We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Gift Guides The 50 Best Running Gifts, Researched, Tested, and Expert-Approved Gift recovery tools, running gear, outdoor apparel, and more this holiday season By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 12, 2023 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print Verywell Fit / David Hattan With the holidays approaching, it's time to consider thoughtful gifts for the avid runner in your life. Whether it’s a quality pair of running shoes, cold weather gear, or an insulated water bottle, the best running gifts for men include every budget and style. And even practical items, like extra socks, gloves, and hats can make considerate, much-appreciated gifts, says running coach Elizabeth Corkum. To find the best running gifts to give this holiday season, we sought perspective from two experts—a running coach and an ultra-marathoner—on gifts they’d like to receive. From there, we researched dozens of top, trending products. We also considered options we’ve tested and reviewed at home and in The Verywell Testing Lab that earned high scores. Our carefully curated recommendations cover a wide range of prices, styles, needs, and uses to make your shopping experience easier. In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For How We Selected Our Experts FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Apparel Gifts Brooks Men’s Sherpa 2-in-1 Shorts Amazon View On Amazon $82 View On REI View On Brooksrunning.com $72 Why They’ll Love It Brooks’ Men’s 2-in-1 Sherpa Shorts are our favorite pair of men’s running shorts with pockets. They feature a side zipper pocket that can securely fit a phone, as well as two large pockets on the back band for even more storage. We think these shorts make the perfect gift for any runner on the go. BALEAF Men's Running Athletic Shorts Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Baleaf.com Why They’ll Love It For a more budget-friendly pair of running shorts for men, we recommend Baleaf’s 5” Athletic Running Shorts. They’re another great choice for on-the-go runners thanks to the three pockets for ample storage solutions. And we also love the lightweight, sweat-wicking performance materials that make these an easy, breezy choice for warm-weather runners. Under Armour ColdGear Compression Mock Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos $39 View On Dick's $55 Why They’ll Love It Under Armour base layers are a go-to for staying warm, says ultra marathoner Dan LaMorte. This ColdGear Compression Mock stands out for its stretch and sweat-wicking properties that keep cold-weather runners free, comfy, and dry. We also love that it can be worn alone in milder weather or under a puffer jacket in cold conditions. The North Face Men’s Apex Bionic 3 Vest Zappos View On Amazon $130 View On Zappos $64 View On The North Face Why They’ll Love It Shopping for a stylish runner? We love The North Face’s Apex Bionic 3 Vest because it combines fashion and functionality. The look is sleek and streamlined for daily wear, while the water-repellent and wind-resistant properties protect your runner from the elements. We also love that they can wear it alone or layered, depending on the weather. All Day Performance Hoodie All Day Running Co View On Alldayrunningco.com Why They’ll Love It All Day’s Men’s Performance Hoodie comes highly recommended by LaMorte, as the brand specializes in running gear. It’s quick-drying and moisture-wicking to suit runners in both mild and cold conditions. And we love that it comes in three classic colors so you can find the right fit for your runner's style. Patagonia Houdini Full-Zip Jacket REI View On REI $65 View On Backcountry.com $55 View On Patagonia.com Why They’ll Love It Patagonia’s Houdini Jacket is the perfect gift for runners who travel. It has a zippered chest pocket that converts to a stuff sack, meaning runners can fold the entire jacket down to a small pouch for efficient portability. Plus, it’s made with durable, weather-resistant materials that stand up to the elements. Whether it’s the trails, backcountry, or beach, this jacket is a practical purchase for the adventurer. Vuori Ponto Performance Crew Vuori View On Vuoriclothing.com View On Fleetfeet.com View On Paragonsports.com Why They’ll Love It Gift the gift of cozy comfort with Vouri’s Ponto Performance Crew—any runner will appreciate it. This pullover sweatshirt can be worn alone or as a layering piece in cold conditions. And we love that there’s a small zippered pocket for storing small essentials, like a key or credit card. It’s also a great gift since you can select from seven neutral colors to find the right fit. On Running Performance-T On Running View On On-running.com Why They’ll Love It For the warm-weather runner, we love On Running’s Performance-T. It’s made with lightweight polyester that delivers a breathable, close-to-nothing feel. Plus, a mesh backing works to keep your running mate cool, while an abrasion-proof front keeps them dry and protected. The shirt also looks super sleek and comes in 10 colors. On Running Running Pant On Running View On On-running.com Why They’ll Love It On Running’s Running Pants make as much sense for running as they do for lounging. They’re made with a lightweight blend of performance fabrics that keeps runners cool, dry, and comfy during any activity. There’s even an added knee vent for more airflow in warm weather. We recommend gifting these pants with On Running’s Performance-T for a full fit. Lululemon Fast and Free Singlet Breathe Tank Lululemon View On Lululemon Why They’ll Love It Designed for running, lululemon’s Fast and Free Tank is crafted from a mesh fabric that effortlessly combines lightweight comfort, advanced sweat-wicking technology, and odor-resistant properties. Its slim fit and sleek style adds a touch of versatility, making it equally suitable for everyday wear. This is a solid choice for the runner who doesn’t let high temperatures disrupt their stride. Noxgear Tracer360 Illuminated, Reflective Vest Amazon View On Amazon $60 View On Walmart $59 View On Noxgear.com Why They’ll Love It If your friend or family member runs in the early morning or late night, gifting them reflective gear is always a good idea. We love Noxgear’s Tracer 2 Reflective Vest because it offers 360 degrees of illumination, enhancing visibility up to a quarter mile. Plus, it can be adjusted to fit over any type of clothing. Keep your loved one safe with this practical, personal gift. Patagonia Overlook Merino Wool Liner Beanie Patagonia View On Patagonia.com View On Buckmans.com View On Backcountry.com $21 Why They’ll Love It Braving harsh weather conditions while running shouldn't come at the expense of comfort. That's why we think Patagonia’s Overlook Merino Wool Liner Beanie is a thoughtful addition to any cold-weather runner's arsenal. When we tested the best running hats, this was our favorite option for low temperatures because the comfy combination of merino wool and recycled polyester offers warmth and sweat-wicking capabilities. Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer Outdoor Research Swift Cap REI View On Amazon $26 View On Zappos $28 View On REI $30 Why They’ll Love It Another one of our favorite running hats, Outdoor Research’s Swift Cap is ideal for running in the heat. Your giftee will appreciate the protective bill and breathable, sweat-wicking materials as much as we did during test runs in the sun. Plus, we love that it’s sleek and stylish enough for everyday wear. Verywell Fit / Carrie Gavit Verywell Fit / Carrie Gavit Smartwool Go Far Feel Good Runner's Cap Smartwool View On Smartwool.com View On Opticsplanet.com View On Moosejaw.com Why They’ll Love It Smartwool’s Go Far Feel Good Runner’s Cap is the answer to safe running during the day and at night. The protective bill and sweat-wicking materials offer protection in the sun, while the reflective detailing keeps runners visible when running in the dark. When we put this cap to the test, we also appreciated its sleek silhouette, which adds to its overall versatility. Verywell Fit / Billy Pennant Verywell Fit / Billy Pennant Shape / Billy Pennant Brooks Draft Hybrid Glove Amazon View On Amazon $70 View On Brooksrunning.com $54 View On Moosejaw.com Why They’ll Love Them The key to successful winter running is wearing the right gloves and hats, LaMorte says. And when we tested running gloves, Brooks’ Draft Hybrid Gloves came out on top for cold-weather wear. They feature an internal glove that keeps us warm and cozy, as well as a windproof and water-resistant fold-over mitt that adds protection. Plus, if you’re shopping for a runner who braves it in low-lit conditions, they’ll appreciate the added reflective elements for safety. Verywell Fit / Anna Knief Verywell Fit / Anna Knief Verywell Fit / Anna Knief Verywell Fit / Anna Knief The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves Amazon View On Amazon $45 View On Zappos $45 View On REI $45 Why They’ll Love Them Sometimes, the only motivator to push through a long run is the perfect song, which is why we love The North Face's Etip Recycled Gloves. They feature five-finger touchscreen compatibility that enables runners to text, type, and (most importantly) control their music mid-run. When we wear-tested these gloves, we also found them soft and comfy, which any runner will appreciate. Verywell Fit / Anna Knief Verywell Fit / Anna Knief Verywell Fit / Anna Knief Under Armour Light Stretch Headband Dick's Sporting Goods View On Dick's $15 View On Underarmour.com $15 Why They’ll Love It Under Armour’s Light Stretch Headband makes a great stocking stuffer for sweaty or long-haired runners. Its polyester and elastane fabric blend to create a stretchy, lightweight feel that wicks away sweat and keeps hair pulled back. Best Footwear Gifts Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Amazon View On Amazon $104 View On Brooksrunning.com $90 Why They’ll Love Them Every runner needs a stable, supportive running shoe—enter Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS 22. When we tested the best sneakers, this was our top choice for men for its breathable mesh upper, responsive midsole, and durable rubber outsole. Plus, 15 stylish color options mean you can find the right style for any runner. Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Hoka Mach 5 Shoes Zappos View On Zappos $112 View On REI $140 View On Dick's $140 Why They’ll Love Them Functional and fashionable, Hoka’s Mach 5 Running Shoes are a great choice for the well-rounded runner. The responsive midsole enables a springy push-off and quick transitions for effortless strides. Meanwhile, the sporty and sleek style makes this shoe streamlined enough for everyday wear. We also love that they come in over a dozen colors—you might find yourself tempted to snag a pair for your own collection. Balega No-Show Running Socks Amazon View On Amazon $12 View On Zappos $16 View On REI $16 Why They’ll Love Them Our favorite summer running socks, Balega’s Hidden Comfort No-Show Socks, make a practical present for warm-weather runners. We found them to be stretchy and sweat-wicking—striking the perfect balance between comfort and breathability. Plus, the raised heel tab keeps blisters at bay. Stuff a stocking with these socks to elevate your holiday gifting this year. Verywell Fit / Isabella Broggini Verywell Fit / Isabella Broggini Injinji Trail Midweight Mini-Crew Socks REI View On Amazon $14 View On REI $16 View On Injinji.com Why They’ll Love Them LaMorte recommends gifting Injini’s Run Lightweight Mini-Crew Socks for serious distance runners. They may look funky, but the fabric that surrounds each toe helps alleviate any skin-to-skin friction that can lead to painful blisters. This also allows toes to splay for better stability and running form. If you’re feeling generous, we say give these socks with a pair of long distance running shoes. Levsox Compression Socks Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $39 Why They’ll Love Them Help the avid runner or marathoner in training recover better with a quality pair of compression socks. When we tested compression socks, Levsox’s Compression Socks were our top choice for their soft, breathable material and budget-friendly price. This set of three would be well-received by any runner, especially if paired with comfortable running shoes. Verywell Fit / Rebecca Sheehan Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 REI View On Zappos $60 View On REI $60 View On Dick's $60 Why They’ll Love Them When we put 18 recovery slides to the test, this pair won our top slot for its maximum comfort and stylish look. We found the plush midsole offers rapid relief for sore feel, as well as solid arch support and shock absorption. Hoka’s Ora Recovery Slides are a can’t-beat, classic gift that the runner in your life will love. Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Zappos $25 View On Roadrunnersports.com Why They’ll Love Them Help support your loved ones' running practice with Spenco’s Polysorb Cross Trainer Insoles. When we put them to the test, we found the foam footbed alleviates knee, arch, and heel pain. We also like that they can be trimmed to fit; that way, you don’t have to worry about choosing the right size. Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Easyfeet.store $40 Why They’ll Love Them If you know someone with high arches or plantar fasciitis, EasyFeet’s Arch Support Insoles would make a useful gift. When we tested insoles for running, this pair was one of our favorites for its cushioned gel insole and deep heel cup that create a supportive, comfortable base. Give these with a pair of running shoes for the ultimate footwear gift. Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Best Gear Gifts Oakley Men's Half Jacket Sunglasses Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart $130 View On Dick's Why They’ll Love Them For the runner who can’t get enough sun time, Oakley’s Half Jacket 2.0 Sunglasses are a great gift for safety in style. These are one of our top pairs of running sunglasses because they stay put no matter the pace. Plus, they have a water-resistant coating to deliver a crisp view, even during sweaty runs. FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt Amazon View On Amazon $39 View On REI $19 View On Flipbelt.com Why They’ll Love It Shopping for the busy, on-the-go runner? FlipBelt’s Zipper Running Belt is the perfect, practical gift. It has multiple pockets that let runners hold a phone, headphones, mid-run fuel, and more—whether they’re running errands or on the track. It’s one of our favorite running belts on the market because it stays in place for hand- and worry-free strides. Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50 Sephora View On Amazon $32 View On Sephora $32 View On Target $32 Why They’ll Love It Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen stands out for its unique heat-sensing function that delivers more protection when it detects heat. It also features moisture-resistant properties, which make it one of our favorite sunscreens for running in the heat. Plus, it applies clear and absorbs quickly—which any giftee will appreciate. Monos Metro Carry-All Duffel Monos View On Monos.com Why They’ll Love It Another fashionable and functional option, Monos’ Metro Carry-All Duffel is a great gift—especially when stuffed with running gear and accessories. It offers spacious, organized storage and it also fits in overhead bins as a carry-on—making it a solid choice for the traveler. Plus, we love its super sleek style and four neutral color options to choose from. Adidas Diablo Small Duffel Bag Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $42 Why They’ll Love It For the runner who takes to the treadmill at the gym, Adidas’ Diablo Duffel Bag will be a hit. The bag lets wearers store on-the-go essentials without shoulder discomfort thanks to its wide, adjustable strap. And with 16 color options to choose from, you can find the right option to fit your loved one's personality and style. Garmin Vivomove Sport Garmin View On Amazon $180 View On Garmin.com View On Tractor Supply Co. $180 Why They’ll Love It We’ve tested 14 top, trending fitness trackers and our favorite one is easily Garmin’s Vivomove Sport Watch. Not only does it provide real-time health and fitness data (like calories burned and step count), but it also serves as a motivational tool. Inspire your loved one to set and achieve new fitness goals this year with the ultimate running gift. Verywell Fit / Tammy Gardini People / Tammy Gardini Verywell Fit / Tammy Gardini Shape / Tammy Gardini Shape / Tammy Gardini Shape / Tammy Gardini People / Tammy Gardini Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch Amazon View On Amazon $199 View On Walmart $199 View On Fitbit.com $200 Why They’ll Love It When comparing popular Fitbit models, we found that Fitbit’s Versa 4 is the best for its sleek style and feature-packed design. It offers insights into important health factors like heart rate tracking and blood oxygen levels, as well as wellness data like stress management, sleep efficiency, and more. Help your loved one make informed decisions about their health and reach their running goals this year. Beats Fit Pro Noise Canceling Earbuds Amazon View On Amazon $200 View On Walmart $180 View On Best Buy $200 Why They’ll Love Them You can’t go wrong gifting one of our top editor-tested running headphones this year. Beats’ Fit Pro Earbuds have exceptional sound quality, noise-canceling features, and a flexible wingtip that keeps them in place. They’re also low-profile enough to wear for running errands, marathon training, and other activities. Help the runner in your life enhance their running experience with these top-quality headphones. Nathan QuickSqueeze Insulated Handheld Water Bottle REI View On Amazon $25 View On REI $35 View On Nathansports.com Why They’ll Love It Nathan’s Quick Squeeze Water Bottle is double-wall insulated to keep water cool on distance runs—even in the heat. Plus, it has an adjustable hand strap and pockets for effortless on-the-go use. Elevate the gift by including electrolyte packets, ensuring a complete hydration experience this holiday season. Amphipod Hydraform Water Bottle REI View On REI $25 Why They’ll Love It Amphipod’s Hydraform Minimalist Water Bottle is a standout choice among our favorite handheld bottles for running because it offers a larger capacity than most. What sets it apart is the grasp-free thumb lock strap that lowers the risk of dropping the bottle or experiencing hand cramps. This thoughtful design makes it a useful gift for both sprint and distance runners. DZNuts Pro Chamois Cream Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $25 View On Mikesbikes.com Why They’ll Love It To address the less glamorous aspects of running, consider gifting DZ Nuts Pro Chamois Cream. When we tested chafing creams, this antifungal and anti-bacterial impressed us with its smooth application. Plus, it’s also resistant to sweat and humidity—which any runner will appreciate. Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick Amazon View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart $7 View On Walgreens $10 Why They’ll Love It For a more affordable chafing cream, we like Gold Bond’s Friction Defense Stick. In testing, it did a great job of moisturizing and protecting our skin all day long. Plus, it’s ideal for runners who prefer fragrance-free products. We think this is a practical gift that can be paired with other items on this list to create the perfect package. Verywell Fit / Elizabeth Theriot Verywell Fit / Elizabeth Theriot Body Glide Anti Blister Balm Amazon View On Amazon $26 View On REI $9 View On Dick's $9 Why They’ll Love It Body Glide’s Original Anti-Chafing Stick Balm is one of the best chafing creams for beginner runners and marathoners alike, Corkum says. Designed to work in both humid and dry environments, this versatile cream is both allergen-free and made from plant products. Plus, it's budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for a thoughtful stocking stuffer. Verywell Fit / Katie Akin Best Recovery Gifts Trigger Point Performance Grid 1.0 Foam Roller Amazon View On Amazon $32 View On Walmart $37 View On REI $37 Why They’ll Love It After we tested dozens of foam rollers, Trigger Point’s Performance Grid Foam Roller came out on top. It provides rapid relief for the tight and sore muscles that runners deal with daily. We also love that its hollow design lets users store small essentials when bringing the roller on the go. Give the much-appreciated gift of relief with this top foam roller. Verywell Fit / Jessica Murtaugh Opove Apex Massage Gun Amazon View On Amazon $180 View On Opove.com Why They’ll Love It Does the runner in your life spend hundreds on professional massages? Opove’s Apex Massage Gun can help them save and find daily relief from the comfort of their own home. After testing dozens of massage guns, we ranked this one at the top for its lightweight design, powerful treatment, and adjustability settings. It’s one of the more expensive gifts on our list, but will be appreciated for years to come. Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Therabody Theragun Mini Amazon View On Amazon $199 View On Dick's $199 View On Best Buy $199 Why They’ll Love It For the runner on the go, Therabody’s Theragun Mini makes a thoughtful gift. It's one of the most compact massage guns we tested, but it doesn't sacrifice power. It has three adjustable speed settings; all of which we found provide rapid relief for tight and sore muscles. Give the gift that keeps on giving with this top-quality recovery tool. Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Earth Runners Mobility Toe Spacers Earth Runners View On Earthrunners.com Why They’ll Love Them Earth Runners Mobility Toe Spacers help promote circulation, reduce friction between toes, and encourage natural alignment. The spacers can be worn not only during rest days but also by athletes during activity, allowing them to experience optimal comfort and performance while running. Best Nutrition Gifts Huma Plus Chia Energy Gel Amazon View On Amazon $33 View On Roadrunnersports.com View On Humagel.com Why They’ll Love It Our favorite energy gel for running, Huma’s Plus Chia Energy Gel is a popular choice in the endurance running community for good reason. This four-pack of nutrition is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly—so you can’t go wrong gifting it. Plus, it uses real food ingredients, like chia seeds and fruit purees, to provide runners with all nine essential amino acids for fuel. Skratch Labs Sport Energy Chews Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On REI $3 View On Backcountry.com Why They’ll Love It Fuel your loved one’s runs with these best-tasting energy chews. Each serving of Skratch Labs’ Energy Chews includes 20 grams of carbohydrates, making them a quick and easy way to get a boost of energy. We also love that they don’t have any added sweeteners or preservatives. Whether you’re shopping for a sprinter or distance runner, they’ll appreciate this delicious sustenance. Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix Amazon View On Amazon $22 View On REI $22 View On Skratchlabs.com Why They’ll Love It We taste-tested tons of electrolyte drinks and Skratch Labs Hydration Powder is one of our top choices. It includes calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, as well as 20 grams of carbs, to deliver both hydration and energy. Any runner, especially those in warm climates, will appreciate this pocket-sized boost of fuel. Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier Liquid IV View On Amazon $21 View On Walmart $23 View On Liquid-iv.com Why They’ll Love It When it comes to convenience, it’s hard to beat Liquid IV’s Hydration Multipliers. They come in convenient single-serving packets that runners can effortlessly take on the go. Inside, the powder contains several essential vitamins and 500 milligrams of sodium—delivering hydration and health. OWYN Vegan Protein Shake Amazon View On Amazon $37 View On Walmart $37 View On Vitamin Shoppe Why They’ll Love It For refueling after a run, we love OWYN’s 100% Vegan Plant-Based Protein Shakes. These non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free protein shakes contain 20 grams of pea protein, as well as organic flax oil and organic pumpkin seed. They also include superfoods like kale, broccoli, and spinach to help runners get in their greens. Fairlife Vanilla Shake Amazon View On Amazon $49 View On Walmart $49 View On Target $4 Why They’ll Love It Fairlife’s Core Power High Protein Milk Shake is among the best-tasting protein shakes, offering a rich, creamy texture and 26 grams of protein. Not only is it a delicious choice, but since it’s made with milk, it’s also a great source of calcium for strong bones. With options like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, you can find a flavor for every palate. Complement Essential Amazon View On Amazon $49 View On Walmart $49 View On Lovecomplement.com Why They’ll Love It Give the gift of daily nutrition with Complement’s Essential Multivitamin. It’s one of our favorite supplements for runners because the capsule includes eight essential nutrients—including vitamin B12, vitamin D3, iodine, magnesium, DHA/EPA, and zinc—that otherwise may be hard to get. This pack comes with a one-month supply to nourish your loved one through the holidays. SaltStick Electrolyte Caps Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Walmart $24 View On REI $28 Why They’ll Love It For easy, on-the-go hydration, we love SalkStick’s Electrolyte Caps. Just one capsule contains 215 milligrams of sodium, 11 milligrams of magnesium, 22 milligrams of calcium, 63 milligrams of potassium, 349 milligrams of chloride, and more. Runners can effortlessly stash these capsules without the need to mix them with water. What to Look for When Shopping for Running Gifts for Men Price: Considering how much you are willing to spend on a gift is important, but the good news is that high-quality running gifts for men exist all along the price spectrum. If you have a higher budget, options such as the Beats Fit Pro Noise Canceling Headphones make for a great gift. But, the runner in your life will certainly be just as grateful for a more affordable and functional pick, such as Huma Plus Chia Energy Gels. Return Policy: As with any gift, be sure to look into retailers that are willing to accept returns. While you may have purchased the seemingly perfect gift, you would hate to find out the recipient already had it and can’t return it for store credit. Be sure to keep the gift receipt if the store requires it for returns. Quality: Be sure that the product you are purchasing is of good quality. This means that it has legitimate and safe ingredients if it's a supplement, and that it has high customer satisfaction if it's shoes, pants, or apparel. Purchasing more affordable gear just to save money can cost you in the long run, as the item may not hold up or could potentially even be unsafe. The Runner’s Needs and Goals: Not all runners have the same requirements and goals, and this is especially true based on skill level. The newbie may be thrilled just to get the basics like some great socks or a hat, but the more experienced runner in your life may require something more nuanced like a massage gun. If the runner in your life is a marathon or ultra runner, considering electrolyte supplements and gels to take on the go will be more important than they would be for a weekend warrior. Preferences: As with any gift, understanding the recipient is of the utmost importance. While some runners may love the colorful look of the Levsox Compression Socks, others may prefer more subdued and neutral color options. If they are someone who enjoys feedback, consider a data tracker such as the Garmin Vivomove Sport. How We Selected the Running Gifts for Men To find the best running gifts for male runners, we consulted previous roundups we had written, looking for the best overall winners in these articles. We were sure to also include anything that we tested that had impressed us in testing, being sure to include a wide range of running products. Additionally, we used insights and recommendations from our experts to round out our list. We were sure to account for factors like price, quality, style, and protection, when applicable. Our Experts We interviewed two running experts to help us better understand what makes a great gift for every level of runner. We used their insights to inform our claims throughout the article. Dan LaMorte, ultra marathon runner Elizabeth Corkum, running coach and personal trainer Frequently Asked Questions What do you gift someone who wants to start running? For the beginner, it's a good idea to gift them running essentials that may not already own. A warm hat, protective sunglasses, recovery tools, and reflective gear are great choices to get them started. What are some gift ideas for marathon runners? Compression socks, chafing cream, and a fitness tracker are excellent gift ideas for marathon runners, catering to a range of budgets. What accessories do runners need? Runners need proper apparel and gear for the weather and conditions they run in. They may also want accessories like fitness trackers, recovery tools, and nutrition supplements to level-up their practice. Is there anything you should avoid gifting runners? If you are unsure of sizing and style, gifting apparel and shoes can be tricky, Corkum says. In such instances, opting for a gift card to a running shoe or activewear store is a practical alternative. Still, if you know your runner well, these make thoughtful, appreciated presents. Why Trust Verywell Fit Jack Byram is a freelance writer and exercise fanatic who is always trying out new tools to improve his health and fitness. As an avid gym-goer and former athlete, he knows the value of taking all the proper precautions for comfort and effectiveness during running. He also had the chance to try a handful of options on this list, including Hoka's Mach 5 Running Shoes 5. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit