Running gaiters have one job: to keep unwanted debris out of your running shoes. That includes sand, dirt, dust, pine needles and even pebbles — all the nasties that can cause race-ending blisters.

Running gaiters (or trail gaiters) might be small, but they pack a major punch when it comes to keeping sand, dirt, dust, pine needles, and even pebbles out of your running shoes. Similar in theory to ...