Sorry to all the big names in athleticwear, but the best running brands are no longer exclusively stocked at your local big box sporting goods store. A wave of start-up, boutique, and independent running brands are producing clothes that are more stylish than ever without forgoing the performance credentials that you want from your running gear. Running is one of the few exercises you can do without equipment, sure, but a breathable tank and a grippy pair of socks that won’t pool around your toe box before you’ve hit your first mile on a long-distance haul certainly helps. Even better if the stuff you’re throwing on before you hit the trails or pound the pavement is swervy enough to motivate you to keep at it.
“I’m not afraid to admit that I’m vain,” says Andrew Chen, co-founder of New York City-based clothing store 3sixteen. “Looking good when I’m running is a big part of the fun for me.” As a newcomer to the sport who took up running only this past year, it took a long time to get into the groove of things. But the practice of suiting up for a run actually helped him gain a sense of appreciation for logging all those sweaty miles. “Every run was a struggle at the beginning and one of the only things that got me excited about it was gearing up. For awhile the fit pic was the best part of every run, and I’ve slowly grown to enjoy the actual running over time,” he explains.
The Best Running Brands, According to GQ
And while your flashy running kit might not actually help you break any records, feeling better about what you’re wearing can also give you the mental boost you need to hit new milestones. “I don’t think [stylish clothing] increases your pace or performance scientifically but I’m sure there’s some placebo effect,” says Christian Weigand, the founder of the social media account Runners Highest which documents fashionable running brands. “Let’s be honest: doesn’t everyone have that one piece or even outfit that makes you feel invincible? I think the same goes for sports. You shouldn’t need new stuff in order to motivate yourself, but it definitely can be a booster.”
Arguably the best part of this renaissance in attractive running gear is that investing in the right stuff will likely have a halo effect on the rest of your fits, too. “With more and more brands doing cool things, my closet is pretty full with apparel I could run in but that still looks amazing when I’m not,” Weigand says.
Whether you’re looking for new trail running shoes, a breathable non-chafing mesh t-shirt, or even some sick wind-blocking shades, there’s a whole bevy of newish clothing brands out there to outfit your next sprint and help you stand out among a sea of duds. Here, we rounded up some of the best running brands that are worth knowing right now.
For more workout-ready gear and apparel, check out the GQ Gym Shop.
Satisfy
Parisian-based brand Satisfy’s innovative silhouettes and forward-thinking materials have made it a go-to for runners with a streetwear bent. One of its most famous designs is its “Mothtech” top, which features a series of holes that are strategically placed for better ventilation. “I think Satisfy is on everyone’s radar for good reason,” Chen says, pointing out the brand’s collaborations with Crocs and Oakley as examples of its reach. “The founders come from a fashion background, and it’s apparent in the way they design and market the brand.” And for those into trail running, Satisfy has an extensive collection of high-performance gear that won’t be torn apart by the slightest brush against a twig.
District Vision
District Vision’s futuristic, made-in-Japan shades are the pieces that first put it on the map, though the brand—helmed by two fashion industry vets—has been steadily churning out a range of good-looking, high-performing running gear since 2015. If you’re not so into the concept of wearing something on your sweaty face while circling the block, check out its shorts with built-in compression liners or its variety of outerwear that doubles as everyday layers in colder months.
Janji
Janji’s socially conscious line of running gear makes you feel good in more ways than one—its clothes aim to keep you comfortable while you hit your stride and everything is made to put the least amount of strain on the environment. Some of its most popular running clothing is made of merino wool, which helps to regulate your body temperature and keep you performing at your best (all while being naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking). The stuff looks great whether you want to go high-vis on an evening run or fly under the radar with nondescript gear, so stuck up for both occasions.
Soar Running
A name like Tim Soar easily lends itself to a performance-boosting running brand, and the Hackney, London-based designer drew from his own running needs to produce the cutting-edge fabrics and smart technical details in his line. Soar’s strong collection of colorful tights, shorts, tanks, and outerwear might even help you source the inspiration to log those morning miles.
On Running
We love On Running (and apparently so does Pierce Brosnan) for its distinctly crenelated running shoes, but don’t sleep on the apparel. The Swiss brand is constantly innovating with its sneakers and that same ethos goes for its tops and bottoms, too. Everything the brand makes seems geared toward lightweight, agile gear, and the fact that it all looks pretty good is just an added perk.
Tracksmith
Tracksmith came onto the scene in 2013 with a vision for a retro-leaning, Ivy League-inspired running brand. Much of its inspiration comes from the kind of early ‘70s and ‘80s New England-stye running gear that you might have spotted on Steve Prefontaine in his heyday: namely splashy colors, super-short shorts, and lots of singlets. “Style was a huge component [in the founding of Tracksmith], because at the time—the 2010s—running apparel, especially men’s, wasn’t stylish at all. In fact, it was quite ugly,” Matt Taylor, founder and CEO of Tracksmith, tells us. And while Tracksmith doesn’t exactly look like a super techy fitness apparel brand, its bestsellers—like its lightweight Van Cortlandt line—would beg to differ. Both the brand’s shorts and long-sleeve tops have nabbed Fitness Awards in the past for their soft and breathable feel, plus brilliantly color-blocked designs. Oh, and we can’t forget to talk about the brand’s Eliot racers, which came out not too long ago and easily became one of the best running shoes around.
Ciele
If you’ve ever been around a group of runners, you are almost guaranteed to spot a Ciele hat in their midst. Not only does its hyper-popular headwear keep your hair (and the sun) out of your face, but they’re also enhanced with reflective coatings so you never get caught off guard at night. Beyond running caps, the Canadian brand has branched out into equally high-performing apparel that’s begging for a cameo on your morning jog.
Kuta Distance Lab
Stockholm-based Kute Distance Lab is a fashion guy’s fitness brand. Its stylish silhouettes and prints offer an alternative to the boring big box brands that have dominated the running apparel scene for so long, all while paying close attention to performance fabrics so you can actually work out in the clothes and not just look cool.
Represent
What started as streetwear brand has since entered its fitness era. Represent’s 247 line comprises a hefty collection of performance-ready tops, bottoms, and more that all help you get after it without looking like a schlub. We’re partial to its colorful takes on typically boring shirts and shorts, all while looking great even when you’re not working up a sweat.
Salomon
City streets may not be the terrain that Salomon had in mind when it started designing its gorpy wares, but that hasn’t stopped hordes of streetwear guys from finishing off their fits with the brand’s trail runners. The French alpine brand’s rugged appeal works whether you’re parking it in Dimes Square or actually ascending into the mountains; they’re primed for peak performance and grip thanks to details like treaded outsoles and Goretex finishes.
Bandit Running
Cop any of Bandit’s running tops or shorts, and join a community of sprinters united in style. Founded by members of a New York City-based running group, Bandit is one of those IYKYK names making the kind of airy, silky performance gear that would earn you a head nod from your fellow joggers at the park (that’s running culture, baby!). “I think there is always some sort of built-in camaraderie when you see other runners in a smaller or more niche brand,” Ardith Singh, Bandit’s co-founder and chief design officer, tells us. “Especially when it’s a brand built around community in the first place, like Bandit.”
Miler Running
With its endless practicality and high-quality fabrics, Miler Running was an easy favorite to win a Fitness Award last year. To perfect the humble running short, Miler went the, ahem, extra mile by decking it out in pockets galore. You’d be hard-pressed to spot the extra storage opportunities, though, since its line of tops and bottoms are aggressively minimalist, streamlined neutrals (with the occasional freaky tortoise print in the mix).
Saysky
The Danes do fashion really well, and Saysky is no exception. It’s not a fashion brand, but Saysky’s churning out some of the most stylish running gear from Scandinavia. Its clothes feature throwbacks to retro styles, all while utilizing modern-day materials so you’re more focused on setting a new PB than trying to un-cling your shirt from your chest.
Path Projects
Every running brand these days will pitch you on their idea that they’re using the most innovative fabrics, the best quality materials, and next-level silhouettes. A lot of those brands are phooey. However, we actually like Path Projects because the brand backs up its claims with running gear that actually works in styles that don’t make you look like you’re walking down a runway rather than running through the park. We’re especially big fans of its Wadi line tops because they magically stay dry and cooling even when we’re completely drenched in sweat.
From The Known Names
New Balance
If you’re talking about a known name in the running industry, then New Balance has to be included in the conversation. The Boston-based company sponsors numerous marathons, including the TCS New York City Marathon. While its apparel might not elicit the same sort of excitement as those newer up-and-coming indie running brands, that’s not to say you can’t find some gems from New Balance.
Nike
You can’t think about running brands without thinking about the Swoosh. Phil Knight, former CEO of Nike, was notoriously big into running and the brand that he built has only gotten speedier as the decades have gone by. The brand’s greatest appeal these days might be how easy it is for any runner to find something they want from the seemingly endless inventory. From skimpy mesh tanks to modest shorts for those shy about showing some thigh, Nike has the goods and all you have to provide is the mileage.
Adidas
Stripes over checks? Adidas has its foothold in a number of sporting divisions, but don’t snooze on its running gear. The brand’s running shoes are some of the best in the game right now, helping set records around the world, and the clothing isn’t half bad either.
Puma
We’re in the midst of a Puma resurgence, but the brand hasn’t been taking it easy in the running department. Its innovative fabrics are better than they’ve ever been, all while being pretty stylish—a must when you’re crossing the finish line with dozens of cameras aimed at you (oh wait, this isn’t Paris?).
Lululemon
We owe a lot of the athleisure’s dominance to Lululemon, but instead of just looking like you’re going to work out, maybe take its gear out for an actual run. Then, you’ll see that the brand’s a pretty damn good running clothing brand, just with a lot of spandex and slim fits.
Brooks
Brooks is a sleeper hit when it comes to running shoes, with lots of folks focusing more on footwear from the likes of Nike, Asics, or Hoka. But ask any serious runner and they’ll be sure to let you know that Brooks is one of the brands to grace their feet. The running gear shouldn’t play second fiddle to the footwear though because the brand’s making some of the more fun, out-there styles that we’re seeing more so from the more niche brands.
Hoka
You can make out Hoka’s super-cushioning shoes from a mile away—and you wouldn’t be opposed to being seen in the brand’s array of running clothes that are offered in just the same number of playful colors and designs as its footwear.
