You Don’t Need Expensive Running Gear to be a Runner

Hi, I am here to tell you that you don’t need expensive running gear to be a runner. You really don’t.

I went for a 7 mile run today. It was 30 degrees, I was rocking my thrift store leggings, a running jacket that I’ve had for 10 years, and a headband that was free after completing a half marathon in Ireland. I was perfectly comfortable.

This led me to think about how commercials and magazines and the internet try to make us believe that we have to have the best and most expensive of everything, including running gear.

I wholeheartedly disagree with this.

Actually, I hate this sentiment. What if it has swayed some people to never start running because they think they don’t have the right gear?

One reason people love running is because it is so accessible. You don’t need a gym, a lot of gear, or even a car. You can just put on some clothes and shoes, open the door, and run.

This was after the Hot Dash in Minnesota. I ran 10 miles at a 7:30 pace in an old COTTON sweatshirt. You don’t need expensive running gear to be a runner. I promise.

I’ve been a runner for over 20 years. I’m a frugal Midwesterner, and I always try to buy cheap things. My favorite running tank top was $4 at a New Balance outlet store, and I’ve been wearing it for an eternity.

I don’t replace my shoes as often as I should, and I’ve finished 5 marathons and 2 ultras.

One day I googled “how often should I replace my sports bra?” and laughed out loud when I read “every 6-12 months.” WHO is coming up with these things? Sports bras can be freaking expensive, and I have definitely worn some of mine for 15 years.

Ok, I do know who is coming up with the absurd advice on how long our sports bras last or how we must buy this $120 running jacket to be warm in the winter. Companies and people who want us to spend spend spend.

No thank you.

Now, this is where I will give advice on what you actually need to be a runner. As you might have guessed, it’s a pretty short list. Then I’ll list things that are probably worth owning but are not necessary for your running success. I’ll link to gear I use if it’s particularly awesome.

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You don’t need expensive running gear to be a runner jump to:

Here are the things you NEED to be a runner:

Clothing

I’ll go through each category of clothing, but here’s some advice to get cheap running clothes:

• Visit your local thrift store. I have bought tons of running clothes at thrift stores. Some people get rid of almost-new clothes, and you can get them for cheap.
• If you’re looking for a specific item, try Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark to buy it used.
• Clearance racks at any store can be great. Try your local running stores, Kohls, TJ Maxx, etc.
• If you have outlet stores nearby, try them out.
• Walmart sells decent, cheap running attire.

Shirts

I suppose even this one is optional if you’re running in hot weather. I am a huge fan of running in just a sports bra when it’s warm enough. Try it; it’s freeing.

The shirts you want to own will depend on the weather you’re training in – tank tops, short sleeves, long sleeves. While you don’t need the most expensive running shirts, I do recommend non-cotton ones if you can. You don’t need a lot of shirts either, just cycle through the same ones over and over.

Bottoms

Yes, you do need to cover your butt. I dislike running in capris or leggings and will choose shorts any time it’s over like 30 degrees. But you do you. Shorts with liners are my favorite because you don’t have to wear underwear.

If you’re running in very cold weather, you do need to keep yourself warm. But no, you don’t need expensive pants to do that. When I trained for a marathon in a Minnesota winter, I would often run in leggings with a pair of old sweatpants over top (I, no joke, just read an article that says not to wear sweat pants while running, but I once ran 20 miles in -12 degrees with this method. Was it the most comfortable? Probably not, but I survived.)

Socks

I have never run in “running socks.” Perhaps I should try some someday, but I just buy cheap Saucony socks on Amazon. I have never had an issue with socks while running.

Sports Bras

A necessary item. I once tried to run without a bra – maybe I was feeling particularly hateful of the patriarchy that day – but I literally couldn’t do it haha. You do need a sports bra. It’s not the patriarchy; it’s just more comfortable.

If you find one that is comfortable and you love it, buy more of that exact one when they’re on sale. I have 4 of the same Under Armour sports bras, and I don’t feel the need to own any other kind.

Cold Weather Clothes

Again, running magazines will try to convince you that you need the most high-tech gear to survive. Wrong. You could run in cotton hoodies if you wanted, and you would still be a runner. Own one decent cold weather running jacket, and wear a base layer or two underneath. Wear warm leggings or wear leggings with a pair of sweatpants on top. Any old warm hat will do, same for mittens. I wear these ugly purple mittens that I’ve had since I was a teenager, but they keep my fingers warm.

I have a post about Running in the Cold – Lessons from a Minnesota Winter that I think is particularly awesome and helpful.

For running ideas and inspiration: Try the Charlevoix Marathon; it’s amazing. Learn how to Run while Traveling. Or get inspired to run your First Ultramarathon.

Shoes

Ahh running shoes. They can be so expensive, but they are one of the necessary expensive things you do need. If you wear crappy shoes, you increase your risk of injury, and injuries can mean no running (the worst!) Check out a local running store or sporting goods store, try some on, have a worker check out your feet, and buy decent running shoes.

If you find a pair that you absolutely love, just keep buying that same pair. Find the “old” version online for cheaper.

Some runners rotate through different pairs of shoes throughout the week. Meh. If you have the means to do this, go for it. But you can definitely just wear the same pair of shoes for every single run. I recommend bright colors 🙂

The general recommendation for when to replace your running shoes is every 300-500 miles. If I start to notice my gait is off due to my shoes or I start to get weird pains while running that I didn’t have before, I’ll try changing up my shoes.

I have an absolute favorite running shoe if you want to check it out. I’m on my 3rd pair. Lots of support but super lightweight. 

Necessary Items for Distance Runners

My general rule is that if I am running 8 miles or more, I should probably bring the following things with me on my run.

Water

You do need a way to bring water with you. This could be an old water bottle that you carry, a belt with little water bottles attached, or a camelbak. Or find a route that has water fountains along it.

Gummies, Gels, etc.

Pick your poison for this one. Fruit snacks, a banana, gummy blocks, gels, energy waffles, etc… whatever you want to bring to take in some calories and sugar.

My first ultra marathon. I didn’t even own a good running jacket; I borrowed this pink one from my mom.

Have you ever heard of a “naked run”? It’s when you wear just your clothes and run. No music, no watch, no extra gear. Just you running. I love doing these sometimes.

Here are the things that are nice to have as a runner but are not necessary:

Some way to map your run/know your time

This actually is not required. If you have an excellent sense of direction, you could just run out your door and turn around whenever you feel like it. We don’t have to know exactly how far we’ve run in what amount of time.

Buttttt it is nice to know how far we’ve run. I use the Strava app on my phone. There are plenty of watch options as well that can track your distance and time.

Your Phone

Part of the reason I bought the “mini” iPhone is because I always run with my phone. Mostly to track my run, but also for safety and music. It’s up to you if you want to bring it.

Headphones

You do not need fancy headphones. You don’t need headphones at all. A lot of people prefer to run without music, and I admire their brains. But if you like listening to music, you can wear cheap headphones.

I juuuuust bought my first pair of Airpods. It’s 2024.

I ran with the corded headphones for forever because I thought Airpods were for rich people. But I can honestly say that the $100 I spent on a pair was worth it. They’re like magic. They somehow know when I’ve put them in my ear? And I can just tap them to change songs? Freaking magic.

Also, someone in the comments recommended a different, cheaper set of earbuds that have great reviews. You might want to give them a try.

A SpiBelt or something for your stuff

I have run with a SpiBelt for as long as I can remember. I store my phone, keys, gummies, sometimes half a banana, etc. inside it. It stretches. Tighten the waistband if you feel like it’s bouncing.

Some people like the arm bands for their phones, but you can’t really fit anything else in the holder. Also, the feeling of it drove me nuts.

RoadID or Safety Identification

What if something happened to you on your run? Would someone be able to figure out who to call or who you are? My phone has the “emergency” option that shows my identification, and I always run with my phone. But a RoadID thing goes in the tie of your shoes and displays your name, address, allergies, etc. I bought one for my dad, who doesn’t run with his phone.

Foam Roller

To roll out tight muscles post-runs. You could also use a tennis ball.

You don’t need expensive running gear to be a runner.

What I’m trying to say in this post is that THINGS don’t matter when it comes to running. It’s all about your miraculous body, not what you’re wearing. It’s all about your actual heart and soul, not the watch on your wrist tracking your heartrate. And it’s all about your mind that can power you through incredibly hard things, not an expensive running headband that you had to own.

Running is incredible. I wish more people did it. I wish more people loved it.

So just remember, you don’t need expensive running gear to be a runner. You just need to run.

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