Must-Have Running Essentials For Every Runner
17 Editor-Approved Running Essentials — From Therabody to New Balance
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I've been a runner for over 14 years now, having run two marathons and several half marathons. The biggest thing I've learned is that while runners have plenty of shared convictions — we all know the importance of a pre-run bathroom trip and stand by the "nothing new on race day" mentality, for example — our product lineup can differ. We're devoted to different running shoe brands, fitness trackers, and recovery methods. We ingest a varied assortment of gels, goos, and salt tablets on our long runs for fuel. And recovery also looks different, depending on our bodies, residual injuries, and past experiences.
The truth is, while all you need to kick off a running habit is a good pair of sneakers, if you're interested in optimizing your performance the majority of these items are pretty crucial. Ahead, I've rounded up 17 must haves that either I've relied on during my running career or am excited to add to my routine. From hydration packets blended with electrolytes, magnesium, and potassium to compression socks, sleeves, and massagers, you'll be well equipped to head out for your run after scooping up these essentials.
The Best Running Essentials
- Best hydration hack: Protekt Electrolytes Liquid Hydration Packets at $13
- To keep your shoulders covered: Popsugar Short Sleeve Athletic Top at $15
- Best exercise band: PS Collection Fabric Hip Bands at $16
- For storing your essentials: Popsugar Adjustable Waist Pack at $17
- To optimize recovery: Sharper Image Hot + Cold Back Wrap at $21
- Your go-to workout set: Popsugar Tank Top Shelf Sports Bra and Matching Biker Short Set at $25
- Best airy running shorts: Halara SoftlyZero QuickDry High Waisted Running Shorts at $40
- Best energy gels: GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel at $49
- For onesie lovers: FP Movement Righteous Bike Short Runsie at $108
- Best compression socks: Bombas Performance Compression Sock 3-Pack at $120
- For a quick skin reset: Kat Burki Vitabiome Active Skin Optimizer at $125
- For warm-ups and cooldowns: Therabody Wave Roller at $180
- For monitoring posture: Forme Revive Bra at $188
- Best running sneakers: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 at $265
- Best red light device: DNA Vibe Jazz Band Live at $289
- To maximize workouts: Therabody CryoTherm Palm at $400
- Best running tech: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at $1,420
Protekt Electrolytes Liquid Hydration Packets ($13)
I've tried my fair share of hydration packets through the years, but I'm particularly obsessed with the ones that actually taste good (I love anything lemonade flavored) that also include magnesium for muscle support. The best thing about Protekt is that it's liquid, which makes for a far better mixing process than powder in my experience. Protekt is also sugar-free.
Popsugar Short Sleeve Athletic Top ($15)
If you prefer to keep your shoulders covered while you run, try this short-sleeved athletic top. It has a quick-dry fabric to help wick moisture away as you move and a subtle seam along the bust for a flattering fit.
PS Collection Fabric Hip Bands ($16)
The PS Fitness Collection is full of everyday training staples you might need, but my number one recommendation for runners is something that doesn't involve running at all: resistance bands. I use these fabric bands to warm up my legs, hips, glutes, ankles, calves, and thighs before every single run. Countless physical therapy sessions have led me to realize that strengthening and activating these muscles pre-workout helps to prevent injury down the line. This pack of two comes with both a light and medium option, and I particularly like that they don't roll down or snap up like a latex band would.
Popsugar Adjustable Waist Pack ($17)
This cute waist pack takes the guesswork out of storing your running essentials on the go. The adjustable strap lets you customize the perfect fit and the pouch is the ideal size for your phone, wallet, gels, or anything else you need to keep on hand.
Sharper Image Hot + Cold Back Wrap ($21)
I'm always surprised by how well this back wrap works for its low price. What I like to do is keep it in the freezer for an immediate cooling sensation post-run. Then, hours after I've used it and it's warmed up, I place it in the microwave to warm my lower back, which can be a common problem area for runners. What I really love about this product is its versatility — you can flip it to the darker gray side for less intense temperatures, and the strap is adjustable so you can tighten it for compression or even use it on other parts of your body.
Popsugar Tank Top Shelf Sports Bra and Matching Biker Short Set ($25)
There is no better motivation to head out on a run than wearing a new matching set. This biker short and tank top combo has a black base with subtle white and pink accents along the the seams for the perfect pop of color.
Halara SoftlyZero QuickDry High Waisted Running Shorts ($40)
These breezy running shorts are really the gift that keeps on giving. The compression waistband provides a snug, comfortable fit, while the hidden second layer includes a pocket for convenient storage. With up to five colors to choose from, you can mix and match with all your favorite running apparel.
GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel ($49)
Every runner has a different method of fueling when they're on their long runs, from salt tablets to energy gels, but I love the boost of caffeine GU provides me. My favorite original flavors have to be Chocolate Outrage and Salted Caramel. Any time I'm tacking on more than seven or so miles, I take an energy gel with water when I'm 45 minutes into my run, then every 30-45 minutes after. These are lightweight and easy to carry in a pocket or waistband. They're also vegan and gluten- and dairy-free.
FP Movement Righteous Bike Short Runsie ($108)
For days when you can't decide what top and bottom to wear on your run, why not try a onesie instead? While this might look like two separate pieces, this one-piece mimics a tank top and flowy shorts for a seamless fit.
Bombas Performance Compression Sock 3-Pack ($120)
I love that these compression socks climb all the way up to the knee and provide support with a maximum squeeze all day long post-run. I tend to slip them on after a long run, right before rolling out and stretching. At the end of the day, when I take them off, I feel as though I've just released my calves from a 12-hour massage. When my knee is bothering me, I opt for these longer socks, but I also depend on ZenToes Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks ($16) to promote circulation in that area specifically when I feel my residual pain creeping back in. You can even layer! In my opinion, the more compression the better, as long as it isn't painful.
Kat Burki Vitabiome Active Skin Optimizer ($125)
This all-in-one face mist was literally created for runners and those with an active lifestyle to address the microbiome and replenish, protect, and balance the complexion. With one quick spritz post-workout, I can carry on with my recovery routine and know that I'm avoiding long-lasting bacteria on my skin, which could otherwise result in breakouts. I constantly reapply throughout the day, both before and after my runs.
Therabody Wave Roller ($180)
Foam rolling is equally as important as stretching after a run, because it allows you to relieve muscle tension and soreness on an even deeper level. The Wave Roller is a slightly more advanced product because it vibrates to assist in the process and the texture carved into the foam adds extra dimension to help you massage your body at varied angles, while also providing traction. You can read my full review of the Therabody Wave Roller for more information, which is where I compare it to my longer blue Melt Method model that you see in the above photo — a softer roller that has a bit more space for working both legs at once.
Forme Revive Bra ($188)
It may cost a pretty penny, but it works. I find that ever since I've started to run in this posture-correcting sports bra, I pay more attention to my form, stand up straighter, and tuck in my pelvis, all of which may help with injury prevention long-term. The bra is designed to immediately improve upper-body alignment and body foundation, according to the brand. Designed by an orthopedic surgeon, it uses tension fabrics and panels to apply pressure to key areas, but don't mistake that to mean it feels tight. If anything, I feel light compression when I'm wearing it, but it's not restrictive and it certainly doesn't affect my mobility. You can read more about the bra that's also worn by Taylor Swift in our editor's Forme Power Sports Bra review.
Editor quote: "In addition to providing a little nudge to stand up straighter, the style also works just as well as a normal sports bra. Its wireless design is supremely comfortable and has a compressive nature that helps to keep everything pulled in and together — with no fear of slippage during an intense workout or yoga session.
It's hard to quantify, but I suspect the bra helped improve the quality of my workouts, especially my yoga sessions or back exercises. Because the style is designed to support good posture, I feel comfortable exerting more energy in my stretches and reps; I'm not so worried about slipping into bad form." — Kyley Warren, former assistant shopping editor
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 ($265)
While I've run in many different brands through the years — The Brooks Ghost, Hoka Clifton, and Saucony Endorphin Pro have all been go-to designs — I've finally found my home in the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite. I trained in them for the New York City Marathon, and there was no looking back after that. They're actually so dependable that New Balance introduces a TCS NYC Marathon colorway each year as an official race sponsor. From the built-in energy arc and thin carbon fiber plate that provides a significant energy return I can actually feel to the super-lightweight construction (these weigh only 6.6 ounces!), I've seen my most impressive cadence numbers in this shoe.
DNA Vibe Jazz Band Live ($289)
This wearable light therapy device can go anywhere on your body you're experiencing pain. I personally use it to remedy the patellar tendinitis in my right knee. Equipped with a single, small control panel that's easy to use, you can quickly switch between light therapy modes — red, infrared, magnetic, and micro-vibration — to help reduce stiffness and discomfort in trigger areas, while accelerating and improving recovery overall before your next workout. The control panel plugs right into a standard wall adapter that's connected to a 10-foot cord for easy, on-the-go therapy whenever and wherever you need it. Bonus: it's lightweight, too!
Therabody CryoTherm Palm ($400)
Leave it to Therabody to come out with another innovative way to level up your routine. The brand's latest launch helps lower your core body temperature mid-workout so you can maximize sets. Thanks to a preview ahead of launch, I'm already a huge fan of this device.
Editor Quote: "Turn it on, and within seconds the blue sides are chilled enough to reduce your core body temperature. I've been holding it in between strength sets to delay fatigue and give myself the boost I need to push for more reps or a higher weight. Science has proven that it's also beneficial for runners, who boosted their speed and power after a session." - Sarah Wasilak, shopping director and social host
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1,420)
As a runner, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra helps me go the distance. I know people who run without their phones, and I'll never be one of them. I need to be plugged in at all times, especially so I have access to my music, which fuels me just as much as my gels do. Galaxy has a long-lasting battery so I can even stop for brunch and do some shopping after my run, and it syncs seamlessly to the Samsung Health app, tracking all of my health data while I'm moving.
It's also extremely durable in case I go for a jog in the rain or drop it mid-stride, which happens more often than I'd like to admit. Separately from working out, I'm so impressed by the camera and sleek finish of the device — everyone's always complimenting me on how clear my images and videos are on social.
— Additional reporting by Adelaide Giesey
Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the Popsugar Shopping Director & Social Host. With plenty of experience in the fashion industry and over 12 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing, creating social videos, and interviewing talent across the fashion, beauty, health, and fitness categories. She is the host of the "Dinner for Shoes" podcast and has bylines at InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit. Sarah aims to tell stories with a humorous and relatable POV while amplifying minority voices.
Adelaide Giesey (she/her) is a shopping writer at Popsugar. With over seven years of industry experience, she is an expert in all things beauty and enjoys writing across fashion and lifestyle categories. Prior to PS, she helped shape the beauty verticals at Byrdie, Coveteur, and InStyle.
