My middle school experience was hard in all the familiar ways: friendship breakups, tween insecurities and the classic diary entries that “nobody could possibly understand me”. One silver lining, though? When I joined my school’s cross-country team and fell in love with running.
Since then, running has been a big part of my life. While I’m no three-time marathon runner, I regularly log upwards of 20 miles per week and am currently training for a half marathon. I’ve even joined one of New York City’s run clubs (no, not the dating one). And nowadays, I still preach about the benefits of an early-morning jog and the feeling of a runner’s high (I swear it isn’t a myth).
And if you’ve been itching to trade in that monotonous hour on the elliptical for a refreshing run, you don’t need to wait until the groundhog sees its shadow to start. Running in the winter is invigorating – I much prefer that daily dose of icy fresh air to a New York summer’s suffocating humidity.
But if you’re running in cold weather, you do need the right gear. As someone who grew up experiencing Illinois’ frigid winters, I’m no newbie when it comes to dressing for the cold. Below, I’ve outlined my seven most-loved winter running staples. I’ve personally stayed warm in all of these pieces for years – for everything from freezing early-morning long runs to snowy outdoor track workouts.
And be sure to read until the end, where I’ve recommended a pair of shoes that have dethroned my tried-and-true Hokas and a running watch worth the splurge.
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Layer up:
Lululemon Swiftly Tech long sleeve
The first rule of winter running: wear a base layer. When it comes to base layers, it doesn’t get better than Lululemon’s popular Swiftly Tech long sleeve. I bought my first shirt years ago, and it still looks and feels as if I bought it yesterday.
The elastane material gives the top a stretchy, comfortable feel, and the fabric’s Silverescent technology wicks sweat and reduces odor, keeping me dry on runs (and letting me get away with washing it less often). I also appreciate the thumb holes, which help keep my hands warm in chilly weather.
FP Movement Cut It Out long-sleeve running top
Whenever I need to layer up but don’t want to sacrifice style, I immediately reach for my FP Movement apparel. This top is one of my favorites from the brand, with a tighter fit that acts as the perfect base layer for more intense speed workouts at my local track. I find its cropped style ideal for pairing with high-waisted leggings. I also love any top with thumb holes, as my hands always get cold quickly on my runs.
Nike One leggings with pockets
Until the temperature officially hits freezing, I’m usually clad in my trusty Lululemon Hotty hot shorts. When the weather makes me reluctantly switch to leggings, my go-to pair is this style from Nike. They’re constructed with a mid-weight fabric that, while thick enough to keep my legs warm, still feels breathable.
These leggings have three pockets: one on each leg (where I usually store my keys) and a back pocket designed to keep your phone safe while on the move. I also appreciate the mesh-lined waistband, which helps keep them from slipping.
Patagonia Synchilla fleece pullover
Women’s
$139 at PatagoniaMen’s
$139 at PatagoniaI love layering this fleece from Patagonia over my Lululemon Swiftly Tech. It has everything I want in a second layer: warm Synchilla double-sided fleece to trap in heat and fabric that both wicks moisture and dries fast. I love that the collar goes up to my neck, and I appreciate how the elastic binding on the cuffs helps seal out cold air. Plus, it’s made in a fair-trade-certified factory.
Accessorize with intention:
Hanes cushioned crew socks
Women’s
$11.97 for a pack of 4 at AmazonMen’s
$10.98 for a pack of 3 at WalmartA good pair of socks is one of the most underrated items to add to your winter running wardrobe. There’s nothing worse than wearing a pair that exposes your ankles to the elements, or a too-thin material that leaves your ankles covered in blisters.
While you can easily spend upwards of $50 on a pair of running socks, my favorite is this affordable pair from Hanes made with a cotton blend, which feels cushiony and doesn’t slip during my runs.
Athleta softshell gloves
There’s nothing quite like freezing fingers to derail a run. Recently, I went on a long run and made the mistake of forgetting my gloves. When I returned, my fingers were so cold, they’d gone numb. With all that being said, a pair of well-constructed gloves is an absolute essential.
I love this pair from Athleta, which shields my fingers from the cold without feeling too thick or bulky. If you use your phone to track your runs, this pair also has touchscreen-enabled fingertips and gripping dots – which makes them suitable for climbing or hiking too.
FP Movement beanie
To avoid coming back from a run with frozen, bright red ears, you’ll want to grab a hat or winter running headband. I much prefer the former, which I find does a better job of staying in place.
This beanie from FP Movement keeps my forehead and ears protected from the wind and snow, thanks to its soft ribbed knit. While the exact style I personally use is no longer sold, the brand makes a similar knitted one embroidered with a stylish logo.
Keep year-round staples:
Acics Novablast 5 running shoes
Women’s
$149.95 at ZapposMen’s
$149.95 at ZapposA well-fitted pair of running shoes is one of the most important tools in any runner’s kit. I thought that nothing could dethrone my beloved Hoka Cliftons, but this recent pair from Asics has them beat.
The Asics Novablast 5 is supportive yet lightweight, making it a versatile shoe that I can wear for both long runs and speed workouts. The outsole has a trampoline-inspired design that gives it bounce, and I love that my feet feel cushioned without feeling too clunky to weigh me down. They’re not waterproof, but they’ve held up well in puddles. Recently, I ran in these through a chilly downpour and, with the help of a few paper towels, they dried in 24 hours. These shoes are bouncier than my Hokas, but somehow feel more supportive, making me feel faster than I probably am.
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music
I bought the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music as part of an early Black Friday sale, and apart from showering, it hasn’t left my wrist since.
This watch offers a slew of running metrics, including heart rate, pace, power and vertical oscillation (bounce). It also acts as a pocket-sized running coach, suggesting daily workouts tailored to my running goals and recovery. And for the wellness-obsessed: it collects data on my sleep, heart rate variability and stress levels. Between all of its tracking capabilities and its long battery life (up to 11 days in smartwatch mode), plus the ability to download music for offline listening, this watch is well worth the investment.
