Whether I’m playing soccer, running track & cross country, or competing in Taekwondo, I use special gear to track my progress and give me an edge over the competition. Here are some of my favorite running and soccer gear that I use every day.

Soccer

Soccer is my primary sport, so it gets the most attention when selecting gear to improve my game.

CityPlay by PlayerMaker

I’ve been using CityPlay trackers for several years. These trackers fit inside straps on your shoes to measure speed, distance, kicking power, and so much more. The trackers are small and lightweight, so they don’t affect your performance. I also use the straps to lock down my shoelaces, so they’re less likely to come untied during training or matches.

The companion app on your phone allows you to track your progress over time and compare your results against other users. It even

Use my CityPlay link and promo code TIMMYH for the best discount on your order.

MediCaptain Shin Guards

As a Defensive Midfielder, I’m constantly mixing it up with our opponents to disrupt their attacks. I need extra protection for my legs to avoid unnecessary bruising and soreness. Unfortunately, regular shin guards don’t provide much support for the sides and back of your legs. And the super small shin guards my teammates wear do even less.

When I saw the MediCaptain Shin Guards, I knew I had to have them. They combine the comfort and flexibility of slide in shin guards, with the protection of the old school stirrups.

Use my MediCaptain link for the best price and support my training.

Salt Athletic shoe bag

Smelly shoes are the worst… for parents, athletes, and anyone else near them. Athletes sweat constantly, and while we get new cleats every few months, they get smelly quickly. We tried sprays, odor balls, washing them, and a variety of other remedies, but they still smell.

Salt Athletic shoe bags don’t eliminate the smell, but they are amazing at trapping in the odors to prevent everyone in the car from getting nauseated.

The Aercase Cleat Bags have a patented smell-proof technology that locks in odors from cleats and shin guards. The smell-proof system uses 99.9% pure silver, activated carbon, and micro-mesh to control odors and eliminate moisture. They also have Aercase Glove Bags for keepers to store their gloves.

Use my Salt Athletic link or promo code BALDTHOUGHTS to save 10% off your next order of Salt Athletic Aercase cleat and glove bags.

Track & Cross Country

Running track and cross country is primarily just you, your shoes, and the course. But extra gear can provide valuable information to help you reach the next level.

Watch

A running watch measures your distance, speed, heart rate, and so much more. My parents bought the Garmin Forerunner 265 for me when I joined my high school cross country team as a freshman.

The watch has numerous features, and it syncs with apps like Strava so you can analyze and compare your sessions easily. This also allows you to share your runs with friends, coaches, and followers.

Get your running watch watch here.

Shoes from Fleet Feet

Good running shoes are essential when you’re running 20-30+ miles a week in training and races. While many people get their running shoes from Dick’s, Academy, or other stores, I prefer Fleet Feet.

Fleet Feet does a comprehensive digital exam of your feet. It measures your shoe size, arch, instep, heel, and so much more. Then, their shoe experts recommend running shoes that match your feet size and shape.

Plus, they give a 20% discount on all running shoes to kids who run for local schools. They also have a rewards program for extra savings and specials.

What else am I missing?

Is there any gear that I’m missing? What do you use to help you reach your potential and provide an edge over the competition? Share your tips and favorite running and soccer gear in the comments below.