Trail running apparel and gear have become everyday wardrobe staples. Here’s the fashion worth adding to your closet.
Activewear has long been a major player in the fashion industry. But as brands continue to niche down, they’re increasingly drawing on one ever-growing endurance sport for inspiration: trail running.
In case you’re unfamiliar, trail running — which saw participation grow by 231 percent in the last 10 years and by 106 percent in 2022 alone — refers to the type of running that takes place on practically any unpaved path. Oftentimes, this means trails in the mountains, but these paths can be in urban areas, too. In short, trail running begins where the road ends, and because of this, specific gear designed to withstand the rigors of more rugged terrain is needed.
Like many other categories within fashion, footwear is the focal point of trail running attire. When diverting away from the pavement, you want a shoe with a tread that’s engineered to grip loose, rocky, and root-covered ground. These types of shoes have undeniable crossover appeal, which can be seen on the feet of fashion enthusiasts maneuvering throughout city streets. Case in point: Rihanna wore a pair of Salomon x Maison Margiela sneakers during her halftime performance at the 2023 Super Bowl. Salomon remains an industry leader and is one of the top performers on sneaker resale marketplace StockX, an Equinox Circle partner.
Even more so than road running, trail running is all about the accessories. Because trail runners frequently venture out to remote areas for hours on end, packs and hip belts are used to carry all the essential gear. Brands like Salomon, The North Face, and Arc’teryx specialize in running vests and hydration belts that prioritize fit and function while on the trails. High fashion brands have adopted these accessories, too, as running vests have recently been worn by models on the runway during fashion week.
The trend of trail running fashion builds on unmistakable momentum from the gorpcore craze, which has taken functional, utilitarian outdoor gear from the mountain to the big city. For example, heritage outdoor brands such as Moncler and Merrell have branched out and are now betting big on trail running. And relative newcomers such as Satisfy and Norda are not only falling in line but, in all actuality, are leading the charge. Similarly, performance brands like Lululemon and Asics are expounding on their respective expertise and entering the market.
But what’s driving the trend in the first place? Brice Partouche, the founder and creative director of luxury running apparel brand Satisfy, compares trail running to another fringe sport. “Trail culture is like skateboarding — even when you are not out practicing the sport, people still want to display they are part of the community by wearing trail shoes or the technical clothing,” he told Business of Fashion in a recent interview. So whether you’re planning on signing up for a local mountain race or you want to appear fresh and ready for action while wandering around town, trail running gear has the ultimate cool factor.
To give your trail running wardrobe a refresh or simply look like you’ve been logging miles in the great outdoors, add these must-have trail running products from the Equinox Shop to your cart.
Equinox Performance Hat
When out on the trails, you’ll want a hat that’s lightweight, moisture-wicking, and shields you from the sun. The Equinox Performance Hat ticks all the boxes, as it’s made from a sweat-wicking polyester fabric. For added style, it’s embellished with a hint of embroidery on the front.
$30; Shop Now
Lululemon Fast & Free Armband
If you’re heading out for a run and all you need is your phone, Lululemon’s Fast & Free Armband will be your go-to companion. The lightweight and breathable accessory is designed to securely carry your phone, as it features a touchscreen-friendly mesh pocket that caters to easy access. The armband is detailed with reflective accents and is adjustable, so you can dial in the perfect fit.
$38, Shop Now
Equinox Ankle Sock
This no-show sock style ensures a more seamless look. Made with premium moisture-wicking yarns and breathable perforations, the pair will keep your feet nice and dry while out on the trails. The cuff of the sock features controlled tension to deliver the perfect fit without being too tight.
$20; Shop Now
On Cloudmonster
When a long run is on the agenda, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better sneaker option than the Cloudmonster from On. The Cloudmonster showcases the brand’s biggest CloudTec cushioning elements to date for a more comfortable wear with maximum energy return, designed to propel you forward step after step. Whether you’re tackling an easy 5K or longer, 20-plus mile effort, this sneaker delivers pillowy soft landings and superior rebound for a ride you’re sure to enjoy.
$170; Shop Now in men’s & women’s styles
On Cloudrunner
The Cloudrunner is a cushioned and supportive sneaker designed to bring confidence and comfort over long distances. Featuring a lightweight and breathable upper, the runner is also responsive enough for faster runs. It incorporates On’s patented CloudTec cushioning and zero-gravity foam that absorbs the impact of each foot strike and, in turn, delivers a softer landing.
$150; Shop Now in men’s & women’s styles
District Vision Vassa 3-Layer Access Shell Jacket
The Vassa 3-Layer Access Shell Jacket comes from one of the hottest brands in running, District Vision. As the name suggests, the garment features a three-layer construction that incorporates a breathable waterproof membrane, with bonded and taped seams, elastic cuffs, waterproof zippers for ventilation, and a secure front pocket, all making this a go-to piece for when the weather is a bit unpredictable.
$500; Shop Now
On Active Shorts
The Active Short is a two-in-one design that pairs an inner tight with a feathery outer layer, each of which can be worn separately or together. The style is outfitted with hidden pockets that allow you to securely carry your running essentials while out on the trails.
$90; Shop Now