For whatever occasion you’re celebrating, we’ve put together a list of running gifts for Dad. From gadgets to running shoes and everything in between, we think you’ll find something that will put a smile on his face.
15 Running Gifts Dad Will Love
Why is it always so hard to buy for that father figure in your life?? Worst case scenario, you get a gift card to RoadRunner Sports or REI, which will have darn near anything they could possibly need!
It was so hard to narrow this list down because we have so many things that our team is loving right now. But if you’d like to have something to wrap, this list has something for all budgets!
Running Shoes, Gear and Accessories
1. Extra Cushion for His Feet👉On Cloudmonster 3
Calling all Dad’s looking for a new pair of shoes!
The On Cloudmonster 3 is a great neutral running shoe with a nice amount of cushion! This makes it a great shoe for anyone who is starting to run or already running.
It’s cushioned enough for great comfort, and although it’s considered ‘max cushioned’ it’s not so much that you lack stability when running.
However, in addition to the comfort provided by the cushion, it also features cutting-edge technology, a lightweight frame, and an energy-efficient springboard to ensure a steady and natural bounce with each step.
Extra bonus points because you know he’ll be the most stylish Dad in any room he runs or walks into.
- Weight: 10.8 oz Men’s, 8.5 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 35 mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Available in 10 Colors
- Available in regular and wide widths
- Available on.com for $190
2. Affordable Shirt for Any Activity👉UA Men’s Tech Workout Shirt
This is the perfect workout t-shirt for all kinds of activities, but is still casual enough to run errands in! There are absolutely more expensive options and we’ve tested those too. But for the price point, these always do the job.
This shirt is antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, ultra-lightweight, and quick drying. Perfect for going directly from the couch to the gym!
This perfectly sweat-wicking shirt is great for just about anyone into fitness, and trust me he’ll thank you for it!
- Available from Amazon.com for $19.99
- Available in XS to 5XL
- Wide range of colors
3. Shorts with ALL the Pockets 👉Korsa Cruise 7” Short
Whether deep into a Bulgarian split squat or fishing a gel from the zippered back pocket on the run, the Korsa Cruise 7” Short is a versatile, comfortable training short that can be used for runs, gym workouts, or making a trip to the store after a workout.
Gear tester Tim said he was surprised at just how much he liked the pocket and overall fit of these shorts.
Simply put, the Korsa Cruise 7” Short is a versatile option for your gym and running workouts that will get the job done.
You’ll have more than enough storage options for your keys, wallet, phone, gels, bus tickets, Starbucks Gift Card, etc. with the two zippered front pockets, a zippered rear pocket, and an elastic loop to stash a t-shirt or towel.
- Available in Small to XXL
- 3 Color options
- On Roadrunnersports.com for $59 (earn points to buy yourself some shoes!)
4. Running Belt👉Lululemon Fast and Free Running Belt
Gear tester David found this was a great option for dealing with things like a phone, gels and keys on the run. While a lot of shorts have pockets they aren’t terribly comfortable for a gigantic phone.
For $34 from Shop.lululemon.com this is a great little gift that is going to get a ton of use and save some moments of frustration in the search for keys that often fall out of open pockets.
5. Socks to Prevent the Stink 👉Smartwool Running Socks
Sorry Dad’s it’s not that your feet stink, it’s that running is inherently sweaty and therefore bacteria builds up. And it’s better for all of us that you have really great socks!
100% we are telling you that wool is ideal for both winter and summer running.
Merino wool is a fiber you can wear year-round thanks to its ability to regulate temperature, move moisture, and resist odors.
This makes it perfect for winters as they can keep your feet warm but still be moisture-wicking. These socks feature a performance-oriented fit and a mesh ventilation design.
- Options for ankle to tall socks (whatever his style)
- Available in thinner options for summer or thicker for winter
- Average of $19 – seriously for a pair, that’s why he never buys them himself but will love them!!
You can find these socks on both our best running socks and best wool running gear so you know they’re worth it.
6. Handheld to Carry His Hydration and Phone👉Nathan Exo Handheld
We’re loving this handheld because somehow the front pocket can hold your phone! It’s a soft flask and has one of the best hand straps ever. So…..ya we’re kind of obsessing over this very new option. It’ll be perfect for staying hydrated on runs in every season.
- Available in 3 colors
- $45 on Nathansports.com
- Also where one of our favorite hydration packs is from. If he needs more for longer runs or trail days, checkout the Nathan Pinnacle Vest.
7. Keep Him Safe Running in the Dark👉Nathan Hypernight Reflective Vest Lite
Out walking the dog, getting early morning miles in or just trying to hit his daily step goal, this Hypernight Reflective Vest is perfect! It’s super lightweight and can be worn through every season. If your Dad is a trail or ultra runner, this will be great to throw on during the evening hours when a vest may be required!
They are light, easy to put on, and you will quickly forget that you are wearing it.
- Also available in black, if you just want the reflective parts.
- Other options for bigger vests or hydration packs also available
- $32 on Nathansports.com
If you want to add other reflective gear to his collection, check out our list of the best reflective running gear.
Tech Gadgets
8. Give Him All the Running Data👉 Garmin Forerunner 265
We’ve tested a WIDE variety of GPS watches and told you all about them, from Polar to COROS to Garmin, and what I’ve found is that Garmin often has the full range of features that make it both a sport training and lifestyle watch that can be worn all the time. PLUS it has an AMOLED screen which really steps this up.
The Garmin 265 is pricey, but a durable watch that will do EVERYTHING.
Admittedly, my Dad would probably be WAY happier with the Garmin Golf watch..hmm ideas. Anyhow stay tuned next week for more on GPS watches and my continued thoughts on TomTom!
- Available in 2 sizes, the S version will be for a smaller wrist
- $499 though you can find sales like right now for $349
- Multiple color options available for the strap
- Has ALL the data that any runner needs, the only exception is if he’s doing ultras and wants more trail data
- Want to check out some other options? Here’s our best running watches complete buyers guide.
9. A Way to Get His Daily Steps👉Walking Pad X21
What better way to get in some extra steps while watching the big game or while working than a walking pad? The Walking Pad X21 is easy to set up anywhere in the house and is super quiet so it won’t create a ton of noise.
It folds up SUPER small which is hard to find and means it’s great for an office or that little corner where you can’t fit a normal treadmill, but wish you could.
If your Dad grumbles about not having the extra space, we promise this is a good alternative.
- Checkout our full Walking Pad X21 review for all the details
- $999 — code RUNTOTHEFINISHX21 saves you $400 making it $599
- Free shipping and good return policy
- Digital read out along top handle bar with spin dial for speed
10. Helping Him Track Heart Rate Data👉 Polar OH1 Arm Band
Coach Amanda LOVES training by HR, but always hated the discomfort of chest straps. But can an armband really track things correctly? Thus far everything points to yes and it’s infinitely more comfortable.
Honestly my biggest issue is forgetting to put it on in the winter and then struggling to work it up my sleeve.
The Polar H10 chest strap is still going to be the gold standard, but the armband is infinitely more accurate than your GPS watch just based on the location of the reading.
- One size fits most
- Usually holds charge for a few runs, easy to recharge
- $79 on Amazon
11. Keeping His Muscles Happy on the Go👉Normatec Venom Go
Unlike the larger Venom devices, the Go is designed for spot treatment, so it targets and loosens just the area underneath the adhesive pad and pod.
The Venom Go uses heat and vibration to relax whatever spot you place it on. You can choose from 9 different heat and vibration combinations to soothe tight, cranky muscles.
And this is a bonus: everything comes in a compact little carrying case, which makes it super easy to travel with and keep all the pieces together.
Check it out from Hyperice.com for $129 (each device comes with 3 pads, additional can be bought separately)
We have a full list comparing all of the Hyperice recovery products if you want to get Dad something, but are not sure which tech is worth it.
Snacks and Nutrition
12. Fueling His Training👉GoodRancher
Want to set your Dad up with the fuel that he can use after running, cycling, or maybe even golfing? Make his meal prepping easier with GoodRanchers.
Good Ranchers ships pre-portioned 100% American beef, chicken, and seafood straight to your door, so your post-run meals are as dialed in as your training.
If you’re thinking of gifting your Dad GoodRanchers, check out this special offer:
- $40 off your first order, or $100 off across the first three orders when you start a subscription.
- PLUS, you’ll receive free protein of your choice (burgers, bacon, or chicken breasts) with every order.
13. Keeping Him Hydrated 👉 Skratch Labs Hydration
You want Dad to be well-hydrated, especially while out on the run! This is a local Colorado brand that a lot of our team is loving right now.
Skratch Sport Hydration Drink Mix is made to replace electrolytes that you lose when you sweat and give you a little bit of energy without upsetting your stomach.
What’s best is that it tastes great since these drink mixes are made with only real fruit, which gives it a light, refreshing flavor. Plus, Skratch is non–GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. You can choose from a number of flavors including lemon-lime, strawberry lemonade, and seasonal flavors like apple cider and salted cucumber.
- Use Code AMANDARUN20 to get 20% off your order
- You’ll find hydration mixes, carb mixes, and gels
- We also love the everyday mix as something to drink at work and not during the run
14. Preventing a Snack Emergency👉 Aloha Bars
Listen we gotta keep that pantry stocked to avoid energy crashes and hunger! This option avoids any allergies and tastes soooooo good.
One of Coach Amanda’s favorite bar brands is the plant-based Aloha Bar. These bars are nutrient-dense with at least 14 grams of protein and healthy fats to help fuel your body. The bars are low in sugar, gluten-free, certified vegan, USDA Organic, and Non-GMO Project verified. Another plus is the sheer number of flavors.
The plant-based protein is a blend of brown rice protein and pumpkin seed protein. The bars are also dairy- and soy-free.
If you’ve never had these before, we suggest the sample pack where you can select 6 flavors to try. You’ll get 2 of each flavor for a 12-bar package.
Aloha also offers mini bars with 6 grams of protein, protein drinks with 20 grams of protein and prebiotics, and protein powders with 18 grams of protein. You can bundle and save with packages of drinks and bars.
- Get 15% off your order with our link
- Box of 12 bars is $36.99 (discount with our link and often other specials)
- Flavors change every couple of months (deliciousness does not)
15. Helping Him Reach His Goals👉1-1 Run Coaching
Sometimes all you need is that personalized program to reach your goals and beat your PR! We absolutely can do a gift certificate to give you something to present!
If you have a runner in your life that seems to have plateaued and can’t find the motivation to run, or feel a bit lost, then one-on-one coaching is something that they’re going to thank you for!
Many runners feel that just because they’re not professional athletes, they probably don’t deserve (or need) personalized, customized training programs. But, as a running coach, I’m here to tell you that’s absolutely not true!
Every single runner, at any stage of their journey, can benefit from one-on-one coaching.
So if you’re truly looking to make the runner in your life feel special, gift them a month of 1-1 coaching, and don’t forget to record their reaction when you gift it to them! A few years ago the husband of one of my now athletes emailed to say he knew she wanted it but would never sign up on her own, so we did it for her!
Looking for more runner gift ideas?
All right there you have it, we hope that something on this list catches your eye for a running gift for your Dad!
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