5 running gear mistakes you don’t want to make

Running is full of lessons. Some you learn mid-stride and others after the blisters, soreness or dehydration sets in. Hi, I’m Alisha, a trail runner who has figured out what I need and what works best for me the way most runners do — by messing it up first.

To help us all run smarter, I turned to ExpertVoice’s passionate running community of coaches, athletes, running retail employees and everyday runners who breathe the sport, and we asked them: What is the most common gear mistake you see runners make?

I read through 254 responses of what runners get wrong (and the gear for getting it right) so you can get the benefit of hindsight without the blisters, chafing or regret.

Whether you’re lacing up for laps around your neighborhood, logging miles on the trails or training for a race, these are the five running gear mistakes you don’t want to make — and expert-backed products to help you avoid them.

Mistake #1: Wearing the wrong shoes

This mistake topped the list, with nearly 50% of experts calling it out — and for good reason. Your footwear can make or break your run. According to our surveyed experts, “wrong shoes” means ones that don’t fit your feet, your stride or your goals. It also includes hanging on to worn-out pairs long after the cushioning and traction are gone.

How to avoid it…

The best shoe is the one that fits your feet, not the one with the most likes. Skip the hype and focus on fit, function and your running style. Test shoes when you’re able to and look to ExpertVoice reviews — you’ll find insights from real runners who share details on their feet, terrain and mileage, helping you determine what’s best for you.

And remember: Shoes don’t last forever. Most need to be replaced around 300-500 miles. Watch for worn tread, flattened cushioning or new aches as signs it’s time.

ExpertVoice has running shoes for every type of runner. Here are a few of experts’ top-recommended ones to help you find your perfect pair.

Mistake #2: Snubbing your socks

Socks are the unsung heroes of your running kit. In our survey, experts not only said that overlooking your socks is a big mistake, but they also ranked socks as the most underrated piece of gear and the top item worth investing in.

The right pair prevents blisters, manages sweat, cushions impact and stays put. The wrong pair? Hot spots, clammy feet, bunching and a slow descent into discomfort.

In her survey response, USA Track & Field member Lena Estey summed it up perfectly: “socks are like toilet paper — you get what you pay for.”

How to avoid it…

Don’t sleep on socks. They might just be the most important gear you’re not thinking about. Look for ones that are running-specific, with moisture-wicking materials, strategic cushioning and a snug, blister-fighting fit.

Check out the socks experts swear by.

Mistake #3: Prioritizing hype over function

That sleek new colorway? The influencer-approved matching set? The cult-favorite shoe your friend swears by? Cool, but none of that means it’ll work for you.

Many respondents warned against prioritizing looks or popularity over fit, comfort and performance — citing mistakes like “going for looks instead of function,” “buying gear because of the online hype” and gravitating towards gear because of “how it looks or how it will be perceived versus how it will fit their needs.”

How to avoid it

Focus on function over flash. The best gear earns its place by doing more, lasting longer and working harder, making it way more valuable than whatever’s trending.

So, we asked running experts what gear is actually worth the investment. Forget the hype — these are pieces built to perform, not just impress (though they definitely do that, too).

Mistake #4: Overpacking or overequipping

Several experts identified “overpacking” or “overequipping” as a frequent mistake: bringing too much, carrying unnecessary items or weighing themselves down with gear that doesn’t get used.

Extra weight can mess with your stride, sap your energy and turn a smooth run into a slog. The fix? Smarter storage and a more intentional mindset.

How to avoid it

Take stock of what you use on your runs. What do you reach for every time? What stays untouched? Slim down your carry to the true essentials: fuel, hydration, phone, (but pack more if you’re heading out longer or into the backcountry).

Don’t ditch the essentials — just carry them more efficiently. These pieces are designed to store the basics without the bulk.

Mistake #5: Overlooking game-changing gear

Sometimes the biggest mistake isn’t what you use, it’s what you don’t. Multiple experts said a frequent oversight is skipping helpful gear that could make running more enjoyable, whether because of cost, uncertainty or simply not knowing what’s out there.

How to avoid it

Start by paying attention to what’s holding you back. Whether it’s soreness, dehydration or glare, those little pain points add up — and often signal the need for better gear. Don’t be afraid to test something new if it could make your run feel better.

Wondering what gear could improve your run? We asked running experts to name the most underrated pieces in their kits. Their responses revealed products that leveled up their running — but are often overlooked.

Ready to go the distance with your gear?

These picks are just your starting line. Explore more run-ready essentials on ExpertVoice and see what other runners are logging miles in and recommending.