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.
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 running so that I wasn’t miserable…and suddenly it was enjoyable!
Not sure what you need? Checkout this guide for the must-haves and then go learn how to layer appropriately >>
Cold Weather Running Clothes Must Haves
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.
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!
Smartwool Socks
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 breathing.
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. They are not lined, just a thicker material.
For a WARM tight, I love these Nike ProHyperwarm tights. They’re fleece lined to provide an added layer of warmth, while still feeling really light and most importantly pulling sweat away from your body so you stay warm. I also like that they have a stirrup. When you pull on that extra thick pair of socks or another layer of pants, these tights stay put.
StuffIts
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 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!}
Nike Reflective Jacket
This is a lifesaver because it not only blocks the wind and makes you VISIBLE in the dark winter mornings, but it’s water-repellent to keep you dryer. The hood also cinches, so once you pull it up you can ensure it stays in place and the the solid zippered pockets will protect any of the gear you might not want to get damp.
Base Layer Running Tights
Yup layers are key in the winter and I have a few different methods that I like to keep it toasty. Cold weather running pants come in a couple variations that I alternate depending on the temperatures.
- wearing fleece lined running pants
- wearing a base layer under another layer of running tights (great for doubling up without the bulk))
Base layers are usually very thin and light, so I like having them for runs, hiking and hitting the slopes. These are different than compression tights, they are designed to help keep you warm and often are very loose fitting.
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! For those bitter mornings, the Nike Storm Fit Hybrid are amazing with a light fleece lining giving them an added warming boost over many of the light versions you’ll find. They also have reflective strips, which honestly I just think are so key to winter running safety. 
I opt for a lighter weight pair most days, but also love having a pair of mittens to put over them on super cold days! Mittens actually increase total warmth because you trap all the heat together, rather than divided by each finger. (fun tip!)
Wicking 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!
What’s a MUST for your winter running?
Don’t forget to checkout my layering guide for more tips >>
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Allie says
The Stuffits are interesting! I always use newspaper and it sucks the water out like a charm but I have a feeling the Stuffits probably leave the shoes smelling better 🙂 I also use hand warmers in my mittens when it’s really cold because my hands are usually the only problem for me.
Great stuff here and love most of the products you recommended.
amanda says
newspaper totally works!! I found this helped with shape and yup smell a little more!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
Coach Rachel turned me on to trail shoes for winter running, but I did have my husband put cleats in my old shoes & it’s been such a game changer for me. There are so few places to run during the winter here, and now I can run places in the past I really couldn’t because of icy/snowy patches. I have Yaktrax, but they’re just not as comfortable for me — I hate feeling that my toes are pinched!
My North Face Thermoball is my most have! Although pricey, sites like 6pm.com usually have a good deal on them.
amanda says
That’s awesome!!! I love stories like that because I think it helps other runners see that these things work and just make you feel safer.
Suz says
Running indoors just gives me the heebie jeebies. For me inside means treadmill. Not indoor track. So outside I go. Dressing right makes a difference.
I adore my Goretex ski mittens when it hits zero F. Comfortable and toasty. Pretty good for circa 1992 mittens. If it’s warmer, I’ve got a pair of insulated wool gloves. I sometimes just curl my fingers up into the palm area until my hands warm up if they get chilled.
For my ears, I’ll pop on an UnderArmor Balaclava, then a fleece or wool beanie. If it’s windy, I’ll put the hood of my wind breaker up.
It’s often quite windy where I run during the week. I picked up a pair of wind pants – Columbia, I think. With a pair of brushed fleece lined tights under, it helps keep me warm by cutting the wind. Thankful that it’s just been windy a couple of times since we’ve had chilly weather.
I gave in and picked up a pair of Topo Hydroventure waterproof trail shoes. The waterproof and wind proof part makes a huge difference due to the windy nature of where I run. With a pair of yaktrax knock-offs I picked up at Menard’s hardware store, I can run easily on the inevitable snow and ice during the week. I can’t wait to wear the new shoes tomorrow on a trail race my running club is running.
Dress right and running outside is manageable. Then again, there’s nothing wrong with running on the treadmill when the weather is terrible.