The London Marathon kit drop has truly become our favourite time of year. Even if we’re not running the marathon ourselves, we’ve been known to invest as the whole collection is usually an absolute banger. And this year is no exception. New Balance are once again the creators of this gorgeous kit and we’re obsessed with the colours and styles for 2026.
Editor Esther’s donned the pieces and put them through their paces. Here are her thoughts…
New Balance London Edition 1080v15 running shoe
Technical details:
- Weight: 208g
- Drop: 6mm
- Stack height: 39.5/33.5
- Foam: Infinion
- RRP: £170
Esther’s review
“These feel like putting on a pair of slippers: comfortable, familiar and friendly. Whether you want more than that for this premium price point is your shout! They’re beautifully bouncy underfoot, and the feel in general is great. My issue comes with the upper – I preferred the stretchier material on previous iterations that moulded to my feet more. This mesh creates more air around my toe, and a slightly rounder look to the toebox. The internet says they’re a bit more narrow than previous versions – I didn’t find that at all, and I have a high instep. They’re super comfortable, I love them on treadmill and on road; they’re a great choice for getting those longer miles in. A solid pair of runners from New Balance.”
Keen to for a more in-depth review of the shoe? Read our full 1080v15 review.
New Balance London Edition Essential Heat Grid Half Zip
Technical details:
Esther’s review
“I’ve always loved these running tops from New Balance, and have run in them for years. This has a lovely fleecy inner, and is made from a pretty thick fabric, so brilliant for training over the winter. The fit is quite close, which I like, nothing to flap about and let the chill in, but the sleeves are the best bit: nice and long with – get this – stretchy thumbholes AND a built-in mitt. Raynaud’s sisters: unite! There’s a little zipped pocket on the side – useful for tissues rather than anything clunky, I’d say. A perfect training top that feels well made, washes well, and is good value considering the use you’ll get out of it.”
New Balance London Edition RC Essential T-Shirt
Technical details:
Esther’s review
“This basic tech tee is available in black, purple or a vivid yellow. With a slightly boxy fit, and side slits, it’s flattering and sits away from the body. The fabric is incredibly light, and faintly perforated, so it’s a great choice for race day. I expect to see a LOT of runners in this one on 26th April! I’ve worn this to the gym loads in the last couple of months, and it’s a solid performer. I love the thought that’s gone into the close seams around the arms – not much chance of the dreaded chafe here. My only reservation is the price; £45 seems pretty steep for something without bells and whistles.”
New Balance London Edition Marathon Jacket
Technical details:
Esther’s review
“This is a brilliant running jacket. If you’re in the market to commemorate your London Marathon with something special, then look no further. With a relaxed fit, double layered, and generous pockets, it’s fantastic to throw on after a run (or, say, after a marathon….) to keep warm and look the part. It’s water and wind resistant and yes, you could run in it if you absolutely wanted to. That is what it’s designed for. But honestly? You’ll want to save it for best and wear it to parade up and down the Mall afterwards, or to throw on the next time you’re picking up the kids from school. You can casually say, “What, this? Oh it’s from the London Marathon. That I ran. At the weekend…””
New Balance London Edition RC Ultra Light Short 3″
Technical details:
Esther’s review
“These are super-short running shorts, made from light stretchy tech material. They have an in-built brief, so the coverage is actually really good. The fit is spot on, and the waistband is really comfy – there’s a drawstring but I didn’t need to use it. New Balance cleverly includes two little pockets inside the pant bit, which are just the right size for gels. The hems are seamless, so I couldn’t feel them at all on the run. My only small reservation is the length, but if you would prefer a little more coverage, New Balance also does a neat-looking 5in version.”
New Balance London Edition RC Essential Long Sleeve
Technical details:
Esther’s review
“If you prefer a little more coverage on race day (or the British weather isn’t playing ball) then this is a great choice. Created from the same superlight, perforated fabric as the short-sleeve tee, this one comes with long sleeves and thumbholes (another thumbs up from the cold-clawed community). This actually is a good race-day option; if you’re anything like me, I tend to get more cold when I’m anxious, so sleeves can be a bit of a lifesaver when you’re in the pen. The fabric is also thin enough to easily push up once you’ve got into your stride and the blood is pumping. The fit is pretty spot on, and it sits on the hips rather than below, so I’d size up if you’re used to a bit more coverage.”
New Balance London Edition Crew Sock
Technical details:
Esther’s review
“Available in black or this season’s ‘afterglow’ (neon yellow), these running socks are the absolutely ideal gift for the London Marathoner in your life (or for you). In a wonderful Gen-X crew length to pop over leggings or beneath shorts, with great arch support, these are the thing to get if you’re worried about being a little overt with your post-marathon branding. Yes, you could get the entire outfit and wear it all at once – or, you could get a pair of these, and wear them like the running ninja you are, with only the inner circle of the running sorority recognising them (and you) as the superstar you are. Wear with pride.”
New Balance London Edition 5 Panel Cap
Technical details:
Esther’s review
“This is one of those little extras you’ll wish you had on race day if you don’t pick one up. Available in black or neon yellow, this running hat will not only see off the worst of the rain but also that unexpected sun as well. It’s adjustable and comfortable, although I would have preferred if the peak was a little more flexible – it stands out like a shelf. Sun-deflecting duties can’t be criticised though; peaked hats do sterling work here that sunnies can’t quite do on their own. Pack in your race bag as a just-in-case, and even if you’re not wearing it for the 26.2, you can sling it on afterwards to cover up the salt-encrusted mess of your barnet. A good all-rounder”
