Best Running Hats & Visors 2023

Retire your sweat-stained baseball cap and upgrade to a lightweight running hat.

Whether you’re going for a quick jog or training for a marathon, wearing a hat keeps the sun and rain off your face and out of your eyes while you log your miles outside. Plus, they help keep your hair from whipping in the wind and immediately add style to any running outfit.

The best hats for running are lightweight, breathable, quick-drying and adjustable, so you can focus on your run.

Whether you are looking for an ultralight hat that you’ll forget you’re wearing or a hat with bold prints, check out our list of the best running hats:

• Sprints Hats and Visors
• On Lightweight Cap
• Brooks Discovery Trucker Hat
• Nike Dri-Fit Pro Trail Cap
• Buff Pack Run Hat
• Ciele GOCap Athletics
• Saucony Trucker Hat
• Brooks Propel Hat
• Saucony Outpace Hat
• Brooks Lightweight Packable Hat
• Nike Aerobill Featherlight Hat
• Brooks Chaser Visor & Chaser Hat
• Craft Core Essence Lumen Cap
• CEP Run Cap & CEP Run Visor

[This is part of our Best Running Accessories Guide 2023. Pair your new running hat with the best running sunglasses and you’ll be unstoppable on your runs.d]

Stand out at your next group training run or coordinate your race-day outfit for the local Shamrock Run. Sprints hats and visors let you show off your personality without skimping on the performance features that make a great running cap or visor. They’re made from a lightweight polyester fabric that wicks away moisture, while mesh vents on top keep things cool and breezy. They are also unisex sized with an adjustable closure, so they fit most heads shapes.

For those with more subtle style, the On Lightweight Cap looks as cool as it keeps you on your run. Its tear-proof fabric is quick-drying and has laser-cut ventilation holes near the temples for better breathability. Plus, no matter how long you’re running for, the soft sweatband keeps you dry and comfortable. From sun protection to running in the rain, this cap has you covered.

Sun protection in the front. Party in the back. The Brooks Discovery Trucker Hat puts out the casual vibes while paying homage to early 2000’s style. This classic trucker hat’s loose mesh weave lets the wind blow through your hair and the adjustable back closure personalizes the fit to accommodate a variety of head sizes. The Discovery Trucker Hat is the perfect combination of cool breathability and sun protection.

Cooler heads prevail. When you’re in the middle of a long trail run or race, the Nike Dri-Fit Pro Trail Cap will keep your head cool. Nike’s classic Dri-FIT technology and 100 percent polyester mesh fabric is breathable and wicks away sweat from your brow to keep you comfortable and confident as you head off-road. The lightweight foam bill protects your face from creepy spiderwebs and shields you from the sun, while an adjustable back closure helps you find the perfect fit. From backcountry ultramarathons to city streets, this trail running hat has you covered.

The Buff Pack Run Hat is perfect for runners who are always on the move. Ultralight, packable and built to go the distance, this running hat is so lightweight and compressible that you can fold it into your pocket or running pack. Then, when you're ready for some extra sun coverage, the crushable polyurethane brim with UPF 50 protection snaps back into shape.

Soft and stretchy materials hug your head for a secure fit, while a low-profile sweatband provides moisture control without the added bulk.

Designed for people who run, the Ciele GOCap Athletics uses lightweight, fast-drying COOLwick™ fabric and gives a unique style to any running kit. This five-panel running hat has UPF +40 protection on the brim, front panel and back panel for ultimate protection from the sun. Crafted sustainably using REPREVE, the world’s number one brand of recycled performance fiber, the GOCap Athletics hat is one that you can feel good about wearing. It is machine washable and has a pliable brim for easy packability. Plus, reflective detailing on the front and back add visibility for night runs.

Hats off to the Saucony Trucker Hat. This trusty snapback doesn’t try to do anything more than deliver a reliable hat with a classic vibe that can be your go-to for just about anything.

When you’re running the mesh back keeps your head cool and breezy, while the organic cotton crown with a retro design looks as good as it feels when you’re wearing it out casually.

The Brooks Propel Hat is a great option for runners looking for something simple that performs in all weather conditions. It’s lightweight with DriLayer® fabric for extra ventilation and a moisture-wicking headband manages sweat during your run.

This hat keeps the sun out of your eyes and is also wind- and water-resistant, so you can stay comfortable no matter the weather. Sure to be your new go-to hat, the Brooks Propel Hat is also packable so you can easily stow it away when the clouds clear.

When visibility is your priority, the Saucony Outpace Hat is the hat that will help you to be seen. Available in hi-viz yellow with reflective logo marks, this hand stands out on the road. A streamlined silhouette keeps you feeling fast, while the headband quickly pulls sweat and moisture away. To keep the hat lightweight and comfortable, an adjustable bungee and cord lock system makes it easy to find the perfect fit on the run.

The Brooks Lightweight Packable Hat gives you options when the weather looks iffy. It’s designed to pack down into its own rear pocket for easy portability and the crushable brim retains its shape over time, so you don’t have to worry about bending it too much. Plus, this Brooks running hat is made from recycled materials that are breathable, lightweight and wind- and water-resistant for sun and rain coverage wherever you go.

When all else fails, the Nike Aerobill Featherlight Hat will be your noggin’s tried-and-true running companion. It’s lightweight, sweat-wicking and has mesh panels to keep your head dry. This cap checks all of the boxes for performance, but it’s the smaller details that make this Nike running hat stand out—to shade your face and let you see the road ahead, Nike designed the black underbill to cut glare during your run.

If you’re looking for the best running visor for women, the Brooks Chaser Visor fits the bill. Soft, comfortable and lightweight, the stretchy DriLayer fabric wicks away sweat and moisture with ease. The interior headband and adjustable back let you customize your fit, while a reflective logo on the side gives you an extra pop of visibility. Stay shielded from the sun and run distraction-free in this lightweight visor. Brooks also makes the Chaser Hat for women if you're looking for a little more coverage on hot summer days.

For early-morning training sessions and late-night walks, the Craft Core Essence Lumen Cap adds some reflectivity to your outfit to keep you more visible when you’re running in the dark.

The Lumen Cap’s reflective design not only adds unique style, but shines bright to help drivers and other road users see you. The moisture-wicking headband keeps the sweat off your brow and the adjustable fit works for most head shapes.

Tuck this lightweight and foldable running hat in your hydration vest mid-run or pack it into your suitcase for runs and walks during your vacation—the CEP Run Cap can go with you anywhere, so you’ll always have lightweight coverage on the run.

This running hat is moisture-wicking, breathable and has UV 50+ protection making it perfect for hot summer runs. Whether you’re hitting the trails or training for your next race, the CEP Run Cap is always nice in your running kit. CEP also makes the Run Visor if you're looking for a little extra breeze on hot summer days.

How We Picked the Best Hats for Running

With more than 45 years of experience, Fleet Feet is the expert in running. What makes an ideal running hat for a runner comes down to your personal experience, goals, preferences and style. At Fleet Feet, we have been helping runners pick out the right gear for decades and want to pass that knowledge on to you.

We use a combination of real-life use, quality of materials, seasonal trends and top-seller lists to pick out the best hats for running. With all that in mind, we pick gear that has lived up to our personal (and professional) expectations, and we think they will live up to yours as well.

Standing Behind Our Picks

We picked the best men’s running hats and women’s running hats based on what we think will work for the most people in most situations.

If you buy any gear from us and you don’t love the way it looks, fits or performs, bring them back within 60 days for a full refund. That’s our Happy Fit Guarantee.

Plus, we offer free shipping on all orders over $99 on fleetfeet.com, and we’ll match a lower price from a qualifying retailer.