Welcome to the Men’s Running Awards 2017 – Apparel Product of the Year.
Over the past few months, a team of independent testers have been putting a number of nominated products through their paces. To find out what ranked as the best in each category, see the results below!
HIGH VISIBILITY PRODUCTS
Once you’re a seasoned runner, some waterproof and high-vis gear is a vital addition to your kit bag, to keep you both comfortable and safe in the autumn and winter months. Look for items that offer breathability as well as waterproofing, and the best high-viz options should offer 360-degree reflectivity.
Best in Category & Best Value – Karrimor Xlite Convertible Jacket
“LOVE IT. FOR THE PRICE, I CAN’T BELIEVE THE QUALITY AND HOW NICE IT IS TO RUN IN” – NICK COMMONS
£14.99 || www.karrimor.com
Editor’s Choice – Ronhill Sirius Jacket
“A GENUINELY WIND RESISTANT JACKET THAT’S WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD WHEN RUNNING ON EXPOSED PEAKS” – ISAAC
£70 || www.ronhill.com
WATERPROOF JACKETS
Best in Category – Montane Spine Pull-On
“WOW. WOW AND WOW! THE BEST MOUNTAIN JACKET I HAVE EVER USED. PERFECT FOR HARSH CONDITIONS” – MARTIN DAVIS
£250 || www.montane.co.uk
Best Value – Karrimor Xlite Lightweight Running Jacket
“A GREAT LOOKING BIT OF KIT THAT FITS A DREAM” – STEVE AUGER
£19 || www.karrimor.com
Editor’s Choice – ASICS Accelerate Jacket
“A WATERPROOF JACKET WITH A FEATHER LIGHT WEIGHT THAT DEFIES ITS DURABILITY IN HARSH CONDITIONS” – ISAAC
£100 || www.asics.com/gb
TECHNICAL TOPS
Performance sportswear is made from breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics, designed to move moisture away from your skin as you run, keeping you cool and dry, and reducing any risk of chafing.
Best in Category – New Balance M4M Seamless Run SS Top
“A NICE, TECHNICAL RUNNING TOP THAT KEPT ME COOL ON LONG RUNS” – IAN WRIGHT
£40 || www.newbalance.co.uk
Best Value – dhb Short Sleeve Stripe Run Top
“I LOVE THIS TOP – IT FITS REALLY WELL AND I’D DEFINITELY BUY IT” – STUART COOK
£19.99 || www.wiggle.co.uk
Editor’s Choice – INOV-8 All Terrain Pro Vest
“SIZED AND FITTED LIKE A TOP, THIS BIT OF KIT HAS EVERYTHING YOU’D WANT FROM A BACKPACK – WITH THE SECOND-SKIN FEEL OF A TECHNICAL TEE” – ISAAC
£130 || www.inov-8.com
TIGHTS/LEGGINGS
Best in Category & Best Value – Megmeister Drynamo Ultra Light Tight
“THE QUALITY OFTHE MATERIAL ISTHE FIRST THINGTHAT COMESTO ATTENTION:IT FEELS LIKESOMETHING YOUJUST WANT TO WEAR”- IAN BEDWELL
£45.99 || www.megmeister.com
Editor’s Choice – Tribe Sports Running Tight
“PREMIUM QUALITY RUNNING TIGHTS THAT KEEP YOU WARM WITHOUT BEING AT ALL STUFFY OR RESTRICTIVE”- ISAAC
£69.00 || www.tribesports.com
SHORTS
Best in Category & Best Value – Karrimor X 2 in 1 Running Shorts
“VERY COMFY AND WELL PRICED”- CHRIS BURTON
£16.99 || www.karrimor.com
Editor’s Choice – ON Running Shorts
“A HIGH-QUALITY , FEATHER-LIGHT PAIR OF SHORTS THAT COME WITH DETACHABLE UNDER-SHORTS FOR ADDED WARMTH”- ISAAC
£70 || www.on-running.com
SOCKS
As runners, we’re often talking about the importance of our shoes and baselayers, but less glamorous items like socks and additional accessories can get overlooked. These added extras, however, are equally important to your running comfort. These categories pay homage to those little pieces of kit that don’t always get the attention they deserve.
Best in Category & Best Value – Balega Silver
“GREAT SOCKS: REALLY COMFORTABLE AND CUSHIONED” – ROGER ALSOP
£15 || www.balega.com
Editor’s Choice – X-Bionic Marathon Socks
“EXCELLENT FOR LONG RUNS – THE SOCKS PROVIDE A NICE AMOUNT OF STABILITY AND NOT A BLISTER IN SIGHT” – ISAAC
£15.99 || www.wiggle.co.uk
Base Layers
Baselayers are made from a breathable and sweat-wicking material, they help to keep you dry and regulate your body temperature, keeping you running strong in all conditions.
Best in Category – Megmeister Long Sleeve Base Layer
“IT WICKED AWAY SWEAT VERY WELL INDEED AND FELT LIKE A SECOND SKIN” – IAN BEDWELL
£55 || www.megmeister.com
Best Value – Helly Hansen Dry Stripe Crew
“AN EXCELLENT COLDWEATHER OPTION WITH A FIT THAT’S NOT TOO RESTRICTIVE” – GEORGE NOBLE
£30 || www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb
Editor’s Choice – Ronhill Infinity Merino L/S Zip Tee
“EVERYTHING YOU COULD WANT FROM A BASELAYER, WITHA HIGH COLLAR TO KEEP THE CHILL OUT AND EXTRA-SOFT MERINO WOOL CONSTRUCTION” – ISAAC
£58 || www.ronhill.com
Running Underwear
Best in Category & Best Value – SUB SPORTS Air Mens Seamless Boxer Shorts
“A BRILLIANT LOOK AND FEEL” – ROB WILSON
£20 || www.subsports.co.uk
Editor’s Choice – Tribe Sports Running Boxer
“CUSHIONS EVERYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE CUSHIONED AND BECOME INSTANTLY FORGETTABLE – IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY – AS SOON AS THEY’RE ON” – ISAAC
£12 || www.tribesports.com