How do I dress for winter runs?
Dressing for the winter runs is tricky. Not only does the temperature matter but the wind speed, any precipitation, cloud cover (or lack there of), time of day, real feel temp, and humidity can all change what you need to wear to stay comfortable when running during the depths of winter.
After spending my entire running career (25+ years) running in states where the winters are cold, the wind bites, and the sun is rare, I feel as though I can share some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years.
First and foremost, I’d highly suggest buying 1 or 2 quality pieces from each category that will last several winters and keep you comfortable, rather than 5-6 mediocre pieces. I know it can be hard to drop $150-200 on a winter jacket and $100+ on a pair of tights, but I truly think it is worth it. I tend to buy from running-specific brands such as Oiselle, lululemon, Tracksmith, and Brooks, and I am always keeping my eye open for sales.
You will definitely want to stay away from cotton and instead choose synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers will pull moisture away from your skin and leave you feeling much more comfortable and minimize your risk for frostbite or hypothermia.
I have split this post into three temperature categories: 30*F, 20*F, 10*F (-1*C, -6*C, -12*C) and listed the amount and type of gear that would be appropriate for each temperature. Of course you may run hotter or colder, so use these suggestions as a guideline and then curtail your needs around them.
I have provided links to quality gear I would recommend for each item. (Some links are commission-earning, some are not.) I honestly believe 90% of the time you get what you pay for, so I often opt to spend a little more for quality gear that I know will work and last several years. I put an asterisk(*) next to my favorite item if I have one for the category.
Thirty degrees Fahrenheit (-1* C) is when the long tights come out, I need two layers on top, and my extremities need to be covered–at least for the first mile or two. I don’t need my head fully covered, and I can run with bare ankles. I do like to wear a headband to cover my ears, thin baselayer on top, light jacket that is wind-resistant/proof, a full tight (or at least 7/8th length), and gloves.
I’ve linked several different options for each piece–some are my favorites, others would be equally amazing.
Headband/Ear warmer
Skida Nordic Headband* (pictured above)
Oiselle Firecracker Reflective Earband
Oiselle Lux Earband
Brooks Notch Thermal Headband
Maven Threads Headbands
lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Running Ear Warmer
Baselayers
lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve*
lululemon Swiftly Tech Race Length Long Sleeve
Athleta Momentum Seamless Top
Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer
Oiselle Flyte Long Sleeve
rabbit EZ Tee LS
Amazon long sleeve
Light Jacket
Oislle Reflective Vim Jacket* (pictured above)
Nike Running Jacket
Brooks Canopy Jacket*
lululemon Mist Over Windbreaker
rabbit Treeline Jacket
Tights
Oiselle Mo Jogging 7/8 Tight
lululemon Fast and Free Tight*
lululemon Fast and Free Thermal Tight*
rabbit Speed Tights
Brooks Spark Tights
Gloves
Oiselle Power Move Gloves
rabbit EZ Gloves
lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Running Gloves
Saucony Solstice Glove
Note: Another great option at this temperature is to wear a thicker baselayer, plus a vest instead of a thin baselayer and jacket–especially if you tend to run on the hotter side. I think this lululemon vest is really cute, and you can find a list of thicker, warmer baselayers below under the 20*F section.
*My favorite items.
Twenty degrees Fahrenheit (-6* C) can really vary for me–if the wind is calm, it can feel kind of balmy, but once it dips into the teens with the windchill, then I notice my face gets a lot colder and my hands don’t warm up as quickly. For temps right around 20*F, I do like to use a fleece-lined ear warmer or thin hat, a sweat-wicking base layer (thinner for temps into the 20s, thicker if the temperature is a little under 20 degrees), a thicker jacket that has windproof or at least wind-resistant properties, brushed or lightly fleece-lined tights, and a convertible mitten/glove or thinner mitten.
I’ve linked several different options for each piece–some are my favorites, others would be equally amazing.
Headbands/Hats
Skida Alpine Headbands* (pictured above)
lululemon Down for it All Ear Warmer
Skida Nordic Hat
Baselayers
*All of these layers are thicker, warmer, or made from wool. If you need a lighter-weight baselayer, see the options listed at 30 or 10 degrees.
lululemon It’s Rulu Run Long Sleeve
lululemon Rest Less Pullover*
New Balance Heat Grid Half Zip
rabbit Outrun
Oiselle Wool Long Sleeves (various options)
Tracksmith Harrier Long Sleeve
Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer*
Athleta Flurry Line (various options)*
Thicker Jackets
lululemon Cross Chill Jacket* (pictured above)
Brooks Shield Hybrid Jacket 3.0
Nike Therma-FIT Swift
rabbit Warm Up n’ Go Jacket
Warmer ‘Brushed’ Tights
lululemon Fleece Running Tight
Brooks Momentum Thermal Tights
rabbit Defroster Speed Tights
Tracksmith Turnover Tights
Athleta Rainer Tight*
Gloves/Mittens
Oiselle Bad Weather Gloves
Saucony Solstice Mitt
Craft Hybrid Weather Glove
Target Puffer Gloves
*My favorite items.
At 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12* C) is when things start to get really cold for me. I still brave the cold because it is better than the treadmill, but it is even harder to get motivated to go outside. However, good gear makes it more tolerable, and I have finally found a pair of tights that actually keep my legs warm, which is shocking because my legs turn red in 30 degree weather sometimes.
These are some items I recommend for temps around 10 degrees F.
Hats
lululemon Fast and Free Fleece Beanie
Oiselle Lux Beanie
Skida Nordic Hat*
Neckwarmers
Skida Apline Neckwarmer* (pictured above)
lululemon Fast and Free Running Neckwarmer
Buff Polar Neckwarmer
Turtle Fur Fleece Neckwarmer
Baselayers
(I only need a thin baselayer with the Down for It All Jacket because it is so warm. However, if you do need a thicker, warmer base layer, there is a good list under the 20*F section.)
lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve*
lululemon Swiftly Tech Race Length Long Sleeve
Athleta Momentum Seamless Top
Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer
Oiselle Flyte Long Sleeve
rabbit EZ Tee LS
Amazon long sleeve
Down/Very Warm Jacket
lululemon Down For It All Jacket* (pictured above)
lululemon Another Mile Jacket*
Arc’teryx Atom Jacket
Brooks Shield Hybrid Jacket
Tights
Athleta Altitude Stash in Polartec Tights*
Title Nine Crash 2.0 Tights*
Craft Subz Warm Running Tight
Mittens
Oiselle Super Puff Mittens
lululemon Wunder Puff Mittens
lululemon Down for it All Mittens*
Warm Socks
Feetures Merino Wool socks
Darn Tough Merino Wool socks
Stance Wool socks*
*My favorite items.
Lighted Gear
Super Bright Petzl Headlamp
Noxgear Lighted Vest
LED Reflective Running Vest
We all know that weather feels different in different areas, and things such as the wind, humidity, cloud cover, sun exposure, and the time of the day, all makes a difference in what you wear. I did my best to generalize these suggestions and find a happy medium because I know there are plenty of people out there who would need extra layers, and then there are those of you who would sweat to death in some of these outfits. If you tend to run hot, you’ll probably find yourself moving to the colder category and vise versa, but I hope this at least helps give you a starting point.
I’m glad I read your last review of the Down For It All jacket, it is definitely my go-to piece! So far is has been a running jacket, skate skiing jacket, mid layer for snowboarding, fall hiking jacket (don’t forget the side stash pockets are perfect for bear spray) and more. It is just the right amount of comfort, warmth and ventilation. It also looks great!!
Yes!! I’m glad you have found it to be a great piece as well!
The Down For It All is on sale right now! $99!
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/jackets-and-hoodies-jackets/Down-For-It-All-Jacket-MD/_/prod9260308?color=26950
I saw!
Very helpful! Thank you! I’m curious if there is a go to weather app you use to determine what to wear for running. I have a difficult time deciphering the weather to determine what to wear. Also, what socks do you recommend? My toes always freeze.
I just use the regular weather app on my phone and then glance at the ‘real feel’ temperature before I decide what to wear. I’d recommend Smart Wool socks or the merino wool blend Feetures or Stance socks.
Hi! Thanks for the awesome list! I’m in Minnesota so this is extra helpful. I’m curious…between the Lululemon Down for it All and the Another Mile jackets, do you have a preference or what have you seen as the differences between the two?
The biggest difference is that the Down for it All Jacket is made with down and the Another Mile Jacket is made with synthetic fibers. (and both have their pros and cons) I thought the Another Mile Jacket seemed a little too thick/bulkier for running, but it does have a part that you could zip out, which might be nice in certain situations.
Hey Michelle, thanks for the great recommendations! Was wondering how you manage all the laundry generated from running in the cold?
My laundry definitely builds up more quickly as tights and long sleeves take up more space in my laundry basket, and I don’t own as many pairs of tights as I do shorts because of the cost. I will definitely rewear jackets, mittens, and headbands/hats before laundering them and sometimes tights as well.
Thank you for this post! I just moved from CA to South Dakota and had no idea what to wear running in this cold weather. I just purchased a lot of different ítems, but if it keeps me outdoors, I’m okay with it 🙂
Good for you for not letting the weather stop you! I’m not sure what part of the state you are in as the western part of SD is very different than the eastern part, but I did live in Mitchell, SD a year before moving to Alaska!
Thanks for all this information! I need to invest in new cold weather gear as the cold days are the hardest for me to get out on! Quick question, what type of footwear or gear for shoes do you wear for snowy/possibly slick runs?
I wear Icebugs for the ice and put screws in my shoes for the snow.
Hi Michelle! Where is the green jacket you are wearing from in the picture next to 20 degree running section?
I am assessing my wardrobe to see how I can add key winter pieces to optimize my running.
Thanks!
It is an old jacket from New Balance. :/ The lululemon Cross Chill Jacket would be very similar!
Which is the warmer mitten in your opinion – the Oiselle Super Puff or the Lululemon Down for it All? Or would you recommend splurging on the Wunder Puff? I have the Super Puff but it’s not quite warm enough for these Chicago winters.
I would get the Down for it All mitten–I think that would be suitable for you. It is thicker than the Super Puff mitten.