The best winter running gear can protect you from the elements and turn something unpleasant (i.e. running in the cold) into a more enjoyable experience. Below, we collected specially crafted cold-weather and rain-resisting garments and running footwear that provide the right amount of protection, insulation and breathability for your cold-weather runs.
As much as we love summer training, we must admit that running during winter can also be a glorious feeling if you wear proper winter running gear. Those crisp Sunday mornings, when the weather is dry and cold, the sun shines bright orange, and it's just you and the road... Nothing can beat the tranquillity of those sessions.
Although we listed most apparel and footwear options you should consider, it wouldn't hurt to double-check T3's best running shoes and best waterproof jacket guides, just so you get a wider picture of what's available on the market right now. Without further ado, T3's tried-and-tested roundup of the best winter running gear!
Best winter running gear to buy right now
Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best winter running jacket
Material: 51% Merino Wool, 28% Nylon, 16% Polyurethane, 5% Elastane
+ Water-repellent material
+ Fully windproof
+ Reflective details
- Slim fit doesn't suit all body types
Tracksmith's reputation as a hardcore premium running brand is fully manifested in the NDO Jacket. Short for No Days Off, the NDO Jacket is designed for those days when you really don't want to go outside to train, but you'll do it anyway.
Featuring a four-way stretch Schoeller Dryskin softshell that is water-repelling, wind-proof and breathable, bonded with a washable Merino wool liner, the NDO Jacket makes running in arduous conditions almost comfortable.
Although we love the close-to-the-body fit of the NDO Jacket, we appreciate it won't suit people with larger body types. Otherwise, it's virtually the perfect winter outer layer for runners.
Best winter running mid-layer
Material: 100% recycled polyester jacquard fleece
+ Lightweight, quick-drying material
+ Thin and doesn't restrict movement
- Not the stretchiest material
If you're in the market for a highly functional yet comfortable technical fleece for running, look no further than the Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Crew.
It's a superb piece of mid-layer that perfectly fulfils its purpose: to keep you warm and protected from the elements without restricting your movement.
Made from 100% recycled polyester, the R1 Air Fleece Crew can be used on its own on milder, dry days or with a waterproof shell when it's raining.
Read our full Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Crew review.
Best winter running base layer
Material: 54% Merino / 46% Recycled Polyester, 265gsm, 17.5 micron
+ Plenty warm on its own
+ Comfortable beyond measure
- Almost too much insulation in milder weather
When we go out for a run during winter or fall/autumn, we reach for the Tracksmith's Fells Waffle Layer. It's the ultimate base layer for runners that works on its own or as a first layer of defence system against the elements.
Featuring the same Merino wool everyone loves, this superb winter running top wicks sweat instantly as well as keeping you warm in any weather. If anything, it's so good at keeping you toasty that unless it's freezing cold outside, you won't need other layers apart from this one.
The fit is accommodating enough, thanks to the stretchy fabric that hugs your torso loosely. If you buy one new winter garment this year, make it the Fells Waffle Layer.
Best winter running tights
Material: 80% Nylon/20% Elastane
+ Five pockets
+ Soft-to-the-touch fabric
- Non-zippered ankles
Bandit Running's SoftSpeed is becoming somewhat of a legend among runners thanks to its ability to wick sweat well while keeping you warm on winter runs.
SoftSpeed fabric is slick on the outside – area gains! – and lightly brushed on the inside for comfort and insulation. Our only grief is the lack of zippers at the ankles, making it harder to put on these full-length tights.
That said, those five organisational pockets are every runner's dream, helping you stay connected without the bulk of a bag. Plenty of reflective details around the front and the back to make sure you're visible on all sides.
Best winter running socks
Material: 48% Merino Wool, 47% Nylon, 5% Lycra Spandex
+ Provides extra cushioning
+ Extra durable construction
- Might be too colourful for some
Darn Tough is famous for its ever-lasting, comfortable hiking and work socks. Its Frontrunner Micro Crew Socks take the same design principles and tailor them to runners, creating what we think are the ultimate winter running socks.
Thanks to their performance fit, the Frontrunner socks won't bunch or chafe, drastically reducing the chance of blistering. Plus, it's made mostly from Merino wool, meaning you'll benefit from this natural material's swift-wicking and temperature-controlling properties, too.
Best of all, the socks even provide some cushioning without the bulk!
Best winter running shoes
Material: 100% Polyester, origin/composition not stated
+ Brilliantly-supportive built
+ Keeps your feet protected from rain and cold
+ Waterproof gaiter helps keep water/debris out of the shoes
- Narrow toebox
There's really only one thing to criticise about the Arc'teryx Norvan Nivalis GTX, and this will only be an issue for runners with wide feet: the shoe's toe box is somewhat narrow.
Otherwise, this is the perfect trainer for both on and off-road running in winter, thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane and the waterproof gaiter that keeps moisture outside the shoes.
The price pushes the shoes more into the premium category, and the popularity of the Arc'teryx brand in fashion circles might put some runners off, but if you're happy to justify/accept both of those things, you'll love the shoes.
Best winter running gloves
Material: 93% Recycled Polyester, 7% Elastane Double-Knit Fleece
+ Thin and flexible
+ Five-finger touchscreen capability
- People with cold hands might need warmer gloves
We used The North Face's Etip Gloves on an ultramarathon in Mongolia, and it provided more than enough warmth for our fingers not to catch frostbite. That said, they are not the thickest gloves on the planet, so if you have cold hands or are a slow mover, you might need something more robust.
The Etip Gloves are some of TNF's more sustainable products have full touchscreen compatibility and a grippy silicone palm. Better still, the Radiametric Articulation technology keeps your hands in a natural position, even when pushing hard up and downhill.
Best winter running hat
Material: fully recycled polar fleece
+ Keep your ears warm
+ Stylish and functional
- Admittedly, only for when the weather is really cold
Canadian sports manufacturer Ciele is most famous for its panelled running caps. The brand's latest range is designed to ensure warmth in the chilliest conditions.
Made with recycled polyester polar fleece, the 'CW' CRWCap WND SC helps keep your head and ears warm. The hat also provides sun protection and wicks away sweat quickly and efficiently to prevent you from catching a cold.
Due to the fleece construction, the 'CW' CRWCap WND SC might feel too warm when the weather isn't particularly cold outside. However, if you're a cold person, it might just be your best option!
Best winter running gaiter
Material: 97% Recycled Polyester, 3% Elastane
+ Comes in a quadrillion colours
+ Can wear it however you want to
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Buff gaiters need no introduction. These multifunctional tubular garments can be worn however you want to and will protect you from cold, wind, the sun – you name it.
The Buff Polar Neckwear isn't just made mostly from recycled content; the PrimaLoft Bio Fleece is fully biodegradable and is designed to "return to nature," Buff says.
Not like you will have to throw away your Buff gaiter anytime soon, as they are super sturdy and incredibly versatile. Do your neck a favour and protect it with a Buff gaiter this winter.
How we test the best winter running gear
This year, we were blessed with freezing weather from early on the year, which isn't good for our wallet but great for testing the winter running kit. We put the garments and accessories on this list through rigorous testing, which included multiple cold morning runs, baltic afternoon jogs and blisteringly cold evening strides. If we were lucky enough to have some rain on the runs, we even tested the water-resistance products on this list.
How to choose the best winter running gear for you
There are a few criteria winter running gear need to comply with. Putting on a parka and thick skiing trousers won't cut it, I'm afraid. Not only they will make you feel way hotter than needed, they will also restrict your movement' none of which is a desired thing when you run.
Winter running jackets and tops need to be warm enough so you won't feel cold at the start of your runs but also not too warm by end. the best winter running jackets provide insulation and breathability without restricting arm movement and chafing.
Running tights need to be, well, tight enough and also moisture-wicking so even if they get slightly wet, they won't weigh your legs down. The compression provided by the tights will keep your muscles oxygenated and warm as you run. It's also beneficial if the tights are windproof.
Accessories can also come handy, because as we know, it's all about layering when it comes to winter clothing. Lightweight neck warmers and beanie hats you can take off and shove in your pocket if needed are a great addition and can help you bridge the initial transition period of your runs.
Always check the weather before you head out and dress accordingly. Being mindful about winter exercising always pays off!
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