RunToTheFinish
Online Running Coach | Running Shoe and Gear Reviews
When it comes to must-have fitness gadgets and running tech, I admit to being a sucker for them all. I want to test each little click, clack and whiz to find out IF the running technology really produces results.
From a minimalist in all other areas of my life this is absolutely amusing to my husband.
But at a great benefit to you fellow athletes!
It means that I quickly dump the losers and keep only the things that work to share with you, saving you time and money! Because as my IG followers know, I’m too honest for my own good sometimes, but at least I know I’m never going to feel bad if you buy something I recommend.
The integration of technology into running isn’t just about keeping up with the latest trends; it’s about making more informed and efficient decisions that can help you run stronger, faster, and smarter.
In this article, we’ll explore the exciting world of running gadgets and fitness tech, featuring 24 tools that could elevate your training or running to a new level.
From advanced GPS devices to smart wearables and AI-powered coaching apps, these cutting-edge innovations have the power to revolutionize how you train, race, and recover. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just taking your first strides, there’s something here for every runner seeking to optimize their performance.
As expected a guide of the best running tech is going to trend a little pricier than my stocking stuffers for runners! So you’ve be warned!
It looks like a beautiful bracelet (or you can get a necklace), but with a quick push of a button you’re notifying people that you’re in trouble and need help.
I like the band style designed for fitness. It’s super soft, easily goes on the wrist and I’d wear it all the time. In testing it, the bracelet never bothered me on a run and I truly liked the comfort of knowing it was right there.
We’ve seen this hat popping up all over social media this past summer; we even saw Sifan Hassan and Eliud Kipchoge sporting it at some of their recent marathon attempts.
The cooling effect relies on moisture to activate evaporation, so if you’re sweating consistently or have access to water, it performs well. When you first put it on, you’ll feel an instant cool blast.
While it may seem like it stops working as that cool blast fades, we promise that once you take the hat off you’ll realize it was still actually keeping your head from overheating.
If you’re a heavy sweater, spend a lot of time training outdoors, and are looking for a high-tech, head-focused cooling solution, the Omius cooling system might be worth the investment. 
I’m a big fan of all the Go products because they’re small, easy to travel with, and don’t take up a ton of space. My Venom Go literally sits on a shelf in my office so I can grab it whenever I need it.
The Venom Go uses heat and vibration to relax the area where you place it. You can choose from 9 different heat and vibration combinations to soothe tight, cranky muscles.
Unlike the larger Venom devices, the Go is designed for spot treatment, so it targets and loosens just the area underneath the adhesive pad and pod.
Everything comes in a compact little carrying case, making it super easy to travel with and keep all the pieces together. It’s also TSA-approved, so you won’t have to worry about it being taken away as you go through security.
This is the perfect gift for anyone on your list, not just a runner!
We mean it when we say this NordicTrack bike is going to make you excited to cross-train, rather than dread it.
The X24 is unlike any of the others because the bike actually inclines and declines! That’s right, beyond changing the resistance, you can change the angle of the ride just like you would on your treadmill.
After a number of rides by both of us to test out features and classes, I’m ready to say this might be my favorite spin bike ever. And if you’ve read reviews around here, you know I’m not one to lightly give out that kind of praise!
We could keep gushing over this bike, so head over to the full review of the NordicTrack x24 Bike to hear all about the different features!
A BIG expenditure, but when I consider that a Lifetime Fitness membership here for my husband and I is $300/month…maybe not such an expense after all. Plus it has a small footprint and doesn’t attach to the wall.
The Speediance is a full body workout machine that can be used for cable workouts, barbell workouts, rowing or as a ski erg. It’s become a go to for Coach Amanda’s husband, who loves the follow along workouts and having a cable machine at home.
And talk about space saving! It really is a very small footprint and would absolutely work well in many of the apartments or condos.
Speediance uses a dual motor drive system, which does make it possible to better even out the weight between sides and make those small adjustments. What’s really nice about the adjustments is that the machine is also going to track all your workouts and movements per body part, which better allows you to track progress.
Available directly from Speediance (Bigger sale prices often shown here).
Embr Wave is a wearable temperature-regulating device that is designed to help you feel more comfortable by delivering thermal sensations to your wrist. The device was developed by Embr Labs, a technology company that specializes in personal thermal comfort solutions.
If you’re thinking so what? Well then my friends you haven’t dealt with the hot flashes of menopause! Not only will it help in those moments, but can improve sleep as well. I’ve got this on my to test list!
It doesn’t affect your core body temperature; instead, it focuses on the skin’s surface to help you feel more comfortable. And it looks like a lovely piece of jewelry, so people aren’t going to have any idea that this cool fitness gadget is actually saving you from stripping down because you’ve had a heat wave!
Let’s flip the script to winter running! While I do know some runners in the WAY North who will actually run in some heated vests, I think for most runners this falls it to that amazing post run need (or perhaps for that early morning dog walk). Cool running gadgets aren’t always the most obvious!
But imagine finishing that cold weather run, feeling chilled and wanting to avoid that complete freeze as your body cools but the sweat remains. A heated vest is a valuable tool for staying warm and comfortable after winter runs, providing a convenient way to recover and regulate your body temperature.
PSSTTT for anyone reading this is on my wish list this year!!
The shoe’s unique design and advanced technology were credited with helping runners set multiple world records and break long-standing personal bests.
The Nike Vaporfly features Nike’s innovative ZoomX foam, which is designed to provide unparalleled cushioning and energy return. The shoe also features a carbon fiber plate that is embedded in the midsole, which is designed to provide stiffness and help propel the runner forward with each stride.
In our opinion, it is best for the half-marathon distance and below. However, you could get away with wearing it for the marathon.
If you’ve worn the Vaporfly 3, you’ll notice some differences here. The midsole has been slimmed down slightly, and the stack height has been reduced, making it the lightest version yet.
They kept the ZoomX foam you know and love. The Flyplate has been improved and has a more aggressive curve, which is designed to maximize leverage from your foot and ankle, aka more pop!
We know, the price tag on this one is a little alarming. But this is “the treadmill that’s not a treadmill”.
So maybe what we really need is to think of this a little bit differently. It’s about the experience you have while training, meaning making it feel a whole lot more like running outside!
The Wahoo gives you a surface similar to running on a hard-packed trail. PLUS, not only can you change the incline and decline from the Wahoo app, you have the ability to turn on the side-to-side tilt feature.
This is terrain mode, which is similar to when you’re running outside and hit a slight dip. It’s a quick little lateral tilt and then right back to level.
Another feature that we love (well, after taking a few weeks to get used to it) is the run-free mode. If you’ve ever run on a curved treadmill, it’s kinda similar to that, but with a boatload of technology to give you that hands-free, run without thinking about it experience!
If you want even more info about the Wahoo Kickr Run Treadmill, check out our full review.
If you’ve ever experienced or had someone you love deal with PF then you know it’s frustrating and feels like it will never get better. So our resisted PF runner and tester Stacey Gross was honestly blown away by this tool.
She’s been doing Physical Therapy for ages and found that after 3 weeks she was consistently having less and less pain. So this little gadget remains under her desk for use throughout the day.
We couldn’t narrow it down to just one Garmin piece of tech, so we decided to break it down into a few categories to help with your shopping.
When you want a running watch that looks like a 10 and has the brains of a 10, this is your clear-cut winner. The Fenix can do it all, from running to deep-sea diving to skydiving, while also giving you phone notifications, pay from your watch, and a decent multi-color display.
If you want a watch you can wear to run but also throw on with jeans and a pair of heels, this is what we think to be the most stylish option from Garmin at the moment.
You’ll see there are a ton of options for the Fenix, depending on what you’re looking for.
One of the few watches that immediately got my stamp of approval for HR accuracy! It’s a beast of a watch, in terms of size, but I still wear it just about any time I’ll be hitting the trails and for a lot of my road marathon training as well.
Additionally, it became my go to for our mountain hikes, snowshoeing and cross country ski days. Solar charging means that you get extra on all the battery life settings, like up to 320 hours of GPS!
If you’re eyeing an upcoming ultra race and searching for a new watch, this is one worth checking out!
While this is not a triathlon blog and I will not pretend to know all the things you need, I have done my fair share of swimming and biking over the years. I also owned one of the early models of this watch, the 935, and it was a stellar watch.
We’ve heard a lot of great things from our triathlete friends of this being a watch they’ll use over and over again for their training and even on race day. They know that it’s going to stand the test of giving them the data they need for a 70.3 or farther.
The Garmin Forerunner 570 is a fantastic watch for athletes who are very active beyond running. Particularly those who golf as it has some very specific features or those who do mountaineering, skiing or team sports.
Garmin heard you loud and clear, on the face that a lot of you like your Apple watch is being able to take or answer a phone call. Well now, you can also call them right from your wrist kinda like Inspector Gadget.
We do have to warn you though, if it’s super windy, the person on ther other end may not hear you too clearly unless you try to block the microphone. It’s a tiny speaker, so unless you want to look like Inspector Gadget, we doubt you’re going to walk a few miles with your wrist to your mouth.
Unlike other smart watches, smart rings, and other HRMs, the Frontier X2 “provides continuous ECG with real-time heart health feedback even during exercise, ensuring high signal quality with comprehensive heart health monitoring during any activity.”
The ECG readings and heart rate zone insights are valuable for any user, not only athletes.
The true benefit of utilizing the monitor comes over time, when you can leverage the app to get detailed physiological insights and track your heart rhythm deviations.
You can connect the heart rate monitor to other devices as an external HRM and the data is automatically passed to the respective platform (Garmin, Polar etc.).
Use code RUN to get 30% off 
Plus, for the ladies, you can get the Frontier Sports Bra to easily clip the heart rate monitor on without needing the strap.
See my budget massage gun recommendations if you aren’t interested in spending quite so much to say “I love you, let’s chill out”.
Prying the massage gun out of the hands of van 1 during our Ragnar relay proved to be quite the task. They were in love and enjoying every minute of loosening up stiff muscles from sitting in the van, working on tight glutes and all form of other issues.
There are a variety of these on the market, the most common name is Hypervolt which runs about twice the price for the exact same features. The bonus of the mini is for anyone who travels! They can get that full power with something that’s really easy to pack.
If they don’t need a massage gun because they love a good foam roller, checkout the vibrating foam roller from Hyperice. The bonus is we know that the vibration sends a signal to the brain that helps to stop any pain signals, so it can allow them to really work on an area that’s sore.
I actually super love these workout gadgets even at the higher price point. The action of vibration allows you to work a little deeper in to the muscles because it relaxes them.
After recently sharing my own issues with my shoulders rolling forward due to all the computer and Instagram time, I was overwhelmed by how many of you felt the same!
That started an entire blog post and video with exercises to help all of us.
But in addition to that, you can’t go wrong with that constant reminder.
Because honestly this one is a case where perfect practice makes it a habit! You’ll start out with a daily training session and then use the device more as a reminder to hold that good form
One-on-one coaching, though not a traditional piece of fitness technology, is an invaluable and personalized gift for anyone looking to elevate their fitness journey. In today’s digital age, the human touch is often undervalued, but the guidance and expertise of a certified coach can make a world of difference.
Whether it’s for a beginner seeking to establish a solid workout routine, an athlete aiming to reach peak performance, or someone striving to overcome specific fitness challenges, RTTF one-on-one coaching provides tailored guidance, motivation, and accountability.
This personalized approach ensures that every aspect of one’s fitness, from goal-setting to exercise techniques, is optimized for success, making it a truly thoughtful and transformative fitness gift that can inspire lasting change and growth.
If you’ve been doing a lot of hold-your-phone selfie run videos, you’ll suddenly see your form and may feel like you need to run faster for that picture-perfect stride. Oh, the things we do for content.
I love that it can follow me, lead me, hover, and do a fun 360 spin to show that I’m running in an insanely cool place, which I feel like is so hard to capture in other videos.
Whether you’re using this to capture content for social media or just like document your training or adventures, this is a really fun gift idea! 
It’s super easy to use, has a ton of different settings and can download your photos/videos in seconds. Of course, always check ahead to see if there are any rules for the area you want to film in. Many National Parks and trails do have a no drone policy!
Find yourself getting bored while running on the treadmill? What if we told you there’s a treadmill out there that you can play games?
The 22-inch high-definition touchscreen serves as a full entertainment hub, giving you access to streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, as well as Aviron’s unique library of gamified workouts and virtual routes.
The membership includes games, challenges, coach-led workouts, virtual nature scenes, guided workouts, and Les Mills. They are also always adding content so there is something for everyone.
The games all involve changes in speed and/or incline to achieve goals and earn points. We were happy to see you can still do most of these as a walking workout as well.
If you need an extra kick of a social aspect, there is a community of nearly 14,000 people on Facebook. People challenge each other, cheer on each other, ask questions and are so supportive. There are even Aviron staff in the group and invite feature requests for their equipment.
Our team has tested a bunch of treadmills this year, and overall, we’ve noticed that prices are generally climbing even for the most basic of setups. If you’re looking for a way to stay motivated while working out indoors, we give this one a thumbs up.
I was on the swim team for years in high school, and my brain can barely comprehend what on Earth that would have been like with these goggles. Whether you’re training for a triathlon or just swimming for cross-training, these are a game-changer.
Through the goggles, you can get real-time swim data! No need to glance at a watch. And they work for both pool and open water swims!
Interestingly, these are cheaper on Amazon than on the website, so enjoy that link!
Talk about some cool fitness tech! I think this one may take the cake for me right now in terms of new and interesting.
Are you a hot sleeper? Tired of tossing and turning because you can’t cool down while trying to catch some zzz’s?
After being a little skeptical, we have to say that the Chilipad from SleepMe actually is worth the price tag. It worked so well, we actually had to turn the settings up a little bit because it was like sleeping in an igloo!
It works by water flowing through, not like a waterbed —just a little to help you cool off. The system will adjust the temperature up and down throughout the night based on your sleep schedule.
If the Speediance home gym above felt a bit too bulky for your space, the Tonal 2 might be the perfect fit.
All you really need is some wall space and a power outlet within six feet, and you’re good to go!
With the required 12-month membership, you’ll get unlimited user accounts and personalized training right in the comfort of your home.
The Tonal automatically adjusts resistance based on your fitness level and goals, so you can progress safely without the guesswork (or the risk of lifting too heavy too soon).
It also includes a built-in high-resolution camera that analyzes your movements and offers real-time coaching cues, plus post-workout clips for reviewing your form.
Since it’s a wall-mounted setup, once it’s installed, that’s its permanent spot. It’s ideal for small spaces, but be sure to leave enough room to use the adjustable arms and all the included accessories (bar, handle rope) comfortably.
If you’re shopping for a science nerd, this is a fun gift!
It’s super easy to set up and use (even for someone like me who struggles with technology). And for slightly more than the cost of most lab-based sweat tests, you can have personalized sweat data on all of your runs in the palm of your hand.
There are a few different wearable sweat monitors out there, but hDrop is the only one that you can use over and over without swapping out sensors – which means that you can wear it every day without any extra cost or hassle.
Data collected from the hDrop is undeniably interesting (or maybe that’s only true if you’re a sweat geek like me!) and can be useful in providing a starting point for creating a hydration strategy for your next long run or race.
Want to learn more? Read our full review of the hDrop here.
Want to feel like you have access to an AlterG treadmill at home…well here is your chance! This company is actually based near me in Colorado, so I had the opportunity to install this device on my own treadmill for testing.
For the injured athlete or those who find they just can’t increase mileage without injury, the Lever is an incredible tool. One of my RTTF coaches also used it consistently during marathon training when starting to hit some super high mileage and getting her to rock that sub 3:30 marathon.
Chirp Halo promotes TENS and EMS as not just a pain relief, but a recovery tool. It’s one of the easier TENS units on the market to apply to any specific area.
We love that you can stick it and go about your day without a bunch of wires or being connected to an additional external device.
Unlike other recovery tools, for $199, you’re getting a lot of stuff. You don’t have to spend time piecing together different tools and accessories.
Here’s what you’ll get:
Everything fits nicely in the charging case so that you can bring the Chirp Halo with you for recovery on-the-go. I like that the charging is done with the case, instead of item by item.
Since, I have tested and been asked about a few fitness gadgets that did not appear in the round up, I thought I’d give you just a little about why. And as always, you can decide for yourself!
This doesn’t make me popular with brands looking to send me things, but I figure if I’m going to give you honest workout gadgets reviews then it needs to include the things that I absolutely wouldn’t spend my money on after testing.
You’ve probably seen them all over social media as the thing to buy this season. But trust us, do NOT waste your money on an expensive vibration plate. A foam pad, balance pods, and even a tool like a Mobo Board will help fire those muscles to improve your balance and strengthen your muscles.
While I think that it’s an incredible tool, it’s not necessary for 90% of the runners I know. The sensor gives you new metrics to train by power…so more data. If you haven’t mastered perceived exertion or generally following heart rate I think it could be overwhelming.
I wrote more about running power and why it’s great for cyclists, but so far iffy for runners.
Do you need to practice running in an oxygen deprived state. NOOOOOOOOO. It’s not going to improve your running at altitude or make you faster, it’s just going to make training harder.
The world of fitness technology is continually evolving, offering a vast array of gadgets and devices designed to enhance our workouts, monitor our progress, and elevate our overall health and well-being. From advanced heart rate monitors like the Polar H10 to smartwatches, fitness apps, and other innovative tools, there’s no shortage of options to choose from.
These pieces of fitness tech not only provide valuable data but also inspire motivation and help us stay on track with our fitness goals.
As we embrace the digital age, it’s important to remember that while fitness technology can be a powerful ally, it should complement, not replace, the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle.
The right balance between the latest gadgets and tried-and-true principles like proper nutrition, regular exercise, and rest is key to achieving long-lasting results. So, as you explore the exciting world of fitness tech, remember that the most significant transformation happens within yourself, fueled by dedication and the desire to lead a healthier, more active life.
Ultimately, the choice of fitness tech is a personal one, influenced by your specific goals and preferences. Whether you’re looking to optimize your training, track your progress, or simply make your workouts more enjoyable, there’s a device or gadget that can cater to your needs.
So, embrace the technological advancements available to you, and use them as powerful tools to help you on your fitness journey. With the right combination of dedication, knowledge, and the right fitness tech, you’re well on your way to achieving your health and fitness aspirations.
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Author
Wow! Technology has come a long way. I have to say I laughed out loud when I read about the HumanCharger, but it actually sounds pretty awesome. My wish list for Santa is getting long!
Diana
http://betterthanalive.com/
WOW these are super techy (aka I want them all). I need sport sunglasses for running. My Kate Spade cat eyes just don’t do it! LOL!
HA! I like the “actually work” part of this post. You’ve saved a lot of us a lot of money. There are so many gimmicky options out there. All of these look solid and helpful. I have always wanted to analyze my running stride. Lumo Run looks like it could do the job. Sometimes I think my distaste from running actually is rooted in bad posture which makes running hard and more work than it should be. Very nice round up of gadgets here.
Yet something else that knows more than I do ;D I laughed out loud about Pavlok. Genius, but also, in the wrong hands…. Super intrigued by many of these, especially Lumo!
I know, I kind of want to put it on David and just tap it randomly 🙂
Who knew there were so many helpful running gadgets. That Lumo Run sounds pretty cool and like something I definitely need.
Wow! That Pavlov band is so interesting! I have never heard of it, so glad you’ve educated me. I’ll have to be on the lookout for it!
These are great gift ides for the fitness fanatics in your life! Thank you for sharing!
Oh man, I really want to find one of those watches, but made for tiny wrists! I’m always so tentative about new gadgets, but admit to loving them.
The Pavlok sounds really, really fun. If you use it on someone else! And I’m hoping Santa reads that I want a super pretty rose gold Garmin Fenix too. And that he also does a huge price drop on it before I get it. 🙂
Thanks for doing all the research and making this a no-brainer! I really want the sleep monitor! (Please santa ;))
I haven’t gotten into the running gadgets too much. Mainly because there are so many and I don’t even know where to start or how to choose! I did have a Fitbit for a while and the sleep tracking was my favorite part but it also made it harder for me to fall asleep because I was aware of the tracker (crazy I know LOL).
You did a great job on the research for these gadgets! So many great selections! I’d love to find them all under my tree! lol
So many new stuff lately! To be honest, I might end up buying these for myself rather than giving them away as gifts! LOL
My sister is a bit chubby, and she’s been saying that she’d like to start running. I might get her those sunglasses – if she doesn’t loose any weight, atleast she’ll look cool while running.
Love the blog — but worth noting that a few months back, I was super interested in the Lumo Run. However, if you go to their site, the company was bought out and they no longer produce or support the product. Whatever is on Amazon is what’s left and if you have any technical issues… you’re out of luck. And with something that relies so heavily on an app on devices that will be consistently updated, that’ll become more of an issue as time goes on. It’s a shame because it sounds like a really interesting way to work on running form.
oh good to know, there is a new one I reeallllyyyy want to recommend, but they are still in BETA. I was hoping they’d be live by this week.
This is an excellent guide for runners looking to elevate their training with the right technology. I especially appreciate how it highlights devices that track heart rate, GPS routes, and recovery times, which are essential for serious runners. The recommendations make it easy to choose gadgets that truly add value, whether you’re training for a 5K or a marathon. I found the breakdown of features versus price particularly helpful, as it saves time researching different models.
Hello runners! I’m Amanda Brooks, a certified running coach and personal trainer since 2012. But my running love started long before that in 2002. My philosophy is that running isn’t about your pace or the distance or your body. It’s about showing up for yourself, loving the process and doing it injury free!
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Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…
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