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Aug 23, 2023

The 50 Best Gifts for Runners of 2023, According to Our Tests

They’ll think of you during every run. Jump to a Section We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

They’ll think of you during every run.

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We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Shape / Kristin Kempa

Although runners may seem like a picky sort—not giving up until they shave off another second from their mile time, eating the same energy bar before every race—it’s surprisingly simple to come up with some great gifts for runners. As long as we have a fantastic pair of shoes and the right clothes, it’s actually fairly easy to please a runner.

But you can go the extra mile (no pun intended) by leveling up their running game through gifts that increase recovery, provide post-run self-care, and act as replacements for any sub-par gear. For instance, those worn-out running shoes can be traded in for a shiny new pair that will make their runs a lot more comfortable and injury-free.

Whether it’s the holidays, a birthday, or “just because,” runners are sure to adore these 50 gift ideas. These are the best gifts for runners.

Clothing

Shoes

Accessories

Beauty and Skincare for Runners

Recovery and Cross-Training

AE

Let’s say that you’re a runner who just isn’t into spandex tights. For you, or your gift recipient, we’ll recommend these easy-to-wear flares from Aerie. We named them the Most Stylish flare leggings, with their high level of comfort, flexibility, and not too much compression. They definitely work for post-run couch potato sessions, too.

Read our full review: The 10 Best Flare Leggings for Any and Every Occasion, Tested and Reviewed

Price at time of publish: $55

Tracksmith

Beloved for its throwback details, Tracksmith has done it again, and this time, through a fleece pullover that’s a staple for any runner. Available in gold or taupe, it’s sure to keep any runner warm on chilly days.

Price at time of publish: $148

lululemon

In 10 colors with a high-rise waistband that won’t fall down during runs, these Lululemon tights are a favorite for good reason. Specifically streamlined for running, the leggings also carry convenient features like reflective detailing, and they’ve left out the inseam, which can help runners have a smoother ride. With the side drop-in pockets and zippered back pocket, it’s no wonder that we named these the best Lululemon tights with pockets.

Read our full review: The 15 Best Lululemon Leggings of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Price at time of publish: $128

Cotopaxi

In hip color combos, this Cotopaxi windbreaker is sure to be a fashionable addition to a runner’s wardrobe. It’s ideal for those chilly-and-drizzly days when a runner gets out no matter what. Plus it’s packable, making it a perfect gift for the traveling runner who’s always on the go.

Price at time of publish: $80

Brooks Running

This shirt was made for anyone who has an equal love for dogs and running. Gift some adorableness with a lightweight, cotton-blend tank that showcases dogs’ running styles, from “The Perfect Athlete” to “The Squirrel Fiend.”

Price at time of publish: $32

Amazon

For the runner who wants to show off some major speed along with top-notch style: a pair of color-blocked shorts in trendy hues. They’re also sure to provide tons of comfort with their stretchability and breathable polyester fabric.

Price at time of publish: $22

Amazon

A dress? For running? Yup! We swear by this workout dress from Sweaty Betty, detailing in our review that it’s the best for running since it wicks away moisture, and since it’s incredibly stretchy, the dress will move with you mile after mile. It’s also airy and comfortable.

Read our full review: The Best Exercise Dresses for Everything from Running to Outdoor Workouts

Price at time of publish: $67

REI

To promote blood flow and prevent injuries, like those darn shin splints, many veteran runners swear by compression socks. This pair will have you fully covered since they go all the way up to the knee, and they offer superior cushioning that can increase recovery after a run.

Price at time of publish: $60

Amazon

If you’re wondering if your gift recipient already has it all when it comes to running, keep this in mind: runners can never get enough tank tops. Perfect for cooling off during the summer and layering in the chilly months, this five-pack of tanks comes in a variety of sizes and is rendered in quick-dry fabric.

Price at time of publish: $32

Lululemon

Compression can go beyond socks and be harnessed through a pair of tights that cover the legs. Not only do these aid in injury prevention, as we state in our review, but these tights also provide ample support and are breathable at the same time. “These were a life-saver during my marathon training, and I’d definitely gift them to anyone training for a half or full marathon this year,” says Geil.

Read our full review: The Best Compression Leggings of 2023

Price at time of publish: $168

REI

Even though for most runners, winter isn’t exactly our favorite month, it can be made more bearable with the right gear. Take, for example, this stylish yet functional vest from The North Face. It’s ideal for cold temperatures because it’s wind-resistant, and it can stash an extra pair of gloves or hand warmers within its many pockets.

Price at time of publish: $150

Amazon

Who says that running is a sport that’s totally devoid of humor? For a running ensemble that will make anyone grin, gift this sugary-sweet, doughnut-detailed shorts. They even have pockets for a phone and keys.

Price at time of publish: $18

Amazon

If you’ve swapped out your run for lifting at the gym, these are fantastic shorts—in fact, we’ve named them the best shorts for strength training. Made up of featherweight Spandex fabric and Dri-FIT that will wick away the sweatiest of sweat, they’re a wee bit short on fabric, but they’re sure to feel breezy when your workout heats up.

Read our full review: The 10 Best Women’s Workout Shorts, According to Our Editors

Price at time of publish: $30

REI

As one of our top winners of The Shape 2023 Sneaker Awards, it makes perfect sense to gift these best-selling Hoka shoes to the runner in your life. And they’re particularly perfect if the runner also suffers from plantar fasciitis, too. We determined that through their plush cushioning and supportive midsoles, that nagging heel pain just might be a thing of the past. “There’s no such thing as a Cinderella running shoe that fits every runner’s particular preferences and needs, but the Bondi comes close,” says Kristen Geil, Shape senior commerce editor. “The marshmallow-like foam is perfection.”

Read our full review: The Shape 2023 Sneaker Awards

Price at time of publish: $165

Oiselle

Recovery sandals can be a lifesaver for runners, slipping them on to ease foot pain and, like the name suggests, promote faster recovery. This pair from Oiselle is not only helpful for post-run aches and pains, with its massaging footbed and soft foam that will feel like walking on little clouds—they’re also incredibly cute.

Price at time of publish: $48

Nike

Maybe your partner or bestie prefers logging miles on the trails instead of pavement. In this case, you can gift this pair of Nike trail runners, named “Best Waterproof” in our list of The Best Trail Running Shoes for All Your Outdoor Miles. Nothing stops runners, including the splashiest of puddles, and the waterproof GORE-TEX material in these shoes will definitely wick away any water.

Read our full review: The Best Trail Running Shoes for All Your Outdoor Miles

Price at time of publish: $160

Amazon

As a runner-up in our 2023 Sneaker Awards, these kicks from Adidas make for a fab gift. Soft, well-cushioned, and ideal if you prefer bonus padding around the ankles, we also like the cool colorways to choose from, like the fluorescent leopard version.

Read our full review: The Shape 2023 Sneaker Awards

Price at time of publish: $171

Nordstrom

Runners’ feet deserve lots of extra pampering after a tough run, and a soft, squishy pair of slippers can often do the trick. Consider this pair from Nike, which we reviewed as having the best fleece lining. Sporty yet comfy, the fleece will feel particularly great after a chilly run, and there’s even a bonus zippered pocket on top that can hold small items, like a lip balm or your keys if you’re walking the dog.

Read our full review: The Best Slippers and House Shoes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Price at time of publish: $60

Amazon

Does your gift recipient prefer runs with a side of GPS tracking? Then look to the smartwatch we named the best for GPS tracking, the Polar Vantage V2. It’s especially perfect for those runners who like to explore remote trails and paths, with GPS that won’t lead them astray. Another cool feature? The watch will buzz when it’s time to make a turn.

Read our full review: The Best Fitness Trackers of 2023, Tested By Shape

Price at time of publish: $500

Knockaround

The Knockaround brand proves that you don’t have to spend a ton of money on a quality pair of running sunglasses, like these snazzy sunnies. In shades of blue and green, the sunglasses are polarized, rubberized so they won’t shift mid-run, and feature UV protection to boot.

Price at time of publish: $38

Cotopaxi

When the temps drop, runners still get out there and get that workout done. You can feel top-to-bottom warm while running with the help of a great pair of gloves, like this colorful pair from Cotopaxi that’s oh-so-cozy in fleece.

Price at time of publish: $30

Amazon

runner belt that we named the best running phone holder for dog owners. It allows runners to go hands-free with their leashed pup, and as a bonus, it has tons of storage space for things like a phone, keys, poop bags, and of course, doggie treats.

Read our full review: The 7 Best Running Phone Holders for Every Type of Runner

Price at time of publish: $40

Amazon

In this day and age, there’s no reason that a runner can’t go hands-free when running, and this slick product is just the thing for that. Instead of stuffing a phone into a pocket or wearing an armband, this magnetic pouch attaches to the waistband of your shorts or leggings. It also has another pocket where you can stash keys and energy gels.

Price at time of publish: $22

Lululemon

Appearing in pink, black, fluorescent yellow, or always-cool camo, this running belt from Lululemon is just what the runner with “stuff” needs. Perhaps your recipient can’t get out the door without trusty items like their keys, phone, energy bar, lip balm, and sunscreen. This roomy running belt will be able to hold all those items and more.

Price at time of publish: $38

REI

You want your loved one to be super visible on their nighttime runs, right? That’s where this handy running vest from Amphipod comes in. With its adjustable shoulder and waist straps that provide all-the-way-around reflective coverage, you can rest easy knowing they’re out there running safe.

Price at time of publish: $35

Amazon

This running hat is a triple threat. It’ll keep your head warm, it accommodates a ponytail, and it’ll even keep your ears nice and toasty during your coldest workouts. It also has reflective details so you can work it during evening runs.

Price at time of publish: $20

Amazon

We named this the Best Running Watch, and for good reason. If your running best friend or partner could benefit from a shiny, new Garmin, consider this one, with its ability to track all kinds of metrics, from mileage to cadence to pace. And it also stores and streams music, making it the Swiss Army Knife of running tech.

Read our full review: Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023: Best Wearable Tech

Price at time of publish: $230

Nike

We runners tend to lose headbands a lot, forgetting them at the gym or taking them off and leaving them somewhere after a run, so it makes sense to gift a six-pack of handy headbands. They also come in several eye-catching colors.

Price at time of publish: $18

Shokz

Our pick for best running headphones? These headphones from Shokz. Not only are they comfortable, but they also utilize open-ear bone conduction technology, meaning they sit outside your ears so that you’re able to hear any background noise around you, making your run a whole lot safer.

Read our full review: Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023: Best Wearable Tech

Price at time of publish: $180

Bryan Anthonys

necklace to the runner in your life. During every run, the lightning pendant will remind them that they’re strong and amazing, not to mention stylish.

Price at time of publish: $44

Amazon

Headlamps aren’t just for spelunkers exploring caves! They’re also quite handy for runners who tackle nighttime runs, making it easy to see what’s in front of them and keeping them safe. It also makes for a great gift right before fall Daylight Saving Time.

Price at time of publish: $55

Patagonia

A beanie makes for an excellent running hat in cold weather. It’s lightweight, yet warm, and doesn’t have any fussy details that can get in the way of the run. We named this one from Patagonia the best beanie because it’s soft, stays in place, and dries quickly.

Read our full review: The 10 Best Running Hats, Tested By Shape

Price at time of publish: $45

Athleta

Most runners need to keep multiple hairbands and scrunchies on hand to pull their hair back before a run, and these scrunchies from Athleta are highly giftable. Showing off on-trend colors, the stretchiness and soft feel will keep those tresses away from your face and super smooth after you take the scrunchie out.

Price at time of publish: $14

Beauty Pie

If you’re a runner, you know that painful legs and aching feet can often come with the territory. You can give your lower half a pampering, refreshing treatment with the help of this leg and foot scrub. It’ll reinvigorate your legs and tootsies, and as we point out in our list of best foot care products, the scrub does away with those calluses that are all too unavoidable for runners.

Read our full review: The 10 Best Foot Care Products for Soreness, Cracked Heels, and Dry Skin

Price at time of publish: $75

Lush

Another foot care product that’s ideal for runners? Lush’s Volcano Foot Mask. Not only will it feel good, but it also helps eliminate foot odors that are a fact of life for all runners, thanks to its all-natural ingredients like kaolin and papaya.

Read our full review: The 10 Best Foot Care Products for Soreness, Cracked Heels, and Dry Skin

Price at time of publish: $16

Ulta

As a trainer favorite, this post-workout dry shampoo mist can also be a godsend to runners. Since your hair will inevitably get sweaty while logging those miles, you can spritz this on afterward to save your blowout and keep those strands styled. It’ll soak up that pesky oil without leaving a film behind.

Read our full review: The Beauty Products Trainers Swear By to Look Radiant — No Matter How Much They Sweat

Price at time of publish: $33

Nordstrom

Time and time again, Vacation brand sunscreen tops the list for the best UV protection out there. Not only does it stick and is very high-quality, something that we detail in our review of it as the Best Body Sunscreen, but it also smells divine. Think: a tropical getaway complete a coconut drink in your hand. Plus, since it’s water-resistant, it’ll stay on all through a run.

Read our full review: The 8 Best Sun Protection Products to Add to Your Stash

Price at time of publish: $19

Supergoop!

Sunscreen is a requirement during a run, and you can have your bases covered with this three-piece Supergoop! set. Get covered from head-to-toe with the SPF 50 Everyday Lotion, and then there are two bottles of the spray sunscreen as well. Since it’s water and sweat-resistant, it’ll stick on all through the run.

Price at time of publish: $76

Coola

Perhaps the person you’re giving a gift to doesn’t dig anything that’s scented. For them, we’ll spotlight a sunscreen that we’ve named the Best Fragrance Free sunscreen for the face. This sunscreen from Coola is water-resistant, making it ideal for runs, and its moisturizing formula is totally scent-free.

Read our full review: The 15 Best Face Sunscreens of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Price at time of publish: $32

Target

Top off your sunscreened bod that’s ready for a run with a swipe of SPF lip balm. This one from Sun Bum is SPF 30 and offers optimal sun protection for your kisser along with ingredients your lips will love, like shea butter and vitamin E.

Price at time of publish: $4

Amazon

We named these dumbbells from Bowflex the best adjustable weights of 2023, making them a gift that will keep your partner or BFF in peak shape for running. Going from five to 52 pounds, this set acts as five dumbbells in one, which means they won’t require tons of storage space. With all that weight training, any runner can improve their performance. “I would have hesitated to buy these for myself since they’re a bit of an investment — but that’s what makes them a perfect gift,” adds Geil. “And now that I have them, I use them several times a week.”

Read our full review: Shape Declared This Dumbbell Set the Best Adjustable Weights of 2023 — and It’s $200 Off Right Now

Price at time of publish: $379

Amazon

Ouch! Post-run sore muscles are no joke. If your gift recipient tends to deal with plenty of aches and pains after running, give them this helpful roller massage stick. It aids in myofascial release and gets the knots out of those tense muscles, getting them limber and ready for the next run.

Price at time of publish: $13

Amazon

Most every runner has their own form of self-care that they turn to after running, but we’re partial to using this muscle recovery soak that’s sure to unwind tight muscles. Scented with soothing lavender and filled with dead sea salt, the magnesium flakes will also lend themselves to quick muscle recovery.

Price at time of publish: $10

Amazon

Looking for a big-ticket gift to give to a runner? The search is over with this treadmill, which we named the best compact treadmill for running. It has a generous speed and incline range, making for a super-customizable workout, and it can even stream iFit classes to add some interest to any run.

Read our full review: The 7 Best Compact Treadmills for Exercising in Small Spaces

Price at time of publish: $1,400

Amazon

As the crème de la crème of massage guns, Therabody’s latest version of the Theragun is highly giftable and perfect for runners’ aching muscles. Running quietly with built-in routines, this percussion massage gun is a surefire way to finally release those knots once and for all. It’s our “Best for Athletes” Theragun massage gun for a reason.

Read our full review: The 5 Best Theragun Massage Guns, Tested and Reviewed

Price at time of publish: $600

Free People

Bala, the company that’s well-known for their popular Bala Bangles, has now come out with a foam roller that’s equal parts functional and sleek. Rehab from a run with the help of a roller that will work out the kinks, then display it so it can double as decor.

Price at time of publish: $49

Amazon

Our pick for the best protein powder around? This chocolatey one from NAKED nutrition, which can help in runners’ recovery and overall performance. Sourced from grass-fed cows, it doesn’t have that unfortunate chalky aftertaste, and actually, it tastes surprisingly like chocolate milk. Gift 60 servings of the stuff so your recipient will be really stocked up.

Read our full review: The 10 Best Protein Powders for Every Health Goal, Tested and Reviewed

Price at time of publish: $90

Amazon

Runners strive to be in tip-top shape so they can achieve those PRs and log extra miles, which is why nutrition is key. For an easy way to get the nutrition a runner needs, look to this green superfood blend that makes for a tasty morning smoothie. As we note in our review, it’s “mildly sweet,” so no bitter aftertaste here.

Read our full review: The 9 Best Greens Powders of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

Price at time of publish: $23

Amazon

It’s important for runners to cross-train in between training days, and this can be achieved through a yoga class or by doing some light, active stretching. A yoga mat is the piece of equipment you need for this, like this one from Gaiam that we say has the best grip you can find.

Read our full review: The 8 Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Price at time of publish: $29

Amazon

A runner is always prepping for their next run, even when they’re running out the door to go to work or pick up the kids. To fuel up ahead of the workout or to get in that A.M. nutrition, you can gift our “Best Overall” shaker bottle, with a weighted ball inside that breaks up clumps with ease and a capacity that can fit the biggest of smoothies.

Read our full review: The 8 Best Shaker Bottles of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Price at time of publish: $12

Shelby Deering is a freelance health and lifestyle writer who has been working full-time as a freelance writer for nearly a decade. After earning her master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she worked as a magazine editor for nearly seven years. Since then, she has written on health topics widely ranging from spinal conditions to running advice to mental health disorders, contributing to print outlets and websites including USA Today, Prevention, Runner’s World, Healthline, Good Housekeeping, HealthCentral, and more. As a lifelong runner, she knew exactly what she'd love to receive as a running-related gift. She also dove into our testing and insights to include editor-approved running gifts.