Our pick of this year's bargains
Anybody who has ever bought new running kit will know that picking up the latest products can be an expensive hobby. With top-end carbon plate super shoes costing up to £250 and the leading running watches coming in at well over £600, Black Friday has become an essential part of the calendar year.
But with every brand doing its own Black Friday deals, navigating the thousands of items on offer can become a full-time job.
We’re here to make life a bit easier by picking the absolute best picks from across the web, from bargain running accessories to the biggest saving on new running tech.
The best Black Friday deals on running shoes (UK)
Adidas Ultraboost 21
The Ultraboost 21 is a long way off from some of the more technologically advanced shoes we’ve seen in recent years, and due to its bulky midsole, it’s not a shoe anybody would pick up for faster training sessions. However, despite its lack of versatility, the Ultraboost 21 is still an impressive option if you want a heavily cushioned cruiser for lots of comfortable miles.
- Check out: The best running shoes
The Boost midsole foam is a durable material that takes the brunt of any impact while still offering a nice level of bounce. The Continental rubber outsole is also one of the best out there for grip on wet road surfaces.
New Balance Fuelcell RC Elite v2
It’s very rare to see a relatively recent carbon plate super shoe drop in price so quickly, especially considering the RC Elite v2 is one of the best options out there. Like the Nike Vaporfly 2, it’s a shoe that excels when it comes to bounce, thanks to the thick chunk of FuelCell midsole foam.
In comparison to many other super shoes, the plate in the RC Elite v2 is subtler, with less of a propulsive bounce and more of a consistent fluid motion, making it perfect for half or full marathons. If you’ve ever wanted to get hold of one of the best super shoes out there but held off due to the £200-plus price, the RC Elite v2 is well worth a look.
The best Black Friday deals on running watches
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
The Fenix 6 Pro is a long way off being a new watch, but despite many new devices being released over the last couple of years, it’s still the most sought after for most runners. As well as the obvious aesthetics, along with an impressively tough build, the main reason for still holding the top spot is due to the enormous number of features packed into it.
- Find out more: The best running watches and fitness trackers
At the top of that list are the navigation features, by far the best we’ve used across any device. The TOPO maps supplied are easy to use and have saved us from getting lost up a mountain on many occasions. In addition, you get music storage on the watch, 14-day battery life and some of the best fitness analysis tools you’ll find on any running device.
Suunto 7
It may not be able to compete with designated sports watches like the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro, but if you’re looking for a smartwatch that can be used for running, the Suunto 7 is well worth a look at this discounted price. The big benefit is the fact it uses Wear OS, so you’ll gain access to a range of supported apps via Google Play.
One feature that does elevate the Suunto 7 is the addition of heatmaps, which allow you to access popular routes via a downloaded map. For a smartwatch, this is a great addition that makes finding new trails around an area significantly easier.
The best Black Friday deals on running headphones
Jaybird Vista
The Jaybird Vista have long been our favorite true wireless headphones, combining impressive sound quality, great customisation features and an excellent secure fit. Although the Vista 2 have now been released, the benefits are negligible for most users, so the discounted price makes the originals a bargain.
- Check out: The best running headphones
The best aspect of the Vistas is by far their tiny case that can easily be slipped into a pocket, adding an extra 10 hours to the 6 you’ll already get in the buds. Perfect for any long-distance runner out there who needs to keep the tunes going all day.
Jabra Elite Active 75t
The Elite Active 75ts are another of our top choices for true wireless headphones over the last year, featuring an upgrade in IP rating from IP55 to IP75 when compared to the Elite 75t and a sleek tiny case for carrying around in your pocket – made even more impressive due to the 20.5 hours of battery life stored in it, in addition to the 7.5 in the buds.
Sound quality is where the Elite Active 75ts really shine. The partner app allows for an excellent level of customisation, including the MySound tool that lets you run a test on your own hearing and adapt the settings accordingly.
