Forget pricey shoes and watches – these are the best cheap gifts for runners
Save big on running gear for beginners and advanced runners for the holidays
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Runners are always hard to buy for. What shoe size do they take? Do they already have a running watch? Do they carry their phone around or leave it at home?
When you’re shoppingChristmas salesfor holiday gifts, it’s hard to find appropriately priced presents for the runner in your life. Often, running gear such as thebest running shoesorbest running watchcan run up to hundreds of dollars or pounds.
Sometimes, new runners without a fitness tracker just need a simpleFitbit Inspire 2, which tracks your calories burned, sleep, heart rate, and running speed, which is a great gift. However, speaking as a runner, I’d welcome accessories such as comfy running socks, a heart rate monitor, or even a running backpack or belt to store a change of clothes, water, or snacks in.
Check out the deals in full below to help delight the runner in your circle and get ahead of the January fitness crowd. You might also want to check out our guides to the bestChristmas salesin the US andBoxing Day salesin the UK, for even more great holiday andChristmas gift ideas.
US running gift deals
Garmin Venu SQ with GPS:was $199.99now $119.99 at AmazonThis cheap Apple Watch alternative looks the part, is system-agnostic, is packed full of features, and on offer for a 40% discount over the holidays. It’s light and comfortable to wear, allowing you to tap it on the go for contactless payments, and download apps and watch faces to customize it to suit your style. The AMOLED display is crisp and clear, showing off excellent colors.
Saucony Women’s Multipack performance socks:was $15.99now $13.03 at AmazonSaucony makes some of my fave running shoes ever, and their socks are no slouch either, with arch support and breathable fabric. Save a bundle on this multipack of sports socks with heel tabs, or find themen’s version here.
Garmin Running Dynamics Pod:was $69.95now $45.95 on AmazonThis is a great way to get some excellent running metrics you’d only normally find on more expensive Garmin watches. The Pod monitors and tells you all about your stride, from ground contact time to vertical oscillation (how much you bounce up and down while you run).
Polar H10 heart rate monitor:was $99.99now $86.98 on AmazonIn our review, we found the Polar H10 to be pinpoint-accurate, so if you’ve got an experienced runner who only uses a watch, this heart rate monitor might be perfect to ensure complete accuracy when it comes to heart rate during training.
UK running gift deals
Adidas RunFalcon 3.0 running shoes:was £50now £32.50 at ASOSSave on these fantastic entry-level shoes, available in almost all sizes and colours. Made with up to 50% recycled material with a cushy Cloudfoam sole, they’re designed to be light and comfortable to run or walk in. Ideal for first-time runners or casual runners replacement shoes.
Fitbit Inspire 2:was £79.95Now £44.99 at ArgosArgos is still stocking the little tracker that could at the same rock-bottom £45. If your giftee is a new runner trying to nudge themselves healthier, the Inspire 2 will count their steps, and track their sleep and the calories they expend on a day-to-day basis. It even comes with a whole year of Premium - still the only Fitbit tracker that offers this, despite being the cheapest tracker overall.
Save up to 60% on running shoes at WiggleThere are some great deals available at Wiggle for UK shoppers if you’re after running shoes. For example, we’ve seen up to 60% on many shoes from brands like HOKA and Adidas, although sizes and colours mean availabilities vary. Shop here to find a fantastic deal on a shoe in the right size.
Fistcale Lightweight Breathable Bike Backpack, 8L:now £23.99 at AmazonIt’s not on offer, but this running belt replacement is well-priced and comes with a personal recommendation: I bought one of these to help with my marathon training, and it’s really good. With pockets galore, a tube funnel for a Camelbak-style drinking flask for long-distance running, and 8L space to store a change of clothes, I use it during my weekly cardio commute.
DHB quarter-cut running socks:was £12.00now £2.00 at WiggleMy kind of Christmas deal: save 83% on these breathable, comfortable socks which have been reinforced around the heel and ankle with extra material for added stability. I’m glad it’s quarter-cut too, as I like the added ankle support. I’ve genuinely just bought a pair.
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Matt is TechRadar’s expert on all things fitness, wellness and wearable tech. A former staffer at Men’s Health, he holds a Master’s Degree in journalism from Cardiff and has written for brands like Runner’s World, Women’s Health, Men’s Fitness, LiveScience and Fit&Well on everything fitness tech, exercise, nutrition and mental wellbeing.
Matt’s a keen runner, ex-kickboxer, not averse to the odd yoga flow, and insists everyone should stretch every morning. When he’s not training or writing about health and fitness, he can be found reading doorstop-thick fantasy books with lots of fictional maps in them.
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