Trail running and ultrarunning are relatively new in the world of organized sport. Our sports, while still niche, have grown from the fringe into huge communities with countless runners and races around the world. Technology has followed suit, particularly in the past 10 to 15 years, and the sheer volume of gear choices have exploded.

To prevent gear overload and reduce environmental impact, we want you to be conscious, informed, and wise shoppers. We created these buyer’s guides to aid you in a purchase that is not only the best for you, but enduring – one that will last you for years on the trail.

iRunFar’s Buyer’s Guide Methodology

Our buyer’s guide methodology begins with extensive market research in a gear category. We especially look for products from companies that have a proven track record of high-quality and long-lasting gear that performs. What results is a document containing a couple dozen to hundreds of products in a particular category.

After picking out 15 to 25 products that rise to the top of that long list, iRunFar experts extensively test gear in the terrain, weather, and amount of time congruent with what we believe our readers will experience in their own training and races.

In the end, we choose the best performing pieces of gear, and create a buyer’s guide which explains their specifications, reviewers’ experiences, and a wealth of other information to help you make your purchase.

Each iRunFar buyer’s guide is an article in flux. We update the guides as a new piece of gear becomes available that works better than previous options.

Most Popular Buyer's Guides

Best GPS Running Watches of 2024

iRunFar reviews the best GPS watches for running from Coros, Suunto, Garmin, and Wahoo.

Best Running Headlamps of 2024

If you need a running headlamp, then check out iRunFar's guide to the best...

Best Running Vests of 2024

After comprehensive testing, here's iRunFar's guide to the best running vests.

Best Running Belts of 2024

A guide to the best running belts and waistpacks for road running, trail running,...

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024

iRunFar's experts share their best trail running shoe selections from the more than 300...

Best Running Hats of 2024

The iRunFar expert test team reviewed the best running hats of 2024.

Best Road Running Shoes of 2024

We tested some of the best road running shoes to find the best ones...

Best Running Gaiters of 2024

If you need gaiters to keep dirt and dust out of your shoes while...

Best Running Socks of 2024

Our top picks include socks from Swiftwick, Smartwool, Merrell, and others.
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All of iRunFar's Buyer's Guides

Best Compression Socks of 2024

The best compression socks can not only help improve your post-run recovery, but they...

Best GPS Running Watches of 2024

iRunFar reviews the best GPS watches for running from Coros, Suunto, Garmin, and Wahoo.

Best Heart Rate Monitors for Running of 2024

Having a heart rate monitor while running can help you reach your fitness goals...

Best Cushioned Running Shoes of 2024

We tested some of the best cushioned road running shoes on the market to...

Best Half Marathon Shoes of 2024

We round up the best half marathon shoes on the market for racing and...

Best Running Shoes of 2024

We round up the best running shoes for a variety of situations, from road...

Best Hoka Running Shoes of 2024

We put thousands of miles in to find the best Hoka running shoes for...

Best Wool Running Apparel of 2024

The iRunFar team created this guide to wool running apparel for winter, summer, and...

Best Insulated Jackets for Running of 2024

We round up the best insulated jackets to keep you running outside during the...

Best Base Layers for Women of 2024

After testing base layers in all types of conditions, we present a list of...

Best Cold Weather Running Gear of 2024

Here's the best cold weather running gear for staying warm, dry, and happy.

Best Running Headphones of 2024

Our team tested dozens of headphones in many different categories in order to find...

Best Running Headlamps of 2024

If you need a running headlamp, then check out iRunFar's guide to the best...

Best Running Vests of 2024

After comprehensive testing, here's iRunFar's guide to the best running vests.

Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2024

We tested the best windbeaker jackets for running (or any activity!), made by companies...

Best Running Rain Jackets of 2024

After many miles and a multiple years of testing, here's our guide to the...

Best Running Jackets of 2024

After extensive testing, the iRunFar team offers suggestions for the best jackets for any...

Best Winter Running Jackets of 2024

When temperature drop, these winter jackets will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, regardless...

Best Water Filters for Trail Running of 2024

Check out iRunFar's picks for the best water purification devices for trail runners and...

Best Marathon Shoes of 2024

We round up the best shoes for your next marathon, whether you're running your...

Best Running Shorts for Men of 2024

The best men's running shorts for road running, trail running, ultrarunning, and everything in...

Best Running Shirts for Men of 2024

We tested dozens of running shirts for men for hundreds of hours, and created...

Best Running Belts of 2024

A guide to the best running belts and waistpacks for road running, trail running,...

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024

iRunFar's experts share their best trail running shoe selections from the more than 300...

Best Running Hats of 2024

The iRunFar expert test team reviewed the best running hats of 2024.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads of 2024

Here are the best ultralight sleeping pads for fastpacking and ultralight backpacking available today.

Best Cushioned Trail Running Shoes of 2024

A look at some of the best cushioned trail running shoes out there today.

Best Road Running Shoes of 2024

We tested some of the best road running shoes to find the best ones...

Best Stability Running Shoes of 2024

We tested a variety of stability and light stability shoes to help overpronators choose...

Best Running Insoles of 2024

Nearly every runner could benefit from insoles, and we narrow down the best options...

Best Trekking Poles of 2024

We tested the best trekking poles on the market today — here are our...

Best Running Gaiters of 2024

If you need gaiters to keep dirt and dust out of your shoes while...

Best Running Shoes for Women of 2024

We round up the best women's running shoes on the market for both road...

Best Women’s Running Tights of 2024

We tested the best women's running tights for a variety of conditions and types...

Best Running Shirts for Women of 2024

The iRunFar team shares the best women's running shirts of 2024 from brands like...

Best Running Shorts for Women of 2024

iRunFar reviewed the best running shorts for women of 2024 from brands like Oiselle,...

Best Sports Bras for Running of 2024

This comprehensive guide to the best running sports bras was created by a six-person...

Best Running Socks of 2024

Our top picks include socks from Swiftwick, Smartwool, Merrell, and others.

Best Water Bottles for Running in 2024

There are countless options for water bottles for running and we make it easy...

Best Men’s Running Tights of 2024

Need a pair of men's running tights? Here's our buyer's guide to the best...

Best Trail Running Shoe Brands of 2024

From global sports super brands to hyper niche trail running specialists, we break down...

Best Trail Running Shoes for Mud of 2024

A guide to the best trail running shoes for mud with models from Icebug,...

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes of 2024

A guide to the best lightweight trail running shoes for shorter, faster runs, including...

Best Running Underwear for Men of 2024

The best men's running underwear will offer the right amount of support, breathability, and...

Best Maternity Workout Clothes of 2024

We tested the best maternity workout clothes from running tights to sports bras

Best Recovery Tools for Athletes of 2024

The iRunFar team tested a bunch of recovery tools for athletes and recommends these...

Best Running Gear for Hot Weather of 2024

The iRunFar team has selected the best gear for running in hot weather, in...

Best Running Sunglasses of 2024

Here are the iRunFar editorial team's picks for the best running sunglasses.

Best Waterproof Running Shoes of 2024

We rounded up the best waterproof and water-resistant shoes to help you keep your...

Best Foot Massagers of 2024

With countless foot massager options to choose from, we break down the best available...

Best Treadmills of 2024

The iRunFar team offers suggestions of their favorite treadmills that they've used for all...

Best Mountain Running Gear of 2024

Here’s the iRunFar editorial team’s favorite mountain running gear.

Best Massage Guns of 2024

A good massage gun can provide percussive massage and may help speed recovery and...

Best Running Gloves of 2024

The best running gloves of 2024, including gloves from The North Face, Nike, Black...

Best Foam Rollers of 2024

Foam rollers are a great recovery tool, and we bring you the best in...

Best Running Apparel Brands of 2024

Here are iRunFar's picks for the best running apparel brands of 2024.

Best Reflective Running Gear of 2024

Here are the iRunFar team's picks for the best reflective running gear to help...

Best Websites to Buy Running Gear Online in 2024

If you need to buy running gear online, here are the best stores with...

Best Jogging Strollers of 2024

Our team tested a variety of all-terrain jogging strollers to help you choose the...

Best Base Layers of 2024

When winter arrives and temperatures drop, you'll want a base layer that will keep...

Best Fastpacking Packs of 2024

After over a year of testing, here's the iRunFar team's guide to the best...

Best Ultralight Tents of 2024

These are the iRunFar team's picks for the best ultralight tents and tarps for...

Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags of 2024

Here are the best ultralight sleeping bags for fastpacking available today.

Best Winter Running Traction Devices of 2024

The best winter running traction devices of 2024. Get a grip and stay safe...

Six Great Road Running Shoes for 2023

Here are six great road running shoes in which almost everyone can enjoy running.
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iRunFar's Gift Guides

The Best Gifts For Runners

We recommend some of the best products tested that are currently on the market...

The Best Gifts for Your Trail Running Dog

Ruffwear makes finding a gift for your trail running pupper effortless, with tons of...

The Best Gifts for Women Who Trail Run

The best gifts for the women in your life who love the trails.

The Long Game: Gifts for Ultrarunners

We've pulled together some of the best gifts for the ultrarunner in your life....

The Best Gifts for the Trail Runner in Your Life

Shopping for your favorite trail runner? Here's the gear they want.
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