September 14, 2020 This article may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Privacy Policy.
We know a lot of active people who think of running as more of a religion than a workout. And that’s just part of what makes them such a unique bunch.
Maybe they’re the type who enjoys a two-mile per morning run. Perhaps they regularly challenge themselves to 5Ks and other long distance races. Or maybe they are a full-on marathoner. Either way, most runners take their running seriously.
So if you’re looking to buy them the perfect gift, something that they can use while they’re working out is sure to be a hit.
Not sure what runners like or need? Here are the 17 best gifts for runners who might be hard to please.
Keep Them Hydrated
Every runner knows that one of the most important aspects of training and hitting your goal is to stay hydrated when you’re on the move. From waist belts to handheld options, these hydration bottles make it easy to carry water when running.
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Handheld Water Bottle, $37
The Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Handheld Water Bottle is sized to fit 18 fluid ounces of water. It’s double-wall insulated to keep liquids cooler longer, and it has a race cap so runners can get quick amounts of water at a time.
This handheld bottle has an ergonomic shape that makes it easy and comfortable to hold. It also has a large zipper pocket, so there’s a place to stash a phone, keys and other must-haves.
FlipBelt Hydration Belt, $46
Some runners prefer to carry water around their waist, and the FlipBelt Hydration Belt makes that easy to do. This belt has a streamlined design, so it doesn’t bounce when you’re running, and it doesn’t have any buckles to chafe the skin.
It includes three water bottles with silicone mouthpieces, an internal key hook, and a space to hold a phone. The different sized water bottles make it perfect for carrying water or mixing in supplements to propel you through a lengthy run.
Nike Flask Belt, $30
For the runner who loves Nike gear more than any other brand, the Nike Flask Belt is a great hydration option.
This belt features a stretchy waist strap with two 10 ounce flasks to hold water. It also includes two stretch mesh pockets to hold the flasks and a small zipper pocket to hold your keys and other essentials.
Roshni Sanghvi, Nutritionist, Fitness Expert also adds, “Almost all of the runners like to carry some emergency items with them to avoid any running injuries, dehydration, cell phone carry issue, etc.”
Keep Them on Track
As primitive as running on two feet may be, the runners we know are also really into their tech. With these gifts, they can navigate a trail, know where they are at all times, and monitor their own levels and goals.
Garmin Forerunner 45s Monitor, $199.99
You can track your pace, heart rate, distance and more with the Garmin Forerunner 45s Monitor. This device does double duty as a personal monitor and fitness tracker. You can connect it to your phone and use it to playback music or check incoming calls and texts.
The sleek design can also be connected to various sports apps targeted for indoor track, treadmill and other fitness routines.
Garmin Fenix 5s GPS Multi-Sport Watch, $499.99
Need a great gift for a runner that you really love?
The Garmin Fenix 5s GPS Multi-Sport Watch is sure to put a smile on their face. It’s a bit of an investment at nearly $500, but this running watch is loaded with features that they can use for all sorts of workout routines and runs.
This GPS watch includes advanced GPS and GLONASS satellite tracking options. It tracks your heart rate, tracks your calories burned and offers about a dozen other features to take any workout routine to the next level.
And yes, it’s also a functioning watch.
Related: The Best Fitness Gadgets to Help You Stick to Your New Year’s Resolution
Keep Them Entertained
Running can be a bit lonely, and many runners find it a lot more enjoyable to listen to music while they’re trekking mile after mile. These gift ideas are perfect for the runner that needs an easy way to incorporate some entertainment into their workout.
Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Headphones, $199
Sweat-resistant and weather-resistant, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Headphones are perfect for any type of workout. They’re lightweight with soft tips on each end, so they stay in place no matter how hard you’re pounding the pavement or the trail.
These Bluetooth headphones also allow you to take calls, play or pause music and make use of your Google Assistant or Siri. They come in a lightweight case for charging to give you up to ten hours of audio playback for even the longest of playlists.
Lifeproof Armband, $49.99
The Lifeproof Armband offers runners a comfortable and convenient way to keep a phone within easy reach so you can listen to music. It features a universal fit to hold almost any phone, and it includes a secure click lock so you can remove your phone with a little twist.
Having your phone strapped to your upper arm offers a total range of motion and makes it easy to access fitness apps and GPS while you’re on the move.
Koala Clip, $28.99
The Koala Clip is a great option for anyone who doesn’t like to wear an armband or a belt around their waist while they run. Instead of wearing your phone on your arm or waist, the Koala Clip allows you to attach it to your sports bra’s straps with a simple magnetic clip.
The material is sweat-resistant and water-resistant, while a zipper closure keeps your phone safe inside. Guys can also wear the Koala Clip just by clipping it to the inside of their waistband.
Related: The 9 Best Wireless Earbuds of 2020
For the Guys
From clothing to sneakers to outer layers, you can never go wrong buying a runner gear that he can run in. These shoes and garments aren’t just stylish – they’re actually designed with runners in mind.
Nike Flex Dry Shorts, $50
A 5” inseam and a lightweight, breathable design make the Nike Flex Dry Shorts perfect for the guy who runs to work up a sweat. These shorts are made from sustainable materials and feature ventilated areas to keep you comfortable and dry. They’re also detailed with stash pockets, a brief liner and a drawcord waistband.
These Nike shorts come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and they’re detailed with reflective accents for running in low light. They’re made to stretch with the body, making them a great option for a quick run around the block or an all-day training session.
ON Running Cloudstratus Running Shoe, $169.95
The ON Running Cloudstratus Running Shoe offers excellent responsiveness and superior comfort. They’re built with extra cushioning and feature breathable mesh uppers and a speedboard between the midsole and upper. They even have a wider platform to provide better stability.
Not only are these sneakers super comfortable, but they’re super stylish as well. Plus, they come in a range of cool colors that are easy to coordinate with all sorts of athletic gear.
Related: The 16 Best Men’s Tech Pants for Travel and Everyday Wear
Arc’teryx Norvan Hooded Jacket, $325
Serious runners never let the rain slow them down, and that’s what makes the Arc’teryx Norvan Hooded Jacket such an amazing gift. With an ultra-lightweight feel, this Gore-Tex shell features long sleeves, an adjustable hood and elastic trim at the cuffs and hem.
This jacket is constructed with a watertight front zipper and is designed for extreme breathability, so it alone won’t make you work up a sweat. The next time he starts to run in the rain, this is the jacket he’ll want to wear.
Lululemon Men’s Surge Short, $88
A fitted liner beneath a loose shell makes the Lululemon Men’s Surge Short ideal for running on warm days. This double layer short features a comfortable elastic waistband with a drawcord and reflective accents for low-light visibility made from sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabric.
These moisture-wicking shorts also feature an anti-stink treatment to stop the growth of odor-causing bacteria. They’re detailed with back and side pockets as well as a waistband loop that provides a place to stash a shirt on extra-hot days.
Related: 13 Ways To Stop Chafing [ And How To Treat Raw Skin]
For the Ladies
Know a lady who loves to run and work up a sweat? These garments, shoes, and accessories will keep her comfortable, safe and ready to handle all sorts of weather.
Lululemon Crop Pant, $118
Lululemon doesn’t just make yoga pants – they make a whole line of technical products for athletes of all types, including runners.
The Lululemon Fast and Free Crop II 19” Nulux Pant is made from super lightweight stretch fabric with sweat-wicking properties. They’re breathable, quick-drying and cool to the touch, making them the perfect choice for a hot outdoor run.
These pants include waistband pockets, side pockets and reflective accents in addition to the cropped fit. Plus, an interior drawcord lets you customize the perfect fit!
adidas Women’s UltraBoost X Parley Running Shoe, $180
adidas products are always designed with function in mind, and these are no exception.
The adidas Women’s UltraBoost X Parley Running Shoe features responsive cushioning and a rubber outsole for excellent traction. They also have an adaptive arch that molds to the individual wearer’s foot.
As you would expect from adidas, these sneakers are super stylish, but they’re also good for the environment. Why? Because they’re made with recycled components gathered from beaches to prevent waste from making its way into the oceans. They also have a running sock-like cushioning to prevent blisters.
Reflective Convertible Glove, $34.99
It can get cold running on winter mornings, but the Reflective Convertible Glove will definitely keep her hands warm. In stretch fabric with a weather-resistant finish, these gloves are made for those who run in freezing temperatures. They even include a nose wipe on the thumb so you can rub your runny nose when need be.
Convertible from gloves to mittens, they include reflective graphics for added visibility when you’re running in the dark. They also have a conductive text finger so you can operate your smartphone without having to remove a glove.
Related: The Top 7 Women’s Workout Leggings
Keep Them Healthy
When you’re active and athletic, one of the most important things you can do is heal and repair your muscles in between workouts and runs. If you’re looking for a gift that you know your runner will use, check out these:
TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller, $34.95
The TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller is a runner’s best friend. Unlike other foam rollers that break down and lose their shape over time, this one doesn’t.
It’s made from multi-density layers and features a hollow core. It’s smaller than many other foam rollers on the market, making it easy to get into small spaces and hard to reach parts of the body.
A purchase of the TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller also comes with access to an online instructional video that demonstrates all sorts of rolling techniques and stretches.
TimTam Power Massager, $249.99
The TimTam Power Massager is a handheld device that runners (or anyone for that matter) can easily use to target any muscle in the body. The roller ball delivers ultra-powerful massage therapy, making it perfect for use on the feet, thighs, knees and calves.
The TimTam Power Massager also comes in a convenient little carrying case. So if they travel out of town for marathon runs, they can easily pack it in their overnight bag.
What Are the Best Gifts for Runners?
Every runner is different, but there are lots of cool gifts out there that every runner will enjoy. So when you’re on the hunt for a great gift for your favorite runner, look for items to keep them hydrated. Look for items to keep them entertained. Look for items to keep them protected from the elements and make their muscles feel good.
From marathon runners to trail runners, there’s running gear out there for everyone.
Whether you want to spend a little or a lot, there are awesome running gifts out there to suit every person’s budget!
You might also be interested in: All our Gift Guides
The 17 Best Gifts for Runners:
- Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Handheld Water Bottle, $37
- FlipBelt Hydration Belt, $46
- Nike Flask Belt, $30
- Garmin Forerunner 45s Monitor, $199.99
- Garmin Fenix 5s GPS Multi-Sport Watch, $499.99
- Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Headphones, $199
- Lifeproof Armband, $49.99
- Koala Clip, $28.99
- Nike Flex Dry Shorts, $50
- ON Running Cloudstratus Running Shoe, $169.95
- Arc’teryx Norvan Hooded Jacket, $325
- Lululemon Men’s Surge Short, $88
- Lululemon Crop Pant, $118
- adidas Women’s UltraBoost X Parley Running Shoe, $180
- Reflective Convertible Glove, $34.99
- TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller, $34.95
- TimTam Power Massager, $249.99
Jessica Heston
view postJessica Heston
After 15 years in the fashion industry, this Philadelphia native ditched her corporate career to focus on writing full time. Jessica is a TV junkie, whiskey lover and true crime addict. She finds inspiration from Broadway musicals, Hitchcock films and The Beatles. She is happily married without children, which she credits as the reason for her professional success, youthful attitude and solid eight hours of sleep every night.
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September 8, 2024 
