27 Best Gifts for Runners, According to Experts

No matter the distance, it’s important to always keep your eyes protected. “These sunglasses stay put and don’t fog up,” New York–based runner Amanda Kernaham tells SELF. Plus their ever-changing selection gives you plenty of fun options to choose from.

A foam roller is an essential recovery tool for any runner, as it can help ease muscle soreness and prepare your body for a workout. This one is a SELF Home Fitness Award–Winner because it’s durable, strong, and features small spikes that can really dig into those often-tight spots for runners (think IT bands, glutes, and calves).

“When running at night, there’s nothing more important than staying safe and visible while getting those miles in,” Lauren Ross, a runner based in Portland, Oregon, tells SELF. These spurs hook onto the back of any shoe, light up in multiple fun colors, and Ross says they’re so comfortable, you’ll forget they’re even there.

A smaller, more portable version of the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs, this compression massager is a great way to relieve soreness and work out muscle kinks. “It just feels incredible,” Emily Higgins, a runner from Charlotte, North Carolina, tells SELF. “I personally keep it under my desk and use it while I work or after a hard run.”

Sometimes a long run can just rub you the wrong way—literally. “I consider chafing cream an excellent gift,” Cara Murchie, a Utah-based runner and writer, tells SELF. “A single application of Body Glide protects your skin and prevents chafing and unwanted soreness all day long.”

Layering pieces are ideal for cool-weather running. This SELF Activewear Award–winning running jacket keeps runners dry and warm without weighing them down.

A running watch is a great tool to help your giftee track their pace and record workouts—and the Garmin Forerunner is a standout choice. “I love that you can program speed workouts via the Garmin Connect app, and then send them to your phone so that you don’t have to memorize intervals,” Colorado-based runner Erika Barnes tells SELF. “Another favorite feature is the race predictor, which gives me a snapshot of my marathon training progress relative to my goals.”

“Swiftwick socks are a great moisture-wicking option if you live in a hot and humid climate, as I do in Houston,” says Barnes. “They are a bit pricier than most running socks, but their durability makes them well worth it.”

Throwing on these recovery sandals after a long run feels like a sigh of relief—the plush foam absorbs impact and cradles your foot like a comforting pillow. “Trust me, your feet will feel immediately better in these cushiony sandals, especially if they’re swollen and blistered up after a hard run,” says Barnes

Pockets are a major bonus for long-distance runners—and the ones in these Lululemon leggings are even big enough to comfortably store an iPhone XR (with a case) and nutrition for long runs. Janissa Delzo, a runner in Putney, Vermont, has been wearing these leggings for years and swears by their supportive, high-waisted design.

Small handheld water bottles can help keep your loved one hydrated on the go. Sara Giles, a runner in Naples, Florida, loves this water bottle because it has a nice adjustable hand strap, a leak-proof top, and a pocket to hold your essentials (phone, keys, gels, or a credit card).

“I’m always on the hunt for a pair of running shorts that are breezy and comfortable, don’t ride up, have a non-binding waistband, and, especially, have pockets bigger than a thumbnail,” Vallee Ross, a runner in Houston, Texas tells SELF. These shorts check every box. They also have reflective detailing to help you stay safely visible in the dark.

Tinne Teugels, a runner in New York City, recommends gifting your loved one a way to show off their achievements—like this clever hanger, which displays their collection of medals and bibs, all in one place.

​​For runners with a need for speed (maybe they have a big race coming up or are simply chasing a mile PR?), the On Cloudbloom Echo 3 sneakers make for a great gift. “When you’re picking up the pace, these shoes are amazing—they really become an extension of your foot, and the turnover with each step feels so natural,” SELF Fitness Director Christa Sgobba wrote in her review of the shoe.

“I moved to Minneapolis from Manhattan, and it can get super icy here, especially if you run along the Mississippi,” runner Malia Fray tells SELF. “These lightweight spikes don’t change the feel of your stride at all, and prevent you from falling in icy, snowy conditions.”

It can be hard to find cold-weather running gear that isn’t too thick or bulky. “This thin top fits true to size, is super lightweight, and does a great job at wicking sweat while not leaving me overheating or getting cold on those crisp runs,” says Barnes.

“I’m always losing dark-colored gloves, but these bright-colored ones are hard to [misplace],” Tonya Russell, a runner in Woodbury, New Jersey, tells SELF. “I love that they’re light yet warm since my hands are the sweatiest part of me when I finally warm up on a run.”

These compression shorts come in a wide variety of colors, and can hold all the essentials without riding up or pulling down. “I wore them for the Chicago Marathon [and was able to carry] my cell phone, five gels, and salt tablets with no problems,” Gaby Ramirez, a runner in Houston, tells SELF.

“Running with a hydration pack has been a game changer for my marathon training,” Maria Solis Belizaire, a runner in New York City and founder of Latinos Run, tells SELF. “[This pack] holds my phone, water, and keys easily, and is so comfortable I forget I’m even wearing it on my long runs.”

There are a lot of marathon training guides out there, but Barnes says this one is a standout. “Whether you’re training for your first marathon, or you want to zero in on the tweaks necessary to rock your next one, this book is a must-read that’s packed with solid expert advice,” she says.

Nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky and Olympic long-distance runner Shalane Flanagan created this cookbook specifically for runners. “[I love that] it promotes cooking styles that support sleep, wellness, good moods, recovery, and productivity—significant factors in a runner’s life,” Mississippi-based runner Nataly Komova, tells SELF.

Every runner can benefit from a subscription to Strava. A membership allows your giftee to track heart rate data, fitness, and performance over time. My personal favorite feature is the ability to discover and create running routes—this has especially come in handy when traveling to a new place.

This SELF Sneaker Award–winning shoe is perfect for the runner in your life who loves to log their miles off-road and on the trails. According to Hannah Singleton, a Salt Lake City–based runner and freelance writer for SELF, these trail runners “are soft but responsive, supportive but not too bulky, and—most importantly—cushioned but still stable.”

I’m obsessed with this bag. It holds everything I need during a run, it’s extremely comfortable, and it doesn’t bounce around when I move. If the runner in your life prefers to keep their hands free while they log miles, then they’ll love this slim but spacious sling bag.

This cozy fleece-lined headband will protect your loved ones’ ears once the temperatures drop. Its reflective details will help them stay visible in the darker months and its ponytail opening will comfortably keep hair out of their face.