9 Pieces of Gear Perfect for Spring Runs

Runners who’ve been relegated to the treadmill for racking up their miles all winter long are finally heading back outdoors in droves. Depending on where you live, though, it might be another month or two before you have weather that really calls for tank tops and shorts on your jogs. So we've rounded up nine pieces of new running gear that are ideal for the season’s transitional temps and unpredictable rainstorms.
1. ASICS ACCELERATE JACKET // $140
A must-have for runs this time of year: a lightweight jacket that you can easily pull off and on when the weather’s indecisive. Enter this offering from Asics, which features zippered vents for added breathability (when you warm up) and a finish that repels water if you get stuck in a spring shower. There are also reflective details, including a thick stripe down the middle of the hood, so you’ll stay visible on early-morning runs or if you’re still covering ground after the sun goes down.
Buy It: Amazon
2. RABBIT BUNNY HOP TANK // $40
Layer this lightweight, breathable tank from Rabbit under a jacket on a chilly morning run or wear it on its own once the day warms up. It’s made of soft, wicking mesh and has a fit that’s slim against your skin but not tight, so it’s flattering underneath another layer or alone—serving you well throughout the entire spring and summer.
Buy It: Rabbit
3. THE NORTH FACE BETTER THAN NAKED CAPRIS // $80
These breathable capris offer the perfect amount of coverage for cool spring runs but boast a moisture-wicking material that pulls away sweat and keeps your skin feeling dry. They also have plenty of pockets: a zippered one for holding your phone; one along the waistband for a credit card, house key, or cash; and a couple extras for stashing energy gels for longer training runs. Bonus: Reflective details keep you safe and visible when jogging at dawn or at dusk.
Buy It: Amazon
4. C9 CHAMPION POWER SHAPE SPORTS BRA // $18
You can easily spend over $100 on a quality sports bra, but this gem from Champion's exclusive line for Target proves you don't need to break the bank to get the support you need. Its molded cups can help even larger-chested women stay comfortable during a high-intensity workout, and its front zipper makes it easy to take off (even when you're sweaty).
Buy It: Target
5. ALTRA IQ SNEAKERS // $220
These new smart shoes pack the cushy, comfy soles that the brand is known for with added details that are totally brilliant. Full-length sensors in both shoes give you an inside look at how you run—taking note of your impact (and whether it's imbalanced), ground contact, and cadence. The shoes connect to your smartphone to display all the deets and let you know if some part of your gait is a little off. Best part: There are visual and audible coaching cues as you run, to help correct any issues with your form. All these features are especially smart in the spring because overuse injuries are common this time of year and the intel and coaching can help you sidestep them.
Buy It: Altra Running
6. GARMIN VIVOACTIVE HR // $250
This new watch has all the great tracking features of Garmin’s traditional run watches packed into a slim band. Swipe up on the screen to see your daily stats like heart rate, steps, and floors climbed, then when it’s time to go for a jog, just toggle over to record your stats. Its built-in GPS grabs your distance and the course you take. Later, look back to past runs with the calendar screen on its paired app.
Buy It: Garmin
7. RHONE SENTRY BULLDOG TANK // $54
This high performance tank is made from a lightweight material that wicks away sweat and dries quickly. It's the perfect base to layer under a jacket or fleece on chilly or raining mornings.
Buy It: Rhone
8. BROOKS BOLT REFLECTIVE BAND // $24
If the sun hasn’t quite come up when you head out for your morning run, slap this band around your arm or ankle. It stays snug and comfy and adds a safe pop of reflectivity to your getup. (If you’ve got hair to hold back from your face, try the Bolt headband, too.) It’s a small accessory that makes a big difference in your visibility.
Buy It: Brooks
9. ROAD ID FOR APPLE WATCH // $25
Safety comes first with this cool accessory for your watch. A stainless steel faceplate is laser engraved with your personal details, then you simply slide it into place on your regular watch band. It’s sleek but large enough to fit your entire home address and phone number, or the contact info for a few family members, plus a line for a mantra to keep you motivated whenever you glance at your wrist.
Buy It: Road ID