Gearing Up for the New Year

By Emily Kulkus | Photography provided by Fleet Feet Syracuse

Have a runner in your life? Want to make their holiday? If you could fit down-hill routes and sunny days into a stocking, you would, but that’s a tall order. This holiday season, impress the runner, walker or athlete in your life with some fantastic gear.

High-quality shoes, apparel and accessories can make all the difference between an OK run and a great one. Here are some fun ideas for what the athlete in your life would love to receive this holiday season.

Click each photo for more information.

Dress for success! Many Central New York runners and walkers brave the elements to enjoy the fresh air year-round. The best way to be prepared is to layer up and be ready for anything! Laura is wearing a a plum Adidas Climacool shirt ($55); a white Brooks vest ($110) with zippered pockets to hold her keys, phone or nutrition; and Nike Epic Run tights ($80) to keep her warm and fast on her run. She’s also wearing a Fleet Feet Sports exclusive shoe, the Karhu Synchron ($160). And don’t forget the accessories! She’s prepared for the elements with Saucony run mittens ($40); a Sauce insulator headband ($25); and purple Goodr sunglasses ($25), which are lightweight, polarized and won’t slide off during the run.

Runners love technology! It keeps them focused on the finish line and can track their training, progress and PRs. The Garmin Vivoactive 3 ($300) is a watch for men and women that easily transitions from the track to the bike to the office. It has built-in GPS, 15 pre-loaded sports apps and a contactless payment feature.

These socks aren’t the tube socks you found under the tree as a kid. Try all non-cotton socks ($10 to $17 per pair) that wick away moisture and won’t slide, slip or cause blisters in running or walking shoes, cleats, boots or casual shoes.

Stocking stuffers: Fill your athlete’s stocking with goodies that are sure to make them smile and feel good well into the new year. Everybody needs a great water bottle – kids included (featured: $13 to $33). Stock up your athlete’s emergency kit with RockTape ($20) and Rock Sauce ($15) for those post-workout aches and pains; give shoelaces an upgrade with Lock Laces ($8); and everyone will love a pair of Goodr Sunglasses ($25), which come in a huge range of colors and a cute gift box for easy wrapping!

Safety: Help keep your runner safe with a light or a reflective product. There’s a huge range of safety products for runners, walkers, children and pets available. Featured items include the Nathan Runner’s Headlamp ($120); the Amphipod reflective vest ($32); or the Nathan Runner’s Flashlight ($45), which features a strap for easy carrying.

Massage: Keep your athlete’s muscles long, limber and feeling good year-round with the Roll Recovery ($120) massage tool. It’s like having your own personal masseuse wherever you need it. Or pick up a massage product that focuses on the feet, back, arms or other parts of the body ($10 to $120).

Headphones: Know a runner or walker who loves to listen to music during their workout? Consider a pair of AfterShokz ($99), wireless bone conduction headphones that sit outside of the ear, allowing you to hear the music and your environment at the same time. They’re safe and fun!

Emily Kulkus is the marketing coordinator for Fleet Feet Sports, Syracuse. You can find all these products at local Fleet Feet stores, located at 5800 Bridge St. in East Syracuse and 4136 State Route 31 in Clay. For more information, visit fleetfeetsyracuse.com.