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

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.

Ronhill Everyday Vest, £17.99, sportshoes.com

An old-school, loose-fitting vest with huge armholes. Lightweight, soft and unobtrusive.

New Look Camo SS Shirt, £14.99, 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.

Alphaskin Sport Graphic Long Tights, £32.95, 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.

Inov-8 All Terrain Sock, £14.99 for two pairs, 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.

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.

Canterbury Superlight Graphic Tee, £16.10, 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.

OMM Ultra Light 12L, £55.00, 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. 

GapFit Breathe Crewneck T-Shirt, £19.95, 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. 

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.

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.

Karrimor Run Jacket, £17.99, 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.

Karrimor Running Socks, £4.50 for two pairs, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Karrimor Run Tights, £8.50, sportsdirect.com 

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

Alpkit Koulin Trail Tee, £18, alpkit.com 

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

Active Funnel Neck Top, £25, 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.