Let?s talk apparel.

Let’s talk apparel. 

So you went to Fleet Feet, were fit for a great pair of running shoes, technical running socks and possibly inserts. Now you’re ready for a nice long run, or are you?

Let’s talk about your apparel and why It’s important to have the right gear.  Apparel today is going toward “athleisure”. Which means you can wear it out for a cup of coffee or lunch and look awesome. You don’t have to look like you just came from the gym or your run.  No more cotton tee-shirts, basketball shorts or looking like Rocky running through the streets of Philly. Now you can feel great and stylish no matter what your activity. 

Fit and Function.
 A lot of runners and walkers get chaffing in areas you don’t want chaffing. No matter how lean you may be, the body or muscle and tissue moves one direction and the apparel moves another. So if chaffing is a problem for you, any place on your body, you’re wearing the wrong gear.  Cheap fabrics, cotton blends and ill-fitting clothing will cause chaffing if you are out long enough, no matter how much Body Glide you apply.

 When selecting apparel, make sure it’s high quality technical fabrics. Just because it says Adidas, Nike, New Balance or some other vendor doesn’t make it great. These companies make many levels of apparel, just like running shoes. What you typically find in a big box store, is not made with the runner in mind. It can look good but may not be. Great gear is made with the runner or walker in mind. It’s sewn differently. The seams are placed forward or no seams at all. It will be moisture wicking (think of Dry-Fit) keeping you cooler, dryer and it may have a UPF protection built in.  

 I always feel the inside of the shirt, for softness and weight. If it feels rough at all or heavy, I pass. The fit should be just right, not loose but somewhat fitted and nice and comfortable. Now onto your running shorts, capris and tights.  A great pair of running shorts or tights will also be light and soft.  They may have a liner or brief on the inside and the seams of the liner will be reversed as to not rub or chafe. In addition, they will have storage pouches strategically located for your nutrition, phone or keys. The zipper pockets in back can be water resistant so your GU and Chomps don’t get wet. Once again, these should be made of a high quality technical fabric, no cotton or cotton blends. While cotton is a natural fabric, it absorbs a lot and doesn’t wick or dry quickly. 

Hopefully these tips will keep you comfortable, looking great and feeling awesome. Here at Fleet Feet we carry some of the best apparel on the market, just like our shoes. So before you hit the road, stop in and see how we can make that run/walk or trip to Starbucks even better.

Edgar and Carolyn