Cold Weather Running Essentials

I know, I know. The leaves are still changing. Yesterday, it was 65 degrees. You’re wearing shorts. Fall running is the best!

And yet…winter is coming.

Good news: with the right gear, you can keep running outdoors, even as the temperature drops and the snow starts falling. Of course, that’s easy to say living in Charlotte, where our winters are quite mild. But I also spent ten years living and running in Chicago, so trust me when I say that I understand snow and the meaning of “frigid.”

Below are my must-haves for not just surviving, but enjoying, a winter on the run. There’s plenty of great gear out there, but I consider these my cold weather essentials. For clothing, what you need depends on temperature, so I’ve organized accordingly.

Disclosure: If you buy something via the links in this post, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cold Weather Considerations

• Be smart: Take it to the treadmill if conditions are dangerous.

• Darkness: The days are short. BE VISIBLE! I like wearing a visibility vest, like this one.

• Hydration: It’s easy to forget when it’s cold out, but you still need fluids on your run.

• Wind: If it’s windy, you’re going to feel colder. Dress accordingly. A windbreaker helps.

• Rain/Snow/Ice:

  • A quality, weatherproof running jacket can make the difference between a miserable run and a fun one

  • Wool socks help keep your feet warmer and dryer

  • Some running shoes come in waterproof Gortex models, like the Brooks Ghost GTX

  • Gain traction by using Kahtoola NANOSpikes (my pick), Yaktrax, or running shoes with lugs

  • Running on packed snow is usually easier and safer than treading on ice

What to Wear by Temperature

If you tend to run especially warm or cold, or you’re doing a hard workout, you may need to adjust. You know yourself best!

30 - 40 Degrees

• Lightweight running tights, crops, or shorts

• Base layer: Fitted tank top or tee (tech fabric)

• Top layer: Thicker long-sleeved top (I like a half zip, so I can unzip as I heat up)

• Headband/ear warmer or hat

• Gloves

20 - 30 Degrees

• Thicker running tights

• Base layer: Fitted long-sleeved top (wool or tech fabric)

• Top layer: Thermal long-sleeved top OR a running vest

• Headband/ear warmer or hat

• Socks that cover the ankles

• Gloves or mittens

10 - 20 Degrees

• Lined running tights (I like fleece-lined)

• Base layer: Fitted long-sleeved top (if you run cold, layer a tank/tee first)

• Top layer: Lined running jacket

• Headband/ear warmer or hat

• Wool socks that cover the ankles

• Maybe: Gaiter for neck/face

• Mittens OR gloves + mittens

Below 10 Degrees

• Double-up on tights OR tights + running pants

• Base layer: Fitted long-sleeved running top

• Mid layer: Long-sleeved top with high neck

• Top layer: Wind & water-resistant running jacket

• Wool socks that cover the ankles

• Hat that covers ears

• Gaiter for neck/face

• Thick mittens OR gloves + mittens

Stay warm out there!

-Laura