Best Cold Weather Running Gear of 2025

The proper gear can make winter running safe and comfortable. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

While we often think of the glory days of running being in the warmth in shorts and short-sleeve shirts, running in the winter can be equally as magical and rewarding given that you have the right clothing for the conditions. Having the best cold-weather running gear can keep you dry, comfortable, and warm, regardless of what the conditions throw at you. Whether you’re frequently running in the snow, rain, or just really cold temperatures, having the right layers to put on and off can help you keep your body at the right temperature so that you can keep running outside throughout the cold months of the year.

With this guide, we share some of our favorite winter pieces to help you run safely and comfortably through the winter. Our team has tested these pieces of gear over multiple years and seasons, on various types of terrain, around the world, and in diverse winter conditions. We are excited to share these recommendations, which were selected for their strengths and versatility. Even more so than with our summer running gear, we understand the importance of trusting your cold weather running gear to perform at a high level, as situations can turn uncomfortable and even dangerous quickly when it’s cold.

When it comes to some of our favorite pieces of gear, our team frequently relies on the Patagonia Houdini Jacket to block the wind or the Trailheads Convertible Zip Mitts to keep our hands warm in the very coldest conditions. We have recommendations for a wide variety of different types of gear that can make winter running a joy.

You can also skip down to read our recommendations on choosing the right cold-weather running gear for you, our answers to your frequently asked questions about cold-weather running gear, and how we put this guide together.

Best Cold Weather Running Gear

• Best Winter Running Shoes for All Conditions: Salomon Speedcross 6 and Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex
• Best Winter Running Shoes for Packed Snow: Hoka Speedgoat 6 and Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX
• Best Winter Traction Device for Off-Road Running: Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device
• Best Winter Traction Device for Mixed Conditions: Kahtoola Exospikes
• Best Hydration Pack for Winter Running: Salomon Adv Skin 12
• Best Windbreaker Jacket: Patagonia Houdini Jacket
• Best Rain Jacket: The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket
• Best Winter Running Jacket: Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody
• Best Hybrid Jacket for Winter Running: Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover
• Best Base Layer Shirt for Winter Running: Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip
• Best Mid-Layer Shirt for Winter Running: Janji Rover Merino Hoodie
• Best Winter Running Tights: Patagonia Endless Run Tights
• Best Insulated Winter Running Tights: Gorewear R3 Thermo Tights
• Best Headband for Cold Weather Running: Buff Dryflx Headband
• Best Winter Running Beanie: Sauce Swift Toque
• Best Gloves for Winter Running: Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Glove
• Best Gloves for Very Cold Conditions: Trailheads Convertible Zip Mitts
• Best Sports Bra for Cold Weather: Ridge Merino Women’s Send-It Seamless Merino Wool Sports Bra
• Best Wool Socks for Cold Weather: Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks
• Best Headlamp for Winter Running: Petzl Iko Core
• Best Sunglasses for Winter Running: Rudy Project Propulse

Winter running often requires significantly more gear, including a headlamp, warm jacket, gloves, and head covering. Photo: iRunFar/Andy Cochrane

Best Winter Running Shoes for All Conditions: Salomon Speedcross 6 ($145) and Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex ($165)

The Salomon Speedcross 6 and the Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex are our top picks for general, all-around, variable-terrain winter running shoes. For most winter conditions and sometimes during the shoulder seasons — hello, mud! — runners prioritize shoes with lugs and the traction they provide. We’ve named these the best shoes for mud in our Best Trail Running Shoes guide, and the big lugs also make them great for snow. The Gore-Tex version provides the additional benefit of being waterproof.

These shoes have Salomon’s notoriously grippy outsole, which helps with traction on nearly every surface. They are also built with five-millimeter multidirectional lugs to help dig into and generate grip in soft snow. We found these shoes to perform well on runs where we encountered a variety of ground conditions, including soft snow, mud, and wet ground.

They aren’t the lightest shoes, though this version is about an ounce lighter than the previous one. The tightly woven ripstop upper and durable outsole make these shoes incredibly protective, a feature we think is more important in a winter running shoe than weight. Salomon shoes tend to be on the firm side with a nimble footprint. This is a definite strength when navigating sloshy, slippery terrain.

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Best Winter Running Shoes for Packed Snow: Hoka Speedgoat 6 ($155) and Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX ($170)

With the new Hoka Speedgoat 6, the brand has pivoted away from the softer upper of the prior version and returned to a more structured shoe reminiscent of the Speedgoat 4. We appreciate this change when it comes to running on uneven surfaces, such as snow. The Speedgoat line has always been one of our favorites for running on snow due to its grippy outsole, stability, and ability to perform on aggressive terrain. For this new version of the shoe, Hoka has put a firmer and lighter foam into the midsole, which increases the feeling of rebound when running on harder surfaces. It also reduces the overall squishy feeling of running on snow.

Hoka also makes a Gore-Tex version of this shoe, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX. While we haven’t had a chance to take this shoe out on snowy runs, we expect it will perform similarly to its predecessor and excel on groomed trails and urban singletrack. We’ll update this guide after thorough testing.

Like the Salomon Speedcross 6 reviewed above, this shoe has five-millimeter lugs for traction but carries a slightly larger snowshoe-esque footprint and more cushion. This provides somewhat more floatation than a narrower shoe. The shoe’s drop has increased from 4 to 5 millimeters, but we can’t really tell the difference.

We featured this shoe in our Best Trail Running Shoes guide, and you can also read our in-depth Hoka Speedgoat 6 review

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Best Winter Traction Device for Off-Road Running: Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device

Not long after hitting the market, the Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device became the go-to choice for the iRunFar team. The design is reminiscent of a mountaineering crampon, with a rubber wrap around the back and sides of the shoes, a fabric toe cap, and a pull tab at the heel to make it easy to put on. The device securely fits on shoes and provides plenty of grip on snow and ice, even on steep slopes. We trusted them in conditions where we were nervous about using other similar traction devices.

Considering its traction and toe coverage, the Distance Spike is exceptionally light. Even with its 14 eight-millimeter spikes, this design weighs nearly half of a traditional full-spike traction device. The spikes are made of stainless steel and heat-treated for strength, corrosion prevention, and wear resistance.

Read our in-depth Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device review to learn why the iRunFar team loves this product. Unsurprisingly, these have also taken a top spot in our Best Winter Running Traction Devices guide.

A view of the Black Diamond Distance Spike with its innovative, weight-saving fabric toe cap. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

Best Winter Traction Device for Mixed Conditions: Kahtoola Exospikes ($75)

Not all winter runs are on constantly slippery conditions, and the tungsten carbide tips atop five-millimeter lugs of the Kahtoola Exospikes provide enough grip on soft or slippery surfaces without being overkill. The Exospikes have a low profile with tiny metal nubs, and a rubber wrap easily goes over the sole of any shoe. These are a great option if you’re running over slush, a bit of ice, or crusty forest roads. While they’re uncomfortable on dry pavement or other very hard surfaces, they’re easy to take on and off as conditions change.

These traction devices are very light, despite having 12 spikes, and afford stability on all kinds of road-based terrain. To learn more about these traction devices, check out iRunFar’s in-depth Kahtoola Exospikes review and learn more about why these have made it into our Best Winter Running Traction Devices guide.

Best Hydration Pack for Winter Running: Salomon Adv Skin 12 ($165)

Winter running inherently involves carrying extra gear, and the 12-liter capacity of the Salomon Adv Skin 12 lets you do just that. It is one of Salomon’s larger vests that will hold all the essential gear you need for long, cold outings. It even includes multiple carry options for collapsible trekking poles and is compatible with Salomon’s quivers (sold separately). However, despite the capacity, it is a light and low-profile pack that fits the body well even when nearly empty. This relatively sleek design allows you to wear the pack over or under a shell jacket in the winter. The latter will help keep your water, food, and phone from freezing.

The pack is big enough to carry a warm jacket, a pair of gloves, a hat, and whatever other gear you need to travel safely through a winter environment. Several smaller pockets provide secure storage for keys, chapstick, or other small items that can get lost in the shuffle.

While we feel that this pack continues to set the standard for running vests, we do wish that Salomon would make the front pockets big enough to hold soft flasks other than their own tall and narrow ones. We’d love to be able to mix and match flasks more easily.

We named this our favorite large-capacity running vest in our Best Running Vests guide because of its comfort and versatility, and you can read more in our in-depth Salomon Adv Skin 12 review.

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The Salomon Adv Skin 12. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best Windbreaker Jacket: Patagonia Houdini Jacket ($110)

Wind is often the most severe source of cold when running in the winter, and the Patagonia Houdini Jcket can provide the extra warmth you need to stay comfortable. This is a jacket you’ll see on the start line of ultras on a chilly morning, high on a mountain ridge during the summer, and on snowy terrain over a warm baselayer during winter. Made of recycled ripstop nylon, the jacket is quite breathable and easy to unzip if you’re getting too hot during your run. It also has a PFAS-free DWR coating, meaning it’ll stand up to some light snow or rain before it starts to get wet. The hood is big enough to fit over a thick winter hat, and you can cinch it tighter if the wind picks up.

This isn’t a jacket we’d take out if wet snow or rain were coming down, but it’s hard to beat for dry conditions or when it’s so cold that any snow that falls on you won’t melt. It weighs a scant 3.7 ounces and scrunches up to the size of your fist. This makes it easy to store in a running vest or running belt, or you can just as easily tie it around your waist if you don’t need it anymore.

You can also find the Patagonia Houdini Jacket in our Best Windbreaker Jackets guide and our Best Running Jackets guide.

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Best Rain Jacket: The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket ($320)

If you live in a climate where it’s cold, but not cold enough to turn rain into snow regularly, a high-quality rain jacket like The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket is a must-have piece of gear to get you through difficult weather conditions. When it comes to rain jackets, it’s all about finding the right balance between waterproofness, warmth, breathability, extra features, and weight. When it comes to running in cold rain, we believe it’s not worth skimping on protection for the sake of weight.

While this jacket isn’t the lightest on the market — it’s one of the heavier ones included in our Best Running Rain Jackets guide — it provides a high level of waterproofing while still being breathable, two key components when running in cold rain. The three-layer jacket uses the brand’s Futurelight 3L material as its waterproof yet breathable layer, and has a robust DWR coating on the outside. We were able to run in wet conditions without moisture seeping in or the fabric wetting through, and we also didn’t find ourselves getting damp from sweat during higher-effort runs.

The fit is a bit slimmer than many other jackets, so if you want to wear your pack underneath, you’ll want to size up. While there aren’t any hand pockets, there’s a single zippered pocket on the right under the sleeve to hold small items. The hood has an elastic lining to keep it snug around the face, and a single toggle in the back adjusts its tightness. While there’s no distinct brim on the hood, we felt that the hood shape did a good job of keeping rain off of our faces and out of the jacket, especially if we wore a hat underneath. A single bungee adjusts the hem, and elastic keeps the cuffs around the wrists snug without being tight. This jacket does a great job of cutting weight by not including a lot of bells and whistles while refusing to skimp on protection.

While this jacket is admittedly expensive, running in cold rain can create dangerous conditions in a hurry, and we believe a good rain jacket that you can trust in any conditions is worth the price in this case.

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We trust the The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket to stand up to cold and wet conditions. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best Winter Running Jacket: Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody ($330)

Several members of the iRunFar testing team have been using the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody as their cold-weather jacket for a long time. Since it’s insulated, we recommend it for the coldest days — 20 degrees Fahrenheit down to -20 degrees. Although it would be easy to get too warm while running in this jacket in any weather above these temperatures, the jacket has excellent wicking qualities that help prevent sweat from staying against your skin.

This jacket features a hood with a halo drawstring and elasticity to fit snugly around your head and face. The cuffs are soft and stretchy, which helps contain warmth around your hands and wrists. It’s thin enough to fit under a shell if you need additional protection from precipitation.

It easily squishes into a backpack and fits into a larger hydration vest, like the Salomon Adv Skin 12 above. The durable water-repellent finish ensures you won’t get soaked immediately if it starts to sprinkle.

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Best Hybrid Jacket for Winter Running: Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover ($140)

For shoulder-season conditions, the Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover stands out as a super versatile hybrid layer. It functions well in wind, snow, and a wide range of temperatures. It’s perfect for the classic all-seasons-in-one-day type of weather. This ultralight jacket combines fabrics and features perfectly suited to the weather and temperature swings that runners frequently encounter.

The jacket body consists of light, wind-blocking, and water-resistant polyester, while the sleeves and hood feature thin, stretchy, and breathable nylon. The front zipper reaches halfway down and opens two ways — zipping up from the bottom or down from the top. This makes it easy to dump heat if you get too warm without the jacket flopping everywhere. We found that the entire jacket breathes well enough, and overheating is rare. Like many of our favorite Patagonia layers, this one packs down small and stashes into its pocket if you need to stow it away.

This jacket’s sleeves are nice and long for chilly winter mornings, and its hood stays on decently well, especially if you’re wearing a hat underneath it, though we found that gusty winds will knock it down. This jacket provides an outstanding balance between warmth, protection from the elements, breathability, and size.

Read more about this jacket in our in-depth Patagonia apparel review.

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Best Base Layer Shirt for Winter Running: Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip ($95)

The Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip is a versatile base layer that works alone when it’s not super chilly or underneath a more substantial layer when the weather warrants. It’s light enough to be a great option when you need that extra comfort immediately out the door, but know you’re likely to warm up and want to stash a layer in a pack later on in your run. This base layer also works really well under a rain or wind jacket on late fall days when you have a protective layer on top to help combat rain or wind, but you don’t want to overheat.

Wool base layers are ideal for various weather conditions and temperatures because they pull moisture away from your body, retain warmth even when wet, are light on the skin, and dry quickly. The quarter-zip allows for easy thermoregulation, and the high collar makes it easy to retain heat around the neck when it’s cold out.

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Best Mid-Layer Shirt for Winter Running: Janji Rover Merino Hoodie ($132)

The key to running in the cold is proper layering, and the Janji Rover Merino Hoodie is easy to put on over another shirt for extra warmth or to wear under a jacket. Made of a blend of merino wool, nylon, and spandex, this top is warm and stretchy and takes advantage of the benefits of each type of material used in it. Wool provides breathability and odor resistance, nylon makes it more durable, and the spandex offers a level of stretch that makes it easy to wear over other layers.

The fabric effectively wicks moisture, and we found ourselves reaching for this top as an insulating layer over a base layer and as a standalone layer for less cold days. However, we found that the material picked up odor quickly if we wore it next to our skin.

The scuba-style hood fits close against the head and stays in place while running, even if the wind picks up. It has a ponytail hole for those who like to use them.

We appreciated the longer-than-normal sleeves that had thumbholes to keep them down. While the extra material over the back of the hands doesn’t substitute for a pair of gloves, it’s enough to provide an extra bit of warmth if it ends up being chillier than you expected. There’s a small pocket in the hem of the shirt useful for carrying a credit card or a car key.

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Best Winter Running Tights: Patagonia Endless Run Tights ($120)

The Patagonia Endless Run Tights have a lot going for them, including being breathable and moisture-wicking, but what we most appreciated was their mid-rise fit, which we found incredibly comfortable. The material is tight enough to stay put while running but stretchy enough that it moves well with the body.

These tights are sufficient for cool to cold days. The material is made from a blend of NetPlus fabric, which is nylon made from recycled fishing nets, and spandex. To help prevent odor buildup, the material is treated with HeiQ Mint odor control technology. We found the material to be effective at wicking moisture and providing warmth, and mesh panels behind the knees offer extra breathability. The tights have two side pockets for a phone, snacks, or other small essentials, and an elastic waistband with a drawcord. Like many of Patagonia’s products, the drawcord is on the outside to minimize the chance of chafing. These pants are Fair Trade Certified, and Patagonia is known for its wide-ranging environmental activism, so you can feel good about owning these tights.

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Best Insulated Winter Running Tights: Gorewear R3 Thermo Tights ($120)

When it’s freezing and/or stormy, the iRunFar team turns to the Gorewear R3 Thermo Tights to get out the door for a run and stay protected and comfortable while we’re out there. Bad weather no longer has to be an excuse to run on a treadmill or skip a run altogether.

These tights are the warmest in the Gorewear running collection, with a brushed fleece lining for warmth and comfort. They are designed for high-output aerobic activities like cross-country skiing and running, and they move well with your body. Panels of breathable polyelastane allow for natural venting to help these tights stay dry when you sweat.

Zippers on the lower leg make for easier donning and doffing, a nice detail for those who don’t like to wrestle with getting tights on. There is an easy-access side pocket on the thigh and a small zippered rear pocket for keys and other small valuables.

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Best Headband for Cold Weather Running: Buff Dryflx Headband ($25)

Buff neck gaiters are so widely popular among runners and outdoor enthusiasts for their year-round versatility that all neck gaiters are commonly referred to as “Buffs” in the same way tissues are often called “Kleenex.” While the standard Buff neck gaiter may not be your top choice for the coldest, windiest, and snowiest days, the Buff Dryflx Headband is on the advanced end of the brand’s offerings, touting an ultralight, breathable, and quick-drying fabric.

We loved the 360-degree reflectivity of this headband, as many winter runs happen in the dark, not just in the cold. Any additional visibility increases your safety, and this headband lights up when hit by a car’s headlights. We appreciated that this headband compresses to a little ball when we wanted to take it off during a run.

Best Winter Running Beanie: Sauce Swift Toque ($32)

While the old adage that we lose 30% of our heat through our head isn’t actually true, a good hat can provide a lot of warmth in cold conditions, and we find ourselves turning to the Sauce Swift Toque for runs in all types of cold weather. This lightweight beanie is designed for high-output activities in cold weather and is ideal for running in the winter. A former Canadian cross-country ski racer launched the Bozeman, Montana brand (hence the word toque and not beanie in the product’s name). The performance fabric is comfortable and breathable, and it’s incredibly cozy as well.

The fabric is lightweight and stretchy, providing good coverage over the ears, and we found it to be incredibly versatile and good for a range of temperatures. It’s also machine washable. Sauce offers many color and print options, from a muted solid black to vibrant patterns and mountain prints. Additionally, you can add a pom or tassel to the top at no additional cost — how fun is that?

We feature this hat in our Best Running Hats guide, where we named this the best hat for winter running.

Best Gloves for Winter Running: Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Glove ($40)

The glove-to-mitten combination is no longer a unique design, but the Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Glove has been an iRunFar team favorite for many years. We found these to be the most versatile and functional convertible gloves out there, and they hold a consistent place in our Best Running Gloves guide. They’re also featured in our Ultimate Direction Apparel Review.

The convertible glove is an excellent design for variable temperatures. We use them when we know the day will start cold and get warm, or when things start cold and dry but there’s a chance of precipitation in the forecast. They’re also great for those with circulation issues, like Raynaud’s syndrome when you don’t get enough circulation to your fingers, and need extra warmth without wanting to sacrifice the mobility of gloves. They’re also light and packable enough to toss them in your pack as a just-in-case item and forget about them.

The inner glove is grid fleece, and the over-mitt is a silicone-coated, waterproof Cordura ripstop. The mitten part of the glove folds up into the wrist section, which is a nice touch as this keeps it from flopping about or getting in the way when not in use. While this glove won’t keep your hands dry and warm in the nastiest of conditions, they’re great for nearly everything else.

We do need to note that when wearing these gloves in the rain, moisture can get into mitten covering from the palm area if you have your hands by your side. This can result in pools of water in the mittten area, and very soggy gloves.

Best Gloves for Very Cold Conditions: Trailheads Convertible Zip Mitts ($52)

The Trailheads Convertible Zip Mitts have earned a spot in our Best Running Gloves guide with their Primaloft recycled polyester insulation, extended cuffs, and wrist straps that seal in warmth to keep our fingers and hands warm all winter.

These mitts are great for super-cold weather, which we consider temperatures dropping below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. So far, we’ve tested them in temperatures down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, and they’ve kept our fingers warm and comfortable.

Mittens are the ultimate choice when temperatures really drop, and we love how these mitts make no compromises when keeping our digits warm in the depths of winter. At the same time, if we need to dig a car key out of our pocket, turn our headlamp off, or snap a photo of an epic sunrise, the mitts have a zipper that frees our hands for a brief moment. The only drawback of these supremely warm mitts is that they’re rather heavy and not easily packable, so they’re not the best choice if you anticipate needing to shed layers when the day warms.

But, if you’re committed to running outside when temperatures get frigid, you can trust these gloves to keep your hands warm and dry.

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Best Sports Bra for Cold Weather: Ridge Merino Women’s Send-It Seamless Merino Wool Sports Bra ($60)

It’s important to keep sensitive skin protected in the cold, and the Ridge Merino Women’s Send-It Seamless Merino Wool Sports Bra provides a great combination of warmth and support. Because sports bras sit directly next to the skin and on the core, a part of the body that will sweat more than other parts, it’s important to have a sports bra that draws moisture away from the skin and keeps you warm even if it gets damp. We love wool for cold-weather running for a variety of reasons — its natural anti-microbial properties that keep it from getting skinky, its insulating abilities when wet, and its general warmth — and this sports bra ticks all of the boxes. To learn more about the material properties of wool that make it so great, check out our Best Wool Running Apparel guide for more background information.

This bra is made of a blend of 59% Sensil EcoCare recycled nylon, 30% merino wool, 10% spandex, and 1% polyester. The material provides a medium level of support, which our smaller-chested testers found was plenty for running. The wool sits right next to the skin in order to take advantage of its wicking abilities, and the rest of the materials provide the support. We appreciated that the material is stretchy enough to not have to fight it when putting it on and taking it off. While thick enough to provide warmth, the material isn’t too hot for shoulder-season runs, though we wouldn’t choose it for really hot days.

We appreciated that we could wear this sports bra for multiple runs in a row without it picking up an odor or losing its elasticity and getting saggy. It’s been a staple in our main tester’s rotation for well over a year, and it remains a favorite both for high mountain runs during the summer when weather can get chilly, multi-day fastpacking trips, and cold winter days in the desert.

You can also find this bra in our Best Sports Bras for Running guide.

Best Wool Socks for Cold Weather: Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks ($24)

Designed specifically for running in cold weather, the Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted CushionCrew Socks feature a blend of merino wool, nylon, and elastane. They have additional mesh zones to help the sweaty parts of your feet stay cooler while keeping your toes warm when temperatures drop.

The mid-crew style is the perfect length for running in winter — it keeps your ankles covered and protected from cold breezes, snow, or slush. Targeted cushions at the toe and heel help keep those areas blister-free, especially when the feet get wet. The toe is virtually seamless, so you don’t have to worry about blisters in that area, either.

Even though our team has given this sock the Goldilocks description of “not too thick, but not too thin,” it is a proper winter sock. It’s a little thicker than the average running sock, so you might not want to pair it with tighter shoes.

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Best Headlamp for Winter Running: Petzl Iko Core ($105)

Keeping a headlamp on when wearing a warm hat can be challenging, and we particularly like the Petzl Iko Core headlamp for winter running because of its unique harness. It easily fits over a hat, Buff, or even a helmet and is held in place with a silicone band, rather than the traditional stretchy headband commonly found in most headlamps. Because it has a more solid skeleton, it also helps reduce pressure headaches and sore spots that can occur with other headlamps.

With a maximum setting of 500 lumen and a beam that can reach 100 meters, it produces plenty of light for nearly all running applications. The minimalist design is super lightweight. It is rechargeable but is also compatible with three AAA batteries. If you’re in a pinch, it will run for 100 hours on the lowest six-lumen setting or 2.5 hours on the highest 500-lumen setting.

If you’re considering your options for lighting during the dark winter months, you might want to read our Best Running Headlamps guide, where we rate this as the best headlamp for trail running.

The Petzl Iko Core. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks

Best Sunglasses for Winter Running: Rudy Project Propulse ($183 – $242)

Wintertime running often means nighttime running, and the photochromatic Rudy Project Propulse sunglasses make it easy to transition between many different types of light conditions. These sunglasses come with a variety of lens options, and you can choose one based on the types of light conditions you run in most frequently. Having lenses that transition from dark to clear allows you to wear these sunglasses in low-light and dark conditions without having to mess with swapping out lenses. Protecting your eyes from cold air, wind, and snow is important, and photochromatic lenses make it easy to do so. While the style of these sunglasses don’t lend themselves for post-run coffee or casual wear, their photochromatic properties and the coverage they provide make them an excellent technical option for running in cold conditions.

Whether we were wearing these sunglasses in full sun or lowlight, we found the optics to be exceptional, and it felt like the lens darkening and lightening was so smooth that we barely noticed it. The lenses have cut-outs on the top and bottom to increase airflow and reduce the chance of fogging. We never had any issues with moisture buildup, even on long and sustained climbs where we were moving slowly. These sunglasses are also quite light, and the frames are surprisingly flexible. This makes them easy to fit over a winter hat, and they hug the temples without feeling tight on the face. Relative to many other blade-style sunglasses on the market, these lenses are relatively small, and we found them to fit small and medium-sized faces quite well.

These sunglasses have landed in our Best Running Sunglasses guide as our favorite photochromatic option.

You can read more about these sunglasses in our in-depth Rudy Project Propulse review.

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Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose the Right Cold Weather Running Gear

The Importance of Layering When Running in the Cold

When running in the cold, the most important part of staying safe and comfortable is appropriately managing your internal temperature under changing weather conditions and exertion levels. Staying warm while standing still in cold weather requires much more clothing than walking, and running requires even fewer layers. In many cases, runners will wear too much when walking out the door, work up a sweat and get their insulating layers wet, and then get extremely cold. The best cold-weather running gear can help you maintain the correct internal temperature, minimizing sweating and maximizing warmth.

The body is only about 25% efficient when it comes to using energy for muscle contractions, meaning that for every unit of energy used to contract a muscle, three units of energy are released as heat. The faster we run, the more energy we use, and the more heat is created. Having layers, like the Janji Rover Merino Hoodie midlayer, to take off during a run can help maintain a steady body temperature as you warm up. Conversely, if you’ve done some strenuous efforts and are doing a cool-down jog, you’ll want to have extra layers to put on to compensate for your body generating less heat and cooling off.

Carrying a lightweight shell, like the Patagonia Houdini Jacket, can make adjusting your temperature while running easy and quick.

Layers are also essential to protect against changing weather conditions. Temperatures can drop drastically during the winter, and conditions can become dangerous if you don’t have extra layers. An additional insulating layer, like the Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover, is an excellent insurance policy against rapidly deteriorating weather conditions. Oftentimes, cold and wet rain can create the most dangerous conditions, even if it’s not below freezing, and a good rain jacket, like The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket, is important to have if there is precipitation in the forecast.

The proper layers can help regulate body temperature out on a run. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Safety Considerations When Choosing Cold Weather Running Gear

Cold-weather running can be dangerous without the proper clothing and equipment. Hypothermia and frostbite are very real issues that you should consider when gearing up to head outside in the cold, and there are some basics to running in the cold that all trail runners should be aware of.

When skin is exposed to freezing temperatures for too long, frostbite can occur, causing permanent damage. The speed at which frostbite happens depends on the ambient temperature, wind chill, and body parts exposed to the air.

Frostbite is most common on fingers, toes, the nose, ears, and other parts of the face. It occurs more quickly in areas of the body with lower blood flow, like the extremities. To keep your fingers protected, it’s important to have a pair of gloves, like the Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Glove. You can use the Buff Dryflx Headband to protect your ears while still letting the top of your head release excess heat if it feels like it’s too warm to wear a full hat.

You can identify frostbite by skin that has turned cold and red before turning numb, hard, and pale. Minor cases of frostbite are often referred to as frostnip and can be treated by gently rewarming the skin. You can learn more about preventing and treating frostbite on the trail.

While frostbite can happen quickly, hypothermia generally has a slower onset and can be much more dangerous. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Symptoms of mild hypothermia include shivering, dizziness, hunger, nausea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, issues talking, and confusion. As it worsens, it can result in increased shivering followed by a lack of shivering, lack of coordination, slurred speech, poor decision-making, drowsiness, weak pulse, and slow, shallow breathing. Ultimately, hypothermia can result in loss of consciousness and death.

Having the best cold-weather running gear to keep you warm and dry in the cold is critical. It’s also important to make good decisions when running in the cold. If you feel a part of your body going numb, you need to take action immediately, whether adding an extra layer, such as the Janji Rover Merino Hoodie, to warm your core or just heading home. And while shivering is an amazing biological adaptation for staying warm, it’s a sign that you need to attend to your body’s temperature. Running with a warm jacket like the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody can help prevent a dangerous situation, but it’s important to keep from sweating through your insulating layers, as this can create an even worse situation.

Choosing Waterproof Versus Normal Running Shoes in Cold Weather

There are two primary schools of thought regarding waterproof shoes in the winter. When you’re running through puddles or mud, they can keep water out and keep your socks and feet dry, which will help keep them warmer. Waterproof shoes are also inherently warmer than non-waterproof ones because the upper material is thicker, but they are also less breathable than normal shoes, so when your feet sweat or water gets into them from around the ankles, there’s no place for that moisture to go, leading to wet feet that will have a harder time drying.

Feet get cold when the insulating layer around them, namely your socks, gets wet, and it doesn’t matter if they get wet from the rain or sweat. One technique winter athletes use to keep their feet warm is to wear a vapor barrier underneath their socks. Vapor barriers trap sweat next to the foot and keep the moisture from getting the insulating sock wet. While this might sound counterintuitive, vapor barriers, which can be as simple as a plastic bag on your feet under your socks, are a great way to maximize the effectiveness of waterproof shoes, keeping your insulating sock dry from the inside and the outside.

Whether you choose waterproof or regular running shoes for your cold-weather outings, the Salomon Speedcross 6 and the Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex are great options for winter conditions.

Regardless of the type of cold conditions you run in, you’ll want gear that can keep you warm, dry, and safe. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Choosing the Right Jacket for Cold Weather: Waterproof, Insulated, or Non-Insulated

The key to staying safe and comfortable during winter runs is maintaining a steady body temperature and staying dry, and different conditions call for different types of jackets. Each jacket style has inherent benefits and drawbacks and can excel under specific circumstances.

Fully waterproof jackets will keep you dry from any precipitation and block the wind, but they often aren’t very breathable and can leave you soaked from your sweat, especially during intense efforts. We found that The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket provided a high level of protection when weather conditions deteriorated, yet was still breathable enough for running. You can check out other options in our Best Running Rain Jackets guide.

Insulated jackets come in an array of materials, though most that are light enough for running aren’t waterproof. These are excellent options for staying warm under dry conditions. Synthetic insulation will remain warm even when wet, so while it’s still a good idea to try not to sweat through it, it can handle a little moisture. While most runners will only need an insulated jacket in the coldest of conditions, when we needed to stay warm, we turned to the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody.

We also appreciated the wind-blocking ability of the Patagonia Houdini Jacket and turned to it often when we needed extra warmth and protection from the elements when there wasn’t precipitation forecasted.

The Patagonia Houdini Jacket is idea for cold dry runs when you don’t have to worry about precipitation. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Choosing Gear for Staying Dry While Running

Sweat and condensation are enemy number one when running in the cold and can quickly take you from comfortable to hypothermic. The goal of the best cold-weather running gear is to keep you both warm and dry. There are many ways to maintain a steady body temperature, including moderating your effort, adding or removing layers, or increasing ventilation. One thing is sure: If you start to sweat, you need to do something about it quickly. The same goes for getting cold. A little prevention can go a long way toward avoiding an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.

It’s important to choose layers that breathe well and wick sweat effectively. Synthetic materials and wool are great options for moving moisture off your skin so that it can evaporate. A base layer, like the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip, is a good place to start when putting together a winter running kit. Wearing layers makes it easy to adjust insulation and moderate body temperature. Removing a hat, like the Sauce Swift Toque, which can easily be carried in a pocket, or unzipping a jacket can offload a lot of heat and prevent sweating. Several tops designed for winter use, including the Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover, have front or underarm zips to help a warm body vent.

Why Wool Is a Good Choice for Cold-Weather Running Gear

Merino wool is a go-to material for many people who exercise in cold weather. This lightweight fiber is an insulating and breathable product of merino sheep. Its properties allow it to trap air and provide insulation while transporting moisture from your skin before it can turn into droplets and dampen everything. Modern merino clothing is soft and comfortable throughout a range of temperatures and has the bonus of not getting stinky after a single run. We loved the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip as a base layer we could add additional layers to, depending on the temperature. Wool layers come in various weights and can be used as base layer, mid-layer, or both. Most modern wool clothing blends merino wool with something like Tencel, nylon, or polyester to make it a more durable material and decrease drying time.

You can read our Best of Wool Running Apparel guide to learn more about the unique properties of wool and some of our favorite products made of the material.

Just because the snow flies doesn’t mean you have to move your training indoors. Photo: Photo: iRunFar/Alli Miles

Choosing the Right Cold-Weather Running Gloves

A lot of runners struggle with keeping their hands warm. Fingers already receive relatively light blood circulation compared to other parts of your body, and when your body starts to get cold and needs to conserve heat, it’ll reduce blood flow to your extremities, including your fingers. This helps the body keep warm blood in the core, protecting vital organs. For people suffering from Raynaud’s syndrome, their bodies overreact to cold and shut off most blood circulation to the fingers, turning them numb and white. Cold hands can occur at a relatively warm temperature for those suffering from Raynaud’s. You can read more about managing Raynaud’s syndrome and keeping extremities warm.

Whether you suffer from Raynaud’s or not, having the right gloves can make a big difference in comfort.

Normal five-fingered gloves come in various weights and can provide anything from a little extra warmth to ward off the chill to protection against truly arctic conditions. When temperatures get extremely cold, mittens keep your fingers much warmer than regular gloves but they make it harder to use your fingers for any sort of task. We turned to the Trailheads Convertible Zip Mitts for deep winter runs as they provided both the mobility of gloves and the warmth of a mitten. As with all gear for cold-weather running, you want to ensure you’re not sweating too much and getting the insulation wet from the inside.

For less extreme conditions, the Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Glove are an excellent option for managing the warmth of your hands. They consist of a pair of fleece five-fingered gloves with a waterproof mitten cover, which can provide a lot of extra protection from both cold and light precipitation. When temperatures rise again or your hands get sweaty, you can pull the mitten shell off to provide more ventilation and temperature control. You can check out other options in our Best Running Gloves guide.

iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks layers up on a frigid New Zealand ridgeline. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Why Trust Us

We at iRunFar don’t hesitate to run and fastpack in cold weather. Many of our testing team members live in locations where winter temperatures can get frigidly cold, including Idaho, Colorado, Minnesota, and Montana. We’ve spent decades experimenting with different cold-weather running setups and developed systems that keep us warm and dry in the worst conditions. Our testing team goes out in various temperatures, ranging from just a bit chilly to downright arctic. We’ve tested gear options extensively so that we can provide the best recommendations for running in a variety of cold weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Weather Running Gear and Running in Cold Weather

When is it too cold to run outside? 

While runners like to think of themselves as tough and ready to run in any conditions, there are temperatures when it’s simply a better idea to move a workout inside or just sit in front of a fire with a cup of hot cocoa instead. While in theory, the best cold-weather running gear can protect against essentially everything, we all have our limits of when it’s not worth the effort anymore.

Running when it’s well below freezing out can damage your lungs, especially if you’re working hard. If the temperature is below 17 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll want to avoid breathing hard or gasping during your workout. It’s important to listen to your body during cold-weather runs and if you feel your lungs getting irritated by the cold, you’ll want to stop and get warm as soon as possible.

Cold temperatures can also cause frostbite, especially on skin exposed to the elements. The speed at which frostbite occurs depends on the ambient temperature and wind chill. Keeping facial skin covered with some warm material can help reduce the chance of frostnip or frostbite and allow you to stay out in colder temperatures. Having a good pair of gloves, like the Trailheads Convertible Zip Mitts, can protect your fingers, one of the more common places to experience frostbite.

You’ll also need to pay extra attention to keeping your joints warm when running in extreme cold. A good pair of insulated tights, like the Gorewear R3 Thermo Tights, can protect your knees from the cold and help warm your ankles and feet during the coldest of runs.

Read our science article on cold-weather running to learn more about staying safe while running in the cold.

iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks traverses a high ridgeline during a late-season mountain run. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

What’s the best jacket for running in cold weather?

Choosing the right jacket for running is highly dependent on the conditions. In most situations, you’ll want a jacket that can block the wind and provide insulation to trap heat next to your body, helping you maintain a steady core temperature. You also want a jacket to be as breathable as possible to keep your base and mid-layers from getting soaked in sweat.

If you think that sounds like a stretch for any single jacket’s functionality, you’re not wrong, and most runners will end up with an array of jackets to suit different conditions. A jacket with a full zipper, vents, and pit zips can be workable in various temperatures by allowing you to increase airflow on your body and regulate your core temperature during a run. Our team found the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody to be a highly versatile jacket that we could use in various cold-weather conditions.

Do I need a waterproof or Gore-Tex running jacket to run in the winter?

A good waterproof jacket is important if you live where most of the winter precipitation comes down as rain. We found that the The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket had the right balance of keeping us dry from incoming precipitation while still breathing enough to keep us from getting wet from our own sweat. If you run in snow frequently, you’ll have to worry less about precipitation getting you wet from the outside since snow will take a lot longer to soak through a jacket than rain. You might be better off with breathable layers in snowy climates than a full waterproof jacket. Waterproof jackets that are breathable enough for running tend to come with a significant price tag. You can explore other waterproof jackets in our Best Running Rain Jackets guide.

What are the best shoes for running on snow and ice?

Finding the right shoes for running on snow and ice can keep your feet warm and help prevent a nasty spill on a slick surface. To help you find purchase on snow, you’ll want a shoe with good lugs that can grip the soft surface. Our testers found the Hoka Speedgoat 6 to handle well on packed snow. The sticky rubber and lugs provided reasonable traction on slippery surfaces, and the wider footprint provided additional floatation on softer surfaces.

When it comes to pure ice, especially when it’s off-camber, most shoes cannot do much, and you’ll want to start considering using traction devices, like our favorite, the Black Diamond Distance Spike. Having a set of traction devices can allow you to use whatever shoes you want on your winter run but with extra grip. You can read more in our Best Winter Running Traction Devices guide to help you choose the right ones for your running conditions.

One thing to consider when running in the cold is the type of socks you will wear and if it’s worth getting a shoe that’s a half-size or a full-size bigger. Generally, cold feet aren’t a direct result of freezing temperatures but of poor circulation. Trying to shove your foot with a thick sock into the same shoe you use for summer running can reduce circulation to your feet and make them colder than if you just went with regular socks. While the Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks are slightly thicker than most running socks, you probably don’t need to size up your shoe to fit them.

To determine their grip, the iRunFar team tested traction devices on various snow slopes. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Do I need to wear waterproof or Gore-Tex running shoes in the winter?

Waterproof and Gore-Tex running shoes are great at keeping moisture out if you’re not going through water or snow higher than the top of the shoe. They are also warmer than regular running shoes. The downside of fully waterproof shoes is that they are less breathable than normal shoes, which can result in damp socks. A Gore-Tex upper, which is waterproof and highly breathable, can alleviate some of the issues with sweaty socks by allowing moisture to escape. Our favorite waterproof winter shoes are the Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex.

Should I wear traction devices to run in the winter?

If you’re consistently running on snow and ice, you’ll want a pair of traction devices handy for safety and running comfort. Traction devices can be helpful both on softer-packed snow and on ice. Even on softer surfaces, they can make running easier by taking the fear of slipping out of the equation. They’re functional on decently steep grades, but once you start getting on really steep, hard snow, you’ll want to consider upgrading to proper mountaineering crampons and boots.

Our testers chose the Black Diamond Distance Spike as the best off-road traction device due to its grip and ease of use. However, they can be a bit much for mixed-surface running, so our testers turned to the Kahtoola Exospikes for runs that went from ice to snow to dirt to pavement and back again.

Most traction devices are lightweight and can be stowed away in a pack if you go on a mixed-surface run. They can help you cross a stretch of ice or hard-packed snow that will send anyone in regular shoes back to the trailhead, and they are a worthy addition to any winter running pack.

Melissa Beaury tests traction devices on hard spring snow. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks

I am always cold when I run. How do I stay warm and dry while running in cold weather?

It might seem that the way to stay warm is to layer on as much clothing as possible, but there’s more to it than that. To keep warm, you have to stay dry. Once your insulating layers get wet in cold weather, either from precipitation or sweat, the clock is ticking until you need to change into dry clothes to keep hypothermia from developing.

Layers, breathable clothes, and effort regulation are the main pillars for successful winter running. You want to constantly adjust your layers and effort level to run the fine line between staying warm enough to be comfortable but not sweating excessively. Having layers to remove and put on can allow you to adjust your effort without sweating or getting too cold. Choosing breathable clothing that wicks moisture from your skin and helps it evaporate can keep sweat from soaking everything you’re wearing. The Janji Rover Merino Hoodie is a great mid-layer option for those who tend to get cold and need extra warmth on cold days.

Keeping extremities warm in the winter can be challenging, and fingers are often the most difficult body part to keep comfortable. Having the right gloves for the temperature can make a big difference. Our Best Running Gloves guide includes various options, including one of our favorite pairs, the Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Glove.

I am always hot when I run. How do I stay cool and dry while running in cold weather?

Some people simply run hotter than others, and you’ll see these people running in shorts, a singlet, and a light pair of gloves while the rest of humanity is walking around in down jackets and heavy winter hats. Layers are the key to keeping your body at the right temperature, and you’ll want to be diligent about removing them as you get warm so that you don’t sweat through your insulation. Once you’ve gotten a layer wet, you’ve pretty much made it useless.

A wicking base layer, like the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip, is a good start to maintaining a comfortable core temperature. You can start a run with more layers and end up stripping down to a single one as the run continues. If you need a jacket to protect against precipitation, you’ll want to consider a breathable Gore-Tex jacket with lots of vents to help release heat and moisture.

iRunFar tests gear deep in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

How do I layer my clothes for running in cold weather?

When considering layers for running, there are three broad categories: base layers, mid layers, and outer shells.

Base layers, like the Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip, go at the bottom of the pile of the clothing you’re wearing, right next to your skin. They should be breathable and wicking so that they can move moisture away from your skin, allowing it to evaporate instead of staying wet. Most base layers are relatively lightweight and made of merino wool or synthetic materials.

Midlayers provide insulation during cold-weather runs and can include a variety of materials. These layers are where you can really dial in comfort. Our testers love the Janji Rover Merino Hoodie as a mid-weight mid-layer. You’ll want to ensure you’re not sweating through this insulation layer when running in the cold.

An outer shell, or jacket, is important to block the wind or precipitation and can trap warm air against your body to add extra warmth. A non-breathable outer shell can lead to excess sweating, so you’ll need to be careful with your effort regulation when wearing one. We found the Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover to be a great hybrid shell option that protects from wind and snow. If it’s raining instead of snowing, you’ll want a rain jacket like The North Face Summit Series Superior Futurelight Jacket.

The right layers can keep you warm and dry when temperatures drop. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Should I wear wool when I run in cold weather?

Wool is an excellent option for running in cold weather because of its ability to insulate and wick moisture away from your body. The unique fibers, grown by merino sheep mainly in Australia and New Zealand, allow sweat to evaporate from your body before it turns into liquid drops. Unlike cotton or other materials that hold onto liquid, wool can keep you much dryer and help you avoid that clammy feeling associated with other materials. Wool also stays warm, even when wet. While wool shirts and socks, like the Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks, are the best-known garments made from this material, wool tights, hats, underwear, shorts, bras — like the Ridge Merino Women’s Send-It Seamless Merino Wool Sports Bra — all make for comfortable and functional pieces of running clothing.

Read more about merino fiber and our top choices for clothing pieces in our Best Wool Running Apparel guide.

How do I choose the best gloves for running in cold weather?

There are endless choices for running gloves, and personal preference plays into what will work for you. The hands are often the hardest part of the body to keep warm while running, mainly because of lower blood circulation levels, and the right gloves need to fit correctly. Gloves that are too tight can reduce blood circulation even more and make cold hands even colder.

Good gloves for running will wick moisture, provide insulation, and be dexterous enough to let you perform basic tasks. For frigid temperatures, mittens may be the best option. Not separating the fingers into different compartments can keep your hands much warmer. Convertible gloves, which have a mitten that can be pulled over a glove, can provide both dexterity and additional warmth. When it came to running on the coldest of mornings, our testers turned to the Trailheads Convertible Zip Mitts.

What are the best socks for running in cold weather?

In the case of socks, thicker isn’t always warmer. While it may be tempting to throw on thick socks to combat the cold, this often leads to even colder feet than if you just wore your normal, thinner socks. Cold feet are usually a result of the lack of circulation as your body starts to reduce blood flow to the extremities to keep its vital organs from getting too cold. Putting thick socks on and shoving them into normal-sized running shoes can worsen the circulation through your feet and make your feet even more cold. If you’re running consistently in temperatures where you want thicker socks, you’ll probably want to buy winter-specific shoes that are a half or full size bigger than your normal size.

Sock material is also important. As with all cold-weather running gear, you want them to be wicking and breathable so they don’t absorb water and get wet. Many of our testers swear by wool for socks for running in the cold. They especially liked the Smartwool Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks. You can read more about the socks the iRunFar team tested in our Best Running Socks guide.

The Patagonia NanoAir Light Hybrid Hoodie is our top choice for cold winter runs. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Call for Comments

• What do you use to keep warm in the winter?
• Do you live in a climate or have hobbies requiring specific winter gear?
• Use the comments section to share your favorite gear for winter running, too!

The San Juan Mountains of Colorado in early winter. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks