December-January Running Gear Roundup: 9 Pieces of Kit Worth a Look

Introduction

This roundup covers nine running products that have been getting real mileage over the past few weeks, moving from late December into January. The mix is deliberately varied: eyewear, headwear, gloves, fuel, hydration, tights, socks and one premium winter jacket. Not every pick will suit every runner, but each one earns its place for a specific reason.

Zenni Optical Z Running Sunglasses

The Z running sunglasses from Zenni Optical, a US-based brand, are classic wraparound sports sunglasses with lightweight frames and good grippers on the nose pads and arms to keep them planted on the run. They fit comfortably around headphones, sit close to the side of the head, and grip tightly without creating pressure points. They also work for prescription wearers, which is where the value really shows.

The base model costs around $24, and even fully loaded with prescription lenses, tint choices, anti-fog and anti-scratch options, you land at roughly $130 to $150. That is dramatically cheaper than comparable offerings from Oakley or Roka, and a simpler, more affordable path to customization than brands like Suunto-adjacent premium eyewear makers. On sunny winter days they are easy to forget you are wearing, which is exactly what you want. Note that shipping to the UK costs extra, so this pick suits US-based buyers best.

Vaago Feather Racing Cap

The Vaago Feather racing cap is a very lightweight hat with a key distinguishing feature: a small brim. It was picked up at the Inverness Loch Ness Marathon Festival the day before a 10K and worn for the race the next day, which says a lot about its out-of-the-box comfort.

It is crushable, easy to pack, machine washable, and comes in a nice range of styles. The short peak is the trade-off: it absorbs sweat well over long hard runs, but gives less sun protection than a longer-brimmed cap. For racing in the UK, where sweat absorption matters more than sun coverage, that compromise is easy to live with. At £34 it is fairly expensive for a hat, though discount codes from running influencers are easy to find.

Salomon Blaze Mittens

The Salomon Blaze mittens are very warm, cozy running mittens costing £49 or $62. They are wind and water resistant rather than fully waterproof, which turns out to be a strength: they shrug off showers while staying more breathable than many waterproof running mittens, so sweaty hands are less of a problem.

They were tested in genuinely cold Polish winter conditions and kept hands warm even for someone who gets really cold hands. Despite being warm and reasonably bulky, you can still get into a running belt or grab a gel without removing them, and they slip on and off easily despite a good wrist seal. They also have a relaxed enough fit to wear a thin glove underneath, making them a usable overlayer that comes off when you start to overheat.

Stier Bar 50 Endurance Energy Bar

The Stier Bar 50 endurance energy bar is a genuinely enjoyable running fuel. It has a Rice Crispy bar texture that is chewy but not overly so, and the date, almond and sea salt flavor is sweet with a nice salty edge that almost melts in the mouth. Chocolate chip, apple cinnamon and caramel flavors are also available, and none of them taste artificial in the way some running fuel does.

Each bar packs 50g of carbohydrates in a surprisingly light format. Most runners will not want these on faster sessions, but for long slow runs where you do not mind dropping a gear to chew, they are excellent, and a strong candidate for ultra efforts.

New Balance Running Bottle Pack

After months of relying on carb drink mixes, this New Balance running bottle pack brought back a belt design with a 500ml bottle holstered at the waist. It is great for fuel mixes, or as a third water source alongside soft flasks, pushing total carry past a liter.

The trick is swinging the pack around so the bottle sits at the back: it feels more balanced, stays out of the way, and simply pulls out when needed. There is a large front pouch with an easy-to-grab zip pull, though the front bungee can work loose under lighter jackets. For runs around a couple of hours where you want stash space and an easy bottle, it works nicely. For full ultras, most runners would look elsewhere.

Adidas Terrex Leggings

These Adidas Terrex leggings are built for taming trails but are just as happy on the road, making them a genuinely versatile utility tight. The midweight fabric has a silky feel that boosts warmth without being overbearing, and it copes well in most conditions.

Storage is the standout: three stretch mesh compartments in the waistband, a small zippered rear pocket for gels or a headphone case, a zippered thigh pocket that holsters a phone, and pole loops for serious trail missions. Add ventilating mesh knee panels, secure elasticated cuffs and reflective strips, and you get a lot of clever detail in one comfortable, flexible tight.

New Balance Five Panel Performance Cap

With around 60 to 70 running caps collected from races over the years, the bar for a genuinely good one is high. The New Balance five panel performance cap clears it: the five-panel construction gives a comfortable, fashionable fit that is neither too shallow nor too rigid, and it flexes enough to survive being stuffed in a bag.

Perforated holes on top aid breathability, the thin material manages sweat well and dries quickly after rinsing, and a small plastic buckle at the back tightens simply. A visor section absorbs sweat so it does not drip into your eyes. The exact colorway shown here was not on the New Balance site, but it can be found cheaper elsewhere online. A solid, reasonably priced option for summer or winter.

Stance Performance Socks

Stance needs little introduction as one of the biggest sock brands, with socks that last years without perishing. The useful discovery here is the range of thickness levels. The ultralight version is ideal for running in tight race shoes, still offering support around the toes, ankle and heel while staying very breathable.

The light version adds more heel and toe padding for a plusher feel while remaining breathable, and the mid-cushioning level pads the whole sock, pairing well with big plush cushioned shoes, though it is too thick for hot weather in larger shoes. Expect around $16 to $17 a pair, standard for good quality running socks, in a huge range of colorways and designs. Good socks genuinely matter: regular socks caused blisters for years before the switch.

Salomon Winter Anorak

The Salomon winter anorak is the expensive pick of the month, and a powerhouse for the coldest months. It is water repellent with a tightly woven exterior that traps warmth impressively for a jacket that feels relatively light on. It shines on long easy runs near freezing, especially in rain or snow, when intervals-style sessions would be fine in far less.

The zip goes very high over the face, covering the mouth in truly bad conditions, and there is a front pocket for a card or key plus a bigger rear pocket for gels, which is rare storage for such a lightweight jacket. It is also breathable, letting you sweat comfortably without the plastic-bag feeling of many waterproofs, and thumb hooks on the arms are a welcome touch. One sizing note: Salomon tends to cut for a slimmer frame, so sizing up is common.

Buying Advice

If you are shopping on a budget, the Zenni Z sunglasses and Stance socks offer the clearest value. For cold-weather comfort, the Blaze mittens are the best all-rounder, while the winter anorak is the premium option for genuinely brutal conditions. For fuel and hydration on long runs, the Stier Bar 50 and the New Balance bottle pack cover eating and drinking with minimal fuss. Headwear comes down to preference: the Vaago cap for lightweight racing, the New Balance five panel for everyday comfort.

Conclusion

This roundup mixes bargain wins with a couple of premium splurges, but every item here has been put through real runs in real conditions. Match each pick to your climate, your race calendar and your budget, and there is something here worth adding to the kit drawer.