Get London Marathon-Ready with these Luxury Running Essentials
Whether you’re planning to run a marathon or just want to get fit in 2018, the correct footwear is essential. We’ve road-tested the most luxurious running gear around to put you paces ahead of the competition when you’re pounding the pavements.
From high-tech trainers that mould to the shape of your feet, to headphones that track your heart rate through your ear – these essentials feature the latest sporting tech and are luxurious down to the last detail.
Vests
For Him – Xavier Workout Vest, £49.99
This new luxury sportswear brand has already caught the attention of A-listers like Samuel L. Jackson, Rupert Friend and Daniel Craig. Xavier’s hand-made workout wear focuses on clean lines and minimalism – so no XL labels or tacky logos.
The tailored Workout Vest is perfect for warmer weather. The lightweight material contains as little man-made fibres as possible and is designed to reduce the amount you sweat.
www.xavierathletica.com
For Her – Adidas By Stella McCartney Running Adizero Tank Top, £70.00
Teaming sophistication with sporting technology, Stella McCartney’s running range gives you the power to beat your P.B. and look incredibly good while you’re doing it. The loose-fitting Adizero Tank is designed specifically for long-distance running. Including a super-light layer with climacool® technology, this training and racing tank will keep you cool when you need it most.
www.adidas.co.uk
Running Jacket
Ashmei Ultimate Running Rain Jacket, £180
Ashmei’s running rain jacket is different to traditional, sometimes-clammy waterproof jackets. By testing ALL waterproof fabrics, Ashmei were able to create a bespoke fabric 10x more effective than the rest. The result? An ultra light, highly reflective running coat that’s incredibly water proof, sweat proof and wind proof. Day or night, winter or summer, you can stay focused on your run without the weather slowing you down. From the offset front zip that doesn’t irritate your chin, to the low-cut grippy hem to stop the jacket riding up – everything has been designed to help you stay focused on what matters: your run.
www.ashmei.com
Technical Tights
For Him – 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights, £110
2XU are miles ahead of the competition in the field of compression sportswear. Their latest figure-hugging technical tights target specific muscle groups in your legs and help to heal the damage afterwards. Designed to increase blood flow, reduce chafing, minimise sweat and odour, and protect against the sun’s rays, they’re a training must-have for runners everywhere.
www.2xu.com
For Her – Lucas Hugh Core Performance Leggings, £150
This high-performance designer sports brand has a loyal following in London. Their elegant workout wear gives you that luxury look you long for, but doesn’t fall short when it comes to performance. With tight-weave wicking fabric and inner-thigh ventilation, the Core Performance Leggings will keep up with you on long runs and keep you cool during training too.
www.lucashugh.com
Shorts
For Him – Porsche Design Sport By Adidas BS Shorts, £120
Porsche and Adidas have teamed up to deliver a high-end range of running gear. And you’re in no better hands than two brands synonymous with premium engineering and performance. Worn alone or over tights – the BS shorts won’t slow you down. The flexible, lightweight fabric dries quickly when wet and helps eliminate unpleasant smells.
www.adidas.co.uk
For Her – Bodyism Abi Shorts, £70
The most celebrity-filled gym in London have bought out a range of stylish sportswear you’ll want to get your hands on. From the brains behind the bodies of Lara Stone and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, these luxury, lightweight shorts will support you every step of the way – whether you’re the jogging on treadmill or sprinting on race track.
www.bodyism.com
Running Socks
2XU Striped Run Compression Socks, £35
When it comes to bringing your A-game on race day, your sock choice could make or break you. And some serious science has gone into the making of 2XU’s running socks. Using compression technology, the socks reduce muscle fatigue, soreness and injury. With breathable panels for less sweat and more comfort – they also claim to make you more aware of your stride.
www.2xu.com
Running Shoes
(If you’re new to running, visit a running shop for a gait analysis before buying your first pair of running shoes.)
For Him – Nike Free Rn Flyknit, £105
Nike’s Free and Flyknit technologies are the result of many years studying the biomechanics of runners’ feet. If you’re a runner who likes to keep in touch with the ground beneath your toes, Nike’s Flyknit shoes are as close as you’ll get. By doing away with the unnecessary weight of glued panels, these trainers are unbelievably light and provide natural cushioning too. Ideal for sprinting and training, the shoes mould to the shape of your feet over time so you’re left with a pair of running shoes that give you the most customised fit possible. The sole of the Free Rn Flyknit expands and flexes with your foot, letting you move freely with every stride and quickly pick up the pace. All parts of this trainer are designed to compliment the shape of your foot, like the rounded heel and the sock-like top of the shoe.
www.nike.com
For Her – Adidas By Stella McCartney, adizero Adios Shoes, £70.00
Function comes way before fashion when it comes to choosing the right pair of running shoes. For regular runners, however, the Stella Mccartney-designed adizero Adios Shoes will treat your feet to the best of both worlds. These long-distance, lightweight runners will get you closer to the road and expand with your feet on every stride. They’re durably designed – so whether you’re training, racing or recovering, they’ll see you all the way to the finishing line and last miles after that.
www.adidas.co.uk
Foot Support
SOLE Softec Response Footbeds, £38.00
Designed for regular runners and optimised to fit in most trainers, these lightweight Footbeds slip inside your shoe and use the heat of your feet to mold to their shape. With lots of running tech inside, they reduce strain on the plantar fascia (the ligament that attaches your heel bone to your toes) and improve balance and foot alignment too.
www.yoursole.co.uk
Sport Sunglasses
Maui Jim Banyans, £165
With no less than nine layers of polarisation built into scratch-resistant super thin glass, these stylish Maui Jim frames provide your eyes with the protection they need while you’re running in the sun. Wiping out 99.9% of glare and 100% UV rays, these feather-light sunglasses are fit for all kinds of high-impact sports. The durable arms keep the glasses securely in place, which is just what you need when you’re racking up the miles.
uk.mauijim.com
Fitness Watch
Adidas miCoach Smart Run, £300
A fitness tracker is a key piece of kit in any runner’s arsenal, with the power to transform both your training and racing performance. Adidas’ MiCoach running watch puts your own virtual P.T on your wrist. It delivers cardio feedback based on the training plans of elite coaches, as well as real-time performance data, like heart rate, speed and distance. Good-looking and light, the Smart Run also has a battery-preserving marathon mode to support you all the way to the final mile.
www.adidas.co.uk
Sport Headphones
Jabra Sport Pulse, £199.99
With an in-ear heart rate monitor, the wireless Jabra Sport Pulse let you to take control of your training zones while providing quality Dolby® beats. Just download Jabra’s app, switch on your phone’s Bluetooth and you’ll have real-time heart rate, pace and distance coaching delivered straight to your ear. Compact and lightweight, the high-tech headphones have been tested in extreme conditions with the US military. So whether you’re sprinting up a hill or heading on a tempo run, the Jabra Sport Pulse will stay securely in place against anything that’s thrown their way.
www.jabra.co.uk