inside a super-rich runner’s bag

Running, in its purest form, is a low-cost activity. In theory, all you need to hit the park or pavement is a pair of trainers. However, status-symbol gear slathered with designer logos has long dominated the sporting field. In 2026, though, that status can now also be achieved on tracking apps such as Strava, where the real measure of success is achieving a sub-30-minute 5k, or managing the dual feat of being a millionaire and training for a marathon.

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The rise in popularity of running has seen the price of everything that goes with it skyrocket. Top-of-the-range running shoes — incorporating years of research and development, carbon plates, fancy foams and premium materials — now cost upwards of £200. Nor does it stop at footwear. GPS watches and wellness wearables are nearly as popular as haute horology and do far more than tell the time. Injury prevention is another costly consideration, with tools such as Therabody’s highly rated Theragun or specialised massaging rollers judged essential for a runner’s recuperation and recovery. Finally, for seriously competitive runners with an in-it-to-win-it mentality, elite-level, personalised coaching is reported to cost more than £350 per month.

Keep scrolling for the best running gear to buy now.

Running tech

Huawei FreeClip 2 earbuds

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Huawei’s FreeClip 2 earbuds have an attractive open-ear design and enable runners to enjoy immersive sound while staying aware of their surroundings. That’s all down to a clever adaptive audio setting that automatically adjusts the volume to suit your environment. Each earbud weighs just 5.1g (so light and comfortable, in fact, you can wear them all day, keeping them in from the commute to calls in the office and more) and contains a dual-diaphragm driver to deliver punchy bass to power your runs. A single charge provides an impressive nine hours of playback — enough to see you through one (or even two) marathons. £179.99, Huawei

Garmin Marq Commander smartwatch

The Garmin Marq Commander (Gen 2) carbon edition 46mm is far more than just a running watch; it’s designed for the true adventurer. Made from robust fused carbon fibre and water resistant up to an impressive 100m, it offers up to 16 days of battery life and plenty of swanky features to monitor your fitness and wellness through its touchscreen display. There’s music storage, the option to use Garmin Pay for contactless payments (so no need to lug a purse with you), wrist-based heart-rate and activity tracking and sleep monitoring (for recovery), even a jet-lag adviser. £2,799.99, Garmin at Goldsmiths

Running shoes

Asics Metaspeed Ray

Anyone who has run anything more than a mile in ill-fitting trainers will know the importance of finding the perfect pair. These runner-recommended shoes from Asics are engineered for marathons and going the distance. Weighing a mere 129g per shoe, they are among the lightest styles available, yet they remain ultra-plush and cushioned. A three-quarter plate offers a balance of propulsion and flexibility that is preferable to the rigidity of the full-length plate typically used for short-course racing. £265, Asics

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite trail-running shoes

While training may take place on pristine paths and tracks, unpredictable conditions can arise on race days. That’s why Puma has created its Deviate Nitro Elite trail-running shoes, which are designed to provide unwavering stability regardless of the terrain. They have nitrogen-infused foam-technology cushioning for exceptional energy return and use a rubber compound for unbeatable traction that allows runners to confidently navigate unstable trail surfaces such as ice and mud. £200, Puma

Loewe + On Cloud sneakers

High-tech running meets high fashion in these lightweight rubber-trimmed, recycled-mesh sneakers co-designed by the Swiss activewear brand On Running and the Spanish luxury house Loewe. Available in a host of vibrant colours, from electric blue to neon yellow, they have cushioned rubber soles and elasticated, no-tie speed laces designed for slip-on convenience and a secure, flexible fit. £495, Loewe x On at Net-a-Porter

Running outfits

Loewe x On Ultra logo jacket

All-black running kit may look chic, but if you’re fitting your training around an already busy schedule it’s likely you’ll be heading out in the early morning or late at night. For extra safety, we recommend a high-vis jacket. Loewe x On’s technical shell is suitably cool and durable, with a zipped front and reflective logo detailing. £625, Loewe x On at Mytheresa

Adidas by Stella McCartney logo shorts

For high-performance running apparel with a stylish edge, Adidas by Stella McCartney is a safe bet. These shorts have a longer Lycra layer underneath a more breathable outer short, ensuring you stay fully covered and supported however fast you run. £110, Adidas by Stella McCartney at Mytheresa

Adidas by Stella McCartney sports bra

While not perhaps the most exciting purchase, a good sports bra is crucial for running. We’ve found Stella McCartney’s crop-top hybrid, with its medium support and impressive stretch, to be universally supportive and flattering. £100, Adidas by Stella McCartney at Net-a-Porter

Running accessories

Salomon Active women’s running vest

Runs longer than a few miles require essentials such as water, energy gels and blister plasters, yet the thought of wearing an extra layer — which might cause discomfort or chafing — in which to carry them is off-putting. Luckily, Salomon’s Active Skin 4 vest has been designed to feel like a second skin, with comfy fabrics that are soft and breathable. £95, Salomon

Gucci sunglasses

Not only are sunglasses a good way to protect your eyes from UV rays, wind and pesky insects when you run, they are also the perfect opportunity to accessorise basic running looks. Nobody does it quite like Gucci, whose mask-shaped shades have a mirrored lens, a subtle logo and metal end tips. £440, Gucci

Hoka socks

As the feet absorb the most impact when running, it is crucial to invest in proper protection and support. Hoka, the performance footwear brand founded in 2009 by the French trail-runners Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, is well regarded within the industry — and its form-fitting Crew Run socks have reflective logos for safety, engineered arch support and a seamless toe construction for comfort. £35 for three pairs, Hoka

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