Winter running gear: Essentials for a cold run

Wardrobe essentials for winter runs

Sweat-wicking, breathable base layers

Layering up is essential when going on a winter run, as you can always remove layers while running if you get too warm. Keeping the layers thin also makes them easier to layer up without adding unnecessary bulk to your body. Sweat-wicking base layers are ideal – especially layers that sit close to your skin, as this removes sweat as you run, which helps to keep you warmer.

Wearing damp clothes can make you feel the chill even more, so prioritise sweat-wicking materials for winter runs.

Ensure your base layer is breathable to help regulate your body temperature even while you’re running. This can help ensure you don’t overheat during your runs. We recommend long-sleeves for your base layer, like our Luxe t shirts, which are thin enough to be layered for additional warmth.

Thermal leggings

While you’re layering up on top, your legs deserve the same treatment. Thermal leggings can keep your leg muscles at the right temperature, and provide the compression required to aid blood flow and help reduce any delayed onset muscle soreness.

Again, opt for sweat-wicking materials, like cotton, nylon, spandex or Merino wool.

Winter running shoes

The right footwear is essential, especially when it comes to running in the winter. Harsh weather conditions, like rain and snow, can be dangerous for any runner, affecting your health and safety. For the rainier seasons, consider investing in waterproof running shoes, keeping your feet and shoes in the best condition possible.

Waterproof running shoes are specifically designed to keep your feet cool while promoting drainage. Even if you’re running through puddles in the rain, your shoes won't flood, allowing you to keep moving without worrying about your foot health. Pair with waterproof socks for added comfort and safety.

Mask up

Running in the cold means that you’re breathing in that cold air – which has less moisture in than warm air. This lack of moisture, partnered with the low temperature, can cause irritation to the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Avoid this by masking up during your winter runs. Use a mask or wrap a scarf or snood around your mouth to trap the air and warm it up before you breathe it into your lungs, giving you better lung capacity in cooler weather.

Wrap up

You should be wrapping up anyway during the colder winter months, and this rings true even during your runs. How you dress for winter runs can either make it much more bearable, or cause you to ditch your run entirely and head back inside.

A lightweight waterproof running jacket keeps you protected from the elements, and are thin enough to be able to pack away in a bag or wrapped around your waist, without adding too much weight.

For the truly cold runs, a thin, tight-fitting running hat keeps your head warm. Minimise the sweat build up by opting for sweat-wicking materials to keep your head and ears warm and dry, without the bulk.

Hands are often the first to suffer from the cold, so you should consider running gloves to keep your fingers protected against the chill. Like the hat, keep these as thin as you can stand, so you can take them off and stash them in a running pouch or your pocket if you need.

Finally, a multipurpose headband is an essential bit of kit for running in the cold. Switch up the uses for these, from a headband that covers your ears and head, to a snood to keep your neck warm and cover your mouth as a mask.

Stay visible

Winter months mean it gets darker later in the morning and earlier in the evening. If you’re running before or after work, you should do what you can to stay visible. Invest in a headtorch to show you where you’re running during the darker moments.

Wearing reflective items – like jackets, belts and trouser clips – allow you to stay visible to other people and traffic even when it does get dark. Ensuring that you’re easy to spot can help keep you safe.