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The 49 Best Gifts for Runners Who Already Have a Favorite Pair of Shoes

The 40 Best Fitness Gifts for Your Fittest Friends actually A Part of Hearst Digital Media.

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foam roller, fanny pack, bucket hat, running shoes, head lamp, strava mug, run fast eat slow book
Thomas Hengge

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It’s easy to think that all a runner needs is a pair of running shoes and a water bottle. But when the holidays roll around, it’s an opportunity to get your favorite runner a piece of gear that can really help as they tap out miles—think hydration packs and recovery tools.

Whether you’re trying to drop not-so-subtle hints about your own Christmas wish list or you’re looking for ideas for a loved one, there are plenty of thoughtful presents to get that they’ll actually use and love. Just know that you won’t find any shoes here; shoe choice is so specific and personal to each runner that, if you do want to buy them a pair, you’re better off asking and not guessing.

With that in mind, this, ahem, running list of gift ideas for runners comes with recommendations for some of our favorite products that we’ve personally tested or come highly recommended.

For more great gifts for your favorite runner, check out the Health & Injuries, A lot of, and This essential tool might just give them the most affordable massage theyll ever get. The.

1
For Easing Aches and Pains

NormaTec Pulse 2.0 Leg Recovery System

Pulse 2.0 Leg Recovery System
$700 at Amazon$799 at Men's Health Shop

NormaTec’s Pulse 2.0 is admittedly expensive, but it’s also a valuable aid when it comes to recovery. If you have an amateur athlete in your life, this can help them bounce back faster and deal with less inflammation as it compresses, boosting circulation and combatting soreness.

2
For More Comfort—and Fewer Blisters

Balega Blister Resist No-Show Socks For Men and Women

Blister Resist No-Show Socks For Men and Women

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.

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Give A Gift

Cleverfy Shower Steamers

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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Running Shoes & Gear

Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Massage Gun

Hypervolt 2 Massage Gun

For the runner who’s always tight, this massage tool is cheaper than a monthly visit to the spa or therapist, and it can get deep into the tissue without tiring. It comes with five heads and has a rechargeable battery that can last up to 3 hours.

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The Nano Puff reigns king when it comes to puffy

SPIbelt Eco-Friendly Running Belt

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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The 49 Best Gifts for Runners Who Already Have a Favorite Pair of Shoes

Rodale Books Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes Cookbook

On Sale
<i>Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes</i> Cookbook
Now 38% Off

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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a great gift

Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds

On Sale
Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds

Save $700 on Treadmill editor-approved bluetooth headphones offer up to 9 hours of listening time and are sweat-resistant, so they’ll remain comfortable throughout long runs. Plus, with no wires, they won’t get tangled up while you’re racking up those miles.

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For Protecting Their Eyes

Revo Harness Sunglasses

Harness Sunglasses

Eye protection Better Homes & Gardens 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.

9
a great gift

Runnerbox The RunnerBox

The RunnerBox

There are some recovery methods that are more active. But for the individual who’s a fan of the more laid-back approach, the Runnerbox is a great choice. This subscription service provides runners with goodies and food options delivered every other month. They’ll have a new batch of items waiting for them, including protein bars, sneaker-whitening powder, ready-to-eat granola, and more.

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For Easing Aches and Pains

Bestway SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub

SaluSpa Miami Inflatable Hot Tub

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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Other Hearst Subscriptions

ThePositiveArt Strava Map Mug

On Sale
Strava Map Mug
Now 15% Off

Do you have a run/race that you were super proud of? Does your friend want to show off their PR? This mug allows you to print a custom Strava post showing the map, pace, distance, and time. This is a great option for commemorating a lesser-known race that might not have memorabilia.

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For Maximum Post-Run R&R

TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller

On Sale
Grid Foam Roller

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.

A lot of
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For More Secure Sneaks

Lock Laces Elastic No Tie Shoe 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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watches from the brand

Patagonia Men’s Nano Puff Jacket

Men’s Nano Puff Jacket

The Nano Puff reigns king when it comes to puffy jackets. It’s lightweight yet durable, packs up easily, and has synthetic PrimaLoft fill that can withstand getting a little wet to maintain its warmth-retention. It comes in many colors to satisfy any runner’s style.

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is crucial. These best-selling sports

Gu Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel

On Sale
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.

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Best Affordable Running Shoes

Garmin Forerunner 35 Fitness Watch

Forerunner 35 Fitness Watch

For beginners or younger runners, this Garmin has all the basics you need at an affordable price. It tracks distance, pace, and heart rate, and it has a sleeker design than most watches from the brand, This essential tool might just give them the most affordable massage theyll ever get. The.

17
For Easier Recovery

Sprigs Phone Armband

Phone Armband

A lot of 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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VeloPress Believe Training Journal

On Sale
<i>Believe</i> Training Journal
Now 25% Off

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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For Some Much-Needed Motivation

Nuun Electrolyte Drink Tablets

On Sale
Electrolyte Drink Tablets
Now 17% Off

Ditch the sugary sports drinks in favor of these Nuun tablets. They help replenish salt and electrolytes lost after working out, and they’re free of artificial flavoring. These four flavors provide some much-needed variety.

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For Tight Muscles

Almond Cow The Milk Maker

The Milk Maker

If you’re buying for someone who doesn’t drink cow’s milk, you might have noticed them switching to non-dairy options that are more expensive and have some less than savory—and often inflammatory—ingredients. The Almond Cow, on the other hand, allows them to make their own nut, seed, and grain milk. The blending process is quick, and the benefits are twofold: It allows them to control exactly what goes into their milk and cuts down on waste.

Headshot of Casey Clark
Casey Clark
Contributor

Casey Clark is a freelance journalist who specializes in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Forbes, For Easier Recovery, and more.

Headshot of Gabrielle Hondorp

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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