Running Gear Lab
Made to be useful.
Running Gear Lab helps everyday runners make better decisions about shoes, watches, training and race preparation. We care more about what works for the runner than what looks best on a product page.
Who is behind Running Gear Lab?
The site comes from two different sides of the work: Justin brings the coaching, training, racing and hands-on gear experience. Kelly handles the research, editing, website design and the tools that make the information easier to use.
Justin
Triathlon Coach · Endurance Athlete · Gear Tester
Justin has spent years training and racing across triathlon, marathon and trail events. He brings that experience to the training tools, race guidance and the gear he has actually used.
When a review is based on his own training, we say so. When it is not, we do not pretend it is.
Training and racing: @jjevenden
Kelly
Editor · Research · Website Designer
Kelly researches, writes and edits the shoe, gear and comparison guides and designs and maintains Running Gear Lab.
Her job is to keep recommendations current, make complicated choices easier to understand, and turn useful information into pages and tools that work well on a phone as well as a desktop.
How we make recommendations
The best shoe or watch depends on the runner. We start with the job the product needs to do, then look at the details that actually change the decision.
Foot shape, support needs, distance, terrain, training goals and budget come before a universal “best.”
Shoes and watches change quickly. We check current specifications, fit options and meaningful model updates.
If we own, run in or regularly use something, we can talk about fit, comfort, setup and how it behaves in actual training.
For products we have not used ourselves, we compare current product information and runner feedback without turning research into a fake first-person review.
A useful recommendation should tell you who might be happier with something else.
Models get replaced, prices change and products disappear. We revisit recommendations when those changes matter.
What we cover
Training advice should fit real life
We do not think every runner needs the same plan. Training should fit your current base, race date, available days and recovery. Rest and cutback weeks are part of training. Race-day fueling, shoes and pacing should be practised before race day.
If pain is sharp, worsening or changes how you run, an online training plan is not the right place to solve it.
How Running Gear Lab makes money
If you buy through one of those links, Running Gear Lab may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Running Gear Lab participates in the Amazon Associates program and may use other affiliate relationships.
A product being available through an affiliate link does not automatically make it a top pick. Prices, stock and return policies can change, so check the retailer before buying.
Corrections are welcome
Running products, race information and training resources change. If you spot an outdated model, broken link, incorrect specification or something that needs clarification, tell us. We would rather fix it.
Contact Running Gear Lab
Questions, corrections, reader feedback and partnership inquiries are welcome.