Dorie Chevlen is a writer covering home design. Her subjects have included scented candles, makeup mirrors, and—her favorite—popcorn makers.
There’s a specific brand of person who loves falling into the rhythmic lull of a long, sweaty run. Whatever type of runner is on your list—from avid marathoners to casual joggers to newbies kicking off their first Couch to 5K plan—they’ll likely appreciate something utilitarian, something to aid conditioning or recovery, or something jovial to celebrate the practice itself.
Our favorite gifts for runners range from the practical and affordable (massage ball, running belt) to the strangely intriguing (no-show toe socks, anyone?) to the downright swaggy. Or you could raise a glass to a member of the 26-mile club with a pint etched with famous marathon routes.
Looking for even more giftable running ideas? Check-out our guides to the best running shoes, the best running headphones, and the best running belts.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTHot headed
100 percent merino wool manages cold-weather sweating, and keeps ears toasty even on the coldest runs.
There are lots of physical ailments that can ruin a run, but among the worst of them has got to be cold ears. Your favorite runner need not suffer though: This warm, light Smartwool Merino Beanie insulates the whole head, with a roll cuff that falls over the ears for extra warmth. As many a fisherman could attest, wool is also more breathable than most synthetic fabrics, and actually wicks sweat away even as you warm up. It’s available in nine colors and patterns.
Vested interest
With sturdy construction and a super-insulating filling, this vest keeps your torso warm and your arms moving freely.
With sturdy construction and a super-insulating filling, this vest keeps your torso warm and your arms moving freely.
This vest from Patagonia, available in both men’s and women’s sizes, has been Wirecutter’s top-pick insulated vest for several years straight. It is super-durable, thanks to a ripstop nylon shell made from recycled fishing nets, and it’s extra-warm, thanks to 800-fill-power down. I usually wear a long-sleeved shirt under my vest for runs, so it doesn’t get sweaty too quickly. But when it comes time to clean it, the vest is machine-washable and -dryable. It’s pricey, but we think of it as an investment (pun!) since we know it holds up for years of runs across seasons.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTHeavy-duty gloves
With touch-screen capability, light-reflecting details, a warm fleece interior, and a waterproof outer shell, these windproof mitts are the Swiss army knives of gloves.
The Janji Vortex Wind Block Gloves come with every feature you need for a fabulous run, under any conditions. For cold runs, the inner glove is made from warm, insulating fleece; for wet runs, the outer mitten is made from water-resistant coated polyester. For changing your running playlist, the thumb and index finger are touch-screen capable—and they actually work. For early morning or late evening runs, the mitten is striped in reflective tape. And should you get hot in the middle of your run, you can roll down the mitten and snap it to the glove’s wrist. They come in four colors and just two fits-all sizes.
Savvier schlepping
This minimalist belt can still hold a large phone and a few other tchotchkes. It’s the only one of our picks that comes in bright colors with a reflective strip.
At its most pared down, a running kit usually includes a cell phone, earbuds, and keys. Others may add their ID, a credit card, cash, or even pepper spray to the mix. The best way to take it all on the go is to use a running belt, and we love the no-frills Dimok Running Belt Waist Pack. It also holds large items securely, yet it looks stylish around the waist or slung over the shoulder. The strap on this belt doesn’t stretch much, some runners wear it lower on the hips for a secure fit. And it comes in three poppy colors.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSuperior shorts
Made from UV-protective, moisture-wicking and super-soft Italian-sourced jersey, these split-seam shorts have an internal drawcord and three pockets. The women’s version has a liner and 3-inch inseam.
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Made from UV-protective, moisture-wicking and super-soft, Italian-sourced jersey, these split-seam shorts have an internal drawcord and three pockets. The men’s version has a liner and 5-inch inseam.
Just as soft and durable as the Twilight Tee we also recommend, these splurge-y shorts from Tracksmith (available in men’s and women’s versions) are the most breathable I’ve ever run in. They show a lot of leg (they have a 3-inch inseam for the women’s and a 5-inch inseam for the men’s), and they also have an interior drawcord to get the right amount of hug around the waist. Three internal pockets and one external zip pocket hold small items like keys and ID, and these shorts come in seasonal shades. I’ve pounded out countless miles in these and washed them dozens of times, with no stretching, pilling, or snags.
Block party
This stiff cork yoga block has nicely rounded edges and an extra-grippy texture for supporting balance and stretching.
Yoga is a wonderful form of cross-training and recovery for runners. The Manduka Cork Yoga Block, our pick for the category, supports alignment and balance better than most, thanks to its stiff cork and slightly heavier construction. But even if your runner isn’t much of a yogi, they can use it for a million other purposes: as a stretch aid to reach past their toes, as a balancing tool, or (my favorite use) as a prop to lay on across their back and loosen up some knots.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA hat for long locks
With an extra-wide back opening and sweat-wicking fabric, this cap is a boon for long-tressed trekkers.
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Many people run in baseball caps to block the sun, but positioning that hat just so to prevent a ponytail or braid from pressing against the skull is, well, a headache. The Lululemon Women’s Ponytail Running Hat solves the issue. Its extra-wide back lets gathered hair flow freely, while also offering a little more ventilation. Some buyer reviews mentioned it was too loose for them—it only adjusts down to 18 inches—but it fit snugly on my medium-small head and felt secure without pinching or squeezing.
A vest above the rest
With front-to-back crisscrossing reflective straps, this safety vest keeps runners visible to cars in the dark without getting in their way.
Running in the dark is never a great idea, but as the days grow shorter, it sometimes can’t be avoided. Keep your favorite runner visible to car headlights with the Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest. The reflective straps fit over the shoulders and across the chest and waist for a look that’s admittedly not chic but at least very bright, both in front and in back. And the vest is adjustable, so even if your recipient is swaddled by a puffer jacket or a hoodie, they’ll still be able to throw it on for every dark or foggy jog.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSanative slides
These foam sandals offer ample support and wiggle room for tired, achy feet.
The Oofos OOahh Slide Sandal has a foam construction that cradles arches and supports feet with a cloudlike buoyancy, an especially great treat for feet that do rough work. The slides come in multiple neutral and vibrant hues, and the material is resistant to odors and moisture—but should you run into any mess, they’re machine washable, too.
Save your tears
An ultra-absorbent, comfortable sweatband keeps sweat and sunscreen from a runner’s eyes; this one comes in dozens of colors and patterns.
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Some runners rely on bandanas to keep sweat and sunscreen from their eyes, but that works for only so long. Do even better with the ultra-absorbent, comfortable Halo Sweatband II, a favorite of Wirecutter senior editor Nathan Burrows. The Halo band has what the company calls a SweatSeal, which keeps it in place and directs moisture away from your eyes and face (like this). Nathan runs marathons, and he praises this band’s sweat-wicking, quick-drying abilities, which keep his eyes clear even at the 26-mile mark. The Halo Sweatband comes in dozens of colors and patterns, plus it’s flat enough to be worn comfortably under a hat.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA superlative training shirt
This soft, lightweight running shirt is a little bit of a splurge.
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This soft, lightweight running shirt is a little bit of a splurge.
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Among members of The New York Times Run Club, Tracksmith running gear is revered for its classic lines and elevated details. More importantly, though, the pieces perform fabulously. The micro-polyester and elastane blend of the Tracksmith Twilight Tee (available in men’s and women’s versions) is lightweight and antimicrobial, but it doesn’t feel stiff or plasticky in motion. This tee is a bit of a splurge, which makes it a particularly thoughtful gift. But I can vouch that after many sweaty runs and subsequent washes, this shirt remains soft, unstretched, and unfaded. The company also makes long-sleeved tees for men and women (along with plenty of other cute layering pieces).
A spiky ball for knots
This hard-plastic spiky sphere is perfect for rolling under sore arches or loosening knots in other muscles.
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The Qi Mei Massage Ball is my go-to for unknotting arches and rolling out my back. Some people use tennis balls for this purpose. But the little points and hard plastic of this ball are even more effective, offering intense pressure in a more targeted way. Your favorite runner could surely put one to good use; invest in a four-pack and keep a few for yourself.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTChafe be gone
This anti-chafe salve comes in an easy-to-use deodorant-style applicator. It stays effective, even on long-distance treks.
Chafing is the bane of both distance runners and people blessed with thick thighs. But a swipe of Squirrel’s Nut Butter Anti-Chafe Salve will protect zones that rub together or blister. Made from beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E, and nothing else, the formula glides on smoothly and travels easily in its deodorant-style applicator. One former staffer said it kept working for runs upwards of 10 miles. (This stick also comes in a half-ounce size for easy reapplication on the go.)
Attractive fitness tracking
This easy-to-use tracker is comfortable to wear all day and provides accurate measurements, without too much clutter on the homescreen.
For the new runner who is interested in closely monitoring their health (or the veteran runner who somehow hasn’t yet purchased one of these), a fitness tracker makes a great gift. Of those we tested, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is simple, small, and precise. When it’s synced through the Fitbit app, a swipe across the home activates a variety of backgrounds that show time, heart rate, step count, and other information. Users can also track other metrics, like distance traveled that day and SpO2 (blood oxygen); a right swipe brings up timers, exercise programs, and other features.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSuperior listening
Waterproof and sweatproof, these earbuds provide good sound, a secure fit, and a helpful hear-through mode. But the touch-based controls have some limits.
Some runners prefer silence, but if your runner likes to keep tempo with ’80s pop songs, Britney Spears deep cuts, or sentimental sob bops, they’ll need a pair of earbuds that withstand sweat while still sounding great. Wirecutter recommends the JBL Reflect Aero TWS. They’re not only waterproof but also comfortable—each pair comes with three sets of stabilizing wings so you can find your perfect fit. And they boast an eight-hour listening time per charge. The noise-cancelling headphones also have a hear-through mode with the JBL app, which users can activate for conversation or increased situational awareness.
Colorful leggings
Versatile and flattering, these leggings offer a structured fit, a substantial feel, and medium compression. They’re also available in a wide variety of sizes (from XXS to 6XL), three lengths, and six colors.
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Price includes shipping, FINAL SALE
For going on runs or just looking like you plan to, leggings are a great sartorial choice. Of Wirecutter’s rigorously researched recommendations, the Compressive High-Rise Legging from Girlfriend Collective is great for a high-intensity workout. The stretchy fabric—made from recycled water bottles—is midweight, cool, and compressive yet not restrictive. The leggings come in sizes from XXS to 6XL, plus non-snoozy colors like plum purple, lake blue, and azalea orange. The small internal pocket can securely store a key or credit card but not a phone (for that, we recommend a running belt).
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA great read (or two, or three)
Neal Bascomb’s book covers the history of breaking the four-minute mile.
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Four-time USA Olympian Meb Keflezighi reflects on insights and lessons from 26 marathons.
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May be out of stock
A literary meditation on the endurance of writing and running by Haruki Murakami.
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There are plenty of great books about running, from every angle of the discipline. I polled members of The New York Times Run Club for their favorites, and these were the overwhelming choices. For your history-inclined runner, The Perfect Mile covers the long effort to break the four-minute mile, a seemingly impossible feat until 1952. The marathoner might enjoy 26 Marathons, which offers insights and lessons from four-time USA Olympian Meb Keflezighi’s 26 marathons. And you can’t go wrong with a literary classic: Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a meditation on the shared endurance of writing and running, both of which are fueled by discipline and suffering.
Marathon drinking
A pint glass etched with your choice of 15 famous marathon routes.
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For avid marathoners, running famed tracks is a point of pride, with each new marathon becoming another small victory. Celebrate your loved one’s milestones with glasses that feature each track and the surrounding blocks and landmarks. You can select from up to 15 popular city routes, including those in Berlin, Tokyo, and New York City. The etched maps look equally great contrasted against a fizzy post-race beer or fruit juice.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENT“Hurts but works”
This deep-tissue massage roller is smaller than most foam rollers but provides the same relief: massaging out tight spots in muscles. It can be used sitting, standing, or lying down.
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Yes, a foam roller can help massage out knots and tight spots in muscles, but rollers are often unwieldy and hard to transport. A smaller, more effective, and easier-to-use option is this torture device, er, muscle roller. The spring-loaded, self-adjusting R8 Deep Tissue Massage Roller also packs more force, and it can be used while you’re sitting, standing, or lying down to isolate muscle points. Just clamp it onto a sore spot with comfortable pressure, and then draw it back and forth. It’s especially satisfying to do this while watching TV, according to Wirecutter’s Chris Heinonen. He summarizes the experience succinctly: “Hurts but works.”
Blister-proof socks
These toe socks minimize skin-on-skin friction, and they feature a heel tab and a band around the midfoot to provide other spots of comfort and support.
The humble sock is usually the last item one thinks about. Yet socks can make a big impact or, at the very least, mean the difference between a comfortable jog and one plagued by slipping, sweating, and blisters. I polled my colleagues for their favorites, and the Run Lightweight No-Show toe socks are stunningly popular. True, toe socks look outlandishly silly, but they’re worth the private humiliation. Since each toe is ensconced in fabric, there’s no chance of skin-on-skin friction. A heel tab protects the backs of the ankles, and a band surrounds the midfoot for steady arch support. The socks are also lightweight and machine washable, and they come in four sizes.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTFoot euphoria
This powered bath provides consistent water heating, pleasant bubbles, and a halfway decent massage. It’s fairly noisy, though.
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Runners have nasty feet—the constant pounding causes calluses, blisters, and general aching and tightness. In short, a good soak is never a bad idea. At Wirecutter, we believe that a bucket is an adequate foot-soaking vessel. But in the spirit of giving, we think the MaxKare Foot Spa Massager is a much more luxurious option. Don’t let that bubble-gum-colored tub fool you: This humble device packs a punch. It provides consistent water heating, soothing bubbles, and a halfway decent massage, thanks to its 14 hardworking mini-rollers.
Race recipes
This cookbook from chef Biju Thomas and sports doctor Allen Lim offers 75 nutritious recipes, along with micro- and macronutrients.
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For the runner who is interested in mixing up their snack routine or wants to skip prepackaged bars and gels, the Feed Zone Portables cookbook offers plenty of tasty, grab-and-go alternatives. Each recipe page includes full-color photos and nutritional info for easy-to-transport bites like rice balls, protein cookies, and mini waffles. Each carefully considered recipe has plenty of options for swaps, in case your recipient is vegan or paleo, plus secure packing suggestions.
We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.
This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.
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Mentioned above
- The best shoes for you are the ones you won’t think about much once you’re on the road. Finding them may involve trial and error. Here’s how to get started.How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for You
- When it comes to running headphones, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. So we have multiple recommendations based on style, features, and price.The Best Headphones for Running
- A good running belt should keep items secure and not cause discomfort. After testing more than 50 different belts, we recommend the Tune Belt SP2.The Best Running Belts
- On cold and windy days, the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest (men’s and women’s) is the vest we choose to stay warm.The Best Insulated Vest
- After testing nine sets of top-rated yoga blocks in all manner of poses, we’ve determined that Manduka Cork Yoga Blocks are the ones to get.After a Mat, These Cork Blocks Are the Yoga Props Worth Investing In
- After putting 46 fitness trackers through their paces—on the move and at rest—we like the reliable, easy-to-use Fitbit Inspire 3.The Best Fitness Trackers
Further reading
Super Shoes Aren’t Just for Olympians. But Do Casual Runners Really Need Them?
by Alexander Aciman
Super shoes are helping professional athletes break records. Here’s what normie runners need to know before trying them—and what our staff testers thought.
Sweat Can Damage Your Tech If You’re Not Careful. Here’s What Our Experts Recommend.
by Rose Maura Lorre
Over time, sweat can do a number on your smartphone, smartwatch, or earbuds. Here’s how to prevent that.
The Best Under-Desk Treadmill
by Kaitlyn Wells
The Goplus 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill is our under-desk treadmill choice because it’s easy to set up and use while working, and it's smooth to walk on.
The Best Double Strollers
by Jenni Gritters and Erica Pearson
A good double stroller is safe, adaptable, and comfortable for both kids and caregivers—and not too much of a slog to push.
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