Running In The Cold Won't Feel Miserable If You Suit Up In This Winter Gear

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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.

Down For It All Jacket

A wind and water-resistant jacket, this one is specifically designed with runners in mind. It offers a zippered pocket to stash your belongings, thumbholes, and reflective details. Not to mention it's filled with 700-fill-power goose down to keep you extra warm. Tuttle loves it for chilly days.

"This jacket is a true love letter to winter running," says Hayes. "It is an investment piece that will keep you warm, dry, comfortable and cute for the long run!"

Insulator Jacket

This outer layer from cult-favorite running brand On boasts wool insulation and an adjustable hood to keep the chill out. It comes with one inner pocket and side pocket to hold your belongings. You can also wear it during rainy runs thanks to its water-repellent base.

"The length is perfect which is hard to find being tall. It keeps you warm and it is a lightweight jacket. It's very thin, but the insulation is great for cold weather and when its windy," wrote one user.

Side note: the lower sleeves on this jacket are insulation-free, so you may want to wear an additional layer underneath or wear gloves to keep you warm.

Smartwool Merino Wool Top

Made of merino wool and nylon, this top is beloved by WH editors. The targeted insulation of this base layer will keep you warm without overheating during chilly outdoor workouts. Wear it on its own—or under a jacket for extra-cold or windy outings. It has a fitting silhouette that won't restrict your movement.

"A Merino wool base layer is an essential piece of kit and something you will get a lot of use out of during winter training," says James Rodgers, a former triathlete and elite runner. "Merino wool ensures you will be kept warm, and it is also fantastic wicking sweat away from the body."

Etip Recycled Gloves

“Because your hands are consistently driving forward through the cold air, warm, wind-resistant gloves are a necessity,” says Tuttle. This pair stands out from the crowd, courtesy of their durable shell and soft lining, along with touchscreen capabilities, which allows you to use your smartphone without needing to take 'em off.

Unlike some gloves, testers say these aren't too thick but still provide warmth. Users also agree that they work great on touchscreens. Others loved these gloves so much that they purchased another pair in one of the other nine colors available.

Run Visible Insulated Vest

If you're a fan of early morning or late evening runs, you'll love this reflective vest from Brooks. It's insulated, wind resistant, and water resistant. It also comfortably follows the shape of your body while providing a breathable feel.

"This vest is awesome for the more frequent dark runs," says Women's Health fitness editor Jennifer Nied. "Less daylight doesn't mean less mileage in the winter, and this reflective vest keeps me warm and visible whenever I have time to squeeze in a training run."

Run Cold Weather Cushion Socks

“I’m a huge fan of merino wool—it’s naturally lightweight, soft, non-itchy, moisture-wicking, and keeps feet dry and warm even while sweating,” says Tuttle. She likes these socks in particular because of how perfectly they fit her foot. They also add a little extra layer of cushion around the ankle under tights, thanks to the higher cut.

"I love that they're much longer than summer running socks, so you don't wind up with any bare skin exposed to the elements on your lower legs," adds Stephanie Hnatiuk, a certified running coach and registered dietitian. FYI, these socks come in four other colors so you're bound to find a pair that matches your style.

Fleece Lined Joggers

Fleece-lined leggings and joggers are a must-have for surviving winter workouts. These running pants provide plenty of warmth thanks to their ultra warm lining and water-resistant feature, and they're designed with three utility pockets to keep valuables stored away.

Testers say these pants are super durable and still hold up after a year of use. Some users note that they can go for walks in 30-degree weather and still feel warm and comfortable. Still, others agree that the fit could be improved if these pants had drawstrings.

Rho LTW Beanie

A merino wool-based beanie, this hat will keep your head nice and toasty—the number-one priority when striding outside in winter. It was designed with a thermal base layer that keeps you warm while wicking away moisture. It also has a decent stretch to it. Not a fan of beige? You can shop this hat in a dark brown and black as well.

"A Beanie adds so much warmth when you are out running in winter," says Rodgers. "It's a must-have for me, and you also get the benefits of the quality and warmth of Merino wool."

ColdGear Mock Neck Top

Designed for chillier temps, this lightweight tee isn't too tight or too loose to keep you comfy on its own or under other layers. To make it cozy, the top is made with an ultra-warm, brushed interior and a smooth, fast-drying exterior.

One reviewer noted that the insulation was so great that they didn't have any complaints about their outdoor winter workouts. "It fits well and is really comfortable to wear. It provides a great level of insulation while doing high-impact outdoor activities in ~30-degree weather."

"I'll layer this with just my running jacket in milder temperatures and love how lightweight my gear feels, yet I'm still warm and comfortable," adds Hnatiuk.

Define Jacket *Luon

If you're looking for a thin sweater to throw on under a coat, this one from Lululemon is it. The cotton-soft sweater jacket is made with four-way stretch and convertible sleeves to help keep your hands warm. BTW, the elastic zipper is meant to double as an emergency hair tie—pretty neat, right?

Reviewers say it's pretty versatile, too, so you can use it all year round. "I love this jacket! I can wear it multiple times before washing and it is very versatile and warm. Looks super cute too and fits very well," said one tester.

NANOspikes Footwear Traction System

Perfect for snowy days or hitting the trails in the winter, this lightweight, cage-like construction fits right over any running shoe. The little metal spikes underfoot will keep you from slipping on slippery surfaces while you’re hoofing it.

Testers say that the grips on these shoes are work so well that they're able to confidently run even when the streets are icy. Many users note that they're also incredibly lightweight and easy to put on. However, some did mention that the spikes may not work as well during uphill or downhill runs.

Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Gore-Tex®

So maybe you're not hitting the trails but you definitely want to hit the pavement. If so, look no further than the Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Gore-Tex. It has a Vibram outsole that will allow you to grip the ground with ease—yes, even when you're running on snow.

Since it's waterproof you also won't have to worry about your feet getting wet over time. "These gripped through slick and snowy conditions and kept my feet dry and warm with the extra upper cushioning," says Nied.

Therma Sphere Hood

When it's really frigid outside, this thermal hood will keep you covered and warm. Made with Nike's Dri-Fit tech, the balaclava is moisture-wicking and designed with a reflective vertical stripe in the back to make sure you're visible while tackling your runs.

One reviewer loved how lightweight it feels on the nose. "Love the fit and definitely blocks the wind. Allows me to breathe normally. It's easy to adjust when running if needed," they wrote.

No surprises here—experts love it too! "When I'm out running in very cold weather, my running hood is a must," says Hnatiuk. "Rather than having various accessories trying to cover up my neck and face, this running hood takes care of it all."

TagLit Magnetic LED Marker

Clip these LED lights to your hat, jacket, or shoes for added “Hey, I’m running here!” safety when visibility is low. They're tried-and-trusted by the WH team, but experts love them as well.

"It's essential that you be seen when running in dark or low-light conditions," says Rodgers. "The Nite Ize Taglit Magnetic LED Marker makes it easy to carry on your person and helps lighten up gear that may otherwise not be reflective."

Bonus: Unlike some other lights on the market, these are rechargeable and run up to seven hours.

Peregrine 12 Running Shoe

Voted best sneakers for cold weather in Women's Health’s 2022 Sneaker Awards, health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos says these Saucony sneakers are like a puffer jacket for your feet. They'll keep your feet warm no matter where you're running—and if you are hitting the trails, they'll keep ya stable, too.

"It's a lighter trail running shoe and is excellent on or off-road," adds Rodgers. "They offer just enough cushioning without losing the feel of the ground." He adds that just like any other running shoe, you'll have to put in a bit of milage to break them in.

What is the best material for cold running?

When looking for clothes to run in, it's never a bad idea to check the label to check the material type.

"The ideal sweat-wicking fabrics for running include polypropylene, polypropylene/polyester mix, and Merino wool," says Rodgers. "These fabrics are insulating and excellent at wicking moisture away from your body."

Rodgers adds that Merino is especially helpful for those who want to wear lightweight clothing while staying warm. Additionally, nylon and lycra can also be used, adds Hnatiuk.

"Most athletic brands have their own proprietary blends of technical fabrics made from a blend of different materials that are lightweight and provide these sweat-wicking abilities," Hnatiuk says.

How do you gear up for winter running?

When running in the winter, prioritizing safety is a must. With lower temperatures, you're at a higher risk to experience frost bite or hypothermia.

A good starting point is checking the weather and layering up appropriately. "The best way to dress for winter running is to look for items that you can layer together, or remove as needed," says Hnatiuk. "Always start with a sweat-wicking base layer, which will keep you dry." The dryer you are, the warmer you'll stay.

Some people may prefer to wear some sort of middle layer. But for those who prefer two layers only, wearing a waterproof and windproof top layer will protect you from any snow, rain, or wind, says Hnatiuk.

While staying warm and dry is key, you don't want to overdue it and heat up to the point where you're sweating. "A good rule of thumb is to dress as if it’s about 10 degrees warmer than the temperature outside," says Hnatiuk. "Then, you should do your warm up exercises indoors before leaving the house so you're more comfortable once you get outdoors."

As for accessories, grab some sort of lighting device if it's dark out so that others can see you. You should also reach for other means of staying warm such as a hat, headband, or earmuffs, gloves, warm socks, and something that covers your neck, according to Hnatiuk. You might also want a full face covering or some sort of eye protector.

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