Here at Shop TODAY, we're a team full of runners. Many of us partake in daily Central Park jogs and some have even completed multiple marathons, making us somewhat of experts in the category.
We know that, for runners, there's always more gear to buy, more fuel to replenish our supply with and an overabundance of shoes to be purchased and re-purchased — which means that they’ll always be happy to receive a running-focused gift, no matter the season.
Whether they're constantly posting their Strava stats or boasting their latest PR (personal record), we found gifts for every type of runner — from beginners to the pros — that'll carry them from prep to recovery.
Best clothing and apparel gifts for runners
This tee is a key component in what editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson calls her "race day uniform." The brand notes this top has a looser fit compared to their more technical training apparel, allowing you to move freely in it.
It's made out of Under Armour's tech fabric and also has odor-control technology embedded within, promising to wick away sweat and keep odors at bay.
Coordinating producer Ali Deabler says these leggings are great for high-performance activities.
“The material never feels like it’s going to rip or pill or damage,” she says, further describing them as sturdy. “They’re really dark, really soft and slick and sweat-wicking. Plus they have a pocket, which is great for putting your phone or keys.”
One former editor, who was getting back into her running routine postpartum, shared that she loves this supportive sports bra.
"Someone told me about the SheFit bra as it’s designed for runners who really need everything put into place," she says. "I think this would make a great gift for a mom who’s getting back into running and needs the extra support."
Your shortcut to editor approved picks
“Are these the most chic-looking shoes on the planet? No. But that doesn’t matter because they are the most comfortable,” senior social media editor and marathon runner Kate McCarthy says about these shoes. “Wearing these is the equivalent to feeling like your feet are wrapped up in the most supportive, caring hug. I wear them after every long run I do, but more importantly, these are the only shoes I wear inside my home since they give my entire body such immense comfort and support.”
For longer runs, Barry’s chief instructor Kelly Whittaker recommends this trustworthy pair from NOBULL. They’re crafted with nylon plates that act as a mini springboard, according to the brand, ensuring a more reactive step.
“I love these because they are supportive and responsive, especially for runners with high arches like I have,” she says. “They are great for easy pace miles.”
“The 1080 is the most versatile shoe I’ve ever worn,” says Christine Burke, senior vice president of strategic partnerships and runner products at New York Road Runners. “It’s cushioned, yet lightweight and has great durability.”
It’s available in a wide range of sizes and four different widths, so you can get the most tailored fit possible.
“I’ve been wearing Brooks Ghosts for years, since they’re the perfect combination of support without being overly cushioned,” McCarthy says. “From speed workouts to long runs, these sneakers have supported me for thousands of miles, and I’ve been recommending them to my friends for years.”
“One of the latest launches from Brooks, these sneakers have extra cushion and support, which I found perfect for recovery runs where I needed a little bit more pep in my step,” McCarthy says. “Not only did I wear them for miles during marathon training, but I also frequently reached for them when it came to walking around the city or if I knew I was going to be on my feet all day.”
Podiatrists and Shop TODAY editors alike have high praise to share about Hokas — they're supportive, durable and help relieve foot pain. What more could you ask for?
"After many recommendations for the Cliftons, I decided to start with them and I’m a fan!" says Stewart-Jackson. "They’re super cushiony and have a pillowy bounce to them that makes taking the next step a little bit easier. Plus, I love that they come in so many cute colorways."
Best subscription gifts for runners
ClassPass Gift Card
“I have been a ClassPass user for nearly a decade now, and it’s the subscription that I’ll always recommend to people who want to switch up their workout routine, but I have to say that as a runner, it’s been incredibly helpful for my training,” says Stessman. “You can use it to try all kinds of workout classes in your area. I’ve done treadmill-based classes through the app, but I’ve also done a lot of strength classes that have helped me become a stronger runner. It’s not just for workouts; I’ve gotten massages, booked guided stretches and other recovery sessions through there. You can also get food from partnered restaurants, so I’ve used my credits to pick up a smoothie or snack post-run. There’s really so much you can do with a ClassPass membership, so I think a gift card is a great gift for any fitness enthusiasts, though I really recommend it for runners, in particular.”
There’s a good chance that the runner in your life already knows about Strava — though they may not have leveled up to a premium subscription just yet. But they’ll be so grateful to be able to upgrade their account with this gift card.
“As a runner, Strava is my preferred social media app,” says writer Emma Stessman. “I love seeing the routes people take, how far they run and where they’re at in their training process. Beyond that though, it’s a super helpful tool for runners. With a premium subscription, you can see recommended routes in your area, so you can alway find a good place to run, even when you’re traveling. It also analyzes your runs, helps you track your best paces and gives you deeper insights into your performance so that you can improve.”
“If you know someone who just signed up for a race or is hoping to get back into running after a long break, Runna is an incredible resource,” Stessman says. “With the app, they can create a custom training plan for races like 5Ks or half marathons and even ultras or everyday running goals. They’ll get a program that includes a mix of running workouts, as well as strength and recovery sessions (if they opt for that). I’ve used other app-based training plans, and this is really the best I’ve tried, because of how customizable it is and its ability to adapt to illness, injury, travel and other factors as you’re training.”
Best tech gifts for runners
High-quality sound at a comparatively low cost is what senior editor Julie Ricevuto enjoys about Soundcore as a whole, owning two sets of their headphones.
“These earbuds are perfect for runners because of the sweat guard technology and adjustable ear hooks to keep them in place,” she says. They can rotate up to 30 degrees for a comfortable fit.
Three different Shop TODAY editors and Whittaker named these as their go-to set of headphones when running, attributing their adoration to the fact that they’re bone-conducting, meaning they sit outside of your ears rather than inside which allows you to be more aware of your surroundings.
“Not only do I not have to worry about ear discomfort anymore, but I can now hear both my music and my surroundings,” says social media video producer Dani Musacchio. “As a solo female runner, these headphones have made me feel so much safer while out for my runs.”
“If you know a runner who is a true wellness obsessive who loves data and seeing how behavior changes affect sleep, workouts and more, this is a great device to gift,” says Stessman. “Not only does it provide you with a lot of interesting data, including stats for workouts, sleep and more, but it also helps you dive into that data to further understand it. I personally love the Whoop Age and pace of aging stats, because I find myself getting competitive about it and trying to get them lower. The 14-day battery life is also really great, because I can go through a week-long vacation and not even have to think about it, and there’s no risk of it dying during a race or long training run.”
“If it weren’t for the high price, I would recommend the Apple Watch Ultra to everyone,” says Stessman. “But for those who are active and willing to invest (or have someone who is willing to gift it to them), I consider it to be the all-around best option among Apple’s watches.
The Ultra is designed specifically with athletes and adventurers in mind. It has the longest battery life of any of the Apple Watches, with up to 42 hours of battery life (and up to 72 hours on low power mode), so it will last through long races and backpacking trips — or even just a couple of days of going through your normal routine. It’s also designed to be much more durable than other models and has a better-than-average GPS, so your data won’t be as affected when running in urban areas where there are a lot of tall buildings — which is super helpful when you’re running a major marathon!
Another thing that I really love about the Ultra is the additional Action button, which is customizable, so you can use it to control your workout, start a new interval or mark a segment. You can pause and end your workout using the buttons as well, so you don’t have to fumble with the touchscreen (which is a big win for those of us with sweaty hands).”
Best gear gifts for runners
For pre- or mid-run fuel without the sticky gel texture, Musacchio recommends stocking up on Honey Stingers — a stroopwafel-like energy snack that has a thin layer of honey in between for “portable energy,” according to the brand.
“They are literally so delicious that I actually look forward to eating them during my runs,” she says. “They’re also great to have on hand for hikes or other workouts for a quick boost of energy.”
An affordable running vest is hard to come by, which makes this option from Amazon appealing. It has nine pockets and the capacity to store everything from granola bars and sunglasses to essentials like keys and IDs. “I was worried that it would be too small since there’s no sizes but the straps are adjustable and I was able to create the perfect fit,” says Stewart-Jackson. “I’ve seen a lot of people wear these at races, too!”
A running belt is a convenient (and budget-friendly) accessory for any runner, which is why editor Vivien Moon knew it'd be the perfect gift for her best friend (who doubles as a marathoner).
"I’ve always been on the lookout for gifts to get her that will help with her training/runs and this is one I’ve gifted her before that she uses for shorter runs and loves," she says. "It’s an adjustable belt with a little pocket that your ID, phone and keys can fit into. It’s really lightweight and good for travel as well if you want to make sure to have a secure little hidden pocket on you in case of emergencies."
We know what you're thinking: "These are running sunglasses?" That's what makes them so great! You can slip them on for a marathon or just meeting your friends for brunch and they still provide a comfortable, yet stylish look.
These are my go-to pair of sunglasses for any activity. I wore them during the RBC Brooklyn Half where they stayed in place the entire time, despite scorching temperatures and a forehead full of sweat.
Burke likes these sunglasses because they're made with rubberized frames and nose pads that work wonders against sweat and won't fall down your face. She also says they have "more colors and styles of sunglasses than you can imagine," helping them stand out against more mundane running accessories.
Best recovery gifts for runners
Whether she's recovering from a workout or just relaxing, Stessman has started integrating these Epsom salts into her daily routine. Benefits include soothing sore muscles and aches thanks to ingredients like rosemary and mint essential oils.
The only con Stessman notes is how quickly you can go through a bag, so you might want to opt for this four-pack to stock up ahead of time instead.
When training for a marathon, aches and pains are bound to pop up. That’s why Stessman swears by this massage gun for targeted relief before and after runs.
She says, “It’s great for aches and pains all over, from sore legs to stiff shoulders and feet. I love how you can customize the intensity and the added heat really improves the experience overall. The small size also makes it super portable, so it was easy to bring with me when I was traveling for a race so I could stay on top of my muscle prep and recovery.”
“If you’re looking to give a gift to the runner that truly has everything, these boots are the answer,” says McCarthy. “These compression boots from Normatec are designed to fit only on your calves, so you don’t have bulky full leg compression boots in your home and you can walk around while wearing them too. These boots have been a game changer in my recovery after long runs, it feels like they zap the tension right out of my calves. Not only are these great for running, but they’re perfect for anyone who might be on their feet all day or in general needs a little R&R at home. Though they’re a splurge, I highly recommend, as I’ve had them for years and can’t imagine my recovery routine without them.”
“I’m putting this out there now, if someone really wants to spoil me, they’ll get me these boots,” Stessman says. “I’ve tried them multiple times at events, at recovery studios and more and I’ve loved my experience every time. They provide rhythmic compression that feels like a massage and really does help with soreness and recovery after long runs or training sessions better than many other things I have tried. I’m also someone who has a hard time motivating myself to stretch, so this feels like a much easier and more low-effort way to help my body recover. I firmly believe that sitting in front of the TV wearing these a few times a week would change my recovery time after runs and workouts.”
Meet the experts
- Christine Burke is the senior vice president of strategic partnerships and runner products at New York Road Runners, the non-profit that produces the New York City Marathon and other events in New York City. She's completed 30 marathons among other races since she started running in the '90s.
- Kelly Whittaker is a Boston-based chief instructor at Barry's, a gym with locations around the country. She's run 43 marathons and is a certified run coach.
