20 Gifts for Walkers That'll Keep Them Motivated All Year
Your friend is always on the move - and that’s because she’s a die-hard walking enthusiast. Whether she’s conquering a local trail, strolling around the neighborhood, or logging miles on a treadmill, she’s dedicated to keeping moving. That’s because she knows that even though not hitting a running stride, regular walking can lower blood pressure by as much as 11 points and may also reduce the risk of stroke by 20 to 40%, according to researchers at the University of Boulder Colorado and the University of Tennessee. Maybe you should join her, no?
So, when you’re looking for a gift for your walking-obsessed pal, it obviously makes sense to channel her obsession. Here’s the funny thing, though: although one of the things we like most about walking workouts is that there’s no need for fancy equipment, that sometimes makes it hard to pick the right gift for walkers. Still, that doesn’t mean with a little expert scouting, the right gear won’t put an added pep in her step.
We sorted through essentials in gear, beauty, and tech to find the best gifts for walkers. These picks are perfect for walkers of all levels (and destinations), with budgets of all sizes.
Oakley Frogskins Polarized Glasses
This classic retro style is guaranteed to stay put on her face no matter how brisk her pace is. If that guarantee isn’t enough, then the awesome range of lenses and frame color combos will totally get you amped to pick out the one perfect for your pal. Find a style that suits her personality, and make sure to let her know to take full advantage of the Polarized lenses, which cut down on 99% of reflected glare without distorting her view.
Under Armour Women’s Armour Mid Sports Bra
This may be the best sports bra ever made. Bold statement, for sure, but it’s perfect for everything from getting in her daily 10,000 steps at the mall to crushing high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts with friends. Made with Under Armour’s signature compression material, the bra provides a locked-in feel without any unnecessary bells and whistles. Also, unrivaled sweat wicking.
New Balance 365 Sneakers
These are not her grandmother’s walking kicks. A foam bottom makes these sneakers super comfortable from heel to toe, and the foam upper hugs the foot like a glove. Available in four colorways, these are perfect to take from street to an afternoon coffee date. Plus, the affordable price point doesn’t hurt, either.
Skullcandy Hesh 3 Wireless Headphones
The moment she slips these beauties over her ears is the moment she decides she’ll never be tethered to another device again. Say goodbye to cords and hello to this Bluetooth-enabled new design from Skullcandy. For the forgetful person, rapid-charge tech (reviewers reported about 10 minutes did the trick just fine) provides more than 4 hours of playtime. On full charge, these headphones provide up to 22 hours of listening to her favorite playlist or podcast.
Apple Watch Series 4
Life changes for the better when you slip an Apple Watch Series 4 onto your wrist. Walkers will love it because it tracks everything from steps and elevation to calories burned and everything in between during a workout, and also enables the wearer to listen to 40 million songs right from her wrist. Beyond her workout, she can enjoy the cellular-enabled device, which will allows her to leave her phone at home and still receive calls, texts, and emails.
Stance Endorphin Low Socks
Until she slips into a pair of socks that are meant for activity (read: buckets o’ sweat), she won’t realize what she’s been missing. These socks, made with breathable performance mesh and cushioning exactly where she needs it most, are low-cut so they don’t peak outside of her sneakers. But with that hint of shimmer right at the cuff, she’ll probably want them to. (Psst! Here are 20 fun Christmas socks that make great stocking stuffers.)
Healthmate Forever
Post-walk aches and pains are normal, so help alleviate her soreness with a TENS unit. Short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS delivers an electrical current through electrodes that are stuck to hurting muscles (lower back, hips, neck). The pins-and-needles sensation is soothing, and experts believe the vibrations stimulate nerve endings in a way that dulls the pain signal to your brain. HealthmateForever makes several FDA-approved TENS units, from this bestselling 15-mode, battery-operated model (pictured) up to the souped-up T40AB, which features 40 pre-programmed modes, 20 intensity levels, and an easy-to-use touchscreen.
Athleta Relay Tight 2.0
Complete with stretch-to-fit side pockets, she’ll never have to leave home again without all of the essentials. Aside from the ultra-comfortable waistband, we love the Relay Tight because it’s available for ladies of all shapes and sizes, ranging from an XXS regular to a 2XL plus (tall and petite, too).
Plantar Fasciitis Support Compression Socks
Any walker will appreciate these super-soft and durable ankle socks. They're designed with targeted compression zones so they hug your feet where you need the most support, making them the perfect pair for someone who's prone to plantar fasciitis. The quick-drying fibers provide antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties to keep sweat and germs at bay.
R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo
It’s normal to have a favorite perfume, sure. But we absolutely love this dry shampoo from R+Co. The smell alone is a major selling point, complete with hints of rose. Spray onto strands after a sweat, and she’ll feel super fresh. Silica, a prime ingredient, helps to remove excess oils and make any hairstyle as good as new.
SpiBelt Running Belt
Unlike the fanny packs you both wore back in the day, this sport-specific waist belt won’t bounce or move. The soft elastic material won’t chafe skin, and the belt can be worn on top or below any of her favorite activewear. Available in dozens of colors, pick one according to her personality that’ll allow her to make a statement or keep things more low-key.
San Francisco Salt Company Muscle Soak
There’s no downplaying the benefits of stretching or tackling a foam roller after a workout. But should a walk include some hills, then these premium bath and spa salts are an absolute must-try. Perfect for tired muscles and throbbing feet, the epsom salts also have aloe vera and essential oils including peppermint and eucalyptus for a little pampering and a lot of relief.
Nike Dri-FIT Training Tank
This is the perfect tank top for year-round wear. Made with Nike’s Dri-FIT moisture-wicking fabric, it’ll keep her comfortable mid-stride whether it’s 20 or 80 degrees outside. Bonus? The design features an integrated sports bra, which provides just enough support for walks and light activity.
The North Face ThermoBall Crop Jacket
For chillier walks, this jacket traps hot air in where she wants it (hello, midsection) and breathes elsewhere so she won’t overheat once she really gets moving. She’ll really appreciate the stretch of the jacket, allowing for full range of motion in the arms. Plus, it’s available in a variety of colors: misty rose, botanical garden green, TNF red, urban navy, and TNF black.
Tarte Gym Bag Grabs Athleisure Essentials
No woman in her right mind wears gobs of makeup to workout. But having a few essentials handy for after that essential sweat is totally natural-and even pretty nice. This grab bag of must-haves from Tarte, including eye wipes, sweat-proof mascara, brightener, and a lipstick, is the perfect gift for any fit lady. (Here are 5 mistakes you're making every time you take off your makeup.)
Takeya Vacuum-Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle
This stainless-steel water bottle keeps H20 crisp for a refreshing sip after a long walk or hike. Takeya's insulated bottles keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot beverages for up to 12. So whether she wants to fill it up with her favorite protein shake or coffee, the BPA-free vessel will keep her drink the way she likes it. The leakproof lid keeps liquid secure so she doesn't have to worry about soaking up her gym bag.
Vionic Satima Active Sneaker
These stylish sneakers are truly everything a walker needs in a shoe-in fact, Prevention named them the best overall walking shoes for women in 2018. With breathable fabric to keep things cool and airy, a cushioned footbed for arch support, a durable outsole system that absorbs shock, and a reinforced toe for added protection, she couldn't ask for a better pair to keep her feet cushioned and protected on her long walks.
Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm
A brisk walk or run can feel amazing-unless it leaves you with red, irritated skin. Chafing occurs when there's constant rubbing together of body parts, like your thighs and underarms, or fabric against your body. To help create a protective barrier on your skin, spread a light layer of this anti-chafe stick on your skin. It's packed with vitamins A, B, E, and F to keep your skin well-hydrated, and it's sweat-resistant so it won't clog pores and cause breakouts.
Yuni Beauty Shower Sheets
When she's running from the gym to the office, the fit nut in your life will thank you for gifting her these incredibly refreshing Yuni shower sheets. Each box comes with 12 body wipes that she can use for freshening up on-the-go. These shower sheets not only wick away sweat and dirt, but they'll also deodorize her skin and leave her with a clean scent. The best part is that they're paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free, and they don't contain any synthetic colors or fragrances for those with sensitive skin.
Zella 'New You' Headband
Keeping your hair out of your face (and mouth) can be a challenge when you're walking or running against the wind. This stretchy headband from Zella is designed to help your coif stay put, whether you're doing burpees or jump squats.
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