The Best Running Gifts for Men, According to a Running Coach

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Our Top Picks

OOFOS OOahh Slide Sandals at Amazon

These slides promise to absorb 37 percent more impact than general footwear foam, so he can keep his feet healthy on rest days.

Audible Membership at Amazon

Give him access to thousands of audiobooks and podcasts so he can be more entertained during his workout.

Sport2People Running Pouch Belt at Amazon

Featuring two pockets and a sweat-resistant exterior, this belt allows him to take his essentials on-the-go.

TheraGun Mini at Theragun.com

Quiet and ultra-portable, this percussive device is designed to relieve knots, tension, and cramps that result from running.

Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire Watch at Amazon

An all-in-one smartwatch that tracks his training status and features navigation sensors, heart rate technology, and more.

Nathan Streak Reflective Vest at Amazon

If he's a fan of nighttime running, he'll appreciate staying safe in this reflective vest, with visibility up to 1,200 feet away.

Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Headphones at Amazon

If vigorous workouts are his speed, Bose's earbuds promise clear, powerful sound and a secure, comfortable fit.

Trailheads Touchscreen Men’s Running Gloves at Amazon

Access important notifications or change the music while keeping warm with TrailHeads' touchscreen-friendly, anti-slip gloves.

Under Armour Men’s Tech ½ Zip Long-Sleeve Shirt at Amazon

A lightweight layering piece that features anti-odor technologies and can be worn for errands or to the gym.

FlexFixx Foot Massage Ball Roller Set at Amazon

Re-energize on rest days with a foot roller that promises to enhance circulation, soothe sore muscles, and shorten recovery time.

If you’re shopping for a runner, you may be stumped for ideas, especially if he already has an extensive collection of running gear. As a running coach, I’ve researched and used lots of running-related items, so I can help make your holiday gift shopping a little easier.

Here are the best running gifts for men on the market.

Runners can slide right into post-run recovery with these durable, comfortable sandals from OOFOS. They conform to the foot, ensuring good arch support and natural motion—all while easing stress on the feet, knees, and lower back.

A suspenseful audiobook or intriguing podcast can help runners conquer boredom on the treadmill or long run. Treat him to a one-month, three-month, six-month, or 12-month subscription to Audible so he can get all-you-can-listen access to thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals.

Whether it's a set of keys, a credit card or a cell phone, there are things you can't leave behind while on a run. This lightweight belt has two flexible compartments for small essentials. It also comes equipped with an adjustable waistband to limit bouncing or movement of the belt.

Thanks to the compact design, the Theragun Mini will provide your runner with portable treatment, no matter where his run takes him. It features three speed settings calibrated to deliver specific therapeutic benefits to the body.

Additionally, the QuietForce Technology ensures he can use the device in indoor or outdoor settings.

The Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire is the ultimate smartwatch, giving runners all the tools they need to track and analyze their workouts. It includes full-color Topo U.S. mapping, performance metrics, heart rate technology, built-in activity profiles, and smart notifications to keep runners connected on the go.

Give him a gift that will keep him safe and seen on nighttime jogs. Made of a breathable, lightweight mesh, the Nathan Streak Reflective Vest is visible up to 1,200 feet away with reflective patches on all sides and allows for full range of motion while running.

Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Headphones

These wireless earbuds are compatible with just about any device and deliver clear, powerful sound. Designed to stay in place no matter how hard he's running, they’re also sweat and water resistant.

These soft, fleecy gloves feature conductive fabric on the thumb and forefingers, so runners can keep their hands toasty when they need to check a text or adjust their playlist. They’ll also love the silicone palm grips and the terry cloth brow wipe on the back of the hand.

$Under Armour Men’s Tech ½ Zip Long-Sleeve Shirt$

This half-zip long-sleeve shirt is a versatile piece that can be used as an outer layer for cool runs and a mid-layer during the winter. It’s also sharp-looking enough for casual wear.

This portable set makes it simple for runners to get a good post-run foot massage to help improve circulation, release tension, and reduce inflammation. The smooth lacrosse ball is perfect for rolling out and loosening tight muscles and fascia, while the spiky balls can help stimulate tissues beneath the skin.

Another extremely practical item for winter running, this vest from The North Face keeps your runner's core warm on cold runs and can be zipped up or down to regulate his temperature. With pockets on the side and chest, there’s plenty of room to stash on-the-run essentials.

It’s easy to see why this comfy and functional armband cell phone carrier is popular among runners. The clear protective screen lets them access their phone on the go while keeping it safe from moisture. It also has a reflective band, port for headphone wires, and comes in several sizes to accommodate large phones.

These compression socks from Physix Gear can be worn during or after running to increase circulation, reduce swelling, and speed up recovery. They're moisture wicking and come in several sizes and colors.

A little resistance can help runners perform some post-run stretches and exercises to work out a tight calf muscle or build up glute strength. This set of five bands comes in varying resistances, from extra light to extra heavy, and are made from 100% natural latex.

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands Review

A comfy, warm hat is a must-have item for winter running attire. This beanie from The North Face is the ideal weight for keeping your runner's head toasty without overheating it. The fleece lining helps the hat stay in place and keep his ears covered.

This athlete-tested, all natural salve helps runners prevent painful chafing in even the most sensitive areas. It’s also an effective remedy for healing dry, cracked, or irritated skin.

Most running books are either inspirational or practical, but this beautiful coffee table-worthy hardcover manages to achieve both. With descriptions of 50 epic running routes and racecourses around the world, plus suggestions for 150 more, it gives runners a motivational bucket list as well as instructions on how to plan and prepare for their journeys.

Rather than masking bad smells with fragrances, these powerful deodorizers use charcoal to absorb and eliminate odors. They’re designed to easily fit in shoes and keep fighting the stink for up to one year.

Your favorite runner will undoubtedly be pleased with this Apple Watch, which is an outstanding GPS watch and also has plenty of features to support outdoor running. The watch lets him track stats for all his runs, plus get call notifications and play music to boost his motivation.

These Under Armour shorts with a 10-inch inseam are an excellent addition to any man’s running wardrobe. They're made from ultra-soft polyester with a four-way stretch fabric that also features moisture-wicking and odor-fighting technology and UPF 30 sun protection.

Balega Hidden Comfort No Show Running Socks

Runners can never have too many pairs of running socks, and they’ll absolutely appreciate these high-quality Balega socks. Made to keep feet dry and blister-free, they have a high heel tab, extra deep heel pockets, and enhanced Elastane material to keep them from slipping and sliding.

These sweat-resistant bone conduction headphones are ideal for road runners, since the open-ear design allows them to hear what’s going on around them. They also have a six-hour battery life, an easy-to-use pause button, and a durable titanium frame.

While your favorite runner may already have some face masks, they may not be ideal for running. Designed with active people in mind, this mask from Zensah is quick drying and extremely comfortable. The double straps keep it in place and wrap around his head and neck, so his ears don’t get sore.

Final Verdict

Depending on his running goals and experience, there are multiple items that could make for a helpful running gift for your runner. However, thanks to the road mapping and health tracking features of the Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire Watch (view at Amazon), we think it makes for one of the top gifts for anyone wishing to take their running game to the next level.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

An avid runner and marathon running coach, Christine Luff loves checking out the latest running gear and gadgets to find the perfect gifts for running friends and family members.

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The 22 Best Running Gifts for Men of 2021, According to a Running Coach

Get him something he'll love

OOFOS OOahh Slide Sandals

Audible Membership

Sport2People Running Pouch Belt

TheraGun Mini Percussive Therapy Device

Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire Watch

Nathan Streak Reflective Vest

Bose SoundSport Free Truly Wireless Headphones

Trailheads Touchscreen Men’s Running Gloves

Under Armour Men’s Tech ½ Zip Long-Sleeve Shirt

FlexFixx Foot Massage Ball Roller Set

The North Face Gordon Lyons Vest

Tribe Cell Phone Armband

Physix Gear Sport Physix Gear Compression Socks

Fit Simplify Resistance Bands

The North Face Bones Recycled Beanie

Squirrel’s Nut Butter All-Natural Anti-Chafe Salve

Epic Runs of the World

Remodeez Activated Charcoal Shoe Deodorizer

Apple Watch Series 6

Under Armour Men's Raid Gym Shorts

Balega Hidden Comfort No-Show Running Socks

Aftershokz Open Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

Zensah Performance Face Mask