Cold Weather Running Gear Must-Haves

Cold weather running gear requires a little more sleuthing to get right than summer. It’s not just about wicking, now we need things that will keep us dry, warm, upright on the snow and enjoying the miles despite the wind.

Of course many of the items from my summer guide can be used year round like the GPS watch and electrolytes, but we know there are definitely a few things that need to change when it comes to cold weather running gear.

The right winter running clothes can make those chilly mornings (or shoot afternoons!) far more enjoyable.

Read along for the ultimate guide to the best winter running must-haves! My step-by-step guide will help you figure out what you’re looking for when picking out your gear along with my top recommendations!

Why We Need the Right Winter Running Gear

Enjoy winter running a WHOLE lot more by gearing up the right way!

From preventing slipping and sliding on the roads, to feeling your fingers for the entire day.

Here I’ll outline the pieces for a winter running outfit that will help get you out the door and back again with all fingers and toes happy.

I started running as a poor college kid, which meant I simply layered one cotton shirt on another and then spent hours post run shivering. I couldn’t figure out how other people looked so comfortable…ya no one was talking about wicking yet!!

Luckily, within a few years, I learned about the power of QUALITY gear and how to dress for winter running so that I wasn’t miserable…

Suddenly it was enjoyable!

Before we get started, one of my favorite quick tips is this:

Do a short warm up run of 10-15 minutes near your home or car, so you can shed a layer once you realize you’ve overdone it. I know I’m not the only one who tends to overdress based on just knowing it’s cold!

How to Dress for Running Correctly During Winters

Here are some general rules of thumb to help with temperatures:

• 45 degrees and above: shorts or capris
• 35-45 degrees: average leggings to capris
• 30-35 degrees: base layer with wind pants potentially
• below 29 degrees fleece-lined tights (possible second layer depending on wind or below 10 degrees)

Now you might adjust it a bit according to your personal tolerance levels, but this is a good ballpark to start with.

One of the tricky things about running is that starting out you feel every bit of the cold, but within about 20 minutes it actually feels 20 degrees warmer because of the heat you’re generating.

Then if you tend to overdress like me, you begin to sweat and the longer you run the colder you feel. Your now damp clothes are meeting the air and creating a whole different problem.

Solution: Layers…and stop overdressing.

Start cold is the motto of many smart Colorado runners.

The Secret to the Best Winter Running Gear: Layering

Picking the right winter gear isn’t just about the fanciest jacket or most expensive wool, it lies in the art of layering up!

If you want to be able to run during the mildest winters to the harshest ones, understanding how to layer is going to become your best friend!

By picking the best base layer and knowing when to add a mid-layer and/or an outer layer, you’re going to have everything you need to stay warm, dry and protected.

Layering really is a versatile way of dressing, and it becomes even more important when you’re picking the right gear from you during colder months.

Details for each of these (along with tights and gloves) and recommended gear to follow:

• Base Layer is your starting layer and might be all you need on some cool days.
• Mid-Layer this is where a quarter zip or thin jacket come in to play. They can be tied around the waist if you get too warm later in the run.
• Outer Layer is usually a running jacket to help block the wind and provide that top level of warmth.

How many layers you choose to use depends  a great deal on how you feel about the cold! My husband always wears at least 1 layer more than I do and I’ve already said I overdress, but he feels great.

By following my step-by-step guide, you’ll know exactly what to wear and when – so you’re never under-dressed or overdressed during the winters.

3 Step Guide to Picking the Best Cold Weather Running Gear

To make sure you’re fully covered and have all the right gear while having the cold weather outside, I’ve made a three-step guide to picking the best running gear for you this winter!

It’s easily customizable to your personal tolerance and to how cold it can be on any given day where you are. Sounds good? Let’s begin:

Step 1: Choose the Winter Running Gear For Your Feet

We’re starting from the ground up, to ensure we stay standing up!

While talking about the best winter gear, many people tend to neglect one of the most important elements of it: the right shoes!

After all, to run our best we need the proper shoes for our feet. During the winters it becomes even more important so we can ensure that we have a great grip!

I mean, it’s really no fun to go out for a run only to be worried every step of the way because you free like you’re about to fall flat on your face – a big no-no.

So let’s look at the various options we have.

Shoe Spikes (Ice Cleats)

Grip it, grip it real good.

While many runners have advised putting nails in my existing running shoes to turn them in to spikes, I just feel more comfortable pulling something on over them.

These are a great cheap way to gain some traction when running in the snow…they are not however going to save you on an icy day!

I like the cleats a little better than the original YakTrax which are a metal cylinder and for me still slid sometimes.

Trail Running Shoes

Some days you don’t need spikes, but you need a little more grip and that’s where trail shoes come in to play.

They’re great for running on snow and provide better traction than your everyday road running shoes due to the larger ridges…it’s like  putting snow tires on your car!!

• I’ve run in the Saucony Peregrine on many different surfaces and love the traction they provide!
• If you’re going to hit much ice, I’m now a big fan of IceBugs. Yup running shoes with spikes built-in. Having used these a few times, they do work. It’s largely a confidence issue of running on ice.
• Finally, checkout my detailed review of Yaktrax for running, the most common pull on traction device.

See my full list of winter running shoes >>

Wool Running Socks

Smartwool Socks are one’s I’ve used frequently and feel good about, but also love the brands Ibex and Wigwam.

Our feet go from cold to hot faster than we plan on many runs.

The benefit of good wool running socks is that they can handle both!

They first keep you warm and then as you begin to warm they quickly wick away moisture keeping your feet dry and warm.

I prefer at minimum ankle-length socks to make sure I don’t expose that tiny strip of skin where my tights meet shoes.

Step 2: Pick the Right Winter Running Clothes

The next step is to make sure we’re covering our bodies right!

Remember that if your body will first send blood to your core.

It’s primary focus is to protect your organs, so that’s why you might be able to get away with running in shorts, but still need gloves.

That’s right, your fingers and toes get colder when you’re under dressed because your body is going to conserve heat around your organs first. Ah ha!!

This is why you see a lot of hikers embracing the big puffy vest. That core warmth actually helps to keep the rest of their limbs toasty as well.

Base Layers: Stay dry and away from moisture

Yup layers are key in the winter and I have a few different methods that I like to keep it toasty.

Base layers are a thin light layer that sits next to the skin which helps wick moisture away. They are designed to keep you from getting cold, not so much to keep you warm.

Moisture is one of the easiest ways for our bodies to lose too much heat. To make sure we keep the sweat away and stay dry, it’s best to start with a breathable, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying fabric.

This would usually mean synthetic blends or wood. Wool is an ideal option, especially merino wool. Other great fabric options would be polyester, nylon, and Lycra.

Steer clear of cotton since it tends to absorb moisture and doesn’t wick it away. Here are a few tips and my personal recommendations:

• ✅ Wool is an ideal base layer, but can cost more. However, they last forever and are great at combating the smell that comes from hours of sweating. IBEX is another brand I really like and wear.
• Lululemon Swiftly Relaxed Fit is a favorite for look and style. I’ve always found these to last me a long time as well. There are also more fitted versions.
• Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer is great for fall mornings where you’re trying not to overdress and then when you’re ready to layer!! (I LOVE THIS SHIRT!!)
• Under Armour is cheaper when you need long sleeves, but not as much warmth.  I’ve always had good luck with the quality of their clothing. Remember in a compression layer to size up if you don’t want it too snug. Many like the compression option because it may move around less under other layers.
•  A running tights base layer is great to put under another layer of running tights to double up without the bulk. I tend to forgo the base layer most of the time and instead pick out warm winter running tights.

See my full list of winter running shirts >>

Mid-Layers: Retain heat

Depending on how cold it gets, and your personal tolerance, you might be able to get away with just a base layer and an outer layer.

But there will be days where you need that added protection to retain heat and keep you insulated.

Make sure to not overdo it though, like I mentioned earlier within about 20 minutes of running it can actually start feeling 20 degrees warmer because of the heat you’re generating.

So, this layer is more for the days you need that extra something. Again, go for synthetic blends and wools. You can also opt for fleece for an even warmer option.

Long-sleeve shirts with a half-zip option are great to help you regulate the heat during your run.

• Tracksmith Twilight Quarter Zip – I like things I can always wear to my post run grocery store trip!
• On Running Weather Jacket – Perfect for a light snow, windy days or when you’ve put on two long sleeve shirts and just need a little topper.
• Lululemon Down for it all Vest – Remember priority 1 is to keep your core warm! This is why you see so many runners in a vest. If the core is warm then they can get away with a single layer long sleeve and feel great.

Outer Layers: Fight the Elements

Outer layers are great and super functional! Depending on the weather, you can figure out which is the right option for you.

Take into account the temperature, wind chill, level of humidity, and your own personal tolerance when deciding how to layer up.

They’re exactly what you need on windy days, or when the precipitation is going to bring back all the moisture you’ve been fighting with your other layers.

They help keep your core warm by not letting heat escape it. This way, your body isn’t working so hard to heat up and therefore you have more energy to run and feel your fingers.

Waterproof and wind-resistant options help anything wet and cold from penetrating. Anything from a light windbreaker to an insulated jacket hits the bill here! Let’s look at a few options we have:

Winter Running Jackets

• Lululemon Down For it All Jacket – If you’re running through the serious cold, this is the winter running jacket you want. It’s designed to move with you, has a great collar to actually keep your neck warm, and a good phone pocket!
• On Running Insulator Jacket – You can tell I like this brand for their apparel as I’m often in it and recommending it. I like the venting on the back, but this is a true below 32 kind of jacket.
• Saucony Boulder Oyster Puffer – For those truly cold days here’s a winner! I love the feel and the fit gives you enough space for your base layers without creating a lot of bulk.

Truth, jackets are not cheap. But all of mine have lasted for years which means WAY LONGER than my running shoes.

Winter Running Tights

I have a few friends who loathe running tights but honestly, if they mean I’m warmer and will run farther then whatever. I’m happy to pull them on!

✅ These Craft Advanced Essences Wind pants have become my absolute GO-TO for winter runs.

• Warm
• Wind Blocking
• Stay put
• Water repellent when it is snowing
• Worth every single penny for the amount they have been used and excuses eliminated.

Now if you feel like you don’t want something that intense, I often run in the much cheaper Asics Thermopolis too!

CW-X Stabilyx Compression Tights
The first reason to love these on race day is the compression which helps to keep blood flowing and for me can ward off some calf cramping.

The second reason is the style of the pant provides additional support around the knee which provides support to the IT Band.

These are a thicker tight, which for me makes them an optimal choice for winter running when it’s in the ’40s or a sunny colder day. They are not lined, just a thicker material.

Looking for more ideas:

• Top 10 women’s winter running tights
• Best 10 men’s running pants

Step 3: Find the Best Winter Running Accessories for Your Needs

Picking the right accessories can be exactly what you need for the best winter workout while running!

Gloves and wicking hats are two that I believe every runner should consider.

I’ve also added a few bonus running accessories down below to help you find everything you’d ever need to find your perfect winter running gear.

Running Gloves (NO COTTON)

My fingers are notoriously cold even when the rest of my body is feeling all toasty.

Luckily in recent years most fitness gloves now come with touch fingers so I can still operate my iPod or phone without pulling them off mid-run.

One of the tricks to gloves is they come in a variety of weights!

• New Balance Lightweight Glove – my go to level of glove when it’s just started to get cool or sunny winter days
• Touch Screen Quilted Mittens – When the temps really drop these are what you want. Mittens keep your fingers together, thus in creasing the warmth.

Wicking Running Hat

Don’t wear your stocking cap, the wet material will make you feel cold even faster.

Many people like to do the headbands which cover your ears, but if I’m cold I want to hold on to all the heat possible, so I like the thin caps.

Ladies I’m also excited to say that now most of the running versions come with a spot for our ponytails to stick out…I don’t know why but this is every bit as thrilling as thumbholes!

• Winter running beanie with ponytail spot and fleece lined for maximum warmth
• Asics Headwarmer for those of you who prefer to let the top of your head keep you from overheating.
• New Balance lightweight beanie  – because let’s be honest I start sweating super fast, so thermal is often too much

Bonus Winter Running Accessories

Neck gaiters and buffs are another great option for covering up an area that is often left exposed!

The best thing about a buff is its versatility as well, so I can pull it up over my mouth and nose at the beginning of the run or when turning in to a strong wind.

Charcoal Shoe Bags
I love these for after a rainy or snowy run to help dry out the shoes and maintain shape. As the name implies, post run you stuff the foot shaped cedar filled items in your shoe and it speeds up the drying process.

Nathan Vapor Howe Hydration Pack
You know what super sucks is to head out on your run and find that you water keeps freezing in the tube!! Yup, the right winter hydration pack is a must have. This one has an insulated pack so you won’t find your water frozen and it keeps you from getting cool because you aren’t carrying a bunch of ice on your back!

As an addition, I like to but an insulated cover on the tubing where it will freeze even faster.

Nathan Light Spur
I received one of these while in Kona and I’m in love!! It clips around the heel of your shoe and like all lights has the steady on, the blink and the strobe.

Personally I have issues with most clip lights because they weigh down my shorts or shirt, so this is awesome! {Stay visible in the dark winter months of running!}

Checkout all of my picks for best reflective running gear.

Winter Running Guides

Need a little more to get you going in the winter?

• Best running gloves
• Best winter running shoes
• Surprising reasons you SHOULD run outside in the winter
• Tips for running on snow and ice
• Full body indoor warm up for winter runs

What’s a MUST for your winter running gear?

Don’t forget to checkout my layering guide for more tips >>

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