Shoes make a better gift than most things because they get used every day, and because the right pair says you noticed what the person actually does. Here is our shortlist for this season, by the person you are buying for. Every pair is authentic, and sizes are listed in US with the EU equivalent so you can match what is already in their wardrobe.
Order by December 1 for Christmas
Delivery takes 10 to 15 business days. Orders placed by December 1 arrive before Christmas; after that we cannot promise it. Shipping is free on orders of $99 or more.
For the runner
Safe choices that work for almost any runner: the HOKA Clifton for cushioned daily miles, the Nike Pegasus for the classic all-rounder, the On Cloudmonster for long easy runs. If they run trails, the HOKA Speedgoat. Check the size on the tongue of their current pair and buy the same US size; our beginner guide explains which suits which runner.
For the one who walks and stands all day
Nurses, teachers, anyone on their feet: the HOKA Bondi is the most cushioned shoe we sell, the On Cloud 6 the easiest to live with, the Nike Vomero the softest Nike. See the best sneakers for standing all day.
For the sneaker lover
Pairs with a point of view that still get worn: the New Balance 9060 and 2002R, the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14, the Salomon XT-6, the On Cloudtilt. If you are not sure which, the 2002R is the one that goes with everything. Our comparisons help: 9060 vs 2002R, GEL-KAYANO 14 vs GEL-NYC.
For the one who is always cold
This is UGG's season. The Tasman II is the gift that gets worn from Christmas morning onward; the Classic Ultra Mini is the boot they have probably been looking at; the Tazz II if they like a platform. For men, the Neumel. UGGs run true to size in whole sizes: if they wear a half size, order the size down for sheepskin styles (see the UGG sizing guide).
For the kids
The UGG Classic Mini II (Kids) and Tasman Weather Hybrid (Kids) run from 13K to 6K; kids' 6K also fits roughly a women's 8, which makes them a smart buy for teenagers and small adult feet.
Under $100 and stocking fillers
Recovery slides are the easy win: the Nike Offcourt and Victori One, the Salomon RX for trail runners, Jordan mules for the basketball fan. Two pairs, or a pair with any shoe, ship free. The UGG Funkette, Tazzette and Coquette sit just above that line.
Getting the size right
Three ways, in order of reliability: read the US size printed inside a pair they already own; measure their foot and use our size guide; or ask. Brands differ in width more than length, so a 9 in Nike is usually a 9 in HOKA, but HOKA and New Balance leave more room for wide feet. If it still goes wrong, email us within 30 days and we will sort out an exchange.
Frequently asked questions
How long does delivery take?
10 to 15 business days to the US. Order by December 1 for Christmas; you receive a tracking number as soon as the parcel ships.
What if the size is wrong?
Write to contact@shoprunlife.com within 30 days of delivery and we will arrange an exchange for the right size.
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