Each pair of socks was worn over several weeks of mixed riding and also put through some controlled ‘lab-style’ assessments. I made the most of a few weeks of wet weather to see how well they performe

Frostbite will really ruin your mountain day. Lara Dunn and Peter Macfarlane keep their digits toasty with this selection of the best gloves for winter conditions

SIX OF THE BEST

From binocs to balms, comfy seats to crunchy snacks: a celebration of little treats that make all the difference.

The Runner’s World team are always sweating the details as we put the latest gear through its paces. Our collective efforts have road-and trail-tested hundreds of products over the past year, and now we’ve compared notes and pored over the data to hand-pick the best of the best. Over the following pages, you’ll find the stand-out kit that has enhanced our running in 2025, all lined up on the red carpet to claim the coveted gongs in the various categories of our annual Gear Awards

SIX OF THE BEST