10 Best Winter Running Hats and Headbands of 2024

In this article, we’re on a mission to explore the very best winter running hats that not only keep you warm, but improve your cold-weather running experience. We’ve scoured the market to unveil the hats that strike the perfect balance between warmth, comfort, and style.

For those living and running in parts of the country that see all 4 seasons, the winter months can be the most challenging to maintain a consistent running schedule. Having the right gear though can make all the difference when being comfortable on cold weather runs.

One of the best ways to ensure comfort is with a good winter running hat or headband that covers your ears. Of course that’s in addition to other gear like gloves or mittens, tights, shoes, baselayers, and a jacket.

For this article though, we’re going to focus on the best winter running hats. What should you look for in a winter running hat or headband? Keep reading to learn more about winter running head gear and my top recommendations.

Quick Jump

10 Best Winner Running Hats and Headbands

Below you will find my favorite winter running hats and headbands. There should be something for everyone whether you want a headband, a lightweight hat or a heavyweight beanie.

Best Budget Winter Running Hat: Under Armour Storm Beanie

You’ll see me in this A LOT. I’ve had it for years, it just keeps on trucking and I LOVE the women’s version with the ponytail slot.

The Under Armour Storm beanie lives up to its name as it’s soft, warm, and repels rain and snow. So seriously, it’s the perfect match for that wet winter weather.

Even though it’s water-repellant (NOT waterproof), it’s made with a light breathable and stretchy fleece and even has a ponytail opening. The cuff is a ribbed knit that can be worn folded up or rolled down for a more slouchy look.

best womens running beanie

Price: $30
Fabric: 100% Polyester
Weight: Midweight
Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Winter Running Hat: Trailheads Trailblazer Ponytail Hat

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!

super cold winter running hat

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.

Price: $38
Fabric: Polyester/Spandex fleece blend
Weight: Midweight
Care: Machine wash, line dry

Wool Running Beanie: Smartwool 250 Beanie

The Smartwool 250 Beanie is made from 100% Merino wool, specifically the Merino 250 base layer fabric, to keep you warm, dry, and odor free.

This lightweight beanie can actually be worn year round, believe it or not. It’s great for running, skiing, under a bike helmet, you name it! Truly I’m a gal who NEEDS a beanie to get out the door for my winter runs, so this is something you’ll see on me a TON in a variety of styles. wool running beanie

The hat has a rolled cuff providing additional ear coverage,is double layered for max warmth and offers a bulkfree fit.

If you’re looking to add some color to your winter running wardrobe, this hat comes in several colors and patterns.

Price: $30
Fabric: 100% Merino wool
Weight: Midweight
Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Runner Up Wool Option: Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Beanie

This is your classic style beanie, but it’s got a few features that help it make my list. It’s a midweight hat made from 100% Merino wool. It’s soft to the touch and double-layered at the ears for added warmth and protection.

It comes in three colors and is great for running, but also for other fun winter activities like skiing, hiking, and just walking the dog.

Price: $30
Fabric: 100% Merino wool
Weight: Midweight
Care: Machine wash, line dry
See all my top wool running apparel >>

Multi-size Option: Lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Beanie

I originally wanted to include the Lululemon Run for it All Beanie, but it looks like it is no longer being sold. So, in my research I found the new Fast and Free Fleece Running Beanie and it’s a great replacement.

Available in two sizes which is impressive since most are one size fits all.

lululemon running beanie

This fleece beanie has four-way stretch, water-repellent tech fleece fabric. It’s a snug fit but comes in two size options. The hat also has some reflective accents and comes in 3 color options.

Despite being a new item, it already has a ton of great reviews on Lululemon’s website in case you want a few more opinions.

Price: $38
Fabric: 82% Nylon, 18% Elastane
Weight: Midweight
Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Wool Running Ear Band: Smartwool Printed Headband

If you’re looking for an ear warmer, Smartwool’s thermal Merino reversible earband is a good option for insulation in winter weather.

It’s dual-layer using an interlock knit with clean seams for no bulk. It’s 100% Merino Wool and is great for those variable weather days with temps all over the board.

smartwool headband

It comes in numerous colors and all are reversible for variety.

Price: $22
Fabric: 100% Merino wool
Weight: Midweight
Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Lightweight Option: New Balance Skullcap

For arguably the best lightweight cap option, the New Balance Beanie is a go-to choice. I like this one when I know it’s not THAT cold, but I am going to be cold for the first 3-4 miles.

Don’t let the name fool you, it’s still long enough to cover the ears.

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.

Price: $21
Fabric: Polyester/Spandex jersey blend
Weight: Light weight
Care: Hand wash

Best Reflective Beanie: Proviz REFLECT 360 Beanie

With lowlight early morning or evening runs, being visible is key to our safety as runners. Proviz offers a wide variety of reflective gear, including a high-vis beanie.

The two-layer beanie has an outside made with REFLECT360 reflective yarn that is super bright when headlights pick it up. The inner layer is a lightweight and breathable microfleece.

reflective beanie

It comes in 4 colors, is machine washable, and it one size fits all.

Price: $32
Fabric: Microfleece interior, Yarn exterior
Weight: Midweight
Care: Machine wash

Best For Face Protection: Carhartt Fleece 2-in-1 Headwear

You might be thinking “Carhartt”? For running?

Well, as skeptical as you may be, for those who live in places that get extreme cold weather…think frosty eyebrows and eyelashes… this hat might be just the perfect winter running accessory. Carhartt is known for their tough clothing and this hat definitely fits in as tough headwear.

warmest winter running hat

Like most of these it’s unisex. You can wear the mask pulled down for max protection and warmth, or you can tuck it up inside and just wear it as a regular hat. I’ve worn a similar version from Buff in the past which is thinner.

The fabric boasts FastDry technology to wick sweat and prevent odors. It also comes in multiple colors.

Price: $30
Fabric: 100% Polyester (hat), 92% polyester, 8% Spandex (Mask)
Weight: Max
Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Lightweight Ear Band: Junk Coldsnap Ear Warmer

I picked this ear warmer by Junk for a number of reasons. First, Junk offers some really neat prints for their ear bands. This one is no exception.

warm running ear warmer

This ear warmer offers 4-way stretch for comfort, the performance fleece fabric is sweat-wicking and breathable, and it’s non-slip so it’s not going anywhere.

Some added bonuses are it offers UPF 50+ protection, is one size fits all, and is machine washable and dryable. It’s also arguably the best budget option!

Price: $20
Fabric: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
Weight: Lightweight
Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Should You Run With A Hat in the Winter?

One of the key things to remember about winter running is that once you get going, it will often feel about 20 degrees warmer than when you started. This makes it really easy to overdress because we’re chilly when we start!

A running hat is not always necessary as it may in fact make you feel too warm.

Personally I will pull on a running beanie when it’s below 40 and almost always have pulled it off by mile 2 assuming there’s no wind.

Once it gets below 30, you may notice that a lot of runners are still in shorts, but wearing gloves and a hat. This is a great way to keep your body warm and still enjoy running in shorts.

Here’s my complete guide on what to wear at different winter running temperatures >>

What to wear running in 10 degrees