The 15 Best Must-Have Pieces Of Winter Running Gear To Conquer Cold Weather
Cold miles don’t have to be miserable.
For many, running can feel like a stamina game, and when you're doing it in the cold, all of the sensations you feel when tackling your next mile can heighten. The flip side is that being comfy while running in the winter is all about having the right gear.
But what exactly do you need to throw on when temps start to dip below 50 degrees—and what the heck do you wear when it's 20 degrees? Outdoor workout pros have some strong opinions when it comes to choosing outfits for clocking long runs in the cold. Use this quick reference guide, courtesy of Hollis Tuttle, a former senior coach at Mile High Run Club in New York City, to layer up:
- 40–49 degrees: A long sleeve shirt with shorts or leggings
- 30–39 degrees: A long sleeve shirt with leggings, gloves (optional), and a headband or hat to cover your ears (optional)
- 20–29 degrees: A long sleeve running shirt layered with a jacket, leggings (potentially thermal), gloves, and a headband or hat to cover your ears
- 10–19 degrees: A long sleeve running shirt layered with a jacket, thick or fleece-lined leggings, gloves, a headband or hat to cover your ears, and winter running shoes.
- 0–9 degrees: Two layered workout shirts, a windbreaker jacket, thermal leggings, gloves, a headband or hat, a ski mask or layer to cover your face
Peep some of the best winter running gear below:
Now that you know exactly what the ideal wardrobe for logging miles in the chilliest of temps looks like, use this list of the best winter running gear to make sure your layer game is on-point. The items on this list are tested and trusted by top running experts, WH editors, and online reviews.
What to look for in winter running gear
Comfortability and safety are at the top of the list when looking for winter running gear. Here are a few qualities to keep in mind before you shop. (Many brands have these features listed in the product description online or on the tag of the item.):
Insulation: Clothing that is insulated will help you retain your body heat while keeping you warm, says Sara Hayes, a former DII athlete and owner of Mindful Miles.
Moisture wicking: Moisture wicking clothes push sweat away from your body to keep you dry. "Wet clothes increase discomfort, chafing, and heat loss," says Hayes.
Wind and water resistance: Some outer layers may be wind resistant, which is perfect since a stronger breeze might make you feel colder. Hayes suggests looking for jackets and pants with wind blocking and water resistant materials.
Visibility: The sun sets earlier in the winter, so having gear that's reflective is essential to help other pedestrians and drivers see you. Reflective vests, blinking lights, or headlamps can all be helpful in keeping you safe, says Hayes.
How our team chose the best winter running gear
For the past few years, Women’s Health editors, including e-commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, and contributor Mallory Creveling have been researching the most popular and top-rated winter running gear. Our team consulted other WH editors and running experts including Hollis Tuttle, James Rodgers, Sara Hayes, and Stephanie Hnatiuk for the story.
Meet The Experts: Hollis Tuttle is a former senior coach at Mile High Run Club in New York City. James Rodgers is a former triathlete and elite runner. Sara Hayes is a former DII athlete and owner of Mindful Miles. Stephanie Hnatiuk is a certified running coach and registered dietitian from Winnipeg, Canada.
Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
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