Temperatures are dropping, and fall is in full swing.
That means stores are already bringing out their holiday decorations, and the busy shopping season is only a few weeks away. There’s no better time to start thinking of gifts for the runners and other athletes in your life than now. At Marathon Sports, we pride ourselves on our deep understanding of top-notch running essentials, apparel, and footwear. Our goal? To guide you in discovering the perfect gifts for the runners in your life, whether it’s the festive season or any special occasion. Our dedicated team has curated a list of their top product picks, meticulously categorized into running must-haves, attire, and footwear. Explore our selections and find the perfect gift, with that signature Marathon Sports touch. Here’s how it breaks down.
Running Essentials
- Oofos Unisex Original Flip Flops
- Archies Unisex Arch Support Slides
- Nathan Exoshot Lite 14 oz Handheld
- Darn Tough Men’s 1/4 Ultra-Light Running Sock
- Goodr Sunglasses — The Originals Collection
- Garmin Forerunner 265
- Kahtoola NANOspikes
Running Apparel
- Vuori Women’s Performance Joggers
- Vuori Men’s Fleet Jogger
- Brooks Women’s Run Visible Thermal Hoodie
- Patagonia Men’s Houdini Jacket
Running Shoes
The Ultimate List of Gift Ideas for Runners
Learn more about each of the products our team members chose and why they make excellent gifts for marathon runners, those just starting their running journey, and all the running enthusiasts in between.
Running Essentials
Running essentials are those unexpected items that enhance a runner’s running experience. From recovery-day shoes to the ultimate water bottle for race days, we have running essentials that make perfect gifts.
Oofos Unisex Original Flip Flops
Runners can’t run around the clock. They need shoes for recovery and rest days, too. The Oofos Unisex Original Flip Flops are ideal for recovering after an intense workout, hitting the beach, or simply cruising around town. Oofo’s OOfoam™ midsole absorbs 37 percent more shock than comparable materials. These sandals also feature a biomechanically designed footbed, a conforming toe post, and numerous other features for comfort, fit, and durability. They’re also so light that they float!
Archies Unisex Arch Support Slides
Another pair of home or outdoor sandals for avid runners is the Archies Unisex Arch Support Slide. Available in a variety of colors, these slides pair perfectly with any outfit and promote optimal foot posture via orthotic support. Archies Unisex Arch Support Slides feature a unique closed-cell foam that quickly molds to the runner’s foot shape and stays there. These will be your favorite slides within one or two days of opening the box.
Nathan Exoshot Lite 14 oz Handheld
Every runner needs a functional and convenient water bottle. The Nathan Exoshot Lite 14 oz Handheld is an excellent gift for marathon runners and won’t break the bank. Crafted with a soft flask design, the Nathan Exoshot Lite 14 oz Handheld fits seamlessly into one’s grip, complemented by an adjustable hand strap, ensuring a tailor-made fit for every runner. Whether you’re tackling marathons, trail excursions, quick jogs, or intense workout sessions, its intuitive design enhances running efficiency. And with a breathable mesh hand strap, runners can enjoy supreme comfort from start to finish. A must-have for every passionate runner.
Darn Tough 1/4 Ultra-Light Cushion Running Sock
Darn Tough 1/4 Ultra-Light Cushion Running Sock
Darn Tough 1/4 Ultra-Light Cushion Running Sock
A runner’s socks can make or break their run. These Darn Tough 1/4 Ultra Light Running Socks are made from ultra-light Merino Wool that regulates foot temperature and wicks moisture away. They also feature a seamless toe for superior comfort and zero rubbing or blisters. The Darn Tough Men’s 1/4 Ultra Light Running Socks rise to just above the ankle for ankle protection on trails or loose terrain and are available in three attractive colorways. They’re top-quality running and hiking socks that look as good as they feel.
Goodr Sunglasses — The Originals Collection
There’s something special about running on sunny days, but the excitement quickly fades when you have nothing to protect your eyes from UV rays. Goodr Sunglasses are affordable sunglasses that are ideal for running and everyday wear. The Originals Collection looks great while offering polarized lenses, a snug, no-bounce frame, and a special grip coating to prevent slipping. Best of all, Goodr Sunglasses protect against 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays at a surprisingly low $25 price.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Searching for something extra special for the avid runner in your life? The Garmin Forerunner 265 is the ultimate gift. This personalized smartwatch designed specifically for runners features an AMOLED touchscreen display, 13 hours of battery life, morning training reports, sleep monitoring, and so much more. The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a gift that can upgrade a person’s life with Garmin Coach capabilities and Women’s Health Monitoring. Link it with the Garmin Connect App for an even broader selection of features that can help you or a loved one achieve their next PR.
Kahtoola NANOspikes
Kahtoola NANOspikes® allow runners to enjoy their sport in all weather conditions. Our Marathon Sports team members found this one of the best gifts for runners for the holiday season because it may help them log more miles in icey or other slippery conditions. This unique footwear traction provides grip and additional shock absorption without sacrificing comfort. It also secures easily on any running shoes, providing upward-facing traction, water resistance, flexibility, and snow-release technology. Runners in cooler areas of the country will be grateful for this unique and functional gift.
Running Apparel
The clothing a runner wears has a significant impact on how they perform. Find the best gifts for race days, training, and recovery days here.
Vuori Women’s Performance Joggers
Joggers are a gift that nearly every runner can appreciate, especially when they’re Vuori Women’s Performance Joggers. The ultra-soft slim-fit joggers feature a cropped leg, side pockets, and a drawstring waist. While they’re ideal for running, we have no doubt whoever receives them will wear them around the house, to the store, and just about everywhere. They’re guaranteed to be a new favorite pair of around-the-house or anywhere pants. Our team members appreciate that Vuori Performance Joggers are partially made with recycled content, and we think our customers do too.
Vuori Men’s Fleet Jogger
The Vuori Men’s Fleet Jogger is similar to the Women’s Performance Joggers in their tapered styling and high-performance features. The Fleet Jogger is made from an ultra-soft, moisture-wicking material that’s ideal for long runs, gym workouts, speed training, and warm-ups. Like the Performance Jogger, these pants are so comfortable they’re bound to become daily favorites. The performance stretch material is durable, lightweight, and stylish. Several of our team members remarked that they use the Fleet Jogger as their go-to travel and recovery day pants, too.
Brooks Women’s Run Visible Thermal Hoodie
Avid runners need clothing that keeps them comfortable and safe. The Brooks Women’s Run Visible Thermal Hoodie does both. It offers ample warmth for cool fall and winter temperatures with a soft-notched interior fabric that wicks away moisture while keeping runners warm. The Run Visible Hoodie also features an antimicrobial finish that prevents odor and keeps the top DriLayer material fresh day after day. Runners who hit the pavement in low-light conditions will stay safer with the hoodie’s 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflectivity. Arguably best of all — it’s made with 94 percent recycled materials. That’s a running gift we can all get behind!
Patagonia Men’s Houdini Jacket
Patagonia is known for creating some of the world’s most sustainable and durable clothing. The Men’s Houdini Jacket is a lightweight, packable layer that’s perfect for running in varied conditions. The breathable, water-repellent construction keeps outside moisture at bay while wicking away sweat. Ideal as an outer layer on chilly or rainy days. Runners will surely appreciate this technical jacket’s 3.7-ounce weight, moisture-wicking capabilities, impressive durability, and custom-like fit.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are our specialty at Marathon Sports. These four are some of our favorites for the 2024 season, but don’t hesitate to contact us or visit one of our stores to learn about dozens of other new high-performance or everyday training shoes. We have shoes for all levels and styles of runners here at Marathon Sports.
HOKA Clifton 9
Arguably, the most epic gift for marathon runners is a quality pair of training shoes. The Clifton 9 is one of the best HOKA running shoes, according to our experts. It’s a tried-and-true daily trainer with ample compression molded EVA cushioning, a breathable engineered mesh upper, early-stage MetaRocker™, and other technical features for optimal comfort, fit, and durability. As one of the world’s best running shoe brands, you almost can’t go wrong when gifting a pair of HOKA shoes.
Brooks Ghost 16
The Brooks Ghost 16 is another excellent choice for male and female runners of all skill levels. It’s one of the most iconic models from Brooks Running Shoes for its versatility, carbon-neutral construction, lightweight, and balanced cushioning. Our Marathon Sports team members know a thing or two about the world’s top daily trainers, and they claim this is one of the best Brooks running shoes on the market. Available in dozens of unique colorways, it makes an ideal gift for a seasoned or novice runner.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is one of the hottest running shoes of 2024 and one of our staff’s favorite Asics running shoes. This year’s edition features several improvements on the last, including increased cushioning with FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO technology, PureGEL™ technology in the heel, a knit tongue, and more. According to our experts, it’s more comfortable and durable than ever. If you’re seeking gifts for runners this holiday season, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is almost guaranteed to be a hit.
On Running Cloud X 4
The On Cloud X 4 is one of the latest and greatest models from On Running shoes. It’s also one of the most versatile running shoes in our collection. The Cloud X 4 is an ideal gym shoe, daily trainer, or everyday shoe for optimal comfort, durability, and fit. Our team members appreciate its wide toe box and plush interior feel. The brand’s signature CloudTec cushioning is also a favorite, as it reacts to each runner’s unique movements. That’s also why it’s ideal for CrossFit and other sports. An engineered mesh upper provides breathability that keeps the shoe cool and comfortable on longer runs. Our team members feel the On Cloud X 4 is one of the best gifts for runners for its unmatched versatility, trendy look, and top-quality construction.
Shop These Gift Ideas for Runners Today
Many athletes know Marathon Sports is the best place to find the ideal pair of running shoes. However, many don’t know we also stock a full range of running clothing and gear for men and women. There’s no better place to shop for the latest and greatest gifts for the runners in your life than right here. At Marathon Sports, we go above and beyond to help our customers find exactly what they need. If you’re shopping for a runner in your life but don’t know everything about the sport, our team members will help you find the right products and sizes. We can locate praise-worthy running gifts for even the pickiest athletes. Stop by one of our brick-and-mortar locations or start shopping online for all your holiday gift needs today!
