The best running gear of 2020 | RUNNER'S WORLD

In this article:

The 2020 running year was anything but ordinary: canceled running events, the running boom in spring and spectacular records among the pros. But the year also had a lot to offer in terms of equipment. From the carbon plate trend in shoes to outstanding new watches and headphones to running clothing that balances functionality and sustainability.

We've tested the latest running gear throughout the year. These are our editors' 20 favorite products:

1. The best running shoes 2020

Nike Pegasus 37

Manufacturers

Order here: women's model (from €119.95) or men's model (from €119.95)

Martin Grüning: "When the Pegasus model was presented by Nike for the first time in 1983, my first impression was: "Whoa, it's soft!" The reason was a cushioning system called "Nike Air", which was almost unknown at the time. At that time, cushioning systems were in Little known about sports shoes, so you had to get used to this revolution.

Anyone who has remained loyal to the Pegasus over the decades knows that its balanced cushioning has always remained its outstanding feature, without the model ever having seemed heavy or sluggish in its rolling dynamics. This has made the Pegasus one of the best all-round running shoes of all time.

And the latest model continues this tradition. While it's noticeably softer than its predecessor, the midsole is also noticeably more reactive than that of the 36th version. The shaft seems to be a little lighter in the new model, I find the look extremely classy. Overall, the fit of the midfoot and forefoot has become slightly narrower. My conclusion: If I could only run one shoe a day, then this would probably be the least risky choice." The Pegasus 37 in a detailed test.

Adidas Ultraboost 20

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (from €175.42) or men's model (€197.95)

Urs Weber: "The Ultraboost from Adidas is still available in the original version, i.e. exactly as it was launched in August 2015. But of course there is also a model that is regularly updated and technically up to date and that is the UB20, as Adidas calls it.

"Compared to the predecessor UB19, there are only slight changes", says Stefan Dreher, Category Director Running at Adidas, "but they are noticeable." We can confirm that: The step-in comfort has become even better. This is how shoe specialists describe the feeling when you try them on for the first time.

Responsible for this is the newly modeled upper material, which has been even better adapted to the stress zones in terms of strength and flexibility. For this purpose, high-speed cameras were used to analyze the expansion and stress on the upper material when running and the production process was optimized accordingly. The procedure is called “Taylored Fiber Placement”. The result is ultra-comfortable, super-soft wearing comfort, which is particularly appreciated by beginner runners as well as fitness and leisure runners." The UB20 in a detailed test.

Saucony Endorphin Speed

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (180.00 €) or men's model

Henning Lenertz: "May I introduce: my favorite running shoe of the year. I particularly like the midsole made of "PWRRUN PB". Behind the incomprehensible marketing slogan is a thermoplastic elastomer, i.e. a plastic that can be deformed when heat is applied.

The material looks confusingly similar to the well-known Boost from Adidas. It is reminiscent of styrofoam and was generously processed in the sole: it is a whopping 35.5 millimeters thick under the heel and 27.5 millimeters in the forefoot area. So you can confidently call the sole fat. The whole material then does exactly what you expect: comfortable cushioning. But the endorphin speed is not just soft, it also gives you back a lot of energy. It's really fun on longer runs of over 30 kilometers and at a higher pace.

The nylon plate integrated into the midsole is said to be partly responsible for the successful combination of comfort and dynamics. I have to admit that I don't notice them - so much the better. The speed is flexible but not unstable, comfortable but not spongy. PS: The Endorphin Speed ​​has an almost identical brother, the Endorphin Pro, which has a carbon plate instead of nylon and which Saucony advertises as a thoroughbred competition shoe. I'm excited to see if it can dethrone Speed ​​- and as a carbon-topped competition shoe, I'm just as excited as the Nike Vaporfly Next%." More fast running shoes on test.

Asics Novablast

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model (€140.00) or women's model (€140.00)

Martin Grüning: "I still belong to a generation of runners who saved shoes with thick midsoles as heavy and extremely comfortable and would therefore never wear them if they wanted to run fast. It was also my first with the Novablast Reflex, but when I picked it up, I realized how little you can tell from the optics of the weight of this model.

The shoe with the fat sole weighs only 270 grams. My interest was piqued. I wore the shoe for the next brisk endurance run and was thrilled. The faster the pace, the more reactive the sole. The midsole material called Flytefoam Blast can easily compete with the hyped new developments of the competitors. I use the word with some unease, but the resilience of the sole is actually something of a trampoline.

On hot days I dared to walk in the shoe without socks. The good fit made it possible. The light mesh material offered great air circulation, it felt like I was walking in a sandal. Pretty unique." The Novablast in a detailed test.

Brooks Ghost 13

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€139.95) or men's model (€139.95)

Jana Wagner: "Hach, the ghost. Unforgettable the feeling of running in it on sandy paths in Lower Saxony and thinking: Aha, that's what running feels like when you're not in your antiquated sneakers. That was ten years ago It was the beginning of my running career years ago. The Brooks classic is now in its 13th edition and its popularity - not just among beginners - is unbroken. Why? Because it combines a high level of comfort with agility and an excellent fit like hardly any other model.

The biggest change in the reissue is the full-length DNA Loft foam midsole. With the predecessors, the sole was always divided into two – with a different plastic under the heel. At first I was shocked at how softly the Ghost runs through this change. But the feeling quickly vanished and its typical all-round qualities have prevailed. Oh yes, the material and workmanship are also durable. In my opinion, it's the model that best combines what a good running shoe for recreational runners needs to have." The Ghost 13 in a detailed test.

361° Strata 4

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model (€159.99) or women's model (€159.99)

Urs Weber: "One of the most remarkable developments in running shoes in recent years has taken place in the shadow of the structural innovations that have been presented in large numbers: Stable shoes have reached a new level of quality and are therefore recommended for a much larger target group than before. A model embodying this trend is the new Strata 4.

The Chinese running shoe manufacturer 361° shows that stable shoes can also be dynamic. Nevertheless, the Strata 4 offers everything you would expect from a stable shoe, namely that it supports the foot during the rolling process, for which the metatarsal bridge is primarily responsible. However, the shoe does not feel stiff. Similar to classic stable shoes such as the Gel-Kayano (Asics), Solar Glide ST (Adidas) or Adrenaline (Brooks), the stability goes hand in hand with a high degree of rolling comfort.

The Strata 4, which is available in different color variants, is also up to date when it comes to design. The "kimono" construction of the tongue, which is connected to the upper material on one side, is striking. This elegant solution ensures a very good hold of the foot on the inside. In the RUNNER'S WORLD test, this was particularly praised by runners with narrower feet." More stable running shoes in the test.

Allbirds Tree Dasher

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (from €135.00) or men's model (from €135.00)

Urs Weber: "Sugar cane, eucalyptus and wool: In its first running shoe, the Californian company Allbirds uses materials that have rarely been found in this segment before. But to make one thing clear: the Tree Dasher leaves a not inconsiderable ecological footprint, because it too can't do without oil-based plastics in the sole and upper, but at least, according to the manufacturer, who is very successful with sneakers, about 30 percent less CO2 is released during production than with conventional running shoes.

The first running impression offers a positive surprise. The ecological coat of paint does not serve to disguise a lack of functionality. Running characteristics and rolling comfort are well suited for quiet, relaxed endurance runs on solid ground; the cushioning is rather firm compared to similarly voluminous midsoles of established running shoe brands.

The wearing comfort is strikingly pleasant. "For running and strolling," noted one test runner, but at the same time alluded to the calm, pleasing design of the Tree Dasher. The upper material not only looks like it is made of one piece. Merino wool caresses the foot on the collar, instep and heel. All in all, an enrichment in the running market, where the range of sustainable shoes is still very small." The Tree Dasher in a detailed test.

2. The best sports headphones 2020

Jabra Elite Active 75t

Manufacturer

Order here: Jabra Elite Active 75t

Heinrich Anders: "You have been able to listen to music while running for many years, but it has never been so much fun. The headphones no longer have annoying cables, they sit perfectly in the ear, are extremely small and light, nonetheless waterproof and sweat-resistant, have a great sound and offer practical additional functions such as answering calls from a cell phone "Brilliant!", my colleague Claus would say.

Claus would certainly find this model particularly ingenious, not only because of the impeccable construction and workmanship, but above all because of this one function that allows you to let through ambient noise at the touch of a button. For runners, this is a very valuable safety extra. So you can fully indulge in the music on routes without cross traffic, for example in the forest or on sidewalks along loud streets whose noise you want to block out. But as soon as danger threatens and attention is required, you can switch to "draft" with a short press of the button in the left plug.

Otherwise, operation is ingeniously simple: as soon as you take the tiny buttons out of the smart transport and charging cradle, they are automatically paired with your smartphone. When running, you can use the two buttons - one each on the left and right - to start/stop the music, accept/reject calls, adjust the volume, etc. It is easy to forget other functions that are controlled by pressing a button twice or three times, but if you run with a smartphone, you always have the instructions with you via the app.

The bomb-proof fit in the ear, the long battery life and the connection quality without any dropouts in the test are also really ingenious. Conclusion: A lot has happened in sports headphones in recent years. They can hardly get much better than these." All current running headphones in the test.

Aftershokz Aeropex

Manufacturer

Order here: Aftershokz Aeropex (161.61 €)

Urs Weber: "When it comes to running with music, opinions differ: some prefer to always run with music, others never - if only for safety reasons. These new headphones could bridge the gap between the two groups, because they have the transducers on them on the head, but not in the ear.The sound waves are not transmitted via the eardrum, but via the cheekbones.

On the one hand, this has the advantage that no earplugs can slip out of the ear, as is often the case with in-ear models. In addition, the argument that you wouldn't hear any ambient noise is invalidated. With Aftershokz, the ears are free and the auditory canals are open. You can hear traffic and ambient noise - and enjoy the sound of silence as soon as it occurs. The small brackets sit on the ears and hold the headphones relatively securely in place.

The neck ring only wobbles up and down slightly when jumping or running at high speed. The naturally highly subjective sound quality is an issue in itself: There is a lack of bass, but the mids and highs are quite acceptable. It's always enough for audio books or podcasts and thanks to the integrated telephone function, you can make calls comfortably with very good voice quality."

Fresh'n Rebel Twins

Manufacturer

Order here: Fresh'n Rebel Twins

Jale Bartholomäus: "The wheel wasn't reinvented here, because wireless Bluetooth headphones have been plugged into the ears of every second person since the 2018 World Cup at the latest. I don't need to know who made the well-known white plugs mention that they're damn expensive, probably not.Now there's an equivalent for a fair 80 euros that delivers great sound, sits well in the ears and looks cool too: the Twins from Fresh 'n Rebel.

I also like how easy it is to use: When you take them out of the small charging box, they switch on automatically and connect to your smartphone within seconds. The stylish headphones with silicone tips are available in three different sizes (Twins Tip model) for individual support, but also in the classic version without tips (Twins). By tapping the corresponding handset twice or three times, you can activate voice control, skip a song forward or back, and switch to pause and play without taking out your cell phone.

A full charge lasts for four hours. If that's not enough, you can take the small charging box with you and use it to charge the headphones five times on the go. One way to further extend the battery life would be to use the twins individually, which is also possible. For runners who want to enjoy wireless music every now and then and don't want to spend a fortune, I definitely recommend the Twins!"

3. The sports watches of the year

Polar Grit X

ManufacturerPolar Grit X

Order here: Polar Grit X (from €429.95)

Urs Weber: "The Grit X surpasses all of Polar's previous categories: As a multisport watch, it's more robust than other Polar models, has a better battery and new training functions. It's hardly bigger than a Vantage, but it seems to be of higher quality.

Polar is considered a pioneer of heart rate measurement and of course the new one also masters it: ten small LEDs on the underside measure the heart rate on the wrist. This works very well at rest. And what the Grit X reads out of the heartbeat is enormous. For example, with the "Training Load Pro" function, which includes not only the completed training units, but also the current condition of the runner (rested, stressed, not enough sleep?) in the training recommendation. This is very practical - as is the detailed sleep analysis, which records the sleep quality very precisely and compares it with your own average values.

New: GPS can now also be used for route guidance, for which purpose the route is planned online in "Komoot" and then transferred to the watch via Polar Flow software. This is sometimes a bit tricky, but the basic functions are easy to use. Together with the large range of functions, the good ergonomics and the successful design, this results in an attractive overall package." The Grit X in a detailed test.

Huawei Watch GT 2

Manufacturer

Order here: Huawei Watch GT 2

Urs Weber: "Runs and runs and runs: Huawei could also advertise its Watch GT 2 with this advertising slogan stolen from the VW Beetle. Because the watch draws attention to itself primarily because of one number: 30 hours. That's how long the battery should be the variant with a 46 millimeter case in GPS mode and continuous optical heart rate measurement, which is a very, very decent value for a GPS watch.

But to which watch category does the GT 2 fit exactly? It doesn't pass as a smartwatch. Although it displays notifications, plays music and you can also make calls with it, apps cannot be installed on Huawei's own Lite-OS operating system. But it shines as a sports watch and activity tracker. There are pre-installed sports modes for running, cycling, swimming, crossfit and eleven other sports. There are also 13 running courses to help beginners get started and to help the more advanced to improve their performance.

In the test, the watch shone with a reliable measurement of distance and heart rate. Top: After each unit there is feedback on the training effect and regeneration time - such coach-on-the-wrist functions are otherwise only known from significantly more expensive sports watches." The Watch GT 2 in a detailed test.

Garmin Fenix ​​6S Pro

Manufacturer

Order here: Garmin Fenix ​​6S Pro (599.00 €)

Urs Weber: "It's a tricky business to make purchase recommendations for sports watches. The question "Which one would you recommend?" often conceals the desire for a model that, firstly, should have thousands of functions that, secondly, should be as easy to use and thirdly, it should be easy to read. That's why I'll say this very clearly: For "normal" running you don't need a Fenix ​​6, that's everything, just not a classic runner's watch. Yes, it's recommended for runners, even by the manufacturer. It's used but they are mainly for ultra and trail runs - because that's where their strengths lie.But for the average runner there are better models in terms of ergonomic and functional properties, not least from Garmin itself.

There is no question that the Fenix, especially in the current sixth edition, is technically and functionally very mature. The long runtime is particularly interesting for trail and ultra runners. The battery has not only become stronger, you can now also make presets for consumption. With a full tank, you can run around three daily stages with the GPS signal activated. In normal everyday and training use, the battery easily lasts a week. This makes daily use very pleasant. The reliability of the battery proves to be a real carefree factor.

In the "Pro" variants, the three Fenix ​​models offer the option of loading not only music but also maps for navigation onto the watch thanks to an integrated memory. Running pre-loaded routes is exactly what the Fenix ​​was designed to do. And nowhere else does it work as well as with the Fenix ​​6. On the go, thanks to the new Pace Pro function, you can have a display of whether you are going too fast or too slow, with the watch even taking into account the topography and individual specifications as to whether you want to approach climbs cautiously or at full speed. The Fenix ​​can be configured in a variety of ways for personal requirements using so-called widgets (small apps).

The Fenix ​​is ​​also the first choice when it comes to multisport suitability. The data it provides for the training evaluation is so varied that it can become a hobby. For me, it is a multi-tool for the wrist - not least because of its robust design, which is also its biggest disadvantage: Even the smaller case variant (6S) favored by runners is relatively large and heavy - especially for narrow wrists." All current running watches in the test .

4. The best running clothes 2020

Runamics Eco-Minded Running Gear

Manufacturer

Order here: Runamics Running Gear (from €15.99)

Martin Grüning: "The sportswear label, which was only founded in Hamburg last year, has set itself the goal of completely dispensing with "conventional poly materials" (read: plastic), which are made from crude oil and chemicals, in the manufacture of its products. Instead, relies At Runamics, we focus on fabrics we have developed ourselves, which combine high-quality natural fibers such as merino wool (of course, mulesing-free) with sustainable, regenerative fibers such as lyocell (a wood-based cellulose fiber) and "innovative, biologically compatible" synthetic materials such as biodegradable elastane.

What particularly impresses me: there are no compromises when it comes to rubber bands, cords, buttons, labels and zips. Advantages of sustainability: Runamics products do not release any microplastics when washed, they are biodegradable and are fed into a recycling process. Yes, even minor repairs are offered free of charge. And the garments are not manufactured in the Far East, but in Germany, Poland and Portugal. So far I have worn the running tee, the long tights and the running shorts in olive green.

The cuts are casual, they are very comfortable to wear and the functionality in terms of moisture transport and climate regulation is good. There remains a major disadvantage. Sustainability has its price: the textiles are expensive. The shirt costs 69 euros, the shorts 75 euros. However, if you buy sets like the one shown here, you can save in price compared to individual parts. The collection also already includes accessories such as hats, tube scarves, headbands and short tights." More sustainable running clothing in the test.

Ambiletics Urban Stories

Manufacturer

Order here: Ambiletics Urban Stories (from €98.00)

Ella Witzke: "Whereas you used to have to look for ecological and fair running clothing, you are now spoiled for choice. This makes me increasingly suspicious as to whether the products were really produced fairly or only serve greenwashing. Ambiletics hangs up The value-added chain is open on its website: These tights are made from 100 percent recycled materials and are produced fairly and vegan (PETA seal).

This conserves resources and saves energy. In addition, the manufacturer maintains a close relationship with the sewing workshop in Portugal and attaches great importance to appropriate working conditions and fair wages. The fabric is soft, flexible and looks really nice. The small zip pocket on the back waistband is practical. All in all, a successful running leggings that calms the conscience." More tights for runners in the test.

Patagonia Strider Running Shorts 31/2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (from €63.31) or men's model (from €68.19)

Jale Bartholomäus: "I often have the problem with short running shorts that they either slip up or down when running and I have to adjust them regularly, which is annoying. The Strider running shorts from the trail running brand Patagonia stay in place thanks to the inner shorts and the wide, elastic waistband in place.Also – and this might sound funny now – the pants are so airy and light that you could easily forget that you have pants on.

The super-thin fabric reliably wicks moisture away and the trousers stay pleasantly dry on the skin despite sweating. The leg slits allow plenty of room to move, which pays off when traversing obstacles. If you run through a stream and your shorts get wet, the material is dry again in no time.

There is space for an energy gel in a small pocket at the back of the waistband. My cell phone doesn't fit in it, but that doesn't bother me as I rarely take it with me on the run. It doesn't matter whether you're on the trail or running around town: I couldn't ask for better running shorts for runs in summer temperatures." More shorts for runners in the test.

The North Face Flight Series Futurelight Jacket

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (from €279.95) or men's model (from €259.25)

Urs Weber: "The color in which we were sent the new North Face jacket evoked associations with German film classics from the post-war period among colleagues: "Here comes the frog with the mask", I was told from the midday run The color, described by the manufacturer as 'Chlorophyll Green' (although this model is also available in blue or black) is probably intended to indicate that wetlands are the jacket's natural habitat and that it feels like a tree frog in the rain .

This is thanks to a new manufacturing process called "nanospinning", which makes the jacket waterproof yet breathable. The trick: The material is woven so tightly that no water can penetrate from the outside, but warm air can definitely escape from the inside. In fact, according to several RUNNER'S WORLD testers, there is currently hardly any comparable rain jacket for runners that is so breathable, i.e. so good at transporting moisture and heat released by the body to the outside.

The jacket is therefore also recommended for spring temperatures above ten degrees. On top of that, it also calms the green conscience because it is made from recycled materials. More rain jackets for runners on test.

5. The best running accessories 2020

Safe by Gaia alarm bracelet

Manufacturer

Order here: Safe by Gaia

Nele Jacobs: "There are days when running units can only be set up in the evening or early morning. Especially in the dark season, I inevitably have something else going on with me: fear. The Swedish company Safe against the queasy feeling and for more safety by Gaia has developed an ergonomic bracelet with an integrated alarm.

The alarm band, available in pink or black, is worn comfortably on the wrist and is therefore always ready to hand. With just a push of a button, a loud, shrill noise is triggered, which in an emergency can distract potential attackers and give you a head start to call for help. The design is based on sports watches and is therefore hardly noticeable." More safety gadgets in the test.

Aerobee Gel

Manufacturer

Order here: Aerobee Gel (pack of 10 for €19.90)

Ela Wildner: "If I saw empty energy gel packaging on the street after the first few kilometers of a marathon, I could hardly believe it. "Seriously, now?" I thought. I could actually I don't understand how someone could voluntarily ingest artificially tasting gooey stuff with a long list of ingredients after such a short period of time, but even I could faint with Aerobee's new energy gels.

Their short list of ingredients consists primarily of honey, which contains fructose and glucose. The latter in particular is a type of sugar that quickly provides the body with energy. All varieties also contain Baltic sea salt to compensate for the loss of salt through sweating. So it's perfect for staying fit for a long time while running." More energy gels in the test.

Beurer Achillomed FM 200

Manufacturer

Order here: Beurer Achillomed FM 200

Henning Lenertz: "This device replaced my wife. No, I didn't fall in love with the Achillomed and abandoned her for it. My left Achilles tendon has been pinching for almost a year. I can continue training with eccentric calf raises and massages without any problems. For The latter has had to do the Achillomed instead of my wife for some time now.While I'm sitting on the couch, I put my calf on the shelf and place the tendon area between the two counter-rotating massage units, each with three round massage heads.

There are two speeds and directions of rotation. Advantage: I can determine the pressure of the massage myself by moving my foot forwards, backwards, up or down. Due to the increased blood flow, I feel a significant improvement immediately afterwards. Now I hope that this effect will last in the long term - and that I can get rid of the Achillomed again."

Was there something for you? The market for running shoes, equipment and gadgets continues to grow - even during the corona pandemic. We are already excited to see what exciting test products will await us in 2021.

This article may contain links to providers from whom RUNNER'S WORLD receives a commission. These links are marked with the following icon:15.12.2020RedaktionRUNNER'S WORLDJana WagnerTo the homepage