Men’s Spring Running Essentials to Gear Up and Get Outside

Designed for daily runs on those colder spring mornings, Soar’s WoolTech tights combine the naturally thermo-regulating properties of merino with supportive 4-way stretch to keep you feeling warm and comfortable. The London-based brand takes cues from performance cycling bibs by integrating silicone grippers on the interior for a snug, secure fit (something other tights suffer from). Ankle zips make the tights easy to slip on and off, while a zippered rear pocket enables you to safely stash on-run essentials like a phone or a few gels. If you could only own a single pair of bottoms for running in colder climates, I would opt for these.

When Mother Earth finally gives you the blessing to break out shorts, Satisfy’s TechSilk™ 8" Shorts are the first I grab. Founded out of France in 2015, Satisfy makes garments for a new generation of runners who have picked up the sport as a “rebellious, anti-establishment act.” Unfortunately many run in the opposite direction when they see Satisfy’s price tags; however, if you’re simply seeking the best of the best, I’m here to tell you you’ve found it. Satisfy’s shorts have a cult-like following. This specific pair utilizes their incredible Justice™ material as a liner, a proprietary synthetic material developed in-house that feels as buttery and light as silk but is ultra durable and resilient. Accompanied on the outer layer with a 5” TechSilk™ shell and  made in France by a 100 year-old silk mill, these shorts are sure to make you feel your best to set a personal best. I could go on about their integrated sweatproof phone pockets, their secret key pouch, or any number of the countless details that make these shorts absolutely sensational. Or, you could just try them for yourself and thank me later.

Calling this windbreaker a “shell” would be doing it a disservice––because it’s that and so much more. Versatile enough to be a mainstay in your collection through spring, fall, and winter, this close-fitting top comes equipped with an Italian mid-weight stretch fabric that blocks out wind, a brushed interior for next-to-skin comfort, and laser-cut and bonded construction for an impeccable fit. It's best worn on its own, unlike most windbreakers. Perfect for cold to cool conditions, this “windbreaker” will be the first top you grab after laundry day.

If you’re going to have another pair of tights in your spring rotation, make it Lululemon’s Fast and Free Tights. You might recognize the Fast and Free name from their beloved, bestselling Fast and Free Short, which should already be a summer must-have in your closet. These tights are crafted with the same level of detail and performance materials as the shorts, they just happen to extend down to your ankles. They feature Lulu’s famous Nulux™ fabric, a combination of nylon and Lycra elastane, that creates a next-to-nothing feel without sacrificing coverage or durability. And like all of Lulu’s running gear these days, they’re made with functionality at the top of mind (See: side drop-in pockets, a zippered pocket on the back, an internal waistband pouch to stash drawcord strings, and even an elastic shirt loop that can easily hold a light top layer if you decide to strip one off.) There is not a single feature I wish these tights had that they don’t.

As the weather hints at the warmth to come, you need a reliable pair of half tights to keep you comfortably covered for those transitional days. Miler Running, based in NYC, makes aggressively minimalist, ultra-functional, and effortlessly cool running gear, and their Work Running Half Tights are no exception. Crafted from a matte, four-way stretch knit sourced from France, these tights come equipped with two drop-in side pockets, a center back pocket, and a soft-to-the-touch feel. Personal preference will dictate whether you view half tights as a fashion faux pas, but there’s no denying their superior temperature regulation in cooler weather to keep the muscles warm.

Brooklyn-based and cool-kid-on-the-block brand Bandit makes this silky smooth long sleeve to power your efforts both on and off the track. Its Oeko-Tex Certified Micromesh™ fabric is milled right here in the USA with exceptional sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties, while the integration of spandex helps to enhance its flexibility, freedom, and fabric recovery. Sleek, subtle branding hits are also present on both the front and back to show your allegiance to the tribe. As far as spontaneous spring forecasts are concerned, Bandit has you covered whether you’re heading out in the mid-40s or low 60s. Sport this top with a pair of their beloved compression half-tights for a full renegade runner look.

Ciele caps have come to be an elite symbol in the world of running. Worn as a badge of honor for those who dare push their limits, the GOCap is their original and most famous design, offering unparalleled comfort, breathability, and protection. For the GOCap SC (Softcurve), Ciele took the OG and added a soft, pre-curved brim to it, which I find to have a cleaner look. Either way, their caps come in endless customizations, colors, and designs so you’re sure to find one in a style that resonates. A word to wise, though: if you’re sporting Ciele gear and pass another runner who is doing the same, you’re legally mandated to give each other a soft nod to show mutual respect. It’s a tribe mentality; I’ve been told you’ll be heavily fined if you don’t.

Constructed from Satisfy’s signature CloudMerino™ (Optimo wool jersey from Japan considered the “thinnest wool in the world,”) this versatile and resilient base layer is suitable for all types of weather and conditions. If you hear wool and think itchy, you’ve been led astray by lesser-than materials. This top is silky soft, naturally odor resistant, and weighs close to nothing. In the cold, the wool’s porous fibers lift sweat away from your skin so you can run dry, while its creases help to naturally retain your body’s heat to sustain warmth. Not only will you be hard-pressed to find a better performing base layer, good luck finding one that’s as good looking as well.

It’s simple enough to find a waterproof jacket. But if you’ve ever run in a drizzle only to have your water-repellent top shedding droplets onto your less-protected bottom, you’ll quickly see the value in finding a good pair of rain shorts. Thankfully, Boston-based Tracksmith knows a thing or two about running in the rain and has designed the perfect pair for wet runs. Say goodbye to the chafing, sticking shorts that can ruin the high of running in the rain. A semi-compressive short liner with an internal back pocket helps prevent chafing, while Tracksmith’s premium shell sourced from Japan sheds water right off its surface. Take them out during stormy skies, or sport them even where there’s no rain in the forecast.