Trail running and ultrarunning are relatively new in the world of organized sport. Our sports, while still niche, have grown from the fringe into huge communities with countless runners and races around the world. Technology has followed suit, particularly in the past 10 to 15 years, and the sheer volume of gear choices have exploded.

To prevent gear overload and reduce environmental impact, we want you to be conscious, informed, and wise shoppers. We created these buyer’s guides to aid you in a purchase that is not only the best for you, but enduring – one that will last you for years on the trail.

iRunFar’s Buyer’s Guide Methodology

Our buyer’s guide methodology begins with extensive market research in a gear category. We especially look for products from companies that have a proven track record of high-quality and long-lasting gear that performs. What results is a document containing a couple dozen to hundreds of products in a particular category.

After picking out 15 to 25 products that rise to the top of that long list, iRunFar experts extensively test gear in the terrain, weather, and amount of time congruent with what we believe our readers will experience in their own training and races.

In the end, we choose the best performing pieces of gear, and create a buyer’s guide which explains their specifications, reviewers’ experiences, and a wealth of other information to help you make your purchase.

Each iRunFar buyer’s guide is an article in flux. We update the guides as a new piece of gear becomes available that works better than previous options.

Most Popular Buyer's Guides

Best Running Socks of 2023

Our top picks include socks from Swiftwick, Smartwool, Merrell, and others.

Best GPS Running Watches of 2023

iRunFar reviews the best GPS watches for running from Coros, Suunto, Garmin, and Wahoo.

Best Road Running Shoes of 2023

We tested some of the best road running shoes to find the best ones...

Best Running Headlamps of 2023

If you need a running headlamp, then check out iRunFar's guide to the best...

Best Running Belts of 2023

A guide to the best running belts and waistpacks for road running, trail running,...

Best Hydration Packs for Running of 2023

After comprehensive testing, here's iRunFar's guide to the best hydration packs for running.

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023

iRunFar's experts share their best trail running shoe selections from the more than 200...

Best Running Hats of 2023

The iRunFar expert test team reviewed the best running hats of 2023.

Best Running Sunglasses of 2023

Here are the iRunFar editorial team's picks for the best running sunglasses.
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All of iRunFar's Buyer's Guides

Best Marathon Shoes of 2023

We round up the best shoes for your next marathon, whether you're running your...

Best Cushioned Trail Running Shoes of 2023

These are the best cushioned trail running shoes on the market today.

Best Insulated Jackets for Running of 2023

We round up the best insulated jackets to keep you running outside during the...

Best Foot Massagers of 2023

With countless foot massager options to choose from, we break down the best available...

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes of 2023

A guide to the best lightweight trail running shoes for shorter, faster runs, including...

Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2023

Here's our survey of the best windbeaker jackets for running (or any activity!), made...

Best Running Socks of 2023

Our top picks include socks from Swiftwick, Smartwool, Merrell, and others.

Best Running Shirts for Men of 2023

We tested dozens of running shirts for men for hundreds of hours, and created...

Best Cold Weather Running Gear of 2023

Here's the best cold weather running gear for staying warm, dry, and happy.

Best Waterproof Running Shoes of 2023

We rounded up the best waterproof and water-resistant shoes to help you keep your...

Best Heart Rate Monitors for Running of 2023

Having a heart rate monitor while running can help you reach your fitness goals...

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads of 2023

Here are the best ultralight sleeping pads for fastpacking available today.

Best Running Shirts for Women of 2023

The iRunFar team shares the best women's running shirts of 2023 from brands like...

Best Fastpacking Packs of 2023

After over a year of testing, here's the iRunFar team's guide to the best...

Best Ultralight Tents of 2023

These are the iRunFar team's picks for the best ultralight tents and tarps for...

Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags of 2023

Here are the best ultralight sleeping bags for fastpacking available today.

Best Winter Running Jackets of 2023

When temperature drop, these winter jackets will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, regardless...

Best Running Jackets of 2023

After extensive testing, the iRunFar team offers suggestions for the best jackets for any...

Best GPS Running Watches of 2023

iRunFar reviews the best GPS watches for running from Coros, Suunto, Garmin, and Wahoo.

Best Road Running Shoes of 2023

We tested some of the best road running shoes to find the best ones...

Best Cushioned Running Shoes of 2023

We tested some of the best cushioned road running shoes on the market to...

Best Running Headlamps of 2023

If you need a running headlamp, then check out iRunFar's guide to the best...

Best Running Belts of 2023

A guide to the best running belts and waistpacks for road running, trail running,...

Best Hydration Packs for Running of 2023

After comprehensive testing, here's iRunFar's guide to the best hydration packs for running.

Best Winter Running Traction Devices of 2023

The best winter running traction devices of 2023. Get a grip and stay safe...

Best Running Shorts for Men of 2023

The best men's running shorts for road running, trail running, ultrarunning, and everything in...

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023

iRunFar's experts share their best trail running shoe selections from the more than 200...

Best Running Shorts for Women of 2023

iRunFar reviewed the best running shorts for women of 2023 from brands like Oiselle,...

Best Running Rain Jackets of 2023

After four seasons and a year of testing, here's our guide to the best...

Best Running Gloves of 2023

The best running gloves of 2023, including gloves from The North Face, Nike, Black...

Best Running Hats of 2023

The iRunFar expert test team reviewed the best running hats of 2023.

Best Running Shoes of 2023

We round up the best running shoes for a variety of situations, from road...

Best Trekking Poles of 2023

We tested the best trekking poles on the market today — here are our...

Best Sports Bras for Running of 2023

This comprehensive guide to the best running sports bras was created by a six-person...

Best Treadmills of 2023

The iRunFar team offers suggestions of their favorite treadmills that they've used for all...

Best Trail Running Shoes for Mud of 2023

Got mud season where you live and run!? Here's the iRunFar team's guide to...

Best Running Headphones of 2023

Our team tested dozens of headphones in many different categories in order to find...

Best Running Insoles of 2023

Nearly every runner could benefit from insoles, and we narrow down the best options...

Best Massage Guns of 2023

A good massage gun can provide percussive massage and may help speed recovery and...

Best Foam Rollers of 2023

Foam rollers are a great recovery tool, and we bring you the best in...

Best Compression Socks of 2023

The best compression socks can not only help improve your post-run recovery, but they...

Best Water Bottles for Running in 2023

There are countless options for water bottles for running and we make it easy...

Best Jogging Strollers of 2023

Our team tested a variety of all-terrain jogging strollers to help you choose the...

Best Stability Running Shoes of 2023

We tested a variety of stability and light stability shoes to help overpronators choose...

Best Recovery Tools for Athletes of 2023

The iRunFar team tested a bunch of recovery tools for athletes and recommends these...

Best Maternity Workout Clothes of 2023

iRunFar's guide to the best maternity workout clothes.

Best Running Underwear for Men of 2023

The best men's running underwear will offer the right amount of support, breathability, and...

Best Water Filters for Trail Running of 2023

Check out iRunFar's picks for the best water purification devices for trail runners and...

Best Running Sunglasses of 2023

Here are the iRunFar editorial team's picks for the best running sunglasses.

Best Mountain Running Gear of 2023

Here’s the iRunFar editorial team’s favorite mountain running gear.

Best Running Gear for Hot Weather of 2023

The iRunFar team has selected the best gear for running in hot weather, in...

Best Men’s Running Tights of 2023

Need a pair of men's running tights? Here's our buyer's guide to the best...

Best Running Gaiters of 2023

If you need gaiters to keep dirt and dust out of your shoes while...

Best Trail Running Shoe Brands of 2023

From global sports super brands to hyper niche trail running specialists, we break down...

Best Reflective Running Gear of 2023

Here are the iRunFar team's picks for the best reflective running gear to help...

Six Great Road Running Shoes for 2023

Here are six great road running shoes in which almost everyone can enjoy running.

Best Running Apparel Brands of 2023

Here are iRunFar's picks for the best running apparel brands of 2023.

Best Wool Running Apparel of 2023

The iRunFar team created this guide to wool running apparel for winter, summer, and...

Best Websites to Buy Running Gear Online in 2023

If you need to buy running gear online, here are the best stores with...
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iRunFar's Gift Guides

The Best Gifts for Your Trail Running Dog

Ruffwear makes finding a gift for your trail running pupper effortless, with tons of...

The Best Gifts for Women Who Trail Run

The best gifts for the women in your life who love the trails.

The Long Game: Gifts for Ultrarunners

We've pulled together some of the best gifts for the ultrarunner in your life....

The Best Gifts for the Trail Runner in Your Life

Shopping for your favorite trail runner? Here's the gear they want.

The Best Gifts For Runners

We recommend some of the best products tested that are currently on the market...
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