1
For More Comfort—and Fewer Blisters
Balega Blister Resist No-Show Athletic Running Socks
Whereas socks might get you an “Oh... thanks,” from many people, they’re always great gifts for runners. These Balegas, specifically, wick moisture well thanks to the mohair wool and Drynamix in their fabric. This means there’s less chance for uncomfortable chafing and blisters. That wool also retains warmth, though—good as we enter the colder months—without too much heat buildup.
2
If your giftee enjoys early morning or late night runs, this
SPIbelt Eco-Friendly Running Belt
There are a few essentials everyone needs to have with them on a run—phone, wallet, keys. This belt accommodates them and stays in place without jostling or bouncing. Bonus: the comfortable, low-profile buckle.
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For Layering Without Bulk
Lululemon Down for It All Vest
Your giftee can layer up for those winter runs with this water-resistant vest. Stuffed with warm down, it provides optimal warmth and protection from the wind while remaining lightweight enough to not impact speed and time. It’s available in five colors (sonic pink, cassis, pipe dream blue, raceway green, and black) and in sizes 0 to 18.
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For More Secure Sneaks
Lock Laces Elastic No Tie Shoe Laces
Great for triathletes, kids, or people who hate tying their shoes, these Lock Laces allow them to slip on their running shoes and still have them stay secure and supportive on your feet. They also come in 13 different colors, which gives you a bunch of options if you’re trying to match a particular pair of shoes.
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For Protecting Tech
Knog Quokka Run Silicone Headlamp
If your giftee enjoys early morning or late night runs, this headlamp is the ideal option to make sure they’re seen by vehicles and pedestrians. There are spot, wide, and red-light modes and a translucent silicone strap for comfort. When it runs out of battery, it’s USB rechargeable.
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For Protecting Tech
Sprigs Phone Armband
Nutrition - Weight Loss phone holders can be bulky and annoying, but this design by Sprigs feels like a second skin. Rubber nubs on the inside of the sleeve ensure that it doesn’t slip. And since it’s made from stretchy fabric, it can fit almost any size phone.
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For the Foodie
Rodale Books Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes Cookbook
This cookbook, designed by pro runner Shalane Flanagan, focuses on the best foods to fuel your performance. With recipes ranging from smoothies to sandwiches to pasta to cookies, it has everything you need to nourish a hard-working body. Plus, the dishes are delicious and will leave even your non-runner friends coming back for seconds.
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For Maximum Post-Run R&R
TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller
Credit: Trevor Raab
This essential tool might just give them the most affordable massage they’ll ever get. The foam roller gets deep into stubborn knots with its range of nubs and grooves.
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For Protecting Their Eyes
Revo Harness Sunglasses
Eye protection is crucial. These best-selling sports sunglasses feature a polarized gray-based and blue mirror-coated lens to protect eyes from the sun’s rays. The best part? It doesn’t affect the view — runners can still take in the road, trail, or nature around them without manipulated colors and hues.
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Strength Training Guide
TrailHeads Race Day Performance Running Hat
It’s not always easy to find running hats that are comfortable and will actually stay in place while a runner is moving, but this one is a great option. It’s lightweight and breathable via the mesh-like fabric.
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11
For Keeping Thighs Comfortable
Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick
On longer runs, especially in the heat, friction between your legs can lead to chafing. This stick from Gold Bond is specifically designed to reduce irritation while soothing any chafed skin. Simply slide it on like a stick of deodorant and run free even on a hot, sticky day.
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For Tunes on Busy Streets
Shokz OpenRun Headphones
Summer Running Gear
For anyone who runs along busy roads or crowded paths, noise-canceling earbuds can end up hindering awareness. These open-ear, bone-conduction headphones mean that they can have their music and keep tabs on what’s going on around them too, since these don’t block their ears. We found that, while the sound quality isn’t as good as with typical headphones, it’s worth the tradeoff for the safety. Plus, the band lends a secure fit and we didn’t experience any undue friction from the cheekbone pads.
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13
For Sore Calves
Tiger Tail The Original 18″
For the Foodie
This muscle roller from Tiger Tail has two handles bookending a firm roller. This lets you lay into the handles and run the roller over sore, stiff muscles or nagging knots. While it may work best for legs, it does fine on arms and feet, too.
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The Best Gifts for Triathletes
KT Tape Pro Synthetic Kinesiology Athletic Tape
If your runner has banged up joints or needs a bit of help with a lingering injury, KT tape might be the added support they need for their joints, tendons, or muscles. It works by slightly lifting up the skin to increase blood flow, which can reduce soreness and pain over time.
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The 48 Best Gifts for Runners Who Already Have a Favorite Pair of Shoes
Loftie Smart Alarm Clock
a great gift
The 40 Best Fitness Gifts for Your Fittest Friends alarm clock provides a gentler wakeup with soothing sounds and energizing melodies that’ll break the sleep cycle. There’s even an adjustable nightlight to prevent unwanted falls during the night.
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For Quick Fuel and Fun
Fuel Goods Runner Box
If you don’t know what to get the runner in your life, this Runner Box from Fuel Goods covers a lot of bases. The box comes with snacks, gel chews, electrolyte powders, sunscreen, and even a shaker bottle. Because each box is mostly one-off products, you can also get this for your running friend over and over again.
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For Relaxing Showers
Cleverfy Shower Steamers
Just because they don’t have a bathtub doesn’t mean that washing up after a run can’t be therapeutic. These shower steamers are filled with dried plants and essential oils, which can give washing up a relaxing aromatherapy vibe.
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For Some Much-Needed Motivation
VeloPress Believe Training Journal
Writing down your training can be both therapeutic and can help you keep better track of your progress. This journal, designed by pro Lauren Fleshman, helps keep track of weekly training, gives tips on how to improve, and even has exercises to help you assess where you are in terms of your overall fitness progress.
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Summer Running Gear
Coleman 4-6 Person Inflatable Outdoor SaluSpa
This inflatable hot tub makes winter training recovery less frightful and more delightful. It can fit up to four people and works both indoors and out—though it does need to be 39 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer outside.
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For Delicious Refueling
Gu Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel
Know an endurance athlete? There’s a good chance that they already use Gu to help them get through their toughest workouts and longest races—and that makes it a great stocking stuffer, since you know it won’t go to waste.
Tom Price is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics and Runner's World Races - Places Best Products and Bicycling. Prior to his work here, he previously covered product reviews, startup news, pop culture and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.
Casey Clark is a freelance consultant who is interested in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She learned from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Better Homes & Gardens, and more.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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