Gifts for Runners Under $50

Gift Guide 2024 | Fleet Feet

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You don’t need to break the bank on the latest pair of carbon-plated running shoes to make a statement. There are countless accessories and gifts under $50 that a runner can use to run safely, comfortably and in style.

That’s where you come in.

Gloves, hats, safety lights, hydration bottles and other accessories are simple and affordable pieces of gear that many runners don’t know they need until they’re in the middle of a run. Especially if you are buying gifts for a new runner.

To help you find the perfect gift that your runner will not only love, but actually use time and time again, our team of Fleet Feet Editors handpicked our favorite gear ranging from $25-$50 that makes our own runs, and the time in between, a little bit better.

Looking for something else? Check out our gifts for runners under $25 or gifts for runners under $100.

This article is part of our 2024 Gift Guide for Runners. See all the best gifts for runners by price, category and more. Can’t make up your mind? No worries. Check out our gift cards for runners for a gift that keeps on giving.

A laydown of the gifts for under $50 on deep teal
Gifts Under $50
ROLL Recovery R3 Ortho Roller Thumbnail

ROLL Recovery R3

$35

Runners often get sore or tight feet from the repetitive impact of running. With this rolling, deep-foot massager, they can target and stretch high-injury areas of the foot and relieve soreness from things like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

Small enough to fit in a suitcase or gym bag to use on race day, the Roll Recovery R3 is a great gift for runners who could use a foot massage.

Gifts Under $50
TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller Thumbnail

TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller

$40

The best massage tools are relatively simple to use and versatile. Gifting your runner the TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller will give them all of the best aspects of foam rolling without getting too fancy.

Engineered to mimic a massage therapist's hands, there are three different surface textures molded onto the GRID that each serve a specific purpose, so they can find the perfect pressure and angle to optimize their rolling session.

Gifts Under $50
Amphipod Hydraform Ergo-Lite Ultra™ 20oz Thumbnail

Amphipod Hydraform Ergo-Lite Ultra 20oz

$38.50

Runners can experience a notable decline in performance with as little as 2% fluid loss. Since carrying a sloshing water bottle around can ruin a good run, Amphipod designed the Hydraform Ergo-Lite Ultra to make drinking water during runs a cinch.

It’s shaped to fit perfectly in the palm and has a hand strap and thumb-lock sleeve that keeps the bottle in place so they won’t have to use a vise-like grip. Plus, it has an expandable zipper pocket on the side to carry keys, a small trail map, some cards or a few energy gels.

Gifts Under $50
Nathan Terra Fire Hand Torch 300R Thumbnail

Nathan Terra Fire Hand Torch 300R

$45
A light source is essential for walks and runs in the dark. For those who’d prefer not to wear a headlamp, the Nathan Terra Fire Hand Torch 300R is an ergonomic and grip-free way to carry a flashlight on the move. It has a downward angle to light the path ahead of you, and a built-in whistle is designed to easily alert other runners if you are in distress or to scare off critters in the night.
Gifts Under $50
Sprints Hat Thumbnail

Sprints Running Hat

$32

Sprints Running Hats and winter hats use cool designs and performance fabrics that make a fun gift runners can use for daily training, race-day outfits and post-run drinks. These running hats combine lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester fabrics with strategically placed mesh inserts to quickly cool you down during a run.

Machine washable for when you get extra sweaty during a workout and adjustable for most head sizes, Sprints Running Hats are a great gift for the runner who likes to have a good time.

Gifts Under $50
Craft Hybrid Weather Glove Thumbnail

Craft Hybrid Weather Glove

$40

Perfect to give to a runner whose hands get too hot and sweaty, the Craft Hybrid Weather Glove has a brushed wind and waterproof cover that they can pull on or off depending on the temperature.

The gloves are compatible with smartphone screens so they don’t have to pull their hands out in cold weather, and a silicone print in the palm gives them a better grip and touch. Plus, these running gloves have reflective details for added safety and visibility.

Gifts Under $50
Women's CEP The Run Compression Calf Sleeve 4.0 Thumbnail

CEP The Run Compression Calf Sleeves 4.0

$45

If you’ve ever heard your runner complain about sore legs, shin splints or calf cramps, these compression sleeves can be a game-changer.

The CEP Calf Sleeve 4.0 is a compression sleeve that uses medical-grade compression to increase blood flow and decrease fatigue and cramping, so their legs will feel fresher and stronger as they run. Plus, they have Smart Dry Extreme Air Technology that adapts to the weather, keeping their legs cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Read more in our CEP The Run 4.0 Compression Sleeves review.

Gifts Under $50
Brooks Heritage Pom Beanie Thumbnail

Brooks Heritage Pom Beanie

$28

A pom beanie is a winter staple for runners. From cold-morning turkey trots to post-run coffees, the Brooks Heritage Pom Beanie fits right in. It has just the right amount of warmth without overheating thanks to its sweat-wicking and breathable materials.

Plus, its retro-style comes in plenty of designs that make it easy to pick out the perfect one for your winter runner or walker.

Gifts Under $50
Men's ChicknLegs 2" Split Shorts Thumbnail

ChicknLegs Split Shorts

$35
Keep your gift-giving fun with some ChicknLegs Split Shorts. These are fun and functional shorts that will brighten up your runner’s day. They’re made with performance materials, a supportive mesh liner and have an inside pocket to stash a gel, so whether your runner is training for a marathon or at a pub run, these shorts will be a hit.
Gifts Under $50
On Lightweight Cap Thumbnail

On Lightweight Cap

$45

The On Lightweight Cap is cool and understated with the performance specs to keep up with any workout.

The one-size-fits-all running hat is made from tear-proof and quick-drying woven fabric for durability and has a soft sweatband on the inside that will keep your runner dry and comfortable. Plus, laser-cut ventilation holes keep the hat lightweight and breathable.

Gifts Under $50
FlipBelt Zipper Thumbnail

FlipBelt Zipper

$39

The FlipBelt Zipper is easy to use, comfortable and carries everything they might need whether they’re exercising or traveling—including a phone, keys, ID, cards, cash, medical devices and more. If your runner or walker often struggles with their phone or keys bouncing around in their pockets or weighing them down, then the FlipBelt Zipper is a great gift option.

Gifts Under $50
Women's rabbit EZ Tee Short Sleeve Thumbnail

rabbit EZ Tee Short Sleeve

$48
The rabbit EZ Tee Short Sleeve is so buttery-soft that you’ll be tempted to buy one for yourself, too. These running shirts are lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-drying and simply feel amazing to run, work out and play in. Plus, they come in plenty of different colors to match your runner’s style.
Gifts Under $50
Amphipod Xinglet™ Thumbnail

Amphipod Xinglet

$35

A high-visibility reflective running vest is one of the easiest things a runner can wear to stay safe and be seen during runs in the dark. Safety at an affordable price, the Amphipod Xinglet fits over bulky layers and instantly gives them 360 degrees of visibility.

With an easy-to-adjust fit and a front access quick-clip for a fast on-and-off, there’s no reason not to wear it.

Gifts Under $50
icebreaker Apex Chute Thumbnail

icebreaker Apex Chute

$35
The icebreaker Apex Chute is one of the most versatile pieces of headwear a runner can own for cold-weather running and other winter activities. They can wear it as a beanie, headband, facemask or neck gaiter, and it’s made with 100% merino wool that’s soft, odor-resistant and moisture-wicking.
Gifts Under $50
Sprints Towel Thumbnail

Sprints Towel

$42

Having a towel ready for you after a sweaty workout or run in the rain can come in handy as a way to dry off, change clothes, cover your car seat or get in some post-run stretching.

The Sprints Towel is 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, making it easy to take anywhere.

Gifts Under $50
Hydro Flask 21oz Standard Mouth Thumbnail

Hydro Flask 21oz Water Bottle

$33 - $35
If you gift your runner the Hydro Flask 21oz Water Bottle, they’ll likely own it for life. But not just because they come with a lifetime warranty. These insulated water bottles are built like tanks and can keep beverages cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours. Plus, they can use it as a foam roller in a pinch for some post-run recovery.
Gifts Under $50
Archies Arch Support Sandal Thumbnail

Archies Arch Support Sandal

$40
These sandals are a dream to slide into after a long run or just to wear around the house. They’re made with a specialized closed-cell foam material that conforms to your foot for a personalized fit that supports and cradles your tired arches.
Gifts Under $50
Nathan QuickSqueeze 18oz Insulated Handheld Thumbnail

Nathan QuickSqueeze 18oz Insulated Handheld

$40
This ergonomic, grip-free water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated on runs, walks and hikes. It’s double-wall insulated to keep their liquids cold and there’s a storage pocket on the back that can fit most phones.
Gifts Under $50
Nathan Peak Thumbnail

Nathan Peak Waistpack

$40
For runners who prefer to carry their gear and hydration on their hips, the Nathan Peak Waistpack is a great option. It comes with an 18 oz water bottle that sits in an angled pocket for easy access on the move, while plenty of storage space keeps their phone, nutrition and other essentials secure and bounce-free.
Gifts Under $50
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Fleet Feet Gift Card

$0
Finding the right running shoes and gear can be so personal. What works for one runner doesn’t guarantee it will work for another. But any runner can use a gift card to Fleet Feet to find their perfect fit. Whether they visit one of our 250 locations to experience our Fit Process which uses 3D foot scanning technology or order their favorite pair of shoes online, a Fleet Feet Gift Card never disappoints.

More Gifts for Runners

We narrowed down our favorite products by category so whether your runner likes to crush marathons or enjoys the daily stress-relief, these gifts will make your holiday shopping easy.

How We Picked the Best Gifts for Runners Under $50

With more than 45 years of experience, Fleet Feet is the expert in running (and gifting). What makes the perfect gift for a runner comes down to the personal experience, goals, preferences and style of that runner. We use a combination of real-life use, quality of materials, seasonal trends and our own top-seller lists to pick out the best running gifts for less than $50. With all that in mind, we picked gear that lived up to our personal (and professional) expectations. Plus, as people who live and breathe running, we know what we would like to unwrap ourselves.

Why You Should Trust Us

At Fleet Feet one of our core values is that it is a privilege to serve. We take the thought of giving you advice and guiding you to pick out the perfect gift for the runner in your life very seriously and are honored that you chose to read this. Fleet Feet is the No. 1 run specialty store in the country. We serve more than 3 million customers across 250+ locations annually and have completed more than 5 million 3D foot scans (and counting) of different runners and walkers’ feet. Our goal is to help every customer find the perfect shoes, apparel and gear for their goals.

We don’t just sell shoes and gear, we run, walk and hike with you in those shoes. We have had hundreds of thousands of runners and walkers participate in our training programs, community runs and events every year. We have locations all over the country running in the snow, desert and everything in between.

We take our sales data and talk with the different shoe companies, designers and our network of runners, walkers and hikers to cultivate this list of the best gift ideas under $50 for runners. We also review shoes and gear ourselves to provide you with the best information possible when making these guides. We update this guide regularly to make sure you have the latest information possible to make the best decision for you when it comes to giving your loved one a gift.

Standing Behind Our Picks

We picked the best running presents under $50 based on what we think will work for the most people in most situations. If you buy a gift from us and you don’t love the way it looks, fits or performs, bring them back within 60 days for a full refund.

Plus, we offer free shipping on all orders over $99 on fleetfeet.com, and we’ll match a lower price from a qualifying retailer. That’s our Happy Fit Guarantee.