8 Summer Run Gear Essentials For Women

Make your outdoor run workouts more enjoyable this summer with these hot-weather gear must-haves.

Mission AthleteCare Enduracool Instant Cooling Arm Sleeves

($44, Missionathletecare.com)
Not only will these UPF 45 arm sleeves protect your skin from sun exposure, but they also keep you cool with snug-fitting Enduracool fabric over key pulse points (i.e., your wrists). Just wet the sleeves before your run, wring them out, then snap them in the air to activate the “cooling properties,” which instantly cool to 30 degrees below average body temperature. Then as you sweat, the sleeves will keep cooling you down by regulating the evaporation off your skin. One size fits most.

Why we love them:
Sure the skin protecting and cooling properties are cool, but we like that the sleeves are actually comfortable to wear on runs. Added bonus: Two of the four available colors keep you visible in low light.

Zoot Ali’i 14 run shoes

($130, Zootsports.com)
Train in what you race in with the brand new Ali’i 14 run shoe from Zoot. The brightly colored Kona-themed shoe (it incorporates words like “Hawaii,” “1983,” “Ali’i Drive” and images of turtles and hibiscuses in the design) features the Boa Closure System to ensure a custom fit to your foot, as well as a speedy T2 time. At just 8 ounces, it feels relatively light yet very stable and would work for multiple distances.

Why we love them:
The snug, sock-like fit kept the shoe feeling secure, and—thanks to its seamless design—didn’t create any hot spots, even on especially sweaty runs.

Osprey Rev 1.5 hydration pack

($70, Ospreypacks.com)
Hydration is critical on hot-weather runs, and this lightweight, minimalist hydration pack makes it easy when you’re running on trails. It features a 1.5-liter reservoir as well as a mesh backpanel that’s soft and breathable in hot temps. Our other favorite feature is the DigiFlip media pocket, a weather-protected panel on one of the straps that gives you easy access to your smart phone without messing it up with sweaty fingers.

Why we love it:
The smaller reservoir with built-in baffles combined with its secure harness system to keep beverage sloshing to a minimum on runs—the sloshing doesn’t become annoying.

Moving Comfort Endurance Tank

($48, Movingcomfort.com)
The extra soft, thin fabric on this semi-fitted tank easily absorbs and wicks away sweat, while a ventilated panel between the shoulder blades allows in extra air to keep you cool. The extremely comfortable and breathable shirt also features 30 UPF fabric for sun protection and a drawcord around the waist.

Why we love it:
This tank is longer than most run tanks, making it great for women with long torsos or who simply enjoy more coverage when running, plus the drawcord around the waist helps you find a custom fit for your body.

Icebreaker Dart Shorts

($80, Icebreaker.com)
We know—wool in the summer? But these ultralight merino wool shorts are the ultimate in itch-free comfort and breathability. The lined shorts stay in place without riding up, but feel extremely lightweight and super soft—almost like pajama pants. And the best part? The wool is naturally odor-resistant, which means after multiple sweaty workouts, they still won’t smell. To clean, you can simply rinse and air dry between workouts. The shorts also feature a small interior stash pocket.

Why we love them:

We love the relaxed, breathable fit, and the fact that they won’t stink or get sticky on sweaty workouts. They’re so comfortable and stay in place well we’d even wear them to yoga.

FITS Light Runner Tech Low Sock

($13, Fitssock.com)
The first fully synthetic socks from Tennessee-based manufacturer FITS, the Light Runner Tech Low strikes the perfect balance between lightweight and cushioned. The sock’s patented ergonomic design (especially its well-fitting deep heel pocket) ensures that the low, below-the-ankle sock won’t slide down into your shoe on runs. The mix of Coolmax and nylon/Lycra fibers ensures that moisture is pulled away from your skin to maximize evaporation on hot-weather runs.

Why we love them:
With so many sock options to choose from these days, it’s hard to stand out. But we love the cushy (only in the heel and toe) yet thin feel of these socks—plus their retro-cool color combos.

TomTom Runner Cardio

($270, Tomtom.com)

Known for its GPS technology, Dutch-based company TomTom is making its way into the sports market with its new line of GPS watches and strapless heart rate monitors. Thanks to its well-established GPS technology, you can count on accurate real-time information (distance, pace and speed) all displayed on an easy-to-read screen. But the real kicker is you can know your heart rate and avoid wearing a chest strap—the watch uses a light on the wrist to monitor changes in the blood flow in your wrist, then translates that into heart rate.

Why we love it:
Not only can you avoid the annoyance of a chest strap, but you can also select one of five heart rate zones (5/sprint, 4/speed, 3/endure, 2/fat burn or 1/easy) to match your training goal, and know in an instant whether you need to be speeding up or slowing down.

Moving Comfort FineForm Sports Bra

($50, Movingcomfort.com)
This body-hugging line of sports bras is made for a personalized fit, taking into account your actual bra size (not just small, medium, large). The adjustable back closure helps you to achieve the perfect amount of support—the bra keeps you feeling secure without restricting your movement. Available in four subtle-y feminine colors.

Why we love it:
It fits snugly but comfortably, and keeps you supported without putting pressure on the straps/your shoulders. The convertible back straps make it even more adjustable, and the J-hook offers a racerback option, which looks cute under a summer run tank (or by itself).