Choosing the perfect gift can be tricky, but if you’re shopping for someone who’s into tennis, running, or pickleball, this guide will make it a whole lot easier. With options for every budget, we’ve got something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
NB SuperComp Trainer V3
The New Balance SuperComp Trainer is a special shoe because it’s carbon-plated and provides the same springy, weightless sensation as shoes like the SuperComp Elite and Nike Alphafly 3, without the lofty price. Most carbon-plated shoes hover around that $350 price range, the Trainer is by no means cheap, but at $250 it represents incredible value.
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer V3 offers 95% of the performance of the Elite model, making it a fantastic option for race day. However, its durability—true to the "Trainer" name—sets it apart. It's a favorite among staff for both training and racing, offering superior comfort compared to raw, speedy racing shoes.
This comfort is a game-changer as the kilometres add up. If you’re shopping for a runner who craves a premium shoe and are ready to invest in quality without overspending, this is an outstanding choice.
Asics Solution Speed FF3 Court Shoe
It’s not just runners who need the proper footwear – a solid pair of shoes is a must for any serious tennis or pickleball player. Court shoes are designed to offer the lateral stability, support, and durability that most shoes simply can’t match. While they’ve sometimes been known for sacrificing comfort, the Solution Speed FF3 breaks that stereotype with its exceptional fit and feel.
This line has been Asics’ natural-fitting, lightweight speed shoe since its inception, and the FF3 pushes that DNA even further. It’s so light and comfortable that you’ll barely believe it’s a court shoe, but it still provides all the support you need for tennis or pickleball.
The Solution Speed FF3 sets the standard for lightweight court shoes today. While it has a medium-narrow fit, its mesh upper adapts and breaks in beautifully, making it a great option for a wide range of foot shapes.
Brooks Ghost Max 2 Running Shoes
When the Brooks Ghost Max 2 came out a few months ago, avid runners, weekend warriors, shoe fitters, and healthcare professionals instantly adopted it as a go-to option.
It’s one of the best rocker running shoes on the market right now. It’s soft, and its performance matches its plush, smooth, and comfortable look. It also comes in a number of widths, making it ideal for various foot types. The beauty of the Ghost Max 2, and the main reason industry professionals like it so much, is that it accommodates orthotics extremely well.
This shoe combines ease of wear with top-tier performance, quickly earning its place as a bestseller. It’s an excellent gift for any runner and equally perfect for those who prefer walking.
Brooks Ghost Max 2 Running
women's
NiteVest Running Vest
In December on the 49th parallel, you finish work, lace up your running shoes, and face a familiar challenge—it’s already pitch black outside. Running in the dark can be risky, which is why over half of our Run Club members rely on the NiteVest Rechargeable LED Safety Vest.
Visibility on the road is crucial, and this vest is a small investment for your safety. While any reflective gear helps, the NiteVest stands out for being lightweight (just 190 grams!), comfortable, rechargeable, weatherproof, and sweat-resistant. It’s the industry standard for runners and an essential for staying safe during those dark winter runs.
R&R Run Club Winter/Spring '25 Clinic
If you know someone new to running who’s hesitant about joining a community or an experienced runner who hasn’t yet joined a group, a R&R Run Club membership could be the perfect gift.
Our club offers a variety of pace groups led by the inspiring and experienced coach, Lara Penno. Want to learn more about her? Check out the feature we wrote—it’s easy to see why she’s the ideal leader for our club.
Prefer walking? We’ve got a group for that too—truly something for every pace. With the Winter Session starting January 7th, it’s the perfect way to kick off the post-holiday fitness routine!
Moana Sunnies
Wilson Blade 100 Tennis Racket
We haven’t forgotten about tennis players! If you’re considering gifting a tennis racket, the Wilson Blade 100 is a fantastic choice—but proceed thoughtfully. While I’ll explain why it’s a standout racket in a moment, it’s important to note that not every racket suits every player, so we always recommend trying a demo first.
However, you can buy a racket as a sort of placeholder for them to unwrap on Christmas, then exchange it as a credit for whatever ends up working after a demo process. We’ve got a holiday racket buying guide if you want to learn more about that process.
The Blade 100 is our top pick if you’re taking a chance. It’s one of the most versatile rackets on the market, excelling in a range of performance areas, and very few players wouldn’t enjoy playing with it.
So, while a demo is ideal, if it’s not an option, this racket is a safe and reliable bet for most players!
Neonic Flow Pickleball Paddle
The Neonic Flow strikes the perfect balance of value, performance, and easy playability, with plenty of potential for advanced players to tap into. In short, this paddle is as close to perfect as it gets. Offering this level of performance at $180 is truly impressive.
While $180 CDN might sound steep for a pickleball paddle, it’s worth noting that paddles are pushing $400 CDN—and the Flow competes with the best of them. Sure, there are cheaper options out there, but if you’re buying for someone who’s truly passionate about pickleball, they’ll appreciate a paddle that delivers this kind of performance.
As with tennis rackets, we recommend demoing a paddle before making a final purchase. For guidance on how to choose the right paddle, check out the video below or read the article for more details.
Head Prime Tour Overgrips
You don’t have to spend over $100 to give your tennis or pickleball buddy a present. One of the cheapest and easiest ways to quickly improve your setup is by applying a new overgrip. This makes the whole paddle/racket and hand interaction a little more comfortable and locked in.
For only $10, the Head Prime Tour will instantly make their setup feel like new. This is one of those ideal gifts for parties and games like Secret Santa.
Rackets & Runners Gift Card
Finally, if you have no idea what to buy someone but you know they enjoy one of the sports we play at Rackets & Runners, you can go the good old gift card route. This provides them with ultimate flexibility when they’re looking to get something at the store, and the good news is that our gift cards can now be used online as well.
A gift card isn’t lazy; it’s simply an admission that you may not know exactly what they need, and you’re letting them decide with the help of our in-store experts or online resources.
Find all of Vanda's picks here
Happy gift giving!
We hope this guide makes the sometimes-daunting task of gift-giving a little easier. If you are still stumped, we’re always here to help. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!