The short version: If you don’t know a runner’s shoe size and model, give a race entry. New runners do well with a Garmin Forerunner 70 or 170, stability fans have the new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 26, and ultra runners get the most from the Garmin Enduro 4. We have not tested these for this list. It draws on our earlier coverage and each maker’s published details, and each price notes when it was checked. Links marked Amazon are affiliate links.
| Budget | Gift | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $50 | A turkey trot or holiday race entry | Anyone | Varies; see each race |
| $140–$160 | Saucony Space Cowboy | Texas-themed shoe fans | $140–$160 (Nov. 1) |
| $155 | Brooks Adrenaline GTS 26 | Stability shoe wearers | $155 (launch) |
| $170–$200 | Nike Pegasus Plus 2 or ASICS Gel-Slowcush | Daily and easy-day miles | $170 (Nov. 1) · $200 (launch) |
| $250–$350 | Garmin Forerunner 70 or 170 | First GPS watch | $249.99–$349.99 (launch) |
| $900 | Garmin Enduro 4 | Ultra and trail runners | $899.99 (Oct. launch) |
Race entries: the gift that always fits
For a low-cost gift, sign up together. Our turkey trot price guide shows which Thanksgiving fees rise and when, and the Christmas and New Year’s pages cover the next few weeks. For a bigger goal, the Austin Marathon and Cowtown are both in February, and our registration guide shows what’s still open. Check each race’s transfer policy before you buy an entry in someone else’s name.
Shoes, if you know their size
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 26. It reached stores Nov. 1 at a $155 list price as a careful update of a popular stability shoe. If your runner wears the GTS 25, our comparison says whether the older pair is the better buy.
- Nike Pegasus Plus 2. Nike.com listed the men’s shoe at $170 on Nov. 1.
- ASICS Gel-Slowcush. ASICS built this $200 launch-priced shoe for easy runs and recovery, not speed.
- Saucony Space Cowboy. On Nov. 1, Saucony’s collection listed the Endorphin Azura at $150, ProGrid V2 at $160 and 586i at $140. The page says sizes and colors are limited and sales are final, so confirm the size first.
Not sure about fit? Go together to a store with fitting services. Our Texas running store directory lists verified shops by city.
GPS watches
The Forerunner 70 and 170 share the same 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, heart-rate sensor and coaching features. The 170 adds Garmin Pay and extra sensors, and only the 170 Music stores music. See our Forerunner comparison for which is the better fit.
For the runner headed to a 100-miler, Garmin rates the Enduro 4 at up to 320 hours of GPS in activity mode with solar charging. Our Enduro 4 guide compares it with the fēnix 9. If they want a smartwatch instead, see the fēnix 9 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 4.
Before you buy
- Check holiday pricing. Black Friday is Nov. 27. List prices above may not match what retailers charge that week, and we have not confirmed any specific deal.
- Keep the receipt. Fit is personal, so confirm the return terms, especially on final-sale items.
