Best Gifts For Runners 2023

Sydney Kaiser

*TreadmillReviewGuru helps consumers find the best home fitness products. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

Last Updated: January 13, 2023

Struggling to find the perfect gift for the runner in your life? We’re here to help! Running might seem like it requires little to no equipment, but there is plenty of gear that makes ideal gifts for any runner would appreciate. From treadmills to running shoes, and even protein powder and socks, we’ve created this list of best gifts for runners with various budgets in mind. Check out our top recommendations as well as other gift ideas and our runner gift guide below.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team consists of fitness instructors and professionals who spend a lot of time running on treadmills and using various products. Our reviewers have run races and have experience using the products below. You can trust that we’re recommending equipment and products that any runner will find beneficial because we’ve used them ourselves.

Our Picks For The Best Gifts For Runners Of 2023

• Best Treadmill For Runners: NordicTrack 2450
• Best Manual Treadmill For Runners: AssaultRunner Elite
• Best Treadmill For Heavy Runners: Sole F85
• Best Massage Gun For Runners: Theragun Pro
• Best Portable Massage Gun: Theragun Mini
• Best Leg Compression Machine: Hyperice Normatec 3
• Best Adjustable Dumbbells: Powerblock Pro Series
• Best Weighted Running Vest: Aduro Sport Weighted Vest
• Best Running Belt: Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch Belt
• Best Running Shoes: Brooks Ghost 14
• Best Trail Running Shoes: Hoka Speedgoat 5
• Best Fitness Tracker: Garmin Fenix 6x Sapphire
• Best Energy Gel: Gu Energy Gel 24 Pack
• Best Protein Powder For Runners: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
• Check Out Other Gift Ideas We Recommend

Sneak Peek of the Best Treadmills:

 

Best Gifts For Runners

Check out our best gifts for runners.

1. Best Treadmill For Runners: NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill

We are Treadmill Review Guru so, of course, we’re going to recommend a treadmill (or a few). Maybe the runner in your life lives in a cold-weather climate and needs to train indoors. Maybe this is also a gift for you. Whatever the reason for needing a treadmill, this is our top recommendation.

You can find the NordicTrack 2450 on our list of the best treadmills as the best treadmill for runners. The 2450 has everything a runner needs and could want. The deck is large to offer enough room for any running stride and soft to lessen the impact on the joints. The motor is quiet and responsive, and at 3.6 HP it can handle miles and miles of use. The deck also inclines up to 15% and declines to -3% so it can mimic running outside. The decline might not seem like much, but it can make all the difference, especially for runners. Training on a decline works your anterior muscles while inclining works your posterior muscles. You’ll definitely have well-balanced training options on the 2450.

Speaking of training options, you have the choice to subscribe to iFit on this NordicTrack treadmill. The 2450 has a 22” touch screen that is enabled to display iFit. iFit is a complete training platform that has thousands of classes led by instructors who are professional runners themselves. They guide you through indoor and outdoor workouts in studios and remote locations all over the world. iFit is very interactive and we love the outdoor classes, however, if the runner in your life prefers just hopping on the deck and running, there are free onboard workouts available as well.

Whether it is just to beat the heat or frigid temperatures or to train for a marathon, the NordicTrack 2450 is an excellent treadmill and would make the perfect gift for a runner.

Learn more about the NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill at our review.

2. Best Manual Treadmill For Runners: AssaultRunner Elite

For the ultimate running experience, the AssaultRunner Elite is where it’s at! The AssaultRunner Elite is ideal for running. To start, the curved deck has a rubber, slat belt that is designed to be incredibly durable. Assault Fitness backs it with a lifetime warranty.

The curved belt also helps to improve running mechanics. The curved design encourages runners to be positioned toward the middle of the deck. Running at this placement on the AssaultRunner Elite allows for a healthy midfoot strike. Running on the curved deck also engages more muscles.

The AssaultRunner Elite doesn’t require electricity or wifi, so you can use it pretty much anywhere. Instead of the belt being controlled by a motor, it is controlled by your feet. So, as fast as you can run is as fast as the belt will move. The AssaultRunner Elite is commonly found in homes and training facilities around the world. It’s rated for home and commercial use. Professional runners and athletes use the AssaultRunner Elite because of its durability and well-built construction.

Head over to our full review to check out more about the AssaultRunner Elite Treadmill.

3. Best Treadmill For Heavy Runners: Sole F85

A final treadmill recommendation that’s a great gift for a runner, is the Sole F85. This treadmill is solid, stable, and powerful, plus it folds up. The Sole F85 is an excellent all-around treadmill and it’s rated on our best treadmill list as the best treadmill for heavy runners. With a 400 lb weight capacity, runners of all sizes can expect to get a lot of use out of this one.

The Sole F85 Treadmill is one of our top-recommended because it is highly durable and doesn’t require a subscription. Entertainment and training programs are important factors on treadmills, especially for runners spending a lot of time on them. The F85 comes with plenty of onboard workouts to choose from. Some are even customizable so you can create your own training session. There are also preloaded apps like Netflix to stream from. This means that while running you can stay entertained by keeping up with your favorite show.

The running surface is large at 22” x 60” and firm underfoot. There is cushioning in the deck to absorb the impact while running, but it feels more similar to training outside, making it great for those who are training for an outdoor event.

The 4.0 HP motor is a workhorse that is ready to handle everything you throw at it. Plus, the motor is quiet and adjusts evenly. The 12 mph max speed and 15% incline offer plenty of training options, and the deck folds up to save space when you’re finished. The Sole F85 Treadmill checks all the right boxes.

Check out our full written review of the Sole F85 Treadmill.

4. Best Massage Gun For Runners: Theragun Pro

Recovery is an important factor to consider as a runner. When you’re taxing your muscles from pounding the pavement, you want to be sure that you’re giving your body the appropriate time and tools to repair before your next run. That’s where the Theragun Pro comes in.

The Theragun Pro is arguably the best massage gun on the market, and definitely the most powerful. Made for personal and professional use, the Theragun Pro is an ideal tool for recovery and warming up, and cooling down. Percussive therapy stimulates blood flow, helps improve muscle soreness, and can boost performance. All of these factors make this one of the best gifts for runners.

What makes the Theragun Pro the most powerful is the 16mm amplitude and 60 lb stall force. The amplitude is the amount that the percussive therapy penetrates into your muscles and the stall force is the amount of pressure or weight, that can be applied to the machine while using. The patented triangular handle makes this ideal for self-use.

If you really want to treat the runner in your life, you’ll buy them this and give them a massage.

Find out more about the Theragun Pro Massage Gun, here.

5. Best Portable Massage Gun: Theragun Mini

If the Theragun Pro is a bit overkill, or maybe out of your price range, the Theragun Mini is an excellent alternative. Don’t be deterred, it’s a small but effective recovery tool. Plus, it’s a great size for traveling. That’s why we’ve named it the best portable massage gun on this list.

While it might not be quite as high-end as the Theragun Pro, the Mini still has an impressive 12mm amplitude and 20 lb stall force. These two components paired together make for a powerful little massage gun.

For traveling, I can put this in my bag to take with me pretty much anywhere. One of our reviewers even took the Theragun Mini overseas to Switzerland in his suitcase without a problem. The Mini only weighs 1.43 lbs and fits in the palm of your hand. Plus, it comes with a soft case. The included standard ball attachment is one of my favorites for all-over use and targeting the muscles in my legs.

Head over to our review to learn more about the Theragun Mini Massage Gun.

6. Best Leg Compression Machine: Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs

Running works your entire body, however, your legs take the impact and recruit the majority of muscles worked. When it comes to soothing sore legs, the Normatec 3 Legs from Hyperice is the way to go.

The Normatec straps around your legs and provides compression therapy. Compression therapy helps to increase circulation and decrease pain. The Normatec 3 Legs can be used for recovery, as well as warming up whenever you need it. Any runner would appreciate this gift that alleviates delayed onset muscle soreness and other leg discomforts.

The Normatec 3 is made with durable material which wraps around your legs and feet. The zipper design makes for an easy-on and easy-off experience. There are 7 levels of compression depending on how much massage you need at the time. The control unit comes with adjustments for you to utilize the compression therapy where you need it and to control the ZoneBoost technology. This technology allows for treating specific areas. All in all, the Normatec 3 Legs is an excellent tool for recovering faster and enhancing running performance.

7. Best Adjustable Dumbbells: Powerblock Pro Series

Strength training is extremely important for runners. Building muscle helps boost performance and can strengthen any imbalances you might have. By performing exercises like lunges and squats, you’ll strengthen your legs and core which will help make running easier. Adjustable dumbbells are a convenient way to strength train.

Adjustable dumbbells are my favorite strength training equipment because they can work for pretty much anyone. Whether the runner you’re shopping for is new to lifting weights, or a seasoned athlete looking to build muscle, power, and speed, adjustable dumbbells are easy to use and extremely versatile. Our best pick is the Powerblock Pro Series.

The Powerblock Pro Series adjusts up to 50 lbs per dumbbell, plus there are add-on kits to allow for 70 lb and 90 lb max. The weight is adjusted in 2.5 lb increments so as you get stronger, you can increase the weight as needed. This way you don’t have to worry about plateauing. Plus, the encased cages are compact so you can lift a wide range of weights without sacrificing floor space in your home.

8. Best Weighted Running Vest: Aduro Sport Weighted Vest

From improved posture and endurance to increased speed and building muscle, running with a weighted vest has benefits beyond making your runs more challenging. And running with the right weighted vest definitely matters. You don’t want one that jostles around like a kid running with a giant backpack.

The Aduro Sport Weighted Vest has a slim design that fits close to the body. The weight is built into the vest and it comes in various weight sizes ranging from 4-30 lbs. We love that you can select from a range of weights to purchase the vest in. In order for a comfortable experience, the weight is evenly distributed on the front and back. The straps extend over your shoulders and clip together at the chest for a snug fit. The adjustable straps help keep the Aduro from bouncing every stride, too.

The material is moisture-wicking and filled with iron as the weight, so you don’t have to worry about the Aduro Sport getting smelly. An added bonus is the mesh pocket on the back. This holds items like your phone and keys on you while running.

9. Best Running Belt: Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch Belt

When running outside, you most likely want a running belt to hold things like your phone, keys, gels, and whatever else you might need on you at all times. A running belt might seem minimal, but it is key for runners and would make a wonderful gift. Our best running belt pick is the Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch Belt.

While it looks small, the pouch stretches over 4 times its size to hold phones of all sizes and other essentials. This design keeps the Amphipod Belt breathable and minimal because it only increases to the size of what you put in it. We love how small it is. You don’t have to worry about it getting in your way.

The Amphipod is stretchy and adjustable to fit securely around your waist. The clip isn’t bulky either. Whether you’re training for a race or are a casual runner, the Amphipod is an excellent option to keep the important things with you while running. So, you can listen to music without feeling your phone bounce all around. Plus, the zipper design makes it easy to grab what you need without having to stop.

10. Best Running Shoes: Brooks Ghost 14

With all the different running shoes on the market, it can feel impossible to pick the right ones, especially for someone who will spend miles and miles running in them! If you’re looking to give your friend or loved one the best running shoes, then check out the Brooks Ghost 14.

I can speak from personal experience that the Brooks Ghost Series are consistently comfortable running shoes. My first pair of Brooks took me through training for my first half-marathon and beyond. Brooks creates durable running shoes that are as popular as they are tried and true. For my pair, I wore them until they were ridden with holes and were sadly unwearable, however, they lasted well past my need for them. As other runners will agree, durability and comfort are key when selecting a great pair of running shoes.

The Brooks Ghost 14 has been updated with a thinner mesh on the upper for a more breathable design. This design is also seamless with a nice amount of room in the toe box. In addition to these comfy features, the collar has lovely padding to make the shoes feel secure and comfortable around your heels and ankles. With a mid-range level of cushioning in the midsole, the Brooks Ghost 14 is comfortable and appealing for a wide range of runners.

11. Best Trail Running Shoes: Hoka Speedgoat 5

Road running versus trail running is very different. You definitely want different running shoes for either activity. Our team has run races on roads and trails and we’ve found that the kind of shoe you have on your feet, matters. Our pick for the best trail running shoes is the Hoka Speedgoat 5.

Updated from the previous Speedgoat 4 to be lighter, yet still offer a max level of cushioning in the midsole, the Speedgoat 5 is what you want to wear on the trail. The traction is designed for various natural terrains to give you a good grip, yet comfortable support. We love that the Hoka Speedgoat 5 come in normal and wide sizes for men and women. They also fit fairly true to size, but you might want to go up a half size.

Fittingly with the name, the upper is completely vegan and cruelty-free, so no goats were harmed in the process. Plus, it is made of recycled materials to be more environmentally conscious. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 has a mudguard to protect the breathable, mesh upper from getting damp, and the small spikes on the outsole keep traction even in mud/watery conditions. For trail runners, you can’t go wrong with gifting them a pair of Hoka Speedgoat 5 running shoes.

12. Best Fitness Tracker: Garmin Fenix 6x Sapphire

Using a fitness tracker is very beneficial for things like keeping your pace, mapping your route, and heart rate tracking. The Garmin Fenix 6x Sapphire is the best fitness tracker on this list because of its smart, functional design and features.

The Garmin Fenix has a large interface for great readability, even in the sun, and a scratch-resistant lens. Not only will you be able to see your location clearly, but navigation while running and other activities like skiing, and golfing are possible with the GPS and preloaded Topo maps feature. Even when you’re training in the mountains at high altitudes, the Garmin Fenix 6x Sapphire will be able to detect if you are having trouble acclimating.

This smartwatch will track your heart rate and blood oxygen levels while running, doing day-to-day activities, and sleeping. The PacePro feature helps guide your pace by analyzing the elevation changes during your run. You can also listen to music on Spotify and other platforms during your runs, too.

13. Best Energy Gel: Gu Energy Gel 24 Pack

Nutrition is a very important aspect of training and health in general. For a runner, especially over long distances, fueling runs are crucial. Our bodies use carbohydrates for energy. Running requires a lot of energy so it’s vital to keep your body fueled with carbs to avoid crashing. With depleted carb stores, you’ll most likely be crawling across the finish line during your marathon rather than running across it ready for your medal. So, a boost from energy gels can help keep you going throughout your marathon or however long your run is.

Gu Energy Gel is a great gift for a runner. It comes in a variety of flavors like caramel macchiato, and birthday cake, as well as a fruity mix of lemon, watermelon, banana, blackberry, and orange flavors. The flavors are sure to entice any palate. Most importantly, they go down easy. The 24-pack will keep your runner friend fueled when they need to increase their glycogen levels.

Gu Energy Gel is vegan and comes in easy-to-use packets that fit in your pocket, running belt, or vest. Each pack contains 100 calories and electrolytes to help keep you hydrated.

14. Best Protein Powder For Runners: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate

Like energy gels, protein powder can be beneficial for supplementing your diet with essential protein. Using protein powder in your diet can help maintain and gain more muscle. It can also help you get more protein throughout the day, which is something I personally struggle with. Our pick for the best protein powder for runners is Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate.

This whey protein isolate is derived from grass-fed cattle. We are impressed that Transparent Labs doesn’t include any artificial sweeteners. Whey isolate is a great option for folks who are lactose intolerant or who have digestive issues when consuming milk products. The isolate has less lactose and is gluten-free.

One scoop of Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate contains 28 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbs. This protein powder comes in a variety of yummy flavors, so you’re sure to find one you like.

Other Gifts Ideas For Runners

• Water Bottle: Hydrapak UltraFlask
• Suspension Trainer: TRX Suspension Trainer
• Foam Roller: Chirp Wheel
• Running Headphones: Jabra Elite Active 75t Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
• Electrolyte Packs: Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets
• Alternative Tracker: Oura Ring
• Metabolism Tracker: Lumen
• Running Socks: Bombas

How To Pick A Gift For A Runner

Here is our team’s tips on buying the best gift for a runner.

Budget

In our list of best gifts for runners above, we’ve included a huge range of gifts when it comes to price. The type of gift you purchase will be largely based on your budget. While we all would probably like to be gifted a treadmill, it might not be a realistic gift for the runner in your life. It’s important to factor in your budget when determining what kind of gift to buy.

Type Of Runner

What type of runner are they? Do they frequently hit the pavement, or can you most often find them on a remote trail off the beaten path? Maybe they alternate between running outside and running on a treadmill depending on weather and convenience. Are they preparing for a marathon? Whichever type of running they love to do, you want to make sure you select a gift that aligns with their goals. This could save you from splurging on a treadmill that your trail-running friend never uses. Or buying them a running belt that they don’t need.

Running Level

Another important factor is to consider their level of running experience. A casual runner might not need energy gels, and a hard-core road marathoner probably won’t need trail running shoes. You also will want to consider if they are layed up with an injury or just getting back into running, too. Of course, at the end of the day, it is the thought that counts, and your running friend will probably be grateful for whichever gift you get them, but ideally, you want to buy them something that they will use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do runners need most?

It depends on what kind of runner they are to factor in what they need. First and foremost, running shoes, socks, and water bottles are important. Other gear like fitness trackers, energy gels, and running belts and vests will depend on the runner’s preference and the type of running they do.

What should runners ask for for Christmas?

Runners should ask for things they need like running shoes and other gear like fitness trackers, hydration packs, and earbuds for example. It’s important to be comfortable and prepared when you’re out on a run.

What do you get someone when they finish a race?

Flowers are always a nice gesture to congratulate someone after they finish a race. Other nice gift ideas are taking them out to dinner, gifting them with a certificate to a spa, taking their photo with their medal post-race and framing it to give to them, getting them a holder to display their medal and even a new pair of running shoes are great gifts to give to someone after they finish a race.

What to get someone who is a runner?

Depending on what type of runner they are, what they could use, and your budget will determine what kind of gift you should get them. We recommend running shoes, treadmills, recovery tools, running belts, and more when considering the best gift for a runner. Check out our top recommendations below:

• Best Treadmill For Runners: NordicTrack 2450
• Best Manual Treadmill For Runners: AssaultRunner Elite
• Best Treadmill For Heavy Runners: Sole F85
• Best Massage Gun For Runners: Theragun Pro
• Best Portable Massage Gun: Theragun Mini
• Best Leg Compression Machine: Hyperice Normatec 3
• Best Adjustable Dumbbells: Powerblock Pro Series
• Best Weighted Running Vest: Aduro Sport Weighted Vest
• Best Running Belt: Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch Belt
• Best Running Shoes: Brooks Ghost 14
• Best Trail Running Shoes: Hoka Speedgoat 5
• Best Fitness Tracker: Garmin Fenix 6x Sapphire
• Best Energy Gel: Gu Energy Gel 24 Pack
• Best Protein Powder For Runners: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate