The Best Gifts for Runners

Buyer's Guide 2023 | Fleet Feet

By The Fleet Feet Editors Updated on

Most runners are obsessed with gear. The latest running shoes, modern sweat-wicking clothes and new gadgets are always at the top of the list. But the gear that works for one runner doesn’t always work for another, which makes runners hard to shop for.

To help you find the right present for the right person, we pulled together more than 100 gift ideas for runners. Need a stocking stuffer? We have 11 small gift ideas for you. Shopping with a price point in mind? Try one of these gifts for under $100.

From affordable running lights to feature-packed GPS watches, there’s something for every runner—and every budget.

How do we know these will make great gifts for runners? Fleet Feet has been in business for over 45 years and has over 250 locations in running communities across the country. We have been privileged to serve runners of all abilities, helping them pick out their favorite gear, training with them for races and running alongside them each and every day. Plus, we use the gear ourselves, so we know what will get a runner psyched when they open your gift.

Keep reading to find more than 100 gift ideas for women, men, marathoners, new runners, trail runners and lots more, all hand-picked by the Fleet Feet Editors.

Looking for the perfect gift for a runner that's a little more specific?

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 shopping easy.

What About Running Shoes?

Running shoes can be difficult to buy for someone else because the best running shoes for one runner might not work for another. Every runner has their own goals and style preferences, too, which makes the choice even harder. Still want to buy them shoes? Snag a Fleet Feet gift card and 1-on-1 in-store outfitting experience so they can get the right shoes for their feet.

Something For Everyone

Runner finishing up a run and giving high fives to others cheering her on

While every runner has their favorite shoes and clothes, there are some pieces of gear that are (almost) universally loved. These ideas are great for short runs and long runs, trails and pavement, hanging at home and making a coffee run.

Gift for Everyone
Balega Hidden Comfort Thumbnail

Balega Hidden Comfort

$16
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.
Gift for Everyone
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Garmin Forerunner 55

$200
There are more powerful (and more expensive) running watches on the market, but the Garmin Forerunner 55 provides the most important features at an entry-level price. Garmin’s built-in GPS tracking gives you accurate distance, pace and time to help every runner train smarter.
Gift for Everyone
goodr Running Sunglasses Thumbnail

goodr Running Sunglasses

$25
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.
Gift for Everyone
Superfeet x Fleet Feet Dynamic Run Insoles Thumbnail

Superfeet Dynamic Run Insoles

$50
When you need some extra cushioning, the Superfeet Dynamic Run insoles are the perfect choice. Designed to be softer and more flexible than other Superfeet insoles, the Dynamic Run provides light structure and additional impact protection compared to the stock insoles that come in your shoes.
Gift for Women
Women's rabbit Swish Jacket 2.0 Thumbnail

rabbit Swish Jacket 2.0

$125
Anyone who runs or walks outside needs a good jacket for when it's cold, windy, rainy or snowy. Enter the rabbit Swish Jacket 2.0. This stylish jacket is lightweight, breathable and protects you from the elements. Plus, it packs into its own pocket for easy storage, so you can throw it in your gym bag on days when it looks like it may rain.
Gift for Women
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OOFOS OOcoozie Low

$120
The OOFOS OOcoozie Low are comfy and cozy recovery shoes that are perfect for putting on after a run or wearing around the house all day. These sandals have OOFOS’ patented OOFoam that absorbs 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear to reduce stress on knees and ankles. With a warm sherpa upper these shoes are comfortable and stylish, the perfect gift for any woman on your list.
Gift for Men
Men's Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger Thumbnail

Vuori Sunday Performance Joggers

$98
When you give someone a pair of these joggers, the recipient will thank you for months. These are possibly the most comfortable pants in the world because they are made with Vuori’s super soft DreamKnit material. They wash up well 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.
Gift for Men
Men's Brooks Sherpa 7" 2-in-1 Shorts Thumbnail

Brooks Sherpa 2-in-1 Short

$72
Quite possibly the best all-around men’s running short, Brook’s 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” inch lengths.
Gift for New Runner
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Flipbelt Zipper

$39
Easily carry your gear, without it bouncing, in a Flipbelt. This belt goes around your hips and allows your new runners to carry their phone, keys, wallet, inhaler and other essentials while they run. It also works great for keeping valuables safe and out of sight when you’re traveling.
Gift for New Runners
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Sprints Hat

$32
Prevent the sun and rain from getting into your eyes with a Sprints running hat. Lightweight and moisture-wicking, these hats are great for performance. Plus, they come in fun patterns so you can buy one that matches your runner's personality.
Gift for Marathoners
Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam Rechargeable Vest Thumbnail

Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam Rechargeable Vest

$60
With the shorter winter days, most runners training for a marathon will be doing some running in the dark. The 360-degree LED illumination makes it so that drivers can see them coming.
Gift for Marathoners
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Normatec Go

$399
Long-distance running can take a toll on your body. These calf wraps will level up any runner’s recovery. They use dynamic air compression to help those sore muscles recover faster and keep your body in tip top shape. Plus, they can use them anywhere (we prefer the couch or a nice recliner).
Gift for Trail Runners
Men's Nathan VaporAir 2.0 7L Hydration Pack Thumbnail

Nathan VaporAir and VaporAiress 7L Hydration Pack

$150
There are no water fountains or gas stations on the trails. Therefore, most trail runners need to carry their water and equipment with them. This is a great pack to do just that. With specific models for men and women, the Nathan VaporAir and VaporAiress 7L Hydration Pack is designed for a secure, no-bounce fit.
Gift for Trail Runners
Women's rabbit High Country Long Sleeve Flannel Thumbnail

rabbit High County Long Sleeve Flannel

$85
Looks stylish whether you are on the trails or at the brewery with the rabbit High Country Long Sleeve Flannel. This top 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.
Gift for Triathletes
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Nathan Run Laces

$8
Don’t let your triathlete waste precious time having to tie their shoes when transitioning from the bike to the run. These elastic shoelaces are perfect for triathletes because they stay in place, while allowing them to slip on their shoes and go.
Gift for Triathletes
Shokz OpenSwim Headphones Thumbnail

Shokz OpenSwim

$150
Swimming laps just got a whole lot better with these waterproof headphones. The open-ear design uses bone conduction technology to transfer the sound, making them perfect for running, biking or swimming because you can hear your music as well as your surroundings.
Stocking Stuffer
Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie Thumbnail

Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie

$25
One beanie to rule them all. The odor-resistant Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie is the only winter hat you’ll need. Minimalist in style and lightweight, this beanie is ready for cold runs with a notched fleece interior.
Stocking Stuffer
Hydro Flask 21oz Standard Mouth Thumbnail

Hydro Flask 21oz Standard Mouth

$33 - $35
Every runner needs a trusty water bottle by their side. Hydro Flask’s 21oz water bottle is built like a tank and uses double-wall vacuum insulation so they can keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks warm. Use it for water, coffee, tea or even as a foam roller in a pinch.
Gift under $25
New Formula! Nuun Sport Thumbnail

Nuun Drink Tabs

$7.50
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.
Gift under $25
Amphipod Vizlet LED™ Triangle - Single Thumbnail

Amphipod Vizlet

$10
Stay visible with these ultra-bright flashing LED reflectors. An integrated dual magnet makes them easy to attach to just about anything so your runners can stay visible in the dark.
Gift under $50
ROLL Recovery R3 Ortho Roller Thumbnail

Roll Recovery R3 Ortho Roller

$35
Gift this item with a handmade coupon that says, “free foot massages for life.” Because the Roll Recovery R3 is the gift that keeps on giving. This deep-foot massager can fit in a gym bag, and its unique shape helps target all areas of the foot for pain relief and recovery.
Gift under $50
Craft Hybrid Weather Glove Thumbnail

Craft Hybrid Weather Glove

$40
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.
Gift under $100
Men's New Balance Heat Grid Half Zip Thumbnail

New Balance Heat Grid Half Zip

$90
A must-have for the cold, they can wear the New Balance Heat Grid Half Zip for morning jogs or hot cocoa in the lodge. It’s stylish and versatile—perfect as a warming mid-layer on really cold days or as an outer layer for milder runs. Plus, it has thumbholes, so they can keep their hands warm when it’s not quite cold enough for gloves.
Gift under $100
Nathan Neutron Fire RX Thumbnail

Nathan Neutron Fire RX

$55
The Nathan Neutron Fire RX is lighter than ever and puts out 200 lumens of RUN-Right Light to lead the way down dark roads, trails and paths. Its 360-degree reflective head strap and red, green, or blue strobe strips let them SEE and BE SEEN in a variety of conditions like fog, snow and rain.

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 correct 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 gifts 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.

How We Picked the Best Gifts

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 gifts. 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.

Standing Behind Our Picks

We picked the best gifts 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.