The top performance-boosting and recovery finds for runners who are gunning for race day.
Training for a race can be a great way to improve speed, motivation, and endurance. But whether the runners in your life are prepping for a 5K or marathon, they need gear that helps them hit their pace, run safely, and prioritize recovery. No matter what type of racer you have on your list (yourself included!), these are the essentials that will help them go the distance.
Providing injury protection and performance support, these carbon fiber insoles are ideal for any runner looking to optimize their agility, stability, and explosiveness. Research done in 2020 by the Korey Stringer Institute, which was supported by VKTRY, showed their patented insoles improve the lower body biomechanics and stability of the ankle and knee during running. VKTRY credits that to the carbon fiber plate’s curved design, which is engineered to maximize the energy return and shock absorption with each step. The insoles are customized to the wearer's height, shoe size, weight, age, and sport. Looking for a more affordable option? The Silver VK Insoles ($119) offer great support with less customization.
Anyone looking to take their running to the next level will appreciate all the metrics this smartwatch can track. A built-in GPS lets runners record routes, and the watch also tracks heart rate, cadence, stride length, ground contact time, balance, and more. Users can sync it to their phone to receive (and respond to) phone calls and texts, and for all of those who like to run to music, the watch can hold up to 500 songs.
Need a gift for someone who is always off to a new city to race? This compact, portable percussion massage tool, which weighs only two-and-a-half pounds, was created to be taken on the go. It’s quiet, powerful, and good for two-and-a-half hours of battery life with each charge.
Runners can never have too many breezy running tanks. This one’s perforated design allows for ample airflow, making it extremely breathable; the knit and mesh fabric helps to wick sweat away. Bonus: The fabric is so smooth against your skin that you won’t have to worry about chafing at mile one, 13, or 26. It’s also made up of 75 percent recycled polyester fibers.
If they’re training for longer races, they’ll appreciate having a trusty running belt. This one comes with two eight-ounce bottles for hydration that can be attached wherever feels most comfortable. It also has a weather-resistant pocket roomy enough to fit an iPhone 12 Pro Max or a Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, plus space for an ID, credit card, money, and keys. Oh, and they can stash gels or chews in the outer elastic loops.
Also available in a five-inch inseam length, these lightweight shorts are made from a four-way stretch performance material that won’t impede their stride or mobility. The fabric also wicks moisture, helping runners stay cool (and preventing the shorts from sticking to their thighs). Also key: They're comfortable for both speed sessions and long runs.
You don’t have to spend a hundred dollars on a pair of running-specific sunnies—just ask the thousands of runners wearing these polarized, no-slip, no-bounce sunglasses. Designed specifically for those logging miles, this pair has a grip coating on the snug lightweight frame so they stay in place (no matter how sweaty the action gets). They come in tons of different bright colors, too, so you can customize the gift to their taste.
Calling those runners who like to go far and always be prepared. This lightweight run vest stores two 500-milliliter water bottles (included), gels, bars, and more, without feeling heavy (thanks to the breathable micro-mesh fabric). The vest also has a dual sternum strap system to keep it from bouncing around, reflectivity, a safety whistle, and a secure pocket for your phone and other personals.