
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:
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.
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Best Heavy-Duty Winter Running Jacket
Lululemon
Down For It All Jacket
Best Reflective Gear
Nite Ize
TagLit Magnetic LED Marker
Best Winter Running Spikes
Kahtoola
NANOspikes Footwear Traction System
Best All-Purpose Long-Sleeve
Smartwool Merino Wool Top
Best Fleece-Lined Leggings
BALEAF
Fleece-Lined Leggings
Best Seamless Running Tights
Asics
Seamless Running Tight
Best Splurge Jacket
On
Insulator Jacket
Best Winter Running Hat
Arc’teryx
Rho LTW Beanie
Best Turtleneck Top
Under Armour
ColdGear Mock Neck Top
Best Hoodie
Lululemon
Define Jacket *Luon
Best Running Gloves
THE NORTH FACE
Etip Recycled Gloves
Best Winter Running Socks
Smartwool
Run Cold Weather Cushion Socks
Best Trail-Running Sneakers
Saucony
Peregrine 12 Running Shoe
Best Running Backpack
Osprey
Duro 6 Running Hydration Vest
Best Face Covering
Nike
Therma Sphere Hood
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.
Associate Commerce Editor
Jasmine Gomez is the Associate Commerce Editor at Women’s Health and covers health, fitness, sex, culture and cool products.
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