The Season’s 35 Best Gifts for Athletes
The holidays give you a chance to stock up on gear, shoes and other goodies that can boost your performance in 2015. Here’s what should be on your list. Spread the word to your loved ones to make the holidays truly the most wonderful time of the year.
Apparel
Air Jordan Foiled Front Tee
Sure it’s just a cotton t-shirt, but it has a sweet logo, and the shirt works really well layered with Jordan’s Warm-Up Jacket.
$35, nike.com
Air Jordan Warm-Up Jacket
A perforated front panel looks cool and helps you stay dry. A hidden interior pocket accommodates your smartphone with a special loop for snaking your headphones.
$120, nike.com
Air Jordan S.Flight Sonic Print Short
Baggy, comfy and cool—featuring two inseam pockets for your keys and phone—these shorts are great on and off the court.
$50, nike.com
Air Jordan Dominate Tight
Stretch fabric keeps your legs warm when you’re on the bench, and DRI-FIT technology keeps you dry when you’re in the game.
$60, nike.com
Nike Men’s Hyperwarm Fitted Crewneck Shirt 2.0
When temperatures plummet, turn to this base layer for warmth and sweat-wicking.
$50, nike.com
adidas Team Issue Pullover Hoodie
Stay warm between workouts or when you’re just relaxing with this soft, fleecy hoodie.
$60, adidas.com
adidas Team Issue Shorts
Comfy, baggy training shorts. The warm, wicking material makes them a great option for wintery workouts.
$45, adidas.com
adidas Team Issue Pants
Throw these on before you head home from the gym to keep your legs toasty.
$55, adidas.com
Nike Men’s Elite World Tour Full Zip Basketball Hoodie
Designed with the pickup baller in mind, this hoodie is meant for outdoor courts.
$75, nike.com
Nike Men’s Element Thermal Running Gloves
Smart idea: the tips of these gloves work with smartphone screens, so you can tap through playlists as you train.
$25, nike.com
Puma PR PURE NightCat Shorts
Reflective materials keep you visible on early morning or evening runs. Toss these on over your tights and go.
$40, puma.com
Under Armour ColdGear ArmourVent Leggings
These fast-drying, moisture-wicking tights will keep you warm on cold-weather runs.
$70, underarmour.com
Under Armour ClutchFit Compression Leggings
Supportive compression wear designed to allow athletic movement without restriction.
$80, underarmour.com
Under Armour Storm ColdGear Infrared Run Vest
This wind-proof vest keeps your core warm during outdoor workouts but allows your arms to move freely. Three layers of fabric: the outside repels the breeze while the inside keeps you cozy.
$100, underarmour.com
Shoes
Air Jordan CP3.VIII
Now available in a fiery Challenge Red colorway (shown), Chris Paul’s signature kick is a responsive low-top that lets you cut as quickly as you want. The plush interior and padded heel cup are highlights.
$130, nike.com
adidas Energy Boost 2.0
A sturdy midsole houses the brand’s Boost technology, which helps you put more energy into your steps. The seamless Techfit upper provides a sock-like feel.
$160, adidas.com
New Balance Minimus 20v4
Delivers a “barefoot-like” sensation and plenty of ground contact for lifters who want to feel the platform when they’re squatting. A grippy, durable Vibram sole offers serious traction.
$100, newbalance.com
Nike Air Max 2015
The fadeaway color scheme will get you looks; the huge air cushion underfoot provides an uber-comfy ride.
$190, nike.com
ASICS Gel-Exert TR
The Exert is designed to handle any workout demand. The outsole is thick enough for running but thin and level enough for lifting and explosive dynamic movements.
$100, asics.com
Under Armour SpeedForm Apollo
Super flexible and barely-there lightweight, the Apollo molds to your foot with a breathable upper and a seamless heel cup (the part that holds your ankle into the shoe).
$100, underarmour.com
In-Game Gear
Wilson A2000 1786 Team Logo Infield Glove
Use the glove the pros prefer with your favorite team’s logo and colors. You can also customize the glove with your own name and number.
$350, wilsoncustom-gloves.com
Epoch MMXV Gen.5 C30 Dragonfly and Hawk
A tough but extremely lightweight lacrosse stick with incredible grip. The Hawk head has a laid-back profile that makes scoops easy.
Dragonfly (shaft) $140, Hawk (head) $100, Otter (net) $40, epochlacrosse.com
Unequal Halo
Not just a headband, this Kevlar®-enhanced impact-protection equipment is designed for soccer and lacrosse players. Made of lightweight, breathable fabrics, the Halo gives you peace of mind in fierce competition.
$40, unequal.com
CCM RBZ Superfast
A lightweight, well-balanced stick with a stiff shaft, said to produce the fastest shot CCM’s ever built.
$260, CCMHockey.com
Point 3 DRYV Baller 2.0 Shorts
Lots of basketball players—including MJ himself—tug on their shorts during games. In a stroke of genius, Point 3 has added hand-drying towel material to the sides, so the shorts can now improve your ball grip.
$45, point3basketball.com
Tech
NBA LIVE 15
Play as your favorite NBA superstar, or try Dynasty and Ultimate Team modes, which let you build your dream team from scratch.
$60, easports.com
When The Game Stands Tall
An inspirational movie chronicling the unbelievable 151-game winning streak of De La Salle High School’s football team during the 1990s.
whenthegamestandstall.com
GoPro HERO 4 Silver
This durable little camera records all of your adventures in stunning widescreen HD video. Works just about anywhere, even underwater.
$400, gopro.com
GoPro 3-Way Mount
It’s a tripod. It’s a counterweight. It’s an extension arm that lets you record killer selfies on the run. The 3-Way is all of this, and you can use it to capture awesome footage in endless ways.
$70, gopro.com
adidas miCoach FIT SMART
Record your heart rate without an uncomfortable chest strap! The FIT SMART features an optical heart rate monitor along with technology that records your speed and effort during workouts, all synced with an app that allows you to track your progress and set new goals.
$199, adidas.com
Recovery
Zamst ZK-7 Knee Brace
Support the all-important ACL and other knee ligaments with a strong brace. Made of comfortable, breathable fabric, the ZK-7 won’t hamper your movement in any direction.
$90, zamst.us
Zamst A2-DX Brace
Prevents high ankle sprains by reducing the space between the two lower leg bones and the ankle. A hard plastic Exo-Grid makes rolling your ankle almost impossible.
$65, zamst.us
TRX Rip Trainer
One of the easiest, most portable and most effective training tools out there, the Rip Trainer lets you do core and rotational training just about anywhere. Great for LAX’ers.
$190, trxtraining.com
SKLZ AccuStrap
The thick black ball has the feel of a lacrosse ball; the smaller yellow one is as dense as a golf ball; and the strap lets you use them to break up muscle knots anywhere on your body.
$30, shop.sklz.com
TriggerPoint GRID STK
Use this convenient handheld roller to loosen up your muscles before a workout or to work out minor aches and knots afterwards.
$35, tptherapy.com
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The Season’s 35 Best Gifts for Athletes
The holidays give you a chance to stock up on gear, shoes and other goodies that can boost your performance in 2015. Here’s what should be on your list. Spread the word to your loved ones to make the holidays truly the most wonderful time of the year.
Apparel
Air Jordan Foiled Front Tee
Sure it’s just a cotton t-shirt, but it has a sweet logo, and the shirt works really well layered with Jordan’s Warm-Up Jacket.
$35, nike.com
Air Jordan Warm-Up Jacket
A perforated front panel looks cool and helps you stay dry. A hidden interior pocket accommodates your smartphone with a special loop for snaking your headphones.
$120, nike.com
Air Jordan S.Flight Sonic Print Short
Baggy, comfy and cool—featuring two inseam pockets for your keys and phone—these shorts are great on and off the court.
$50, nike.com
Air Jordan Dominate Tight
Stretch fabric keeps your legs warm when you’re on the bench, and DRI-FIT technology keeps you dry when you’re in the game.
$60, nike.com
Nike Men’s Hyperwarm Fitted Crewneck Shirt 2.0
When temperatures plummet, turn to this base layer for warmth and sweat-wicking.
$50, nike.com
adidas Team Issue Pullover Hoodie
Stay warm between workouts or when you’re just relaxing with this soft, fleecy hoodie.
$60, adidas.com
adidas Team Issue Shorts
Comfy, baggy training shorts. The warm, wicking material makes them a great option for wintery workouts.
$45, adidas.com
adidas Team Issue Pants
Throw these on before you head home from the gym to keep your legs toasty.
$55, adidas.com
Nike Men’s Elite World Tour Full Zip Basketball Hoodie
Designed with the pickup baller in mind, this hoodie is meant for outdoor courts.
$75, nike.com
Nike Men’s Element Thermal Running Gloves
Smart idea: the tips of these gloves work with smartphone screens, so you can tap through playlists as you train.
$25, nike.com
Puma PR PURE NightCat Shorts
Reflective materials keep you visible on early morning or evening runs. Toss these on over your tights and go.
$40, puma.com
Under Armour ColdGear ArmourVent Leggings
These fast-drying, moisture-wicking tights will keep you warm on cold-weather runs.
$70, underarmour.com
Under Armour ClutchFit Compression Leggings
Supportive compression wear designed to allow athletic movement without restriction.
$80, underarmour.com
Under Armour Storm ColdGear Infrared Run Vest
This wind-proof vest keeps your core warm during outdoor workouts but allows your arms to move freely. Three layers of fabric: the outside repels the breeze while the inside keeps you cozy.
$100, underarmour.com
Shoes
Air Jordan CP3.VIII
Now available in a fiery Challenge Red colorway (shown), Chris Paul’s signature kick is a responsive low-top that lets you cut as quickly as you want. The plush interior and padded heel cup are highlights.
$130, nike.com
adidas Energy Boost 2.0
A sturdy midsole houses the brand’s Boost technology, which helps you put more energy into your steps. The seamless Techfit upper provides a sock-like feel.
$160, adidas.com
New Balance Minimus 20v4
Delivers a “barefoot-like” sensation and plenty of ground contact for lifters who want to feel the platform when they’re squatting. A grippy, durable Vibram sole offers serious traction.
$100, newbalance.com
Nike Air Max 2015
The fadeaway color scheme will get you looks; the huge air cushion underfoot provides an uber-comfy ride.
$190, nike.com
ASICS Gel-Exert TR
The Exert is designed to handle any workout demand. The outsole is thick enough for running but thin and level enough for lifting and explosive dynamic movements.
$100, asics.com
Under Armour SpeedForm Apollo
Super flexible and barely-there lightweight, the Apollo molds to your foot with a breathable upper and a seamless heel cup (the part that holds your ankle into the shoe).
$100, underarmour.com
In-Game Gear
Wilson A2000 1786 Team Logo Infield Glove
Use the glove the pros prefer with your favorite team’s logo and colors. You can also customize the glove with your own name and number.
$350, wilsoncustom-gloves.com
Epoch MMXV Gen.5 C30 Dragonfly and Hawk
A tough but extremely lightweight lacrosse stick with incredible grip. The Hawk head has a laid-back profile that makes scoops easy.
Dragonfly (shaft) $140, Hawk (head) $100, Otter (net) $40, epochlacrosse.com
Unequal Halo
Not just a headband, this Kevlar®-enhanced impact-protection equipment is designed for soccer and lacrosse players. Made of lightweight, breathable fabrics, the Halo gives you peace of mind in fierce competition.
$40, unequal.com
CCM RBZ Superfast
A lightweight, well-balanced stick with a stiff shaft, said to produce the fastest shot CCM’s ever built.
$260, CCMHockey.com
Point 3 DRYV Baller 2.0 Shorts
Lots of basketball players—including MJ himself—tug on their shorts during games. In a stroke of genius, Point 3 has added hand-drying towel material to the sides, so the shorts can now improve your ball grip.
$45, point3basketball.com
Tech
NBA LIVE 15
Play as your favorite NBA superstar, or try Dynasty and Ultimate Team modes, which let you build your dream team from scratch.
$60, easports.com
When The Game Stands Tall
An inspirational movie chronicling the unbelievable 151-game winning streak of De La Salle High School’s football team during the 1990s.
whenthegamestandstall.com
GoPro HERO 4 Silver
This durable little camera records all of your adventures in stunning widescreen HD video. Works just about anywhere, even underwater.
$400, gopro.com
GoPro 3-Way Mount
It’s a tripod. It’s a counterweight. It’s an extension arm that lets you record killer selfies on the run. The 3-Way is all of this, and you can use it to capture awesome footage in endless ways.
$70, gopro.com
adidas miCoach FIT SMART
Record your heart rate without an uncomfortable chest strap! The FIT SMART features an optical heart rate monitor along with technology that records your speed and effort during workouts, all synced with an app that allows you to track your progress and set new goals.
$199, adidas.com
Recovery
Zamst ZK-7 Knee Brace
Support the all-important ACL and other knee ligaments with a strong brace. Made of comfortable, breathable fabric, the ZK-7 won’t hamper your movement in any direction.
$90, zamst.us
Zamst A2-DX Brace
Prevents high ankle sprains by reducing the space between the two lower leg bones and the ankle. A hard plastic Exo-Grid makes rolling your ankle almost impossible.
$65, zamst.us
TRX Rip Trainer
One of the easiest, most portable and most effective training tools out there, the Rip Trainer lets you do core and rotational training just about anywhere. Great for LAX’ers.
$190, trxtraining.com
SKLZ AccuStrap
The thick black ball has the feel of a lacrosse ball; the smaller yellow one is as dense as a golf ball; and the strap lets you use them to break up muscle knots anywhere on your body.
$30, shop.sklz.com
TriggerPoint GRID STK
Use this convenient handheld roller to loosen up your muscles before a workout or to work out minor aches and knots afterwards.
$35, tptherapy.com