It’s been snowing in most areas, which means it’s time to take the winter running gear out of storage. Yes, it can be difficult to run in the cold weather, but don’t worry! There are plenty of ways you can bundle up so that you stay warm during your jog.
We have listed some clothing options that will keep you nice and cozy while running this winter. You may even find that there is a little bit of style thrown into the mix as well. If you are having a difficult time finding the right sports bra or pair of undergarments, then you should check out our article about what sports bras to buy for running.
You may be thinking that all runners wear short sleeves and shorts, but here’s what you don’t realize: there are rules on how long your shirts and bottoms have to be to keep yourself warm. If your running clothing is too long, it will allow cold air through, as well as pulling in the wind. There are companies that make running tights which will help keep your legs warm and keep you feeling dry.

Table of Contents
- 1. Long Sleeves
- 2. Lightweight Jackets
- 3. Runners’ Wind Resistant Jackets
- 4. Running Leggings
- 5. Running Tights
- 6. High-Tech Gear
- 7. Running Socks
- 8. Running Gloves
- 9. Running Bibs
- 10. Running Vests
- 11. Running Socks With Padding
- 12. Running Tights With Spandex
- 13. Running Socks With Insulation
- 14. Headband
- 15. Beanie Hat
- 16. Winter Boots With Motion-Enhancing Fins
- 17. Specialized Winter Running Shoes
- 18. Waterproof Winter Running Shoes
- 19. Winter Running Shoes With Snow Or Ice Traction
- 20. Winter Running Jackets With Water-Resistant Zippers
- In Conclusion
1. Long Sleeves
You can find long-sleeved shirts that you can wear during the colder months of the year. These protective shells will keep your body warm and toasty, which will reduce your risk of catching a cold or getting a cold sore. Most runners who live in areas that are often cold choose to wear long sleeves even in the hottest months. This way, they’re not freezing when temperatures drop.
2. Lightweight Jackets
Lightweight jackets are perfect if you’re not looking for too much warmth, but just a little extra padding so that you don’t feel so exposed to all the cold air around you. A great lightweight jacket should have you covered from your shoulders to your waist, with a couple of pockets for your phone and keys.
3. Runners’ Wind Resistant Jackets
Wind resistant jackets are a type of protective shell that you can wear over other layers in order to keep the cold wind from getting in. These will help keep you warm as well as protected from the blowing wind and snow that comes with running outside in winter. There are also lightweight windproof jackets, which will help to keep the air still around you and reduce wind drag some, allowing you to run faster. You’ll be able to feel comfortable while keeping warm with a good quality windproof running jacket.
4. Running Leggings
Leggings is a great way to keep yourself warm while running. They provide warmth without the added bulk of long pants. You can wear leggings underneath your pants or even alone, but make sure you wear them tight enough in order to keep plenty of air out. Even the best windproof running jackets will be useless if there is too much air coming in under the jacket, so make sure that your leggings are fitted and not too lose.
5. Running Tights
Tights with built-in pads that go from hips to knee are great if you want something more than just a pair of leggings but less than a full running suit. A really good pair of running tights should be made from a thermal material, which will help trap body heat and keep you warm. Look for a pair of tights that have a belt or a drawstring so that they stay in place while you run.
6. High-Tech Gear
If you are looking for the warmth of layers, but don’t like the bulk or cost associated with full gear, then you should find gear made with high-tech materials. This can be an expensive option, but it can make running easy even when it’s really cold outside. High-tech gear will keep you warm without restricting your movement.
High-tech gear uses materials that are both light and durable, as well as breathable and moisture wicking, so that you stay dry. It will also allow your body to move freely while keeping you warm. Some of the most popular high-tech materials for runners include Gore-Tex and Dri-FIT, which are materials used to make hiking jackets, biking jackets and suits. Cupro fabric is very popular in the world of running gear too. It’s light by itself, but can be made even lighter by using a lightweight running jacket with an inside liner.
7. Running Socks
Some running socks are made with high-tech materials like Gore-Tex, which will work even in the coldest temperatures. Other socks utilize aerated fabric that wicks moisture away from your feet and will keep you dry. Wicking fabric works by opening up to allow sweat to evaporate into the air and then recirculate it through the material, where it can make its way back into your body again. This process helps to keep your foot dry while still allowing air to pass through in order to help you stay warm when you run.
8. Running Gloves
When you’re running outside in the cold, your hands can be some of the first things to get cold. Keeping them warm will help you stay warm and will also allow you to focus more on your run. If you wear gloves that are too bulky, however, they can make it harder for you to do day to day tasks as well as running. Look for gloves that give you precise control of your fingers, but still keep your hands from freezing. You can find these by looking for lightweight running mittens, which fit snuggly over your hand but aren’t too tight so that they cut off circulation or restrict movement.
9. Running Bibs
You may have seen runners wearing bibs in races, but these are a great way to stay warm and protected when running. They are especially useful for runners of all speeds. A bib can be an optional layer that you wear at the beginning of your run so that you know exactly where it’s safe to run, or it can be used as protection against cold weather. In some places, you will need to wear bibs before you even get outside: if it is too cold to run outside, then you might need one to keep your entire upper body warm while running indoors. The bib should fit snugly around your chest and stomach, but not constrict movement at all.
10. Running Vests
Another great choice for those who don’t want to wear a bib while running is the running vest. These are a top layer that will cover your arms, chest and stomach, but will allow you to move freely. Pockets are often built into the vest, so you can carry your phone and water bottle without having to wear additional layers of clothing on your arms. The vest should fit closely as well, so that it doesn’t come loose while you run.
11. Running Socks With Padding
Combining high-tech socks and running tights can make for a comfortable running outfit for all weather conditions. The padded running tights will provide plenty of warmth and padding, while the high-tech socks will keep your feet dry. Look for an inner lining on your tights so that the moisture stays inside where it belongs, instead of blowing out and letting the cold air in.
12. Running Tights With Spandex
When you want to run outside in the cold winter temperatures, you will want to protect yourself as much as possible from chills and wind, but you don’t want to feel too restricted or weighed down as you run. Spandex is a fabric made from the same material that you find in many athletic shorts, but it’s specifically designed to allow you to move freely without restricting the movement of your legs, torso or arms. Spandex running tights are amazingly light, but still form-fitting and lightweight. You can easily see why these tights made our top

13. Running Socks With Insulation
Some socks stretch like ordinary socks, but others have a layer of insulation on them. The insulation will help keep your feet warm even when they are moving around while you run. Look for socks that are made with a material that wicks moisture away from your feet and back into your body, like high-tech socks.

14. Headband
Even though your whole body will be working hard when you run, you still want to protect your head from the elements. A comfortable headband can make a big difference when you’re running in the cold, especially if hair is blowing around your face and making it harder to focus on your run. Sweatbands are made from light fabric, so they don’t get in the way of your workout and they won’t weigh you down. Choose one that won’t ride up in back and make it hard for you to see where you are going.
15. Beanie Hat
A beanie hat is a surprisingly lightweight piece of equipment that can add to your running kit, especially if you’re going to be wearing it during cold temperatures. This hat is often made from thinner materials, so it will keep you more comfortable in the cold by wicking away moisture and insulating your head from the wind.
16. Winter Boots With Motion-Enhancing Fins
When it comes to winter runners, there’s a world of options out there. A lot of these selections are just variations on the same theme, but there is one type of winter runner that stands out: the fin-equipped winter runner. These boots have an extra set of fins attached to them, which will work with your natural running movements to keep you warm without restricting circulation or movement in your legs and lower body. Look for boots that have motion-enhancing fins, which will help you move freely even in the most frigid temperatures.
17. Specialized Winter Running Shoes
When you’re shopping for shoes for running in the cold, it’s important to find something that will keep your feet warm and dry and allow you to run with comfort and ease. If you run on a regular basis and are in need of winter running shoes, then look for one of these types: water-resistant runners with extra insulation, snow or ice shoes that have extra protection and traction that will keep your feet dry and safe.
18. Waterproof Winter Running Shoes
Water respirable running shoes are the ultimate winter shoe. Even when the temperatures drop to well below freezing, you won’t have to worry about your feet getting wet thanks to waterproofing technology on your shoes. These shoes will keep you comfortable and protected even when it is snowing, or there’s water on the ground.
19. Winter Running Shoes With Snow Or Ice Traction
If you want to stay safe and protected from the cold, you will want to look for winter running shoes that have traction on the bottom of your feet. This will allow for more stability, which will enable you to run without sliding on ice or snow. Look for winter running shoes that have grip on the bottom of the shoe so that you can move easily over slippery ground without falling down. This can be an added benefit when it’s snowing outside and your footing becomes slippery and dangerous.
20. Winter Running Jackets With Water-Resistant Zippers
Water-resistant zippers are a great way to stay safe and protected from the elements when you are running outside in the cold. Look for a zipper that will keep your jacket dry while you’re running, while also allowing you to get warm and comfortable. Some jackets have water-resistant zippers which will allow water to get inside of the jacket but not on the outside of it. These jackets should fit snugly around your body because they are keeping your body warm, but also keeping out any extra moisture that might be getting through the other areas of your jacket for insulation or moisture control.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of items that you can consider when it comes to running in the winter. The types of things you’ll want to look for will vary based on how much running experience you have and your specific needs, but if you plan to run during the cold months and want to stay warm while doing so, then there are many ways that you can ensure that your body stays protected from the elements.