Best Winter Running Gear: We Tested 100+ Items in All the Weather

We’ve rounded up our team’s favorite winter running gear to help you keep warm, comfortable, and motivated all season long. The right gear will make cold weather running far more enjoyable and keep you on track.

The key to surviving winter runs is layering. And yes, some of us definitely overdress and regret that choice about five minutes into the run. Living in Colorado, this happens to me all the time, it might be in the 20s but once the sun comes out, things warm up fast.

If you’re standing in front of your mirror wondering what to grab from your closet, we already have a full guide on what to wear running at every temperature to help take the guesswork out.

Here, we break things down and share some of the best winter running gear.

Best Winter Running Gear at a Glance

How We Tested

Our team of 25 gear testers is spread across the U.S., so we test winter running gear in just about everything: snow, rain, bitter Arctic temperatures, cool mornings, wind, and plenty of dark winter runs.

Coach Amanda alone has spent more than 10 years running through Colorado winters and has personally tested many of the pieces that made this list.

Our testers include men and women with different body types, running paces, and preferences. But at the end of the day, we’re all everyday runners looking for the same things you are: gear that fits well, feels good on the run, handles the weather, and lasts for more than one season.

Best Winter Running Gear

Here are the must-have pieces of gear to keep warm while running through the winter.  Often, the difference is more about fit than performance.

Best Base Layers for Winter Running

Best Overall – Rabbit EZ Tee Long-Sleeve T-Shirt ($55)

The Rabbit EZ Tee long-sleeve shirt is made from classic moisture-wicking fabric that’s a combination of polyester and spandex. I have tried some other models like the Outrun, which is thicker for cooler runs, so it was fun to slip this on recently and find it super thin and lightweight.

Rabbit has super loyal fans, so if you’ve never tried their gear, I definitely recommend it.

The updated design is more for a flowy fit and not as form-fitting as previous styles.

This shirt is also incredibly soft. Not going for a run today? It’s great to wear to lounge or run errands too!

Best Splurge- Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer ($100)

The Brighton Base Layer long sleeve running shirt is one of our favorite base layers.

It can be worn on its own or serves as a great base layer under a jacket or vest. It boasts a comfortable fit that’s not too loose but not too tight. If you’re a sweater, it is going to show the wet marks but the material does dry rather quickly.

It’s made from an engineered Merino mesh for a seamless and lightweight fit. The core of the shirt is a mesh that’s more open, while the sleeves are made with a closed knit to keep your arms warm.

Tracksmith tends to run small in terms of fit, so if you don’t want something that form-fitted, go up a size for a more comfortable fit.

Best Tights for Winter Running

Best Overall – Crash 2.0 PolarTec Tights from Title Nine ($99)

WINNING for so warm and an easy to use phone pocket! As a runner who really hates to be cold, these are my go to when winter is throwing down.

This isn’t a chilly morning pair, but really that legging you want when the temps have really started to drop. They are my go to for getting through really cold runs. I love that the side zippered pocket is big enough for a phone, but not quite as easy to get things in and out as spandex pockets thanks to the zipper.

The bonus of the zipper is you can use these for a ton of winter activities.

And of course I’m a super fan of the fact that Title Nine is all about women’s gear alone!! And has them in both petite and long.

Best Splurge – CW-X Insulator Thermal Tight  ($190)

You know Coach Amanda is a fan of my compression tights for long runs to help with muscle fatigue and joint support. Why would you want to give that up for winter?!

If you’re someone who takes winter workouts seriously, the CW-X Women’s Endurance Generator Insulator Thermal Compression Tights should be on your radar. They’re an 80% Nylon/ 20% Spandex blend designed with targeted support in mind. The compression zones seem to be strategically placed to reduce muscle fatigue.

Best Jackets for Winter Running

Best Overall – Athleta Flurry Force Insulated PrimaLoft® Jacket II ($159)

One of the things that we often find troubling with winter runs is that we start cold, begin sweating then are in a strange hot cold scenario.

This jacket felt so extremely light, but with the Primaloft through the front chest it’s designed to keep your core warm and when that happens your body will continue to work on warming your fingers and toes!!!

Love that it’s also going to break the wind there, which helps with warmth.

Since your core is warm, this has light sleeves and the back is actually lightly aerated. All of these means a good fit that keeps you warm, but not over heated.

There are two side pockets which you could shove a phone it, but I rarely like a phone in my running jacket. No matter how snug I feel like it bounces.

Coach Amanda wore a Medium in this and felt good that I could layer under and it was not too tight.

Best Splurge- Lululemon Down For It All ($228)

This is a super warm jacket, so it may be too much for some of you, but again, add wind and dark, and it’s great for a short, easy run.

Plus, even if you wind up sweaty during your run, the jacket is designed to be odor-resistant, which we love! It’ll help you get a few wears out of it before needing to throw it in the washing machine.

It’s also not super form-fitting, so that you can wear layers underneath for those super artic-feeling days.

For days where you don’t quite need a sleeping bag, this is your go to cold weather jacket. It’s designed to move with you, has a great collar to actually keep your neck warm and a good phone pocket!

Probably one of the most loved winter running jackets we hear about from runners all the time.

Best Vests for Winter Running

Best Overall – Oiselle Firecracker Vest ($168)

If a jacket is just too much for you this is our pick for the best winter running vest.

Running in a vest means that your organs are warm and protected, which then allows the body to send more blood flow to your arms, feet, hands, etc.

So if you’re tired of overheating but don’t want to be cold, a vest could be the answer! This one has a lot of pockets PLUS reflective designs on the back to keep you safe.While it’s not the most compactable outlayer, it’s definintely going to keep your core warm on those colder winter days.

If you’re someone who tends to overheat, we highly suggest giving a vest a try. Plus, we love the fact that you can pack the hood away in a  zippered pocket so that it’s not flopping around when you’re not wearing it.

Best Socks for Winter Running

Best Overall – Smartwool Running Socks ($22)

Winter means my toes often feel like popsicles, and that isn’t terribly pleasant when you’re pounding the ground.

But super thick socks can mean sweaty feet, which also become cold…what’s a poor determined runner to do?!

The answer lies in merino wool! Merino wool is a fiber you can wear year-round thanks to its ability to regulate temperature, move moisture, and resist odors.

This makes it perfect for winter, as it keeps your feet warm while still being moisture-wicking. These socks feature a performance-oriented fit and a mesh ventilation design.

They also call their wool technology ‘Indestructawool,’ which features a construction method that’s known for its incredible durability. So, if you’re looking for running socks that’ll last, these are the ones for you!

The one thing to remember when looking at winter socks is that as they get thicker, you need to consider replacing your shoes to ensure they don’t become too tight and cause blisters.

What’s great about Smartwool is you can get a variety of designs and also heights. They are a MASSIVE hit among trail runners and winter runners.

Best Budget Friendly- Anlisim Merino Wool Socks ($17)

We’ve said it before, but we love running in wool any time of the year. But particularly in the winter, especially when it’s snowy outside.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can get this 5-pack of high-quality merino wool socks from Amazon. They’ll keep your feet warm and dry for many miles.

Plus, there’s added cushioning to give a little extra comfort and not feel itchy or too tight like some other wool socks.

Best Gloves for Winter Running

Best Overall – Oiselle Firecracker Reflective Gloves ($38)

These gloves are reflective thanks to the Oiselle Logo prints all over them. So far, after multiple washes, the print is still clear and bright. If you wanted to add clip-on lights for more visibility there is a band on the wrist.

They have a touchscreen-friendly thumb and index finger, which works well! I’ve had no issues using my phone or watch while wearing these gloves.

The gloves have a snug, comfortable fit but are light so not for very cold weather.

Best Budget Friendly- Nike Women’s Dri-Fit Tempo ($30)

These have been my stage one, ok it’s starting to get chilly, gloves for a super long time. I have a couple of pairs because they’ve lasted forever and well one would go missing…I’d get another pair and find them both.

This lightweight spandex glove is great because it’s just what I need for the first 2-3 miles of a lot of fall/winter runs when I’m adjusting to the temperature changes.

I know they wick away the sweat well and fold up super tight, so I can shove them in my pack or a pocket if I decide I don’t want to wear them any longer

The Dri-Fit fabric definitely helps you stay dry and comfortable, and the mesh accents make them breathable and lightweight.

The design features articulated fingers and palms that fit really great and the silicone grips are definitely a plus on top of it all!

Best Mittens for Winter Running

Best Overall – Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Mitten ($50)

This is another great pair from Smartwool and they’re specifically designed to keep your hands warm when it’s windy.

These are the perfect pair to grab on those cold, wintery days. You can either wear them as gloves or add the mitten layer for extra warmth.

When you’re not wearing the mitten layer, just tuck it in the little pocket without it feeling extra bulky or annoying.

Best Budget Friendly- Trailheads Touchscreen Quilted Mittens ($38)

Full-on mittens are going to be the warmest option and the extended cuff prevents air from coming down through the wrists.

I can’t vouch for the touchscreen because I feel like that rarely works, but so many of you with super cold fingers told me that mittens like these were your winter running go-to.

I’m a fan of this particular brand because they do a lot of testing and are a budget-friendly mitt. The downside for me with mittens is the lack of dexterity.

 BONUS: Stuff hot hands in your gloves on super cold days.

It’s a trick many friends with Raynaud’s Syndrome use and one that got me through a VERY LONG morning of filming running scenes.

Best Headgear for Winter Running

Best Overall – Trailheads Trailblazer Ponytail Hat ($28)

If you like to wear a ponytail or braid when running, this Trailheads Ponytail hat is a great choice. This is essentially a fleece baseball cap so it has a slot for your ponytail to fit out the back. Not wearing a pony tail? The opening closes fully to keep out the cold.

What’s great about this hat for winter running, is that it has a drop-down ear warmer. If you warm up enough, just tuck this fleece back up out of the way. I know it’s a little goofy, but if you’re running on those SERIOUSLY cold days this is hat is so comfy!

The hat comes in several colors, has reflective stitching around the ponytail opening and along the brim for increased visibility on low light days.

If you’re looking for something similar but made out of a different fabric, they have a version using Merino wool. While it’s one size fits most, they do offer a men’s version, which is slightly larger.

Best Splurge- On Core Beanie ($40)

Why don’t more brands make options with a ponytail slot?! It’s my favorite feature ever.

You’ll see me in this A LOT. I’ve had options like this from a few different brands over the years, but they keep getting rid of the pony tail option! This one is thinner, so you can wear it for a variety of temps and know that it’s going to release some heat.

You can see it doesn’t quite cover my ears, but I also don’t have it pulled down as snug as possible because I didn’t need to on this run.

This hat is super stretchy but maintains its shape well thanks to the polyester/spandex jersey blend fabric that helps wick sweat, keeps you dry, and offers great breathability.

Best Hat Alternative- Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Headband ($30)

Feel like you get too hot with all the heat trapped on your head?? That’s not abnormal, so another option is the ear warmer, ear band, whatever you’d like to call it.

Coach Stacey swears by this headband for those chilly Colorado runs. It’s lightweight, stays perfectly in place, and wicks away sweat to keep you comfortable. The cozy fleece lining provides just the right amount of warmth for windy winter days without making you overheat.

Bonus points for the headband not getting super wet if you sweat a lot! Some other headbands do not absorb sweat very well, making you feel even colder post-run.

Best Shoes for Winter

You want to look for shoes that have GTX tagged onto the end of their name. That’s your sign, it’s going to be waterproof and ideal for snowy/icy runs. It means that the upper is made with materials like Gore-Tex technology, which is a big win for keeping your feet dry.

Best Overall – Hoka Challenger ATR GTX ($155)

The HOKA Challenger ATR is a popular all-terrain running shoe that is designed for both road and trail running. It has a well-cushioned midsole that provides a comfortable and stable ride, and a Vibram outsole that delivers excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.

I have put in enough miles running on the roads to local trails that they must now be retired….sniff! But a great sign of a good shoe!

If you’re going to get these specifically for winter running, make sure you’re opting for the GTX version. This will ensure that your feet stay dry and you have the support you need underfoot to remain upright in icy and snowy conditions!

One of the reasons I liked this shoe so much was that it does have slightly bigger lugs than the others listed here and yet not so much that it feels odd on the roads. I also hate to feel like I am wearing down my trail shoes by running on the asphalt, so knowing these are built for both allowed me to feel good about their lifespan.

The breathable upper helps keep your feet cool and dry, and the outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. I also like the extended heel, less issues with my foot slipping out.

Best Splurge – Saucony Peregrine GTX ($140)

The Saucony Peregrine is a popular and versatile trail running shoe that has gained a strong reputation among trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Designed to handle a variety of terrains and conditions, the Peregrine combines responsiveness, durability, and traction to provide a reliable and enjoyable off-road running experience.

I always feel really confident in the traction of this shoe and I like the light guard just above the cushion to keep my toes from being wet in the ice or snow.We appreciate that it’s not one of the overbuilt trail shoes and the traction is fabulous. They have also taken some weight out of the updated models!

BONUS this is a lower stack height than so many of the current shoe trends and many prefer that on the trails to feel more stable.

Check out our list of the best trail running shoes to see some other options. Often, trail shoes will come in GTX versions, which will keep your feet dry during those snowy runs!

Best Accessories for Winter Running

These are just a few things we think are essential to add to your gear closet, especially if the temps drop super low where you live and run! They both fall under budget-friendly options as well, which makes it easier to add to the cart.

Hydration Pack Tube Insulation ($10)

The worst thing we realized during my winter runs was finding the ability to get water thwarted by a frozen tube!

This can help, also try to blow air into the tube after you drink to clear out the nozzle.

It may seem like something you don’t need to purchase, but after that first run with a frozen tube you’ll immediately be hitting add to cart.

Ice Cleats ($9)

If you want to be able to wear your regular running shoes, you can easily add ice cleats.

It may take a little bit to get used to the small cleats sticking out of the bottom of your shoes, but trust us, it’s 100% worth it when you reach icy patches during your run.

Quick Take

Best Winter Running Gear by Temperature

Here’s a quick chart to give you an idea of what to grab before heading out the door at different winter temps. Head over to our article to see what gear to wear while running at every temperature.

There you have it, our team’s favorite winter running gear. We hope that you found something to add to your gear closet to keep you warm this season!

What to read next?

• 12 Women’s Winter Running Tights to Survive the Cold
• 8 Best Road to Trail Running Shoes for Runners Who Go Everywhere
• Best Wool Running Gear for All Seasons