18 of the best gifts for runners, according to our running experts – Forbes

Second only to a pair of sneakers as a top gift (but very subjective) is a GPS watch. I’ve tested a handful of these powerful devices over the years, and the Garmin is still the king. The Forerunner 255 is an excellent entry-level watch without too much going on. There are features like personalized training, sleep cycle tracking, safety alerts and of course pace, distance and time tracking.

I’m not a big fan of treadmills in general, but I personally tested this one from NordicTrack and was impressed with its smooth ride, Smart Adjust that adjusts to your pace, and negative decline when running downhill. The display screen allows treadmill-bound runners to log miles in breathtaking terrain with pumping audio and targeted workouts.

Recovery is part of training too! The Hypervolt 2 is a next-generation version of one of the original percussion massage guns, and as is the case with most recovery tools, it’s a necessary but effective evil. Runners love the five attachments that target different muscle areas and offer different intensities. It’s also quiet and easy to carry on the go.

A pair of perfect sneakers doesn’t mean much if they don’t have an equally perfect running sock inside. The 66% merino wool content of the Ibex Light Cushion Performance Sock makes it a premium sock with temperature and moisture control and odor protection. Plus, unlike many other running socks, there isn’t a lot of compression, so your toes can spread out comfortably.

For runners dedicated to training and sharing their efforts with others, give the gift of “congratulations!” this holiday season. The age-old saying, “If it’s not on Strava, it didn’t happen,” isn’t no true Strava continues to innovate in the training space, now with a core AI tool, route creation and heat mapping. While the basic service is free, Strava now offers three types of premium subscriptions: Individual ($79.99 per year), Student ($39.99 per year), and Family/Friends ($139.99 per year for four accounts).

Trust me when I say that the best gifts aren’t always the most expensive or flashiest. Actually Body Glide probably is least a glamorous gift that you can give to someone but your runner will appreciate. And so shall be their inner thighs, their armpits, and their toes…

Time and time again, the Thule Urban Glide (now in its third iteration) takes the cake for jogging strollers. I have covered hundreds and hundreds of kilometers with my three children in Thule strollers with almost no complaints from them or me. The ride is incredibly smooth, the new oversized canopy will keep your co-captain out of the sun (but you can still say hello with the peep window), and this model holds 15 pounds in its basket.

I won’t use any other travel mug for my coffee but the Contigo, thanks to its ergonomic design, no spills, no drips, no leaks, no drip lock mode, and its comfortable cup bottom. The brand recently launched a collaboration with Peloton instructor extraordinaire Ali Love, and I appreciate the slightly smaller (16oz) cup even more than my tried and true 24oz cup. It’s perfect for the coffee or tea drinker-who-also-runs in your life.

Small but mighty, the Triggerpoint massage ball is one of the best massagers out there despite (or perhaps because of) its simplistic design. Runners can work in tight spaces almost anywhere and easily take this massage ball on the road (or to the office or to a kid’s sports game, etc.).

The Goodr OG sunglasses have stood the test of time as one of the most affordable, reliable, comfortable, non-bouncing running sunglasses around. At $25 apiece (for the OG style), there are tons of colors to choose from, all cleverly named. Yes, the polarized lenses scratch, but for $25 I can’t complain too much. They make a great holiday exchange gift between runners and non-runners.

Best for A/B and B/C cups, the Rabbit Strappy Pocket bra has one of the most accessible pockets between the shoulder blades I’ve tried. You can easily hide your phone and even better, easily grab it while you’re on the go. Thinner straps are a nice change of pace from traditional sports bras with thick straps.

This winter, give the gift of unsurpassed warmth with the ingenious design of the WhitePaws RunMitts glove. fingers and thumbs will stay toasty in the glove, and with just a quick flip, your hands are free to check the clock or grab some fuel mid-run. Or cool toasted hands.

It only took one weekend of running for Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta to evaluate the Path Projects Pyrenees T19 Hoodie. Made from soft, stretchy fabric and topped off with subtle features like a sleeve slot to see your watch and thumb holes to keep your hands warm, it’s the versatile layer every runner should have in their road wardrobe , trails and great adventures.

When the days are short, runs don’t have to be thanks to lightweight rave-style vests like the Noxgear Tracer2. It’s lightweight, so there’s no extra baggage, and its 500 lumens (with 20 hours of battery life) will make any runner visible from a quarter mile (or one lap of a track). Plus, the vest is adjustable for a perfect fit.

Show the runner in your life you know the importance of rest and recovery with these ultrasofts jogger-stylish pajamas available in men’s and women’s cuts and colors. They can just make it difficult to get out of bed for those early morning miles.

The pain is temporary, but the results of the race are forever. This personalized marathon card captures all of your runner’s information – library number, name, time and race course – and turns it into a frameable keepsake. Have a few marathons? Make it a gallery wall!

Give functionality and style with the updated Brooks Running Run Visible 2.0 Reflective Jacket. Its refined cut makes it a lightweight jacket without excess bulk, and the hood offers flexibility. Reflective details are more than just details, with strategically placed stripes for enhanced visibility. I also tested firsthand how this Run Visible jacket can keep out the wind and water during those early, wet, dark miles.

The running market is full of comfortable, reliable running vests, but Salomon’s Adv Skin 12 consistently ranks among the best for its long-lasting comfort, storage options, and included water bladders. Even if you identify as a hiker rather than a runner, this is a great daypack alternative that saves weight and still has room for all the essentials.