Winter gear is essential when the mercury falls and the temperatures drop, and it must be both functional and fashionable. While most people like to run comfortably in whatever clothing they are most comfortable in, the truth is that if you want to enjoy a healthy, injury-free running career, it’s absolutely imperative that you select running gear appropriate for the conditions.
For long runs, trail running, and training or competitive events in the winter, you must dress by layering and wicking. Choosing your right gear is a bit like choosing your running buddies, but the payoff is well worth the time and effort invested.
Name | Category | Product |
---|---|---|
Under Armour Men's Threadborne Run Gloves | Best Overall | ![]() |
Skull Cap/Helmet Liner/Running Beanie | Budget Pick | ![]() |
ASICS Men's Gel-Kahana 8 Running Shoe | Upgrade Pick | ![]() |
1. Under Armour Men's Threadborne Run Gloves
Under Armour is well-known for their athletics and fitness clothing. They also make a top-notch line of apparel for running. The Under Armour Men’s Threadborne Run Gloves are one of the best-reviewed gloves for running because of their superior moisture-managing Thermal Limit fabric and reflecting threads.
Under Armour claims that their Threadborne Run Gloves are their warmest glove available. We’re not sure about that ourselves, but we will say that these gloves do the job of keeping your hands warm no matter what the temperature is.
The first thing that you’ll notice about these gloves are the unique reflective print. The texture of the glove is soft and flexible, and the palm of the glove is a breathable mesh that keeps your hands dry.
2. Under Armour Men's ColdGear Armour Compression Mock Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Pros:
- ThermaSphere technology uses an exclusive ColdGear fabric compression technology
- Under Armour stays personally cool without sacrificing warmth
- Compression helps wick away moisture for a fresh feel
- Men's coldgear compression mock long sleeve shirt with subtle tonal logo
- Relaxed fit
Cons:
- May run a little small for some
- Men’s UA ColdGear® Compression® Mock
Sleeve Half Zip is great for everyday conditions. The full zipped mock's unique design provides a tonal UA logo and is made of 4-way stretch performance material.
As a world-class sportswear brand, Under Armour creates innovative products made with the athlete in mind. Under Armour’s Compression Mock Long Sleeve T-Shirt is a testament to their commitment to creating quality products. Dampening is the premium fabric technology used in the Compression Mock Long Sleeve T-Shirt. It wicks moisture away from the body while providing outstanding moisture management.
3. NIKE Men's Base Layer Training Tights
Pros:
- Keeps you warm during cold weather workouts
- Moisture management
4. Nike Pro Combat Hyperwarm Hydropull Hood
Pros:
- Great for those who live in a cold weather climate
- Has thumb loops
- Hood and pouch pocket help you keep your hands warm
- Tight fitting hood design fits snuggly so you can keep the cold out
- Has a meshed center back panel for extra breathability
Cons:
- Doesn’t retain body heat as well as other tops
- May not fit very well under a backpack
If you live in the cold and want to stay comfortable when you work out and run in the winter, this hoodie is a great choice. It’s made of Nike’s Hyperwarm fabric, which wicks away moisture and offers wind resistance to keep you warm. This makes it ideal to wear to work or running outside in cold weather.
It’s made of a Dri-Fit polyester/spandex blend with a front zipper, waistband drawstring, and a hood. The thumb loops make it possible to secure your hands in windy or cold weather.
5. HiVisible Reflective Vest
Pros:
- The maximum visibility vest
- It provides a safe area, with the sash and strips that are reflective
- It improves safety at night
- It can also be used as extra reflective wear for rain wear, over light clothing, for summer wear, in addition to the winter wear
- It includes a whole backpack and a water-based sunscreen
- The vest has 3 reflective bands
Cons:
- This is clearly a winter running vest
- It is a little tight around the waist
- Some customers were not happy that it did not come in different sizes
HiVisible for Safety.
The HiVisible Reflective Vest is reasonably priced, provides great value, and is a little tight around the shoulder area. It could have been made in different sizes.
This is a super reflective product that is a winter running discussion in a light fabric that is clearly designed for night. It is easy to wear and hand-washable.
6. LED Reflective Belt
Not only is this an LED reflective belt, but it’s also USB rechargeable and features a full color LCD screen. It’s currently on sale at an incredible price so you should definitely get it while you can. It comes with 3 modes, high flash, slow flash, and steady on.
It has a belt that is fully adjustable and it comes in different colors (unlike a reflective vest). It’s lightweight, durable and will fit most people. It’s also fully portable, which is different from reflective vests.
This is not your average safety reflector for jogging after dark when there are no streetlights. Rather, this is an everyday LED belt that you can wear as a fashion statement or for outdoor activities.
7. ASICS Men's Gel-Kahana 8 Running Shoe
The ASICS Gel-Kahana 8 is a top-of-the-line trail running shoe. It’s like the level above the GT-2000 in the category of trail running. From a technical standpoint, it’s superior to almost any other one in their line.
Its mesh upper design comes with dual-arch support (i.e. shank) and a molded sockliner. These features give great support and comfort for long distance runs. It’s also equipped with a Gore-Tex membrane that will keep you dry.
Since it’s basically a trail shoe, the Gel-Kahnu 8 has a larger outsole that gives padding between the foot and the surface you run on. It also gives your foot a little more stability.
8. Yaktrax Run Traction Cleats
The Yaktrax Run combo is a good buy if you need traction for running on snow and ice. The traction spikes will grip to prevent slipping for runners that may suffer from mobility issues. It is also good to wear with regular athletic shoes and boots that lack traction due to gravel or icy conditions. The Yaktrax Run will improve traction on both wet and snow-packed surfaces.
The Yaktrax Run is lightweight and easy to use. The slip-on design makes wearing them quick and requires no adjustments or special fits. The vinyl blades can be trimmed down to fit user’s shoes, so replacement blades are not necessary. The Yaktrax Run is also compatible with a number of shoe makes and styles.
The Yaktrax Run measures 8.5 x 4 x 0.8 inches and weighs 5 ounces. The traction fixs are made in China. The product has a 1-year limited warranty for those who purchase it.
9. Sport2People Running Pouch Belt
This kit is an ideal combination of a running belt that will suit you right from the very first mile to a hip pack that you can comfortably carry during your travel.
This set is perfect for any occasion. Thanks to the special technology that allows you to carry your belongings in a safe and well-assorted way, you will never have to worry about running out of any necessaries during the run.
This is a very affordable option. Its sturdiness is as reliable as its price.
10. adidas Men's Cloudfoam Ultimate
Pros:
- Comfortably lightweight running shoes
- Featured in various bright colors
- Laces
Cons:
- Limited sizing options for wide feet
- Can’t be worn in the snow
The Adidas Men’s Cloudfoam Ultimate is a lightweight running shoe with cloudfoam sockliners. The upper mesh keeps your feet cool and dry. Reactive mesh is used to make the shoe breathable and give it a nice, adaptive fit.
Weighing in at just 9.4 ounces, these shoes are incredibly lightweight. If you’re counting carbs for your next marathon, you’ll be happy to know that each shoe offers less than 250 calories.
The Cloudfoam technology in each shoe will feel like a massaging pillow under your feet. This is an ideal running shoe for those who like to go out for long runs or who go running just to keep fit. The shoe is featured in various bright colors, from a traditional black/white mix to a red/white design. The stripes on the side also stand out, and provide a cool, sporty look.
11. Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack Pack
Pros:
- Capacity: 2 Liter
- Material: Waterproof Oxford Cloth
- 2L insulated bladder – Keeps the water cold
- High quality
- Very fashionable
- Super lightweight water hydration backpack for running, hiking, cycling, camping, and travel
- Great for keeping your hands free and hydrated while on long runs, hikes, bike rides, campouts, or while traveling
- Perfect for holding water, sports drinks, and other beverages
- The best and most stylish running hydration backpack for men, women, boys, girls, athletes, athletes, and outdoor lovers
- More room and efficiency design, two different bottle storage pockets on the side, you can keep key, cell phone, protein bar, etc at hand
Travel, Climbing, Golf, Jogging with Two External Pockets.
12. Skull Cap/Helmet Liner/Running Beanie
Pros:
- Warm and comfortable
- Keeps ears and head warm
- Highly stretchable
- Soft and warm wool fabric
- Easy to wash
Cons:
- Cannot knit
- May not be suitable for hats with large ear flaps
Under Armour is a company that loves to create compression items. Compression items help athletes exclude sweat, keeping them warm and dry. If you want something that will keep your head warm, especially under your helmet, then this is a perfect item for you.
This beanie is perfect for people who aren’t able to wear hats, because they have large ear flaps that lash against the back of their head.
This beanie comprises of two different textures. The inner layer is made of wool, and the outer layer is made of polyester. The wool fabric is nice and soft, but also helps to insulate the head while keeping it dry. The polyester helps to trap in the moisture.
13. Under Armour Men's ColdGear Reactor Elements Beanie
Pros:
- Fits snug and keeps you warm
- Soft and comfy
- Nice fit according to most
Cons:
- Few found it to be larger
- Some found it to be too thin
This Under Armour mock beanie hat was designed to keep athletes warm in the winter. It features a jacquard knit with this pattern that is ideal for warming. That is because it has a ULTRA-thin fibers that are engineered to transport perspiration from the body, all the way to the surface. It keeps you warm to maintain your body temperature, even in bitter cold conditions.
The beanie features 98% of merino wool and 2% elastane. This helps the beanie to maintain its shape so that you can keep it on for hours. This is great for situations like skiing and running. It will keep you warm, and it won’t fall off easily.
14. Salomon Men's Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoes
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Rubber over the toe guard
- Easy to break in
- Adjustable
- High-quality
- Great design
- Extremely comfortable
These lightweight shoes can be used in almost any type of terrain thanks to their sturdy outsole. We like that the shoe has a small toe guard that protects the toes and front of the shoe from rocks, gravel, mud and other sharp objects on the trail. The lacing system found on the shoe is pretty unique, and it’s an interesting process to get used it.
The rubber sole is designed to have the most traction and grip on wet and muddy terrain. The shoes are definitely heavier than your average pair of running shoes, but they absorb the shock of the trail with ease.
15. adidas BTS Winter Mens Padded Water Repellant Hooded Coat Jacket Black
Pros:
- Fleece lined.
- Generous cut and stand collar.
- Two hand warmer pockets and one chest pocket.
- Large strong belt to hold in place.
- Fastens with press studs.
- Good range of motion during running.
- Provides good protection from wind.
16. Nike Dri-FIT Cushion Dynamic Arch Quarter Running Socks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best winter running gear?
Winter running gear which includes your clothing, footwear, and accessories is essential in ensuring that you have a good time out on the trail without succumbing to hypothermia since you can’t be wearing unnecessary heat in the form of sweat and winds don’t help, either.
But if you want to enjoy the outdoors, you’re going to have to dress the part, which you’re most certainly willing to do if it means ensuring that you’re as safe as possible since you will never take unnecessary risk when it comes to your health. The market is flooded with options to choose from but don’t worry, as we’re going to help narrow down your options by highlighting the best brands that will offer you topnotch quality.
What do runners wear in the winter?
Winter running gear is a must for any runner. The gear has to be warm, but lightweight, and moisture wicking.
But what makes the best winter running gear?
The following principles are important in choosing good winter running gear.
Are tights warm enough for winter?
Yeah, absolutely! Tights, like pants, can have a variety of manufacturers and thicknesses. For the most part, tights are just spandex material so it’s going to trap the body heat and keep you warm. And, a lot of times, the merino wool technology (if they have it) will help keep you comfortable even warmer if that’s possible.
What are the best shoes for winter?
If you want to beat the cold, nothing beats running shoes. In particular, it is wise to go for shoes with a stiff and thick sole, so you don’t feel every snowflake when you run. It’s also very important to buy shoes that close around your ankle in order to protect against cold and snow.
You should also always use a heave winter running running socks. You should never underestimate what they can do. In a short time, the thick material of this socks will increase the temperature in your feet. It’ll be the difference between an uncomfortable run and a comfortable one.
Conclusion
Running in winter can be challenging, but there are some good ways to make winter running more enjoyable. First, you need good winter running gear that will keep you warm and dry. The key is layer upon layer of low-profile clothing.
Our Recommendation
Name | Category | Product |
---|---|---|
Under Armour Men's Threadborne Run Gloves | Best Overall | ![]() |
Skull Cap/Helmet Liner/Running Beanie | Budget Pick | ![]() |
ASICS Men's Gel-Kahana 8 Running Shoe | Upgrade Pick | ![]() |