How to deal with chafing, go-to sneakers, and more!

Question: How do you make sports bra chafe stop?

Chafe can be the result of a lot of things. Firstly, a bra that’s too tight or ill-fitting can be one of the biggest causes. Ask yourself: What is it that you like in a sports bra (cups, adjustable straps, plain compression without bells and whistles)? Once you’ve articulated that, shop around for the style that feels most comfortable, make sure you’re buying the right size (here’s a helpful article on that from SHAPE), and do NOT toss them in the drying machine post-wash.

Feel like you’ve found the “perfect” bra but still struggle with the dreaded chafe? You’re not alone, it happens to me, too. In this case, you have two options: First, check in with an expert — like a trainer or physical therapist — to have them look at your form. Wonky form (think swinging your arms across the body instead of forward and backward during your stride) can contribute to chafing. Then, lean into backup. Applying a bit of anti-chafe products before you head out can make a world of difference. My three favorites: Megababe Thigh Rescue, Trislide (I love that this is a spray), and Body Glide.

Do you wear regular baseball caps for your daily workouts?

I try to stay away from cotton hats when it comes to working out. They just don’t feel as comfortable for me in the forehead area, and because they aren’t sweat wicking, they can lead to breakouts. My go-to hats that are in-stock include the Lululemon Baller Cap, Lululemon Fast and Free Hat, and this pick from Bandit Run Club.

Do you have a favorite sneaker right now?

Choosing favorites as someone who has upward of 40 pairs of shoes in her home is quite difficult. However, I do have a few styles I reach for more often than others. The four in my regular rotation at the moment include the Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Clifton 7, and Nike Vomero. All of these are neutral options that provide some solid support. Of note: I just ordered the Pegasus 38, which I’m excited about, and because a new iteration is coming — the 37 is 15 percent off right now. For something faster, I reach for the Nike NEXT% (usually for racing), the Asics Metaracer (great at the track), or Brooks Hyperion Tempo.

I feel like my toes get numb when running. Any shoe recommendations to avoid this?

My gut reaction is to ask you if the shoes you’re wearing are big enough. Fun fact: Your feet swell when you run! Especially when the miles start to add up, you’re going to want a sneaker that accommodates this, which admittedly can feel a little off at first if you’re used to wearing tight-fitting kicks. For instance: I wear a size 10.5 running sneaker and a size 10 street shoe.

If you size up and this is still an issue, it could definitely be a circulation problem or perhaps, you need to reevaluate what socks you’re wearing — should this numb situation be because you’re cold. Socks made with merino wool could help, which trap air between the fibers to protect you against chill while wicking sweat.

I feel like I cannot find a pair of shorts for the life of me that don’t ride up. What do you wear?

Oh dear, do I love this question. Shorts are a super personal thing, I find, kind of like sports bras. Some people don’t struggle with thigh chafe and lean into 3-inch styles and split styles. I’m not one of those. My recommendations all clock in with at least a 5-inch inseam. They are: Lululemon Align 6-inch Short, Wolaco 7-inch Biker Short, Tracksmith Allston Short, Under Armour Meridian Short, and the Nike One Bike Short.

Answering Your Workout Gear Questions