September Running Gear Roundup: 9 Kit Picks Worth a Look

Introduction

This monthly roundup pulls together nine pieces of running kit that earned their place through weeks of real use: lightweight storage shorts, dual-layer trail shorts, a 3-in-1 glove system, a recovery oil, sunglasses that actually stay put, and more. Each pick solves a specific problem, and not all of them cost much, so there should be something here whether you are kitting out for winter or topping up the essentials.

T8 Sherpa Shorts

If you want lightweight running shorts that still pack a built-in storage belt, the T8 Sherpa Shorts are worth a serious look. They were race-tested at the New Forest marathon and feel light and free on the run. The main fabric is thin, stretchy, and heavily perforated, with side splits that add to the flexy feel, and the cut is not too short, so comfort and modesty are both well covered.

The storage belt is segmented into four high-capacity stretch mesh compartments, letting you separate phone, gels, even a jacket, all held securely without unwanted bounce. The lighter outer also layers well over base layer shorts without adding heft, and everything dries fast.

Two things to note before buying: the toggles on the back for attaching poles are a little bulkier than ideal, so tuck them away securely to stop them flapping, and check sizing carefully. They come up small, so going a size up is recommended.

Monkey Sox Crew Classic M

First and foremost, these are comfortable, reliable running socks. What pushes them further is that 50% of the profit from each pair sold is donated to charity, and the designs are deliberately mismatched and genuinely lively. The concept behind the odd pairs is that each sock is designed differently, reflecting how it feels to live with multiple sclerosis.

The Crew Classic M is a midweight sock: not as thick as a Stance performance crew sock, but not race-thin either, sitting happily in between. Highlights include a seamless toe box that avoids rubbing, a thicker double cuff that stays put and does not roll down, generous padding in the heel, and breathable construction throughout. They come in crew, ankle, and full-length compression styles.

Inov8 3-in-1 Glove Mittens

For anyone packing mandatory kit for ultra races or wet, cold mountain days, the Inov8 3-in-1 Glove Mittens solve two requirements in one hit. The system combines thin but warm lightweight gloves with a fully waterproof outer mitten layer, and the whole thing weighs just 69g total, with each glove only 16g. Everything packs down small too.

There are silicone grips on the ends of the gloves for grabbing rocks or swiping phones and watches. If you need gloves plus spare mittens in your kit list, this combo saves meaningful space and weight, and it is hard to imagine a lighter glove-plus-shell pairing.

Ron Hill Golden Hour T-Shirt

Designed for those runs when the sun is just rising or setting and the air is no longer quite hot enough for a vest, the Ron Hill Golden Hour T-Shirt is, above all, an easy and comfortable piece to wear. It does not cling, the fit is generally very good, and it is nice and light.

The standout feature is the Polartec Delta fabric technology. On hotter, harder runs it does not hold sweat the way some t-shirts do, so it never felt like it was clinging during tougher sessions. It is breathable, comfortable, and the bright colorway turned out to be a pleasant surprise rather than a gamble. If you want a t-shirt that stays comfortable when you push the pace, this one fits the brief well.

Recovery Pick: Weleda Massage Oil

Alongside training, home recovery deserves a bit of care, and a good massage oil makes the whole process feel like a nicer experience rather than a chore. The Weleda Massage Oil stood out over several months of use for a few simple reasons: it smells very pleasant, it absorbs well into the skin, and it works smoothly into the legs during a massage session.

It also does not stain easily, which matters more than you might think. If you are trying to take more responsibility for recovery at home between sports massages or physio visits, this is an easy, affordable place to start.

Times Seek Sunglasses

These sunglasses from Times, made sustainably in Italy, work well while running and double as everyday eyewear. Alongside the Seek version tested here, there is also a Rome version with slightly different lenses. Both share the same clever retention system: instead of traditional arms, a cord design wraps around the top of your head, and you can slide it to loosen or tighten the fit.

On the run they felt very reliable, never bouncing around, and they replaced two separate pairs usually taken on holiday: casual glasses and running glasses. When not worn, the cord lets you hang them loose around your neck with the lenses flattened against your chest, so they sit comfortably and do not stick out. For racing they are probably not the pick, but for casual, easy-paced runs and travel they are excellent.

Montane Slipstream Twin Skin Running Shorts

Dual-layer running shorts have become common across many brands, and the Montane Slipstream Twin Skin is a strong example of why. The inner nylon layer hugs the legs to prevent rubbing and adds a little warmth in colder temperatures, while the outer layer is comfortable without being baggy. There is a bit of give in the fabric, so it suits runners who like extra room.

The elasticated midsection is disconnected from the rest of the shorts, so it sits slightly higher than the waist for a flattering, comfortable fit, with a drawstring to cinch it tighter. Storage includes a fairly large rear pocket that fits some iPhone models but not larger phones, plus additional gel pockets for long distances.

They are breathable, sweat-wicking, and work for both trail and road running. At £70 they are pricey, though cheaper prices can be found with a bit of searching, and the build quality suggests they will last a long time.

Puma Favourite Quarter-Zip Running Top

Not every good pick needs to be expensive. With colder, wetter autumn weather arriving, the Puma Favourite Quarter-Zip Running Top is a well-balanced long-sleeve option for in-between temperatures. The material is soft and not too thick, and thumb hooks at the cuffs are an essential comfort feature.

On an 18K run at around 14 degrees, it took the edge off the cold without overheating once the pace picked up and sweating increased. The high neck, quarter zip for venting, and a few reflective elements round out a simple, effective design. The relaxed, slightly loose fit around the midriff is a big plus if slim race-cut tops are not your thing. At £38 RRP, and currently around £18 on Puma’s website, it is excellent value for winter kit.

A6 Fuji Trail Running Socks

Despite the trail name, these are really good general running socks. The fabric is fairly thin across the top and midsection for breathability, while reinforced sections at the toes, heel, and around the ankle add comfort and durability. There is a fair bit of padding overall.

In use they are nice and breathable, and the elasticated cuff holds well without any slipping issues. At £14 they are fairly well priced for running socks, and there is currently a three-for-two offer on the website, which makes them an even better deal. Multiple colorways are available if bright shades are your thing.

Overall Buying Advice

A few patterns stand out across this month’s picks. If storage is your priority, the T8 Sherpa Shorts offer the best lightweight belt system, while the Montane Twin Skin shorts prioritise anti-chafe comfort for trail and road alike. For cold-weather essentials, the Inov8 3-in-1 glove system is the space-saver, and the Puma quarter-zip is the budget-friendly layer to grab first. Small items like the Monkey Sox, A6 socks, and Times Seek sunglasses show that the details often make the biggest difference to how a run feels.

Conclusion

Nine picks, nine different jobs: carrying kit, staying warm, staying visible, staying comfortable, and recovering well. The strongest all-rounders here are the Montane Slipstream shorts for versatility and the Puma quarter-zip for value, but every item on this list earned its place through genuine use. Match the pick to your actual running conditions and the rest is easy.