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Keep Warm With The Best Cold Weather Running Gear

By Olivia Peréz
Last updated: 17 Jan 2023
Are you among those people who blame the weather for not training? Do you envy those who are able to go for a run regardless of the weather conditions? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then you need to invest in some cold weather running gear. Investing in some good winter gear will ensure that you can find no excuse to skip running on any day. With that said, we would like to take you through a complete 101 of the top cold weather running gear in 2023. If the thought of buying new workout gear seems tricky and rather dreadful to you, this guide is about to become a lifesaver. We will not only be telling you all there is to know about winter running gear but will also take you through the best products available.
Featured image courtesy of iStock
Show Contents
Best Cold Weather Gear for Running in 2023
  • 1 DEVOPS Men’s Thermal Shirt – Top Pick
  • 2 TrailHeads Running Headband – Runner-Up
  • 3 Under Armour Women’s Leggings – Honorable Mention
  • 4 MEETYOO Men’s Thermal Underwear – Also Consider
  • 5 BALEAF Women’s Thermal Shirt

Best Cold Weather Gear for Running in 2023

DEVOPS Men’s Thermal Shirt – Top Pick

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Photo courtesy of Amazon

Key Features

  • Made for women
  • Available in three colors
  • Stays dry due to its ColdGear and Quick-Dry technologies
  • Made from a polyester-elastane blend
  • 4-way stretch

We all know that Under Armour is a powerhouse when it comes to running gear. Well, have you heard about their ColdGear technology? This proprietary tech helps trap your body’s heat and keep you warm in cold and dry conditions. It is with this ColdGear technology that UA has made its Women’s Compression Leggings.

Available in three color options, these premium leggings boast a welded soft interior that prevents chafing and keeps you comfy and snug. This cold weather running gear is also equipped with Quick-Dry Technology which means it’s great at wicking away sweat and preventing the clammy feeling that arises from sweating in cold weather conditions.

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TrailHeads Running Headband – Runner-Up

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Photo courtesy of Amazon

Key Features

  • Made for men
  • Pack of two with eight color options
  • Form-fit design
  • Constructed from a polyester-spandex blend
  • Fleece lining helps generate heat

The DEVOPS Men’s Thermal Shirt has been designed from a rich blend of spandex and polyester, the former of which lends the gear its superior stretch of 4 ways. The shirt will hug your body when worn and keep you warm on even the coldest of runs.

The perfect form-fitting design of this shirt will also help you move better and promote optimal blood circulation. Let’s also not forget that the snug fit will help you show off your physique. If you’d rather not do that, we recommend opting for a size up.

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Under Armour Women’s Leggings – Honorable Mention

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Photo courtesy of Amazon

Key Features

  • Has an opening for a ponytail
  • Polyester-spandex construction
  • 10 color options
  • Unisex fit
  • Backed by a full money-back guarantee

If you’ve ever worn a headband with your hair tied up, you’ll know the difficulty of finding the right fit. TrailHeads knocks this grievance out of the park with its Running Headband that has a ponytail opening at the back. While this winter gear has been targeted at women, many male customers with long hair have found this band to be a lifesaver.

Lightweight and flexible, the TrailHeads Running Headband provides enhanced breathability and keeps you focused on the track by preventing sweat or hair from blocking your vision. The band’s coverage also extends to the ears for added warmth. Our team particularly loved the neon color option that comes with a reflector for added visibility in the cold months.

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MEETYOO Men’s Thermal Underwear – Also Consider

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Photo courtesy of Amazon

Key Features

  • Men’s skinny fit
  • 5 color options
  • Polyester-spandex composition
  • Prevents build-up of sweat and odor
  • Protection from UV rays

Both the bottom and top thermals in this men’s underwear set by MEETYOO weigh a combined 0.5 kg. Super lightweight, right? These non-bulky thermals utilize the coziness of their fleece linings to keep you warm even on the coldest of days.

Keeping you warm does not mean that the MEETYOO underwear set will let you drown in your own sweat either- no sir! The ergonomically designed thermals feature phenomenal moisture-wicking properties and breathability.

While the polyester used in the construction is top-notch, MEETYOO recommends following the washing instructions to ensure longevity. The thermal will also let you show off your physique with its skinny fit. While the top is true to size, the bottom is a bit long and you might need to wear it above the belly button.

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BALEAF Women’s Thermal Shirt

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Photo courtesy of Amazon

Key Features

  • Women’s fit
  • 9 color options
  • Polyester-elastane construction
  • Ergonomically designed with reflective elements
  • Breathable and warm

This Women’s Thermal Shirt by BALEAF features a mock neck design for added elegance and coverage. It fits phenomenally, hugging your curves in all the right places, thanks to the elastane blend used in the gear’s composition. The reinforced seams also mean that the bottom opening won’t constantly curl up your butt. We all hate that, don’t we?

A breathable exterior and warm interior lined up with fleece make the BALEAF Women’s Thermal Shirt great for most running sessions. Talking about the interior, the gear has been lined up with chafe-free seams to keep you comfy and rash-free.

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Buyer's Guide: Cold Weather Running Gear

We all know that a good set of winter running gear will help us stay focused on the track during the cold months. Let’s also make sure that we know exactly how to go about buying this gear with this comprehensive buying guide section.

What Makes up Cold Weather Running Gear?

In this article, we’ll be looking at two components of cold weather running gear: 

  • Base Layer
  • Head Protection

Complete running gear would obviously also include a good jacket, a pair of running shoes, and other accessories.

Base layer

The base layer would obviously include your thermal shirt and bottom leggings. The fleece lining and snug fit on these bad boys make them a great barrier between your body and the cold. However, we recommend wearing something over them if the day is extra chilly or windy. 

Head protection

A good running headband would not only keep the sweat and hair away from your eyes but will also provide extra coverage to keep your ears warm. 

How Much Does Cold Weather Running Gear Usually Cost?

The price of cold weather running gear will obviously depend on the type of gear that you are buying. Simple headbands can even cost as low as $5 while thermal shirts and leggings can go upwards of $100. 

Brand names play a major role in determining the price of these products. However, you can also expect premium features like odor control, antimicrobial fabrics, and enhanced insulation technologies when paying the premium price tags.

Cold Weather Running Gear Buying Tips

Now that you know how much cold weather running gear really costs, here are two tips to ensure you make the most of that money spent.

Maintenance

When we say the word “maintenance”, we obviously mean washing and drying your gear. Trust us when we say that frayed seams and out-of-shape leggings will make them extremely uncomfortable. So, it is very important that you follow the washing and drying instructions that the manufacturer provides. This will ensure that your gear doesn’t fade and that it keeps its shape for long.

Visibility

Cold weather months usually bring along darker skies. So, it would be great to look for running gear with reflective elements for enhanced safety. These would make you more visible to motorists when you are running on highways. 

Features to Consider

You must consider these two factors before pulling the trigger on the purchase of new cold weather running gear set.

Toastiness and breathability

This might sound obvious, but the gear you’re buying must keep you warm and toasty. However, along with warmth, it should also provide you with enough breathability to prevent overheating. 

You see, our bodies, the temples of awesomeness they are, are designed to generate heat when you run. In fact, your body temperature can increase by up to 5 degrees when running. So, temperature moderation is what is important.

Durability 

If you want your running gear to last many winter seasons, you must consider its longevity. While checking out customer reviews mentioning the cloth’s stitching and overall durability should be the first order of business, you should also look at the materials used in the construction. 

People Also Asked

What gear do I need to start running in winter?

Aside from a pair of running shoes and socks, you'll need a good thermal shirt and trousers that will not only keep you toasty but also wick away the sweat.

What running gear do I need for extreme cold weather?

We recommend adding a good jacket, headband, and a pair of gloves if the weather becomes too chilly. Always remember that running outdoors should not be considered in sub-zero temperatures.

Should thermals be tight or loose?

Thermals should be a bit on the snug side of things. The tight fit isn't for you to flex your physique but rather to ensure that the heat remains trapped. The form-fitting also gives you more freedom to move around.

author-image
By Olivia Peréz
Olivia has seen every up and down that a runner can, and knows how important the right training and the right equipment can be. She loves to share the outdoors with her golden retriever, Rocky, traveling through trails both on and off the beaten path. Olivia will often be providing her reviews from where ever she is at the time: the track, the road, or the woods.
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