Best Cold Weather Running Gear 2023

When you don proper cold weather running gear, you don't need to stop training outdoors because of snow, ice or freezing temperatures. Sure, most runners head to the treadmill through winter, but appropriate gear like running socks, gloves and thermal base layers can transform your snowy miles from brutal and bitter slogs to downright delightful runs. Tara Warren, Utah-based mountain runner and coach, loves "the gentle silence that comes with moving your body through the slumbering wilderness." But it's also a critical to "stay aware of weather changes during the winter," she explains. For that reason, you’ll need to suit up in capable cold-weather attire whether you’re tackling icy trails or snowy roads.

Winter running requires extra gear but can help you avoid the treadmill.

Like other cold-weather sports, the key to a safe and comfortable run in the winter is to dress appropriately, and seasoned runners will always recommend you do so with layers. You’ll want moisture-wicking base layers, like a long sleeve top and tights, and insulating outer layers to seal in warmth. Then, add on accessories like gloves, a headband and warm socks to keep your extremities toasty, and top off your ensemble with a vest or headlamp to boost visibility.

Ahead, everything you need to hit the streets or trails for some cold-weather running. Pretty soon, you’ll be logging miles, breathing in that fresh air and shaking your head at everyone inside, thinking—they don't know what they’re missing.

REI.com

This merino wool base layer from a brand that Warren loves is versatile and breathable enough for most cold weather conditions. Pair it with an insulated layer in sub-freezing temps or wear it on its own for your chilly morning run. The natural fibers help to regulate your body temperature, reduce odor and wick away moisture so you don't shiver if you start to sweat. This top is designed for cold weather, but if you’re looking for something a bit lighter, check out the equally capable Icebreaker 200 Oasis Crew.

REI Co-op

In this long-sleeve performance layer from Janji, merino wool is blended with 37.5 Technology's odor-resistant nylon which is made with volcanic ash to help regulate body temperature and prevent stink. (Plus, the natural materials in this fiber reduce the amount of microplastics that end up in our water supplies and landfills.) The high neckline adds warmth, and the relaxed sleeve design increases mobility so it doesn't feel too tight around the shoulders.

Stio

For milder weather, Stio's breathable crew has a textured knit that lets air pass through the fabric to help regulate body temperature—so you can warm up quickly without overheating—and a seamless construction to prevent chafing. It comes in six color options with everything from heathered black to bright pink.

Tracksmith

Tracksmith's half-zip top is great for added protection against the cold, but it also serves as an outer layer in less frigid weather. It's made with a double knit blend of 60% Merino wool and 40% polypropylene—which has the lowest thermal conductivity of any fiber, meaning it holds onto heat the longest. Polypropylene is also hydrophobic, so it pulls moisture to the surface where it can evaporate.

REI Co-op

This fitted fleece is thoughtfully designed with runners in mind. The odor-resistant fabric keeps it smelling fresh for longer so you can wear it on repeat, while the hood stashes into the collar when it's not in use. And if you run with a fitness tracker, the sleeves have "watch windows" that you can pull down to check your stats mid-run without rolling up your sleeves. Reviewers note that it runs slim (so size up), and the women's version is slightly cropped.

Ibex | The Art of Wool

This lightweight hoodie is constructed from 100% Merino wool, so it offers the lasting performance you need in a running layer—it's moisture-wicking, odor-resistant and super soft. It also comes in seven earthy colorways, so you’ll reach for it again and again whether you’re walking the dog or hitting the trail.

Stio

Stio's pullover is designed to defend against the elements—wind and light rain—without weighing you down. It's made from ripstop nylon, a breathable fabric with a high rate of air permeability, and it's coated with a weather-resistant finish. Wear it over your base layers during spring and top it with a vest if you need more warmth in winter. It's a light shell layer, which means it doesn't have the insulative properties of fleece or down, but it sure makes a difference when you need to escape the wind chill.

Rabbit

Warren recommends Rabbit if you want long-lasting, sustainable running gear. This running layer blends classic hoodie comfort with the performance of technical wear. While it may be too warm for mild weather, the fleece interior will keep you toasty when you need to train in frigid conditions.

Eddie Bauer

This lightweight vest is perfect for runners who tend to overheat; it keeps your core warm while allowing your arms to breathe. Unlike down insulation, the synthetic material used in this vest retains warmth even when wet, and the DWR coating sheds water from the surface so you don't end up soaked—even if you run when the forecast calls for a wintery mix.

Zappos

It may be tempting to pull on a heavy down jacket on bitterly cold days, but the added warmth will leave you sweaty, frigid and feeling suffocated. Craft's Subz Jacket, on the other hand, strikes the perfect combination of comfort and capability—it's cut from a three-layer fabric that promotes ventilation, padded to block out wind and lightweight enough to wear over a base, mid or vest layer.

Salomon

If you’re not running in the rain, a fully-waterproof layer may be overkill because it's not as breathable as other lighter materials. But for days when you need protection from the elements, the Salomon Bonatti jacket is your best bet. It features a ventilated design in the back so you can dump heat without risking rain exposure, and a snug, elastic hood to keep you dry without impeding visibility.

Vuori Clothing

When it's not cold enough for thermal tights or warm enough for shorts, Vuori's lightweight leggings are a good in-between solution. They’re flexible, moisture-wicking and sit above the ankle to keep you cool, which makes them a versatile favorite for runners.

Athleta

When temperatures dip below freezing, standard nylon leggings won't cut it. That's why the Athleta Rainier Tights have brushed fleece on the inside to keep you warm and reflective details near the pockets for your early morning runs. They’re high-waisted and designed to stay in place when you pick up the pace.

Janji

Perfectly at home on their own or layered under a pair of running shorts, these no-nonsense tights are built for your cold weather runs. On the front, double-lined fabric provides extra warmth where it matters (from your hips to thigh), but the rest of the tights are composed of a breathable layer of nylon. They offer a tight, compressive fit (while still being fully opaque) and have pockets to carry necessities like a phone or keys. Plus, the reflective side seams are a nice touch that help you feel a little safer when you leave the house in the early morning hours.

Adidas.com

Wind can make even moderate temperatures feel icy cold, so on days with high, unpredictable gusts, you may want to double up your protection. These trail running pants from Adidas Terrex feature wind-resistant overlays on the knee joint to keep your body warm so you can move without feeling stiff from the cold. They’re also loose enough that you can wear them with a pair of tights underneath on colder days.

Saucony

Saucony's Runshield line features winter-proof versions of their classic models, like the Endorphin Shift 3 and Endorphin Speed 3. With a water-resistant exterior and a thermal layer lining the interior, these running shoes will keep you warm and dry through the worst winter weather. The Endorphin Shifts are cushioned and supportive for casual runs, while the Endorphin Speed 3's are ultralight and responsive for interval training and quick miles.

Nike

To fend off wipe-outs and soggy feet, you need a sneaker with sturdy grip and Gore-Tex, the gold standard in waterproof construction. Nike's bestselling Pegasus Trail delivers all that and offers secure, neutral support so you can power through miles without hesitation whether you’re on the trails or city streets.

Icebug

Icebug's sneakers are designed for winter running, so they’re particularly great in nasty, treacherous conditions. The outsole has 17 steel studs to enhance traction on icy, slick surfaces and the sole is cushioned for long-distance stability, which makes powering through five miles in the snow a lot more appealing.

Smartwool

Socks can really impact the quality of your outdoor runs, and Smartwool's crew socks are specifically cushioned in places where runners need support—the balls of the feet and heels. Crafted from 57% Merino wool, the fabric naturally wicks away moisture and odor to keep your feet fresh mile after mile. While some runners prefer to hit the road in ankle socks most of the year, the crew height makes a huge difference in the winter when you’re in need of any amount of warmth you can get.

Amazon

If you run consistently in winter, there's a good chance you’ll be logging miles in the dark and for that reason, you’ll need a visibility vest like this one from Noxgear. It's a crucial piece of equipment for nighttime runs or early morning jogs that boosts low-light visibility—drivers will be able to see you up to quarter-mile away. It's lightweight and comfy, and you can achieve a snug, no-bounce fit with the stretchy chest band and adjustable shoulder straps. The battery is rechargeable, but you should get 20 hours of use before you need to plug it in again. Although it's pricey, it's well worth the investment given the added level of safety it provides, and you can often find it on sale.

REI

Warren uses a variety of gloves depending on the conditions—from wool liner gloves for chilly temps to waterproof shells for wet weather. But if you only buy one pair, these Black Diamond gloves are a great mid-weight option. They’re made from stretchy nylon with a conductive leather palm that works well with a touch screen so you can check your phone or watch without exposing your fingers.

Rei.com

Because your ears are more likely to get cold in the midst of a wintry workout, you’ll need a means of keeping them warm without overheating, and this merino wool headband should offer support. It's light, easy to stash in a pocket and keeps your ears toasty while allowing you to dump excess heat from the top of your head.

Skida | Headwear & Accessories

Sometimes a lightweight headband won't cut it. If you frequently run in sub-freezing temperatures, consider this fleece-lined headband from Skida. It's not as breathable or lightweight as the Smartwool option above, but it provides more warmth, and it could spell the difference between brain freeze and balmy warmth about your ears.

Amazon

Buff has created such a versatile, iconic product that many people now refer to any lightweight neck gaiter as a "buff." We use our buffs around the neck and over the face to keep skin protected from the cold air, but you can also wear it as a headband or bandana. Although they’re lightweight, they’re also durable: we’ve been using the same ones for nearly 10 years without much sign of wear.

REI.com

Traction devices are incredibly beneficial—and confidence-inspiring—on winter runs in slippery conditions, and the Exospikes are subtle enough that they don't impact your stride, yet sharp enough that they dig in to any surface. Simply slip them on or off in seconds to improve traction at a moment's notice.

Backcountry.com

Conditions change quickly during long winter runs, and sometimes you’ll need to shed or add layers to maintain comfort. That's where a running vest comes in. This 8-liter vest, courtesy of Salomon, allows you to carry extra layers, gloves, fluids and snacks so you can stay out all day.

The Forbes contributors who worked on this article, Hannah Singleton and Kari Molvar, frequently run in cold weather conditions that greet the mountains of Utah and New England each year. We’ve tested dozens of products first-hand, including much of the gear listed above, and consulted running expert and coach Tara Warren, an athlete based out of northern Utah who trains for months in cold, snowy conditions. Warren advised us on what to look for when buying cold weather running gear, as well as what quality brands she wears regularly.

We also pore over reviews of the best cold weather running gear on a regular basis, and stay up-to-date on new product releases and sales that help us make more informed decisions, season after season. This article was last updated in January 2023.

As is the case for many cold-weather sports, the key to comfort is to dress in layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, then add a mid-layer depending on the temperature. Finish with an insulated vest or outer shell that repels water and blocks wind if you’re running in some serious cold.

For lower body warmth, you’ll move fast in a pair of leggings that can retain heat. Alternatively, you could wear base layer tights under a pair of running pants or shorts if you need a little extra warmth.

Avoid cotton at all costs—it traps sweat against your skin, leaving you miserable, clammy and freezing. Instead, Warren recommends merino wool, which naturally wicks moisture, for your base and mid-layers. You can also use synthetic fabric blends, like polyester, that offer a more affordable means of staying warm.

Footwear is a bit more complicated for winter running. Plenty of runners like Warren wear the same sneakers year-round and strap on a traction device like the Kahtoola Exospikes that improve grip on slippery roads or trails. If you frequently run in snow or slush, you could opt for a pair of waterproof runners like the Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 Runshield, or sneakers with built-in steel studs, such as Icebug's NewRun BUGrip.

Accessories are a crucial part of your outfit as you look to stay warm during your runs: you could purchase cushioned socks to keep toes warm and dry, a variety of gloves for different conditions, a hat or headband and—depending on the length of your run—a hydration vest so you can stash layers if temperatures rise. If you run before or after work, you’ll also want reflective gear so you can run confidently during those darker periods of the day when visibility matters most.