Best Gifts For Runners

Last Update: January 19, 2024

If anything qualifies me to give advice on giving gifts to runners, it’s that I’m a runner who likes to receive gifts. I also worked in a running store for a few years, where I helped shoppers pick out gifts every holiday season. I’ve got gift ideas for all the runners in your life and at every price point. Many of these products are items that I regularly use in my running routine and highly recommend to others. As for the other items, they are on my wishlist, too! Read on to find out more about my picks for the best gifts for runners and if they are a match for your runner.

• Best Watch for Runners: Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch
• Best Recovery Gift For Runners: Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs
• Best Running Shoes to Gift Runners: Brooks Ghost 15
• Best Gift for Trail Runners: Nathan Pinnacle Race Vest 12L Hydration Pack
• Best Socks to Gift Runners: Bombas Running Performance Calf Socks
• Best Foam Roller Gift for Runners: Chirp RPM Rolling Percussive Massager
• Best Treadmill for Outdoor Runners: NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill
• Best Treadmill for Indoor Runners: Sole F85 Treadmill
• Best Gift For Runners Who Need Cross-Training: Concept2 RowERG
• Best Affordable Gift for Runners: Goodr OG Sunglasses
• Best Hydration Gift for Runners: Naked Nutrition Electrolytes Powder Packets
• Best Recovery Supplement for Runners: Naked Nutrition Recovery Mushroom Supplement
• Best Gift for Runners Who Need Strength Training: Tonal Smart Home Gym

Best Watch for Runners: Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch

I’ve had the Garmin Forerunner 230 and 245, and now I have my eye on the Forerunner 265. While there are other running watch brands, Garmin is still the top dog. The Forerunner series is designed specifically for runners and has been continuously updated with better and better features with each new iteration. The Forerunner 265 has great training metrics, guidance, and feedback that help runners fine-tune their training.

The newest generation of Garmin Forerunner watches is a great option for the runners on your shopping list. The Forerunner 265 has a beautiful AMOLED touchscreen display just packed with magnificent data—old favorites like VO2 max, Body Battery, and Race Predictor. The 265 has also been updated with new features like the touchscreen display, training readiness, and improved GPS tracking. The Forerunner 265 has way more features–too many to list them all–but I’ll highlight more of my favorites.

Runners who need more guidance for their training will find it in the Garmin 265. Even as an experienced runner and running coach, I have days when I’m not quite sure what to run. The 265 gives you a morning report to show the quality of your sleep and your readiness for training. The watch suggests workouts that are adapted to your training history and current training status. If you have a workout coming up, let Garmin know. Your watch can coordinate your training with your upcoming race.

In addition to all of the smart features found on the watch, the 265 is available in a few different styles. The Garmin Forerunner 265 comes in two case sizes: 42mm and 46mm. The smaller size is better for those with slimmer wrists. Each size is also available in three colors, though the colors are different. The 42mm comes in black/yellow, white/mint, and pink/white. The 46mm comes in white/blue, black/gray, and aqua/black. The watch’s touchscreen can be turned on and off for more customization and better compatibility with activities. The Garmin Forerunner 265’s styles should accommodate most runners.

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Best Recovery Gift For Runners: Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs

The Normatec 3 Legs are a phenomenal product that many runners won’t buy for themselves, but they make the perfect gift. Runners are notorious for skipping recovery, and I am the first among them. It is hard enough to find time to squeeze miles in around work and social obligations. The Normatec 3 Legs let runners recover how we prefer to: sitting down.

The worst thing about recovery is that it often requires a runner to do more activity after logging those grueling miles. Foam rolling and stretching are often skipped. You would never catch me foam rolling on a work break, but I’ve spent a few strapped into Normatec boots! These compression boots provide massage and leg compression that is just heavenly after a hard run. They are designed to improve lymph drainage to decrease pain and muscle soreness. The runner in your life will thank you for giving you a device they can use while watching TV or refueling.

The Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs have a control unit to adjust the pressure level, zones targeted, and time of the compression massage. If you have other Normatec attachments (hips and arms), you can set the controller to power those as well. The Normatec unit has a 3-hour battery life. It is TSA approved, so it can travel with a runner to a destination race.

To use the Normatec 3 Legs, you slide your feet in and zip your legs up. You shouldn’t wear shoes, but you can wear socks. Once you get the settings dialed in for your session, the boots will begin to fill with air. The intensity you have selected will determine how much air the boots fill with. There are different zones in the boots to allow you to target specific areas and provide a rolling pressure along your legs. It feels really nice, and my legs always feel refreshed after using them!

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Best Running Shoes to Gift Runners: Brooks Ghost 15

Tread lightly when purchasing shoes for a runner without knowing their preferences. Runners are very picky about their shoes, so your results may vary. Check out our Best Treadmill Running Shoes for more shoe options. The Brooks Ghost is my go-to for blindly buying shoes for a runner. They also make an excellent choice for new runners who have not yet developed their shoe preferences and need a starting point.

Every running shoe store is haunted, because they are all filled with ghosts–the Brooks Ghost. It’s one of the most popular running shoes, especially for new runners. The latest iteration, the Brooks Ghost 15, is similar to its predecessors with moderate cushioning and a neutral ride. These two specs alone mean that it works for a wide range of users. It has a contoured shape that hugs the arch and feels very supportive underfoot. The Brooks Ghost 15 is one of the few shoes that works for so many people, which makes it an excellent gift option.

Let’s look closer at the specs of the Brooks Ghost 15, which will be helpful for those of you comparing it to previous models or other shoes. The Ghost 15 has a 12mm heel to toe drop, which is one of the highest typically found on running shoes. The men’s weighs 10.1oz and the women’s 9.1oz, but Brooks does not state what size of shoes were used for these measurements. It has a fully rubberized outsole with only a couple of cutouts and many great flexion points. The traction is good enough that you could even use it for easy trails, but it is ideal for the road.

The Brooks Ghost 15 comes in multiple colors and sizes. The women’s is available in sizes 5 through 13 and comes in medium, wide, narrow, and extra wide widths. The men’s version is available in 7 through 15 and comes in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide. The color range is extensive for men and women. Not all colors are available in every size. The Brooks Ghost 15 comes in enough styles to suit the runner you are shopping for!

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Best Gift for Trail Runners: Nathan Pinnacle Race Vest 12L Hydration Pack

I’ve used a Camelbak hydration pack for a long time, but this is the year of upgrades. The Nathan Pinnacle Race Vest 12L is lightweight and has a ton of storage. These addressed two of my needs as I upped my trail running mileage. The fabric is also softer, which reduces chafing. The Nathan Pinnacle Race Vest 12L is a great hydration pack for trail runners who want something with ample storage and a premium fit.

If the runner in your life is heading onto the trails for a dozen miles or more they will need a way to carry everything they need. Runners need water, electrolytes, and nutrition. Trail runners may need to carry other items such as a phone, a pocketknife, emergency supplies, additional clothing layers, and more. The Nathan Pinnacle Race Vest has pockets for it all thanks to its 12-liter capacity. It has 13 storage pockets!

The Nathan Pinnacle Race Vest comes with a 1.6-liter hourglass bladder and hose. The bite valve has a high flow rate to make drinking on the go easier. There is also a magnetic attachment that secures the hose to the vest when you are done drinking. The bladder fills and folds at the top and is insulated to keep your water cold. For additional hydration, the vest can hold two bottles at the front of the vest.

These packs come in multiple sizes for men and women. Make sure that you get the right fit by following the guide. You should measure your chest. If you are in between sizes, consider sizing up. When the pack is filled, it will fit more snugly.

Here are the men’s sizes and the women’s sizes.

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Best Socks to Gift Runners: Bombas Running Performance Calf Socks

The Bombas Running Performance Calf Socks are one of my favorite socks, and I’ve tried them all. I prefer Bombas over Feetures, Balega, Swiftwick, Stance, and more. The calf-length sock is the perfect choice for that runner in your life who won’t stop complaining about calf or Achilles tendon pain. These socks are comfortable and moisture-wicking.

I sweat a lot, so I am very picky about socks. Bombas socks are moisture-wicking and made of mainly polyester and nylon. They also contain 14% cotton, which makes them feel less slippery than the fully synthetic socks I have tried. Lastly, they contain 5% elastane which gives the sock more stretchiness. The texture of the socks is quite nice. There aren’t any seams that rub while I am running, and these socks don’t bunch up around my toes. They also aren’t the fuzz magnets that Feetures and Swiftwick socks are for me.

Now, why should you go with the calf length? Well, as I mentioned above, these socks are great for keeping your lower calves and Achilles warm. This area can be a problem for many runners, and in winter months, your shoes and pants might not offer as much protection. This sock length is my go-to for combating the achiness that shows up in my Achilles and ankle joint whenever it starts to get cold. Secondly, these calf socks are superior to ankle socks for trail running. I often trail run in the desert, so I am desperate to reduce the amount of sand I get in my shoes and socks. These socks offer just enough protection from debris or pesky thorns you might encounter.

I want to highlight a couple of other reasons Bombas should stand out as a great gift. For one, they make a donation to match each item purchased, donating socks, underwear, and t-shirts to those in need. Next, they have a 100% happiness guarantee. This means your socks will be replaced or refunded if you aren’t satisfied or even if they are damaged or lost! That’s pretty awesome! Then, the socks have a left and a right to more precisely fit your foot anatomy. Lastly, Bombas offers free shipping when you create an account. These are pretty great perks!

Here are the men’s socks and the women’s socks.

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Best Foam Roller Gift for Runners: Chirp RPM Rolling Percussive Massager

Foam rolling may be some runners’ nemesis, but that doesn’t mean a high-tech foam roller is a bad gift. Foam rolling requires many plank-like movements and contorting yourself into funny shapes after your run, which can make it a chore. The Chirp RPM gives you more value for the time spent. It spins to create a percussive machine while you roll it along your muscles.

Chirp is best known for its back foam rollers with a channel for the spine, but it’s the Chirp RPM that caught my eye for runners. I’ve tried many foam rollers, both hand-held and not, but the Chirp RPM puts a spin on the popular recovery device that I haven’t seen. I really like percussive massage guns for the temporary pain relief, and I also like the various benefits of foam rolling. Combining them is a brilliant idea.

The Chirp RPM has 5 spinning speeds that can roll forward and backward. The trigger button does have to be held down when the RPM is not in its hands-free stand. This may be irritating to some users, but the button is placed conveniently along the hand grip, so it should not interfere with using the RPM effectively. The RPM is for your whole body and can be used like a handheld foam roller or placed on its stand to use like a traditional foam roller. The percussive feature makes the RPM a great alternative to the handheld rollers that I never could apply enough pressure with.

We have been pleased with the quality of products that Chirp creates. The Chirp RPM can handle up to 60 lbs of force before it stalls. It comes with a 1-year warranty. You also get a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. It is also HSA/FSA approved. The Chirp RPM is a quality recovery device that combines two popular methods into one intriguing product.

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Best Treadmill for Outdoor Runners: NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill

If you have a runner in your life that runs almost exclusively outdoors, the NordicTrack EXP 10i might be the best treadmill option for their rare indoor run. The NordicTrack EXP 10i has great training features that can help your outdoor runner forget about the treadmill dread. iFIT provides cool content for the NordicTrack EXP 10i that makes running on the treadmill more engaging.

Road runners could use some shock absorption every now and then. On the days they are forced to run indoors, runners can enjoy the soft cushioning of the NordicTrack EXP 10i. The deck is more compact than other running decks at 20 inches wide by 55 inches long. It also has a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour, so the EXP 10i is best for easy to moderate runs rather than sprint workouts.

iFIT is a digital fitness platform. It requires a subscription that can be paid monthly or annually. There are thousands of classes on iFIT from top trainers with automatic speed and incline adjustments. The classes are filmed outdoors in locations all over the globe. Even when weather or other conditions preclude running outdoors, runners can enjoy virtual outdoor training content with the NordicTrack EXP 10i. In addition to running content, iFIT provides yoga, strength classes, and more to supplement your runner’s routine.

Smart features support the walking and running experience on the EXP 10i. This treadmill has a 10-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth audio and front-facing speakers. Bluetooth monitors can be paired with the treadmill to use ActivePulse technology. This feature allows the treadmill speed to adjust to keep you in the right heart rate zone determined by the iFIT workout you are following. It’s one of my overall favorite treadmill features. There’s even an automatic fan function that adjusts the fan speed to match your training intensity. Though the buttons and screen are easy to navigate, the EXP 10i prioritizes hands-free training.

Read Our Full Review Of The NordicTrack EXP 10i Treadmill Here

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Best Treadmill for Indoor Runners: Sole F85 Treadmill

The Sole F85 Treadmill is a powerful treadmill that can handle all of your runner’s training needs. It has a powerful build and great content on the screen. The Sole F85 has firm cushioning to ensure that the runner you are shopping for is prepared for any upcoming road races. The Sole F85 is a folding treadmill for the home that can support high mileage.

I recommend the Sole F85 for dedicated runners who are training for road races. The firm deck mimics the feeling of running outdoors more closely than softer treadmills, so you won’t be surprised come race day. Your running paces on the Sole F85 should translate much better to the road whereas bouncier treadmills assist your running. When you get outside where there is no bounce, you could find yourself running noticeably slower. Avoid that surprise with the Sole F85.

The Sole F85 does not require a subscription. It has a 15.6-inch touchscreen preloaded with free training content and third-party entertainment apps. You will need a subscription to access some of the apps, but you likely already have a few of them. The F85 has Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Audible, Spotify, and more. As for the training classes, they are trainer-led and backed by genre music stations.

No matter what distance you are training for, the Sole F85 can support you. It has a 4 HP motor and a spacious 22” x 60” running deck. The maximum speed is 12 miles per hour. It can also incline 15 levels and decline 6 levels. I’m impressed with these performance capabilities and pleased with my training experiences on the Sole F85 treadmill. It should suit anything from easy runs of a couple of miles to long runs over an hour.

Read Our Full Review Of The Sole F85 Treadmill Here

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Best Gift For Runners Who Need Cross-Training: Concept2 RowERG

The Concept2 RowERG is one of the top rowing machines. This air rower is reasonably priced, making it one of the highest value rowers. Concept2 is known for making long-lasting and robust products. Rowing is a great complement to running, because it is low-impact and trains the upper body as well. The Concept2 RowERG is an awesome cross-training option for runners, especially those prone to injury or struggling to build their mileage.

As a runner, I understand the temptation to simply run more miles to get better. However, cross-training serves an important purpose. Rowing, in particular, works muscles neglected by running, provides a training stimulus without the high impact of running, and reveals where runners might be lacking in their strength and flexibility. Rowing allows runners to train for endurance or power. The stricter form required by rowing helps me to notice if my hip, knee, or ankle range of motion needs work.

Now, onto the Concept2 RowERG specifically–it’s one of the top rowing machines available. It has a durable build and unlimited air resistance. There’s a 10-speed damper on the fan to increase or decrease the amount of drag you feel with each rowing stroke. The monitor is very accurate and shows all of your training metrics. It has helpful rowing tips, preprogrammed workouts, and a rowing game available. It does not need to be connected to WiFi or plugged in.

The Concept2 RowERG can be easily stored and transported. The rail can detach from the rest of the rower for storage in two pieces. The RowERG can be stored horizontally or vertically. It also has transport wheels, so you can roll the machine easily. It weighs only 57 lbs. It can support up to 500 lbs.

The Concept2 RowERG is not only a great rowing machine for runners, it landed the #1 spot on our Best Rowing Machines page.

Read Our Full Review Of The Concept2 RowERG Here

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Best Affordable Gift for Runners: Goodr OG Sunglasses

If you are looking for a gift under $50 for your runner, the Goodr OG Sunglasses are an excellent option. Many of their styles are under $30. These affordable running sunglasses make a great gift, because they are colorful and have fun names. Runners and other exercisers have a lot of fun collecting the various Goodr sunglasses. Of course, the original Goodr sunglass style is a safe option for a gift.

I went through my fair share of expensive running glasses. It was always devastating to lose or break a pair. Goodrs are considerably cheaper than other running or cycling sunglasses, so I don’t feel as bad if they get lost, knocked off, or scratched up. These sunglasses cost about one-tenth of the premium alternative. Yet, they are rated UV400 to block UVA and UVB rays,

While Goodrs do tend to wear out over time, their affordability makes them a great option for someone who might lose or break them before they get there anyway. Runners, especially trail runners, are an adventurous bunch, and we might just forget our glasses are on our heads or shove them into our hydration pack when it starts to get dark. Goodrs come with a 1-year replacement warranty.

Goodrs are available in multiple colors. At the time of writing this, there are seventeen OG color options available. You can match the sunglasses to your runner’s current running shoes, find their favorite color, or pick one of the witty names that match their personality. You see, each pair of sunglasses has a funny name. Some of my favorites include, “Electric Dinotopia Carnival,” “Iced by Yetis,” and “Donkey Goggles.”

While the funny names are part of the Goodr appeal, I recommend double-checking the sunglasses’ name before gifting them. Some of the names may not be appropriate for children or fit your runner’s sense of humor. The name of the sunglasses is printed along the inside of the arm, so it can’t be overlooked by their owner.

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Best Hydration Gift for Runners: Naked Nutrition Electrolytes Powder Packets

Naked Nutrition strives to keep their supplements and powders as simple as possible with clean, recognizable ingredients. The Naked Nutrition Electrolytes Powder is very similar to other electrolyte powders marketed toward runners, but it has one key difference. The sweetener is not cane sugar, dextrose, or stevia leaf extract. Naked Nutrition uses an alternative that might be a better option for some runners.

While water will suffice for most runs under an hour, runs longer than an hour may require additional hydration and nutrition. The Naked Nutrition Electrolytes Powder Packets, or Nakedade, provide the electrolytes that you need for intense running. These packets contain 330mg of sodium and 285mg of potassium. This amount of potassium is higher than many other competitors. Many athletes struggle to get enough potassium in their diets, making these packets a great way to supplement.

Nakedade uses Palatinose or isomaltulose, a low-glycemic carbohydrate. The Palatinose used in Nakedade comes from sugar beets. This energy source makes the Nakedade less likely to cause the “crash” runners may experience after eating simpler carbohydrates. Palatinose is reported to improve fat oxidation. In other words, it helps you use fat as fuel for your run. Nakedade does contain rice maltodextrin, which has a high glycemic index, but it is in a much lower quantity. Other electrolyte drink mixes use cane sugar, dextrose, or stevia. If you are trying to avoid these ingredients or simply want to try an alternative, the Nakedade is a great option.

There are three flavors of Nakedade: strawberry lemonade, blueberry lemonade, and citrus. Most of the ingredients are easy to recognize. Nakedade is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, GMO free, and soy free. Nakedade contains “natural plant-based flavors” and adds either vegetable juice or beta carotene to improve product color. While I don’t have a problem with these ingredients, they seem to contradict Naked’s mission of using as few ingredients as possible and being transparent about ingredients. However, Nakedade is suitable for many runners, because it is compliant with many diet goals.

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Best Recovery Supplement for Runners: Naked Nutrition Recovery Mushroom Supplement

Runners are notoriously prone to injury and overtraining. The gift of a recovery supplement shows your runner that you care about their well-being and support their crazy training goals. It’s a common saying among runners that the sport of long-distance running is as much mental as it is physical. The Naked Nutrition Recovery Mushroom Supplement addresses mental stress and physical stress with its ingredients. After all, mental and emotional stress can wreak havoc on a solid training program just as easily as running too much too soon.

This Naked Recovery mix is a runner’s ticket to faster recovery. This blend contains six adaptogenic mushrooms: cordyceps, reishi, king trumpet, shiitake, lion’s mane, and turkey tail. The blend also contains tart cherry and lemon balm. Tart cherry juice was a go-to for me after cross country practice, because it reduced soreness and improves recovery. Lemon balm is beneficial for sleep, which is very important for athletes. This blend can be taken during the day or at night.

I have had great experiences with the Naked brand, but there are a couple of drawbacks to the Recovery mix. It contains natural plant-based flavors, which aren’t necessarily bad. I just wish that Naked was more transparent with what these flavors are. Naked’s very name represents their goal of transparency, so it seems a little contradictory here. Additionally, the recovery mushroom supplement has coconut sugar, an added sugar. This improves the flavor of the supplement, but it may not fit every runner’s diet preferences.

The Naked Recovery is dairy free, gluten free, GMO free, soy free, and vegan. If your runner has any of these needs, then you have found a match! The supplement is available for a one-time purchase, or you can set up a subscription. The subscription service is 20% for the first shipment and 10% for subsequent shipments.

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Best Gift for Runners Who Need Strength Training: Tonal Smart Home Gym

Becoming a better runner isn’t just about logging more miles. Strength training is a key part of a healthy running routine. Strong runners become faster, reduce injuries, and achieve better overall health. The Tonal Smart Home Gym is a premium gift for the runner that you want to see achieve their goals.

First and foremost, the Tonal is a hefty investment, but it has great value. This isn’t the kind of gift you give to just any runner. Tonal requires a 12-month subscription initially, and I recommend subscribing long-term. If you aren’t paying for the subscription, make sure that the runner you are gifting Tonal to is comfortable with the monthly cost. An investment into Tonal can cut or eliminate your costs on other equipment, a gym membership, and a personal trainer.

The Tonal uses cables and digital resistance to create a challenging workout. The Tonal system creates up to 200 lbs of resistance, which may not be enough for a power or Olympic lifter, but for most distance runners, it’s a lot. Tonal recommends that users try single-leg variations if they want a harder challenge. For runners, this is an awesome idea, because only one foot is in contact with the ground at a time during running. The cable arms move and work with several different attachments to support hundreds of movements and full-body training.

A Tonal membership grants you access to Tonal’s entire smart library of content. Several different training modes show you content designed just for your training focus for the day. Even better, the workouts are not just one-offs, Tonal has multi-week training programs that build on top of each other for even more effective training. The Tonal is super convenient for runners who run from home, because you don’t have to get into your car and drive to the gym to continue your workout routine.

The Tonal Smart Home Gym has a sturdy steel construction, a brilliant touchscreen display, and safe, adjustable resistance. Overall, it makes a great high-end gift for a runner.

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How to Choose the Best Gift for a Runner: A Runner’s Advice

Choosing a gift for anyone isn’t easy, but you have already done a great job by identifying a sport the recipient of your gift enjoys. Running can be a simple endeavor, or it can quickly turn into the complicated, abundance of gear that so many of us runners love. Here are my best tips for picking the perfect gift for your runner.

1. Stalk Their Strava Account

If you can find your runner on Strava, Garmin Connect, or any other social media platform, you have taken the first steps toward the gift-giving espionage required to identify equipment they might need. Of course, you could also ask them. Either way, your goal is to try to find information like what shoes they wear, where they run, how far they run, and if they already have a newer fitness wearable. I’m assuming that the recipient of this gift is someone you are close to who would not mind you creeping on their socials. If you are trying to make the gift a surprise, gathering this information can be a great way to come up with some ideas.

2. Listen to Their Complaints

Runners are full of complaints. We do it to ourselves, but that doesn’t keep us from complaining to you about it. Whether it’s the sugar crash on a run, not staying hydrated, feeling weak, not being fast enough, getting blisters, and so on, these are problems the above gifts could help solve.

3. Figure Out Their Training Style

Not all runners are alike, though I have made several generalizations so far. Some runners run giddily without watches, without a clue about their running pace. Others obsess over the minor details–checking to see if there is a headwind that slowed down that one interval, aligning every other event that occurs with their training schedule, and recording every single metric in a running log by hand. When it comes to giving gifts to either category of runner, don’t cramp their style. Don’t overwhelm the runner who just needs shoes with a super high-tech watch with loads of metrics. Don’t give the high-tech runner a gift without understanding their already well thought out and thoroughly planned running routine.

4. Check Out Some of Our Other Best Lists for More Ideas

• Best Treadmills for Runners
• Best Treadmill Running Shoes
• Best Manual Treadmills

Bottom Line – Best Gift For Runners

Though you technically only need some athletic clothes and a good pair of running shoes to run, there are plenty of gift options that runners can use. This list encompasses everything from recovery items to cross-training equipment to running gear. There’s something for every runner to enjoy. These running gifts range from as little as $20 to thousands of dollars to fit every budget. Give your runner a gift that will improve their training routine!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which shoe is best for running?

If you are trying to buy shoes for someone who is already a runner, the best thing to do is to find which running shoes they are already using. If you live with the runner, then you can usually find the name and model of the shoe on the tongue or side of the shoe. Many runners log which running shoes they use on Strava. All you have to do is go to their profile, click on one of their recent running activities, and the shoes should be listed (if they log them). If the runner in your life has not found a pair of shoes they like, try to find out what level of cushioning they like (minimal, medium, high cushion) and whether they wear neutral or stability shoes.

Running shoes are a tricky gift to give. If you don’t have any information about what they might like, consider giving a different gift. If your runner has been running for a long time, they likely have a very set preference in running shoes.

Is it worth getting running socks?

Possibly. Running socks may be more expensive than regular socks or generic athletic socks, but they have several advantages. They are typically designed and labeled for the right and left foot to provide targeted compression around the arch and Achilles tendon. They are often made of synthetic materials or wool to improve moisture wicking and reduce friction. They also avoid irritating seams around the toes that could cause blisters. Running socks are designed to handle the heavy use associated with running and often come with promising warranties.

Not all runners find that running-specific socks make a huge difference in their experience. Others are plagued by blisters if they run in any other socks. Running socks make a great gift for runners, because they are a relatively inexpensive gift, but may seem like an extravagant expense for the runner.

Should runners cross-train?

Yes! Running is a high-impact, lower-body workout. It neglects the upper body, doesn’t build muscular strength effectively, and can be hard on the legs. Don’t get me wrong, I run a ton, but my routine wouldn’t be complete without strength training and other cardio activities. I enjoy hiking, rowing, yoga, and cycling. All can improve running by supplementing the deficits. Runners may focus on buying running gear for themselves, so gifting them gear for their cross-training pursuits is a great idea!

What is the best recovery after running?

There are many options for recovery after running. A post-run recovery routine may consist of a recovery drink or meal to replace muscle glycogen stores and electrolytes and aid in muscle repair and growth. Then, a runner may foam roll, use a percussive massage gun, stretch, or use a compression sleeve. Any combination of these mechanisms that help ease muscle soreness may be used. If the runner is experiencing pain or swelling, the runner may use ice to reduce the symptoms.

Recovery after running is all about finding the right tools and methods to fit the runner’s specific routine and preferences. Many runners are ready to try the latest and greatest gadgets to see how they work for them.

What gear do runners need?

Runners need athletic clothes and running shoes at a minimum. Other common running gear includes a running watch, hydration packs, and nutrition/hydration. For the runner who already has it all, there are recovery gadgets, cross-training equipment, treadmills, sunglasses, and more.

What do you put in a runner gift basket?

You might consider including socks, hydration and nutrition options, sunglasses, small recovery tools, and a training log. Small recovery tools may include foot rollers, massage balls, resistance bands, and cryotherapy tools. Of course, if it is in your budget, you could also include a smart running watch, a headlamp, a hydration vest, and other high-ticket items.

More Gift Ideas for Runners:

• NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Review
• Best Exercise Bikes
• Best Rowing Machines