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Runner’s World Subscription Box #004 Review – July 2017

Lacey Volk
ByLacey VolkAug 6, 2017 | 6 comments

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Box Exterior

Runner's World Box
2.2 overall rating
5 Ratings | 1 Reviews

Runner's World Box is a new monthly subscription box from the magazine of the same name. They send gear, snacks, and accessories curated by Runner's World editors.

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - First Peek

My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - All items arranged around box

The Subscription Box: Runner's World Box

The Cost: $29.99/month (Save 20% with a 6-month subscription)

The Products: Gear, snacks, and accessories from the editors of Runner's World Magazine

Ships to: United States for $8; maybe more in some areas. Extra shipping costs to Hawaii.

Check out all of our Runner's World Box reviews and more boxes for runners in our Fitness Subscription Box Directory!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Letter from Editor

I ended last month's review feeling like there was something missing, so I was happily surprised by how heavy the July box was when it arrived. There's no overarching theme this month, but the intro from Senior Editor Meghan Kita gives a quick roundup of some of her favorites.

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Info card

The info card lists out some details on all the items included, including retail prices. (I have used those prices in the review, except for the laundry stuff because they combined two items together with one retail price.)

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Kodiak Cakes Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Kodiak Cakes Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Kodiak Cakes

Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Flapjack & Waffle Mix, 4.9 oz - Value $4 (Buy six 20 oz boxes from Amazon for $26.60)

Typical: I always go straight for the food! I would not have thought that Runner's World would be a particularly great snack box, but I've really enjoyed my snack discoveries from this box so far. They seem to really look for interesting items that will fit within a lot of diets, whether you are watching calories or macros or both.

I've seen this brand in grocery aisles but have never tried it, so I'm really happy to receive it. You can mix this mix with water, or use milk and eggs for an extra protein boost. My usual pancake recipe is made with greek yogurt to make it healthier and more filling, so I'm really curious how these will compare. The reviews on Amazon look really promising!

This little box makes two servings, so it's very likely on the menu for Sunday breakfast this weekend!

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Biena Chickpea Snacks Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Biena Chickpea Snacks Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Biena Chickpea Snacks

Biena Chickpea Snacks - Value $3.58 (Buy 10 on Amazon for $21.18)

Another great discovery! I have a love/hate relationship with chickpea snacks, but I particularly enjoyed the ranch flavor. The protein and fiber really did keep me full, too. They were also just the right amount of salty for me; I always crave a salty snack after working out.

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Biena Chickpea Snacks Coupon

We also got a coupon to buy a full-sized bag, and on the back:

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Biena Chickpea Snacks Coupon

Chocolate chickpeas? Not sure if I'm into it or not, but I am intrigued!

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - KT Tape Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - KT Tape Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - KT Tape Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - KT Tape

KT Tape Pro - Value $19.99

I have seen loads of people running with this stuff on, but honestly did not know exactly what it was until now. This tape is advertised to stay in place for up to seven days and help add support for minor injuries during workouts. There's quite a bit in here, too: the package comes with 20 precut 10" strips!

Fingers crossed that I don't actually have a reason to try this anytime soon– I did just recover from a case of tennis elbow that was especially painful while running, and I wish I'd had this on hand. Send me your tips for how to best utilize this!

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - KT Tape Coupon

Runner's World also sent along a 15% off coupon for more!

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Feetures Socks Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Feetures Socks Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Feetures Socks Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Feetures Socks

Feetures! Merino+ Ultralight No-Show Tab Running Socks - Value $15.99

I love socks, and "fancy" technical running and hiking socks are some of my newest indulgences. These are a wool and bamboo blend, which does seem like an odd choice for the height of summer: I'm sure these would be way too hot on my feet right now with our current weather. However, I'm happy that these actually fit me, unlike the first pair of socks Runner's World sent (in their second box). This brand is new to me, too, so I'm curious to check them out.

I know that wool is also supposed to help keep you cool: Do you run in merino socks in the summer? Should I give it a shot?

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Gatorade Energy Gel Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Gatorade Energy Gel

Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel - Value $1.50 (Buy 21 from Amazon for $29.99)

Most of my runs are pretty slow and in the 30-40 minute range, so I haven't really felt a need to load up on energy gels and packets and I'm not an expert in them. I do find these are good for those morning jogs when I'm not really hungry for breakfast, but feel like I need something other than water in my system before working out.

Let's be honest: No one consumes these because they taste amazing. I did find the Apple Pear flavor to be pretty palatable though.

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Detergent Samples Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Detergent SAmples

Sweat X Laundry Detergent, 5 Samples - Value $2.25 (Buy 45 Load full size for $19.99 from Amazon)

Each one of these packets is good for one wash load. While I am giggling about the branding a bit (the scent is called "Smell of Victory"), I really wish I'd had these on hand just a few days earlier when I got back from my summer vacation! While I didn't do any running on my break, I did spend 5 days hiking and camping, and I can say with certainty that my socks and long underwear took at least two washes before they actually felt clean.

In the short term, I will probably be testing it this out on some toddler clothes. My 2 year old loves to be outside and is an absolute dirt and grass stain magnet!

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Stain Remover Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Stain Remover

Sweat X Extreme Stain Remover - Value $9.99

Luckily, Runner's World also included this full size bottle of stain remover! I've gotten a few different types of eco-friendly stain sticks recently, and while they work OK, I definitely prefer the liquid stuff since it's faster to apply and seems to penetrate stains better. This is one of those types of products I always overlook at the store, but if it works, I'll be using every last drop.

I appreciate that both of these products are non-toxic and biodegradable, too, and are safe for sensitive skin.

Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Coupon Runners World Box #004 Review, July 2017 - Coupon

We also received a 10% off coupon to reorder!

Verdict: Overall, I thought this month's box from Runner's World was an improvement over last month. In the "Pros" column: the box still felt full of things I will actually use, unlike last month (I ended up using the Epic Wipe while camping, but everything else has been sitting unused). The overall value of the contents this month is about $57, which is pretty good for a $29.99/month box + shipping. And of course, I always like the snacks in this box. 😉

As for the Cons: There was no real theme this month, which made the contents feel a little scattered, and the socks in particular seemed better suited for a fall or winter box. I can't decide who this subscription is best for: As a new runner, I like getting to try new products to test them out, but I do wish there was also a training or educational component to help make it feel more well-rounded. On the other hand, a more experienced runner might have tried many of these products and be a little underwhelmed, or might want something a little heavier on the gear.

What do you think about Runner's World Box?

Starting at $29.99
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This monthly box from Runner's World magazine features a mix of "gear, accessories, nutritious snacks, and other cool stuff... that will feed your running passion!"

Runner's World also has a "Best Food for Runners" box specifically for running meals, snacks, and beverages for $14.99.
Lacey Volk
Lacey Volk
Lacey's introduction to the world of subscription boxes was Julep Maven, but she quickly moved on once she discovered there were subscriptions for cooking, coffee, and art supplies. Current favorites include Crate Chef and Ecocentric Mom, and she's looking forward to trying more.

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6 comments

beingmetoo

Have you tried GU Salty Caramel energy gels? They are the best tasting gel I’ve tried, and I’ve tried lots in 10 years of running marathons. They taste like the caramel sauce you put on top of a dessert.

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Kate

I wish this box would focus less on snacks. Maybe just include 1 snack item in each box. Still waiting to sub

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Leah

I run in features wool socks all year round(they are my favorite brand)I live in Cincinnati so we get hot humid summers. I wouldn’t say they keep my foot cool but they don’t get over heated and I never get sweaty feet. I’ve also have never suffered blisters since I started wearing wool year round. I love my woolies

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Lacey Volk

Awesome, I will have to give them a shot! I’ve been hiking in wool socks lately and there have been a few days where my feet were unbearably hot, but I think that is partially my boots being rather warm too.

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Carrie

I get the individual cups of the Kodiak cakes for mornings when I’m in a rush. Just add 2oz almond milk and nuke for a little over a minute and they’re ready. Taste great too!

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Lacey Volk

I made mine yesterday morning and they were delicious!

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