Gifts for New Runners

Gift Guide 2023 | Fleet Feet

By The Fleet Feet Editors Updated on

With all of the health benefits of running, more people are starting to run every day. Besides finding the best running shoes that match their foot shape and goals, many other pieces of running gear can help motivate beginner runners and make their runs more comfortable and fun.

At Fleet Feet, we have been helping people find gifts for new runners for over 45 years in over 250 locations. We work with new runners every day—fitting them for shoes, cheering them on at races and teaching them how to run in our training programs, so we know what they want as gifts.

Whether you’re buying a gift for someone who wants to run their first mile or their first 5K, these gifts will help them get there. Here are our Fleet Feet editor’s top ten gift ideas for beginner runners:


[This article is part of our 2023 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 a gift that keeps on giving.]

Cut outs of the items on the list of gifts under new runners with the words "gifts for new runners""
Give the Gift Every Runner Wants
Balega Hidden Comfort Thumbnail

Balega Hidden Comfort

$16

Runners can never have too many running socks. Wicking away sweat and moisture is important for new runners to prevent blisters and hot spots. Our choice for beginners is the Balega Hidden Comfort based on its cushion and comfort. Using a 200 needle count fabric, this cushioned sock delivers ultimate protection and impact resistance.

The strategically placed ventilation panels alongside Balega’s proprietary Drynamix® moisture-wicking fibers will keep their feet cool and dry throughout the run.

Balega Hidden Comfort
Give the Gift of Style
goodr Running Sunglasses Thumbnail

Goodr Running Sunglasses

$25

Goodr running sunglasses are only $25, but don’t call them cheap. These affordably priced shades are perfect for new runners, experienced marathoners and everyone in between.

What makes goodr glasses so good is their focus on performance and style. Goodr uses polarized lenses to cut glare and protect your eyes from UV rays, while the lightweight plastic frame hugs your temples for a truly no-bounce ride. Plus, with fun names and a variety of colors, you can match your gift with your new runner's personality.

goodr Running Sunglasses
Give the Gift of Data
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Garmin Forerunner 55

$200

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is the perfect running watch for beginners. A GPS watch allows them to track distance, pace and a variety of other metrics that are useful to know when running. One feature that is particularly helpful to new runners is to be able to program run/walk intervals into the watch, so it will alert you when it’s time to walk or run.

Learn more about this lightweight, waterproof GPS Smartwatch in our Garmin Forerunner 55 review.

Garmin Forerunner 55
Give the Gift of Recovery
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Power Plate Roller

$90

Running leads to sore muscles. The Power Plate Roller massages those sore muscles so they can recover faster and move better. Rolling out muscles before or after a run helps to increase the blood flow to muscles and breaks up knots.

The Power Plate Roller takes it up a notch by adding vibration to get an even better massage. Get your new runner into the habit of foam rolling early to help their longevity in the sport.

Power Plate Roller
Give the Gift of Rain Protection
Women's Brooks Canopy Jacket Thumbnail

Brooks Canopy Jacket

$130
Don’t let the rain stop your new runner from training with the Brooks Canopy Jacket. This weather-resistant jacket has a breathable Dri-Layer® seal that’s breathable and cool while keeping the wind and rain out. Plus, it packs into a built-in backpack, so they can bring it along on their runs when there is a chance of a storm.
Women's Canopy Jacket Men's Canopy Jacket
Give the Gift of Hydration
Nathan SpeedShot Plus Insulated Flask - 12oz Thumbnail

Nathan Speedshot Plus Insulated Flask 12oz

$32
As new runners start to run longer distances, a running water bottle can come in handy so that they stay hydrated on their run. The Nathan Speedshot Plus Insulated water bottle has everything a new or experienced runner would want—it’s double-wall insulated to keep your water cold without freezing your hands, lightweight, grip-free and ergonomically designed to fit in your hand.
Nathan SpeedShot Plus Bottle
Give the Gift of Reflectivity
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Nathan Vibe Reflective Vest

$25

Safety is important for any new runner. They need to be seen by drivers, cyclists and other road users if they are running early in the morning before work or in the evening after the sun has set. The Nathan Vibe Vest does a great job of making sure that runners shine bright by providing 360 degrees of reflectivity.

This vest is perfect because it is minimalist, comfortable and easy to fit. It is also adjustable so it can fit over a tank top or a heavy coat depending on the conditions.

Nathan Vibe Reflective Vest
Give the Gift of Warm Hands
Mizuno Breath Thermo® Knit Glove Thumbnail

Mizuno Breath Thermo Knit Gloves

$25

Make sure that any new runner is ready to keep running through the winter months with a pair of running gloves.

Mizuno’s Breath Thermo Knit Glove is the perfect lightweight knit glove that will still keep you warm on your coldest runs. Mizuno’s Breath Thermo technology captures escaping body vapors and generates heat for overall increased warmth during activity.

Mizuno Breath Thermo Gloves
Give the Gift of Support
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Superfeet Run Dynamic Cushion Insoles

$55

Running can be tiring for your feet—especially for new runners. The Superfeet Run Dynamic Cushion insole helps make it a little more comfortable.

Superfeet designed the Run Dynamic insole to help their feet move the way they’re made to. Run Dynamic provides lightly structured support and cushioning that flexes naturally with your foot. The extra bit of cushioning delivers another layer of comfort for new runners, and an energizing heel pad disperses impact and mitigates excess vibration to fight premature fatigue.

Superfeet Run Dynamic Cushion Low Arch Superfeet Run Dynamic Cushion High Arch
Give the Gift of Convenience
Nathan Zipster Lite Thumbnail

Nathan Zipster Lite

$35

One of the quandaries that new runners face is where to put their stuff when they run. The Nathan Zipster Lite is a great solution to carry their phone, keys, wallet and more while running without it bouncing around.

This running belt is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Not only is it amazing for working out, but it can be used for so much more: Slip it on for concerts, sporting events or traveling to keep valuables close and secure.

Nathan Zipster Lite
Give the Gift of Choice
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Fleet Feet Gift Card

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 they can experience our Fit Process that utilizes 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to find the perfect shoe for them.
Digital Gift Card

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 shopping easy.

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 new 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.