RS Recommends: The Best Winter Running Gear to Beat the Cold
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If the winter chill has you sprinting for the treadmill, we have some good news for you: Today’s best new winter running gear makes it easier to bundle up and head outdoors, thanks to more innovative fabrics and warmer, lightweight styles.
With things like heat-trapping materials and grippy features, the latest crop of winter running gear is equipped to handle just about every cold-weather condition. Swapping out your other apparel and accessories for a winter-ready kit will instantly pay off, no matter how many miles you’re running each day.
Now, whether you’re motivated after streaming the Olympics or preparing to train for a race, your winter run is about to get a little more comfortable (and, of course, warmer), thanks to these key pieces below.
How to Pick the Best Winter Running Gear
Think about comfort, functionality, and warmth as the three main factors when you’re shopping for winter running gear. Everyone’s winter run can look different, from windy routes to icy sidewalks. But there are a few things you’ll want to consider no matter your location. Here’s how to choose the best winter running gear to beat the cold.
Material, Comfort, and Warmth: Of course, every runner needs to think about temperature, both in terms of maintaining a comfortable temperature during your run, and ensuring you don’t get too cold after a few miles. That also means you’ll need to think about not overheating during your route, so look for materials like merino wool, which can help lock in heat but also wick away moisture so you’re not left freezing and sweaty. You’ll also want to make sure pieces like your sneakers, for instance, are water-resistant and can perform well if you step in puddles or run through snow.
Style and Fit: Consider stocking up on winter running gear that offers a little more coverage to block cold winds and protect your skin from the cold. Layering up with multiple pieces can help add an extra barrier, but keep in mind that you don’t want your baselayer to get sweaty.
Keep visibility top of mind when you’re shopping for new apparel and accessories, too. Safety plays a big role in today’s best new winter running gear, with, say, reflective details on the garments to make you stand out when you’re out on the road.
The Best Winter Running Gear
We’ve found the best winter running apparel and accessories from brands like Satisfy Running, Nike and adidas. Here are the best winter running layers, sneakers and pieces like gloves and hats that you’ll want to don on your next run.
1. Satisfy Running Base Layer
The coolest running gear brand in the game just dropped its latest winter collection, from a merino wool tee to tights. Start with the brand’s new base layer, which boasts body heat-locking fabric and a smart 3M reflective logo on the sleeve. Bonus: You’ll stay comfortable miles down the road thanks to the top’s flat seam construction.
Buy Satisfy Running Base Layer $148
2. adidas Own the Run Running Jacket
Looking for a shell that can keep you dry and warm on rainy-and-cold winter days? Try out this adidas winter running jacket, which features a water-repellent coating and an adjustable hood to help block out the wind. Reflect detailing throughout and the classic adidas logo on the chest keep things subtle, but they’ll make sure you’re fully visible while running at any time of the day. The jacket zips up, and it’s available in three colors. Note: You can score it for 30% off for President’s Day with the promo code SCORE at checkout.
3. Nike Sphere 360 Running Gloves
An easy-to-overlook piece of your winter running outfit: the right gloves. Any pair is better than nothing, but a pair of proper running gloves or mittens will let you more easily access your phone and keep your hands dry out on your route. Engineered for winter running, these Nike gloves have everything you need, like lightweight insulation, fitted cuffs, and, best of all, a grippy texture so you can check your route or switch to a new running playlist during your run. Nike’s built-in Dri-FIT tech, meantime, helps wick away moisture.
Buy Nike Winter Running Gloves $35
4. Satisfy Running CloudMerino Hat
Want to have a little more fun with your cold-weather running accessories? Satisfy Running’s CloudMerino hat is the way to go. Its trendy tie-dye style is reason enough to wear it on your winter run, but it’s especially handy because of its stretchy and lightweight merino material, which will make sure you’re warm without being uncomfortable, even when you start to sweat.
Buy Satisfy Running CloudMerino Hat $114
5. Hoka One One Anacapa Low GTX Sneakers
For routes that include a mix of sleet, snow, and cold rain, slip on rugged kicks like these low-profile hikers from Hoka One One. A combination of Gore-Tex, waterproofing and a water-resistant exterior treatment ensure your feet won’t get wet or frozen. On the interior, the gusseted tongue of the sneakers makes sure things like snow don’t creep into the inside of your shoes. They’re also ideal for slippery roads thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole build. And yeah, they’ll come in handy for spring hikes, too.
Buy Hoka One One Anacapa Low GTX Shoes $165
6. lululemon Running Tights
Like your top winter base layer, a pair of tights can make a dramatic difference out on the run or trail. We’ve tested lululemon’s cold-weather tights, and we recommend them for their comfort. Thanks to this pair’s slim fit, you can easily layer them underneath your favorite running shorts or a pair of lightweight pants. These Surge Cold Surge Terrain tights also boast minimal reflective stripes, plus a slight stretch so they’ll feel soft with each step. Our favorite feature: the pockets for storing keys and your phone and keeping your hands free (and your gloves on).