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Achieve your goals without having to buy new stuff every year.
Image: Joy Kim.
Running is the sport that seems to be growing the fastest for people post-grad and beyond.
It doesnt cost a ton to snag someawesome sneakersand get going.
Expensive workout classes could learn from this model.
Shape
EnterShape’s 2025 Fitness Awards.
This year, we dedicated an entire category to running.
Fromfitness tracking watchesto open-ear headphones, we rounded up six running essentials that last for alongtime.
Shape
Some of these products are investments; some are cheaper than a carry-out meal.
Either way, every item on this list will do wonders for your running.
Enter these Shokz, the second iteration of supremely popular running headphones that marathoners and newbies alike love.
Shape/Joy Kim
The water-resistant headphones use the science of bone conduction to get to your ears without any buds needed.
They dont slip, bounce, or budge.
But its worth the extra brushing to be safer and hear more cheers on training runs and race day.
Shape/Joy Kim
These iconic sunglasses from Goodr are anything but subtle, and thats what we love most about them.
treks
Colors:4 |Size:14 osz.
This glorious water bottle ensures youll have both thanks to its 14 oz.
liquid capacity and added pockets for fuel storage.
Weve tested this on training runs and on marathon race days, and its never failed.
In fact, its helped us PR.
PHOTO: SHAPE
A handheld is an easy way to access hydration during your runs.
), saysLinda LoRe, a NASM-certified personal trainer and RRCA coach in NYC.
Rub it anywhere you chafe to prevent the annoying stinging and clinging of skin.
PHOTO: SHAPE
It works like a charm.
Bodyglide allows for a barrier and keeps everything moving around comfortably, says LoRe.
Until evolution gets us there, well rely on this running belt.
Shape
Its jam-packed with storage thanks to four slots that allow you to pack in as much as you want.
Its easy to snag things out of thanks to the larger openings, but somehow keeps everything in place.
This is essential for any runner, especially since it allows for safety gear to be easily accessible.
PHOTO: SHAPE
Having pockets to store your gels (or nutrition of choice) makes accessing easier and more comfortable.
This running watch is packed to the brim with features you will use and benefit from every day.
More importantly, Garmin has safety features that can secure your life.
Shape
A run coach and safety net in one.
What more could you need?
Its easy to apply anywhere, doesnt come with a smell, and can be taken everywhere.
We then narrowed these down to 30 award winners.
Summer Cartwrightis a marathon runner, certified cycling instructor, and the senior commerce editor at Shape.
She has expertise in running shoes, performance gear, and recovery equipment.
For the 2025 Fitness Awards, we consulted with the following experts:
