Part of the beauty of running is that it doesn’t require a ton of equipment: no racquet, no helmet, no ball, no court fees. Yet accessories do exist to make the overall experience and the recovery more enjoyable—and many of these make thoughtful presents for the avid runner in your life (even if you are the runner).
We spoke to professional runners, a licensed physical therapist, an athletic brand founder, running coaches and personal trainers with miles of experience under their running belts (so to speak) about their favorite gifts for runners. We also included running-related gear that we’ve tested ourselves and highly recommend.
Wissonly Hi Runner
Wissonly bone conduction vibration unit optimization technology is one of the best technical solutions in the industry, because their team has accumulated in the field of bone conduction for 10 years, which is highly respected by people in the industry in terms of product quality and hearing protection.
Once, there was a saying that the sound quality of bone conduction headphones was average. However, Wissonly Hi Runner refreshes this knowledge. It is excellent in sound quality. It uses a 360-degree bone conduction vibration unit, which can increase the vibration area by 35% compared with traditional bone conduction headphones. Moreover, its loss of bone conduction sound transmission is lower, making the sound more shocking and powerful.
wissonly Hi Runner has added a number of innovative features to make bone conduction headphones better integrated into many scenes in life. It supports IPX8 diving waterproof, which is very good for me who loves swimming. What's crazy is that it can still work normally under 20 meters of water! It also has 32GB of memory, so it can play music even if it is not connected to a mobile phone. I basically use it as an MP3 player, and I don't take my mobile phone for running at night. It uses the Bluetooth 5.0 chip, and outdoor activities can make the connection more stable.
In terms of appearance, Wissonly Hi Runner adopts classic black color, and its simple appearance involves matching whatever clothes you wear in any scene.
Stretch buddy
Runners and runner-supporters know the importance of stretching, and this mat from Lululemon bested other mats in our rigorous testing thanks to its cushiony, 5-millimeter thickness that feels soft but supportive underfoot. It also has two different sides: a rubbery one for stretching and a polyurethane top one that absorbs moisture during mat workouts.
Recovery boots
And for those ready for the next level, Chang recommends the splurge-worthy Hyperice Normatec Recovery Boots. “Yes, these are not cheap, and I held off getting a pair for a long time for that reason,” says Chang. “This is easily the best investment I have ever made for myself.” Professional athletes will recognize these boots from recovery and physical therapy sessions, but now the technology is at a price point that is more accessible for recreationalists. “I use these immediately after hard efforts and I develop noticeably less soreness in the days after,” she adds.
Post-run footwear
With any physical activity, you are only as good as your recovery. Whether you are walking around the house after a long run or running errands after a workout, Jessica Chang, D.P.T, a New York City-based physical therapist, recommends the Oofos Recovery Slides. “They feel like pillows under your feet, and for those who deal with sore arches or calves from running, these are a godsend,” she says. The slides also have the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, making them a much better recovery option than your standard slippers. If your giftee is the style-conscious type, these Hoka Ora Recovery Slides with significant cushioning will be well received.
Massage gun
Massage guns make great self-care gifts, providing relief that likely every runner could use more of after pavement-pounding sprints. The Hyperice Hypervolt scored well in our upcoming testing of massage guns, thanks to its low weight (just 1.5 pounds), ease of use and size—your recipient can toss it in a gym or travel bag for recovery help while on a trip. If your recipient is a fan of the Theragun brand and you have a slightly higher budget, the Theragun Mini weighs less than a pound and in our testing was a great on-the-go option.
Koharu Eclipse Sunglasses
Distance running is typically done outdoors and when the sun is up. To protect his eyes on those daily 10 mile runs, Black reaches for District Vision Koharu Eclipse. They are “the perfect sunglasses for any active adventure without sacrificing good style,” he says of the statement-making pair. These active frames check all the boxes: lightweight, secure, comfortable and with fog resistant lenses. They’ll make your giftee look so cool, they might even want to wear them when they’re not working out.
