Christine Giordano
For many, running can feel like a stamina game, and when you’re doing it in the cold, all of the sensations you feel when tackling your next mile can heighten. The flip side is that being comfy while running in the winter is all about having the right gear.
But what exactly do you need to throw on when temps start to dip below 50 degrees—and what the heck do you wear when it’s 20 degrees? Outdoor workout pros have some strong opinions when it comes to choosing outfits for clocking long runs in the cold. Use this quick reference guide, courtesy of Hollis Tuttle, a former senior coach at Mile High Run Club in New York City, to layer up:
- 40–49 degrees: A long sleeve shirt with shorts or leggings
- 30–39 degrees: A long sleeve shirt with leggings, gloves (optional), and a headband or hat to cover your ears (optional)
- 20–29 degrees: A long sleeve running shirt layered with a jacket, leggings (potentially thermal), gloves, and a headband or hat to cover your ears
- 10–19 degrees: A long sleeve running shirt layered with a jacket, thick or fleece-lined leggings, gloves, a headband or hat to cover your ears, and winter running shoes.
- 0–9 degrees: Two layered workout shirts, a windbreaker jacket, thermal leggings, gloves, a headband or hat, a ski mask or layer to cover your face
Peep some of the best winter running gear below:
Now that you know exactly what the ideal wardrobe for logging miles in the chilliest of temps looks like, use this list of the best winter running gear to make sure your layer game is on-point. The items on this list are tested and trusted by top running experts, WH editors, and online reviews.