A recent TechRadar article, published on January 17, 2026, shares a personal account of rediscovering the gear tracking feature within the Garmin Connect app. The author, a runner, expresses regret for not utilizing this functionality for years, emphasizing its significant benefits for managing running shoes and other fitness equipment. Garmin Connect, a comprehensive health and fitness platform, includes a dedicated gear tracking feature that allows users to monitor the distance logged on various items, such as running shoes and cycling components. This feature, initially announced by Garmin in December 2014, enables users to input their gear and assign a maximum distance or lifespan. As activities are logged, the app automatically tracks the mileage accumulated on the associated gear, providing alerts when the set limit is approached or reached. This proactive tracking is crucial for athletes, particularly runners, as worn-out shoes can lead to inefficient performance and increased risk of injury. Similarly, cyclists can use it to maintain their bikes by tracking component wear. While some users in online forums have pointed out areas for improvement, such as the ability to add images or assign different gear for specific types of workouts, the core utility of tracking gear for longevity and maintenance is widely acknowledged. The article serves as a reminder to the global audience of Garmin users about this valuable, often-overlooked tool for optimizing their training and equipment management.