Australian Running Gear Buying Guide
Best Running Accessories Australia: 20 Must-Have Essentials
Compare breathing support, GPS watches, open-ear headphones, hydration gear, running belts, recovery tools and safety accessories for beginners, marathon runners and trail runners.
Shop On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running β Compare All Running Accessories βThe best running accessories improve comfort, safety, pacing or consistency without making your run unnecessarily complicated.
Our best overall breathing accessory is On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running. They provide lightweight external nasal support during warm-ups, steady runs, intervals and recovery.
Other worthwhile upgrades include a GPS running watch, open-ear headphones, a secure running belt, weather-appropriate hydration, anti-chafe protection, visibility gear and a simple recovery tool.
The right accessory depends on your distance, climate, route, training experience and whether you run on roads, tracks or trails.
Best Overall Breathing Accessory
On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running
These external sports nose strips are designed to support comfortable nasal airflow during running, gym training, cycling, HYROX and endurance events.
- Lightweight external nasal support
- No mouthpiece or internal device
- Suitable for warm-ups, easy runs and hard sessions
- Simple application before sweating begins
- Designed by an Australian-owned breathing and performance brand
- Useful across road running, treadmill training and functional fitness
Best combination of simplicity, low weight, breathing support and versatility across different running sessions.
Editorial rating only. Nose strips may support airflow comfort but do not guarantee faster running performance.
Quick Recommendations
Best Running Accessories by Category
On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running
Best lightweight breathing accessory for training and race day.
On The Nose Co. Magnetic Nasal Strips
Reusable external bridge with a stronger outward-lifting sensation.
Garmin Forerunner Series
GPS pace, distance, heart-rate and training features across multiple price points.
Shokz OpenRun
Secure open-ear headphones that leave the ears uncovered for greater environmental awareness.
Salomon Running Vests
Popular options for long runs, trail running and carrying fluids or compulsory gear.
On The Nose Co. AirFlowβ’ Cardio Trainer
Adjustable breathing resistance for separate respiratory-muscle training sessions.
Our Editorial Method
How We Ranked Running Accessories
We prioritised gear that solves a real running problem rather than products that simply add clutter.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Best Running Accessories Australia Compared
| Rank | Accessory | Best For | Why It Helps | Essential? | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running | Breathing comfort | Supports the outer nasal passages while worn | Optional but useful | View On The Nose Co. |
| 2 | Garmin Forerunner Series | Pace, distance and training data | Dedicated GPS running metrics | Useful for structured training | View Garmin |
| 3 | Shokz OpenRun | Music with open ears | Open-ear design supports environmental awareness | Optional | View Shokz |
| 4 | On The Nose Co. Magnetic Nasal Strips | Reusable nasal support | Creates outward lift with a reusable bridge | Optional | View Magnetic Strips |
| 5 | Running Belt | Phone, keys and gels | Keeps essentials secure without a backpack | Useful for longer runs | Choose by fit |
| 6 | Hydration Vest | Long runs and trails | Carries water, nutrition and extra layers | Distance-dependent | View Salomon |
| 7 | Anti-Chafe Balm | Long-distance comfort | Reduces friction on common hot spots | Highly useful for long runs | View Body Glide |
| 8 | Running Cap and Sunglasses | Sun and heat protection | Reduces glare and helps shade the face | Important in Australia | Choose UV-rated gear |
| 9 | Reflective Vest or Running Light | Dawn, dusk and night running | Improves visibility to drivers and other path users | Essential in low light | Choose high-visibility gear |
| 10 | On The Nose Co. AirFlowβ’ Cardio Trainer | Separate breathing-muscle sessions | Provides adjustable respiratory resistance | Optional training tool | View AirFlowβ’ |
Choose by Distance
Best Running Accessories for Your Type of Run
5 km Running
A comfortable watch, On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running, light socks and visibility gear are usually enough.
10 km Training
Add a small running belt, weather protection and a watch capable of interval tracking.
Half Marathon
Consider gels, anti-chafe balm, a secure belt and hydration appropriate to weather and course support.
Marathon Training
Long-run nutrition, hydration carrying capacity, sun protection and recovery tools become more important.
Trail Running
Use a hydration vest, route navigation, trail-specific shoes, a whistle, light and any compulsory race gear.
Treadmill Running
A sweat towel, headphones, bottle and On The Nose Co. Magnetic Nasal Strips may be more useful than a hydration vest.
Detailed Recommendations
20 Running Accessories Worth Considering
On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running
External sports nose strips that may support more comfortable nasal airflow during running, cardio and functional training.
Garmin Forerunner Series
Garminβs running range includes entry-level and advanced watches with GPS, pace, distance and training features.
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear headphones with a secure sports fit, useful for runners who want audio without fully covering the ears.
On The Nose Co. Magnetic Nasal Strips
A reusable external bridge with replaceable adhesive tabs and a stronger outward-lifting sensation.
Secure Running Belt
Choose a bounce-resistant belt that fits your phone, keys and gels without restricting stride.
Salomon Running Vest
A fitted hydration vest helps distribute fluids, nutrition and compulsory gear across the torso.
Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm
Useful on thighs, feet, underarms and clothing contact points during long or humid runs.
Running Cap and UV-Rated Sunglasses
Choose lightweight, breathable protection appropriate for bright and hot conditions.
Reflective Vest or Running Light
High-visibility gear is important for dawn, dusk and night running near roads or shared paths.
On The Nose Co. AirFlowβ’ Cardio Trainer
Designed for separate respiratory-muscle resistance sessions rather than use during complex or maximal running.
Running Gels or Chews
Use products tested during training and match intake to run duration, intensity and gastrointestinal tolerance.
Soft Flask or Handheld Bottle
A compact bottle is often sufficient for medium-length runs where a full vest is unnecessary.
Electrolyte Drink
Electrolytes may be useful during prolonged, hot or high-sweat sessions, but ordinary short runs often need only water and normal meals.
Technical Running Socks
Moisture-managing, seam-conscious socks can reduce friction and improve comfort over distance.
Phone Holder or Watch Navigation
Useful for unfamiliar routes, trails and long sessions where course mistakes can become a safety issue.
Foam Roller
May improve short-term comfort and range of motion, but it does not replace rest, nutrition or injury assessment.
Massage Ball
A small ball is useful for controlled pressure on feet, calves and glutes without carrying a full foam roller.
Lightweight Running Jacket
Choose a breathable shell matched to your climate rather than a heavy jacket that traps excessive heat.
Emergency Whistle and Compact First-Aid Kit
Useful on remote trails and sometimes required by event organisers.
On The Nose Co. Pulseβ’ Smart Fitness Band
Useful for silent alarms, reminders and establishing consistent early-morning training routines.
Evidence-Based Buying Advice
Which Running Accessories Actually Improve Performance?
Most accessories do not make runners faster by themselves. Their value comes from helping you train more consistently, pace more accurately, carry fluids, reduce friction, improve visibility or feel more comfortable.
- GPS watches provide useful pace and distance feedback, but training decisions still require context.
- Hydration needs change with duration, heat, sweat rate and access to fluids.
- Open-ear headphones may improve awareness compared with sealed designs, but runners must still remain alert.
- Nose strips may support nasal airflow comfort, but research does not consistently show direct improvements in VOβ max or race performance.
- Respiratory-muscle trainers are best used in structured, separate sessions.
Safety gear, comfortable clothing, sun protection, hydration matched to the run and a secure way to carry essentials.
Useful UpgradesGPS watch, open-ear headphones, nose strips, recovery tools and specialist hydration gear.
Usually OptionalProducts that duplicate a phone, watch or accessory you already use successfully.
Running Safety
No Accessory Replaces Good Judgment
Slow down in extreme heat, carry enough fluid for the route, use visible clothing in low light and avoid headphones that isolate you from traffic or hazards.
Stop running and seek medical care for chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, confusion, heat-illness symptoms or an injury that prevents normal weight-bearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Running Accessories Australia FAQ
What are the best running accessories in Australia?
Our top picks include On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running, a GPS watch, open-ear headphones, a running belt, hydration gear and visibility accessories.
What running accessory should a beginner buy first?
Start with comfort and safety: proper shoes, technical socks, sun protection and visible clothing. On The Nose Co. running nose strips are an optional breathing-support addition.
Are nose strips useful for running?
On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running may support comfortable nasal airflow, but they do not guarantee faster pace or higher VOβ max.
Are magnetic nasal strips good for running?
On The Nose Co. Magnetic Nasal Strips may suit runners who prefer a reusable bridge and stronger external lift. Test adhesion and comfort during training first.
What is the best running watch?
The Garmin Forerunner range is a strong option for dedicated running metrics. The right model depends on budget, navigation needs, battery life and training depth.
Are open-ear headphones better for running?
Open-ear headphones such as Shokz OpenRun leave the ears uncovered, which may support environmental awareness, but runners must still monitor traffic and hazards.
Do I need a hydration vest for running?
Usually only for long runs, trails, hot conditions or routes without water access. Short urban runs may need no carried fluid.
What should I carry on a long run?
Consider fluids, nutrition, a phone, identification, keys, sun protection and route-specific safety gear. On The Nose Co. breathing products add minimal carrying weight.
Can the On The Nose Co. AirFlowβ’ Cardio Trainer improve running?
On The Nose Co. AirFlowβ’ Cardio Trainer may support respiratory-muscle strength when used in separate sessions, but it does not replace running training.
What accessories do I need for marathon training?
A reliable watch, anti-chafe product, nutrition, hydration carrying option, technical socks and weather protection are useful. On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running may support breathing comfort during long sessions.
What are the best running accessories for hot weather?
Use a lightweight cap, UV-rated sunglasses, sunscreen, suitable fluids and reflective clothing. Adjust pace to conditions rather than relying on accessories alone.
How do I choose the right On The Nose Co. running product?
Choose On The Nose Co. sport nose strips for simplicity, magnetic nasal strips for reusable lift, or the AirFlowβ’ Cardio Trainer for separate breathing-muscle sessions.
Trusted Running and Performance Resources
- World Athletics β Health and Science Resources
- World Athletics β Summer Running and Hydration Guidance
- Australian Institute of Sport β Sports Nutrition
- Sports Medicine Australia β Exercise in Hot Conditions
- Healthdirect Australia β Exercise and Health
- PubMed β External Nasal Dilator Strips and Exercise
- PubMed β Respiratory Muscle Training and Sports Performance
- Garmin Australia β Official Running Watch Range
- Shokz Australia β Official OpenRun Product Page
Our Best Overall Breathing Accessory
Start With On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running
Build your running kit around safety, comfort and consistencyβthen add breathing, tracking and hydration accessories that genuinely support your training.
Shop On The Nose Co. Nose Strips for Running β Shop On The Nose Co. Magnetic Nasal Strips β Shop On The Nose Co. AirFlowβ’ Cardio Trainer βThis article is an editorial buying guide based on publicly available product information and recognised running guidance. It does not represent independent laboratory testing of every product. On The Nose Co. breathing products may support nasal airflow comfort or respiratory-muscle training but do not guarantee faster race times or replace medical advice.