Top 10 must-have running accessories in 2025

While it’s great to own one of the best running jackets, having the best running accessories to hand can help make those dreaded interval sessions and long 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, tempting gadgets like sport earbuds and running watches, and winter must-haves to keep you running year long.

We’ve rounded up 10 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

1. JLab Epic Air Sport

The JLab Epic Air Sport come in relatively light and affordable for the great quality they bring. They’re one of our best running earphones at 21g and £99.

Our tester complimented their value, run time and sound quality, awarding them an outstanding 93%.

“The earphones also come with three pre-set sound settings and one customisable setting, which allows you to adjust levels in the app. These work well and we were impressed with the sound quality on the pre-set modes, with strong bass and good clarity.”

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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Salomon Active Handheld

If you don’t want the faff of carrying a rucksack or running belt, this water bottle from Salomon (£21.99) 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.

5. Garmin Forerunner 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.

6. BioLite Headlamp 425

One of the most comfortable running head torches we’ve tested, thanks to BioLite’s 3D SlimFit design with soft, moisture-wicking fabric and a wide front strap.

Weighing just 82g, it still delivers a powerful 425 lumens across five modes, including red, spot, flood, and combo beams.

The rear unit houses a rechargeable battery with up to 60 hours of runtime plus a red safety light. Easy tilt and one-handed controls make it practical on the move.

Read the full Biolite Headlamp 425 review

7. 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.

• Read the full review and discover more hydration pack options

8. 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.

• Check out the best phone holders for running

9. Koo Supernova

Reliable running sunglasses are essential for summer training sessions and this pair offered great clarity, and a neat design, on test.

Weighing just 0.77oz / 21g, the Koo Supernova are one of the lightest sunnies we’ve tested, with a frameless build that offered outstanding visibility for both running and riding.

They flex slightly to grip the head, staying secure yet comfortable—something both I and our male tester agreed on.

Available in six colourways, this pair used dark turquoise Zeiss lenses (20% VLT, also in photochromic for £200), keeping colours natural. The matte green arms are sleek and low-profile.

Despite my usual worries about frameless glasses, the anti-scratch coating held up flawlessly in testing. Included are a cloth bag and spare nose pieces, though no hard case.

Check out the best sunglasses for running.

10. Inov8 TrailFly Sock Mid (2-pack)

Coming in a twin-pack (the other pair in purple) these Inov8 Trailfly mid-length socks are great value, at £12 a pair. Compared to my other running socks, the Trailfly feel really breathable and light, which has me reaching for them every run.

I liked the mid cut, too, which sat just above the top of my trainers and prevented the socks slipping under the shoe’s collar, as well as preventing other debris from getting inside.

Ever so slight padding under the toes and heel was good, though we did find them slightly tighter than others we’ve tested.

Fabrics are polyamide with 3% Lycra for stretch, 68% of which is made up of recycled materials.

Check out our best running socks for more.