Best Winter Running Gear and Clothes 2025
Gear up for the cold with our top picks for winter running. Choose from cold-weather running apparel and accessories to style your run and stay warm.
Gear up for the cold with our top picks for winter running. Choose from cold-weather running apparel and accessories to style your run and stay warm.
Whether this is your first winter running or you're a long-time friend of the cold weather running, our Winter Running Buyers Guide has something for you. Choose from our selection of the newest and best-selling apparel, accessories and equipment to keep you safe and warm on your runs:
Wondering how to tackle those low temperatures? Check out our Layering Tips for those delightfully cold winter runs.
[This article is part of the Best Running Clothes 2025 Buyer’s Guide.]
Your winter running jacket is your protection from rain, wind and snow during the winter. They keep you dry so your other layers work functionally.
Most outer layers are wind resistant, water resistant and coated with a durable water-repellant (DWR) finish, while others use a waterproof membrane that breathes while keeping water out. When deciding what running jacket to wear when you're running in the cold, check the weather—consistently wet weather calls for a waterproof jacket, while dry conditions offer the opportunity to wear a softer, water-resistant jacket.
Whether you're running in consistently wet weather or dry conditions, our best Winter Running Jacket picks have got you covered:
Constructed with 100 percent nylon fabric, the On Weather Jacket combines lightweight breathability and durability for the ultimate outer layer.
The Weather Jacket provides all-weather protection with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and tear-proof fabric. The cap-fitted hood will stay secure in place during your run and the short bill protects your head from the rain and wind without blocking your view.
Lightweight construction offers ventilation and breathability for ultimate comfort in all weather conditions. Plus, reflective elements placed on the zippers, chest and wrists help you stay visible during low-light workouts.
Craft used a Ventair® bonded three-layer design on the front of this jacket to protect you from the wind, while the brushed recycled polyester and elastane jersey at the sleeves and backs add comfort and warmth.
This athletic cut jacket has a taped bottom hem to stay put and thumbholes at the ends of the sleeves for more protection. With reflective details and concealed zip pockets this stylish jacket looks good while running, sledding or enjoying hot cocoa with friends.
Your middle layer helps retain the heat that is naturally generated from the body. The more efficient your middle layer is at trapping heat, the warmer you'll be while running in the cold.
Mid-layers offer a broad range of synthetic and natural options. In general, thicker (or puffier) equals warmer since it can trap air. Winter running clothes designed with natural down feathers or synthetic fill create loft, which translates into more warm air—read: heat—next to your body.
These are some of our favorite mid-layers for winter running.
This half zip is a favorite in our cold-weather running kit. We wear it for everything from winter runs and ski days to fireside hangouts and coffee dates with friends.
It uses New Balance's NB HEAT grid technology that does an excellent job at wicking away moisture and keeping you warm. The athletic silhouette is perfect for active movement and makes it easy to layer without feeling too bulky.
The On Climate Shirt is a go-to mid-layer for us. It's cut from a special waffle fabric that adapts to your body temperature by insulating your skin when it is chilly out, and airing it out when it heats up so you will always be at the perfect temperature. It also absorbs sweat faster than most running shirts so you won't get that uncomfortable damp feeling once you're warmed up.
We love its subtle details like thumb holes at the cuffs and a watch window in the wrist set this shirt apart from other running layers.
Craft makes excellent apparel for cold-weather adventures, and this mid-layer half zip is no exception. We love its soft feel against the skin that doesn't irritate you once you start to sweat.
Having this in our wardrobe provides endless versatility whether we're wearing it on its own or as an extra layer during the winter months.
Every runner needs a reliable fleece in their cold-weather quiver. The Cotopaxi Amado Fleece looks downright good and is made with 100% recycled fleece so you can feel good about wearing it.
Wear it over your favorite running shirt or under a jacket for even more warmth. We often reach for this cozy fleece for early-morning warm-ups and post-run hangouts with our training groups.
The Base Layer is the first layer to touch the skin, so its purpose is to manage moisture, wick away sweat and regulate your body temperature. This is essential. If your skin stays moist in freezing temperatures, you won't be able to warm up completely and you put yourself at risk for becoming hypothermic.
Pro Tip: Try to stay away from cotton as a base layer in cold weather. Cotton soaks up moisture and dries slowly instead of evaporating or wicking it away, which can make you even colder. Clothes made of merino wool and polyester are ideal to wear when running in cold weather, or look for synthetic blends that promise to mop up sweat and dry quickly.
The Brooks Notch is heavy on warmth and light on weight, which is why we love it as a base layer or mid-layer for cold to mild temperatures.
Thumbholes at the sleeves keep your hands warm and make it easy to layer. Plus, it's super breathable which is key for cold-weather workouts.
This long sleeve base layer consistently shocks us at how warm it gets. Mizuno’s signature Breath Thermo fabric uses your own body heat and sweat to generate and retain warmth, which makes it perfect to wear when the temperature drops.
And if you wear it as your outer layer, 360-degree reflectivity helps you to be seen in low visibility conditions.
Give your legs all the warmth and breathing room they need, no matter the elements. Winter running tights and winter running pants will give you coverage on chilly days without restricting your movement. Shop our top picks for winter running bottoms:
Don’t let the cold keep you inside. With the Brooks Momentum Thermal Tight, you can run comfortably in cold temperatures.
Featuring patented DriLayer thermal fabric technology, the Momentum Tight keeps warm air in while wicking away sweat to deliver ultimate comfort and insulation. A stretch polyester blend fabric provides a lightly compressive fit for added support.
Pockets on the legs and on the back let you carry all your essentials with you on your run. A reflective Brooks logo on the back of the waist helps you be seen by drivers and other pedestrians as you train in low-light winter conditions.
It should be no surprise that Mizuno's Breath Thermo line continues to make this list of the best cold-weather running apparel. The warmth generated from these tights lets you take on the cold with ease.
They have 360-degree reflectivity so others can see you when you’re running in the dark, and a side zipper pocket lets you stash away some tissues or keys. The Mizuno Breath Thermo Tight is an essential addition to your winter running kit.
These streamlined tights keep us comfortable during our cold winter runs thanks to New Balance’s technology that wicks sweat away from the body.
Plus, the drop-in pocket is a must-have if you're carrying a phone on the run.
No cold weather outfit is complete without winter running accessories. High performance fabric comes together with comfortable, functional design to provide added protection from the elements. Find gloves, socks, hats and more to add some extra cozy warmth to your winter run:
Fold it, flip it, turtle-neck it: No matter how you wear it, the Buff Original is sure to keep your noggin warm.
Made with 100 percent recycled Repreve Performance microfiber, the Buff Original can go with you anywhere, from workouts to days out with friends. The four-way, ultra-stretch fabric is super-breathable while providing moisture-wicking, quick drying comfort.
Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, the Buff Original offers 50 UPF sun protection, making the completely seamless, multifunctional piece an essential for all seasons.
This lightweight Mizuno Breath Thermo Knit glove will keep your hands warm on even the coldest runs.
Designed with Mizuno’s Breath Thermo technology, the polyester blend fabric converts body vapors into heat. The Thermo Knit glove breathes easily and wicks away moisture to keep your hands dry and comfortable during your run. Added reflective bands and logo on the wrist provides extra visibility.
The Thermo Knit Glove will quickly become an essential part of your winter running kit.
These Balega Blister Resist socks will keep your feet toasty warm when the weather cools down. Balega’s blend of mohair wool and Drynamix® moisture wicking fibers will keep your feet dry and warm by wicking sweat and moisture away from the feet. The additional mohair also provides extra cushioning to your ride.
These socks come in no show and quarter although we recommend the quarter length for the winter so there is no possibility of a small gap of skin between the end of your tights and the socks. The extra material around the ankle will help you stay protected from the cold, wind and snow. The deep heel, hand-linked seamless toe and wide arch support band make sure that these socks stay in place and provide comfort, mile after mile.
Go on an adventure in the Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks.
These running socks are new and improved, offering a women’s-specific fit that hugs the foot to maximize your comfort. Smartwool’s 4 Degree™ Elite Fit System provides a perfect fit that eliminates sock slippage, bunching and prevents blisters. A Virtually Seamless™ toe and enhanced mesh zones give you more comfort and breathability every step of the way.
Made with Indestructawool™ and Shred Shield™ technologies, these socks are built to last. Smartwool even extended the durability zones to cover even more of the sock, giving you the same comfort with more strength. With a height of 5.5”, these socks come up above the ankle to give you extra protection from dirt and bugs.
The Smartwool Hike Light cushion Mid Crew Socks are as tough and durable as you.
The Amphipod Versa-Light Mini provides minimalist visibility to any outdoor adventure.
This lightweight light attaches to just about anything: belts, straps, bags and packs. With two bright white and red LED lights offering 30 lumen brightness, choose between three modes of light to illuminate your path.
The weatherproof casing includes a reflective front panel for heightened visibility in the darkest conditions. The Versa-Light Mini has a 14 hour run time and will recharge in 1.5 hours with USB rechargeability.
Light the way to any hike, bike or run this winter with the Amphipod Versa-Light Mini.
All-around reflectivity meets all-around comfort with the Nathan Vibe Reflective Vest.
The minimalist design and body-hugging elastic keeps your Reflective Vest snug without limiting your range of motion. With easy-to-adjust shoulder straps and waist belt, the one-size-fits-most sizing allows for a customizable fit for a variety of body types.
With front straps that provide a bright V-shape reflection when light hits it, the Vibe Reflective Vest makes you visible to drivers, dog walkers and other runners on your low-light outings. Check out our guide to the best reflective vests for running for more options.
To curate this list of the best running clothes for winter runs, Tom Rivett, in collaboration with our Fleet Feet gear testers and contributors, tested multiple products first-hand, considered details like real-world performance, materials, comfort, style, and price, and also looked at best-seller lists and customer reviews.
The gear on this cold-weather buyer’s guide have been updated to show only the newest products that we would not only highly recommend, but actually wear for our own winter runs, walks, hikes and other cold-weather adventures.
We picked the best products based on what we think will work for the most people in the most situations. If you buy a product from us and you don’t love the way it looks, fits or performs, bring them back within 60 days for a full refund.
Plus, we offer free shipping on all orders over $99 on fleetfeet.com, and we’ll match a lower price from a qualifying retailer. That’s our Happy Fit Guarantee.