Big fan of pounding pavements? Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just dipping your toes into the world of running, having the right gear can make all the difference. That's where smartwatches swoop in like your trusty running buddy, keeping you on track and motivated every step of the way.
Gone are the days of strapping a clunky stopwatch to your wrist. Enter the era of the smartwatch, where you can track your distance, pace, heart rate, and even receive notifications mid-run.
Not sure which one to pick? We’ve got you covered. Lace up those sneakers and take a peek at the smartwatches that will take your running game from zero to hero.
The Elite Pick
First up, we've got the Garmin Fenix 7S – the Rolls Royce of smartwatches for runners. This bad boy isn't just a timekeeper; it's practically a personal trainer strapped to your wrist. With features like advanced running dynamics, GPS tracking, and heart rate monitoring, you'll have all the data you need to smash your PBs.
This genius watch gives you advanced training metrics, and comes with a recovery time advisor that lets you know when you’re ready for another hard workout. It even gives you a training readiness score that takes your sleep quality, recovery, and training load into account to determine whether it’s a good day to go hard or rest. Another impressive feature? You can use it to track your daily fluid intake!
You can go up to 11 days between charges on smartwatch mode, so you’ll be covered if you forgot to put your watch on charge. It also keeps you connected, with text messages and alerts and reaching you so you can stay in the loop, even while you’re looping around the park.
Plus, its rugged design means it can handle whatever punishment you throw its way. This watch is tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. Whether you're hitting the trails or pounding the pavements, the Fenix 7S is your ultimate beast mode buddy.
With a Rentoza subscription, you can get your hands on the Fenix 7S for R1410 a month.
The Stylish Option
Next up, we've got the Samsung Watch 5 Series: The stylish sidekick you never knew you needed. With its sleek design and vibrant display, this beauty is sure to turn heads on your next run.
But don't let its good looks fool you – it's got brains to match. With advanced fitness tracking features and seamless integration with your Samsung smartphone, it's the perfect companion for tech-savvy runners. It tracks your sleep to help improve the quality of your nightly naps, and has bioactive sensors that monitor your body fat percentage, heart rate, and blood pressure.
This handy smartwatch does it all. You can use Google Maps to navigate your next adventure, stream music to soundtrack your runs, send and receive texts, browse the web, make calls, and even use Google Assistant. Plus, let’s be real: Half the reason we run is so that we can snap a pic to brag about it later. You can do that with your Samsung Watch 5 Series.
You can snag the Samsung Watch 5 Series for R830 a month on a Rentoza subscription.
The Safety Officer
With its intuitive interface and cutting-edge health tracking features, it's no wonder the Apple Watch Series 9 has a cult following among runners (and dominates the wider smartwatch market). Whether you're tracking your steps, monitoring your heart rate, or competing with friends, the Apple Watch Series 9 has got you covered.
If safety is a big concern for you while running, then the Apple Watch Series 9 will be your best friend. It’s got fall detection, which can detect if you’ve had a bad fall while running, and will connect you with emergency services if you’re rendered immobile. With the emergency SOS feature, your Apple Watch will call local emergency services and share your location. This way, you can get help in case you’re attacked, mugged, or injured while on a run.
Stay connected and make or receive texts and calls while on your run with your Apple Watch Series 9. Create the ultimate soundtrack for your run with Apple Music, and use Apple Maps to guide your way so you never get lost.
For R1830 a month on a Rentoza subscription, you can get your hands on this bad boy.
The Budget-Friendly Option
Looking for something a bit more budget-friendly that still packs a punch? Enter the Garmin Forerunner 55. Don't let its modest price tag fool you – this smartwatch is a little powerhouse on your wrist.
With built-in GPS, pace tracking, and heart rate monitoring, this easy-to-use smartwatch is designed for people of all skill levels. It monitors your overall health and wellness, and will even suggest tailored runs and daily workouts to help you crush your goals without crushing your wallet. Plus, its sleek design means you'll look like a boss on the track.
Score the Forerunner 55 for only R400 a month on a Rentoza subscription. Say goodbye to buyer's remorse and hello to guilt-free gadgetry!
Not sure which smartwatch is the right fit for you? Why not try them all out? There’s no better way to keep up with the latest and greatest than through a slick product subscription. You can take turns trialing out these watches for a couple of months so you can find the one that works best for you and your lifestyle.
Plus, if you end up giving up running, fear not. You don’t have to be stuck with a clunky watch doing nothing but giving you an awkward wrist tan. You can easily exchange it for another product subscription that you’ll actually use.
Commitment is messy. Just Rentoza it.
