All running gear
The Running world brings together road and competition shoes, from adidas Adizero to the wider fit models from Topo Athletic, technical clothing, GPS watches Garmin, socks, insoles and hydration belts, for men, women and juniors. From the first jog to the marathon, each product family is designed for a specific distance, pace and terrain.
In running, the shoe does almost everything, and the rest of the gear is more important than you might think. Here's how to make the right choices.
Cushioning, drop and carbon plate: understanding a running shoe
Three factors describe a running shoe. The cushioning depends on the thickness and the foam: the Skechers Max Cushioning rely on a very high sole for long runs on tarmac, while the adidas Runfalcon and Duramo remain simpler for beginners. The drop, the height difference between the heel and the forefoot, ranges from zero on the Topo Athletic ST, which is flat and wide at the front, to ten millimetres or more on classic models. Lastly, there's the plate: the adidas Adizero Adios Pro combines Lightstrike Pro foam with carbon rods, the EnergyRods, for competition, while the Adizero Evo SL uses a comparable foam without a plate, for training fast.
Men's and women's shoes
Shoes are classified into two categories, men's shoes and women's shoes, and this distinction is not just about colour. Women's models are generally built on a shape that's narrower at the heel and wider at the front, to fit a different physique. They are also often a bit softer, to accommodate a generally lighter build.
Whatever the category, running size often runs half a size larger than regular shoe size. The foot swells during exertion, and you need to leave a bit of space in front of the toes to avoid blackened nails on descents. Brands like adidas, Topo Athletic, Skechers or 361° are included in the stock selection.
Technical fabric
Running in an old cotton t-shirt is the best way to end up soaked and irritated. Cotton absorbs sweat and keeps it against the skin, where it cools down as you slow down, causing chafing over long distances. Technical clothing, showcased in the men's textile and women's textile, on the other hand, uses synthetic fibres that wick moisture away and dry in a few minutes.
The principle of layering applies as soon as temperatures drop: a base layer close to the body that wicks away sweat, then a windproof layer if necessary. It's better to start slightly cold, as the body warms up very quickly once you start exerting yourself. For female runners, a sports bra suitable for the impact level of running is essential, as running is one of the most demanding sports in terms of support.
Junior running: shoes and distances by age
A child doesn't run in a scaled-down version of an adult shoe: they need a softer and lighter sole, suitable for their weight. The adidas Duramo for children, with elastic laces for the youngest, and the Adizero Adios Pro in junior size for teens competing, are found in the junior running. The French Athletics Federation also limits road distances according to category: three kilometres for young children, five for minors, fifteen for cadets, and twenty-five for juniors. With the foot growing quickly, shoe size should be checked several times a year.
GPS watch, socks and insoles: runner's equipment
A GPS watch measures pace, distance, and heart rate. Garmin, founded in 1989 in the Kansas, has made it a specialty with the Forerunner range, designed for the road, and the Instinct, with a reinforced case for trail running. Wrist measurement is sufficient for endurance, but a heart rate belt is more reliable during interval training. For feet, the Sums socks combine merino wool and synthetic fibres to combat odours and chafing, and the Noene Ergopro insoles include elastomer inserts that absorb vibrations under the pressure points. All can be found in the equipment.
Brands, new arrivals and offers
If you already know which brand suits you, the brands category allows you to access it directly. The new arrivals showcase the latest models, often awaited by loyal runners to a specific range. The discounts gather reduced-price items, and the selection of items shipped within 24 hours groups what is immediately available, convenient just a few days before a race.
Throughout the year, Black Friday, holidays, winter sales, and French Days follow one another, and great deals are always available. A model from the previous year often remains excellent and much cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
How to dress for running in winter?
Layer a technical long-sleeve top and a light windbreaker, with leggings, gloves, and a hat or headband. Dress as if it were ten degrees warmer: the body heats up quickly in the first few minutes.
How to improve in running?
Run regularly, three short outings a week are better than one long one, and keep most at a pace where you can talk. Then add an interval session and gradually increase the volume.
What running watch to choose when starting?
An entry-level GPS watch that displays pace, distance, and heart rate is more than sufficient to start. Mapping, training plans, or contactless payment are justified when running becomes regular.
When to change running shoes?
A shoe loses its cushioning over the miles, generally between six hundred and a thousand depending on the foam and the runner's build. An unevenly worn sole or unusual knee pains also signal that it's time to replace it.
How to avoid blisters while running?
Wear technical socks in the right size, with no protruding seams and never cotton, and lace tightly enough so that your heel doesn't slip. Over long distances, an anti-chafing cream on sensitive areas helps provide extra protection.
