It’s the time of year to show friends, running buddies and loved ones you care by showering them with gifts—although joining them for a run is the best gift of all. There’s nothing wrong with doing both! Knowing that runners can always use a fresh addition to their kit, we’ve curated some of our favorite new gear for the season to give you a few shopping ideas.
Whether you want to thank your run group for putting up with you pushing the pace or are looking for something to show a special runner in your life how much you support them, this list is for you.
1) Best for those who like to frolic in the snow …
Crescent Moon EVA All-Foam Snowshoes
Snowshoes and nimble generally don’t go together, but these cushy snow runners are light and almost bouncy, adding plenty of fun and giggles to winter fitness. ($149)
2) Best for stuffing stockings …
Brooks Running Pacesetter Crew Socks
Jingle all the way through the holidays with this festively printed crew sock that’s tall enough to keep ankles warm on chilly runs. ($18)
3) Best for your friend who needs some Zen …
“Mindful Running,” by Mackenzie L. Havey
Cozy up by the fire with this new read, by Motiv Running contributor Mackenzie Havey, about taking your running to the next level by honing mental fitness—don’t forget the cocoa! ($14)
4) Best for your wine-loving run partner …
Sonoma Strong T-Shirts
Give back for your giving with a tech tee from Healdsburg Running Company. Proceeds from the shirts go to the local fire relief fund to help those affected by the Sonoma fires. ($40)
5) Best for those who do a daily downward dog or need to stretch (basically every runner!) …
Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat
Made from recycled plastic bottles, these non-slip mats—think of them as a mat and towel combined into one–come in bold color palettes and are machine washable. Plus, $1 from every purchase goes to support Urban Youth Yoga Programs. ($68)
6) Best for that friend who always calls in a pizza …
Patagonia Provisions Soup Sampler
Warm, nourishing and just what you need when getting home late from a post-work run, these dry soup mixes mean you’re just 10-minutes from a tasty meal. ($39)
7) Best for any woman who likes to be cozy and comfortable …
Skirt Sports Wonder Wool Jacket
This smart jacket is styled with a more generous cut, ideal for cold-weathering layering and to throw on over sweaty workout clothes for a post-run latte or jammies to chase your wayward dog down the street. ($99)
8) Best for your running group, #squadgoals …
Zensah Limited Edition Compression Leg Sleeves
These holiday compression leg sleeves let you share your seasonal enthusiasm while also giving calves a comforting squeeze. ($40)
9) Best for the favorite multi-tasking female in your life …
Oiselle Track Attack Pants
Oiselle brought back these popular pants, now with an updated fit. Wear them on a run, throw them over workout clothes on your way to and from the gym or simply sport them wherever you please. ($82)
10) Best for those runners who want to eliminate nipple chafe …
Saucony Seamless Sportop
Seamless and soft against the skin, this zippered tee wicks, dries fast and goes as hard as you do. ($78)
11) Best for anyone who runs in chilly temps …
Buff USA Thermonet Soft Hills Turquoise
If you’ve ever run with a gaiter or shirt over your mouth in the cold, you know it gets damp, then freezes, which sucks. The Thermonet Buff doesn’t do that—it dries fast to keep you warm, even when it’s pulled up over your mouth. ($27)
12) Best for a run-obsessed, holiday-inspired co-worker …
Headsweats Trucker Hat Ugly Christmas Sweater Mistletoe
Pucker up your trucker hat game for the season with this ugly sweater patterned hat, complete with mistletoe front and center. ($30)
13) Best for guys who crank out early morning miles …
Nike Thermal Sphere Phenom Pant Shield
We get it, shorts are your favorite, but some winter runs require “longs” to be truly comfortable. Muscles work better when they are warm. That’s not chattering you hear; it’s applause of gratitude from frozen legs everywhere. ($100)
