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We picked 30+ different gifts for runners that we love ourselves
Everything from outerwear to accessories to packs and more
Some items feature steep discounts during holiday sales
For runners, Christmas means crisp morning runs (hopefully), a break from marathon season (not really), and a chance to ask for that most-wanted run gear (definitely). Because, let’s be honest– it’s hard to justify buying another piece of running gear when we have four carbon-plated shoes sitting in the holster by the door, just in case.
But when it comes to others giving gifts, well… ask away. We put together a list of some of our favorite gear from the past year(s), which we would love to get again and again if we didn’t already have it. Is this an end of the year, Best In Gear awards? Not yet, but it’s kind of a precursor.
I’m not gonna lie, we put a ton of thought and effort into this list and have thoroughly used almost every item on here (just an FYI, most gift guides out there are a collection of product pitches with no actual testing from the interns putting the lists together). So yeah, we want you to enjoy what we’ve been able to enjoy. Hopefully this helps and you’re able to give or get something that will last you for years to come.
Most of these items have some sort of discount going on for the week of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so take advantage while you can.
Thanks for being a part of our journey, happy holidays to you and your family. Now get to buyin’.
Better Than Naked
No joke, we may have found the short to finally replace the hole that The North Face Better Than Naked left in our hearts. The ultralight Coolcore fabric feels like it’s not there and the length is just perfect. It may be the best short in recent memory.
Get Fleeced
Everyone loves a good fleece, which is why this Janji half zip is the perfect gift for any runner who likes to stay cozy on a cold winter day. Featuring a hand-warmer kangaroo pocket, zip chest pocket, center back zip pocket, and a soft microfleece body.
Down Over
This down jacket from our favorite quiet fashion running brand features duck down fill in a pullover anorak design. You will not get cold in this, trust us.
Trust Belt
Our favorite belts for everyday wear, Arcade just upped their backcountry status with this Recco belt, which will help rescuers locate you if you’re ever caught in an avalanche or straight-up lost.
Recovery Clog
Recovery is key and the Revive AC allows for doing it in any condition thanks to its natural rubber outsole with a 2 mm tread depth. Also, they’re waterproof with a sewn-in thermal cuff to lock in warmth and lock out elements.
Crew Cut
A brand that’s trying to bring prep to performance with its J. Crew vibes, the Ellis tee takes a bold approach to color and stripes for something that can be worn both on and off the run.
Hygge Hoodie
If you’re looking for total ensconcement of comfort, then this hoodie is the one for you. Cozy and oversized and max relax, it’s probably the most comfortable hoodie we own.
Rip Step
It may not be running gear, but these cargo pants have quickly become some of our favorite wear here at the office. The ripstop material is super comfortable, stylish, and different. An adjustable bottom hem cord allows for custom fit and the cargo pockets are great for stashing stuff.
Dress like a Ninja
Every dude needs at least one pair of underwear without holes in it. These merino briefs are incredibly comfortable, naturally odor resistant, and will make you think that maybe wearing them a few days in a row isn’t such a bad idea.
Compression
A great compression legging is like a best friend, which means that these merino wool leggings are like a lifelong companion. Naturally odor-resistant and supremely comfortable, these will be with you wherever you go in the winter months.
Flip Glove
Pretty much the only gloves that some of us wear for the entire winter running season. The convertible mitten is unbeatable for blocking wind and adding an extra layer of protection. The soft brushed merino is just the right amount of warmth while regulating temps. It’s pretty much the best of all worlds.
Head Heat
The absolute warmest beanie that money can buy, this 100% merino cap is what we wear when the temperatures dip to near zero. That’s for running, but for general wear, this will keep you more than warm for the entire winter.
Stay Shiesty
When it gets cold, you want full face protection with the option to pull the hood off when warm. The Torrent™ brushed microfleece is soft and comfortable but incredibly resistant to cold, making this a go-to piece in the dark winter months.
Daily Dose
Low-profile, touchscreen-compatible gloves built of warm, wicking R1 Daily stretch fabric, these are nice for more temperate temperatures, or as a liner for mittens.
Extra Gloves This Whole Time
Do we always recommend this mitten? Yes, but that’s because it’s the best mitten that money can buy, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. These will keep your hands toasty down to any temperature, so much so that you may want to invest in a drying rack.
Major Win
Quite possibly the coolest gift on this list, Tracksmith has released its iconic major marathon poster for all events going back to 2018. Even better– they’ll hand stamp your time for the race you ran, making this an incredible personalized gift for any runner.
Rest Easy
If you’re traveling for a race (or anywhere), then you know how important it is to stay rested. This inflatable travel pillow packs down into a case that fits into the palm of your hand, but inflates in seconds. Fine tune your comfort with a release valve that can slowly deflate the pillow to your liking.
Simple Science
I just tested this watch over 50 miles and it was flawless in its performance, giving me all my stats with the turn of a wrist. Now with an even more improved AMOLED screen and voice pin capabilities, this is still the best value in wearables.
Chafe Free
Stop chafing before it starts. I slathered this stuff on my body and on my feet before the JFK 50 Mile. Ten hours later? Not a single blister. Not a single chafing spot. If that doesn’t convince you, I’m not sure what else will.
Water World
For years, this has been our go-to handheld bottle during the summer months and for marathon racing. Trust us, we’ve tried all the others (including all of Nathan’s), and this still remains the best one on the market for its comfort and ease-of-use. Just buy it, you won’t regret it.
Stank-Be-Gone
This two-for-one package includes a waterproofing spray to re-up the DWR coating on your jackets, plus another to help remove that summer stink from your shoes.
Inhale Exhale
If you have trouble breathing out your nose (which can impair sleep or performance), then give these a shot. It’s shocking how much it opens up the airways, providing for better rest and general comfort.
Bike Right
When we’re not running, we’re doing other things to stay active, like bike commuting. This handlebar bag is one of my favorite things ever, with a magnetic closure and just enough space to hold essential items so they don’t fall out of your pocket (phone, keys, jacket, etc.). It’s waterproof and converts to a sling bag so you can take all your stuff once you arrive.
Ultralight
Ultralight fastpacking is having a moment, so whether you’re into that or just want a solid daypack for all your adventures, check out the Grit 28 fastpack. The features are too many to list, but let’s just say they thought of every angle when it comes to utility and performance.
Organize Your Life
We use this tote in more ways than we can count. Thanks to its easy access and infinite organization options, it’s the perfect drop bag. Going out on a trail run? Throw all your gear in and access it right away. Hell, fill it up with ice and use it as a cooler. It’s fully waterproof, partially flexible, extremely rugged. It’s the Yeti of totes and you probably need it more than you think.
Rock Out
We use the Fender x Teufel for our run club and office parties and the Rockster Go 2 is basically the smaller version of that. This things is dustproof and waterproof and features German-engineered audio for a deep stereo sound. Great for post-run hangouts.
Swifties Unite
Our go-to socks for any athletic endeavor, from the New York City Marathon to the JFK 50 Mile (no blisters, no big deal). Unbeatable comfort and performance.
Better Balance
By far my favorite everyday sock, this NB Dry cotton/poly blend provides a ton of comfort and just a touch of performance. A steal at this price (and $14 when they’re on sale).
Piggies in the Pasture
These Merino socks are made in the USA with a 100% American supply chain, from farm to feet, as you can imagine. A satisfaction guarantee is just an added bonus.
Eat Your Food Tina
Make from Alpaca wool, these socks are incredibly warm and comfortable. So much so, that it’s pretty much the only sock I’ll wear all winter when not on the run. Hard to describe how good these are, which means they’re the perfect Christmas gift.
On Your Marks
When it comes to optimal performance on race day, it’s hard to beat Near Earth, socks that are engineered for your fastest endeavors. Designed in Germany and manufactured by some of Europe’s best garment makers, these socks are second to none.
The sun burns bright even when it’s cold, so you know we have to keep a fresh rotation of shades coming. From the cheap to the premium, there’s no shortage of ways to protect your eyes from the winter winds (or just the sun).
Avant Eye Guards
When it comes to no-nonsense shades that don’t break the bank, it’s hard to beat Goodr. The Avant G is a new style that keeps you fashion forward with a retro frame that’s hard to beat.
Retro Revival
A ‘90s classic returns with the Smith Sliders, featuring a retro wraparound shape with multiple lens options that– get this– slide right into the frame. The Chromapop lenses offer a stunning visual and the non-slip nosepads mean they stay put mile after mile (like when we ran the New York City Marathon in a pair).
No Arms
One of our favorite sunglasses over the past few years, these armless wonders transition from running to cycling to swimming to lifestyle. Worn for marathons and 50Ks with no bounce and total comfort.
Austin City
Assembled in Austin, Texas, Roka has been our go-to Rx eyewear for years. They’ve dropped a few new styles of sunglasses over the past year and the Alta Fusion may be our favorite. Weighing only 18 grams and featuring GEKO nose grips, these things are perfect for any occasion.
Three Stripes
It’s hard to find a sleek shield style set of eyewear at a decent price point, but these sunglasses used to be $130, now they’re $35. Get them while they’re still around.
Surveil Your State
The future is here and it’s surprisingly clear. Thomas has been rocking these over the past few months, documenting everything from the New York City Marathon to everyday runs. The photos and videos are quite nice, as is the in-ear translations and music playback.
Impress your family by showing them you know how to read.
Running Wisdom
One of the best people in the running space, Floris shares his years of insight and wisdom that’s come from building a business (Path Projects) while interviewing top-tier athletes like Kilian Jornet, Courtney Dauwalter, and Eliud Kipchoge for The Extramilest podcast. This is a gold mine for any runner.
Life and Times
As CEO of The Atlantic and one of the fastest runners in the world in his age group, Nick Thompson has a wealth of insights into life and all its many facets. In this book, he dives into his relationship with his father, his experience with running, and how it all translates to living life.
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Robbe is the senior editor of Believe in the Run. He loves going on weird routes through Baltimore, finding trash on the ground, and running with the Faster Bastards. At home in the city, but country at heart. Loves his two boys more than anything. Has the weakest ankles in the game.
More from Robbe
Ryan is kind of like Robbe’s Igor behind the scenes. He helps to compile and clean up everyone’s reviews, and finds time to get in a few miles of his own. When he’s not running or editing, Ryan writes and reviews for Android Authority, spending time with the latest tech and complaining when things don’t work quite right. If he’s not doing any of that, maybe you’ll find him nose-deep in a crossword puzzle or trying to catch up on an endless backlog of shows to stream.
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As the founder of Believe in the Run, Thomas’s goal is to help runners pick the shoes and gear that will make their running experience the best that it can be.
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Meaghan signed up for her first marathon three weeks before the race, because it was $10 more than the half she planned to run. She learned everything in running the hard way. Now a USATF & UESCA certified run coach, she loves encouraging friends to go for big goals as she continues to chase faster times. She enjoys a hot cup of coffee, a cold martini, and making bagels for friends and family.
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