Gift guide: run and fitness gear
Running is one of the most universally loved ways to stay in shape and get outdoors, and — showing its popularity — the total search volume for running gifts will likely be in the hundreds of thousands this year.
Running and fitness have seen sustained growth since the outset of the COVID pandemic, with people prioritizing healthy lifestyles. Large retailers such as REI have been investing in the category, showing that there is confidence in the running consumer base. Searches for keywords like “how to pick the best running shoes” are seeing double the volume — or more — year over year. Likewise, women’s-specific queries are doubling or tripling in volume, too. Finally, more runners are hitting the dirt, with a 20 percent growth in search volume for “trail running.” Here are some of our favorites for the upcoming holiday season.
Our favorite fitness gear gifts
ROLL Recovery R8 Plus
The R8 Plus massage tool is a specialty recovery tool that features adjustable deep tissue massage force for enhanced ease-of-use, and encompasses a patented, hidden mechanism in the frame with an adjustment dial to increase or decrease the compression massage force for the perfect feel. Built with the highest quality of materials, it helps improve circulation and reduce inflammation and breaks up muscle adhesions for myofascial release. The R8 Plus is an FDA Registered Medical Device and can be purchased with FSA/HSA funds.
MSRP: $169
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes (Avantlink)
ROLL Recovery SuperPlush Shoes
Launching October 2024
The SUPERPLUSH™ line was created to be a refuge for tired feet and promote overall foot health. ROLL Recovery, approaches sports recovery from a holistic approach and is now offering footwear that not only feels great and supports athlete recovery, but offers an aesthetic that looks great enough to wear everyday.
MSRP: $129
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes (Avantlink)
Available on Amazon? No
Available starting October 2024
Scarpa Golden Gate 2 ATR
From beginners to pros, the Golden Gate 2 ATR is the perfect transitional shoe for those who spend time on the road as well as the trail. The Golden Gate 2 ATR offers plenty of cushion for logging miles on paved surfaces, the Golden Gate 2 ATR is also at home on gravel roads, park paths and groomed single track. An ideal run and travel shoe when you will encounter a variety of surfaces.
MSRP: $169
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes (Avantlink)
Available on Amazon? Yes
Heel Roam 350 Virtual Dog Leash
The Heel Roam 350 is perfect for runners who love bringing their dog along. Set a virtual leash length from 10 to 750 feet, with customizable tone, vibration, or optional static correction to keep your dog within range. No GPS or subscription required, and it doubles as a training collar with a range of up to 1,000 feet. Enjoy hands-free running with peace of mind!
MSRP: $399
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Available on Amazon? No
Jogology Quarter Socks
Jogology’s Quarter sock is a medium cushion style with lush cushioned heels and toes and no cushioning around the midfoot. Boasting a second-skin fit, this sock offers arch support massage bands to reduce excess fabric and create moisture management between the foot and shoe. A soft knit above the ankle rib band minimizes pressure marks and adds coverage and with a protective area covering the large toe for added comfort. Crafted using 200 needle machines and sustainable, recycled re-dri™ yarn, Jogology socks offer ultimate com-fit, performance, durability and softness.
MSRP: $16
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Available on Amazon? No
OrthoLite X40 Insole
The open-cell OrthoLite X40 performance insole sets an industry standard for high-rebound insole technology with an elasticity rating over 40 percent, for maximum performance and comfort underfoot. The durability and lasting performance of X40 was recently validated through durability testing at Heeluxe Labs. In the test, insoles executed at a projected mileage of 5,000 miles before they started to lose significant performance properties. The proven durability of X40 not only extends the performance of the shoe to the runner, it also extends the life of the shoe.
MSRP: $26.99
Brand has Affiliate Program? No
Available on Amazon? Yes
PackTowl Personal Towel
PackTowl's best-selling towel is great to have for sweaty runs and workouts! Sustainably made of 50% recycled fabric, the Personal takes up minimal space in your backpack, luggage or car and delivers maximum absorbency and quick-drying performance. Capable of absorbing 4x its weight in water and drying 70% faster than comparable cotton towels while taking up a fraction of the space, the Personal is perfect for camping, travel, the gym, the yoga studio and around the house. Machine washable, and with Polygiene® odor control, the Personal is always fresh and ready for your life on-the-go.
MSRP: $15.95 - $52.95
Brand has Affiliate Program? Yes (Avantlink)
Available on Amazon? Yes
