The Best Gear for a Runner

I’m a runner! I’m a runner! I can’t believe it! I’m not particularly fast but hey, I love it. I want more. And there’s been some gear that’s really helped me along the way. Here is my full list of the best gear for a runner. Enjoy my suggestions for gifts for the runner in your life (even if that runner is you), and please add your own suggestions in the comments!

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A phone holder is one of the most important gifts for a new runner. There are armband styles as well as waist belts that you can use. I personally prefer a small, minimalistic, stretchy waist band like this one – it’s quick and easy to adjust, not bulky, and easy to wash. (Just make sure you know what kind of cell phone your runner has, as it can affect which style you buy.) And look for sweatproof, too!

If the runner in your life does a lot of longer distances, like half/full marathons, they might prefer to have this waist band which also has two mini water bottles in it. It is a bit of an adjustment to run with this additional weight but they are really convenient if you need them! The pocket on this band is really big too, so it can hold a phone and keys with no issue.

Wireless headphones are another great idea for a runner. I’ve had this pair for over two years and they work great! With the over-ear piece I don’t worry about them falling out of my tiny ears, and they connect well to any bluetooth device. One charge lasts me a good three to give days, too. And at less than $20, they’re a great bargain find!

Unfortunately we live in a world in which I won’t go running outside alone without my mace, and my keychain alarm. This mace is awesome, I am so happy with it. I can adjust it to fit my hand perfectly, and lock or unlock the trigger with my thumb. And yes I did practice spraying a tree in the park! It has a marking capability to stain any sprayed suspect, and the packaging includes access to free training videos. The alarm is always on my keys and sports a great flashlight as well as a loud alarm when the pin is pulled. I’ve only accidentally pulled the pin out once – which was in a public bathroom, awesome – and I can assure you that it’s a very effective deterrent!

I personally can’t get a great run without something playing in my ears. Recently I’ve loved the Nike Run Club app, particularly their guided runs which incorporate a running coach with a Headspace meditation coach and your own music (or Spotify playlist). You could also look into a gift subscription for the full Zombies, Run! app, which I also love. And hey, an iTunes gift card is never a bad idea either – I’m always looking for new music to put on that running playlist!

A water bottle is another great idea – while it’s not gear for a runner in that the runner probably wouldn’t carry something this big with them, a runner does need to stay hydrated 24/7. My favorite kinds are the infuser bottles that have the time stamp on them, like this one.

A great cheap gift (or stocking stuffer) is running socks. I love how these grip my foot and make my shoe fit better. They really do make a difference! Now, other socks just feel too “slippery” for running. (Does that make me a running sock snob now?!) Champion and Puma make my favorites.

And if you feel comfortable buying clothes for your runner, these shirts are fantastic. They fit well, are lightweight polyester/spandex, keep you cool when you get hot, and I love the colors. (They do make styles for men too!)

If you’d like to read about my experience on Weight Watchers, click here.

Runners have to keep track of their shoes’ mileage and should replace them regularly. Another gift card idea could be to get some running shoes or insoles. I know my size (and the brands I like – helloooo Brooks) so I feel comfortable ordering online from Zappos. I’ve also read about customized insoles which are made with a mold of your actual foot, so that’s something else to consider though I haven’t been able to try those yet. You can also have your runner friend go to a running store to get their foot and stride analyzed, and get a recommendation on what kind of shoe they need. (Then, ahem, go buy the shoes somewhere else since it’ll be cheaper.) I recently learned that my flat feet cause me to have an extreme pronation, so now I can look for that when I shoe shop!

You may need to think about the climate where your runner lives – sometimes, the best gear for a runner is something to keep them warm. I’m particularly sensitive to cold wind so I bought myself runner’s gloves (which still work on touch screens, and are grippy, and clip together so I can tuck them into my belt if I take them off), a runner’s earmuff with a ponytail hole, and a lightweight but effective runner’s jacket with zip pocket. It’s all really effective gear, and really practical for running (though you can use it without having to lace up, too!).

But what if it’s hot where your runner lives? This cool cloth is crazy weird but crazy effective! They’re easy to store and work for hours. I keep them everywhere, from my car to my field trip bag.

Not sure on what sizes or colors to get for your runner? Opt to buy them a race entry! There are races all the time for all kinds of interests, and even virtual races where the runner gets a medal/bib/shirt but can run at their own leisure. You can search online for races by city or date, and I end up getting most of mine from Active.com.

And if you want to read about how I manage to work out with two young kids, check out that post here. It’s possible, I promise!

Being a great runner means that you have to be a complete athlete, so a runner should also work on strength training and toning. I use these adjustable ankle weights once or twice a week while walking on the treadmill for a different take on my cardio, and I love these one pound hand weights that I was given as a running gift last year!

While someone may be an avid runner, some of the best gear may involve their post-run recovery. I use Epsom salts in baths on a regular basis to help with soreness and muscle recovery – apparently there is even a blend that’s specific to post-workout! A bubble bath or a pedicure feels great after a productive run, too.

And finally, all runners should have a way to display their medals and bibs. There are all kinds of different styles, from wood to metal and large to small, but I like this one the best because you can edit your “bests” with the chalk section. Also maybe look to Etsy for personalization options.

Woo hoo! Now you have some ideas for gear for a runner in your life. And hey, that may mean that you’re “gifting” these to yourself! Let me know in the comments what I missed, and what you love best!