Gear Review: Brooks Run Visible Collection

A runner wearing the Brooks Run Visible convertible jacket catches her breath.

With the days getting shorter and the weather getting cooler (in some parts of the country), it’s time to think about updating your fall running wardrobe. Incorporating layers and adding reflective gear are essential for running safely in the cooler, darker months – bonus points if you can do both at the same time. Enter the Brooks Run Visible Collection.

The Brooks Run Visible Collection offers performance running apparel with 3M™ Scotchlite™ Carbon Black Stretch material. This retroreflective material appears brightest to those located near the original light source – like the driver of the car whose headlights are shining.

This material is placed in critical motion zones, the areas that move the most while you run, making you more visible to passing motorists. Contrasting fluorescent colors help you stand out – even in the dark.

Fleet Feet reviewers tested the Brooks Run Visible Short Sleeve, Run Visible Half Zip, Run Visible Convertible Jacket, Run Visible Men’s 2-in-1 Short and the Run Visible Women’s 6” Short Tight. Here’s what you need to know.

Brooks Run Visible Short Sleeve

A woman wears the Brooks Run Visible Short Sleeve top.

The Brooks Run Visible Short Sleeve is made with lightweight, quick-drying materials–Brooks’ signature DriLayer fabric, a combination of polyester and elastane– that wick away sweat and keep you dry during warm runs.

“The feel of the Run Visible Short Sleeve is great. It fits true to size and has a flattering cut,” Max says. “The fabric feels premium, and the neon detailing is sufficient enough to make me feel confident running in the later hours.”

Reflective patches on the arms, shoulders, back and torso—the areas that move the most while you run—keep you visible in the dark. Plus, the shirt is made with 89 percent recycled materials, which makes it easy on the environment.

With light, breathable materials and reliable reflectivity, the Brooks Run Visible Short Sleeve is a fantastic option for those in-between weather days that plague the early fall.

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Brooks Run Visible Long Sleeve

A man runs in the Brooks Run Visible Long Sleeve top.

Perfect for crisp fall mornings when the sun hasn’t quite warmed the streets yet, the Brooks Run Visible Long Sleeve keeps the chill at bay.

It’s made with the same soft, DriLayer fabric as the Short Sleeve, which effortlessly wicks away sweat. It features reflective patches on the shoulders and arms, so that you can run comfortably and safely in the dark. Plus, it’s also made with 89 percent recycled materials, which makes it a sustainable choice.

“The waffle-like fabric feels nice, wicks sweat well, and it’s easy to pull the top off after the run,” Alex says. “The sleeves are a good length and tightness, and I can comfortably scrunch them up to my elbows as I warm up. This is a simple, reliable long-sleeve with plenty of visibility.”

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Brooks Run Visible Half Zip

A woman wears the Brooks Run Visible Half Zip.

Layering clothing can help you stay comfy as the weather changes. The Brooks Run Visible Half Zip fits perfectly over your base layer, which makes it easy to stay comfortable in unpredictable weather.

Made with the same DriLayer fabric as the Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve, the Half Zip shirt helps fight the chill while wicking away moisture, so you don’t get too toasty. Thumbholes make sure your arms and hands stay covered and warm, while the half-zipper feature makes it easy to control just how bundled up you want to be.

“I love the fit and feel of this top. The length is perfect and the thumbholes are really convenient. The material feels really durable and I can tell it’ll stay warm during cold runs,” Caroline says.

Reflective strips cover the arms, shoulders, back and hips of the Half Zip shirt, while fluorescent color blocks shine in the forearms.

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Brooks Run Visible Convertible Jacket

A man zips up the Brooks Run Visible Convertible Jacket.

The Brooks Run Visible Convertible Jacket offers lightweight, breathable protection from the elements without weighing you down. Two zippered side pockets make it easy to stash your keys, gels or credit card, and a cozy hood keeps you dry no matter the weather.

The material used in the Run Visible Convertible Jacket is wind and water resistant and made with 92 percent recycled materials. The jacket even features handy snaps on the front zipper to hold your jacket in place if you decide to keep it unzipped.

“I think this is the most clever running jacket I have ever seen,” Kate says. “Like the other pieces in this collection, the reflective elements are strategically placed to draw the most attention when running in a darker environment.”

The jacket offers the same reflective details as the other apparel in the Run Visible collection, but its standout feature is its ability to double as a vest. If you start feeling warm on the run, no need to tie anything around your waist! You can pack the jacket into itself and wear it as a vest, thanks to an internal pocket and adjustable clips. You don’t have to worry about visibility while wearing the vest either, as there are reflective strips on the inside of the jacket.

“This jacket can really do it all,” Caroline says. “I’ve worn other jackets that fold into themselves before, but never one that doubles as another piece of apparel. This is the perfect jacket for in-between weather when you’re not quite sure how many layers you need.”

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Brooks Run Visible Men’s 2-in-1 Short

A man stretches while wearing the Brooks Run Visible 2-in-1 short.

The Brooks Run Visible Men’s 2-in-1 Short combines a compressive liner with 5-inch shorts to power you through your next run. You can slip your phone or credit card in the drop-in pockets on the side of the liner for easy storage, and adjust the fit with the waistband drawstring.

Reflective strips on the front and back of the thighs combined with the bright, fluorescent liner make it easy for passing motorists and other runners to see you coming.

“I really like how the reflective detailing was tastefully placed on the supportive liner of the shorts,” Max says. “The shorts also offer the best pocket placement possible – a phone pocket attached to the liner with an additional zip pocket on the other side.”

While reviewers enjoyed the thoughtful details and reflective accents, some noticed that the liner was much tighter than the waistband.

“The bottom of the liner fits snug against my legs, but I have to tie the drawstring as tightly as I can to keep the waistband up,” Alex says.

For that reason, we recommend trying on the shorts in person to ensure correct sizing.

You can visit your local Fleet Feet to try on the Brooks Run Visible collection, as well as get an expert one-on-one outfitting. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height. Not only does the outfitting experience provide you with the right shoes and insoles, outfitters can make recommendations on apparel, accessories and nutrition to help you reach your goals.

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Brooks Run Visible Women’s 6” Short Tight

A woman runs in the Brooks Run Visible Short tight.

The Brooks Run Visible Women’s 6” Short Tight are built for running fast and free, thanks to a supportive, compressive fit with sweat-wicking material. These shorts are perfect for early morning or late evening runs when the summer heat won’t give way to fall temperatures.

Reflective strips on the hips and thighs highlight your moving legs so you can be seen in the dark. Plus, you can store your essentials in the two drop-in pockets on the sides of the shorts. A grippy interior seam on the bottom of the shorts holds them in place so they don’t ride up.

“These are perfect for me as the days are getting shorter,” Kate says. “I like to do my runs early in the morning, but it’s getting darker every day. I feel confident that I’m dressed in a way where drivers can see me, plus these shorts are super comfy!”

While reviewers enjoyed the extra visibility and smooth materials of the 6” Short Tight, some noticed that, like the men’s shorts, they felt tight in the legs and loose in the waist.

“These shorts fit perfectly around my thighs but the waistband feels loose,” Caroline says. “Nevertheless, the material feels really sleek and breathable. I really love the neon accents on the sides as well as the pockets. They’re big enough to store keys, gels and even my phone!”

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Final Thoughts

Overall, reviewers enjoyed their runs in the Brooks Run Visible apparel. The gear offers enough reflectivity to feel safe running in the dark while still looking sleek and stylish. Thoughtful details make it easy to stash your phone or keys, and premium materials feel silky smooth against your skin.

“The Brooks Run Visible apparel feels light and pleasant, and offers plenty of visibility without looking like the equivalent of a crossing-guard uniform,” Alex says.

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