Starting to run is one of the best decisions you can make for your body, your mind, and your overall quality of life. I started in 1997 and it has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I’m so grateful to then-me for starting.
But here is something nobody tells beginners — the right gear makes a real difference in how much you enjoy those first runs. You do not need to spend a fortune. You just need a few key pieces that keep you comfortable, safe, and motivated to come back for the next one.
Here are the products I recommend to every woman who is just ready to start running — essentials that make running more enjoyable from day one, one small splurge worth every penny, and one aspirational pick to look forward to as you build your running life.
Table of Contents
The Essentials
1. Good Running Socks — Adidas Athletic Cushioned Crew Socks Start here before anything else. Good socks are the most overlooked piece of running gear and one of the most impactful. The wrong sock causes blisters. The right sock disappears on your foot and lets you focus entirely on your run. The Adidas Athletic Cushioned Crew Socks are my everyday go-to — solid cushioning, crew height that stays in place, and a six pack that means you always have a clean pair ready. A small investment that makes every run more comfortable.
Pro tip: Pull them up over the bottom of your leggings to keep road debris from slipping in and rubbing against your heels.
2. A Safety Vest — Noxgear Tracer2 Light Up Reflective Running Vest If you are running outdoors please make yourself visible. The Noxgear Tracer2 lights up in multiple colors with steady and blinking modes and makes you visible to drivers from a long distance away. I wear mine even on cloudy days because being seen on the road is not optional — it is a safety issue. Very adjustable fit, excellent battery life, and multiple light settings. Put it on before you step out the door every single time.
A non-negotiable piece of safety gear for any woman who runs outdoors.
3. Dog Repellent Spray — POM Pepper Spray Runner Model I have been bitten by a dog on a run. I carry POM pepper spray on every single outdoor run without exception. The runner specific design has a stretch fit glove that holds it securely in your hand, a flip top that opens fast when you need it, and 35 plus bursts with a 10 to 12 foot range. You hope you never need it. You will be very glad you have it if you do.
Trust me on this one: carry this from your very first run. Always.
4. Sunglasses — Knockaround Deja Views Polarized Cat Eye Sunglasses I own four pairs of these. Four. That is how much I love them. The big wide lenses give you excellent UV400 coverage, the polarized lenses reduce glare beautifully, and they do not bounce during a run — at all. They come in a huge range of fun colors and the price point makes owning multiple pairs completely reasonable. Eye protection matters on every outdoor run and these make it easy and stylish.
Available in so many fun colors — treat yourself to a pair that makes you smile every time you put them on.
5. Shorts with Pockets — ODODOS Tummy Control Biker Shorts 2.0 You need somewhere to put your phone and your keys. Non-negotiable. The ODODOS biker shorts have pockets on both legs that actually hold your phone securely, a high waistband with tummy control, and a slick smooth fabric that stays in place through an entire run. Multiple inseam options mean you can find the perfect length for your body. Compression biker shorts are a game changer for runners — they stay put and do not ride up regardless of your body type.
Pockets on both legs. Remember — never buy running shorts without pockets.
6. Running Belt — Fitgriff Running Belt For everything else you need to carry — cards, keys, energy chews, whatever — a running belt keeps your hands free and your essentials secure. The Fitgriff has two surprisingly roomy compartments and zipper closures so nothing slides out mid run. Sits flat against your body and stays put. A practical and affordable solution for carrying your gear without holding anything in your hands.
7. Sports Bra — Nike Women’s Swoosh Sports Bra A good sports bra is essential for comfortable running — end of story. The Nike Swoosh is my personal favorite. Great compression, removable pads, and it comes in a fantastic range of colors including bright options for the woman who wants to be seen on the road. Fits true to size and provides solid support for medium to high impact activities. A reliable and well designed bra from a brand that knows what it is doing.
8. Anti Chafe Balm — Body Glide Original Chafing on a run is genuinely miserable and completely preventable. Apply Body Glide to any friction prone area before you head out — thighs, underarms, sports bra lines — and it creates an invisible barrier that prevents chafing completely. A small tube lasts a long time and fits easily in your running belt. One of those products that once you try it you wonder how you ran without it.
The Small Splurge
9. OOFOS Oolala Recovery Sandals Here is a splurge that your feet will thank you for immediately. OOFOS recovery sandals are designed specifically for post workout recovery — the proprietary foam absorbs significantly more impact than traditional footwear and the footbed genuinely cradles your feet after hard effort. The Oolala thong style is fun and wearable and the moment you slip them on after your first real run you will understand exactly why runners love them so much. A worthy treat for feet that are doing something new and challenging.
Slip these on the moment you finish your run. Your feet will thank you.
The Aspirational Pick
10. Garmin Forerunner 265 You do not need this on day one. But put it on your wish list because when you are ready for it — and you will be — it will change how you train completely.
The Garmin Forerunner 265 has a big beautiful easy to read screen, battery life that lasts more than a week, GPS that connects in seconds, and features that go far beyond basic tracking. Training Readiness tells you how ready your body is to train each day. VO2 max tracking measures your cardiovascular fitness over time. Run productivity scores tell you whether your runs are actually building your fitness. And paired with the Runna training app it delivers real time pace coaching through your earbuds as you run.
My VO2 max has improved 3 points in four months of using this watch with Runna. That is measurable proof that smart training works. When you are ready to go from casual runner to intentional runner this is the watch that gets you there.
Not for day one. But absolutely for someday — and probably sooner than you think.
A Final Note
You do not need all of this before your first run. If I were starting tomorrow I would begin with the socks, the safety vest, the dog spray, and the sports bra. Add the rest as you go.
The most important thing is just to start. Everything else follows.
Welcome to running. It is going to change your life.
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