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16 Running Lights to Brighten Up Your Nighttime Miles

Daytime runs aren’t always possible, so illuminate your path with one of these bright lights.

running lights
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Running at dusk or dawn isn’t necessarily a choice — sometimes, it’s the only time you can actually squeeze a workout in. Whether you're a night owl and love a good nighttime run, genuinely prefer to hit the quiet streets before the sun rises, or just gotta get your miles in somewhere, low-light conditions require different running gear. Running lights can help provide runners with visibility to see the path ahead and will help motorists or other runners see you.

Depending on your running environment, you will want a different type of running light. A sleek headlamp is ideal for early-morning hikes, while adjustable body reflectors and clip-on lights are perfect for street runs. Either can help keep you safer without disrupting your run.

Head out for a run in the dark with our picks for top-rated running lights that will increase your visibility and safety, no matter how dark the conditions are.

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1
Small But Mighty
Knuckle Lights Original Running Lights
Knuckle Lights

One of the major issues with handheld torches is that the light bounces all over the place while you run. (Not to mention, holding a flashlight in one hand isn't ideal for your natural stride.) 

These adjustable silicone straps slide right over your hands and the bulbs cast extra-wide flood beams that cover more ground, making it easier for you to see exactly where you’re landing your feet. And at less than 3 ounces per unit, you'll barely notice you're wearing them.

More: 10 Women's Running Shoes We're Sporting This Season

2
Best Weather-Proof Option
Apace Vision LED Safety Light
Apace Vision
Now 49% off

Keep your hands free on dark runs with lights that clip right onto your run belt, water vest, or even your body. Three modes — steady, slow flash, and fast flash — alert approaching cars to your presence and guarantee you won't go unnoticed. These were also built to withstand rain, ice, and snow, so don’t let pre- or post-work weather keep you inside.  

3
Perfect For Hiking
Knog Quokka Run LED Headlamp
KNOG

$12.22
$11.49 (6% Off)

This headlamp isn't as bright as other models (it's only 100 lumens), but it boasts multiple lighting options: high, medium, low; flash from the spotlight, floodlight, or a combination; and steady or blinking red lights that illuminate the whole band. The sleek design also fits snugly on your head so there's no light bouncing around.

4
Most Unique Design
Nathan Light Spur
Nathan

Want a running light that you’ll truly forget is even there? Clip the Light Spur onto the heel of your shoe, and you'll have a bright, flashing LED with you every step of the way.

5
Best for Sweaty Runners
Nathan Lightbender RX Lighted Armband
Nathan

Bring the light party to your arms with these colorful, lightweight bands. You can switch between red, green, and blue colors, and a blinking and steady state light pattern for extra visibility. 

Best of all, the armband itself is sweatproof, waterproof, and chafe-free.

6
Best Splurge
Petzl IKO Core Headlamp
Petzl

Petzl has ditched bulky elastic headbands that soak up sweat in the IKO Core Headlamp, which uses a brand new suspension system to evenly distribute the weight of a lamp and battery pack across your head. 

It looks minimalist, but the lamp itself — which rotates 180 degrees to provide more coverage — is packed with seven tiny LEDs that shine as bright as 500 lumens (about what you'd find in a halogen bulb).

7
Made for Outdoor Adventures
Rodh LED Safety Lights
RODH

$21.99
$17.59 (20% Off)

Strap this contraption to your chest and you'll have a powerful, hands-free beam to lead the charge — plus eight red LEDs on the back to alert those approaching you from behind. You'll get 5 hours of light on a full charge, and after which you can just plug it right into your USB or power bank charger to juice up.

8
Compact and Versatile
Ultraspire Lumen Clip 180
Ultraspire

Instead of layering on more gear, clip this magnetic light onto your belt, running shorts, or vest straps. Its built-in LED light creates a wide-angled beam with 180 degrees of coverage and four modes of lighting, so you can adjust depending on your circumstances.

9
Best Slim-Fit Chest Design
Avanto Chest Running Light
AVANTO

$39.99
$34.99 (13% Off)

Not up for wearing a bulky vest? This chest strap weighs under 4 ounces and adjusts right to your size, so you’ll barely notice it (and won’t have to deal with any bouncing). It’s also hands-free unless you want to switch between the two light settings — and even then, all it takes is a touch of a button.

10
Efficient and Fun to Wear
Higo LED Slap Armband
Higo

$9.99
$7.99 (20% Off)

Remember those slap-on bracelets that were so fun as a kid? Well, this is the adult version, and it's made to keep fitness lovers safe outside at night.

11
Lightweight and Reflective
Noxgear Tracer360 Illuminated and Reflective Vest
Noxgear

$93.27
$59.95 (36% Off)

This lightweight vest has really taken running lights to a new level. At just 6.5 ounces, you'll forget you're wearing it, but with 360-degree visibility, motorists will spot you from blocks away. You can even switch between six colors, depending on your mood.

12
Best for Long Runs
Bright Eyes Firefly Clip-On LED Safety Light
Bright Eyes

With 200 lumens of light power, these will keep you visible on even the longest of nighttime runs. Just plug it into the USB charger to give it some juice between uses. If steady lights aren't enough, turn on the strobe settings and try to keep from dancing as you run.

13
Best for Trail Running
Nathan Grip-Free Running FlashLight With Emergency Whistle
Nathan
Now 22% off

Strap this torch around either hand and hit the trail. The downward angle lights up your path, but you can also point it ahead to scope out your route. It even has an emergency whistle feature you can use should you need assistance.

14
Travel-Friendly
Omkhe Rechargeable LED Running Light Armband (2-Pack)
OMKHE

$17.99
$13.99 (22% Off)

These LED running light bands are waterproof, rechargeable, lightweight, and versatile. You can wear these adjustable bands to fit around your ankles, wrist, or your arms for optimal visibility. The sleek Velcro design also makes these running lights comfortable to wear for the longest runs (the battery runs for 3 to 5 hours on a full charge).

15
Small and Straightforward
Amphipod Flash Dot LED Vizlet Safety Light (2-Pack)
Amphipod

If you're more of a minimalist and prefer streamlined running gear, these one-touch wearable LED reflectors are the best option for you. Each flash dot features dual integrated magnets so you can attach it to your waistband, collar, the back of your shirt, or your shoes. Although they aren't rechargeable, the coin-cell battery is inexpensive and easily replaced.

16
Best Battery Life
BioLite HeadLamp 330
BioLite

Whether you enjoy ending your day with a late-night run or live in an area where it gets too hot by noon so the earlier the better, a comfortable running light is a genius accessory to have. 

This BioLite headlamp sits flush on your forehead with a bounce-free fit, and the USB rechargeable battery runs for up to 40 hours, making it ideal for runs as well as longer backpacking/hiking trips. Adjustable lighting modes include options for dimmable, flood, spot + flood, red night vision, or strobe. 

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