How To Shop for the Runner in Your Life?

By: Mike Moreau

It’s the most wonderful time of year, despite the cold in large parts of the country, and you are potentially looking for a gift for the runner in your life. We would like to do our best to help you have a successful shopping experience. 

Having worked at Fleet Feet for a number of years, I have gathered what I think are some tips/gift ideas that could help ease the experience of finding a gift.

Tip 1: A Fleet Feet Gift Card

Most people come in saying, “I want them to have something to open.” We totally get that, but if the runner you are shopping for needs shoes, we can give them a fitting/shopping experience to help them find what they need.

Shoes have changed a lot over the past five years, and if your runner is getting back into running, they probably won't feel like they used to. They will thank you when they are hitting the roads during the winter. Depending on the Fleet Feet, they may be running a gift card promo.

Tip 2: Interview Your Runner

Talk to your runner and try to get a feel for what their running needs are. Find out what they are training for, if they need certain products (like gels), or what size shoe they are. A Fleet Feet employee with the information you have is a good resource to come up with a solid gift idea.

Tip 3: Take Them Shopping

Make a day of it and bring them in! Take them to breakfast or lunch and then treat them to whatever gear they need. I’ve heard from customers that this is a good way to get the stubborn person in your life into the store. It is a good way to spend quality time with them.

Tip 4: Have as Much Information as Possible

If you don't want to get a gift card or interview the runner in your life, or you can't figure out how to bring them in, information is key. Try to know what they will be using the product for. If it shoes, try to know what they will be using it for: walking, standing, or running. Whatever the product is, the outfitters in the store can use their own personal experiences to help guide you to a gift.