The right stuff: our crack team of more than 20 wear-testers put dozens of running shoes, socks, shorts and shirts through their paces. Train and race your best with our top 27 half-marathon picks

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, July, 2003 by Steve Mazzucchi

* tops

1. Under Armour Heatgear Long Sleeve All the features of the tank (itern #2), plus long sleeves. Our tester said: "No chafing under the arms. Completely breathable." $35

2. Under Armour Heatgear SportTank Fits tight to the body. Wicks away moisture and keeps you cool. Our tester said: "I was sweating up a storm and I looked dry, felt dry." $30

3. Nike Race Short-Sleeve Top Nike's Dri-Fit technology lives up to its name. Our tester said: "I love this shirt. Even if you sweat a lot, the shirt dries almost immediately." $32

4. adidas adiStar Bra Top Clima-Cool mesh back keeps you cool. No-chafe flatlock seams keep you comfortable. Our tester said: "Breathable. The material kept me pretty dry." $50

5. New Balance Seamless Training Tank Soft, stretchy nylon/spandex fabric keeps you cool and comfy. Our tester said: "Very comfortable. I felt no seams at all!" $32

6. Carushka Barbados Bra Top Soft, moisture-wicking fabric. Elastic band under bust for support. Our tester said: "I love the cut, the feel and the comfort. Probably not enough support for larger busts, but perfect for a B-cup." $36

7. Asics Kayano Zip Run Top Zippered neck allows for temperature adjustment. Our tester said: "Comfortable, breathable and functional." $70

8. Carushka Betsey Bra Racer back and V-neck allow for freedom of movement. Our tester said: "The design is so functional. I feel I could do anything in it." $38

* socks

1. GoldToe Glide Manages moisture to keep your feet dry, even on long runs. Our tester said: "They never bunched up, and the seam never became an issue. These were great!" $10/2-pack

2. Thorlos Trail Runner Perfect for rugged training on gravel or backcountry trails. Our tester said: "Very comfortable. I plan to switch to these socks to exercise in." $12/pair

3. New Balance Mini-Quarter Coolmax fibers keep you dry and comfortable. Our tester said: "My feet weren't soaked with sweat when I finished running--and isn't that what we all want in a sock?" $12.50/2-pack

4. OxySox Over Calf These knee-highs offer the ultimate in performance over style. So technical, they came with a training video. Compression brings more oxygen to the legs for increased performance and reduced muscle fatigue. Our tester said: "I often get shinsplints early in a run, but not when I was wearing these." $18/pair

5. DeFeet Aireator One of the first socks to feature a breathable upper section for maximum ventilation. Our tester said: "DeFeet are de best! Long-lasting and fun to wear." $10/pair

* shoes

1. Puma Cell Complete Extol II Best features: Lightweight yet supportive. Asymmetrical heel prevents overpronation. Goodyear Plus sole ensures miles of durability. Our tester said: "These shoes are extremely comfortable." Buy if: You're a neutral or mildly overpronating runner. $85

2. Saucony Grid Trigon (XT-900) Best feature: Top-notch cushioning available in three varieties--durable, responsive and light. Our tester said: "Very comfortable, functional and supportive." Buy if: You want a custom fit and feel. $90

3. Nike Shox NZ Best feature: Cutting-edge responsive cushioning system returns the energy you generate on each step to propel you into your next stride. Our tester said: "I love these shoes! I ran a PR on a hilly four-mile course the first time I wore them." Buy if: You want the perfect mix of performance, comfort and style. $100

4. adidas ClimaCool Response Best features: Open-air mesh upper and vented sole provide maximum breathability and moisture management. Our tester said: "I love how cool they keep my feet." Buy if: Your feet sweat a lot. $75

5. Asics GEL-Kayano IX Best features: Ideal blend of comfort and stability. GEL cushioning system helps absorb shock from heel to toe. Our tester said: "Very durable. Good padding and heel support." Buy if: You need a highly supportive, high-mileage training shoe. $130

6. Mizuno Wave Rider 6 Best feature: Sole contains an exclusive solid rubber compound for maximum traction and durability. Our tester said: "Extremely comfortable and breathable. Good tread and arch support." Buy if: You need stability, you have wide feet and/or you overpronate. $90

7. New Balance 716 Best feature: A great combination of support, cushioning and pronation control. Our tester said: "Comfortable and functional--I would buy these." Buy if: You value support and/or you're a mild to moderate overpronator. $78

8. Brooks T3 Racer Best features: Ultra-light (5.9 oz.) and breathable. Ideal for racing distances up to a half-marathon: not for training. Our tester said: "Practically weightless. As I run, my stride feels natural, and I feel light." Buy if: You need an elite racing shoe. $75

9. Reebok Premier Lite Best features: Light-weight. Forefoot shape allows toes to expand and contract with the motions of running, creating a "rolling forward" feel. Our tester said: "I felt like I was running on puffs of air." Buy if: You're a neutral runner looking for a lightweight trainer. $75

* shorts

1. Reebok Play Dry Short Play Dry system wicks away moisture to keep you cool and dry. Our tester said: "I love these shorts! I never thought about them during my runs--they were that comfortable." $28