“The term Run Safety applies to anything that can impact your walk or run from the moment you step out of your door to when you’re back inside,” explains Mike Orton, apparel product line manager, Brooks. He adds, “At Brooks we believe a run can change a day for the better, and so we’re constantly solving for elements within our control that could prevent walkers and runners from getting in the zone.”

Brands (and consumers) all have their own take on what “Run Safety” is, and  what elements are needed in products for the category.

“One of the top concerns we hear is about traffic and the potential hazard to pedestrians, especially at dawn, dusk and dark,” says Orton, adding that  each style in the Brooks Run Visible collection features a combination of high-contrast colors, 3M reflective placed in critical motion zones, and fluoro flash — the brand’s new custom created fluorescent color — all designed to help illuminate movement to aid in being seen and recognized especially by drivers on the road.

June Angus, co-founder, Amphipod, highlights these traits as key in safety offerings:

1) Enhancing the ability to be seen by others

2) Enhancing the runner’s ability to see the way

3) Enabling runners to carry what they need with them (hydration, phone, etc.)  

“Our primary focus is on putting out well designed function-effective gear that is comfortable, lightweight and minimalist incorporating premium quality, ease-of-use, sustainability, convenience and value,” says Angus.

Working with specialty stores is also crucial to Amphipod’s strategy. “We develop each piece of new visibility gear with the specialty store, and their customers, in mind for a targeted SKU-minimizing, easy-to-merchandise range of profitable and fast-turning visibility essentials that hit the mark delivering the key components for run safety,” Angus says.

Ohio-based Noxgear makes visibility gear for active people and their pets. The name “Noxgear” comes from the Latin word for night: Nox. Tom Walters, president and co-founder, Noxgear, tells us that “Run Safety” for Noxgear means “providing peace of mind and personal security, empowering you to enjoy your run wherever and however you choose.”

He adds, “We believe that ensuring your safety is crucial to achieving your goals and maintaining healthy running habits. Our company is founded on this principle, and we relentlessly focus on it in every stage of our product development. Our gear features simple, well-designed, and functional elements, using materials that significantly enhance your safety, comfort, and overall running experience.”

At Buff, the definition of “Run Safety” is simple: “ensuring the runner is visible,” asserts Antonietta Fornino, head of design, Buff. “ We incorporate reflective elements throughout the accessory whenever possible. Products like our DryFlx  line have 360º reflectivity for ultimate coverage. Wherever you're running it's important to be seen and stay safe."

The concept of Run Safety is a two-way street, stresses Scott A. Corrao, president of Reflective Apparel, whose offerings include apparel under the WildSpark brand. “It means everyone doing their part to mitigate risk,” he says. “This includes runners taking responsibility and wearing hi-vis gear/lights/reflective apparel, as well as drivers committing to stay alert and focused on the task at hand. Everyone deserves to be safe and visible.”

In addition to being visible, being prepared when it comes to nutrition, hydration and climate control are also crucial. "When we talk about run safety at BOCO Gear, we believe that simply means being prepared,” states Hillary Matthews, director of sales & marketing, BOCO Gear. “Prepared for the weather, for the distance, and for the unknown. We product test and develop alongside runners with this in mind.”

BOCO Gear’s Stasher hat and Ultra Ice Trail hat are two examples of products that allow runners to “stash” items such as ice and snacks for long runs. “Being prepared may mean you need to pack extra nutrition in case you're out there longer than anticipated,” says Matthews. “Or it might mean you need to think about how to stay cool, so you don't overheat in extreme temperatures. We've developed hats with pockets so that runners can safely stow extra nutrition, ice or smaller items, and feel prepared wherever their run takes them."

Safety on Display

Be Visible. Be Prepared. These are the two crucial components to the “run safety” category. At retail, products on display in the run safety category can range from reflective gear, lights, weather-appropriate apparel, belts/vest with pockets to self-defense products. Tips for runners include: Know your route, run against traffic, be alert/aware of danger, carry a phone or ID. Embrace reflectivity. Carry hydration and nutrition. Dress appropriately for weather. Let someone know when/where you are running, or run with a friend or group.

Nathan Sports Laser Light 3L Hydration Pack

Runners can be seen in low light conditions with this minimalist hands-free hydration pack ($120) that features a lighting system that provides over 6 lumens of clear light, perfect when running or walking in the dark. Uses 2x CR2032 Lithium Batteries, with 30+ Hours of burn time. It also boasts breathable mesh back and straps and includes a 1.5L Quickstart Bladder.

Amphipod Run Visible, Run Safe Series Essentials

Meet Amphipod’s new next gen of powerfully bright, rechargeable, flashing and reflective Run Visible, Run Safe Series Essentials. New Fall ’24 additions to Amphipod’s visibility line-up, available now, include the ultra-bright freshly engineered  flashing and reflective Optic Beam Max vest — the complete visibility solution in one single SKU, with 8-color modes, durable construction, full size-adjustability and 23 hours run-time on one charge. The new Optic Beam 360˚ Belt/Sash incorporates the same high-powered rechargeable visibility-enhancing technology with added versatility, and a value-forward $40 SRP.  The newest Full-Viz USB-C bright, fun, flashy and reflective slap band at $15 SRP is the perfect add-on essential for every customer to enhance their run safety this season.

WildSpark Athletic Shirt

Designed to keep runners visible in low light urban settings from dusk to dawn, this high-visibility performance activewear features retro-reflective patterns built into the fabric for 360˚ visibility, making it easier for drivers to identify the wearer as human. Available in long-sleeve ($19.99) and short-sleeve styles for both men and women. Features Scotchgard Moisture-Wicking and Silverplus Antimicrobial technology.

Brooks Run Visible Collection

Items in the Run Visible line include the Insulated Vest 2.0 and Notch Thermal Hoodie 2.0 and Run Visible Tight 2.0 with a combo of fluorescence, contrast colors, and reflectivity for visibility in the dark.

Buff DryFlx Neckwear

This seamless, 4-way stretch multifunctional neckwear ($26) has 360° reflectivity for extra visibility in low light. It is made using 71% recycled content. The versatile look crosses over with performance and style.  

BOCO Gear Stasher Hat and Ultra Ice Trail Hat

Stash nutrition, ice cubes, or other small items in the Stasher Hat ($31.99), which updates the original BOCO Run Hat with pockets on both sides. The BOCO Ultra Ice Trail Hat ($39.99) has two side pockets over cooling mesh panels, perfect for inserting ice cubes on hot summer runs. Stretchy side pockets are big enough to pack snacks, too.