Gifts for New Runners

Gift Guide 2024 | Fleet Feet

Updated on

Moisture-wicking fabrics, compression molded foams, engineered mesh uppers. Runners like to talk about gear. But new runners will benefit most from the basics.

Comfortable socks, lightweight running sunglasses and maybe a foam roller? You’re good to go.

If you’re buying a gift for someone who’s getting into (or getting back to) running, here are some ideas that will fit the bill. But whether your runner is gearing up for a mile or a marathon, these things will keep them happy as they rack up the miles.

[This article is part of our 2024 Gift Guide for Runners. See all the best gifts for runners by price, category and more. Can’t make up your mind? No worries. Check out our gift cards for a gift that keeps on giving.]

A laydown of the gifts for new runners
Give the Gift Every Runner Wants
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Balega Hidden Comfort

$16

They may be called the Hidden Comfort, but there’s nothing secret about their performance.

A wardrobe staple of runners everywhere, Balega knits the Hidden Comfort from extra fine yarn to add cushion without adding bulk. Moisture-wicking fibers work with ventilation panels to keep feet dry, while the heel tab helps prevent blisters.

Give the Gift of Style
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goodr Running Sunglasses

$25

Any runner would love to unwrap a pair of goodr glasses, but new runners will especially love them for their standout style and affordable price.

These shades come in dozens of colors, shapes and sizes to match any outfit, and the polarized lenses block glare and harmful UV rays. Plus, they’re priced so you can give one as a gift and pick up a pair for yourself, too.

Give the Gift of Data
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Garmin Forerunner 55

original price $200 sale/discounted price $170

Tech is great, but it can quickly become overwhelming for a new runner. That’s why the Forerunner 55 makes our list of best gifts.

Garmin built the 55 with new runners in mind. It boasts a two-week battery life, built-in GPS and wrist-based heart rate monitoring. A handful of other features add versatility to the watch, but all the important features are here without shuffling through dozens of menus to find the right thing.

Give the Gift of Recovery
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Triggerpoint Grid 2.0

$69

Anyone starting a new running routine will likely feel sore. That’s where the Triggerpoint Grid 2.0 comes in.

The Grid is an upgrade to the classic foam roller. Triggerpoint wrapped a rigid hollow core in high-density foam for a firm feel. But it’s the unique ridges that make the Grid stand out, promoting the flow of blood and oxygen to weary muscles for faster recovery.

Give the Gift of Rain Protection
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Brooks Canopy Jacket

$130

It’s inevitable—the training plan calls for a run but the forecast calls for rain. Deploy the Brooks Canopy Jacket and head out anyway.

This lightweight, packable jacket shrugs off wind and rain while breathing easily when a workout heats up. With several points of adjustability and a stowaway hood, the Canopy is a versatile, weatherproof jacket built specifically for runners.

Give the Gift of Hydration
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Nathan Speedshot Plus Insulated Flask 12oz

$32

Give the gift of a cold drink on a long run with the Speedshot Plus Insulated Flask.

The 12oz capacity is perfect for a few miles, and the adjustable hand strap helps hold the bottle without gripping. Plus, Nathan added a small pocket for gels, keys or cards, which helps keep pockets free.

Give the Gift of Extra Storage
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FlipBelt Zipper

$39

Versatility is key with running gear, which is why we love the FlipBelt.

Worn around the waist, the FlipBelt holds all your essentials—a phone, snacks, credit cards—without bouncing or sliding down. Designed with running in mind, the FlipBelt also doubles as a great travel pack. Slip in a passport, keys and cash to securely move about town or walk around an amusement park.

Give the Gift of Visibility
Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam Lite USB Rechargable Vest Thumbnail

Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam Lite USB Rechargeable Vest

$50

Just like an unpredictable storm, runners will sometimes have to run when the sun goes down (or isn’t up yet). The Xinglet Optic Beam helps keep them safe in the dark.

The LED light vest illuminates a runner, making it easier to spot them in the dark. Reflective front and back panels add another touch of visibility, and the six-hour battery life when flashing gives you plenty of time to get a workout in.

Give the Gift of Warm Hands
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Craft Core Essence Thermal Multi Grip Glove 2

$35

Banish cold hands with the Craft Core Essence Thermal Multi Grip Glove 2.

Craft designed these gloves for all kinds of training during fall and winter. The low-profile fit stays out of the way, while the recycled brushed jersey creates optimal warmth when the temperature drops. The best part? They’re touchscreen compatible, so no one has to expose their digits to the cold.

Give the Gift of Arch Support
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Superfeet Run Dynamic Cushion Insoles

$55

Running can take a toll on new runners’ feet, so give them a little extra support with the Superfeet Run Dynamic Cushion insoles.

Designed with a deeper heel cup and extra cushioning compared to a standard running shoe insole, the Run Dynamic models add arch support specific to either high, medium or low arches. The lightly structured support makes long miles more comfortable, but it can be just as good for long shifts at work.

Give the Gift of Fun
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Sprints Hats

$32

Not only do Sprints hats provide protection from the sun, they’re also just plain fun.

Covered in wild patterns and standout colors, each Sprints hat is equal parts fun and functional. Sprints uses lightweight polyester to wick moisture and vent excess heat, while a built-in sweatband mops up sweat. With an adjustable back closure, these hats will fit most heads.

Give the Gift of Choice
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Fleet Feet Gift Card

$0
Any runner can always use a gift card to Fleet Feet. These can be used both online, or at any of the approximately 250 Fleet Feet retail locations, where they can experience our Fit Process that utilizes 3D fit idÂŽ foot scanning technology to find the perfect shoe for them.

More Gifts for Runners

We narrowed down our favorite products by category so whether your runner likes to crush marathons or enjoys the daily stress-relief, these gifts will make your shopping easy.

Why You Should Trust Us

At Fleet Feet one of our core values is that it is a privilege to serve. We take the thought of giving you advice and guiding you to pick out the perfect gift for the runner in your life very seriously and are honored that you chose to read this. Fleet Feet is the No. 1 run specialty store in the country. We serve more than 3 million customers across 250+ locations annually and have completed more than 5 million 3D foot scans (and counting) of different runners and walkers’ feet. Our goal is to help every customer find the correct shoes, apparel and gear for their goals.

We don’t just sell shoes and gear, we run, walk and hike with you in those shoes. We have had hundreds of thousands of runners and walkers participate in our training programs, community runs and events every year. We have locations all over the country running in the snow, desert and everything in between.

We take our sales data and talk with the different shoe companies, designers and our network of runners, walkers and hikers to cultivate this list of the best gifts for new runners. We also review shoes and gear ourselves to provide you with the best information possible when making these guides. We update this guide regularly to make sure you have the latest information possible to make the best decision for you when it comes to giving your loved one a gift.

How We Picked the Best Gifts

With more than 45 years of experience, Fleet Feet is the expert in running (and gifting). What makes the perfect gift for a runner comes down to the personal experience, goals, preferences and style of that runner. We use a combination of real-life use, quality of materials, seasonal trends and our own top-seller lists to pick out the best gifts. With all that in mind, we picked gear that lived up to our personal (and professional) expectations. Plus, as people who live and breathe running, we know what we would like to unwrap ourselves.

Standing Behind Our Picks

We picked the best gifts based on what we think will work for the most people in most situations. If you buy a gift from us and you don’t love the way it looks, fits or performs, bring them back within 60 days for a full refund.

Plus, we offer free shipping on all orders over $99 on fleetfeet.com, and we’ll match a lower price from a qualifying retailer. That’s our Happy Fit Guarantee.