Gift Guide: Running and fitness gifts for those who go the extra mile

Shopping for a runner this holiday season means shopping for more people than ever. According to the Outdoor Industry Association's 2026 Running Report, running keeps growing on both road and trail, fueled by casual runners who fit miles in alongside hiking, walking, and gym days. Trail running has also become one of the most diverse and fastest-growing activities in the outdoors, so there's a good chance someone on your list just laced up for the first time. The gifts below are chosen to work across activities, skill levels, and every kind of weather winter brings.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

VALLON Watchtowers

Superior sustainable vision, Watchtowers™ feature a shatterproof lens developed with Carl ZEISS, ensuring exceptional optical clarity. The RiPel hydro-oleophobic coating combats oil and residue. The 80s inspired-frame is made from 85% recycled fishing nets fused into a durable and lightweight nylon-6. Delivered with interchangeable silicone nose pads for a secure and personalized fit.

 

ThruDark Force Trail Running Shorts

Designed to be lightweight, breathable and durable, the Force active trail running shorts are the perfect companion to long trail runs. With a shorter 4" inside leg for greater mobility and breathability.

ThruDark Force Trail Running Jacket

At just 180 grams and packable into its own pocket, ThruDark's Force Trail Running Jacket ($365) is a serious runner's shell — waterproof and windproof enough for winter trails, with reflective detailing built in for dark-morning starts.

 

Scarpa Ribelle Run 2

Inspired by SCARPA's technical mountain products, the Ribelle Run 2 is updated with a new knit sock construction and heel padding that provides a technical fit with even more comfort and performance. The tensioned rand provides protection and precision, delivering secure foot placement for whatever trails you might encounter.

Rossignol Vercors

Rossignol brings mountain-grade expertise to the trail with the new Vercors Trail Shoes. They have a performance-driven design built for speed, precision, and control on technical terrain. Lightweight yet protective, the Vercors features a breathable, reinforced upper paired with a stabilizing chassis and responsive midsole that helps runners maintain efficiency over long distances. Underfoot, a high-traction rubber outsole provides reliable grip across loose dirt, rock, and roots, making it a strong choice for runners pushing the pace in demanding mountain conditions.

 
 
 
 

ROLL Recovery Solace Collection

The Solace™ Collection features genuine suede uppers paired with ROLL Recovery’s proprietary SUPERPLUSH™ footbed made from algae-based BLOOM® Foam for ultra-cushioned support. The integrated CRADLE DESIGN™ of the footbed provides plush support and stability for confident steps.

 
 

Ortholite X40

Ortholite has over 600 brand partners, Salomon, Asics, Hoka and Brooks, are among the many that trust OrthoLite to provide insoles for their highest performing running and trail shoes. The OrthoLite X40 is primarily found already in footwear from brand partners but was recently made available direct to consumers.

The OrthoLite X40 features:

  • Premium cushioning and rebound for runners and hikers seeking an outsole to match a high level performance

  • Long term cushioning that compresses less than 5% over the lifetime of the insole, guaranteeing ideal comfort and fit over a longer period of time

  • A high level of breathability along with sweat-wicking material that keeps the foot and shoe dryer, and is machine washable to ensure freshness

  • Contains 5% recycled rubber, helping keep hundreds of tons of waste out of landfills each year.

  • MSRP: $26.99

  • Buy from Amazon

 
 

Astral Designs TR1 Mesh 2.0

Ushering in a new era of high performance trail shoes. TR1 Mesh 2.0™ is exceptionally breathable, ultra-lightweight and naturally shaped. Its combination of innovative, supercritical foam with exceptional grip and turbo ventilation is designed to flow over wet and dry trails.

MSRP: $160

 

Jogology Low Cushion, No Show Socks

The sock that disappears in your shoe but never in performance! Jogology’s Low Cushion, No Show socks are built for athletes who want zero bulk and total moisture control. Made with our patented Re-Dri recycled polyester yarn for unmatched softness, breathability, and sweat-wicking power. Seamless toes eliminate friction and blisters, while mesh ventilation panels keep your feet cool from warm-up to cooldown. Front and back heel tabs line your shoes to stop rubbing in its tracks. Snug arch support and a cradling arrow heel deliver a locked-in fit that won’t slip. Left/right anatomical shaping for dialed-in comfort and feel. Fits like a second skin—because that’s how it’s made.

 

Interested in checking out a sample? Please reach out to Emily at emily@verdepr.com!

Jogology Medium Cushion, Quarter Socks

The perfect balance of cushion and performance for runners who want just enough without the bulk. Jogology’s Medium Cushion, Quarter socks are crafted with our patented Re-Dri recycled polyester for soft, breathable, moisture-wicking comfort that keeps pace with every mile. Plush heel padding and targeted cushion on the big toes offer impact protection where it counts, while the midfoot stays sleek for a streamlined fit. Seamless toes prevent blisters, and mesh ventilation panels keep your feet cool and dry. Cradling arrow heel, snug arch support, and anatomical left/right shaping ensure these socks stay locked in and ready to go. Quarter length for just the right amount of coverage.

 
 
 
 
 

CEP Core Run Mid Cut Compression Socks 5.0

Give the runner on your list the sock serious racers have trusted since 2007. The Core Run Mid-Cut 5.0 comes from CEP's medical compression heritage. It delivers graduated compression from 24 mmHg at the ankle to 18 mmHg at the calf, which reduces swelling and supports the ankle mile after mile. It's engineered in Germany and the U.S. with targeted arch support and comes in 11 colorways, from classic black to Neon Coral. Want more than one? The 2-packs ($38) and 3-packs ($56) make easy stocking stuffers.

CEP Optaspeed Bowtech

CEP's Pro Run Optaspeed BowTech uses patented dual-plate kinetic technology to store and release energy with every stride, delivering explosive propulsion and centered stability for runners chasing a new PR.