The Best Running Shorts For Men, Right Now
Including the finest modular short + liner combos, 2 in 1 running shorts, compression shorts, & more!
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, useful gift for a runner in your life, whether that’s your partner, friend, mom, dad or kid, you’ve come to the right place!
To create this gift guide I have handpicked the best gifts for runners based on my extensive experience testing and reviewing the very best in running gear and accessories this year.
In this gift guide there are 3 key sections:
- Gifts for runners under $100
- Gifts for runners over $100
- Gifts for trail runners
This list is also fun to browse if you’re new to running and are looking for the best running gear to treat yourself with too, as I only recommend the gear I have tested and rate highly.
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The Best Gifts For Runners (Under $100)
When you’re on a budget and want to keep your running gift under $100, these gifts will be well-received by experienced and new runners alike!
Paka Crew Socks ($24)
Why it’s a great gift: Featured in my best running socks roundup, the Paka Crew Trail Socks (links to review) are made with alpaca-blend fibers for incredible temperature regulation, moisture-wicking, and odor resistance (I can wear mine multiple days in a row no problem. These socks are a thoughtful gift for any runner who values performance and comfort in every step.
A Trail & Kale Trucker Hat ($30)
For $30 you can’t go wrong with a Trail & Kale branded trucker hat – and we always appreciate the support. Truckers are great for keeping rain, sun, and sweat out of your eyes and face while on the trails, they also look really cool.
If you’re after a more stealthy look, then check out our “Stealth Edition” Trucker hat. You can buy it in any color, as long as it’s black (and very stealthy). It features the Trail & Kale Mountain logo embroidered in a grey/silver color on the front.
All Trail & Kale merchandise ships worldwide!
If you think they may prefer a more technical hat for running or hikes, see my technical running cap buyer’s guide for some inspiration.
BioLite HeadLamp 425 ($60)
Why it’s a great gift: The BioLite HeadLamp 425 (links to review) is one of my top picks from my best running headlamps roundup. Its lightweight design and adjustable lighting modes make it ideal for night runs or early morning training. It’s rechargeable, so runners don’t have to worry about batteries, and its bounce-free fit adds comfort on the go.
💡 If you need even more inspiration for great gift ideas, read Gifts For Outdoorsy People next! There are plenty of cool gift suggestions in there for nature lovers who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Race Bib and Medal Display ($48)
Because running a race and crossing that finish line is a damn amazing achievement, whatever the distance being run – why else would they put a race medal around your neck at the finish? 🙂
These achievements aren’t celebrated enough so why not give your favorite runner a way to display all their race medals with this race bib and medal display?
Whether they’ve run a 5k, a 10k or they are a marathon runner who runs the big ones like the New York City Marathon and the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, give them a way to show off those achievements as they deserve – this is one of the best gifts for runners who love to race a lot.
Naked Running Band ($55)
Why it’s a great gift: The Naked Running Band (links to review) is one of my favorite running belts this year, offering a snug, bounce-free way to carry essentials like a phone, gels, or water bottles. Lightweight and versatile, it’s perfect for training runs and races.
Chirp Wheel Back Roller Set ($99.99 $79.99)
The Chirp Wheel (links to review) is designed to fit perfectly between your shoulder blades, targeting the muscles that go up and down your spine.
As your back is strained from the countless activities you do, including running, those muscles lock up, and cause more pain.
The Chirp Wheel massages those muscles, relaxing your back and helps relieve aches and pains.
Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap ($38)
Why it’s a great gift: The Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap is my top pick for the best running hats roundup, this year. Its featherlight, breathable design keeps you cool in hot weather, and it’s so packable that you can stash it in your pocket or race vest mid-run should you wish to – I just keep mine on, otherwise, well… hat hair. Stylish and functional, it’s a great accessory for runners of all levels.
Kane Revive Recovery Shoes ($75)
For anyone who wishes their feet would recover faster after long training runs, races, or even spending the day standing due to a job that requires it, the Kane Revive recovery shoe (links to review) could be just what you’re looking for.
I really like the tingly sensation from the raised nodes on the footbed which have been designed to help stimulate and increase blood flow around your feet and hence improve recovery time.
There are plenty of colors to choose from and they are very reasonably priced, which makes them great gifts, especially for long distance runners like marathon runners who need to give their feet and lower legs some extra TLC after those long training runs!
The Best Gifts For Runners (Over $100)
Chirp RPM Mini ($129)
Why it’s a great gift: The Chirp RPM Mini (links to review) is an amazing gift for runners focused on recovery, as it combines percussion massage and vibration in one compact device. Designed for portability, it’s perfect for post-run recovery or working out muscle knots on the go.
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX ($170)
Why it’s a great gift: The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX (links to review) is my top pick for trail-to-road shoes, offering unbeatable versatility for mixed terrain runs – but also its a bloody great lifestyle shoe too. With its GORE-TEX upper for weatherproof protection and ReactX foam midsole for a smooth, cushioned ride, it’s perfect for runners who love to explore trails without skipping road miles. Whether it’s wet or dry, this shoe delivers consistent comfort and traction.
Suunto Wing ($129)
Why it’s a great gift: The Suunto Wing (links to review), featuring on my best running headphones roundup, offers wireless bone-conduction sound with the added benefit of visibility and situational awareness. It’s perfect for runners who want to enjoy music while staying aware of their surroundings, and it delivers on providing great battery life for extended runs.
COROS APEX 2 Pro GPS Watch ($449)
The Coros Apex 2 Pro is a total game changer in the world of premium GPS running watches because of all the great features it offers (including best-in-class battery life) all for the very affordable price of $449.
The Apex 2 Pro records so many running metrics and displays it back in extremely actionable ways within the Coros app. It’s one of the best running gifts for dedicated runners who are obsessed with their running metrics.
This right here, as well as the insanely awesome battery life, is one of the huge selling points for Coros. Even their sleep-tracking metrics blow most other watches out of the water.
✔ Learn why this premium yet affordable GPS running watch is a great gift for runners in my Coros Apex 2 Pro review next.
Arc’teryx Norvan Shell Jacket ($400)
Why it’s a great gift: The Arc’teryx Norvan Shell Jacket (links to review) is the ultimate waterproof running jacket for those who demand performance and durability in all weather conditions. Designed with GORE-TEX technology, this jacket is waterproof, windproof, and highly breathable, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable, even during intense activity in heavy rain. At just 190g (6.7 oz), it’s lightweight and packs down small, making it perfect for carrying during unpredictable mountain runs or long-distance adventures.
You get what you pay for with this one! Mwah *Chef’s kiss.
ROKA Rory 2.0 ($220)
The ROKA Rory 2.0 sunglasses (links to review) made it to the top section of my best running sunglasses list for good reason.
These running sunglasses stand out for their ultra-lightweight design, weighing just 0.6 oz thanks to their TR-90 nylon construction; this makes them incredibly comfortable for long runs or bike rides.
Their spring-loaded hinges provide a secure fit, so they stay put even during intense activities. Plus, the C3™ Optics ensure sharp, clear vision with anti-scratch, anti-reflective, and anti-fog features.
Fatty15
Why we love it: Fatty15 offers a breakthrough supplement designed to enhance health at a cellular level. With science-backed benefits like improved metabolism, sleep, and overall cellular function, this pure C15:0 fatty acid supplement helps support a longer, healthier life. It’s an easy, daily step toward better wellness that you can truly feel.
Read my Fatty15 review to learn why I enjoy this one so much.
Fi Dog Collar | GPS Fitness Tracker For Your Dog
Trail & Kale’s resident adventure dog Kepler (seen in the image above) is a huge part of our lives and when we aren’t teaching him tricks or playing frisbee in the park, he joins us on many of our runs – I mean, he’s a Border Collie, we have to tire him out somehow!
If you know someone who runs or walks with their dog the Series 3 Fi Dog Collar is the perfeect gift idea for them! It tracks your dog’s location, mileage, steps, sleep, and more to help ensure your pup is just as well-exercised as you.
The Fi Collar (Series 3) is chew-proof, water-proof (even the ocean), can take 400lbs of pulling force (if your dog is a puller), and provides up to 3 months battery life.
With Fi, you can instantly track your dog’s location no matter where they are in the USA, which means you can keep an eye on dog walkers and caretakers, just in case.
✔ To learn more about this fantastic smart dog collar, read our in-depth Fi GPS Dog Collar Review next.
✔ For more adventure dog gift ideas check out our dedicated Adventure Dog Gift List HERE
The Best Gifts For Trail Runners
In case you didn’t know, take it from me (we are trail experts after all!), runners who head off-road have their whole extra set of gear needs to help them navigate often rugged and remote trail terrain.
These running gifts will be particularly valued and appreciated by a trail running man or woman in your life.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles ($190)
If you or someone you know is about to run a mountain marathon or ultra then you need to seriously consider getting them some lightweight trail running poles – the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z (links to review) make a great gift for a serious trail runner in your life.
These are some of the best running poles out there right now. Being built with carbon, they are very lightweight and they are also designed to fold up nice and small, important if you need to place them back in a running hydration pack or running belt while not in use.
HOKA Speedgoat 6 ($155)
Why it’s a great gift: The Hoka Speedgoat 6 (links to review) is my top choice from the best trail running shoes (all mountain category) roundup. With its well balanced cushioning, durable upper, and Vibram Megagrip outsole, it’s ideal for tackling rugged terrains and long-distance runs. Whether they’re seasoned trail runners or new to the trails, this shoe delivers both comfort and performance in one perfect package.
Salomon Active Skin 4 ($100)
Why it’s a great gift: The Salomon Active Skin 4 (links to review) is one of my favorite hydration vests for its lightweight design and incredible value. It comes with two 500ml soft flasks included, so runners stay hydrated during everyday road or trail runs.
The breathable materials and secure fit ensure comfort, even during longer sessions, while the versatile 4-liter storage capacity makes it easy to carry essentials like snacks, a phone, or an extra layer. With multiple front pockets for quick access and a large rear pocket for bulkier items, this vest is perfect for short to medium-distance runs or races.
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This is a great post, thanks for sharing it appreciated, enjoyed reading it throuought the reading
you’re welcome!