What to Wear for Winter Running: Stay Warm and Crush Your Goals

On frigid starts, we reach for the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew as a cozy, breathable base that plays nicely under a windproof shell. In our testing, the merino delivered reliable midweight warmth with excellent natural odor resistance and a soft next‑to‑skin feel—perfect for stringing together multiple winter runs between washes. Just note it isn’t windproof or waterproof and can retain moisture during all‑out efforts, feeling damp when you stop. Our experience shows durability can be a weak spot, so wash gently to avoid early pinholes.

Looking for a breathable midlayer for tempo efforts? In our testing, the R1 Air wicked sweat exceptionally well and its light insulation kept us warm without overheating, but it’s not wind resistant or waterproof, so pair it with a shell on blustery days. The slim fit may require sizing up if you’re stacking baselayers, and the textured fabric can snag and collect lint over time. We also love that it’s 100% recycled and Fair Trade Certified for lower-impact performance.

For foul-weather runs or race kits, the Bonatti excels as an ultralight, packable shell that stuffs into its chest pocket and disappears in a vest. The waterproof, wind-resistant fabric and hood with a brim kept rain off our face, and reflective details boosted visibility on dark roads. That said, breathability is limited; during hard efforts we saw internal moisture build, so plan your layers and pace accordingly. Some users also report inner-coating durability issues and inconsistent fit between versions, so double-check sizing.

On’s Weather Jacket is the featherweight shell we reached for on windy, drizzly runs, where its high breathability kept us from overheating. It packs down small, offers effective wind protection, and reflective details help with pre-dawn visibility. Just remember it’s water-resistant, not fully waterproof; the DWR can wet out in sustained rain and will need reproofing over time. Taller runners may find the torso a bit short; during our review we paired it with a longer midlayer for better coverage.

On stormy training days, the Janji Rainrunner 2.0 earned a spot in our kit for its 20K/20K breathable, wind‑blocking 2.5‑layer shell and fully taped seams. In our testing it shrugged off most downpours, packed into its own pocket, and the reflective hits helped visibility on dark commutes. Prolonged moderate‑to‑heavy rain can eventually saturate the fabric, and elbow articulation feels tight over bulky midlayers. Our experience shows durability depends on care—frequent machine washes or pack‑strap abrasion can shorten its lifespan.

Ultralight yet tough enough for blustery miles, the Patagonia Houdini is our wind shell of choice when temps drop but precipitation is light. We found it stuffs neatly into its chest pocket, disappears on a waist belt, and cuts wind with just enough breathability for steady winter cruising. Keep in mind the DWR is only water‑resistant—not a true rain solution—and it can feel clammy at all‑out paces. During our review, the newer chest pocket occasionally flapped out, which some runners may find distracting.

Brooks’ Momentum Thermal Tight 2.0 hit a sweet spot for cold, dry runs in our testing, with GO2 Warm/DriLayer fabric providing cozy medium insulation without feeling swampy. The fitted, compressive cut stays put, and multiple pockets, including a zippered back pocket, secure your phone and gels, while reflective details help at dawn or dusk. They aren’t windproof or waterproof, so add a shell or shorts in harsh conditions, and they can feel too warm in milder temps. Fit runs small; we’d recommend considering a size up for comfort.

These ColdGear leggings make a solid, budget-friendly base layer for winter runs, with a warm brushed interior that adds medium insulation without restricting movement. Four-way stretch kept stride mechanics smooth in our testing, and the small drop-in pocket is handy for a key or card. Note that the fit skews tight (closer to compression), so some runners may prefer to size up, and the inseam runs short on certain heights. Since they’re not windproof, pair them with shorts or a shell when it’s blustery.

When it’s blustery and snowy, our experience shows the NDO tights shine with excellent wind blocking and a water-resistant face that shrugs off light slush. The wide, grippy waistband stays put without a drawstring, and the integrated reflective sash meaningfully boosts visibility in low light. We did notice reports of the sash peeling after washing and some long-term seam durability concerns; gentle cycles and line drying help. They’re pricey, but for serious winter miles the medium insulation and breathability balance warmth and comfort.

Trail days in sleet and slush call for the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX—waterproof GORE‑TEX keeps feet dry while the outsole delivers excellent bite across wet roots and mixed terrain. We found the cushioning comfortable for long winter efforts without feeling mushy, and breathability was solid for a GTX shoe. Fit can be finicky: the narrow platform and tight tongue make entry tricky, and some testers experienced heel slip or blisters during break‑in. Our review also surfaced uneven durability reports, particularly premature outsole or midsole wear.

Built for deep‑winter slop, the Icebug Adak ReWool BUGrip brings serious warmth and waterproof protection for slow, snowy miles or post‑run errands. In our experience, the BUGdri membrane and fleece lining kept feet toasty, while the studded BUGrip outsole gripped confidently on ice and packed snow. It’s a premium boot with a premium price, and the roomy fit may require dialing in socks or sizing. Also plan to swap footwear indoors—the studs can be slippery or scuff certain floors.

Cold toes can end a run fast, and these Hothands insoles were a game-changer in our testing. The ultra-thin design slips discreetly into shoes or boots and delivers strong, sustained heat for many hours, which is perfect for sub-freezing starts. Just note the adhesive backing can fail in certain insoles, and they’re single-use only, so costs and waste add up over a season. With heavy warmth and low breathability, we found them best for truly frigid days rather than milder temps.

Slushy roads are no match for the Runton, which kept our feet dry thanks to the fully waterproof Aquasealz membrane. Inside, a Merino-wool lining adds heavy warmth, breathes better than you’d expect, and naturally resists odor on back-to-back runs. Be aware the Hydrostop cuff does a great job reducing water ingress from the top, but the silicone tape can rub for some runners; thin liner socks helped in our testing. They’re pricey, and as with any membrane sock, a seam failure compromises waterproofing.

Stash‑friendly and budget‑wise at $10.80, the BUFF ThermoNet Neckwear is our go‑to for sealing heat at the collar without overheating. During our review, the PrimaLoft‑lined fabric punched above its weight for medium warmth while staying highly breathable on tempo runs. It’s not a windproof or waterproof face mask for blizzards, but it shines for everyday winter miles. Heads‑up: sizing can run small with limited stretch, so consider upsizing if you prefer a looser gaiter.

Night runs feel safer with the Tracer2, which in our testing delivered eye-catching 360° visibility from its integrated LED strips without bouncing over layers. It’s lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant enough to shrug off light mist, ideal for winter roads and early-morning miles. Keep in mind the lights are for being seen, not lighting the path, so pair it with a headlamp for terrain. It’s pricier than basic reflective vests, but the visibility upgrade is hard to beat.

Early mornings demand reliable light, and during our review the Spot 400-R impressed with a punchy 400-lumen beam and instant PowerTap brightness changes. The integrated 1500 mAh rechargeable battery with a meter is convenient, and the waterproof housing handled sleet without fuss. Downsides: it still uses micro-USB, the red night-vision LED is dim for many, and some users report the adjustable pivot can break over time. We found the digital lock handy for preventing pack-on activation on winter commutes and races.