3 Life-Changing Spring Gear Upgrades You’ll Wish You Made Sooner, According to a Professional Product Tester

Upgrade your lifestyle.

Key Points

• This spring, prioritize the right running shoeshelpful kitchen tools and reusable water bottles for proper hydration.
• Our favorite finds in each category include the Brooks Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Convection Oven, OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner and the Hydro Flask Micro Bottle.
• We test sneakers, kitchen and fitness gear all year round, and specifically love these finds for spring.

With the turn of a fresh season, it’s the perfect time to reassess your fitness routine. Whether your essential gear, like sneakers, your kitchen gadgets for building healthy meals or your water bottle line up to stay hydrated as it gets warmer, these are all aspects to consider. Luckily, we have some recommendations for these important upgrades, including many of our favorite running shoes from brands like Brooks and Hoka, the best spring kitchen tools for saving time and editor-approved water bottles. Shop our top picks below.

Best Overall Spring Gear

• Best Running Shoe for Beginners: Brooks Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe$146
• Great Sneakers for High Arches: Asics Novablast 5 Running Shoes$150
• 3-in-1 Appliance: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Convection Oven$400
• Clean Leafy Greens Fast: OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner$33
• Dietitian-Approved: Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw$45

Don’t: Wear Unsupportive Walking and Running Shoes

Do: Grab High-Quality Sneakers That Suit Your Needs

Instead of pulling out your old sneakers with worn-out treads from last season, invest in a pair that will properly support both your feet and your body. Luckily, we test plenty of shoes to find which ones feel the best, plus, we’ve discussed podiatrists’ preferences when it comes to particular needs, such as high arches, joint pain and lower back pain.

Below, we’ve gathered some of the best finds for those needs, whether you want a durable sneaker for the trails this spring, want to help get ahead of body pain or if you’re starting out with running. Shop picks like the Brooks Ghost 17, Hoka Stinson 7, Brooks Ghost Max 3 and the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoes.

• Best Trail-Running Shoe: Hoka Stinson 7 Shoes$149 (was $170)
• Best Running Shoe for Beginners: Brooks Ghost 17 Neutral Running Shoe$146
• Great Sneakers for High Arches: Asics Novablast 5 Running Shoes$150
• Best for Rainy Spring Days: The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoes$160
• Great for Lower Back Pain: Brooks Ghost Max 3 Neutral Running and Walking Shoe$160
• Also Great for Lower Back Pain: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoes$150
• Good for Reducing Joint Pain: Hoka Bondi 9 Sneaker$175

Don’t: Work Harder, Not Smarter in the Kitchen

Do: Use Helpful Kitchen Utensils and Gadgets That Save Time and Money

When I think of spring fitness goals, fresh, produce-focused meals always come to mind. For many of us on the East Coast, this is the first part of the year where we’re seeing fresh, local goods crop up. When you’re making recipes that hone in on colorful, versatile and balanced components, there can be a fair amount of prep. Luckily, there are so many tools that make this much easier.

OXO makes excellent produce savers for two of spring’s hallmarks: fresh berries and herbs. These extend the life of these often fast-spoiling ingredients for at least double the time, so you’ll have fresh ingredients to add to your breakfasts, lunches and dinners. I personally use and love them! For me, healthy dinners always start with my Breville Smart oven. It has so many capabilities, including bake, broil, air fry, and toast. For grains, batch recipes for meal prep, hearty salads and more, I always reach for my Pyrex glass bowls. The included lids mean I can prep, mix and store all in one.

• Keep Spring Herbs Fresh: OXO Good Grips GreenSaver Herb Keeper$20
• 3-in-1 Appliance: Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro and Convection Oven$400
• Editor-Loved: OXO Good Grips Berry Saver$23
• Cuisinart Food Processor, 14-Cup$245 (was $320)
• Mix and Prep in One: Pyrex Colors Sculpted Tinted Glass Mixing Bowl Set with Lids$35
• John Boos R-Board Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board$125 (was $171)
• Clean Leafy Greens Fast: OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner$33
• Quick Breakfasts: Netany 16-Ounce Glass Overnight Oat Container Set$19 (was $25)

Don’t: Skip Water or Buy Plastic Water Bottles

Do: Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle

To stay hydrated as it warms up outside, we love reusable water bottles. In fact, many of us on the team have specific preferences. I personally love my mini Hydro Flask because it encourages me to bring water in situations where I typically wouldn’t, like doctor’s appointments, trips to the grocery store, shorter car rides or leisurely walks. It’s so small and light that I can carry it or clip it onto a bag without noticing it. Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, swears by her Stanley to encourage her to drink more water. I also love the Yeti Rambler water bottle for active adventures—I can chuck this into a bag or use a water bottle carrier without worrying about any leaking. It’s seriously so tough! It also prevents drinks from getting hot, which is less than ideal when I’m already sweating.

• Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle$40
• Dietitian-Approved: Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw$45
• BrüMate Era Tumbler$45
• Hydro Flask Micro Bottle$25
• Best for Hiking: Yeti Rambler Water Bottle$40

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