The best running watches of 2023

A running watch is a watch with special functions that support running. Consider a stopwatch with the option to record lap times, a GPS tracker or a heart rate monitor. This blog features various running watches, each with its own style. From a beautiful digital watch to the most advanced smartwatches. So there is always one that suits your running style!

Characteristics of a good running watch

Running watches come in many shapes and sizes with all kinds of different functions.

A running watch used to be a simple digital watch with only a stopwatch and a lap timer. Simple, yet useful if you wanted to maintain your fitness.

Nowadays, most smartwatches contain a heart rate monitor and/or GPS tracker. Many watches can also be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth, making keeping track of your running session a piece of cake.

Running watches must also be able to withstand a knock or two. For example, G-shock watches are indestructible and suitable for any type of workout. When choosing a running watch, it is advisable to choose a material that is sweat resistant.

The best running watches of 2023

The best running watches in different categories

Precisely because there can be so many different functions on a running watch, it is good to determine which ones are important to you. That is why we have listed the best watches with different functions from different price ranges!

The best simple running watches

We start with simple running watches with a good price. These can also quickly help you achieve your goals!

By running regularly you will of course improve your fitness very quickly. And what’s better than seeing progress after a solid workout. Keeping track of lap times is very easy with the simple lightweight running watches from both Calypso and Olympic. The watches are made of silicone and plastic material, so they are super light. This means you won’t even notice that you are wearing them while running.

The Calypso Smartime is a very advanced running watch for its class. For example, the watch has a heart rate monitor, pedometer, blood pressure monitor (non-medical) and even a breathing monitor for only 40 euros.

Olympic Sports OL45HKR009

▴Olympic Sport OL45HKR009

Calypso K8500/1 Smartime

▴ Calypso K8500/1 Smartime

The best running watches with calorie meter

If you like the robust character of G-Shock, the G-Squad running watch with Bluetooth connection is an absolute must-have for you. The G-Squad models have the characteristic G-Shock appearance and are equipped with Bluetooth so you can connect the watch to an app on your smartphone. The watch records your route, steps and calorie consumption. The data is immediately recorded in the app, making it easy to monitor your progress.

Another plus of the G-Shock, in addition to its indestructibility, is the battery life. It will last more than two years even with daily use. That’s one less thing to worry about!

G-Squad GBD-100-1ER

▴ G-Squad GBD-100-1ER

G-Shock G-Squad GBA-900-1AER

▴ G-Shock G-Squad GBA-900-1AER

The best running watches with music

Running and music go hand in hand. In most cases, a good beat helps you achieve the best sports performance. Super handy if you can play your favorite artists from your watch.

Most Garmin smartwatches have a built-in music player and also offer the option to connect Spotify or another streaming service. The Gen 6 watch from Fossil is also a good choice for this. Stylish, yet sporty through and through. With these watches you never have to spend a running session in silence again.

Garmin Venu 010-02430-11

▴ Garmin Venu 010-02430-11

Fossil FTW6080 Gen 6

▴ Fossil FTW6080 Gen 6

The best running watches with GPS tracker

And then finally there are the absolute all-rounders from Garmin. Smartwatches that measure everything during your running session. Your heart rate, oxygen levels in your blood, exertion, etc. The watch also puts together the perfect schedule for you based on your personal data. It also indicates your recovery time so that you do not start new exercise too early or too late. Every morning the watch provides a sleep report and a recovery/training outlook. It even takes the weather into account and how it affects your performance. In short, if you want a running watch that provides you with the best functions to prepare and run your training as best as possible, then choose one of Garmin’s smartwatches.

Garmin MARQ 010-02648-41

▴ Garmin MARQ 010-02648-41

Garmin MARQ 010-02648-41

▴ Garmin MARQ 010-02648-41

The best running watches for women

In terms of functions, it does not matter whether you go for a women’s or men’s running watch, the style is of course different. The running watches for women are more elegant and available in more cheerful colors.

Fossil’s smartwatches are a good example. These are stylish watches with the best features. The hidden touchscreen makes it look like you are wearing an analog watch (with hands). This way you can also look stylish outside of sports. The Garmin Vivomove is also of this caliber. Full of running features, yet stylish.

Fossil Smartwatch FTW4071

▴ Fossil Smartwatch FTW4071

Garmin Vivomove 010-02240-02

▴ Garmin Vivomove 010-02240-02

The best running watches for men

Running watches for men are often larger and more robust than those for women. Take the new G-Shock GBD-H2000 for example. Can take a beating, looks cool and has just as advanced functions as the Garmin smartwatches.

The Garmin Marq also looks cool, but is very stylish at the same time. Due to its business character, the watch can certainly also be worn on formal occasions. In addition, the watch has everything to support the best sports performance. The perfect combination of sporty and stylish.

GBD-H2000
▴ GBD-H2000

Garmin MARQ 010-02648-31

▴ Garmin MARQ 010-02648-31

More sports watches at watch.nl

Don’t you just like running? There are also many watches available that support other sports. Take a look at our blog, which is specially dedicated to sports watches. This way you always have access to the right watch for your favorite sport!

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