15 Best Gifts for Runners in 2023
You need a gift for the runner in your life. Does the thought of rushing from store to store bring you out in a sweat? Want to avoid panic buying socks (again)?
Problem solved. We’ve asked around the office and curated a list of the best gifts for runners on the market today. Real runners, letting you know the gifts they’d really like to find under the tree. There’s a range of prices, with running gifts for him or her, whether they run trail or road, short or long.
And the best part is they’re all just a click away. So you can relax knowing you’ve got the ideal running gift in the bag.
What does every runner need?
Good running gear choices can have a huge benefit, improving performance and reducing the risk of injury. We’ve tried to cover all sorts of gifts for runners — from the everyday to the high end.
The basics
Good quality shoes and running clothing make a huge difference — and any runner would love to see them under the tree. With worse weather conditions in winter, it’s a great time to invest in some good wet weather gear.
Fuel
Every runner loves receiving a pack of their favourite running fuel to power their training. Energy gels and chews are perfect in a Christmas stocking — or you could include them in a hamper of running goodies.
Upgrades
The things that solve those little irritations and make running more enjoyable, like purpose-built sunglasses or headphones.
Something fun
Runners like fun too. An inspirational running book, a jazzy pair of socks, or some bright and colourful new gear can all bring much needed motivation on a dark morning run.
The best running gifts
- Nike ZoomX Invincible Flyknit Trainers
- BAM Balance Bamboo Leggings
- FX FFEXS Foam Roller
- Veloforte Mixed Energy Gels / Mixed Energy Chews
- Ronhill Marathon Waist Belt
- Walsh PB Elite Fell Running Shoes
- goodr Running Sunglasses
- Inov8 Ultrashell Jacket
- Veloforte Ultimate Snood
- Freetrain V1 Phone Holder
- parkrun Ultraband Barcode Wristband
- Running in the Midpack Book
- Alpkit Qark Headtorch
- Aftershokz Aeropex Bone Conduction Headphones
- Stance Overload Tab Socks
1. Nike ZoomX Invincible Flyknit
For the long-run legend | From £174.95
Not content with creating record-breaking race day shoes, Nike have pioneered the ZoomX Invincible — a shoe designed to reduce injuries. It’s ideal for weekend long runs, providing plenty of comfort in the midsole along with Nike’s usual light and dynamic feel.
They come in a variety of stylish colourways, naturally. We’re fond of the minimal off-white Flyknit version.
Great gifts for marathon runners to stay fresh-legged and niggle-free. (And they’ll complain less after a long run.)
Men’s and women’s sizes and designs available.
2. BAM Balance Bamboo Leggings
For sustainable strides | £49
‘Tis the season to stay warm out there. These supersoft bamboo leggings from BAM hit all the right notes for comfort, stretch and durability.
They’re also super sustainable. Each pair saves over 500 litres of water. And the innovative Enduro fabric won’t go see-through. They’re great for chilly runs or indoor yoga sessions. (And we wouldn’t judge you for weathering them to the shops either.
BAM have a range of designs, from understated black to bold statement prints. You’ll look and feel awesome.
“Sustainable, good for the environment and super comfortable — you can never have too many pairs of yoga pants or running leggings.” - Meghan, Marketing Manager
Men’s and women’s styles and sizes.
3. FX FFEXS Foam Roller
For rapid recovery | £13.99
This deep tissue foam roller is like a post-run massage for tired legs — in a portable and lightweight design.
The variety of textures on the FFEXS foam roller means you can move from a gentle rubdown to a more intense rolling experience. Perfect for restoring muscles, and avoiding soreness later on. Plus there are loads of colour options to choose from.
“Anything that can reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery is definitely on my list! Plus it’s easy to store, and I love the green camo version.” - Lara, Head Chef
More colours available.
4. Veloforte Mixed Energy Gels / Mixed Energy Chews
For the refined runner | From £6.59
Our energy gels are one of the most efficient ways to take on energy-boosting carbs during a run. These all natural gels come in a variety of great-tasting flavour combinations. They also offer the same hit of carbohydrates as their synthetic counterparts, in a much more compact size.
Veloforte’s all-natural energy chews are soft, squishy and completely delicious. But don’t be fooled, they also deliver a substantial amount of dual-source energy. The Amaro chews give a mellow caffeine lift from guarana, and all three flavours contain pure natural electrolytes to keep muscles feeling fresh.
They’re super easy to digest and a delight to eat. It’s no surprise that they’ve picked up multiple awards and accolades, including Best Buy from the Independent and Men’s Fitness magazine.
4, 12 and 24 packs available.
5. Ronhill Marathon Waist Belt
For minimum-fuss fuelling | From £23
An ideal gift in combination with the energy gels above, this low profile belt from legendary UK brand Ronhill is a great way to keep your gels handy.
The front pouch is big enough to hold your phone and keys if you need to, and the waist strap is adjustable to avoid slipping or bouncing.
Designed for marathons, it has a simple safety-pin-free way to attach your race number. But it’s equally useful as a light, easy way to carry your energy gels on a weekend long run.
Available in two colours.
6. Walsh PB Elite
For the fell running fanatic | £75
This is the original fell-running shoe — and it’s as iconic as the Cumbrian hills. In fact, you’ve probably seen a pair of these dashing past you up a rugged mountainside.
Renowned for unbeatable grip and pleasingly old-school styling, leave a Walsh PB Elite under the tree of any keen fell runner.
They have great credentials too: they’re made in the UK of totally vegan materials.
Range of sizes available.
7. goodr Running Sunglasses
For Strava selfies | From £30
Non-slip polarised sunnies designed especially for runners. The goodr range of glasses offer UV400 protection and keep that pesky winter sun out of your eyes too.
The coated frames are made to reduce bounce and movement, and there are fantastically coloured options, as well as a restrained black-on-black option. They also have completely absurd names ( Squawking on Sunshine, Siren’s Booty Call, Gardening with a Kraken...)
“How can you not love a pair of sunglasses called Swedish Meatball Hangover?” - Jess, Designer
Loads of colour and style options available.
8. Inov8 Ultrashell Jacket
For rainy runs | £120
There are waterproof running jackets, and then there’s the Inov8 Ultrashell. Super lightweight, with fully taped seams and exceptionally high waterproofing.
The jacket is another innovation from Cumbria-based Inov8. It will fulfil the mandatory kit requirements for any trail marathon or ultra marathon. And it only weighs 97 grams!
More colours available, men’s and women’s sizes.
9. Veloforte Snood
For the winter warrior | £9.99
It’s a headband, it’s a scarf, it’s a hat. It’s a supersoft multipurpose snood that makes winter runs a breeze.
Made from soft and stretchy CoolMax Microfibre, it can be worn in any number of styles, with no irritating seams.
A wonderful stocking-stuffer for the runner in your life.
10. Freetrain V1 Phone Holder Vest
For hands-free sessions | £24.99
They call it “the product you didn’t know you need until you have it.” The Freetrain offers a secure spot to store your phone without losing your body’s balance.
It’s constructed of lightweight material and has a load of handy features, like a flip-down display pouch for your phone — so you can check stats and maps, or just skip to the next motivational banger on your playlist.
“A centred phone holder for balanced running and music on the go. (And navigation if I get lost...again).” - Chris, CRM manager
11. parkrun Ultraband Barcode Band
For Saturday superheroes | From £14
If the runner in your life is a parkrun fan, this little wristband is a game changer. No more Saturday morning scrambles to find their barcode. No more missed chip times or crumpled up paper barcodes around the house.
This great stocking stuffer features their personalised parkrun barcode on the outside of its soft-touch rubber, with the option for important medical information and emergency contact details on the inside.
Other designs and colours available.
12. Running in the Midpack, Martin Yelling & Anji Andrews
For runners who love to read | £11.45
One of this 2022’s standout running books, Running in the Midpack is written for the majority of runners, those who find themselves somewhere around the middle of the field.
It’s engagingly written and full of tips and stories that will leave runners of all paces feeling motivated, encouraged and inspired.
13. Alpkit Qark Headtorch
For the nighttime adventurer | £39.99
Equally at home on an ultramarathon or an early morning jog, the Alpkit Quark light provides an impressive 580 lumens. Small, mighty and reliable, it features adjustable brightness, focus and angle with minimal faff.
You can also feel good about buying from UK–based Alpkit, who have achieved B–Corp status for sustainability.
"Nice and bright for dark early morning runs, and the option to use the rechargeable battery or AAAs is great if you keep forgetting to charge your stuff!" - Adam, Copywriter
14. Aftershokz Aeropex Wireless Headphones
For athletic audiophiles | £129.95
Aftershokz most advanced wireless headphones yet. These bone-conduction headphones are a marvel. Super lightweight and stable with excellent battery life and Bluetooth 5.0. Plus a range of great colour options.
They’re beloved by the world’s fastest marathon runner, Eliud Kipchoge. His recommendation for long run motivation? Kelly Clarkson.
Various colours available.
15. Stance Overload Tab Socks
For… every runner! | From £10.99
Yes, we know it’s stocks. But Stance are some of the most comfortable and durable out there.
These no-show tab socks are constructed from Stance’s super comfortable Feel360 technology. They’re durable and designed to reduce discomfort and blisters.
There are loads of styles and designs that will put a smile on your face before you’ve even got out the door.
Men’s and women’s designs and sizes.
What do I get a runner who has everything?
In our experience there are a few things that you can just never have too many of. Energy gels are one example, or running socks. It’s always great to have a spare pair for laundry days, or double-run weekends.
More experienced runners may have different shoes for different runs. So even if it seems like they couldn’t possibly need another pair, it could be worth asking…
And all runners love to celebrate their accomplishments. For the runner who really does have everything, why not frame the medal and race number from a big race? Or customise a mug with their favourite Strava route?
Choosing the perfect running gift
We know that choosing the perfect gift for the runner in your life can seem daunting. We hope that whatever kind of runner they are, you can find the perfect gift from our festive list.
- Tags: Running