Essential Gear for Winter Running

When the days grow short and the temperature drops, you might be tempted to hit the treadmill. But running through winter can be just as much fun as sprinting in the summer sun—with the right gear, that is. Winter-specific socks, shoes, pants, shirts, jackets, gloves, hats, headbands and more should be part of your running kits. Here's how to layer up from toe to top when winter winds blow.

Gear Up Your Feet

A warm pair of tech socks are a must when you're heading out in the cold. Choose mid- or crew-length to cover your ankles and wool for added warmth. Merino naturally wicks moisture away from your body, while regulating your temperature. The Smartwool PhD® Run Cold Weather Mid Crew in men's and women's cuts and Zensah Grit Running Socks Crew all fit the bill. For an ultra-thin option, try Feetures Elite Merino+ Ultra-Light Quarter 3-Pair Pack.

When the weather gets tough, you need a tough pair of shoes to match. In winter, kicks do double duty protecting your feet from the elements and proving traction on slippery ground. Pick shoes with waterproofing technology to keep your toes warmer and dry on cold, wet, windy and snowy days.

The Brooks Ghost 11 GTX for men and women is a rugged road running shoe with a mesh upper that will let your feet breathe, but keep the elements out with a GORE-TEX® liner. Adidas UltraBoost X All Terrain bootie for women and Adidas Ultra Boost All Terrain for men have water repellant uppers with a high ankle collar and rubber outsoles with all-terrain lugs for added traction.

Some road runners switch to trail shoes for better grip on wet, snowy or slippery pavement. The Scarpa Neutron 2 GTX in men's and women's versions has a GORE-TEX® waterproof upper with an extra flexible forefoot for better traction and agility on slippery surfaces. Or choose kicks with GORE® Invisible Fit technology, a waterproof, breathable membrane directly bonded to the uppers (instead of an extra sewn-in layer). The Salomon Sense Ride GTX® Invisible Fit in men's and women's shoes is a favorite for icy days. And Under Armour's UA Horizon RTT GTX and Arc'teryx Norvan LD GTX feature Invisible Fit, too.

Or turn any pair of sneakers into winter warriors with Yaktrax Run, a traction device with steel coils and carbide spikes that pops onto the soles of your shoes. In temperatures as low as -41 Fahrenheit, snow and ice won't slow you down.

Stay Toasty Bottom to Top

On the coldest days, a standard pair of tights won't do. Pick up a pair of pants with added warmth to keep the chill away, like New Balance NB Heat Tights for men or Nike Therma Pants Essential for men. In the dark morning and evening hours, visibility matters too. Stay safer with high-vis gear like Outdoor Research's Reflective Pentane Tights or Brooks Nightlife Greenlight Tights for men. When wind-chill is a factor, Arc'teryx Trino Tights with GORE Windstopper® fabric provide a windproof and water resistant layer for your lower half.

Layers are the way to go up top. Partial zip shirts, like Under Armour UA Coldgear® Armour ½ Zip for women, Under Armour Coldgear® Infrared Survivor ¼ Zip for men and Nike Thermasphere Element 2.0 ½ Zip Top let you vent heat when you need to or zip-up when you're cold. Or choose a collared pullover or hoodie for extra warmth, like The North Face Nordic Thermal Pullover for women and ASICS Thermopolis™ Long Sleeve Hoodie for men.

On the coldest days, you'll need a jacket or vest, too. The Brooks Cascadia Thermal Vest is a great option to cover just your core. And full-zip hoodies, like the New Balance Accelerate Track Jacket and Arc'teryx Adahy Hoodie for women and New Balance NB Corefleece Full Zip Hoodie and Nike Sphere Element Hoodie Full Zip 2.0 for men, give you head coverage when you need it. In the worst weather, choose a jacket with GORE-TEX® or GORE Windstopper® fabric for protection against water and wind, like The North Face Apex Flex GTX™ Cape Anorak and Arc'teryx Trino Jacket for women or the Brooks Sideline Jacket or Marmot Minimalist Jacket for men.

Extremities in Extremes

Gloves are a must once the temp drops below 40. Nike's Quilted Run Gloves in women's and men's sizes offer added warmth, and the Outdoor Research Gripper Sensor Gloves are a great option if you need to futz with your phone.

A neck gaiter that can also serve as a balaclava is a multi-functional piece you'll wear again and again. The Outdoor Research Echo Ubertube and Smartwool Merino 150 Printed Neck Gaiter are both versatile staples.

Top your top with a headband or beanie that will keep your body heat in while wicking sweat out. The North Face Windwall® Earband and Adidas Heather Tech Headband are both contoured to cover your ears. The Under Armour Reactor Elements Beanie is breathable and warm, while the Outdoor Research Wind Warrior Hat has WINDSTOPPER® fleece and ear panels for better hearing when howling winds blow.

For whole head coverage turn to a true balaclava, like the Outdoor Research Shift Up Balaclava or Smartwool Balaclava.

Winter Running Without the Worries

With warm layers, grippy shoes and accessories to cover every inch of skin, you'll be ready for your best run in the worst weather winter can throw at you.