Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or have recently started a new workout routine, the freezing temperatures and gloomy winter weather keep many people indoors for the season. However, did you know that cold-weather running is a great way to help burn those extra calories and boost your immune system? Not only that, but a date with nature does also wonders for your mental health by reducing stress and helping to combat seasonal depression. Running has a calming effect on the body, releasing feel-good chemicals that help ease your mood.
It’s time to trade your shorts for leggings and get outside! If you’re just getting started with a winter running regimen, here are some great options for gear that can retain heat in the dropping temperatures without restricting your movement.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring their years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Cold-Weather Products for Winter Running – Our Top Picks
Best Men’s Vest: Spyder Glissade Hybrid Insulated Vest
Best Women’s Vest: New Balance Women’s Heat Grid Vest
Best Running Socks: Swiftwick Pursuit Socks
Best Long Sleeve Shirt: Mizuno Breath Thermo Long Sleeve Top
Best Winter Hat: Salomon Active Beanie
Best Running Tights: Sugoi Subzero Zap Tight
Best Men’s Jacket: Under Armour Men’s ColdGear® Reactor Performance Hybrid
Best Women’s Jacket: Under Armour Women’s ColdGear® Reactor Performance Jacket
Best Gloves: Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Wind Training Glove
Best Hand Warmers: BESKAR Portable Hand Warmer
Best Lip Protectant: Burt’s Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm
Layer up for more running mileage with the Spyder Glissade Hybrid Insulated Vest. This stylish, flattering vest, often used for skiing or backpacking, is engineered with down-proof recycled nylon construction, combining double weave stretch polyester and coated in Durable Water Repellant (DWR). The double-weave panels offer the right amount of breathability, elasticity, and ease.
It was tailored to be a technical layering vest for harsh conditions and can serve as a lightweight vest on a crisp fall or spring day. Runners also appreciate the sleeveless style, which delivers a natural range of motion when training outdoors.
What We Like
Stand up collar offers extra coverage
Sleeveless design allows a wide range of motion
Durable Water-Resistant (DWR) coating provides quick-drying fabric
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
When running in chilly temperatures, vests are practical accessories because you can layer up without restricting your arms. With sleet or snow often in the forecast this time of year, women will appreciate the New Balance Heat Grid Vest, which features NB HEAT technology and vapor loft insulation that helps brave the elements.
Stylish and sleek, the vest comes with dependable hand pockets (It has pockets!), so you can safely store your belongings. Additionally, reflective accents help aid early morning or evening winter visibility.
What We Like
Warm and breathable
Fitted silhouette
Half-zip pullover style
Reflective trim
Socks provide the needed insulation for cold temperatures. Wearing a high-quality sock with construction from superior materials will make the difference in frigid temperatures. For the cold weather apparel for your feet, consider any pair of socks in the Swiftwick Pursuit™ collection.
Comprised of natural-fiber Merino wool, the extended sturdy heel pocket optimizes the wearability of these socks. The reinforced heel and toe deliver warmth in the winter, absorbing moisture without feeling drenched.
The wool is soft against your skin, directing moisture away from your feet while regulating temperature, therefore keeping you warm in the winter. Compression socks can also help keep you warm while minimizing the risk of injury.
Source: active
