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The 15 Best Must-Have Pieces Of Winter Running Gear To Conquer Cold Weather

Cold miles don’t have to be miserable.

by Mallory Creveling, The Editors of Women's Health and Jasmine Gomez
winter running gear
Christine Giordano

For many, running can feel like a stamina game, and when you're doing it in the cold, all of the sensations you feel when tackling your next mile can heighten. The flip side is that being comfy while running in the winter is all about having the right gear.

But what exactly do you need to throw on when temps start to dip below 50 degrees—and what the heck do you wear when it's 20 degrees? Outdoor workout pros have some strong opinions when it comes to choosing outfits for clocking long runs in the cold. Use this quick reference guide, courtesy of Hollis Tuttle, a former senior coach at Mile High Run Club in New York City, to layer up:

  • 40–49 degrees: A long sleeve shirt with shorts or leggings
  • 30–39 degrees: A long sleeve shirt with leggings, gloves (optional), and a headband or hat to cover your ears (optional)
  • 20–29 degrees: A long sleeve running shirt layered with a jacket, leggings (potentially thermal), gloves, and a headband or hat to cover your ears
  • 10–19 degrees: A long sleeve running shirt layered with a jacket, thick or fleece-lined leggings, gloves, a headband or hat to cover your ears, and winter running shoes.
  • 0–9 degrees: Two layered workout shirts, a windbreaker jacket, thermal leggings, gloves, a headband or hat, a ski mask or layer to cover your face

Peep some of the best winter running gear below:

  • 1
    Down For It All Jacket

    Best Heavy-Duty Winter Running Jacket

    Lululemon Down For It All Jacket

    $198 at Lululemon
    Read more
  • 2
    TagLit Magnetic LED Marker

    Best Reflective Gear

    Nite Ize TagLit Magnetic LED Marker

    Read more
  • 3
    NANOspikes Footwear Traction System

    Best Winter Running Spikes

    Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction System

    Read more
  • 4
    Smartwool Merino Wool Top

    Best All-Purpose Long-Sleeve

    Smartwool Merino Wool Top

    Read more
  • 5
    Fleece-Lined Leggings

    Best Fleece-Lined Leggings

    BALEAF Fleece-Lined Leggings

    Read more


Now that you know exactly what the ideal wardrobe for logging miles in the chilliest of temps looks like, use this list of the best winter running gear to make sure your layer game is on-point. The items on this list are tested and trusted by top running experts, WH editors, and online reviews.

1
Best Heavy-Duty Winter Running Jacket

Lululemon Down For It All Jacket

Down For It All Jacket
1
Best Heavy-Duty Winter Running Jacket

Lululemon Down For It All Jacket

$198 at Lululemon
Pros
  • Wind and water-resistant
  • Made with reflective details
Cons
  • On the pricier side

A wind and water-resistant jacket, this one is specifically designed with runners in mind. It offers a zippered pocket to stash your belongings, thumbholes, and reflective details. Tuttle loves it for chilly days.

Pros
  • Perfect for increasing visibility in low-light conditions
  • Very affordable
Cons
  • Requires batteries

Clip these LED lights to your hat, jacket, or shoes for added “Hey, I’m running here!” safety when visibility is low. They're tried-and-trusted by the WH team.

3
Best Winter Running Spikes

Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction System

NANOspikes Footwear Traction System
3
Best Winter Running Spikes

Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction System

Now 20% Off
Pros
  • Made to keep you stable on slippery surfaces
  • Can stay stretchy in cold temperatures
Cons
  • Only available in four colors

“If it’s icy, I don’t leave home without these,” says Bougri. Perfect for snowy days or hitting the trails in the winter, this lightweight, cage-like construction goes right over any running shoe, adding little metal spikes underfoot to keep you from slipping on slippery surfaces while you’re hoofing it.

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4
Best All-Purpose Long-Sleeve

Smartwool Merino Wool Top

Smartwool Merino Wool Top
4
Best All-Purpose Long-Sleeve

Smartwool Merino Wool Top

Now 34% Off
Pros
  • Made with 100-percent merino wool
  • Perfect for layering
Cons
  • Leaves neck uncovered

Made of 100-percent merino wool and beloved by WH editors, the targeted insulation of this base layer will keep you warm without overheating during chilly outdoor workouts. Wear it on its own—or under a jacket for extra-cold or windy outings.

5
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings

BALEAF Fleece-Lined Leggings

Fleece-Lined Leggings
5
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings

BALEAF Fleece-Lined Leggings

Now 39% Off
Pros
  • Made with a thick lining to add warmth
  • Leggings have pockets
Cons
  • Not for you if you don't like a drawstring-style legging

Fleece-lined leggings are a must-have for surviving winter workouts. These running pants provide plenty of warmth thanks to their extra thick lining and water-resistant feature, and they're designed with a bunch of pockets to keep valuables stored away. "Great leggings for a workout in cooler weather. The deep pockets are great for my mobile phone," wrote one reviewer.

6
Best Turtleneck Top

Under Armour ColdGear Mock Neck Top

ColdGear Mock Neck Top
6
Best Turtleneck Top

Under Armour ColdGear Mock Neck Top

Pros
  • Perfect for wearing under other layers
  • Fabric is ultra-warm and fast-drying
Cons
  • Not for you if you want a skin-tight fit

Designed for chillier temps, this lightweight tee isn't too tight or too loose to keep you comfy on its own or under other layers. To make it cozy, the top is made with an ultra-warm, brushed interior and a smooth, fast-drying exterior.

One reviewer noted that the insulation was so great that they didn't have any complaints about their outdoor winter workouts. "It fits well and is really comfortable to wear. It provides a great level of insulation while doing high-impact outdoor activities in ~30-degree weather."

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7
Best Seamless Running Tights

Asics Seamless Running Tight

Seamless Running Tight
7
Best Seamless Running Tights

Asics Seamless Running Tight

Now 65% Off
Pros
  • Feel like a second skin
  • Can be used all year long
Cons
  • Limited color availability

Deena Kastor, Olympic medalist and American record holder in the marathon, loves wearing these tights in any weather. “They have a wide comfort range in temperature, keeping the winter guessing game of ‘what to wear’ out of the equation,” she says. “With these, I can just head out and get in the work.”

8
Best Winter Running Socks

Smartwool Run Cold Weather Cushion Socks

Run Cold Weather Cushion Socks
8
Best Winter Running Socks

Smartwool Run Cold Weather Cushion Socks

Pros
  • Made with merino wool
  • Moisture-wicking
Cons
  • For durability, must follow very specific washing directions

“I’m a huge fan of merino wool—it’s naturally lightweight, soft, non-itchy, moisture-wicking, and keeps feet dry and warm even while sweating,” says Tuttle. She likes these socks in particular because of how perfectly they fit her foot. They also add a little extra layer of cushion around the ankle under tights, thanks to the higher cut.

9
Best Winter Running Hat

Arc'teryx Rho LTW Beanie

Rho LTW Beanie
9
Best Winter Running Hat

Arc'teryx Rho LTW Beanie

Pros
  • Made with merino wool for warmth
  • Designed with natural anti-odor properties
Cons
  • Only available in two colors

A merino wool-based beanie, this hat will keep your head nice and toasty—the number-one priority when striding outside in winter. Bougri says it’s her favorite to wear on the road.

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10
Best Hoodie

Lululemon Define Jacket *Luon

Define Jacket *Luon
10
Best Hoodie

Lululemon Define Jacket *Luon

Pros
  • Versatile enough to wear all year
  • Comes in lots of colors
Cons
  • Customers say sizing may run small

If you're looking for a thin sweater to throw on under a coat, this one from Lululemon is it. The cotton-soft sweater jacket is made with four-way stretch and convertible sleeves to help keep your hands warm.

Reviewers say it's pretty versatile, too, so you can use it all year. "I love this jacket! I can wear it multiple times before washing and it is very versatile and warm. Looks super cute too and fits very well," said one customer.

11
Best Running Gloves

THE NORTH FACE Etip Recycled Gloves

Etip Recycled Gloves
11
Best Running Gloves

THE NORTH FACE Etip Recycled Gloves

Now 24% Off
Pros
  • Can still use a touchscreen with them on
  • Made with a soft lining
Cons
  • On the pricier side

“Because your hands are consistently driving forward through the cold air, warm, wind-resistant gloves are a necessity,” says Tuttle. This pair stands out from the crowd, courtesy of their durable shell and soft lining, along with touchscreen capabilities, which allows you to use your smartphone without needing to take 'em off.

12
Best Trail-Running Sneakers

Saucony Peregrine 12 Running Shoe

Peregrine 12 Running Shoe
12
Best Trail-Running Sneakers

Saucony Peregrine 12 Running Shoe

Now 40% Off
Pros
  • Great for trail-running
  • Keep your feet really warm
Cons
  • Some customers say they may take some breaking in at first

Voted best sneakers for cold weather in Women's Health’s 2022 Sneaker Awards, health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos says these Saucony. sneakers are like a puffer jacket for your feet. They'll keep your feet warm no matter where you're running—and if you are hitting the trails, they'll keep ya stable, too.

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13
Best Splurge Jacket

On Insulator Jacket

Insulator Jacket
13
Best Splurge Jacket

On Insulator Jacket

Pros
  • Made with wool insulation
  • Hood is adjustable
Cons
  • Pretty pricey

This outer layer from cult-favorite running brand On boasts wool insulation and an adjustable hood to keep the chill out. One reviewer said he loves how roomy it is.

"The length is perfect which is hard to find being tall. It keeps you warm and it is a lightweight jacket. It's very thin, but the insulation is great for cold weather and when its windy," they wrote.

14
Best Face Covering

Nike Therma Sphere Hood

Therma Sphere Hood
14
Best Face Covering

Nike Therma Sphere Hood

Pros
  • Made with moisture-wicking Dri-Fit material
  • Designed with reflective details for visibility
Cons
  • Not for you if you're not used to running with your nose covered

When it's really frigid outside, this thermal hood will keep you covered and warm. Made with Nike's Dri-Fit tech, the balaclava is moisture-wicking and designed with a reflective vertical stripe in the back to make sure you're visible while tackling your runs.

One reviewer loved how lightweight it feels on the nose. "Great product! Love the fit and definitely blocks the wind. Allows me to breathe normally. Easy to adjust when running if needed," they wrote.

15
Best Running Backpack

Osprey Duro 6 Running Hydration Vest

Duro 6 Running Hydration Vest
15
Best Running Backpack

Osprey Duro 6 Running Hydration Vest

Pros
  • Comes with a zipper whistle
  • Can hold water for hydration
Cons
  • May not be for you if you aren't a long-distance runner or used to running with weight

Kelly Halpin, a mountain endurance athlete who competes in triathlon and climbing events, enjoys using this running vest/backpack to carry any extra's she may need while she's out training.

“There is enough volume in the pack to carry a variety of layers," she says. She loves this vest because of how durable it is outdoors, too. “It’s built to last,” she adds.

Headshot of Mallory Creveling
Mallory Creveling
Deputy Editor, Health & Fitness

Mallory Creveling, an ACE-certified personal trainer and RRCA-certified run coach, joined the Runner's World and Bicycling team in August 2021. She has more than a decade of experience covering fitness, health, and nutrition. As a freelance writer, her work appeared in Women's Health, Self, Men's Journal, Reader's Digest, and more. She has also held staff editorial positions at Family Circle and Shape magazines, as well as DailyBurn.com. A former New Yorker/Brooklynite, she's now based in Easton, PA.

Headshot of Jasmine Gomez
Commerce Editor

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.  

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