10 Gifts for Runners That Aren’t Shoes
All the “other stuff” required to go the distance.
Running might seem like a straightforward, no-frills kind of activity, but once you have a few miles under your belt, it’s easy to see how there’s more equipment required than initially meets the eye. Shoes for different kinds of workouts and apparel for all sorts of weather are the obvious ones, but there’s plenty more in the accessories department: phone carriers, headphones, water bottles, and safety gear, to name a few. It can be tricky to know which of the thousands of gadgets and gear available will be the best option for the runner in your life (whether that’s you and/or someone else). To help, we've compiled a list of top-rated products beloved by those of us who know that sometimes running is about everything but the shoes.
With targeted compression and high-density cushioning for extra protection in high-impact areas, these aren’t your grandpa’s gym socks. Feetures’ no-show tabs act like a special safety guard for runners who want to reduce the risk of injuries like blisters. Engineered with anatomical design to conform to the left and right foot structure, these provide a secure, custom-like fit to support runners every step of the way.
Cold and snow won’t stop a truly dedicated runner—unless it forces them to run in a puffy parka. Instead, have them try on this high-performance, moisture-repelling fleece from Tracksmith. It looks great, keeps runners cozy, and wicks away sweat when the temperatures dip.
For those who like to listen to music or podcasts during their runs, wireless headphones are a must-have for full range of movement. SoundSport Free delivers that along with amazing sound quality. They also pair with a “Find My Buds” app that can help track down their exact location in case they get lost.
The gear doesn’t stop piling up after the the run ends. Using a firm foam roller to recover helps reduce the risk of muscle injury when used pre-run, and relieves that tight, achy feeling caused by lactic acid buildup afterward.
Sometimes, even with stretching and foam-rolling, runners are still sore and achy after a tough run. On those days, they’ll swear by the healing properties of a warm Epsom salt bath. All it takes is adding two scoops of this stuff to a filled tub to feel the muscle pain melt away.
Early morning and postwork runs can be dark times, and we’re not talking about entering the pain cave. For runners who log their miles in darkness, these reflective lights will make them visible to drivers and give their loved ones peace of mind.
Run Fast. Eat Slow.: Nourishing Recipes for Athletes
The legendary marathoner Shalane Flanagan needs no introduction. But here’s one for her beloved cookbook: it contains more than 100 recipes for runners who want to quit the dietary guesswork and just get down to eating. Every dish in here is designed with the specific goal of fueling running performance.
Yes, running on ice is dangerous, but runners gonna run, so instead of pleading for them to stay inside, help them stay safe out there. Yaktrax are specifically designed to fit over running shoes and give added traction on a variety of cold surfaces. For those who prefer an even greater degree of difficulty, these come with a reflective heel and side straps for visibility in low light.
No one likes to run with their hands full. This armband case can hold a variety of smart devices, with a headphone-cord outlet to keep things streamlined and in place. It also has a storage slot for keys.
A waist pack is an easy way to store much-needed hydration during a long run (and much more reliable than strategically stashing fluids in bushes along your route the night before). This system sits low on the waist for stability, keeps drinks cold, and has a storage compartment that’s just the right size for keys, cash, or a snack.
The 6 Best Hydration Packs for Runners
The Best Heart Rate Monitors for Runners
The 7 Best Mizuno Shoes for Training and Racing
The 6 Best New Balance Running Shoes
