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Affordable running gear: Men’s kit that will keep you going for miles

Whether you're running your first mile, or your first marathon, men's running kit can be expensive. We've taken a look at some affordable alternatives.
By Runner's World
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If you’ve ever scrolled through our gear pages, or bought a copy of the magazine, you’ll know that good gear doesn’t come cheap. Yet are there some things you can save on? We put it to the test and found these technical pieces of kit, that won’t break the bank.
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Clothing, Dress, Sleeveless shirt, Outerwear, Sportswear, Denim, Neck, T-shirt, Vest, Sleeve,

Health & Injuries, sportshoes.com

Published: 16 March 2018.

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Clothing, T-shirt, Military camouflage, Sleeve, Camouflage, Pattern, Uniform, Top, Active shirt, Design,

Health & Injuries, asos.com

The polyester and elastane mixture of this T-shirt means it’s breathable, it also moves well, so won’t constrict you on the run.

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Clothing, Tights, Black, Leggings, Trousers, Leg, Waist, Sportswear, yoga pant, Fashion accessory,

Karrimor Running Socks, £4.50 for two pairs, adidas.co.uk

Featuring Climacool technology, anti-odour fabric and a compression fit, these tights are built to keep you moving freely as you run.

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Green, Sock, Product, Footwear, Fashion accessory, Shoe,

Published: 16 March 2018, inov-8.com

Outstanding value: these socks will easily take the worst you can throw at them in terrain, mileage and smelly feet – and they feel great on, too.

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Clothing, Active shorts, Sportswear, Black, Shorts, rugby short, board short, Trunks, Bermuda shorts, Pocket,

New Look Active Run Shorts, £9.99, asos.com

These won’t last forever but they’ll be good for a year. They feature a soft inner lining, an interior key pocket and two side pockets. Generous cut.

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T-shirt, Clothing, Jersey, Sportswear, Sleeve, Yellow, Active shirt, Product, Top, Bicycle jersey,

Karrimor Run Jacket, £17.99, canterbury.com

The rugby specialists now do general training kit and it’s decent. This one has an anti-odour weave, and raglan sleeves and a wider neck for freedom of movement if you’re on the larger side.

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Salomon Agile 5 Short, £21, runnersneed.com

A great choice if you’re commuting to work – it will hold all your clothes for the day and will stay put thanks to sturdy chest and waist straps. 

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Clothing, T-shirt, Sleeve, Black, Active shirt, Top, Neck, Outerwear, Jersey, Blouse,

Kalenji Run Rain Mens Running Jacket, £24.99, gap.co.uk 

As the name suggests, a highly breathable T-shirt that’s perfect for those who prefer a generous cut. The weave has a four-way stretch, to increase comfort. 

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Clothing, Outerwear, Jacket, Sleeve, Collar, Blazer, Top, Zipper,

Kalenji Run Rain Men’s Running Jacket, £24.99, decathlon.com 

Quite a boxy cut but it’s highly water-resistant, reflective and high-vis, and has two large zip pockets. Job done.

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Clothing, Active shorts, Sportswear, rugby short, Black, Shorts, Trunks, board short, Swim brief,

Dhb Men’s 3” Run Shorts, £17.99, wiggle.co.uk

Not only are these very, er, short, but they also have a huge split up the side, so if freedom of movement is top of your list, these are the ones for you.

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Cobalt blue, Clothing, Jacket, Outerwear, Blue, Sleeve, Electric blue, Sportswear, Windbreaker, Polar fleece,

Best trail running shoes for 2024, sportsdirect.com 

This won’t win any awards for style but it’ll keep you and your valuables protected from the weather on the run and after the run.

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Sock, Blue, Footwear, Product, Shoe, Electric blue, Fashion accessory, Leg, Foot, Wool,

OMM Ultra Light 12L, £55.00, sportsdirect.com 

Antimicrobial, padded heel and toe sections, anatomically shaped, breathable and fast-wicking – not qualities you expect to find in socks at this price, but they’re all here.

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T-shirt, Clothing, Black, Active shirt, Sportswear, White, Sleeve, Green, Jersey, Top,

Crivit Men’s Sports Top, £3.99, lidl.co.uk

Reflective details for enhanced visibility, soft, breathable and under a fiver – you can’t go wrong.

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Backpack, Bag, Product, Luggage and bags, Grey, Backpacking, Baggage, Hand luggage, Magenta, Laptop bag,

Rohill Commuter 15L Backpack, £32.99, amazon.co.uk 

Outstanding value for money: this ergonomically designed, weather-resistant pack stays put on the run and has padded back and straps for comfort.

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Clothing, Textile, White, Style, Pocket, Active shorts, Waist, Fashion, Black, Grey,

Salomon Agile 5” Short, £21, salomon.com 

These’ll be a friend for many a season – they’re tough but soft, agile but rip-resistant, well ventilated and they quickly wick away sweat.

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Clothing, Tights, Blue, Sportswear, Leggings, Electric blue, Active pants, Trousers, Waist, Leg,

Rohill Commuter 15L Backpack, £32.99, sportsdirect.com 

Highly technical tights featuring ventilation panels, zipped ankles, high-vis sections, gusseted crotch and more. Incredible value for money.

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T-shirt, Clothing, Green, Active shirt, Sleeve, Sportswear, Jersey, Top,

Karrimor Run Jacket, £17.99, alpkit.com 

Lightweight, breathable, sweat-wicking and, most importantly, it contains Polygiene, a market-leading bacteria-blasting anti-odour treatment.

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Clothing, Sleeve, Black, Long-sleeved t-shirt, Outerwear, Collar, Grey, T-shirt, Neck, Jacket,

Crivit Mens Sports Top, £3.99, marksandspencer.com

A handy layer made from wicking-material to keep you cool. With reflective trims and a handy zip pocket, it’s warm and affordable.

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