Best Winter Running Gear for Running in the Cold
Running in cold temperatures can lead to improved performance because your body is having to work less to keep you cool. But to reap the benefits of cold weather running, you need proper gear. The best cold weather running gear is made of moisture-wicking fabrics like wool and feature reflective details. Below is the best winter running gear.
I hate the cold. I have Raynaud’s Syndrome which makes my hands and feet get cold really quickly and my body gets chilled, and it can be so hard to warm up. So for me to get motivated to run in the cold, I need the best cold weather running gear. As I write this, I am preparing to go do my long run in 16 degree weather. You bet I am wearing many of the cold weather clothes l listed here. So, let’s get to it!
The Best Cold Weather Running Gear
Here’s my must-have winter running gear to make your winter runs enjoyable—rather than something you dread! I am starting from head to toe to keep you toasty warm logging miles this winter.
Best winter running hat:
Lululemon Beanie: This Lululemon beanie is soft, warm, wicks moisture, and is thermoregulating. It also comes in an array of flattering colors. Price: $54
Turtle Fur headband: My sister tipped me off about the Turtle fur headband. It’s soft and warm. Your ears can brave any temperature! $25
Best running mittens:
ActionHeat 5V Women’s Featherweight Heated Gloves: These heated
gloves take the warmth up several notches by adding thin heating fibers into the fabric. Battery-operated with a push of a button, these gloves get warm and toasty within minutes. The battery lasts 5 hours and it comes with a dual
charging cord. Simply plug in the battery to the glove, slip it into the zippered pocket, press the power button on the gloves, and then feel the heat rise. Because I have Raynauds’ and my fingers get so cold so fast, I went with this version which costs $129.99 for super cold (teens and below) days. The Warming Store has many different versions, starting as low as $39.99. 
Smartwool Mittens: As mentioned, I have Raynaud’s Syndrome so my hands get cold fast—and stay that way. And, then I lose function of my fingers, making it very hard to use my phone or open a gel while running—or open the door to my house when I’m done. It’s really annoying. I have found the warmest mittens for cold (but frigid) days—Smartwool mittens. They’re warm and dry, and affordable. $35
Best winter running buff:
I like this Lululemon buff is because it’s soft and extends all the way down your chest to keep it warm. It is adjustable to stay in place and has airholes to help you breathe in warm air. It also stays put and comes in three cute colors. Price: $38
Best base layers for running:
Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer: I am obsessed with Tracksmith’s Brighton Base Layer. It’s attractive, comfortable, warm, wicks moisture, and is easy to layer off because it is so thin. It is the warmest base layer around. The Brighton is made of engineered mesh, lightweight, and seamless. I’ve had mine for several years and it’s held up to all the miles and washes. It comes in an array of sunset and earthy colors. Price: $88.
Under Armour Women’s HeatGear Compression Long Sleeve: If $88 is too much for you (though worth it!), a more affordable base layer option is Under Armour’s new Cold Gear line, HeatGear Compression Long Sleeve which is lightweight, moisture-wicking, heats quickly, and dries fast. It also has flat seams so no chaffing. Comes in five colors. Price: $35
Best mid layers for running:
Tracksmith Downeaster Quarter Zip: I love layering the wool Tracksmith Downeaster Quarter Zip over my Brighton base layer. The two fit together so well. The heavier wool fabric can also be worn on its own for cold days that don’t quite need two layers, but a base layer isn’t enough (think around freezing). It’s also attractive, so feel free to wear it out and about! Price: $148
Tracksmith Fells Turtleneck: One of my athletes got me a Tracksmith gift card for Christmas (you are the BEST, Emily!) and I indulged in this new turtleneck. I LOVE IT. It is warm wool that is cozy and doesn’t get wet with sweat; has hand coverings AND thumbholes; and keeps your neck warm without a buff! Plus, it’s easy to layer over and under, too! Price: $140
Best outer layers for running:
Patagonia Houdini Jacket: The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is a light windbreaker that truly does work magic. It’s so thin and light but packs a powerful heating punch and is water resistant. I have a couple of these jackets and they were amazing as an outlayer to trap in heat, resist water, and block cold wind. It’s a MUST for windy days. Price: $109
Best winter running vests:
Lululemon Down For It All Vest: The Lululemon Down For It All Vest is a majorly popular winter running clothing choice as it’s soft, warm, fitted, and breathable. It also comes in pretty colors and can be acceptable worn even when you aren’t running! Price: $148
Best cold weather running tights:
Vuori Daily Leggings: It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Vuori. However, I live in the Vuori Daily Leggings. (I just bought several pairs for my friends and sister). With their high waist and soft fabric, they are comfortable and cute—and stay put on the run. They’re also warm enough for chilly days. I chose these to include rather than my Tracksmith Turnover Tights, which I do love, because the Turnover Tights seams come undone quickly and I’m constantly resewing them! Price: $98
Best fleece-lined running tights:
Athleta Altitude Tight In Polartec Power Stretch: Another runner fan favorite in running clothes is the Athleta Altitude Tight in Polartec Power Stretch. The Polartec technical fleece provides thermal insulation that toasty. The stretchy fabric moves with you so you don’t feel bunched and bundled like Ralphie from The Christmas Story movie. Also features a phone pocket on the side of the thighs. These feel like fuzzy socks for your legs! Price: $99
Outer layer joggers: 
ON Waterproof Pants: If it’s a deluge and you need an extra layer to protect you from the water and rain, the ON Waterproof Pants will do just that. They are breathable and flexible. BUT they do come at a premium. Unless you plan to use these a lot—including for snowball fights with your kids or hiking—then I recommend just buying some inexpensive nylon pants like these $20 Nike ones to get you through! Price: $249
Best wool winter running socks:
Swiftwick National Park Socks: If you want thicker socks that are lightly cushioned, warm, dry, thin, and stylish—then these are your socks. The SwiftWick National Park Socks are my husband’s go-to socks for running ultras in the mountainous Western U.S. Get a pair for just $20.
Smartwool: I’m also a big fan of Smartwool socks as they are the one of the best wool socks you can find. Wear the longer ones in the winter. The shorter ones are great for milder temps. Warm, dry and cushiony with no blisters. Price: $18
Best winter running shoes for snow and ice:
Best light-emitting gear:
Noxgear Tracer 2 Vest: I love how BRIGHT and PRETTY the Noxgear Tracer2 Vest is and it is crazy
lightweight and easy to put on. This vest is a MUST for those early morning or evening runs! Price: $49.95
Best reflective running gear:
Oiselle reflective Firecracker: I LOVE Oiselle’s reflective line including their Firecracker tights and Firecracker jacket. This is the best reflective clothing for running because it’s patterned all over the running clothing, essentially lighting you up like a Christmas tree. It’s actually really pretty too with lots of running gear options! Price: The Oiselle Firecracker tights are $108 and the Firecracker jacket is $132.
Best winter running shoes:
Saucony Peregrine: Any good trail shoe should work pretty well for running in snow including the Saucony Peregrine which has a tacky and cushioned sole. Price: $90
If running in the snow or on icy trails is your reality a lot, then consider shoes with spikes (or adding spikes to your shoes) such as IceBugs or YakTrax. I go into details on gear, including running shoes, for running in snow here.
Also, don’t forget this winter running gear.
Best headlamp for winter running:
Petzl Tikkina Headlamp $24.95
Best safety running gear:
Run Angel siren $85
Best anti-chafing running gear:
Body Glide $10.99
I hope these tips along with the right gear will help you continue to crush your training runs and long runs in the winter season to set you up for success in the spring!
What is best to wear for running in winter?
The best thing to wear for running in winter is wool, layers, and Vaseline on exposed skin. Specifically, you will want to wear a hat, base layer with another layer over it depending on the temperature, mittens, running tights, warm socks, Body Glide, and shoes with good traction if it’s slippery outside.
What should you not wear when running?
Do not wear cotton when running in the winter. Cotton doesn’t wick away moisture and can trap sweat, making your clothes heavy and your body chilled over time. Not what you want on a cold run! You want to wear synthetic blends. These are breathable fabrics that are moisture-wicking, trap heat, and help regulate your body temperature.
Having the right cold weather running gear can be an absolute game-changer when it comes to staying motivated to run in the cold and being able to handle the elements! What’s your favorite winter weather running gear?
