Runner’s Gift Guide: Tech Tools and Gadgets

This article originally appeared on Womens Running

There's no single piece of running tech that's going to magically turn you into a faster runner or help you bounce back from a hard effort overnight--but that doesn't mean gear and gadgets aren't beneficial! These tools can help you learn more about how you run, clue you in to what you might need to optimize performance, keep you safer and more comfortable on the run, ease tension and pain from tough workouts, and more.

Check out this runner’s gift guide for all things technology.

Tech Gifts For Runners

Chirp RPM Powered Massage Roller ($249)

What do you get when you combine a foam roller with a massage gun? In the Chirp RPM Powered Massage Roller, a surprising powerful recovery tool. This device has eight bumpy roller bars that spin forwards and backwards to dig into sore muscles. You can hold the handles to use it like a rolling pin on your muscles, or lay or lean against it while it’s situated in its tray. With five speeds ranging between 960 to 2,400 revolutions per minute and the ability to penetrate your muscles up to 13 millimeters, it's almost as powerful as a massage gun--and is significantly more powerful than that old school foam roller gathering dust in the closet.

COROS Heart Rate Monitor ($79)

Running watches aren't exactly known for heart rate accuracy; wrist-based optical sensors can be thrown off by skin color, weather, and even speed. And chest straps, while more accurate, can add a layer of discomfort under a sports bra. The COROS heart rate monitor uses the same optical sensor you'd find in a watch, but because it’s worn on the bicep, there's more blood flow for more accurate readings. It's super low maintenance, too; after initially pairing with a Bluetooth-compatible device, the monitor automatically powers up when you strap it on and turns off when removed.

Nike Aerogami Jacket ($250)

Bundle up without sacrificing breathability. This Nike jacket has an adaptable venting system that opens to increase airflow as it detects sweat on the body. The vents are strategically placed across the chest (around the area where a sports bra typically sits) and upper back. They're powered by a moisture-reactive film that opens as sweat builds against the skin; as the body cools down and sweat dries, the vents close back up. The jacket also features Storm-FIT ADV, a combination of windproof and waterproof fabrics to help protect runners from the elements.

Engo 2 Glasses ($299.95)

Metric-obsessed runners will nerd out on these smart sunglasses. The ENGO 2's oversized lenses hide a projector at the bridge, which beams running data right into your eyeline. The glasses also sync with the Apple Watch via Bluetooth, and wearers can create up to three "dashboards" of real-time performance metrics like Running Pace, Heart Rate and Running Power, as well as the latest running dynamics metrics introduced with Watch OS 9, such as Stride Length, Ground Contact Time, and Vertical Oscillation.

Nix Hydration Biosensor ($129)

Dialing in a hydration strategy consists mostly of trial and error. But this sweat-tracking wearable tech takes away some of the guesswork. Slap the Nix sensor to your upper arm, and it will stream your sweat rate, electrolyte loss rate, and sweat composition data to an app, which then delivers personalized hydration notifications to your phone, Apple Watch, or Garmin device. A handy chart in the app also shows which brands provide the right amount of electrolytes per ounce of fluid based on your sweat composition.

Hyperice Venom Go ($129)

You know those little drugstore heating pads that you can stick to sore muscles? This is the high-tech version. The Hyperice Venom Go is a little pod that magnetically clips on to a reusable sticky pad. Once it's applied and you start a session, the device heats up to 113degFahrenheit in just 90 seconds. Users can select from three levels of heat and three levels of vibration (steady, intermittent or patterned), and everything is controlled by a button on the pod or remotely via the accompanying Hyperice app for iOS and Android.

Shokz OpenFit ($179.95)

Stay fully aware of the world around you without ditching your playlists or podcasts. The Shokz OpenFit headphones--which are made from a super smooth silicone that doesn't rub or cause any pressure points--use a tiny, directional speaker to deliver the kind of sound you'd get with traditional headphones without plugging up your ears. These aren't specifically designed for fitness, but with seven hours of battery life and the ability to add an hour of juice with just a five-minute charge, they will last through most long runs.

Therabody Theragun Sense ($299)

Can a massage gun deliver an experience that's as relaxing for the mind as it is for your muscles? Therabody's new Theragun Sense, which combines the brand's traditional percussive therapy with calming breathwork, says yes. As you follow breathing routines that are pre-loaded to the device or beamed in via Bluetooth from the app, a built-in biometric sensor tracks your heart rate. It's a great middle-of-the-road option for massage gun users; if you're looking for something more budget-friendly, you can try the $149 Theragun Relief, or if you want all the bells and whistles, you can splurge on the $599 Theragun Pro+.

Spryng 2.0 Compression Wraps ($299)

Every runner loves compression boots, but those big, puffy sleeves aren't exactly the most portable (or affordable). Enter the Spryng 2.0 compression wraps, which cover the lower leg from the ankle to the knee. Despite their compact size, they deliver up to 110 mmHg of compression (mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury, the unit used for measuring pressure); most boots deliver between 20 and 240 mmHg. Everything is controlled from a screen built right into the sleeves (or the partner app). Set your session to anywhere between 5 and 60 minutes, choose from three intensities and two compression patterns, then sit back and relax.

NoxGear Tracer 2 ($49.95)

Too often, runners are out before the sun rises and after the sun sets. Help your loved one stay safe no matter when or where they run with the NoxGear Tracer 2. This minimalistic vest easily slips on over any gear--even bulky winter layers--thanks to the adjustable fluorescent/reflective chest-belt. And the fiber optic bands emit 80 lumens of LED light (you can choose from flashing, solid, or dual color modes), which provides 360 degrees of visibility for up to a quarter mile.

Forme Power Bra ($175)

So much about running comes down to efficient form. While you can't gift that to someone, you can encourage it with the Forme Power Bra, an FDA-registered posture corrector. This sports bra uses six varied tension fabrics and eight double-fabric panels to correct and balance your spinal posture, which the brand claims can reduce injury, pain, and stiffness, improve mobility and balance, help you recover quicker, and boost your endurance. Whether that's true or not, it is an extremely comfortable bra that noticeably pulls the shoulders back, which can counteract the feeling of hunching over your computer or phone.

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