Now that the weather is starting to improve it is time to start thinking of getting off the treadmill or couch and hit the pavement or better yet a trail. We looked for products that will not only look good on you but are both technical and comfortable. Whether you love running through the trees on trails or if asphalt and cement are your best friend, there is something in this guide for you.
Inov8 Road-X-Treme 188
The Road-X treme is a lightweight, high-grip road running shoe. If you are an experienced minimalist runner, you will be at home in this shoe. The upper is breathable, which is achieved with a mixed mesh lining. The EVA and rubber outsole offers maximum traction whilst remaining lightweight. The best part is this shoe has a female specific fit.
Features:
• Weight: 188g / 6.6oz
• Injected EVA
• 6mm Drop
• Road-X-Treme sole
• Women’s Specific
• MSRP: $100.00
• http://www.inov-8.com/new/global/Product-View-Road-X-Treme-188.html?L=26
La Sportiva Helios
The new La Sportiva Helios is a very lightweight shoe that provides a smooth ride thanks to the morphodynamic sole technology. This is a neutral trail shoe for all levels of trail running and light road use. Also in 2013 La Sportiva will be donating $10 from the sale of every pair of Women’s Helios ordered from La Sportiva (www.sportiva.com) to support the HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation. The shoe only weighs 230 grams per shoe and has 4mm drop.
Features:
• Integral Gusseted Tongue
• Construction for an excellent fit and easy use
• Highly flexible morphodynamic™ midsole adapts to trail features and delivers the perfect amount of cushioning
• Hydrain Nylon® mesh allows quick drainage while keeping out silt and sand
• MSRP: $120.00
• http://www.sportiva.com/products/footwear/mountain-running/helios-womens
Brooks Ravenna 4
Do you need more support than a neutral shoe but less than some supportive types? This might just be the perfect shoe for you. The Ravenna 4 was design for feet that are in between. Built with Brooks DNA, which responds to your every step, dispersing impact and providing ideal comfort and protection as the pace and surface change. Also Brooks honed in on midfoot capture and engineered a saddle that envelopes the foot with an adjustable band.
Features:
• DRB® Accel – Enhances tunable torsion of the midfoot.
• Omega Flex Grooves
• Caterpillar Crash Pad
• Full-length S-257 Cushole
• Universal ½ Sprung Platform
• HPR Plus – A higher durability, abrasion-resistant rubber outsole compound that wears longer.
• Engineered Cush Pod Configuration
• Soft Blown Rubber Forefoot
• Moisture-Managing Element Mesh/Liner
• Profile Sockliner
• Conformable Saddle Construction
• MSRP: $110.00
• http://www.brooksrunning.com/Ravenna-4/120125,default,pd.html
ISIS Forza Top
For workouts that come in all shapes and sizes, ISIS offers the Forza Top. A polyester/spandex blend moves with you while providing superior moisture management. Flatlock stitching eliminates chafing for superior comfort. Cap sleeves keep you cooler while allowing unrestricted range of motion.
Features:
• Superior moisture management
• Flatlock stitching to eliminate chafe for ideal comfort on the move
• Reflective logo detailing for added visibility
• Body length: 26 inches
• MSRP: $45.00
• http://www.isisforwomen.com/p-817-forza-top.aspx
Brooks Equilibrium SS II
Our amazing, silky smooth Equilibrium features super-soft mesh in high-visibility colors and reflectivity. Breathable mesh with odor-resistance delivers cool ventilation and a touch of mesh on the V-neck adds a soft, feminine feel.
Features:
• Fit: Fitted
• Soft, light, and durable stretch fabric
• Antimicrobial agent to fight odors
• Main body fabric is rated UPF 40+
• Underarm and back mesh adds extra breathability
• Flatlock seams prevent chafing
• Close-to-body fit
• Front/back retroreflectivity
• MSRP: $45.00
• http://www.brooksrunning.com/Equilibrium-SS-II/220563,default,pd.html
Patagonia All Weather Dress
Made with a soft and durable 88% polyester/12% spandex blend that breathes, drapes comfortably and dries in a hurry, this is a technical running dress that takes you places. The streamlined tank-style cut accommodates a sports bra, while the scooped neck and dropped waist offer fully unrestricted movement. A back panel of ultra-light Air Flow mesh vents extra heat, and nonbinding, moisture-wicking self-fabric at neckline and armholes prevents chafing. Pockets up top and in back stow salt tabs and keys, while reflective logos keep you visible. The slightly swingy hem falls a few inches above the knee.
Features:
• Made of a durable and soft polyester/spandex blend with a breathable Air Flow mesh panel in the back to ventilate excess heat
• Wide straps accommodate a sports bra
• Non binding self-fabric neckline and arms wick moisture
• Single-layer dress is suitable for different undergarments, provides good coverage and full range of motion
• Integrated upper left chest pocket; rear envelope pocket
• Colored reflective logo at hem and center back
• 5.6-oz 88% polyester/12% spandex. Panel: 3.2-oz 100% polyester Air Flow mesh
• 158 g (5.6 oz)
• MSRP: $59.00
• http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-all-weather-dress?p=24672-0-155
Skirt Sports Redemption Capri
A little extra support can go a long way and that’s exactly what you’ll find in the Redemption Fitness Capri. Designed to help you tackle any workout in comfort and style this capri features lightly compressive fabric that hugs your muscles to keep them fresh from warm-up to cool-down. Its wide yoke style waistband lies flat on the waist and the beautifully curving lines are sure to flatter her figure.
Features:
• Inseam length (Medium): 21″ (hits at mid-calf)
• Hidden continuous drawcord for adjustability
• 5″ zipper pocket on middle back to accommodate keys, ID, media player
• Non-chafing flat-lock stitching
• Reflective elements for low light visibility
• MSRP: $65.00
• http://www.skirtsports.com/shop/product.cfm/id/4310-Redemption-Capri#.UTZKbldhO3E
Pearl Izumi W Ultra Short
The perfect short for those looking for more coverage and a longer inseam. This 2 in 1 endurance short features Pearl Izumi’s proprietary 1:1 Gel Flask Pocketing System which secures nutrition in an anatomic position on body and is ingeniously integrated into the liner so that you can carry more in your pockets. The short also utilizes Transfer Dry fabric powered by Minerale technology provides optimal moisture transfer, faster dry time, as well as odor absorption.
Features:
• Transfer Dry fabric provides optimal moisture transfer and stretch with superior hand feel
• Fully-integrated boxer brief uses Transfer Dry fabric powered by Minerale™ for optimal moisture transfer, faster dry time and odor absorption
• 1:1 Gel Flask Pocketing System secures nutrition in an anatomic position to conform perfectly to the body in motion (patent pending)
• One zippered back pocket
• Short shell does not continue under leg for optimal chafe-free comfort
• Streamlined welded hem for comfort
• Elasticized waistband with flat stretch draw cord for unrestricted belly breathing
• 7” inseam under short (size medium)
• 6” inseam short shell (size medium)
• MSRP: $80.00
• http://shop.pearlizumi.com/product.php?&mode=view&pc_id=94&product_id=1964275&outlet=&color_code=3MV
SmartWool PhD Seamless Racerback Bra
There are a few places where you just don’t want seams. Places where you need an exclusive4-Degree Elite Fit System, and materials that provide both support and thermal regulation..
Features:
• 4-Degree Elite Fit System: provides unparalleled support and fit while placing Merino next-to-skin
• Merino Wool terry loop elastic band at ribcage for support
• Sew-free shoulder straps lined in spacer meshj for ultimate comfort, improved air circulation and stability
• Interior engineered cups for support comfort and thermoregulation
• Strategically placed materials in high support zones
• Reflective logo at wearer’s left
• Outer shell: 47% Merino Wool, 46% Polyester, 7% Elastane
• Lining: 75% Merino Wool, 25% Polyester
• MSRP: $70.00
• http://www.smartwool.com/women-s-phd-racerback-bra-1.html
Skirt Sports Kelly C/D Bra
This beautifully styled sports bra features seam-free, molded cups that encapsulate and support each breast separately while the hidden support panels provide compression to battle bounce. And because women’s bodies change on a daily basis, Skirt Sports is pleased to introduce the four-row, custom cushioned hook-and-eye closure for extra comfort and adjustability. The Kelly C/D Bra is revolutionizing high impact sports bras with completely removable, mix-and-match adjustable hook and loop straps that allow for crisscross or open back wear. Fastinistas can mix it up with different bra and Bra Bling fashion strap color combos for a variety of fashionable looks. Available in sizes 32-40 in cups C and D. (Skirt Sports also has high impact bras for A/B and DD sizing).
Features:
• Customizable and adjustable high impact C/D support bra
• Custom cushioned hook and eye closure systems with 3 hooks and 4 columns for extra comfort and ultimate adjustability for daily body changes
• Removable straps in back allow for choice of crisscross or open back wear
• Straps are completely removable allowing for mix and match replacement Bra Bling fashion straps
• Mesh paneling between and under cups for quick-dry ventilation
• Mesh stabilizer between cups to aid in support and ventilation
• Strategically placed seaming and fabrications for ultimate encapsulation, comfort and support
• Incredibly soft, wide bottom band sets a comfortable foundation for ultimate support
• MSRP: $60.00
• http://www.skirtsports.com/shop/product.cfm/id/1501-Kelly-CD-Bra#.UTZKFldhO3E
Saucony Women’s Transcendence Jacket
This jacket is designed to protect you from the elements, breathe and be lightweight. I love jackets with full length zippers as you can customize ventilation. Thumbholes add a little more warmth for your hands as well as keep sleeves in place. A zipper garage is a nice feature that Saucony did not overlook. This functional transitional jacket will keep you going this spring no matter the conditions.
Features:
• On-seam hand pockets
• Thumbholes on sleeves
• Zipper garage to protect your chin
• MSRP: $60.00
Feetures! Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab
Feetures! Elite is their newest and their most technically advanced sock. Thanks to the Sock-Lock™ support system, your foot and sock become one. This sock features soft cushioning for extra protection and increased comfort. The sock fits so well, it’s almost as if it’s not there. The No Show Tab sits below the ankle, but features front and back tabs to protect against chafing and keep the sock from sliding into the shoe.
Features:
• The Power Arch (Patent Pending) is anatomically constructed to provide targeted support where it’s needed most.
• Anatomical right and left foot design enhances fit, delivering maximum protection by helping to eliminate blisters.
• iWick® fibers wick moisture to keep feet dry and odor-free.
• The PerfectToe™ (No irritating toe seam.)
• High-density cushioning provides extra protection in high impact areas.
• 79% iWick® Nylon, 13% Polyester, 8% Lycra® Spandex
• MSRP: $14.99
• http://www.feeturesbrand.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=273&Itemid=68
SmartWool PhD Compression Calf Sleeve
With 20 to 30 mmHg of graduated compression, and mesh zones for moisture management, these compression calf sleeves are highly-engineered to help improve overall recovery.
Features:
• 20-30 mmHg graduated compression rating
• 1×1 ribbed leg
• Mesh ventilation zone for temperature and moisture management
• Sizes: s-xl
• MSRP: $35.00
• http://www.smartwool.com/phd-compression-calf-sleeve-1.html
Moji 360 Foot Massager
Aiding in relieving foot pain almost instantly, the Moji 360 Foot Massager stretches and massages the entire plantar fascia. Surface area of rollers allows for all over massage and specialized heel cup to dig into, while the larger spheres on the outside of the cup for perfect for arches. Effective for all foot sizes, this little piece of heaven works on both feet and best part – won’t roll away!
Features:
• Instantly relieves Plantar Fasciitis Pain
• Revitalizes sore, tired & aching feet
• Perfect for toe, heel & arch pain
• Feels just like a trip to the masseuse
• Stays put on all floor types
• One size fits all, for both feet
• Proudly made in the USA
• MSRP: $39.00
• http://www.gomoji.com/pages/introducing_moji_360__foot_massager/347.php