Top 10 Gifts for Runners Reviewed

The Razer Trail is one of the best running socks out there. It comes from a brand known as Rockay, a Europe-based company that makes high-quality sports apparel specialized for athletes, especially runners. The company was born out of one man's desire to create running apparel that is both performance-oriented and eco-friendly. And they succeeded, and now you have their socks as proof!

The Razer Trail is crew length, just enough to keep the calves warm and the ankles stabilized. As we said above, Rockay really cares about the environment, and to show you how much they care, they create each and every pair of socks out of recycled materials. You will see that the Trail is made out of 51% Econyl Regenerated Nylon, 45% Recycled Polyamide, and 4% Recycled Elastane. These materials are extremely durable, very comfortable, and compressive, just what a runner needs. And they are eco-friendly! The top band of the Trail hugs the middle of the calves, preventing the socks from sliding around. A little reflective logo sits just underneath the band, and if your giftee likes running outside, then the logo will keep them safe in the dark, no matter how small it is! One common problem many runners face is blisters. And although we are all quick to blame our shoes for these uncomfortable sacks filled with fluid, we often forget to look at how our socks are constructed. The sock should be completely seamless. Seams usually rub against the inner layer of the shoes when we run, and that friction is the cause of blisters. By having no seams at all, the Trail will prevent blisters from popping, and your friend will enjoy a comfortable ride. The top of the sock has breathable mesh zones, and they kick out the hot, stale air, leaving room for cool air to freshen things up. The socks are generously padded around the heels and toes, the two areas that suffer the most stress when we run. Arch support is very important for runners, and Rockay is very aware of that, so they fitted their socks with compression arch bands that promote blood flow and reduce fatigue. And finally, if your giftee is not satisfied with the socks, they are covered with a lifetime guarantee - you can always order a second pair to test it out!

The Brooks Ghost 11 is an all-around shoe that is ideal for all kinds of weather. The support type this pair has is neutral, so if you don't know what type of arches your giftee has, this is the choice you should make. Neutral support is usually good for both over and under-pronation, and you can't make a mistake here. The engineered mesh upper is stretchy and very breathable, accommodating all shapes and sizes, giving them a breath of fresh air whenever they move. The GTX waterproof membrane keeps the rain and snow out of the shoes, providing a drier and safer environment. Pair that with moisture-wicking socks, and your giftee will never suffer from wet feet again! The lightweight synthetic overlays strengthen the construction and create an urban look. The traditional lace-up closure is easy to master and adjust.

The plush tongue and collar gently hug the ankles, stabilizing them without rubbing them raw. A soft sock liner doesn't cause friction or irritation, creating a very comfy fit. The insoles are removable, in case your giftee has orthotics. BioMoGo DNA combines environmentally-friendly BioMoGo with the responsive DNA of Brooks footwear, creating padding that supports feet of all shapes and sizes. The full-lengths segmented crash pad absorbs impact and dissipates the shock and pressure in the feet while running, saving them from pain. The Omega flex grooves stretch as the foot moves, creating a more natural transition from one position to another.

The Flare is a quarter sock, and their shorter stature makes them more susceptible to slithering inside the shoes. This is one of the worst things that can happen during a run, as you would need to stop and take off your sneakers to readjust the socks, losing valuable time. In order to avoid all of that, Rockay adorned the Flare with a top band that is equally tight and gentle, keeping the socks in place without bothering sensitive skin. A small reflective logo is positioned underneath the band, shining like a beacon in the night, alerting people there's someone present! The toes are completely seamless, preventing blisters from showing their ugly heads. Lightweight cushioning under the heels and toes protect the areas most susceptible to damage and stress by absorbing shock and dispersing the impact when the foot makes contact with the ground. Breathable mesh zones sit across the top of the foot, inviting cool air in to create a fresh, dry environment. The arch support band gently rises the arches, reducing fatigue and pain. And of course, this product also has a lifetime guarantee that protects your giftee in case something goes wrong.

The Blaze is a compression calf sleeve fit for kings. It comes in different colors, so you can find what the favorite color of your giftee is and surprise them with the perfect gift. Rockay has worked for years to discover the best material blend for a compression sleeve, and it really shows. The Blaze is a highly durable and very effective sleeve, offering its valued customers improved stability and comfort. The sleeve has been repeatedly tested by athletes, and every little design flaw was fixed to fit the runner's agenda. Although the sleeves are made for runners, they are a versatile tool, and they can work well for Crossfit, Basketball, Volleyball, and any kind of sport that takes a toll on your calves.

The Blaze has graduated compression, ranging from 16 to 23 mmHg. This level of compression works best for people who do not suffer from any circulation issues. The documented graduated compression helps fight away fatigue and swelling. It also wicks away moisture and reduces the vibrations felt in the calves when they are overworked. Fewer vibrations mean more energy to complete the run! The Blaze is made out of partially recycled materials. There are no seams present on the sleeve, creating a comfy fit that will not rub or chafe the skin. They have been treated with Polygiene, an anti-odor and anti-bacteria technology that makes washing the garment after each use obsolete. All your giftee has to do is hang the sleeve up to dry once they are done using it, and it will be as good as new! The Blaze has the signature Rockay lifetime guarantee, so even if something does go wrong, you can always get a new pair to try it out.

The Forerunner 235 has built-in GPS. If your giftee is someone who loves running outdoors, the GPS function is great because it will keep track of where they ran, showing them the distance and their pace. It will also inform them of their location, making it impossible to get lost in the great wilderness. Many fitness trackers lack GPS, and they rely on a connection with a phone to show a precise location. Built-in GPS is much more convenient and safer, as it saves the battery and makes the watch usable for a longer period of time. The Elevate wrist heart rate technology accurately measures changes in the heartbeat, sending information when it starts to rise. A rising heartbeat indicates a spike in stress levels, and the watch will gently remind you to take a break to unwind. The bright, colorful gauge will display in which zone the heart rate lies, and what the beats per minute are in real-time. This helps your giftee reach their goals faster! The Forerunner will also track the distance they crossed and the time it took them to do it, and it will also show how many steps they took to cross it.

The watch face of the Garmin Forerunner is completely customizable. They will be able to adjust the tracker to their liking and enjoy every app the tracker has with updated looks and colors. Speaking of apps, the fitness tracker has preloaded sports apps, but they can always find more in the Connect IQ. The data related to their exercises will be automatically uploaded to Garmin Connect, their app that shows the data in colorful and fun graphs, and allows them to share their success with an ever-growing fitness community. Once connected with a device, the Forerunner will display text messages and missed calls, and replying to the text messages is also a possibility. The weather widget will let your giftee know whether it's a good idea to go running outside, or if it is better to stick indoors and turn on the treadmill. The battery lasts up to 11 hours if the watch is constantly being used, but if it has regular breaks, it can last up to 9 days.

These headphones come equipped with brilliant strips that shine in the dark, providing your giftee with safety. The strips can also be attached to clothing, bikes, and other gear. The open fit design is sweat proof and comfortable, allowing them to wear the headphones all day. The wraparound design is very lightweight and cozy, and the six-hour battery life is enough to satisfy the marathoner in your life. The headphones are compatible with most Bluetooth devices. Aftershock headphones combined with Premium Pitch technology and Leaks layers deliver rich tones and vibrations that stau directed towards the ears.

The patented roller design features a high-density foam constructed over a hollow core to deliver the best massages. In case your loved one doesn't know how to use a foam roller, they can access their site with a free instructional video that will help them get started. The foam roller is 13 inches long, and it can support up to 500 pounds, which makes it super sturdy and reliable. Just make sure that they don't use the roller too much, or too hard, as they can injure themselves!

The TPU screen that protects your phone is water-resistant and clear, and they will always know what the time is and whether they have a missed call. The TPU cover is touchscreen compatible, so there will be no need to stop and take out the phone to use it. The straps are made out of high tensile brushed PU that can last for a very long time. The extra-wide elastic bands are comfortable to wear and they can fit most shapes and sizes. A headphone cord holder keeps the wires from tangling and creating a mess. The armband even has an extra-thick reflective strip for improved safety! A wide built-in pocket stays hidden out of view, just big enough to store keys.

If your loved one doesn't know how to use the tape, and you're not so sure yourself, don't worry - an instructional booklet will arrive with the tape, and you can always access their instructional videos showing you just how to use the tape right. The high-grade adhesive and unique fabric blend give the tape strength and durability. It repels moisture and moves together with the skin, preventing irritation. The tape is latex and zinc-free, so it's safe for all skin types.

The muscle-containment stamping applies targeted compression to the calves and quads, greatly reducing muscle fatigue while improving stability. The tights are made out of a special fabric mix called power-weight-flex, which creates powerful compression while being lightweight and super durable. A drawstring elastic waistband allows your loved one to adjust the fit to their likings. The moisture-wicking fabric will keep them dry, while the flatlock seams remove any chance of chafing or irritation. The tights are antibacterial, and they deliver UPF 50= sun protection, so your giftee will be safe from all kinds of ailments!