The 28 best gifts for walkers of all ages and all levels

Staying hydrated is critical when doing any type of exercise and this bottle from the brand du jour makes an on-trend — and highly practical — gift. Stainless steel construction is built tough, and the cap is leakproof with a mouthpiece that opens at the touch of a button.

Not everyone wants to hold their water bottle in-hand while logging their steps. This handy cross-body water bottle strap is universally designed to hold water bottles from 24–40 ounces (including the Stanley we just suggested). It's the perfect simple accessory that your friend may never have known they needed. 

These ball rollers make a genius stocking stuffer for a walker, providing massaging relief right where it aches in an eco-friendly, analog way. They're made from natural and overabundant bloom algae foam; removing it from the ocean helps to clean water, restore aquatic ecosystems and capture CO2 emissions — so, win, win, win for this eco-friendly gift.

For the walker who indulges in e-books or podcasts during their moving me-time, a pair of lightweight wireless headphones is a must. These AirPod dupes do the trick at a stocking-stuffer-friendly price. And they come in eight colors to match any style.

A fraction of the price of custom orthotics, this reviewer-loved brand slips right into shoes to help align, support and banish pain. They mold to the feet for a bespoke fit; no trimming required.

Walking requires a comfortable and supportive pair of shoes; these come with premium orthotic insoles and excellent arch support with seven layers of padding and cushioning to protect and relieve arch pain, heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Therafit is a top-notch choice for walkers of all kinds because the brand carries the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for footwear. Plus, these are lightweight and stand out in a light, pretty pink.

It's no fun to walk with an armload of gear, but some things — like a house key, ID and phone, for instance — are just plain essential. This lightweight belt holds all that stuff and more in a streamlined, hands-free way, with no unnecessary bulk or weight.

For walkers who cover more distance and stay out longer (or just carry more), this ultra-popular belt bag has a 1-liter capacity to take more stuff along for the journey. It's made of water-repellent fabric and can be worn multiple ways across the body.

This is the gift for the friend who wears leggings to get her steps in and wants to banish the VPL (that's "visible panty line" to the uninitiated). It's the undies alternative she didn't know she needed, sticking right to the inside of the leggings. Made from organic cotton, they're comfy and breathable — and give the sleek silhouette of going commando.

Who says socks can't make a great gift? Serious walkers are sure to appreciate these ultralight and performance-driven socks, made with built-in cushioning to pamper their feet stride after stride.

For the one who walks after the sun goes down (or before it comes up), this is a practical gift that helps keep them safe from traffic and other hazards by increasing their nighttime visibility. It comes with two lights, each weighing just a fraction of an ounce, that clip on easily and alternate between steady and flashing lights at the push of a button.

What could be cozier than a pair of warm booties to pamper the feet after a long walk? Your favorite walker can just pop these in the microwave to warm them up before throwing them on after their walk.

Even if it's cool outside, brisk walking raises the heart rate and can warm up a body quickly. A personal neck fan helps manage any discomfort while hanging hands-free around the neck, headphones style. This one charges easily by USB so it's always at-the-ready when it's time to get steppin'.

A sense of safety is important for walkers — especially those who walk alone or at night. Offer your friend valuable peace of mind with this tiny pepper spray device that hangs discreetly on a keychain. At under $10, it's a no-brainer stocking stuffer for a walker.

Walking in cold conditions can take the joy out of the activity. These rechargeable hand warmers make quick work of warming up cold hands, helping extend the outdoor walking season well into the colder winter months.

Counting steps and tracking data add another dimension to walking for exercise, but smart watches can be so expensive — and do so much more than you may actually need. This one counts steps and measures heart rate — all for the cost of a couple of movie tickets.

One of the great pleasures of walking is the meditative state it encourages — away from screens and stresses. With a charming and eminently giftable cover illustration, this mindfulness journal is filled with prompts and inspiration for walkers, as well as evidence from research on the connection between walking and wellness.

Your favorite walker can bring along their own shade with this versatile hat, which has a 3-inch folding clamshell brim so it's easy to pack away when not in use. It's water and stain resistant, with a UPF 50+ sun rating and even a sunglasses lock to help their glasses stay put. (Genius.)

Available in 12 colors and in a size-inclusive range up to 6X, this lightweight puffer jacket is the perfect extra layer for walkers. It's water-resistant, fully lined and insulated so it's sure to stay comfy while you walk in the elements.

This unassuming little tool has an impressive ability to help a walker with tight muscles stretch and relieve tension in a deep, highly targeted way. It's delicious for releasing aches and pains after an intense walk.

Inspire their next walk — and all the ones after that — with the gift of this book. Author Tom Turcich literally walked around the world, becoming the 10th man to do so (alongside the first dog). He covered 28,000 miles over seven years — through deserts, jungles, cities and mountains — taking lessons from people and cultures all around the globe.

Maintaining good posture while walking is incredibly important for preventing the likelihood of back pain or other injuries and it can also help reduce fatigue and improve balance. For the walker who looks down, slumps or slouches while strolling, this bra from Forme is FDA-registered to help improve upper body alignment and remind your friend to keep their shoulders back. Plus, it comes in six pretty colors. 

Don't let the $25 price fool you! These sunglasses from Tifosi are the perfect way to help your favorite walker protect their eyes from the sun. They're extremely lightweight with a no-slip grip on the nosepiece to help prevent these shades from sliding, even in hot, sweaty conditions. Plus, they offer UVA and UVB protection and an integrated hinge that prevents unnecessary hair pulling. They can even be ordered with prescription lenses, if that's a need. 

Most walkers prefer walking outside, but there are some days when that's just not possible. Help support your friend's healthy habit by buying them this walking pad from Merach. It's functional, and affordable, and with a max speed of 3.8 miles per hour, it's a good option for even the briskest of walkers. 

In a showdown of the best weighted vests, this option from Zelus won out as our top pick for walking. It's comfortable and affordable, and adds a nice challenge to a standard walk. But best of all? It has pockets! Or, more specifically, it has a phone holster, which our tester found particularly handy. 

Anyone who uses their walking time to catch up on their favorite books or podcasts will appreciate an Audible gift or subscription. A single month's gift costs $15 (and comes with a credit), giving your friend the freedom to "choose their own listening adventure" while setting out on their next big walking adventure. 

For the day after a tough walk, your friend's feet are bound to need some TLC. OOfos offers the ultimate comfort in recovery shoes, and these OOcoozie low shoes are the perfect combination of supportive and cute. 

When the wind starts whipping up, a pleasant walk can turn into a less-than-pleasant experience, especially if your ears start getting cold. We love this TrailHeads Women's Ponytail Headband for helping keep your ears warm (and your hair in place). The ponytail opening is a handy feature for anyone with long hair, and the sweat-wicking material helps keep you dry and warm. Plus, the bright colors are the perfect solution for standing out and being seen.