The best cold weather running gear for 2025

While running is considered a year-round sport, anyone who has ever hit the pavement on a cold day in early spring knows that blustery winds and freezing rain can stop you in your tracks faster than any set of rolling hills. And staying motivated to burn up the miles when Mother Nature turns a cold shoulder is a whole lot harder if you're trying to do it in a cotton long-sleeve tee and a pair of standard sweatpants (spoken by someone who has made that mistake). The good news is you don't have to resign yourself to treadmill workouts for six months out of the year. You can stick to your preferred routes (and those rolling hills!) by investing in the right cold weather running gear.

Mike Thomson, personal trainer and run coach at Life Time Athletic Club in Kansas City, likes to remind people of a humorous quote: "There isn't bad weather. There's just poorly dressed people." So it's time to be honest — are you one of those poorly dressed people? Don't worry, we won't tell anyone! Instead, we'll guide you through everything you need to know to find the best cold weather running gear for you.

Table of contents:

Choosing cold weather running gear

Stocking up on the right gear starts with picking clothing made from the right materials. Of course, you want gear that's warm, but you also want to look for items that wick moisture away from skin and are breathable. Selecting lightweight items is helpful as you add on the layers — you might be surprised how insulating thinner items can be.

And that cotton long-sleeve tee? Forget about it! "When I worked at local running shops, we used to say that 'cotton is rotten.' As you start to sweat, the cotton just kind of absorbs the sweat and holds it there. Then you have this cold sweat against your skin, which just doesn't feel good to anybody," says Sarah Hopkins, University of Minnesota head cross-country coach. Instead, look for naturally wicking, breathable materials like merino wool and other high-tech performance fabrics.

Of course, not all runners need the same solutions. Some runners naturally run hotter (so to speak), and others colder, so while you may need more layers to stay warm, your best friend may feel comfortable in a single long-sleeve and a light jacket. Also, everyone's body shape is different from head to toe, so what fits one runner well may not be ideal for you. Fortunately, there are plenty of options and brands to consider once you know what to look for. To get you started, we've rounded up a range of the best cold weather running gear options to keep you comfy as you layer up.

Best long-sleeve top

(back to top)

Best tights

(back to top)

Best vests

(back to top)

Best jackets

(back to top)

Best socks

(back to top)

Best shoes

(back to top)

Best accessories

(back to top)

Types of cold weather running gear

When running in cold weather, the right gear can make all the difference between a comfortable, enjoyable run and a chilly, miserable one. Layering is key, and understanding how each type of gear contributes to your warmth, protection and overall comfort will help you make the best choices. Here's a breakdown of the essential running gear to keep you moving no matter how low the temperature drops.

• Base layers: Base layers are the clothing items closest to your skin. Our experts recommend looking for items that are moisture-wicking and breathable. Merino wool and polyester are popular materials used in base layers. Examples of base layers include your running top and running tights.

• Midlayers: Midlayers are worn between your base layer and your outer layer to offer additional warmth and protective properties. Examples could be a vest or pullover.

• Outer layers: Outer layers not only provide extra warmth but also protect you from the elements like wind, rain or snow. You may want outer layers with pockets for storage and reflective details so you're visible in low light. An example of an outer layer would be your jacket.

• Running tights: Some things to consider when picking tights are the material that's closest to your skin and if they have features like pockets, reflective details and windproofing. "I personally prefer to have tights that have pockets. I do have some older pairs that only have a small pocket for my keys, so in that case, I will try to wear a jacket that has a pocket," says Whyte.

• Running socks: In colder weather, consider socks made from merino wool. Whyte recommends Darn Tough and Smartwool brands for socks since both make socks with merino wool. "When it's in the negatives, I've doubled up on socks. The other thing I've done is (again, when it's negative degrees) put a foot warmer in my socks," says Whyte.

• Gloves and mittens: Combination gloves/mittens offer warmth and wind protection. Whyte says if it's really cold, she'll put a hand warmer in her gloves or mittens too.

• Headwear: Are you protecting your head from elements like rain and snow, or do you just want a little extra warmth for your ears? If you run hot, consider a fleece or merino headband to cover your ears. If you need more protection, you may want to consider a beanie.

• Neck gaiters: Again, merino wool is a good material for gaiters because it's lightweight and wicks moisture away while still keeping you warm. Gaiters are not only good for keeping your neck warm and pulling over your face, but they can also be conveniently used to wipe your nose. "When it's cold outside, your nose runs more. It's good for wiping away your snot," says Whyte.

• Balaclava: In colder temperatures, you might want to consider a balaclava. "If it's zero degrees and the wind chill is minus 10 or minus 15, you really want to protect your face," says Thomson. "That little bit of a shield is very good for protecting your skin [from] frostbite," he explains.

• Reflective gear: Reflective gear is important for safety in low-light conditions. Look for outer layers that have reflective elements. This is especially important for visibility if you are wearing dark-colored or black clothes. You may also want to wear a headlight or a clip-on running light in some cases.

(back to top)

Factors to consider when buying cold weather running gear

Here's a look at the key factors to keep in mind when selecting your cold weather running essentials:

• Typical weather conditions: Consider whether the conditions are just cold or if you'll need gear that offers extra protection from elements like wind, snow or rain. Keep in mind that when temperatures get low and you get wet, you could risk getting frostbite or hypothermia without the right gear.

• Personal cold tolerance: Some people naturally feel hotter, while others may run colder and need a little bit more help warming up. So while some may like to layer up as soon as it starts getting cold, others may wait until temperatures get close to freezing. "I'm a big fan of wearing shorts until about 30 degrees. And then after that, I need to start wearing tights," says Thomson. "If it's 30 by the end of the run, I probably don't have gloves on anymore, and maybe my earband is off as well. But I'm a little bit of a hot body," says Hopkins.

• Running intensity and duration: Running intensity can affect how hot you get and how much you sweat. If you plan on an intense workout, you may not need as many layers. Also, if you are running for longer durations, you may want to consider comfort factors like seams, softness, clothing weight and whether there's extra cushioning in you shoes and socks.

• Visibility needs: Visibility is an important safety factor if you're running in dark conditions in the morning or evening. Look for outer layers that have reflective elements and wear a headlight or watch with a flashlight. Thomson says he wears a Garmin Fenix 7 X Solar and uses its flashlight to flash cars or the ground for safety.

(back to top)

How we chose

To select the best cold weather running gear, I combined expert advice, extensive research and hands-on testing. Here is the process:

• Experts: I spoke to three certified running coaches to find out what features to look for and what to avoid when selecting running gear.

• Reviews: I considered reviews on manufacturer websites, Reddit and YouTube. I also considered comments regarding temperature, conditions and geography to help ensure I was considering how the products would hold up in different regions and conditions. I also looked at reviews to get a better idea about the fit and sizing for a range of body types.

• In-store undercover: I visited Mile 26 Running Co. and REI, where I examined a variety of running gear for men and women and spoke to store associates about positive and negative feedback from customers about different products.

• Testing: I personally tested 27 running gear products for fit and comfort and enlisted two others to test fit and comfort on men's products.

• Trust: I looked for trusted athletic brands with good reputations.

• Quality: I considered the materials used to make the products. I looked for high-performance fabrics, including merino wool.

• Value: I evaluated the pricing of each item, carefully weighing the cost against the quality and features to ensure the best value for the money.

• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices: I looked into whether the brands prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as using sustainable materials and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, I considered the brands' commitment to ethical manufacturing, ensuring fair labor practices and responsible sourcing throughout their production process.

(back to top)

FAQs

How should I layer my clothing for cold weather running?

Layers are important because the temperature outside and how cold you feel will change as your body warms up during your run. Consider clothing options for base layers, mid layers and outer layers that are appropriate for the temperatures and conditions you plan to run in.

"Even though you'll be cold to start, you don't want to be overheating by the end [of your run] because you're wearing it too much. Layers are definitely your friend in the winter," says Hopkins. For a 30-degree day, Hopkins recommends a light pair of running tights or joggers, a quarter zip with a T-shirt underneath it or a lighter long sleeve, and a vest. She also says you might want to start with some light, stretchy gloves and an ear band. Hopkins suggests adding a windproof layer like a jacket and mittens if it's windy.

What are the best fabrics for cold weather running gear?

Merino wool seems to be the gold standard for cold weather running gear since it's warm, soft, moisture-wicking, breathable and odor-resistant. Popular synthetic fabrics include polyester, polyester blends and technical fabrics designed for high performance. These often feature a combination of materials like polyester, nylon and elastane.

How can I prevent chafing while running in the cold?

Look for fabrics that are soft, breathable and moisture-wicking. Some products feature fewer seams to help reduce chafing. Whyte suggests products like Body Glide, Aquiphor and Squirrel's Nut Butter to help reduce chafing.

What should I do if my feet get cold while running?

Proper preparation is key to keeping your feet warm during cold weather runs. Opt for socks made with merino wool for insulation and pair them with Gore-Tex shoes to keep moisture out in wet conditions. When temperatures really drop, you can add a heat pack to your socks.

Hopkins says it's also important to keep your core warm if you are worried about your feet and hands getting cold. "[Keeping your core warm] actually does translate into your hands and feet because your body can send more blood flow to those areas if its not working as hard to keep your core temperature stable," says Hopkins. This is where a great vest could come in handy.

How can I stay motivated to run outside in the winter?

The experts I spoke to suggest running with an accountability buddy, running group or coach to help keep you motivated. They also recommend signing up for a race that'll require ongoing training and preparation.

"Don't be afraid to use treadmills every now and again when the weather does get really bad. It's better to do that than to just take a whole week off because then you kind of lose momentum and maybe lose some of your fitness," says Hopkins.

And believe it or not, some people prefer running outside in the winter. "I have friends in Chicago that really prefer training in the winter because there's just kind of a peacefulness to it," says Whyte.

(back to top)

Other products we tested

• Hot Chillys Balaclava Hoodie: This hoodie is cozy, but I didn't have a chance to test it in cold weather and couldn't find many reviewers who had. The hoodie is made from a stretchy polyester/spandex combo fabric that the brand says is designed to wick away moisture and block odor. The outside is smooth, and the inside features a brushed fleece feel. Thumbholes give you a little extra hand warmth.

• Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Headband: If you prefer a headband to a beanie, this could be a good option. It's lightweight and made from 100% recycled fleece, but it doesn't feature any reflective elements.

• Oiselle Glow Tights: These tights feature a compressive Nyelle fabric, reflective elements, a secure rear zippered pocket and ankle zippers. I also really like that they have a utility belt loop that you can pull your top layer through to tie around your waist if you get too hot on your run.

• Under Armour Women's ColdGear Authentics Mock Neck: Hopkins recommends a mock neck as a base layer on colder days. This one comes in many colors and features a fast-drying, moisture-wicking polyester/elastane material. I found that it ran really tight, and so did other reviewers on the brand's website, so you may want to size up.

• Altra Escalante 4 Smartwool: Altra collaborated with Smartwool to make a merino wool shoe geared towards running and walking. If you need shoes with a wide toe box and zero drop, these are worth considering.

(back to top)

Meet our experts

• Sarah Hopkins, University of Minnesota head cross-country coach. Hopkins holds a Level 1 Track & Field Coach certificate.

• Mike Thomson, personal trainer and run coach at Life Time Athletic Club. Thomson is a certified strength and conditioning coach and Level 1 Track & Field Coach.

• Tammy Whyte, running coach and owner of TW Training. Whyte is a certified personal trainer and Road Runners Club of America certified coach who specializes in working with non-elite runners.

(back to top)

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.