The Run Testers Awards 2024 highlights the top running shoes, watches, and headphones of the year, with standout products including the Garmin Phoenix 8, Jabra Elite 8 Active 2, and Hoka Speedgoat 6. The awards reflect a year of impressive innovations and releases in the running gear market.
In this year's Run Testers Awards, we celebrate the best running gear of 2024, including running shoes, watches, and headphones. After extensive testing and evaluation, we have compiled our top picks across various categories. Let's dive into the highlights of this year's awards.
This year, we have two winners for the best running watch category:
Other notable mentions in this category included the Garmin Forerunner 255, Suunto Race S, and Polar Vantage M3.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active 2 headphones stood out this year for their excellent sound quality, secure fit, and impressive battery life. They offer around 14 hours of playtime without active noise cancellation (ANC) and 8 hours with it, plus an additional 32 hours in the charging case. The headphones also feature customizable sound profiles and durability, making them ideal for runners.
The Apple AirPods 4 received praise for their comfortable fit and surprisingly effective ANC for an open design. They are versatile and suitable for various activities, making them a favorite among many users.
Other contenders included Shokz OpenFit Air and Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 emerged as the favorite trail shoe, praised for its lightweight design, reliable grip, and comfort across various terrains. It is versatile enough for different trail conditions, making it a go-to choice for many runners.
The Tecton X3 is recognized for its protective features and energetic feel, making it suitable for challenging trails. It offers a balance of comfort and performance, appealing to both skilled and casual trail runners.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is celebrated for its lightweight and agile design, making it suitable for various training runs. It provides a comfortable ride while being responsive enough for speed sessions.
The ASICS Superblast 2 is noted for its versatility, excelling in longer sessions and maintaining a consistent pace. It has become a favorite for marathon training due to its balance of comfort and responsiveness.
The Brooks Glycerin Max is recognized for its stability and comfort, making it a reliable choice for daily runs. It features a soft midsole while providing a firm grip on the ground.
The Saucony Hurricane 24 surprised many with its comfort and stability, making it suitable for easy runs without feeling overly restrictive.
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris was the clear winner in the race shoe category, known for its lightweight design and excellent performance across distances. It has helped many runners achieve personal bests in races.
The Puma DV8 Nitro Elite 3 impressed with its bounce and speed, making it a strong contender for race day. It has become a favorite among runners looking for a competitive edge.
Hoka was awarded Brand of the Year for its consistent innovation and quality in 2024. The brand has released several standout models that have resonated well with runners, showcasing their commitment to performance and comfort.
ASICS also had a strong year, with several successful releases that continued to build on their reputation for quality running shoes.
The ASICS Superblast 2 was the audience's favorite, receiving overwhelming support from voters. Its popularity reflects its performance and comfort, making it a top choice among runners.
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel V4 also garnered attention, highlighting its appeal in the running community.
The Run Testers Awards 2024 showcased an impressive array of running gear, reflecting a year of innovation and quality in the market. From running watches to shoes and headphones, these products have been tested and selected based on their performance, comfort, and overall value. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting, these top picks can help enhance your running experience.
