5 Best Nike Running Gifts for Women

Runners are nothing if not practical. All of their gear has a purpose, and they can never have too much of it. Whether she's new to the sport, prepping for her fifth marathon or hyping herself up to start logging miles again, giving her the right gift can support her training and get her excited to work out. Most importantly, it will show her that you support her goals.

Not sure what to buy or where to start? This guide covers the five most useful things that any runner will appreciate. These gifts are equal parts utilitarian and stylish, and perfect for athletes of all levels.

Nike has no shortage of women's running shoes, offering several collections that accommodate different fit and style preferences.

The Nike Pegasus collection, for example, offers several options for road and trail running. Known for its lightweight, durable foam (a nod to Nike React technology), the Pegasus also features at least one Zoom Air unit, which helps to support the foot as it lands and pushes off the ground.

It's also worth considering the Vomero and Structure models. If the athlete in your life is looking for a road running shoe that delivers stability and cushioning, the Structure model is a solid option. It's also an excellent pick for women who overpronate, a condition that causes the ankles to roll inward when walking or running.

If cushioning and comfort are what matter most, you can't go wrong with a Vomero model. The Premium and Plus styles leverage Nike's ZoomX and ReactX foams to create a double-stacked cushion for a plush ride that makes running easier on the body. The shoes are designed to help runners go farther with less wear and tear, whether they are recovering from injury or logging high-mileage weeks.

A runner can never have too many sports bras, and Nike offers options for different levels of support, so there's something for everyone. The Nike Universa bra, for instance, is a medium-support sports bra with sculpted pads and a snug hold. It's made with Nike Stealth Evaporation technology, which helps reduce sweat marks by dispersing moisture, allowing the fabric to dry quickly.

The Nike Indy collection, on the other hand, offers padded styles for low-, medium- and high-intensity workouts, all made with Dri-FIT technology fabrics that move sweat away from the skin for quicker evaporation, helping keep athletes dry. The high-support styles feature adjustable straps and hook-and-eye clasps to ensure a personalised, supportive fit for her runs. The medium- and light-support options are perfect for recovery days and cross-training, or for women who prefer bras with less support for their jogs. Gift her all three so she's ready to tackle whatever her training schedule brings.

(Related: The Best Plus-Size Sports Bras from Nike)

Every runner needs several pairs of running-friendly trousers in their workout wardrobe, from joggers to leggings. While Nike has countless options to choose from, you can't go wrong with a pair from the Swift Collection, which has several styles made by and for female runners.

The full-length trousers and ⅞-length leggings in the collection feature reflective design detailing for visibility in low light and ample storage, with most styles offering zipped back pockets that accommodate larger smartphones and drop-in side pockets for extra storage. While some styles are made with Dri-FIT technology that wicks away sweat, others are designed for cold-weather workouts and feature Nike Therma-FIT ADV technology that combines heat-regulating fabric with advanced features to help keep runners stay warm.

If nothing from the Swift Collection catches your eye, the Universa, Zenvy and One Collections also offer leggings she'll be excited to unwrap. Whether for a cold-weather trail run or a trot on the treadmill, there's a style that will fit her needs, no matter when or where she likes to work out.

For the runner in need of a new pair of running shorts, give her one of Nike's various soft, lightweight and sweat-wicking options. From compressive high-waisted biker shorts with pockets to breathable, mid-waist split shorts, there are many choices.

For those who prefer form-fitting shorts, Nike Swift Biker Shorts are a suitable gift. They're sweat-wicking and seamless on the inner legs to help reduce chafing and keep runners dry and comfortable. Plus, they hug the body in all the places that require support during high-intensity activity. If she likes a looser fit around the leg, she may prefer another popular style from the Swift Collection: the AeroSwift Shorts. These feature a brief-lined mid-rise style with an internal drawstring for a secure fit and split sides for added comfort through the leg, available in many colours and prints.

When in doubt about her preferred style, you can't go wrong with the Nike Swift Women's Dri-FIT Mid-Rise 2-in-1. These lightweight, sweat-wicking shorts have two layers of UVA- and UVB-protective fabric—a tight inner layer and a loose outer one. It's like having two pairs of shorts in one for comfort and coverage. Plus, it has loads of pockets for her phone, keys, running gel and anything else she needs to stay comfy while she logs miles.

Wearing a running jacket or gilets is especially important when it's cold outside. Nike offers options engineered to help runners stay warm and dry in both cold and wet weather. The jackets and gilets included in the Nike Therma-FIT Collection, for example, are lightweight yet insulating and can help a runner stay cosy on even the chilliest days. Some of the options made with this material sport a drawstring at the waist for a more tailored fit, ensuring she stays both comfy and warm on her runs. Others have thumbholes to keep her hands warm on cold runs.

If she's running in a warmer climate but could still benefit from an added layer, consider gifting the Nike Swift Women's Repel UV Printed Running Jacket, which features water-repellent technology and offers UV protection for sunnier conditions. Another option in this category is the Nike Swift Women's Repel Packable Running Jacket, which folds into itself so it's easy to carry if the weather warms up mid-workout. Plus, it was designed to reduce underarm chafing and made with a water-repellent finish, so it will help keep her comfy, too.