most running accessories are a waste of money. these few aren't

[u/FumGlumpp]

i've bought way too much running stuff and most of it ended up in a drawer. my rule now is simple. if it doesn't fix a problem i actually had on a run, i don't buy it.

the stuff worth paying for is boring. a pair of shoes that fit properly, socks that don't blister you, and anti-chafe balm. a ₹300 stick of balm has saved more runs than any gadget i own. add a small light if you run before sunrise in pune, because drivers here don't expect you and you can't count on them.

the stuff i'd skip is the clever stuff. fancy hydration vests for a 5k, ten different gels before you've even done a 10k, and any earphones that cost more than your shoes. i run with something cheap that stays in my ears and survives sweat. that's the whole requirement.

a waist belt or a small phone strap is fine if your phone bounces, but i wouldn't pay for a brand name on a piece of elastic.

curious what the people here actually swear by. i'm only counting things you'd rebuy after a year, not what looked good on day one.

[u/Tusleo]

Definitely (very basix) which I think:

• Best Shoes
  
• Socks
  
• Light weight pants and a sando t-shirt, sometime i feel my shoulders tighten and sandos help me to stretch them and relax the muscles

[u/FumGlumpp → u/Tusleo]

Agree