Gear Check :: October

Great gear for fall fun.

1. CUTTING THE CORD

You like to exercise to music but are tired of those pesky headphone cords getting in the way. With iMuffs wireless headphones, you can enjoy your music and workout without wires. Sleek and simple, iMuffs work with most iPod models and feature ergonomically placed controls that let you change volume, skip tracks and seek music right from the headset. They also work with Bluetooth phones and will automatically pause the iPod to ring in the headphones, allowing a user to talk through an integrated microphone. Not on the run? Wear iMuffs and listen to music from your computer, too. Available in black or white. $129. Wi-gear.com

2. TOE BE OR NOT TOE BE

They were big in the ‘80s—those funky rainbow-colored toe socks—and now they’re back in high-tech form. Injinji has redesigned toe socks to combine the comfort and dexterity of bare feet with the protection of a seamless sock. According to Injinji, when your toes are forced to work together as one unit in a mitten-like (aka, regular-style sock) environment, the result is friction, constricted circulation and a build-up of trapped heat and moisture, all of which can hinder performance. An Injinji toe sock encases each toe separately, which allows the entire foot to function naturally and freely from the heel to the five toes, eliminating friction and thus protecting against common foot problems such as blisters, hot spots, moisture build-up and neuromas. Available in micro, mini-crew and crew styles for men and women in four sizes. $12. Injinji.com

3. USE YOUR HEAD

Started by a long-distance runner who was annoyed by the heavy weight and bounce of an overloaded runner’s fuel belt, GasCap offers hats to help you lighten your load. Available in three styles—two caps and a visor—the hats are specially designed to carry gel packets. The Endurance Cap ($22.50), for example, holds up to six gels. Hats are low-profile, lightweight and moisture wicking with polyester mesh to keep you cool and your face protected during training runs, races or anytime you’re playing outdoors. Gogascap.com