The Black Friday running event brings together gear for runners as winter approaches: road and trail shoes, leggings, windbreak jackets, thermal tops, headlamps and watches, for men and women, from adidas, Nike, Puma, Asics or Mizuno. It's everything you need to keep running as the days get shorter, or to prepare a gift for a runner before the holidays.
It's time to gear up for winter running and plan gifts for runners.
In cold weather, it’s better to layer several thin pieces rather than wear a single thick garment. The first layer, worn close to the body, wicks away sweat; the second, a thin fleece or long-sleeved thermal top, retains warmth; the third, a windproof water-repellent jacket, blocks the cold wind and drizzle. For the legs, wear a long tight, brushed on the inside when the thermometer is close to zero. You set off feeling a little chilly, as the perceived temperature rises several degrees after ten minutes of exertion. Thin gloves and a hat or headband complete the outfit, as the head and hands cool down first.
The Black Friday running is organised by audience and type:
On dry tarmac, a road shoe remains the most comfortable and energy-efficient. Once the route takes on muddy paths, wet leaves, or forest trails, a trail shoe takes over: deep lugs for gripping soft ground, stickier rubber on wet rock, and toe protection at the front. Some models have a waterproof membrane upper, useful in cold rain, but they dry slowly once water has entered through the collar. For a mixed route, a shoe with short lugs can handle a few kilometres of tarmac without wearing out too quickly.
The Black Friday is also divided by universe: football, lifestyle, indoor sports, equestrian, winter sports, top brands, on the Black Friday page.
In winter, a good portion of runs take place before sunrise or after sunset. A headlamp lights up the ground for several metres and signals the runner; on a trail, a powerful adjustable beam is ideal, while a lighter model suffices in the city. Reflective strips worn on the ankles and wrists, which move with each stride, attract more attention from drivers than a simple light-coloured top. A fluorescent colour for daytime and a flashing light at the back complete the setup. Outside urban areas, on roads without pavements, run on the left side, facing the traffic, as stipulated by road safety rules for pedestrians.
A headlamp, technical socks, or thermal tights are great choices with no risk of model mismatch. For shoes, it's best to know the brand and size they already wear, as each style fits differently.
Yes, by adjusting your pace and route: avoid shaded areas where ice persists and shorten your stride on slippery surfaces. A longer warm-up prepares muscles that don’t contract as well in the cold.
A neck warmer pulled over the mouth warms the incoming air and limits irritation to the bronchial tubes. Breathe through your nose and mouth as your pace increases, without trying to push the rhythm on very cold days.
Mizuno, a Japanese brand founded in 1906, has made its Wave technology a signature: a wavy plate embedded in the sole that helps absorb shocks and stabilise the footfall. Its models appeal to runners who prefer a firmer cushioning.
Yes, because you still sweat in cold weather, even if you don’t feel thirsty. After an hour of running, a small soft flask or a belt with a bottle prevents performance drops due to dehydration.