Unsure of what to get the athlete in your life this season? Let our holiday gift guide help you out! Many of these products are available at local retailers, and all are online for easy at-home shopping. With a variety of products and price ranges, we’re sure you’ll find something that fits your loved ones needs and your budget.
Shapeheart Armband ($57) The magnetic case is touchscreen compatible with most smartphones. Shapeheart’s case has a sensor positioned on the arm that has a better measure of heartrates than most smartwatches. Then, the heart rate data is sent via Bluetooth to your running app, including Nike+, Strava, Runtastic, Runkeeper and more.
Available at www.shapeheart.com
Knuckle Lights ($39.99) These lights are designed to be worn on the front of your hands, in a perfect position to light your path and be seen on your next walk or run in the dark. Knuckle Lights COLORS includes 120 total lumens so you can confidently step out in the dark and see and be seen. Each set comes with two lights and batteries, and there are three power settings. Also, Knuckle Lights are waterproof.
Available at www.knucklelights.com, Walmart, Amazon
Bombas Socks ($14 – $122) Bombas socks have been rated the most comfortable socks by numerous reviewers, and hold true with their slight compression and thick padding. They come in both men’s and women’s styles, and have more for different occasions including athletic, dress or casual. Thankfully, there are dozens of different colors and variety packs available for purchase, making Bombas the perfect stocking stuffer or big gift box.
Available at www.bombas.com
Lululemon Women’s Warm on the Way Jacket ($148) Although this isn’t intended to be worn during a run or workout, it’s the perfect to-and-from casual jacket; stay warm and dry in this lightweight insulated jacket as you go to and from the gym and work. Also, this product is made with fabric that is DWR-treated to be water-repellent.
Available at lululemon stores and online
Salomon S-Lab Hybrid Men’s Running Pant – AW16 ($220) $220 is no bargain for running pants, but Salomon certainly has crafted a fantastic pair of pants for the freezing cold. The S-Lab Hybrid has a waterproof membrane on the front, wind protection on the back, and plenty of stretch so these winter monsters don’t feel bulky. And to ensure you don’t feel bulky in your bottoms, there is laser-cut micro holes for ventilation and a flexible waistband.
Available online at Salomon Sports, Running Warehouse, Amazon
Gravity Fitness Stretch Strap ($30) The Gravity Fitness Stretch Strap is an 8-foot long strap, 1.5 inches wide with 12 loops running along. It is made by physical therapists themselves, with a premium and durable woven strap and includes soft neoprene padded handles to avoid irritation from thin nylon.
Available on www.gravityfitness.com, Amazon
Yaktrax RUN Removable Spikes and Coils ($39.99) For the dedicated runners, the high-strength, natural-rubber, removable spikes allow running directly on the snow and ice, as they provide 360 degrees of traction. The spikes can be worn in temperatures as low as -41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Available at REI, L.L.Bean, Zappos.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods
Garmin Heart Rate Monitor ($99.99) Designed specifically for swimmers, Garmin’s heart rate monitor stores and forwards heart rate data to compatible devices. Take your training to the next level by pairing HRM-Swim with your Forerunner® 920XT. The sleek, non-slip strap stays in place, even during wall push-offs. Once out of water, real-time heart rate, interval summaries and stored heart rate are transmitted to the 920XT.
Available at Element Multisport, Walmart, Best Buy, Fleet Feet Sports, Live Grit
SELA Women’s Shirts ($40 – $50) The Chicago-based company SELA focuses on creating shirts women can feel comfortable in, with longer and looser pieces. There are two different styles, but both are breathable and anti-bacterial made of 100% polyester. SELA stands for See your potential, Embrace the journey, Live with intention, and Act with perseverance.
Available at selafit.com
SmartHalo Bike Navigation ($149) The smart device for urban shows the quickest and safest paths to destination, lights the way at night and keeps the bike safe against thieves with its integrated alarm system. SmartHalo attaches to any type of bike handlebar and pairs by Bluetooth with the SmartHalo app. While cycling, the phone stays in the pocket or the purse – all the information is shown using the tactile circular interface and contextual sounds.
Available online at smarthalo.bike, Apple
Aftershokz Trek Titanium Wireless Headphones ($129.95) The lightweight and comfortable wireless stereo headphones are the safest alternative to traditional sport headphones. Bone conduction technology, an open ear design and a suite of convenient features deliver premium music play and crystal clear calling without compromise. Designed with athletes in mind, Trekz Titanium are sweatproof, secure, and will allow you to hear your surroundings.
Available at AfterShokz, REI, Brookstone, Amazon, Fleet Feet Sports
Nike Epic Lux Flash Women’s 27.5” Running Tights ($120) The Nike Epic Lux Flash Women’s 27.5″ Running Tights feature reflective graphics circling the legs to help you stand out. Nike Power fabric is supportive and stretchy to keep you moving freely throughout your run. A back zippered pocket has a vapor barrier to help keep sweat off your phone. The wide waistband gives you the feeling like your core is held in, so you can feel confident during your run and throughout the rest of your day.
Available at Nike stores and online, Fleet Feet Sports, Road Runner Sports, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Foot Locker
FitClic Neo (Starting at $30) This self-locking, magnetic phone mount is a must-have for all iPhone users. The two-piece modular design allows you to mount your smartphone wherever you go without having to change your case every time. With one case and a variety of different mounts, your phone will always be secure and accessible wherever you go.
Available on Kickstarter
Oofos Recovery Sandals (Starting at $44.95) Biomechanically engineered to alleviate the foot stress and soreness caused by your daily grind. Perfect for casual wear, recovery after a grueling run, or relaxing after a long day on your feet. The sandals come in both men’s and women’s sizes, and there’s even a special Chicago Marathon style.
Available at oofos.com, Amazon, Naperville Running Company, Fleet Feet Sports
Showers Pass Men’s Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket ($249) The Elite 2.1 cycling jacket uses eVent and Elite 3-Layer rip stop fabrics, body-mapped to maximize breathability and waterproof/windproof protection. When temperatures rise, the jacket rises to the occasion with 7 venting options to keep you cool. 3M Reflective trim keeps you visible from all angles. Long sleeves provide full wrist coverage and accommodate reach while on the bicycle.
Available at Amazon, showerspass.com, REI
ARION ($187) ARION is a next-generation running wearable that will transform the way you run. Its automated coaching AI will guide you to an improved running technique. This helps to reduce injury risk, improve performance and enhance the running experience. These popular items are on backorder until early 2018, so jump now to make sure your runner gets one.
Available at www.getarion.com
Stocking Stuffers (under $25)
Heat holders base layer ($24.99) Any effective thermal wear system starts with a performance layer next to the skin. The Heat Holders® Microfleece Base Layer Long Sleeve Top is made with a specially developed lightweight microfleece that has an excellent weight to heat ratio, a highly breathable construction and, flat, non-chafing seams and multi-dimensional stretch, making it very versatile.
Available at www.heatholders.com , Kohl’s
Shady Smart Phone Protector ($19.99) Athletes who are active outdoors have all endured the extremely frustrating screen glare created by the sun’s rays on their smartphone. Additionally, Shady Smart stops glare while protecting the phone from damage such as cracked screens and the elements including rain and snow.
Available at https://shadysmart.com, Amazon
HEAD Digital Sport Running Gloves ($14) These multi-sport gloves are perfect for those who want to stay active, comfortable and stylish in the cold weather. They are warm, but not bulky, and work fantastically with all touchscreen devices. The gloves also have a secure grip along all fingers and the palms, and an extended cuff to tuck inside jackets. HEAD makes gloves for both men and women.
Available at Walmart, Amazon, Sears
Gu Campfire S’mores Energy Stroopwafel (16 pack for $22.50) Created for daily use before and during training and competition, the new GU Energy Stroopwafel delivers all the nutrients needed to power your performance: quality carbohydrates, essential amino acids, and electrolytes. Also, the Stroopwafel is made with a layer of delicious syrup between two thin wafers, and it’s individually packaged to make it portable and easy to take on a ride or run. Gu also offers other holiday flavors and mixed boxes.
Available at shop.guenergy.com, Fleet Feet Sports, Road Runner Sports, REI, GNC
The RunnerBox ($20 for 2-month subscription) The monthly subscription box for all endurance athletes has become local, with Pop Box, a store located in Lincoln Park. Starting November 20, limited edition holiday boxes will be available for runners, cyclists and triathletes. All products in the boxes are handpicked by athletes themselves.
Available at therunnerbox.com
Medal Modes (Starting at $14.99) Runners, triathletes, tennis players – whatever the sport, people work hard for a certain goal. When they achieve that goal they are rewarded with a medal, a monument to remember the event and their personal or team achievement. With four different sizes, these medal displays are the ultimate gift for anyone who participates in sports and has medals to showcase.
Available at medalmode.com
Million Mile Light ($16.99) Million Mile Light is an ultra-bright, battery-free safety light for runners that is powered by motion. The Million Mile Light creates a bright pulse of LED light with every stride, keeping you visible and safe while running in low-light situations. Its water resistant casing protects the Million Mile Light from the elements runners endure and it only weighs 1.5 ounces. It securely clips to clothes and is available in a wide range of colors.
Available at flipbelt.com, Amazon, Brookstone
