Running Gear Monthly Roundup: 8 Tested Picks for September 2026

Introduction

Another month of testing is behind us, and this roundup covers eight pieces of running gear that earned their place through real miles: a marathon in Gran Canaria, a Seville marathon training block, dark road runs, and plenty of everyday training. Some are performance investments, some are cheap and cheerful, and a couple solve problems most runners quietly put up with for years.

Stance Performance Boxer Briefs

The search for excellent running underwear continues, and the Stance Performance Boxer Briefs are the latest pair to make the kit bag. Stance’s socks are already a staple, and these impress almost as much. Support comes from what the brand calls its holster pouch, a super soft fabric pouch that holds everything securely and comfortably, while the rest of the fabric is soft, stretchy and gentle against the skin with a comfortable, almost disappearing fit. It wicks well too, and the wide waistband sits nicely without cutting in.

Crucially, they have not chafed on any runs so far, which is the real deal maker for running underwear. The caveat: the longest run in them was around 80 to 90 minutes, so for genuinely long hauls a virtually seamless endurance brief is still the safer pick. For everyday miles, though, these have become the go-to comfort staple.

Blizz Matrix Sunglasses

With temperatures hitting 26 degrees during a marathon on volcanic trails, a pair of Matrix shades from Blizz, a new brand to us, got a serious first test: six and a half hours of running in baking conditions. They passed with ease. The wraparound design gives wide protection and a wide field of vision, with no glare from the lenses and no bounce thanks to a lightweight design that stays secure without the arms or nose pads digging in.

The nose pads adjust independently on each side, which makes it easy to dial in a proper fit even if your nose is less than symmetrical. They stayed fog-free through 1,800 metres of climbing and plenty of hard effort, the lenses can be swapped if damaged, and they come in well under 100, which softens the blow for anyone who regularly breaks or loses shades.

Running Buddy App

Strength training for runners is an area many of us neglect, and the Running Buddy app, created by Irish physiotherapist and keen runner Patrick Carolan, is designed to fix exactly that. It was the strength training tool used throughout a Seville marathon build-up, and its targeted workouts cover the key areas runners need for performance and resilience, all backed by research.

The standout feature is the micro workouts, which slot around your runs: a plyometric move before, a couple of strength moves after, things like calf raises or split squats. Everything is clearly explained with video demonstrations, making consistency far easier than trying to fit in two or three big sessions a week. Home-based workouts work with just dumbbells and a kettlebell, and gym-based options exist for those with heavier weights.

It is not cheap at $13.99 a month or around 135 a year, though a trial month is available at half price with the code trial50. One runner using it through a marathon block gained about a kilo of useful muscle while their weight stayed monitored, and race day went well. If strength training is your weak spot, it is worth a look.

Silo Crew Drop One Bag

Used for a three-day trip to Seville, the Silo Crew Drop One bag is a small duffle-style bag built around meticulous organization. There is a dedicated shoe pocket, two zip pockets on the lid, drop-in pockets and lots of small compartments lining the sides, so gels, toiletries and running kit can all be kept separate from the rest of your clothes. It is lightweight, easy to carry, and solidly made with pockets in all the right places.

The size is the clever part: big enough for everything a weekend running trip needs, small enough to feel manageable. It is currently only available in the US, priced at $95 and reduced to around $84 at the time of writing. Be aware that its listed dimensions are slightly over some budget airline underseat limits, and while the soft bag can be squashed down, whether you gamble at the gate is up to you. It fit into the measurement checker on one airline but not another, so check your carrier before relying on it.

SEI Combat Plus Rib Half Tight 8”

SEI half tights and shorts are already among the most used items in training because they survive hundreds of washes and stay comfortable, and the new Combat Plus Rib 8” half tights refine the formula. The ribbed texture improves the fit slightly, feeling more comfortable and more breathable than the standard version, while keeping everything that made the originals good.

Storage is handled by two drop-in pockets, one on either thigh, plus a smaller pocket at the back. Carry light for a marathon and the gels fit in; for everyday runs, a phone and a gel slip in comfortably. At 85 or $110 they are not the cheapest half tights, but the durability track record across the brand’s gear makes the case, and sales do come around. The standard Combat half tights remain a slightly cheaper alternative if you do not need the ribbed upgrade.

AEX Fuji Trail Elite Waterproof Jacket

Despite the trail in the name, the AEX Fuji Trail Elite waterproof jacket has spent recent weeks on the road, in near-constant rain and wind, and it has handled both superbly. It feels light on the body, protects well against wind and rain, and does not overheat: a 25k marathon training run passed without the usual urge to take a jacket off after the first few kilometres.

The fit is comfortable and the hood is particularly good, sitting securely with ventilation at the back that keeps things breathable. The jacket packs down into its own front zipper pocket for stashing in a vest pack, and there are the usual reflective details. The fabric is the real story: soft and comfortable against the body while carrying a strong weather-protective layer. It is an expensive jacket, but as a good-looking, durable investment for road and trail alike, it has been genuinely impressive.

HIZ Coco Pro LED Running and Cycling Vest

Lots of running and coaching happens in the dark, and the Coco Pro LED vest from HIZ was picked up specifically to be seen, not just reflective. Straps go over your head, with lights at the front and red lights at the back that can flash or stay steady, and everything charges over USB-C. It costs $19.99, and for that it is an absolute bargain.

It is comfortable, straps up easily, weighs almost nothing, charges quickly and holds its charge for a long time. On dark country roads it makes a real difference to visibility while coaching a running club, and it works equally well as extra protection alongside bike lights for night cycling. If safety on dark roads matters to you, this is an easy recommendation.

Bandletic Garmin Fabric Strap

Sometimes the simplest upgrades bring the most joy. After a couple of years with the same watch, these fabric quick-fit straps from Bandletic have been used in three different colorways just to freshen things up. Fabric beats rubber for comfort here, as plastic straps caused rubbing, while these have been genuinely comfortable throughout.

They use the standard quick-fit connectors found on most Garmin watches, so fitting takes seconds: click in, wrap the strap, and the Velcro secures it firmly with no risk of it coming loose. Unlike many Velcro straps that only cover part of the band, the Velcro runs all the way around, so it fits nearly any wrist and lets you dial the tension in precisely, something that was hard to get right with the previous rubber strap. At around 20 to 22, they are cheap, easy to wash, available in lots of colors, and a genuinely pleasing way to make an old watch feel new.

Overall Buying Advice

A pattern runs through this month’s picks: the best value sat at both ends of the price range. The LED vest and fabric strap prove that meaningful upgrades can cost very little, while the waterproof jacket and half tights show that paying more can buy comfort and durability that lasts for years. Match the purchase to your actual weak point: visibility if you run in the dark, strength training if your routine lacks it, organization if you travel to races, or weather protection if your training happens in the rain.

Conclusion

Eight products, eight real use cases. The Stance boxer briefs and Blizz sunglasses solved everyday comfort problems, the Running Buddy app and SEI half tights supported a full marathon block, the Silo bag handled race-weekend travel, and the AEX jacket, HIZ vest and Bandletic strap rounded out wet weather, night safety and small daily satisfaction. Anything here that matches a need in your own training is worth a closer look.