The Best Gifts for Runners

There’s nothing worse than hitting the bottom of the sock drawer looking for a pair right before a run. That’s why runners are the rare few who actually love getting socks as a gift.

The Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show socks will add an extra level of comfort to their runs. They’re breathable and made with soft, moisture-wicking fibers to keep sweaty feet at bay, while an anatomical design and targeted compression create a custom-like fit.

A GPS smartwatch is something almost every runner wants but few will buy for themselves. That makes the Garmin Forerunner 265 a great gift option. The Garmin Forerunner 265 has everything they need to track their runs and a brilliant AMOLED touchscreen to show it all.

This just isn’t some glorified step-counter though, the Forerunner 265 has access to multiple global navigation satellite systems to give you the most precise data from your runs, walks, bikes, triathlons, swims and more. In our Garmin Forerunner 265 review, we loved its balanced blend of advanced yet intuitive features that made tracking workouts easy. If the person you're shopping for has a smaller wrist, consider the Forerunner 265S which has a smaller watch face.

Great running sunglasses don’t have to be expensive. Exhibit A: goodr sunglasses. These affordable, lightweight shades come with all the top features, like UVA/UVB protection and polarized lenses. But the temple-hugging fit and no-slip coating ensure they won’t bounce or slide as you run.

If your runner needs some extra cushioning or support, the Superfeet Run Dynamic Cushion insoles are the perfect choice. Designed to be softer and more flexible than other Superfeet insoles, the Run Dynamic provides light structure and additional impact protection compared to the stock insoles that come in shoes.

Be prepared for multiple thank you’s after you give someone a pair of these joggers. We can’t prove it, but we think these might be the most comfortable pants in the world.

They are made with Vuori’s super soft DreamKnit material and look great on most body shapes. Plus, they can be used for everything from lounging around and working from home to running errands and working out.

The OOFOS OOcoozie’s are comfy and cozy recovery shoes that are perfect for putting on after a run or wearing around the house all day. They have OOFOS’ patented OOFoam that absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear to reduce stress on your knees and ankles.

With a warm sherpa upper these shoes are comfortable and stylish, the perfect gift for any runner or walker.

With the shorter winter days, most runners will be doing some running in the dark. The 360-degree LED illumination makes it so that drivers can see them. This makes a great gift for anyone who likes to go for walks year-round too.

If you can’t decide what to get them, a percussion massager is almost guaranteed to impress. The Hypervolt GO 2 is a small but mighty massage gun that uses Percussion therapy can help relieve muscle soreness and stiffness, improve range of motion, promote circulation, and accelerate your warmup and recovery.

We love using this thing before workouts to loosen up or on the couch to relax at the end of a long day.

Finding a way to carry your essentials on the run is always a pain point for runners. With a FlipBelt they can easily carry their gear bounce-free.

This belt goes around your hips and lets you carry your phone, keys, wallet, inhaler and other small items. It also works great for keeping valuables safe and out of sight when you’re traveling.

Sure, any hat can keep the sun and rain from getting into your eyes. But Sprints running hats bring the fun with wild and colorful designs.

Like any quality running hat, they are lightweight, moisture-wicking and have mesh vents to keep the head cool. Plus, there are plenty of fun patterns to choose from so you can buy the one that matches your runner's personality.

There are no water fountains or gas stations on the trails. Therefore, most trail runners and long-distance runners need to carry their water and equipment with them. This is an amazing pack to do just that.

With specific models for men and women, the Nathan Pinnacle 12 Hydration Pack is designed for a secure, no-bounce fit for all-day adventures. If your giftee is a hiker, trail runner or even a mountain biker, this vest will be a hit.

We have gifted so many friends and family the Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones over the years, and they never disappoint.

They sit outside your ear and use bone conduction technology to transfer the sound, making them perfect for running, walking or biking because you can hear your music as well as your surroundings. This is a fun gift to give in person too because people are always amazed at how good they sound when they try them out for the first time.

Some of us don’t mind tying our shoelaces, while others would rather just go barefoot than have to lace up. Either way, these elastic shoelaces are perfect for runners, triathletes or anyone who struggles to tie their laces. With the Nathan Run Laces, they can just slip on their shoes and go.

Compression sleeves are like hugs for your runner’s calves. The CEP Calf Sleeves use medical-grade compression to increase blood flow and decrease fatigue and cramping, so their legs will feel fresher and stronger as they run. For runners that get shin splints and tight calves all the time, these can be a game changer.

This flannel will have them looking stylish whether they are on the trails or at the brewery. The rabbit High Country LS Wool looks like a button-up flannel but has all of the features of a high-quality running shirt—it’s breathable, moisture-wicking and dries quickly.

This is such a fan-favorite at Fleet Feet that we have to coordinate who gets to wear theirs on different days of the week.

Quite possibly the best all-around men’s running short, Brooks Sherpa 2-in-1 Shorts can handle it all. They are lightweight, ultra-comfortable, have tons of pockets for storage and are available in 5” and 7” lengths.

Sweaty runs, unexpected rain, an ill-advised stream crossing—runners will always need a towel to dry off with at the end of their workout or adventure. With many cool designs to choose from, Sprints Towels are made from microfiber performance fabric that absorbs sweat and dries quickly.

It has a built-in pocket that fits over your car seat’s headrest to keep everything clean. Plus, it can roll up to the size of a burrito, so they can take it with them anywhere.

It can take a while for runners to figure out what energy gels work best for them. Make your own sampler pack of GU Energy Gels as a gift and they’ll love trying out all the different flavors. Each gel pack delivers a sweet hit of carbs, electrolytes and BCAAs, which your body can absorb and use quickly for a boost of energy on the run.

The Balega Hidden Comfort is one of our best-selling running socks year after year—and for good reason. A plush, dense knit adds another layer of cushioning, while soft, moisture-wicking fibers keep your feet dry and comfortable.

Hydration is important for training, but it’s just as important for everyday life. Luckily, nuun crafts delicious drink mixes that give your runner all of the electrolytes without the unnecessary sugars.

The runner in your life is one-of-a-kind. Now they’ll have the backpack to match.

The Cotopaxi Batac 24L isn’t just a premium all-around backpack that’s perfect for day hikes, commuting, school or traveling. It’s part of Cotopaxi’s Del Día Collection that is made with remnant materials by employees who have creative control over its final look. So from fabric to thread, each Del Día Batac 24L Pack is one of a kind.

This will be a major upgrade from their typical foam roller. The ROLL Recovery R4 Body Roller is made with high-density EVA foam and is designed with a center groove to align with your spine and neck so you can roll those hard-to-reach muscles.

No runner’s kit is complete without a pair of short shorts. Guaranteed to get a smile (or a laugh) when they unwrap this gift, ChicknLeg Split Shorts are fun and performance-ready running shorts with cool and fun designs that will liven up any pub run or race.

The Swiss army knife of running gloves, Craft’s Hybrid Weather Glove has a brushed wind and waterproof cover that they can pull on or off depending on their temperature. So no more sweaty hands. Plus, they have reflective details for extra safety and are compatible with touch screens.

Any runner can always use a gift card to Fleet Feet. These can be used both online or at any of the approximately 250 Fleet Feet retail locations, where your runner can experience our Fit Process which uses 3D foot scanning technology to find the perfect shoe for them.