The best Christmas gift ideas for runners for the festive season and beyond

From festive running shoes to shock-absorbing insoles, here are the gift ideas I think would delight my friends and family the most

Brooks Levitate 5 Run Merry running shoes on some stairs covered in snow
(Image credit: Brooks)

Christmas shopping can be stressful and truth to be told, there isn't much time left to shop before the big day! If you still haven't wrapped up your Christmas shopping (pun intended), here are some Christmas gift ideas for runners that will surely delight tour running friends and family members.

There is another roundup of the very best Christmas gift ideas for gym lovers for those who prefer to work out lifting weights or jumping around to music. No judgement! We all train differently and that's perfectly fine. The end goal is the same: we all want to get fit, one way or another. 

Best Christmas gift ideas for runners

Brooks Levitate 5 Run Merry Edition

(Image credit: Brooks)

Brooks Levitate 5 Run Merry Edition

RRP £140

When I first laid my eyes on the Run Merry Collection from Brooks, I remember thinking "this looks ridiculous but I want it all". The crown piece of the collection is the festive Levitate 5 (opens in new tab) that looks like something Santa would wear if he suddenly realised that wolfing down cookies and chugging milk at every house is not a good idea from a health preservation point of view.

What I love the most about the Run Merry Brooks Levitate 5 is that it even comes with a shoebox that doubles up as a gift box; no need to use disposable wrapping paper! And, of course, the shoes themselves are as springy as they've always been, perfect for training and treadmill sessions.

Interested in running shoes? Read our best running shoes, best running shoes for women and best Nike running shoes guides.

ASICS running t-shirt

(Image credit: ASICS)

ASICS Katakana Top

RRP £28

Being a t-shirt that's more than just a pretty face (so to say), the ASICS Katakana running top (opens in new tab) is made from a knit fabric with quick-drying properties to keep you dry and comfortable. It's business at the front and fun at the back: the tee features the phrase "ASICS Running" written in Japanese Katakana lettering just under the neckline.

Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh Women's Medium-Support Non-Padded Sports Bra

(Image credit: Nike)

Nike Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh Women's Medium-Support Non-Padded Sports Bra

RRP £27.95

This non-padded medium support sports bra from Nike (opens in new tab) features wide, comfy straps in a classic racerback design. The smooth, lightweight Dri-FIT fabric wicks sweat to keep you dry, comfortable and focused on your outdoor training or treadmill sessions. Better still, the Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh sports bra is made from at least 75% recycled polyester fibres.

Adidas RUNNING CITY PORTABLE BAG

(Image credit: Adidas)

Adidas Running City Portable Bag

RRP £30

No one likes their keys and phone banging against their thighs as they run. Well, not everybody likes the sensation and if you are one of those people, you will appreciate the Adidas Running City Portable Bag (opens in new tab).

It rests against your chest in the centre so you'll feel balanced all the time. The breathable mesh makes the bag comfortable to wear even when things get sweaty under the base layer.

As well as holding all your bits in place, this Adidas bag is made with Primeblue, a high-performance recycled material made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic. 

New Balance NB Sports Bobble Hat

(Image credit: New Balance)

New Balance Sports Bobble Hat

RRP £14, now only £9.80

Go retro with the NB Sports Bobble Hat (opens in new tab). As New Balance puts it, this is the "perfect cold-weather accessory thanks to both the warmth and on-trend look" it provides. The comfy polyester knit construction keeps your head warm even during real cold running sessions while the bobble on top will entertain both you and others looking at you as you run.

Enertor Running Insoles

(Image credit: Enertor)

Enertor Running Insoles

RRP £34.99

The Usain Bolt-endorsed Enertor Running Insoles (opens in new tab) are made from PX1 material technology which has been "specifically engineered for running offering outstanding shock absorption", as Enertor explains.

And indeed, there is a video of someone throwing an egg on the insole from a height that would surely break the egg on impact but instead, it bounces back! That's all the marketing I need, people throwing eggs on things.

In theory, the Enertor Running Insoles can help to reduce pain not only in your feet but also in ankles, shins, hips, lower back and legs. They will also help to aid recovery time and help to reduce the risk of injuries reoccurring. Ideal for running, sport, gym and HIIT sessions.

Women's UA Storm Run Liner Gloves

(Image credit: Under Armour)

Women's Under Armour Storm Run Liner Gloves

RRP £26

The thin, tight-fitting Women's UA Storm Run Liner Gloves (opens in new tab) can be worn on their own or as a first layer under heavier gloves, should the weather get super cold (I doubt it will, in the UK anyway). 

The UA Storm finish repels rain and snow without sacrificing breathability and the soft ColdGear fabric delivers an ultra-warm feel, with no extra weight. Why would you want to wear an extra layer on top of these gloves, knowing all this?

Better still, the Tech Touch print on thumbs and fingers allow you to use touch screen devices without taking your gloves off and the silicone print on palms provides increased grip and durability.

BLACK CASTORE X REISS COOPER TRACK PANTS

(Image credit: Castore)

Black Castore x Reiss Cooper Track Pants

RRP £65

Check this out! If there is a person you really like, get them the Black Castore x Reiss Cooper Premium Track Pants (opens in new tab). Admittedly, the track pants don't look quite as impressive on the photo above but on the model, they are anything but baggy.

These lightweight performance track pants are perfect for high-intensity training or just chilling around the house; your call. They feature an adjustable waistband with drawcord and zip pockets.

Matt is T3's Fitness Editor and covers everything from smart fitness tech to running and workout shoes, home gym equipment, exercise how-tos, nutrition, cycling, and more. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and he collaborated with other fitness content creators such as Garage Gym reviews.