I Bought 15 of the BEST RATED Running Products on AMAZON

[@golrush007]

I've run in nothing but Balega Enduro socks for years. They've been very comfortable and durable too. I get the comments about the thickness, but I actually find that a bit more comforting than the thinner socks I wore in the past. I run in a fairly hot climate in South Africa but have never found them too thick for me. I also like that Balega started in South Africa and the name is Zulu for moving fast.

[@BenParkes]

ah, that's a great fact about the name! Love that!

[@amywalz5987]

I'm also a big fan of the Balega socks. There is quite a variety of styles so I don't know that they are all thick. I deliver the mail and have been walking 20+ miles a day 6 days a week at times. I swear by the Blister Resist Balega socks. They are a tad thicker but they have merino wool in them which helps quick sweat away from your foot. I've almost never seen these socks on sale, but they are worth every penny.

[@SaranneHuxton1996]

As someone who suffers from shin splints, I have bought those exact compression socks and they truly work. Compression socks aren’t a placebo, they are given to you after you have medical surgery to ensure you don’t get blood clots as they promote blood flow to the area. Blood flow to the legs in this case = decrease in swelling/inflammation. For anyone wondering if they should go for them, do it!

[@BenParkes]

Great to hear they are working for you!!

[@eamon1648]

The compression socks used in hospitals are WAYY tighter than any sports ones. It's very likely that sports compressions sleeves or socks don't have a measurable benefit but there's definitely no harm and it you like them then use them. I like them after long runs sometimes, feels great.

[@SaranneHuxton1996]

@@eamon1648 I’ve just had a laparoscopy, the compressions socks given to me by the hospital are the same tightness at first but loosen, not even washing them puts them back to what they were. My sports ones (the ones in this video) I would say are actually tighter because I sized down, every time I put them on it’s not easy, even if I’ve not washed them. Hospital compression socks unfortunately, stretch. I have genuinely considered wearing my sports ones because the hospital socks have loosened so much. When buying sports compression socks it’s smart to size down to ensure they do their job, the seller themselves say to do it to ensure they work.

[@SaranneHuxton1996]

@@eamon1648 that’s why you size down in them. You don’t buy your actual size, you ensure they are actually compressing your shins. Those sports compressions socks when sized down are a lot tighter than the medical compressions socks I recently had for my laparoscopy.

[@eamon1648]

@@SaranneHuxton1996 this is not true, if you wear sports ones that provide as much compression as medical ones they would not be good to run in, the sports ones aren't meant to be as tight. The primary reason they're used in hospitals is to prevent swelling caused by being bed ridden. A healthy person will not get swelling like this under normal circumstances. Unless someone has a medical condition then there is no benefit to them while exercising. How do you propose they prevent shin splints? As shin splints have nothing to do with circulation

[@smith12whu]

One of the best things about the SIS gels is that you can get them in most supermarkets so you can always grab last minute gels if needed.

[@BenParkes]

haha.. yes. Have done that myself a few times!

[@glenn1534]

Balega socks are the best running purchase I've made. I'm slowly turning my sock collection into all Balega socks and I wear them for everyday use just because of how comfortable they feel (slowly because of the price!)

[@jimdicko1483]

Great vid. I buy tail wind by the bag then pre-fill small bottles with powder. “Dose locker” or similar protein powder funnels are really useful for filling bottles too.

[@maxal2251]

Flip belts are supposed to flip! Put all your stuff in and essentially turn it inside out, everything secured with the openings against your body👍 surely Ben knew this 😂 Great vid., I’ve got quite a few of these products- Balega socks are outstanding.

[@GrassFedKao]

I'd suppose it would make it a bit impractical say if you need to reach in and grab your gels or other nutrition

[@georgemartin6389]

Surley of it flipped the openings would then be upside down??

[@thejames666]

@@georgemartin6389The openings aren’t at the “top”. They’re across the middle of the pocket, like a slit, so up/down doesn’t matter. They also do a version with a zippered pocket, which is what I use. Expensive yes, but excellent.

[@cdh79]

@@GrassFedKao I've been using them for years and it's not really an issue to get to the gels when they're flipped. I have two of them, one with a zipper (where i store my phone and ID) and one without.

[@BenParkes]

haha.. well I've never used one until this video and learn like everyone else. Thank you for pointing that out.. good to know now!! 😀

[@neilpowell1992]

You can get the flipbelt with a zip pocket

[@rogergill312]

my immediate thought too...

[@metalmini]

Plus, you just flip em inside out and then northing gets out... Hance the name 😉

[@alexchapman3906]

Boot buddy takes a while to get used to. You need to get the shoe wet, lock it off and then scrub. Repeat then have a microfibre handy to rub down. Top tip a small amount of car shampoo with carnauba wax will help a lot and (if useful for the material type) make it hydrophobic for future easy cleaning.

[@samhardy8100]

I love that you got straight to the point with these reviews!

[@michaeldoswell5885]

Afternoon Ben. I train a bit for fun and to keep fit, but until today I’d never even completed a fun run. But your content inspired me to enter an event, to help focus and set a goal and today at 44 I completed the Southampton Run Through 5km. Thanks to the training and preparation advice from videos such as yours I even managed to place within the top 3. So many thanks for all your expertise and support. :-)

[@qqjj827]

Love the sis gel. In summer, you can freeze it the night before, and eat it chilled!

[@emmalewin7493]

I have a knobbly foot roller to help keep plantar fasciitis away, but it got accidentally squashed, so it doesn’t work quite as well as it used to. I did buy a small spikey ball from TK Maxx, which is also designed to help prevent plantar fasciitis and I use the spikey ball regularly along with toe stretches.

[@timothyfranklin4808]

For the flip belt, I turn the pockets round into my waist so things can't fall out 🙌

[@macau.friend]

1) I love my Shokz headphones, but they have a tendency to break after one year. It’s very common for one side to stop working after a while, and there is no way to fix it. Only option is to get a new one, and I hate that 2) The shoe dryer and shoe brush seem kind of unnecessary? I normally just clean my shoes with a regular brush, blow dry them with my hair dryer, and then just let them dry under the sun. 3) I am also not sure about the slant board. Seems like a makeshift version can be easily made at home.

[@robingerritsen]

Well the shoe dryer seems more efficient than a hair dryer😅 Also the sun is rarely there when your shoes get soaked from running in the rain, so that's not really an option

[@scottie10014]

Love Tailwind. I buy the big pack, pre-mix it and add it to my water bottle/s for long runs

[@ryanjonesky]

Never lost anything with my Flipbelt. love it. But a zip is a good suggestion.

[@TheMyth724]

With the aftershocks charger you can pick up type c key ring adapters which are a life saver. I use mine all the time and only ever take 1 cable away with me now for everything

[@katelynleigh5610]

I have balegas from 2014, the thinner style so they should be less durable and they’re still going strong and a go to for springs. They are 100% worth it to me

[@FlickyBeanss]

Hey Ben, Amazon sells a cheaper brand of bone conduction headphones by a brand called Hanmer. I picked them up for £32 discounted from £40 and they do exactly the same job as the shokz but they also have a usb charging port instead of a custom one. Great video as always mate

[@OaxSport]

Great review, Ben! It's so helpful to see honest opinions on popular running gear. Can't wait to try some of these products myself. Thanks for the detailed breakdown!

[@QiQiRoc]

Great video. Newish runner here. I always flip my flip belt so the slits are on the inside. No issues so far. And I love my Aftershokz but definitely agree with your cons list!

[@pauljennings2425]

Great video again Ben. Thanks. You mention the Balega socks being a bit warm. I find most of my socks too warm/thick - mostly Stance. With summer (allegedly) coming, a video on decent running socks for warm(er) weather would be great

[@bridgettbirminingham]

Balega have different weight socks. Here in Florida, USA, I wear the thinner ones and have had pairs for years with no holes. They are expensive but last forever.

[@liamhockey9189]

Have the foot dryer use it all the time in winter , great buy 👍. Lifejacket suncream is good aswell 👌

[@eddieloid]

We've had three sets of Aftershokz bone conducting headphones in our household over the last few years, all bought at different times, and each one has standard USB charging - this is the first I've heard of one with proprietary port and cable.

[@danielecavalcanti3720]

The only one with no sponsors. You are the best ❤

[@Leighgarmory]

The only one? Who are you referring to?

[@olooalfredo]

You no want him to have sponsors?

[@hobotify]

I can recommend the Shockz OpenMove headphones instead of the more expensive ones. Sound quality is good enough for spoken word stuff. The openrun and pro sound marginally better, but all bone conduction headphones lack bass anyway. And the Openmove has physical buttons, and charges over USB-C.

[@leighsymons5619]

Yep I can second this! Great headphones, have never had the expensive ones but have never thought I needed to get them either.

[@shaylorcyclingwahoo]

Sound quality of the Pros is plenty good enough for music. I exclusively listen to music on mine. If the base version is limited to being only good enough only for spoken word then I’m very glad I paid the extra!

[@chloebenn5708]

Openmove are great for music in my opinion, never noticed any issy

[@ScuffleYT]

Love them for podcasts and anything spoken word, but not great for music, I'd say. Not sure what everyone else does, but with a cap and sunglasses, it's sometimes very difficult to find a spot where they don't hang around or get stuck/press onto the sunglasses. Tips are very welcome!

[@elflakeador09]

Money well spent imo

[@Mondy85]

Love this type of vid mate

[@BenParkes]

Thank you!! More to come

[@jh230377]

Love my runitude vest. Have had it for 2 years now and it has been great for all training and races for holding my iPhone . Also love my Aftershokz headphones - fantastic value and I can listen to music whilst running 👍

[@shanemears81]

Love it when you do these type of videos! Thanks 👍

[@BenParkes]

Thank you. Will be more to come soon!

[@jamesmay6895]

Body glide is terrific, also love my aftershokz

[@steffilomi9328]

Why not just run in running tights and t-shirt ? No body glide needed...

[@michaelrockow5461]

I had a blister issue for a few years until I started running in the Balega socks. Since then, I have not had a blister in years. They are superb.

[@CycleXplorer]

The shoe drier is great for cycling. Especially when it's wet day after day. Stops the stench setting in 😂

[@northerncozzie]

Running with a knackered ankle since 2019... Didn't even know about the slant board... Ordered and delivery tomorrow! Learn something new every day 😁. Cheers

[@elflakeador09]

I bought the foot roller on your recommendation and I find it excellent. Not to hard on the feet but my feet feel great after it.

[@adambrown5965]

Worth noting that you can get the boxes of SIS gels from Home Bargains for £4.99

[@vgnrnr]

Tailwind has been my drink of choice for long runs and bike rides, only one i've used where i don't get awful stomach issues late on the session. The green tea and cola flavours are so good

[@SquashPile]

Love my flipbelt and water bottles. You just have to flip/twist the belt and nothing will fall out.

[@lizakahanova]

Oh, I didn’t realise that a Flipbelt doesn’t have a zip pocket anymore, mine is 6 years old and has it, it’s very handy!

[@chrxsk]

Recently started a half marathon plan and am desperate for something to hold my phone and keys while running. What would you reccomend going with out of the flipbelt and naked band if budget wasn't an issue?

[@danielquinney9302]

I wear compression shorts with the phone holder slot on the leg, works well. I put my key in there as well.

[@Washee61]

Absolutely love Balega socks! Also, I found with my Shokz i could get a much better sound for music by messing with the equaliser settings on my phone.

[@elaineoc2511]

Flip belt didn't work so well for me. Kept moving up to to my waist and was not comfortable. I have that exact phone holder that was shown before the flip belt and think it is great.

[@jka_18]

Have you find running belt that won't ride up the waist ? I'm tired of finding one 😢

[@elaineoc2511]

@@jka_18 the phone holder vest in the video is what I use. I think it's brilliant. Running belts drive me mad, so uncomfortable.

[@jka_18]

@@elaineoc2511 thanks for your reply. I had similar phone holder vest brand called "free train" but found very uncomfortable the way it sits on my chest ( bust ) . And I'm lady with size D. That's why I'm only looking to find good waist belt .

[@user-wc6bl4zs4i]

When you’re on a run and you have a gu, where do you put the garbage? Back in your running belt? Wouldn’t the small excess in the packet get everywhere?

[@TC_Tris]

Love the honest reviews!

[@Kaisersozze]

Squirrel's Nut Butter is a natural anti chafing stick that's also popular.

[@jerhall123]

I’ve been wearing Balega for years, since I was accidentally given them by my parents for Xmas 😂. Even in a warm, humid climate, they still work well.

[@iambrent]

Love my Rymora calf sleeves, but I think you had them on backwards. 😊

[@runnymanrunning]

I've found my Shokz Openrun have consistently offered two hours of battery on a full charge over the year or so I've had them. It's a shame because they're otherwise quite good, but for a pair of running headphones the battery life just isn't good enough.

[@BenParkes]

You should try and get back in touch with them.. as that isn't good enough! See what their customer service says.. sounds like you have a faulty pair.

[@itsevelinakp]

The big problem as you mentioned with the SIS bars ,is that they are sooo hard to open if you have sweaty hands,in my last marathon I tried to open it while running and it’s really sweaty hands in hella hot weather and I opened it like nothing was coming out and I literally gave up and didn’t use a gel at all😭

[@ralphgomarsall]

On protein powder, try TRIBE salted caramel. Great flavour

[@justintemp]

Re compression calf sleeves, why not wear long socks or football socks? Or running tights?

[@chunkymonkey4868]

Instead of using a shoe dryer, newspaper is no joke amazing. Stuff the whole shoe with it, wait a few hours, (swap out newspaper and wait someone again IF needed an, usually good by then) and you shoes should be almost completely dry or at least ready for your run the next day.

[@FlyingMonkeys69]

Great detailed reviews and detail on each product. Funny thing is, I have 3 of these products already and agree with your rating 💯 bravo

[@metrazol]

Compression socks and sleeves are legit science for some things, but they aren't magic. Good for wound healing and achilles issues and not getting bitten on the calf by mosquitos... says the guy who had those exact calf sleeves delivered yesterday...

[@authserv]

Used to love love love tailwind but this year can't get it imported to Canada 😞

[@martinlanders6135]

BodyGlide is an absolute non negotiable essential for me!! Best product ever 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@alois7726]

for me the thing i did not enjoy that much about the flipbelt is that it feels very hot when i wear it. Might be with every running belt tho

[@GrassFedKao]

As a very sweaty runner it would get soaked after longer runs and constantly having to wash it made it inconvenient to use for every run

[@gangalimbu7399]

And just bought that slant board. Thanks.

[@Feanaro5503]

I can clean both shoes on one refill of the Boot Buddy, but I guess that’s due to the difference in mud levels between the US and the UK. 😅

[@_Seppixx]

You did not talk about the head you wearing. I am looking for one but I dont now where I can buy them :(

[@warwickrun542]

Tried the SIS gels, but not again. Had that ghastly artificial sweetener taste about them. Other question is why does something that is a carbo gel so already sweet in the first place, needs an artificial sweetener added?

[@john-tomlinson]

Good info. That said, I wince when I see shoes that have been used outside on a kitchen counter. That is so disgusting.

[@BenParkes]

We don't use it there normally. It was just for filming that section as the lighting is better there. Don't worry! :-)

[@WarLock0405]

Truly well video. Keep going!

[@alexchapman3906]

Naked bars are on nectar special in Sainsbury’s at the moment £1.75 for 4.

[@muhammadkhairul3621]

Hello Ben, I just subscribe to one of your beginner training plan for half marathon. Can i know is it strictly to follow 12 weeks?because my race is on 18 August that is if I count it right is 10 weeks from now. Can I still follow the plan or is there something else I can tweak or do?thank you hope you notice and reply this

[@coachb530]

Why are SIS gels and Nakd bars so ridiculously more expensive in US vs UK?

[@RE71476AD]

Nice video, thanks Ben (and Sarah). Agree with the main points, having had many of these items. In fact I am wearing those compression socks right now! We are relatively new to your channel and have binged watched your videos, sometimes in a strange order (e.g watching utmb race before the training and shouting 'don't do it Ben' during the training videos...we dont have a life!). You have a good story from being on top form, then breaking your ankle, injuries, mental health, and eventuallu back to your best. Breaking that ankle started a domino effect leading to changes in running form and further injuries. Al Because you have a great and entertaining personality - wife has been laughing at your subtle jokes...I think fan y pan was the best - we think you should do some more weird and funny challenges such as tough mudder, OCRs etc or like the burger challenege you did. Perhaps do the eat 10,000 calories and burn 10,000 calories. Anyway, I hope to see you on the NDW again and, since you have talked about social media comments in the past, just remember that "you will never meet a hater doing better than you".

[@youngsuk3329]

For android users i recommend Samsung galaxy buds fe earphones, super snuck (i ran 10k daily and 42k with them, no problem), cheap (i bought mine for 30 bucks), have good anc, touch control is supreme compared to any other brand, battery 6 to 9 hours

[@starz8900]

Belega socks are so good for winter running

[@790d4]

The slant board has been instrumental in helping me get over patellar tendinitis

[@nicolepetersohn3948]

My balega socks are awesome and have lasted me YEARS. They somehow still look new!

[@dominicrichards6608]

You should try Caterpy laces and Squirrels Nut butter

[@robwhitmore3040]

Ohhhh, I've seen these shoe dryers in the background of someone else's video. But I thought it was just a shoe holder that was only there to keep their shape or something. This makes way may sense

[@gwilymeades]

Yes I do think I'll set up my wet runners on the kitchen counter by the toaster NOT!

[@janangelodadis2805]

Hello can you use the New balance fuelcell rebel v4 in gym workouts?

[@sumakamath8175]

Are you going to review the Nike Pegasus 41?

[@0.....0-y8m]

cane you also do reviews of budgetproducts

[@awerawer0708]

2 months late, but the point of the flipbelt is to flip it so that the pockets are facing your body. No need for any zippers, nothing can fall out

[@tono1665]

Helpful review 👌

[@tomstevens227]

Ben! When will you be selling your shorts online?

[@simonadcock5093]

If you flip the flip belt so the pockets are against your body, nothing with fall out 😀

[@rayhawkins1963]

The new Shocks Open run pro 2's have USB C now.

[@paulmulks]

I'm actually surprised how well the majority of these items scored 😂

[@ians3983]

I use the Solomon pulse belt it's tip top 👍👍

[@leonelbustosb]

No weight vest?

[@matthewcreelman1347]

You know what they say about guys with big hands: they run fast and have great KZbin channels!

[@somhrsh]

Okay, I didn’t know there was something for chafing 🤯

[@nilramos8196]

Cleaning shoes in the kitchen sink!? That would be an instant reason for divorce in this house!! :)))

[@50Something]

It's perfectly acceptable if both of you run 😂

[@EruIluuvatar]

We both run, and that would not be a reason for divorce but for assassination here 🤣

[@Casual_BackPacking]

The worst that could happen is the rocks destroy the garbage disposal then unscrew a couple bolts and replace it it's really not a big deal , worried about germs and viruses, alcohol wipe would kill everything 😂

[@JackD87]

Does anyone know what that ZoomX + Vibram Nike shoe is?

[@danielbrown4061]

The new Zegama 2. There’s a review a few videos back. The Ultrafly also have ZoomX and a Vibram sole but also a carbon plate

[@JackD87]

@@danielbrown4061 ah nice one. Looks like a good shoe in theory… but I’m guessing it’s heavy!

[@ScottC79]

Wow,this was an incredibly useful video. To be honest I was not expecting such a wealth valuable of information. I’m about to go spend a boatload of money on Amazon.

[@theevildead96]

Compression is actually one of the veeeery few things, that have "good" evidence for helping with recovery.

[@ianlowe4126]

Boot buddy is the nuts 👍

[@trimad6128]

Life jacket owner lives next door to a client of mine,really nice people

[@NickBoncella]

Pro Tip: turn the flipbelt on itself so the pockets are towards your body

[@Chezlifecoaching]

If you had an aversion to ‘lumps’ or ‘lumpy’ texture I avoid Sis for that reason 😂

[@kntwing23]

so uh you just run? no weights lifting? what do u eat for diet?

[@rumblerumble2276]

Wouldn’t that shoe dryer melt the shoe’s glue?

[@elflakeador09]

Balega socks are fantastic,

[@JoakimGulbrandsen]

I think the «bib» looked better than the belt, but that just me 😅

[@raceseb]

i use the shockz and music isnt that bad. its not like a bose headset but hey its 200$ cheaper lol

[@KC_Runz]

I'm intrigued, how often do you or anyone in the comments use recovery shakes or protein shakes etc? After every single run, once or twice a week, only after long runs? Etc... cheers!

[@scottfinlayson8920]

Protein shakes are really only meant to supplement your diet so if you are getting enough protein without them then there's really no need to take them. That being said if you are running and training regularly then you want to be hitting at least 1 gram of protein for every kg of body weight you have, if you are also lifting weights looking to repair and add lean muscle then it's more like 1.5 - 2 grams per kg of body weight so a drink with 25g of protein can be very useful for a quick hit that doesn't fill you up too much. Hope that helps a little.

[@maxal2251]

You can get shakes with an almost 50/50 split of carbs and protein. These are great for one (sometimes two) a day, depending on the run or gym session, to help with muscle repair and replace calories burned. Would recommend 👍

[@svenfokkema3440]

I use RC shakes only after long runs and races over 25km

[@matcat23]

Same here. Recovery shakes (carbs + protein) after long runs and rides