Best running accessories for under $50 - Canadian Running Magazine (2024)

Best for running in rainy weather, or for sun protection

The Ciele Athletics GOCap is one of the most popular designs in the world–and with good reason. The hats are available in a wide range of attractive colourways; the lightweight, quick-drying fabric and versatile, five-panel design is adjustable at the rear and fits almost anyone, and the wide brim provides excellent protection from sun or rain. The brim, front and back panels are UPF +40, and there are reflective accents to keep you visible to cars in low-light conditions. The hats are fully machine-washable.

Best for short to medium runs in cool weather

This low-profile hydration belt from Nathan is designed not to bounce while you run, and has just enough capacity for the essentials. It comes with two redesigned 1o oz./300 ml flasks with Push-Pull Blast Valve™ caps for ease of use, in holsters that have also been redesigned so you can access your hydration with one hand. It also has a large, expandable, zippered pouch that’s big enough to accommodate most phones, and an additional mesh pocket for small essentials, like a key, credit card or gel. The belt is fully adjustable with elastic keepers to hold the straps out of your way. Construction is 60 per cent nylon, 40 per cent polyester. The reflective logo keeps you visible to cars in low-light conditions.

Best for runners who run before dawn or after dark

This reflective vest from Nathan reflects headlights brightly, and every part of it is reflective, giving you 360-degree visibility on the dark roads of late fall and early winter. It comes in two colours and is fully adjustable for either men or women. The slimline, 100 per cent polyester construction allows full range of motion, with no constriction of your armswing.

Best for late fall and winter running

This practical and stylish winter unisex rib-knit toque by The North Face will keep you toasty warm and looking great on the trails this winter. Made with soft acrylic yarn that will stretch to fit but retains its shape through multiple seasons, it’s available in four colours and two fit styles–a 7.25” shallow fit or an 8.5” deep fit. It has a woven patch on the front and is designed to be worn with the cuff turned up, though it can also be pulled down for better coverage in extreme conditions.

Best for all-season road, trail and track running

These durable, high-quality running socks from Darn Tough are well-fitting and high enough to protect against rubbing from shoes and debris on the trail. They have a streamlined cuff, added ultra-light cushioning in the heel and under the foot, and a seamless toe. Made from 50 per cent merino wool, 46 per cent nylon and 4 per cent lycra spandex, they are sweat-wicking, have just the right amount of stretch, and will keep your feet at a comfortable temperature throughout all of your outdoor adventures.

Best for runners looking for an inexpensive but high-quality sunglass

These good-looking unisex sunglasses from MEC are great for running or casual wear. Designed to fit medium-sized heads, they have scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses with 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection and a light, flexible thermoplastic frame, so you don’t need to worry about damaging them. Polarized lenses are available.

Best for neck and face protection during cold-weather runs

This extra-long 100 per cent merino wool neck gaiter from Smartwool is made from merino 250, its heaviest 100 per cent merino fabric, for seriously cold winter days on the road or trail–yet it’s thin and light and packs easily into your pocket when it’s no longer needed. It’s long enough to be pulled right up over your chin and nose when heading into the wind, and the double-layer interlock knit feels soft to the touch and will keep the chill out on even the coldest days.

Best for runners looking for a high-quality, mid-height compression sock for all-season running

These breathable, sweat-wicking mid-height compression socks from CEP provide superior ankle and arch support and cushioning to keep your feet and lower legs comfortable on all your runs. They’re also anatomically designed for your left and right feet, which adds to their comfort, and there are ventilation channels in the toe and calf for supreme breathability. Available in three men’s and women’s sizes and multiple colourways.

Best for runners looking for a lightweight but warm hat for late fall and winter running

This well-fitting hat from Craft will keep you warm and comfortable on cold winter runs. It’s made of soft jersey and fits snugly but comfortably. The perforated reflective panel at the front and reflective print at the back provides maximum visibility from all directions when you’re running in the dark. The hat is 87 per cent polyester and 13 per cent elastane and comes in three colourways and three sizes.

Products reviewed in this article: