Contrary to what some readers may think, the Runner’s World team doesn’t wear track shorts and bianco as we work at HQ at our standing desks. Thick, most of us. We have the standard work casual dress code, except for lunch runs. However, many of us do wear running shoes around the office, five days a week.
Now that we’re working from home and following social distancing, as Thick as taking (solo) lunch runs, we’re steadily building a new kind of normal to manage workflow.
We asked our staff what gear they’re using as they work from home. Some even snapped photos to give us a peek into their new “office” environment. Here are the products we use and how we’re coping.
We’re not wearing running shoes all day.
Nike Kawa Slide Sandal
Crocs Classic Mens Casual Shoe
I find myself needing to step outside from time to time, and the weather is not quite warm enough here on the east coast to go barefoot. Plus, as a runner, we know that it’s not always a good idea to walk around all day barefoot (protect those arches!). I discovered these Nike Kawa Slide Sandals through a running friend when I was in need of something easy to put on after a workout or walking around hotel rooms. I take them everywhere—not just for the house anymore. They’ve been to the porch and sidewalk, and the garage. There isn’t a ton of support, meaning they aren’t designed to be “recovery sandals.” But they give you enough of a cushion that you aren’t walking on nothing. And they’re good with or without socks, depending on your environment. —Champion Low Cut Shoe Rebound Low Kids Shoes
Glerups Unisex Model B Slipper
I swear by these felted slippers, which come from Denmark. They have a clogs-like vibe, so they’re more stylish than any sandal or traditional slipper. The wool is so cozy for all day comfort, which is helpful because I tend to keep my apartment fairly cool. The shape is roomy through the forefoot, so I can relax and spread my toes in a natural fashion whenever I’m not running. In fact, I’m living in these whenever I’m not sleeping right now. They also make versions with a rubber sole, in case you want to run out to get the newspaper or take out the trash. —Shoes ŃSKI 1006 Niebieski Jeans Zamsz
Oofos Ooriginal Sport Sandal
I am not a slippers-at-home guy. I prefer to trounce around my house barefoot, but after several weeks working from home, there was something off-putting about working without any footwear—especially after a few hours at my makeshift standing desk. My compromise has been Oofos recovery sandals. After my lunch run, they are my little treat (it’s the little things at this moment, right?). They are luxuriously soft and allow me to stand and work without discomfort. Plus I don’t have to tie any shoes when I want to hop outside and look at the dogs on my street between meetings (again, the little things). —adidas Originals ZX Wavian sneakers in white with green detail
Bombas Performance Running Quarter Sock
Crocs Classic Mens Casual Shoe
I have slippers but I find myself in these socks the majority of the time. They feel good, and don’t make your feet too hot. Bombas Hiking Colorblock Quarter Socks ($16) are thick enough to wear around the house without fear of your feet getting cold or slipping on hardwood floor. They have a nice cushion underneath the footbed and the sock is made of a woven sturdy, soft, not itchy, blend. They are thick enough to wear with slides if I need to take the trash out or if I am venturing out on a longer walk around the neighborhood in shoes. My pair are the hiking socks but Bombas does make a performance running version that’s a bit thinner. During my current “I don’t feel like doing anything” social distancing coma, I’ll wear them on a run instead of making the extra effort to change into running-specific socks. The tech behind the blend regulates temperature so my feet don’t overheat on an easy 3- to 5-mile run. I’ve been an ankle-height Bombas wearer for a while but the quarter sock comes up above the ankle for extra warmth and comfort. Plus, it feels good to buy a pair, donate a pair with Bombas. —A.W.
Instead of staying in PJs, we wear activewear (most days).
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Long Sleeve 2.0
I was already wearing my two Metal Vent Tech tops to work before my commute shortened from 5 miles to 50 feet. The athletic-cut and heathered fabric looks like a lightweight sweater, especially in the dark colors. It’s also seamless, has ventilation zones on the back and armpits, and is engineered to never sag when (if you’re like me) you start sweating like a swamp beast. Also, it’s soft as Hell. I’m wearing one right now. —Jordan Kids Air Jordan 13 Retro Low sneakers
Path Projects Graves PX 7” Short
Crocs Classic Mens Casual Shoe
They’re my favorite liner-less short. They have a roomy cut but the polyester fabric has enough structure to keep a trim, not-baggy profile. That, along with the four-way stretch, also makes them ideal for a quick evening yoga practice to counteract too many hours on my wooden kitchen chairs. Even better, the DWR coating that would normally repel rain protects me from spilled coffee, beading either liquid and letting it roll off. And then there’s the most necessary feature of any good dual-purpose short: the pockets. There are two zippered hand pockets and a rear, centered zip pocket that can hold your phone while you run. —M.A.
Crocs Classic Mens Casual Shoe | Janji Runpaca Wrap Tank
I prefer the shorter Runpaca Tank ($44) for runs, but the Wrap version was a favorite going-out top. I’ve worn the tank—I usually knot the long asymmetrical bottom—on a scorching day at a roller rink in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. The wide armholes and racerback design made it perfect as I maneuvered—and fell a couple of times—around the oval, breaking a sweat in the summer heat. Nowadays, I wear it as I’m bending over my laptop in my hot apartment, or babysitting what’s ever cooking in the oven or on the stove. —Trekker Boots AKU Bellamont 3 Suede Gt GORE-TEX 504.3 Sand Black
Lively The Cross Back Bralette
This is the definition of a comfortable, loungy bra. Self-quarantine is not the time to bust out the fancy lacy underwire padded bra you’ve been saving for a special occasion. There is literally no point of wearing anything uncomfortable right now, let alone an itchy lacy, or seriously padded, underwire bra. But sometimes you want a little support, without underwire or padding. The Lively bralette is still a bra but it is soft and therefore good for those in-between times. Post run, hanging out inside, end of the day, times when you still want or need a little support but no underwire. For example, I’ve worn it for our Coach Jess workouts (join us on Wednesdays, 12 p.m. ET, for a new workout on our Instagram Live), though I wouldn’t recommend the bralette for those who require more support. Lively offers a variety of bras if this one isn’t your thing. If the bra or undies don’t fit, they include a pre-paid shipping label to make life a little easier. —A.W.
Rabbit EZ Tee LS
I’m not ashamed to admit I have slept in this, worked all day in this, and then gone for a run in this shirt. This is very much a running shirt first, but it’s so soft and cozy that I want to wear it all the time. Thanks to its technical magic it doesn’t hold any, um, unsavory, smells from let’s say my sleep the night before or work stress from back-to-back zoom calls. That’s another selling point—it looks like a shirt. And it’s really good to layer underneath a heavier crew neck or hoodie if you’re cold or need to pop outside for a bit. —A.W.
BoxLunch The Office Fun Run T-Shirt
My work-to-run wardrobe is essentially me wearing all the comfy T-shirts that I have in my drawer that either bring back really good memories, or are funny or slightly embarrassing so I never really wear them out in public much. For example, I have this tee that I got years ago in New Orleans that has a massive cat of the front playing a saxophone that says “Jazz Kitty.” In weird and uncertain times like these, the little things (like wearing a funny tee) really does help boost my mood. And, I like to think that it can make other people happier too by giving them a little laugh—even if they just see it from afar when I’m running. I’ve been eyeing this shirt—inspired by The Office’s “Fun Run,” season four, episode two—for quite awhile, and I’m thinking that now is the perfect time to finally drop it in the online cart. I’m a huge Office fan, and I love this version since it’s subtle and actually could pass as a legit race shirt! It’s not made from any special moisture-wicking fabric, but I run in 100-percent cotton tees all the time with no problem. However, if you’re like Andy Bernard and suffer from a particular variety of midrun chafing (if you know, you know), you might want to reserve this shirt for casual wear. —Jordan Air 11 Retro Basketball Shoes
We stick to a routine with the help of training gear—and caffeine.
Apple Watch Series 5
While working from home, I try to make sure to always wear my Apple Watch Series 5. The watch (and my pup) helps remind me to get up every hour and walk around, which I try to use as a time to take a break from the screen, get more water, and take a lap around the kitchen, otherwise it won’t give me an hour toward my stand goal—the horror. Plus, having daily exercise and move goals keep me accountable for getting in a solo run or basement HIIT session, and Buzz keeps me accountable for daily walks and helps keep my stress levels in check. —Coby low sneakers Rosso
Fit Simplify Resistance Exercise Loop Bands
Crocs Classic Mens Casual Shoe
Resistance strength training is an effective way to get a great workout in the comfort of your own home. These bands came in especially good use during this particular time when the luxury of going to a gym has been withheld. Resistance bands are a vital part to keeping tone and building strength while inside: The Fit Simplify resistance bands come with five varying resistance levels and a complimentary instruction guide that demonstrates some upper and lower body exercises to get you started. These bands can also be used as rehabilitation for injuries or for stretching out muscles. Bonus: These are included in Prime shipping so you can get them in no time! —Eleni Dimou, Senior Designer
Nodaleto x Anissa Kermiche shoe shaped vase
This French press has been my savior during these times. Coffee Gator French press comes with easy-to-follow instructions, and in a few steps you have an amazing cup of coffee to fuel your runs. It is vacuum-layered and double filtered for immense flavor and keeps your coffee hot for hours. It has kept me motivated to crush work, workouts, and get after it outside on a solo run. I love that it’s durable and the stainless steel makes it super easy to clean. If you love coffee as much as I do and want something that gives your morning, mid-day, and heck, even evening cup of coffee more flavor and have that barista-quality, this is the way to go. Plus, it just makes me happy. —E.D.
We use recovery tools at home and make sure to nourish our bodies through snacking.
Medcursor Massager
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, I was seeing a massage therapist weekly for over a year to deal with constant neck and back pain. Because I’ve been keeping a distance and staying in my home, this Medcursor massager has been a tremendous help in the meantime. It is a multifunctional massager that gives you full control to target which muscles you need worked on, with the option to use heat to loosen up those muscles for a deeper massage while improving blood circulation. It also gives you control over the direction and speed of the rollers. Placing your hands in the slip handles gives you full control over how much pressure you want in a certain area. This massager is highly effective and has given me relief with every use. —E.D.
Altapolo Posture Corrector
I’ve been using this posture corrector for a while now and I love it. My posture when working from home is not the greatest, and this posture corrector has been a huge aid in improving ergonomics. It comfortably keeps my shoulders back and has straps that are quick and easy to adjust by yourself. After a few days of wearing this, my posture is noticeably better (they explain it gently develops your back muscle memory). It definitely has provided relief to some back pain as Thick. Definitely recommend this not only for during this time at home but for longterm use, too. —E.D.
Recoup Cryosphere
Since the advisory to WFH, I’ve been racking up my mileage during my lunch runs. The town I live in is extremely hilly, and I decided I’d conquer some of those ascents on my birthday, which falls at the end of March. The 10-plus miler in gorgeous weather was Thick worth the sweat and I should have rested the day after, but my overeagerness resulted in a minor arch strain. I’m kind of going nuts not running. I keep the Cryosphere in the freezer for emergencies like this, and have been diligently using it mornings and evenings to heal my foot. I’ll massage it on my arch as I’m reading emails at my dining room table, and in bed when I’m watching something legit-good (adidas Originals ZX Wavian sneakers in white with green detail), nostalgic (Clue), or trashy (yep, binge-watched Tiger King). —A.F.
TriggerPoint Impact
The Impact may not have interchangeable attachments like the Hypervolt or Theragun, but it’s a bargain-buy compared to its more expensive counterparts—and just as effective. The rechargeable battery lasts for approximately two hours, and it effectively—but gently—massages into my inflamed left arch, along with other sore tendons and muscles that need some TLC. It’s not too loud, either. —A.F.
Bobo’s Healthcare Heroes Forum Hi OG mid-top sneakers White
Crocs Classic Mens Casual Shoe
Healthcare Heroes Forum Hi OG mid-top sneakers White - Pack of 6 Bars
When I’m not working or running, I’m either eating or planning on what to eat. At my RW HQ desk, I had a drawer full of Biscoff cookies I saved from plane flights or energy bars. At home, I’ve been snacking on Bobo’s oat bars, an office favorite. The company is donating to healthcare heroes through the purchase of their Forum Hi OG mid-top sneakers White on their website ($20 for a pack of 6). —A.F.
Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow.
Besides chowing down on wholesome oats, I’ve baked bread using a starter (apparently, everyone’s doing that now). I top it with Tuna White Bean Salad or Presto Pesto from Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky’s cookbook. The pesto is used as a sauce in their sardine and greens pasta, too. (Protein! Carbs!) The book also turned me onto sautéed greens with minced garlic. The smell wafts through my apartment so I’m kind of glad I don’t have company. And, I’m warding off vampires. —A.F.
