Our annual holiday shopping guide is here just in time for the biggest shopping days of the year! We’ve divided this year’s list features into stocking stuffer and smaller gift ideas, mid-price gift ideas (featured here), and larger more luxury gift ideas. All are curated to help you spoil the athlete in your life – plus there are plenty of Black Friday deals you can jump on now!
Mid-Price Gift Ideas (Under $500)
Training Shoes: A solid “workhorse” trainer is one of the most reliable gifts you can give an endurance athlete. Think of models like the New Balance 1080 (on sale for $168) or the Hoka Clifton 10 ($180). This is the shoe your athlete will use for most of their weekly mileage, from aerobic base runs to many of their long runs.
Super Shoes for Race Day: For race day, nothing feels better than lacing up a fast shoe. The Asics Metaspeed Ray ($390) is a standout option and was the most commonly worn shoe among professionals during our shoe count at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella. The Nike Alphafly 3 (on sale for $265) is also a great option.
Cycling Shoes: The Shimano S-PHYRE TR903 ($499) is a top-tier triathlon cycling shoe built for comfort, power transfer, and fast transitions. The wide single strap closure is designed for fast transitions in sprint and Olympic racing, although long course athletes love the stable fit and impressive power transfer.
Apple Airpods Pro: The Apple Airpods ($329) make an ideal gift for athletes who train with music, podcasts, or guided workouts. The refreshed design includes a more secure fit and an XXS ear tip that works well for smaller ears and high-impact sessions. Active Noise Cancellation is stronger and creates a quieter, more focused training environment.
A Race Entry: Race entries are often overlooked as gifts, but they offer tremendous value, especially if you can take advantage of early-bird or Black Friday pricing. They also mark the calendar with an exciting milestone that could double as a family trip. As an example, Challenge Family is offering 10 percent off select global events on Black Friday using code CFBF25.
A Bike Fit: While not a traditional wrapped gift, a professional bike fit is one of the most impactful upgrades an athlete can receive. The majority of aerodynamic gains come from rider position, and a few hundred dollars spent on expert fitting can buy real watts, improve comfort, and significantly reduce injury risk.
A New Saddle: Although saddles are personal, the need for comfort is universal. The right saddle can transform an athlete’s riding experience, improve position, and make long training sessions far more enjoyable. The PRO Aerofuel Carbon Saddle ($325) is one strong option, with many comparable models at similar price points worth considering.
Other thoughtful ideas include an aero hydration system for race day, covering expert-led swim feedback, or gifting a membership to a local training group where your athlete can find like-minded people. And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, explore our companion guides on stocking stuffers and smaller gifts as well as luxury ideas to spoil your athlete this holiday season.
The post The 2025 Triathlon Holiday Guide: Mid-Price Gift Ideas appeared first on Triathlon Magazine Canada.