought too much - a new set of trainers around the £100 mark. A few new bits of clothing from Decathlon.

I'm lucky - it's relatively warm and dry here - I don't generally run if it's wet!

Head torch! Means I am a lot happier running in the dark and unsurprisingly I run faster when I can see where I am going! 🙄 and since it gets dark so early has been vital the last few months.

Blister proof socks. I can’t believe how good they are!

Before I bought the socks, blister plasters that form a bond over your heel blisters. They are really good.

I bought a pair of fleece lined reflective leggings from Decathlon in November, the stretchy leg pockets are big enough for phone, keys, wallet, gels, even a scrunched up jacket! And they don't jiggle around. I haven't needed to take a bag or belt with me on a run for ages. I'm sure my thighs look a weird shape but I don't care. Bloody love them. £24 and probably the best value item of running gear I own.

barney what make is your head torch? I’d like one but am worried it will be uncomfortable/fall off

Proper running trainers fitted to my feet. No shin splints or knee problems since I bought them. Well worth the £!

Seasonally - where did you get your trainers fitted please? There used to be a few places in Ireland that did gait analysis, but haven't found anywhere in London that does it? Though I'm sure there are plenty - I just don't know where they are!

@SexIsAProtectedCharacteristic which leggings are they, sound awesome!

Also interested in head torch recs. I am a bit of a wuss for running at night!

I am not a very good runner, and have had to give up temporarily due to an injury (just as I was starting to get quite into it - pah!) but here are a few buys I've been really happy with and which did actually help to motivate me to run:

• SPI running belt - can put my phone and keys in and then not notice it till I need them
• Ronhill water/windproof jacket - this was a bit of a splurge by my standards but worth it as I love it! It is a really nice colour that suits me, is amazingly lightweight and un-annoying while running, has lots of reflecty bits and helps me still get out when it's cold and wet.
• Decathlon warm zip top/jacket - I found the Decathlon stuff quite hit-and-miss; I was originally given a waterproof as a present, but returned it as had just got the Ronhill one and as I didn't like the Decathlon one at all in comparison (very thick and rustly, and didn't look nearly as good), but I exchanged it for a lovely warm jacket which is really flattering and comfy and keeps me toasty on cold days (under the waterproof when it's really horrid out!).

Oh and I also have some great stuff from Sweaty Betty, it's quite pricey so I mostly buy when they have a sale on but their leggings and capris are great, and I also have a nice new merino top and some other bits from recent sales (which I want to get out running in, but can't now till I've sorted the injury, dammit!).

Yep, proper fitted running shoes.
You can book a gait analysis at decathlon I believe but I use a local shop here in Sheffield.
Pack light jacket.
Earmuff sweatband.
Leggings with phone size zip pocket and key pocket.
Decathlon long sleeve top with hand cuffs and zip pockets.
That's all I take.
Also a running water bottle or one of those squishy ones you can shove in a pocket if going further than 10k.

Seasonally - where did you get your trainers fitted please? There used to be a few places in Ireland that did gait analysis, but haven't found anywhere in London that does it? Though I'm sure there are plenty - I just don't know where they are!

www.runnersneed.com/ do gait analysis & there are several London branches.

Petzl headtorch. I was sceptical but it is really comfy and doesn’t budge. Also brilliant battery life and super bright!

@Stumpedasatree

These ones:
www.decathlon.co.uk/kiprun-womens-warm-tights-id_8519084.html

They don't mention the leg pockets on the item description. Probably why they're not sold out

My trainers! Gait analysis definitely worth the time and cost (which was redeemable against the cost of the trainers where I went, anyway).

Also my watch - it’s only a simple, cheap one (£20 secondhand off eBay) but it’s so much better not having to try and haul my phone out of my pocket to see how far I’ve gone or how fast I’m going. I’m so pleased with it.

And finally, Shock Absorber bras. The babs ain’t moving when they’re strapped into one of those babies!

A lightweight cap. Keeps the sun out and the rain off.
Belt for bits and pieces.
Lightweight hat for winter (Aldi still has neon/ reflective ones)
Cycling gloves, not too hot, protect your palms.

Decathlon is normally great for bits of gear.

I sewed Velcro on my decathlon running belt!
Good comfy trainers are up there but my Best Buy is my dog running lead. It means we can go together and I don’t have to hold a lead in my hand. I love running with my dog (mostly).

A lightweight cap. Keeps the sun out and the rain off

Yes, ESPECIALLY if you wear glasses.

Nothing.. I mean, it's all replaceable & substitutable somehow. I could even have home-made subs. tbf, There are things I like a lot:

In winter: neck/ear/wrist/face buffs, sleeves, gloves (any brand/cheap style)
In summer: "men's" running shorts I do like a lot
Any time of yr: I couldn't run at all without a good bra, suitable trainers.

I never use the other stuff folk on here mentioned. Hats fall off...

Good shoes and bra
Merino baselayers
Aftershokz headphones

Some cycling arm warmers. They mean I can quickly switch from long to short sleeves (and vice versa) at times of the year that can be tricky clothing-wise. Love them.

My iPod Shuffle (now stupidly discontinued by Apple but still available second hand on ebay). LIterally couldn't run to the end of the street without music and it's so much lighter and tinier than carrying my phone.

Salomon running park
Garmin forerunner 245
Innov8 talon ultra trainers

Decathlon hydration vest for long runs.
Decathlon chest torch for running in the dark.
Karimoor 2-layer running shorts for the summer with a pocket at the back big enough for my phone.

All the Garmins I’ve ever used

Balega enduro socks

OMM backpack and 5l bladder

I have a chest torch from decathlon www.decathlon.co.uk/run-light-250-aw19-id_8573980.html which works well

Love Runderwear pants and socks, super comfy and no chafing. Haven't tried their bras as my mini boobs need hardly any support!