GQ's best winter running gear at a glance…
If winter's chilling temperatures have already put a damper on your 2025 fitness goals, fear not: The best winter running gear is more than capable of defending you against the freezing cold, unpredictable precipitation, and low-light conditions we're experiencing. Whether you're adding some winter miles to your workout routine as an aspirational new year thing or gearing up for spring’s marathon season, sub-optimal weather unfortunately comes with the territory. So, brace yourself for some of the worst conditions you can face as a runner: slick roads, black ice, trails lined with snow and full of slushy, muddy puddles, and toe-numbing temperatures.
You don’t have to let Jack Frost win this battle, though. There are a ton of excellent running brands churning out gear that will keep you on your toes even in the single digits. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to get you fitted for the season by rounding up the best running gloves, jackets, beanies, tights, shoes and everything else you need to show winter who's boss. You may even find yourself looking forward to getting out in the wet and muck to see what you’re really made of. Read up below on how to choose the right layers for your expedition, and then peep our top picks for the best winter running gear of all from brands we know and trust.
Running jackets and windbreakers
The outermost layer of your winter running apparel, your shell or jacket, will be the first line of defence against the dropping temperatures. It's the most important layer for weatherproofing yourself against the wind, rain, and snow. Ideally, you'll want something lightweight enough that it doesn't feel like an albatross around your neck on mile 10, and with some Gore-Tex material or other hardy rainshell to keep you dry and protected against the wind. Because as any runner knows, the worst part of winter running is more so the gusts and less so the actual chill.
Division Aerogami Running Jacket
For cold, misty runs in the city, Nike is still one of the best in the ‘biz when it comes to apparel. The Aerogami jacket from the brand’s top-end Running Division blends incredibly lightweight waterproof fabric, high-visibility details, and an impeccable fit to keep you focused on getting in a great workout. Bungees on the hood and the hem make it easy to dial in the fit, while perfectly sized pockets protect your hands at stoplights.
Tracksmith Downpour Jacket
Tracksmith had its viral moment recently after Harry Styles has been spotted running not just one, but two marathons in the brand's kit, but it's been one of our favourite brands for years prior. The Downpour Jacket is one of our go-to pieces for rainy weather, with a lightweight but watertight design, that's so breathable it leaves long behind those days of running in a rain jacket that just sticks to you with sweat afterwards.
On Running Zero Jacket
If you're after a running jacket that you can keep with you on the go - whether that's tucked in your backpack for work or inside a running vest in case the weather turns - On's is one of the lightest jackets that's still got plenty of weather protection. Suitable for all weather with a water-repellant design and a super breathable feel, as well as reflective elements to help keep you visible and safe, it's a real winter essential.
Bonatti Waterproof Jacket
Salomon is more than just your favorite pair of XT-6s. While sport style may have been the French brand’s standout category for the past few years, it's still exceptional at crafting technical sportswear. The Bonatti waterproof shell is a sterling example of streamlined tech—it’s light as hell, minimally branded with helpful reflective details, and will keep you from overheating when the sun eventually decides to peek through the clouds.
Base Layers, half-zips and long-sleeve tees
Just like a rock-solid foundation, starting off your winter fit with a great base layer or comfortable tee is absolutely essential. Ideally, it will absorb your sweat, lock out the cold, and keep you comfortable in all kinds of weather. Keep in mind that this will be the only layer directly sitting up against your skin, so peruse our guide below on how to find the right fabrics for the job. If you love wool, stick with wool. If you want something more cool to the touch, check out mesh and other similarly silky options.
Vuori Long Sleeve Current Tech Tee
Vuori has become one of our favourite brands for loungewear, but its recent range of performance clothing has got us fully hooked on it for winter runs too. This long-sleeve comes in four colours, with a four-way stretch feel perfect for long runs and a super breathable feel to it.
Tracksmith
Brighton Base Layer
No matter where you go, you can’t get away from merino. Made with a seamless merino mesh, the Brighton base layer is part of Tracksmith’s three-season lineup that excels on the track or in the woods. Put to the test in races, on the track, and in the hills near Boston, this base layer is soft and form-fitting but won’t suffocate you if you just want to throw it on by itself for a quick morning run.
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Half Zip
We love a versatile piece of fitness kit and this running half-zip from Lululemon is very much one of those you can wear on a run, in the office, or out for drinks. Slim fit with a construction that's designed to reduce chafe, and make for an easy extra layer for when the temperature drops, we reckon this'll become your next staple piece.
Running leggings and tights
When the mercury drops below 45 degrees or so, we always lean on running tights and running leggings to get the job done. Sure, wearing shorts is probably the optimal choice for mobility, but if you're going for a longer trek, you don't want to lose your range of movement or efficiency because you're absolutely shivering.
Kiprun Men's Dry Running Tights
We love an affordable piece of running clothing that actually delivers on performance, and this pair of running tights from Kiprun is definitely that. For only £25, you've got a breathable fabric, seamless crotch design, thermal insulation, three pockets (you heard that right) and reflective stripes to improve visibility.
New Balance Core Run Tight
New Balance's running tights are one of those classic staples we'd suggest every runner have in their arsenal. Currently 50 per cent off, they have dry technology to help with moisture wicking, a breathable fabric and are made from 77 per cent recylable materials for extra bonus points.
On Running Train Tights 1/2
We love tights as much as the next guy, but personally, you'll find us in some form of shorts even when the temperature drops to Baltic levels. These On half tights are a good in-between, with a scuba style material that keeps them from riding up and a tight fit for adding in some extra speed. We know this isn't the most conventional piece (and it even suggests they're for warm climates) but if you're a shorts-all-year kind of person, get involved.
Fast and Free Running Pant
Once just a yoga brand that made good clothes for CE-Bros, Luluemon is now one of the most reputable brands in running. Its Fast and Free running trousers are an excellent alternative to the compression of running tights. These are lightweight and have cleverly-placed vents to keep your gams breathing when things get a little too cold for shorts. Plus, they’re a little more at home on a Sunday morning coffee run than your tights that leave little to the imagination.
Winter running hats
Ever been running in the winter and noticed steam coming off of your head? A proper hat will keep all of that warmth up top to ensure your dome doesn’t start to freeze when you start sweating. We love a standard beanie, maybe one with a fleece headband sewn in, but there are also a number of caps, headbands, and earflap caps that will also do the trick.
Sealskinz Mulbarton Waterproof Running Cap
Beanies aren't for everyone, nor are they particularly good for rainy weather which is where this Sealskinz cap comes into play. Waterproof and great for keeping the rain out of your eyes, it's adjustable, fun, and even has a zippered pocket for any small storage bits you have.
Bird Head Toque Beanie
Could you really get to the end of this list without seeing the dead bird? No, you couldn’t. The Bird Head Toque is a street staple, but the fleece lining around the ears and lightweight upper portion makes this cap perfect for heavy activity in the winter—it’s warm but won’t leave your head quite as sweaty as a standard beanie.
The best running gloves utilise modern materials to keep your hands warm without trapping sweat, go on (and pull off) easily, and—ideally—let you use whatever phone, smartwatch, or fitness tracker is keeping tabs on all those miles.
Sealskinz Coltishall Running Glove
Coming from someone who cycles to work in the depths of british winters, there's no brand to be trusted more with gloves, for any form of exercise, than Sealskinz. Lightweight, breathable, and somehow just warm enough without being so hot you need to rip them off mid run, these'll get you through the season.
Proviz Reflect360 Touch Screen Reflective Gloves
We love Decathlon's affordable buys, and these gloves might just be the best deal on the site at the minute. Reflective and touch screen-friendly, they're a good cheap buy for frosty weather, especially if you're someone who loses their gloves a lot and doesn't want to risk anything more expensive.
How to shop for winter running gear
Our favourite material for running in the winter has always been, and always will be, merino wool. Thanks to its inherent moisture-wicking properties and superior temperature regulation, the natural fibre is probably the best material you can buy for cold-weather runs. This writer keeps a long-sleeved merino base layer at the ready for almost all winter conditions and temperatures. Wear it alone on warmer days or use it as the foundation for layering when things get bleak. Beyond merino, there are a number of materials that absolutely dominate the cold, so don’t think you have to shell out the big bucks and only cop merino apparel.
Fleece is an excellent material for all of your outdoor adventures throughout the winter, but for running, we'd suggest steering clear of fluffy, plush fleece. It’s not the most natural of moisture-wicking materials and if you’re not careful, can leave you feeling cold, damp, and clammy as all that sweat and humidity clam up close to your body. Instead, focus on performance grid fleece and buy from brands that specialise in running gear. This way, you’ll get all of the warmth fleece can provide without feeling like you’re running in a sauna. Just remember to wear a base layer underneath, especially in windy conditions.
Speaking of wind, even the slightest of breezes can cut through cotton, wool, and fleece. Consider buying some wind-blocking gear, even if you don’t go out on super blustery days. This can be as simple as a lightweight, packable windbreaker, but it can also be a jacket or tights outfitted with panelling that keeps gusts out and prevents your sweat from hardening into thousands of little icicles.
When it comes to running in the cold, you want to layer, layer, layer and layer again. Think of your winter gear as an apparel system and you’ll end up much more comfortable, whether you end up shedding your outermost layers or not.
You’ll rarely want to set out in a t-shirt with just a thick jacket over the top—this will just leave you cold and sweaty, a combination no runner wants to experience. Start with a base layer that fits close to the body, pick a warmer layer to go over the top of that, and finish with your wind or rain shell. The same will go for the lower half of your body: When things get really cold, start with a pair of tights and add layers accordingly. Not sure if you need tights? If your knees are cold throughout your entire run, you could probably use another layer.
Your head, your hands, and your feet will need some extra protection in the winter. Make sure you don’t forget about them. A solid pair of running gloves, a good beanie or winter cap, and some thick socks will be a godsend when the weather doesn’t cooperate. There’s nothing you can do about numb fingers and toes or cold ears once you’ve already left your house unprepared, so take an extra moment to think about accessories before you go.
We’ve already written about our favourite running gloves, but wearing ear warmers or a beanie is a must and those thin socks you’ve been running in just aren’t going to cut it. We like to lean on merino wool again here, but any accessories that add some extra warmth will change your winter runs for the better.
