Father’s Day gift ideas for your favourite running dad

Best for runners seeking a lightweight cap with UV protection

Constructed with a highly breathable and fast-drying polyester fabric, the GOCap SC is ideal for running in warm, sunny conditions. The cap’s five-panel shape offers UPF 40 sun protection, while the SOFTcurve brim does an admirable job of keeping the sun out of your eyes and face. For runners who prefer low-light early-morning starts, Ciele has also added reflective detailing to ensure you’re visible to traffic.

Best for runners seeking no-nonsense running shorts with a 5″ inseam

The Salomon Cross 5″ shorts are the perfect addition to any runner’s summer wardrobe. Salomon has spec’d a classic 5″ inseam and mated it to their Active fit construction, ensuring unrestricted movement during long, easy runs, as well as more spirited interval workouts. The shorts use a smart internal waist adjustment, which provides a secure and comfortable fit while minimizing the risk of irritation and chafing. At the centre back of the shorts, there is a small zippered pocket that’s perfectly sized for an energy gel, credit card, or ID. These are great workhorse shorts at a very reasonable price and should be part of every runner’s clothing collection.

Best for runners seeking cushioning and blister protection

Constructed with a combination of friction-free threads mixed with quick-drying Drynamix yarn, the Ultra Glide No Show Socks are perfect for runners seeking cushioning while minimizing the risk of blisters. At the forefoot and heel, Balega has added lightweight cushioning zones while a compressive arch band with vent panels ensures a secure and highly breathable fit. The socks’ no-show height makes them ideal for running in warmer conditions.

Best for runners seeking stability, cushioning and comfort

For the 30th anniversary of the Kayano series, Asics has delivered a major update to this classic stability shoe. From a stability perspective, Asics is now using its 4D Guidance System that provides more natural and adaptive support. For the revamped midsole, Asics now uses FF Blast Plus Eco foam that’s softer, lighter, and delivers a smoother ride when compared to previous midsoles. At the back of the shoe, Asics has spec’d it’s PureGEL technology for efficient impact absorption. Asics has also bumped up the stack height to 40 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a 10 mm drop. This midsole height increase delivers more cushioning, which will be appreciated on longer runs. The upper also receives an update, with a breathable, engineered stretch-knit fabric that provides support without bulky overlays. The outsole has also been tweaked with ultra-durable AHAR rubber being used more strategically to help decrease weight. With all these changes, the Gel-Kayano 30 exceeds the performance of previous models and should be a top choice for runners wanting a comfortable stability shoe for daily training.

Best for runners seeking protection against chafing and blisters

With its unique plant-based wax formula, the Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm provides an effective barrier against chafing and blisters when running. The convenient balm format can be applied to different body parts (thighs, nipples, heels) and will not damage clothing, shoes or wetsuits. This is a great and affordable bit of insurance against one of the more irritating running issues.

Best for runners seeking a roomy fit with multiple performance fabrics

Runners wanting a roomy-fitting top with exceptional ventilation and wicking will appreciate the Active Mesh T-Shirt. On the front of the shirt, Smartwool employs a merino wool/ TENCEL lyocell blend fabric that provides wicking and cooling. For the back, sleeves and shoulders, the fabric changes to a merino wool/TENCEL lyocell/polyester blend that offers wicking and cooling as well as extra durability, thanks to the polyester. Finally, mesh ventilation on the sleeves and back ensures additional comfort when running in warm weather.

Best for runners wanting cool hydration during longer runs

Featuring an insulated 18-oz. flask, the Nathan Quick Squeeze Insulated Handheld Bottle allows you to carry and enjoy chilled water (or other hydration beverages) during your warm spring runs. The double-wall insulated flask is ergonomically shaped for easy carrying and allows for easy squeezing when you need a sip. The bottle sits securely in an adjustable and breathable harness that fits the runner’s hand snugly. As an added bonus, the harness also has a zippered pocket that can accommodate small running essentials, such as energy gels or a phone.

Best for runners seeking a sock with sophisticated construction for training in warmer conditions

You can never have too many socks, and the Aspire One is a great addition to every runner’s kit. With their sophisticated construction, these socks provide excellent breathability and moisture management for additional comfort when running in warm weather. The socks’ low bulk, midfoot arch band, and y-heel construction ensure a secure and supportive fit during long runs. In the toe area, Swiftwick uses seamless construction, which minimizes the risk of chafing.

Best for trail runners seeking lightweight shorts with plenty of storage

Constructed with a lightweight, fast-drying recycled polyester ripstop fabric, the Strider Pro 5″ Shorts won’t hold you back when you’re running in warm weather. The shorts’ 5” inseam does a good job of providing coverage without restricting movement, while the low-profile waist ensures comfort even during the longest trail runs. Patagonia employs a polyester crepe boxer-brief liner that provides exceptional wicking and, thanks to a Polygiene treatment, resists odours. Finally, the one zippered pocket and four drop-in hip pockets provide plenty of storage for energy gels and other small essentials.

Best for runners seeking excellent music quality without blocking external sounds

Unlike many traditional headphones that prevent you from hearing outside noise, the Shokz OpenMove, with its open-ear design, allows you to listen to your music and your environment simultaneously. The result is better safety, as you are not isolated from noise from cars, bikes and other runners. This is particularly important when running in crowded urban settings. The OpenMove headphones, with their titanium band, are surprisingly light and comfortable, and provide a secure fit even during high-intensity workouts. At normal volumes, they offer up to six hours of listening time.

Best for runners seeking warm weather comfort and subtle, stylish graphics

Runners seeking a lightweight and highly breathable top for hot summer running conditions will love the Salomon Sense Aero Graphic. Salomon uses a unique engineered fabric that features 37.5 Technology for exceptional thermoregulation and comfort in warm weather. Runners will also appreciate the shirt’s minimalist glued-seam construction, which reduces the chance of chafing during longer runs. Finally, Salomon adds an antimicrobial treatment that prevents odour build-up, allowing runners to wear the shirt multiple times between washes.

Products reviewed in this article: