Published July 31, 2026 06:00AM
July is the heart of triathlon season, where the miles are long, the sun is high, and our gear is put to the ultimate test. This month, our editors have been busy logging hours in the pool, on the road, and across the recovery mat to find the equipment that truly makes a difference.
From “illegal” ultra-distance run shoes and supportive swimsuits to compact recovery tools and versatile athleisure, we’re sharing the standout gear that powered our training through the July heat.
Mount to Coast C1
As I often do in these little reviews, I want to lead with the important caveats before I start to gush about The Thing I’m Into This Month. Dear triathlete, you need to hear that the Mount to Coast C1 is a shoe designed for ultra distances — a pile of miles you or I may never cover in one run. But that’s ok. You also need to hear that the Mount to Coast C1 has a 42mm heel stack, and therefore is not on the World Athletics list of approved shoes for competition – making it technically persona non grata for Ironman- or USA Triathlon-sanctioned events.
So then why would I recommend a shoe that’s neither designed for triathletes nor even legal for us to race in? Well, because it serves a very triathlete-specific function: It’s the pair for those days when your legs are absolutely cracked.
Because it has a high amount of cushion, but also a legitimate amount of structure (and it has a cool dialed-in lacing system you can adjust on the fly for funky-feeling feet), this pair will keep your biomechanics thoughtfully contained while you enjoy some cushiony-but-not-too-cushiony muscular relief. Think of these as the perfect long-run pair or, even more specifically, that run-off-the-long-ride brick that exposes your biomechanics for what they truly are: probably crappy, like mine.
— Chris Foster, Editor-in-Chief
Jolyn Caroline Athletic Swimsuit
Friends, I have seen the light, and it is a swimsuit with an actually functional shelf bra. Why has everyone been keeping this secret from me?
I know, I know: swimming is about as low-impact as it gets. You’re horizontal, in water, and there isn’t much…ahem, bounce. For years, the conventional wisdom in triathlon has been that standard, unlined suits are perfectly adequate for the pool. And technically, they are. But as someone with a D-cup bust that seems to be slowly migrating south as I move through midlife, I’d like a little support when I stand up and walk to the locker room or chat with my friends after a Masters’ workout.
This suit is well-constructed, with a supportive shelf bra that, crucially, doesn’t catch water to create drag. There’s extra side coverage, too, to keep everything contained. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’d wear this as my kit for an entire triathlon – I still need a solid over-the-shoulder boulder holder for the run – but someone with a smaller bust would likely be just fine.
And that option is available – the suit comes in a range of sizes from 26 to 44, or size zero to 20 in standard U.S. women’s sizing. Having a well-designed athletic swimsuit with integrated support proves that gear can (and should!) be engineered to accommodate all body types, allowing athletes to move through the world – and the pool deck – with confidence.
— Susan Lacke, Senior Editor
Bob & Brad Q2 Ultra Mini Massage Gun
Traveling to a race as an overpacking triathlete is enough to make you want to quit the sport right there and then and just stick to one discipline. It doesn’t matter how many bags I bring or how many checked bags I have if I am flying; I will always find a way to fill them to the brim.
That means I’m often fighting what to sacrifice, and for me, one of the first things left behind is usually my trusty massage gun. While the science is still mixed on how much these things actually enhance recovery, mine always simply feels good, works out knots, and reduces some of the soreness that comes from overreaching before the taper. Without it, I never feel quite as fresh, and I swear by it, to the point where I am religious about having a massage gun session before a race.
That’s why, when this tiny one caught my eye after my dad brought it with him on a visit, I knew I had found the perfect solution.
This little guy still packs a serious punch, fits in the palm of your hand, and somehow has better battery life than my full-sized massage gun. The compact case holds all the attachments without taking up much room, and although I originally thought I would only use it for travel, it has quickly become the massage gun I reach for most. It lives in my swim bag, laptop bag, or wherever else I can fit it – I might as well get a holster for it at this point.
— Travis Mundell, Social Media Strategist
Vuori Clementine 2.0 Short and Energy Top
As someone who works from home 100% of the time, my work uniform is “casual” at best (or, let’s face it, quite often just my PJs if I’m not working out until later in the day). However, I recently discovered Vuori’s Clementine 2.0 Short and Energy Top, and they’ve become my official summer uniform.
They’re currently outperforming all of my favorite summer running outfits, look smart enough to be worn on a Zoom call, and feel as comfortable as PJs. The 2.5” inseam shorts are lightweight and breathable with a mesh liner and elastic waistband that stays in place whether I’m out running or lifting. They also feature a thoughtful little zip pocket in the front that’s big enough for a small gel and key. The tank has a flattering fit; its high neck and slight crop mean it looks good (which certainly can’t be said for all athleisure wear), and the material feels soft on the skin. I’ll take them off some time soon to wash them, promise.
— Emma-Kate Lidbury, Contributor
