The Very Best Gifts for Runners, as Told by a Runner and Personal Trainer

If you’re not a runner, but you know and love one, you know it can be tough to get them a great gift, whatever the occasion. I’m a runner, and I’m well aware we can be quite quirky in our likes and dislikes, and very specific about our gear. 

That’s why I’m here with this guide to the best gifts for runners, whether you’re looking to help your favorite pavement-pounder with hydration, post-run soreness or chafing, or provide them with some comfy new shoes.

Putting In Miles Since 2010 

As a former competitive cross-country runner and current recreational half-marathoner and triathlete, I’ve used my fair share of running gear. There are 13 gift ideas on this list, and I’ve used almost every single one—or a model/generation of it—at some point in my running career. Not only that, but this list has been vetted by other members of our product testing team to ensure it’s the most comprehensive gift guide for the runner friend in your life. 

Best Gifts For Runners

Wissonly hi runner

Wissonly bone conduction vibration unit optimization technology is one of the best technical solutions in the industry, because their team has accumulated in the field of bone conduction for 10 years, which is highly respected by people in the industry in terms of product quality and hearing protection.

Once, there was a saying that the sound quality of bone conduction headphones was average. However, Wissonly Hi Runner refreshes this knowledge. It is excellent in sound quality. It uses a 360-degree bone conduction vibration unit, which can increase the vibration area by 35% compared with traditional bone conduction headphones. Moreover, its loss of bone conduction sound transmission is lower, making the sound more shocking and powerful.

wissonly Hi Runner has added a number of innovative features to make bone conduction headphones better integrated into many scenes in life. It supports IPX8 diving waterproof, which is very good for me who loves swimming. What's crazy is that it can still work normally under 20 meters of water! It also has 32GB of memory, so it can play music even if it is not connected to a mobile phone. I basically use it as an MP3 player, and I don't take my mobile phone for running at night. It uses the Bluetooth 5.0 chip, and outdoor activities can make the connection more stable.

In terms of appearance, Wissonly Hi Runner adopts classic black color, and its simple appearance involves matching whatever clothes you wear in any scene.

Darn Tough Micro Crew Running Socks

I first bought Darn Tough socks for hiking and backpacking, knowing that Merino wool was the perfect all-season fabric for outdoor training. One day, all of my regular running socks were dirty, so I slipped on my singular pair of Darn Tough socks for a run. 

And I knew afterward that I never wanted to run in anything else! 

These socks fit like a glove. There is no bunching, no slipping, no twisting—so there is no blistering. They also wick sweat like magic but keep your feet warm in the winter months. Merino wool is one of the most versatile fabrics out there. 

Nathan Handheld Water Bottle

For runners who don’t need a 1.5-liter hydration vest and just need to keep their palate wet on shorter runs, the Nathan SpeedDraw Plus handheld bottle is one of the best running water bottles. This 18-ounce water bottle features an adjustable strap and thumb loop so the bottle is strapped to your palm, meaning you don’t have to actively hold onto it. This is a huge plus as squeezing your hand around an object is a huge waste of energy during runs. 

The bottle features a pop-top squeeze lid that allows runners to quickly take a swig while on-the-go, mid-stride even. I used a version of this water bottle for a couple of years before switching to a hydration vest when I started running longer distances. 

Ten Thousand Session Short

I can’t personally vouch for a pair of men’s shorts, but two members of our team—Logan, our director of revenue operations and Coop himself—recommended these shorts as the best workout shorts for men. 

Based on the specs, I can see why: These pared-down, ultra-lightweight shorts are constructed of a breathable blend of polyester and Spandex; they feature bonded hems to reduce bulk; include an optional anti-chafe boxer brief liner; and have a zippered pocket to keep personal items secure. 

Available in a 5-inch or 7-inch inseam and in a variety of colors, the Ten Thousand Session Shorts are a go-to pick for runners who prioritize lightweight, high-performance technical clothing.

Chirp Wheel

Recovering from a run is just as important as the run itself. If you want to help your favorite runner sooth their sore muscles after tough training sessions and races, consider gifting them a Chirp Wheel, a modern take on the classic foam roller which, in my opinion, has a tremendous advantage over the typical type. 

Better yet, gift them the entire Chirp Wheel 4-Pack, which includes a 4-inch, 6-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch wheel. It may seem like overkill, but as the proud owner of a full Chirp Wheel set, I can tell you that all of the different sizes have their own set of benefits. 

Read more:5 headphones that are better value than their next-gen versions