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All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Here at SELF, we always have walking workouts, walking treadmills, and walking shoes on the brain—so you’d better believe we found the best gifts for walkers this holiday season. If you know someone who wanders to clear their head or just loves a good fart walk, give them a present that’ll make that ritual even more enjoyable.
We’ve selected practical pieces of gear to keep them safe, plus cute accessories they’ll look forward to flaunting and cool upgrades to otherwise ho-hum walking essentials that’ll get them excited to hit the road (or trail). Check out our picks below—then make plans to join your favorite stroller on their next outing.
Our top picks
- Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
- Bala Bangles
- Fitbit Charge 6
- Athleta All About Crossbody Belt Bag
- Kanjo Vibrating Acupressure Foot Pain Relief Ball
For more present picks, check out all of the best gift ideas of 2024 here.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle (32-oz.)
If they don’t already have an “emotional support water bottle,” we’re willing to bet that Owala’s FreeSip will claim that title. SELF’s senior commerce editor says it’s easy to clean and carry (its leakproof lid has a built-in handle), plus it keeps her bevs ice-cold.
Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Don’t let a couple puddles dampen your friend’s next walk—instead, get them a pair of waterproof sneakers. This version of Hoka’s best-selling (and editor-approved) Clifton 9 has a Gore-Tex membrane that seals out water, but still feels breathable.
Athleta All About Crossbody Belt Bag
They can keep their essentials close and still go hands-free with this low-profile belt bag. “It fits my phone, keys, cards, current lippie, and a spare hair tie” without feeling bulky, our senior commerce editor says.
Kanjo Vibrating Acupressure Foot Pain Relief Ball
Full disclosure: I use this massage tool all over my aching body, but it’s designed for the soles of your feet. Its nubby texture and vibration settings feel great after a long day of standing, walking, and generally running around.
Worn/West Let's Go For a Walk Trucker Hat
Give them this embroidered hat to show you’re always up for a turn around the park.
Fitbit Charge 6
This fitness tracker has a user-friendly touchscreen and records lots of helpful metrics for your data-driven friend, including their heart rate, sleep activity, location, and, of course, step count.
Balega Hidden Comfort Performance No Show Athletic Running Socks
Nothing ruins a walk like a gnarly blister. Jay Spector, DPM, an Atlanta-based sport podiatrist, former president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and marathon runner, previously told SELF that these Balega socks are his favorites for keeping his feet happy—so they’re definitely a good pick for someone who regularly walks long distances.
Kong H2O Stainless Steel Dog Water Bottle & Pet Travel Bowl
When SELF’s director of editorial operations brings his pup along for hikes, he packs this two-in-one water bottle and bowl for easy hydration. Its clever design means he doesn’t have to worry about leaving behind a puddle of water when they stop for a drink.
Black Diamond Deploy 325 Headlamp
Depending where and when they walk, your friend may need a little illumination to stay safe and visible. Black Diamond’s rechargeable Deploy 325 Headlamp is lightweight, padded, and small enough to fit under a hat.
Vacation Sun Belt Sampler Bag
In our opinion, sun protection makes a perfect gift—even more so when it’s in the form of a cute travel set. Vacation’s Sun Belt Sampler Bag comes with face and body sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and the SELF Healthy Beauty Award–winning SPF 30 Baby Oil.
Forsake Wild Sky High
If your favorite walk enthusiast is also your favorite hiker, they’ll love these Sneaker Award–winning hiking boots (especially if their current pair has seen better days). Our tester felt comfortable and stable on a wide variety of terrain while wearing these and never lost their grip on the trail.
Lululemon License to Train Wide Headband
This soft headband is stretchy, sweat-wicking, and wide enough to cover their ears for a little extra warmth when it’s cold out.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro AI
There are tons of excellent workout headphones out there, but we like these for walking because of their Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, which allows the wearer to hear important sounds around them while listening to their favorite tunes or podcasts.
Bala Bangles
One Home Fitness Award tester likes to strap on these aesthetic wrist weights for Pilates classes and hot girl walks. They’re “a cute, easy way to feel like I’m making my everyday movement ‘count’ a little more,” she says.
Fjallraven High Coast Lite Anorak
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They can stay prepared for the elements without lugging around a heavy jacket with this packable windbreaker, which I personally swear by for breezy, chilly weather. It packs down into one of its roomy zippered pockets, so your giftee can easily stow it in their bag.
Jisulife Rechargeable Hand Warmer
This toasty little hand warmer heats up in seconds and doubles as a power bank for your recipient’s phone.
Oofos Oomega Ooahh Sandal
Your pal deserves a pair of house shoes they’ll look forward to slipping on after a long walk. SELF’s director of fitness and food loves Oofos’s Oomega slide for its thick, dense cushioning: “It feels like they redistribute your weight much better, so walking around the house or doing chores just seems more comfy,” she says.
Potter Gift Nature Walk Journal
If they choose their route based on the flora and fauna they get to see, they’ll love this nature journal. It has sections for sketches, notes, and flower pressings, plus lots of info on identifying paw prints, plants, and even cloud formations.
Bombas Merino Wool Blend Hiking Calf Socks
With built-in arch support and moisture-wicking materials, these top-rated hiking socks will keep your friend’s feet feeling fresh.
Life’s a Picnic Fidget Keychain
Your giftee will never leave home without their keys again when they’re attached to this cuter-than-cute keyring. The best part? The baguette attachment is actually a tiny stress ball.
Leki Lhasa Trekking Poles
These expert-approved walking poles make a great gift for anyone who wants a little more stability and balance on their jaunts. They also come in handy on steep and rocky terrain.
How we picked these products
We regularly write about, test, and review products that go hand-in-hand with a solid walking routine, including activewear, sneakers, sunscreen, outdoor gear, and workout equipment. It’s a pretty big pool to choose from, so I took expert-approved items, recent SELF award–winners, online best-sellers, and products that our staffers really, truly love into consideration. I also used my personal experience as a car-less pedestrian in NYC and my household’s primary dog walker to narrow down our picks. The result? A selection of cute, comfy walking gifts that’ll step up (heh) your gift-giving game.
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