Best running accessories: 10 running must-haves
Kit yourself out with the best running accessories for all seasons.

While it’s great to own one of the best running jackets, having the best running accessories to hand can help make those dreaded sprint sessions and long-distance weekend runs far more enjoyable.
And whether you’re in need of a race day essential, or a progress-tracking wearable, we’ve got you covered.
There are loads of running must-haves to choose from, including summer essentials such as sunglasses and caps, to tempting gadgets like sport earbuds and running watches.
We’ve rounded up nine of our favourite running accessories so you can stay hydrated, play your favourite tunes and keep your snacks close by, all while looking the part too.
Buying for someone else? Take a look at our list of the best running gifts and surprise the running enthusiasts in your life with a practical gift they’ll love.
Best running accessories to buy in 2025
Wireless Bluetooth earphones
JLab Epic Air Sport
Buy now from Amazon (£68.90)

The JLab Epic Air Sport come in relatively light and affordable for the best running earphones at 21g and £99 full price. They’re currently reduced to £68.90.
Our tester complimented their value, run time and sound quality, awarding them an outstanding 93%.
You also get a choice of six earbuds to get the perfect fit. The three noise cancellation modes (on, off and ‘be aware)’ let you block out noise or let more in to heighten awareness of your surroundings.
Running belt
Inov-8 Race Elite Waist Pack

Keep energy bars, jangly keys and water all within reach on race day with a convenient running belt.
This Inov-8 design features up to three litres of storage, so you should have enough room for a waterproof if it’s pouring down on your long runs. There are side stash pockets, too, so you can store your race day essentials.
This running must-have has been designed with comfort and stability in mind in order to reduce unwanted bounce and movement for a comfortable run.
Running cap
On Running Lightweight Cap

An essential running accessory for a sunny day, this lightweight running cap keeps the sun and sweat out of your eyes.
Awarding the On Lightweight Running Cap 88%, our tester Rob Slade said it worked well through spring, summer and autumn. It feels hard wearing too.
The adjustable rear strap and soft sweatband is designed to provide a comfortable fit, and it’s available in blue, brown, red and black.
Head to our guide to the the best running hats for the full review and more options.
- For more running head gear, check out the best running headbands
Running water bottle
Salomon Active Handheld
- Buy now from SportsShoes

- £21.99
If you don’t want the faff of carrying a rucksack or running belt, this water bottle features a handy adjustable strap which wraps around your hand.
The model shrinks as you drink so it shouldn’t be too much of a distraction when you’re running.
Lightweight, and featuring a twist-locking system to help prevent spillages on the move, it’s a nifty and useful running accessory. It can hold half a litre, so it’s best suited to shorter runs.
- Stay hydrated with our pick of the best cycling water bottles.
Running watch
Garmin Foreunner 955 Solar

With so many Garmin running watches on the market, it can be tricky knowing which one to go for. It’s hard to beat the Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar though, which we gave 88% in testing.
This premium, solar-charging version of the brand’s long-running model extends battery life to 20 hours in smartwatch mode and 42 hours in GPS mode.
Talking of GPS, we found the watch’s full-colour mapping trustworthy and easy to follow. The ClimbPro features helps you pace your effort up ascents.
Its multisport modes means you can use the Forerunner 955 Solar as a triathlon watch while also tapping into its fitness and health metrics.
Read our full Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar review.
Running headlamp
BioLite Headlamp 750

If you’re looking to increase your visibility on dark wintry runs, a trusty headlamp is key. The comfortable, stable fit and impressive short-burst lighting feature justified the Biolite Headlamp 750’s hefty price tag when we tested it.
The burst mode provides 30 seconds of 750 lumen light which lights up an impressive 150m of your path ahead. Other features of the running head torch include flood, flashing and spot light.
It’s on the heavier side, but offers a great battery life of seven hours on high.
Hydration pack
Montane Gecko VP 5+ Vest

The Montane Gecko VP 5+ is a comfortable and stable five-litre hydration pack ideally suited to off-road adventures.
Scoring 93% in our group test, it carries two of Montane’s 500ml soft flasks, which are easy to sip from.
You can boost water capacity by adding a hydration bladder to one of the many pockets. These also enable to carry snacks and stow away a waterproof running jacket.
Running phone holder
Ronhill Phone Armband

Whether you’re tracking your progress, listening to a podcast, or using GPS, a phone armband is a running must-have.
This affordable choice from Ronhill offers three exit points for easy removal, and it’s said to work with the majority of smartphones.
There’s space for your headphone wires, while the adjustable strap is said to help you find the perfect fit.
Running sunglasses
Madison Code Breaker II

Although the Madison Code Breaker II are specifically designed for cycling, they performed well enough on runs in our group test of the best triathlon sunglasses.
If you rarely run in sunny conditions (ie, you live in the UK), their reasonable price makes the Code Breaker II a tempting option. Madison includes a hard case and spare lens.
Julbo Aerospeed

Reliable running sunglasses are essential for summer training sessions and this pair offered great clarity, and a neat design, on test.
Featuring Reactiv lenses, the sunglasses are designed to adjust to the lightness or darkness of your surroundings. On test, this feature worked well, but perhaps a darker lens would be more suitable for particularly bright conditions.
While the arms didn’t provide the most secure of fits, the adjustable nose pads went down well.