No Excuses: The Best Gear For Running in Frigid Temperatures in 2023

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There’s nothing better than a brisk run in the autumn or winter seasons, but to make it comfortable and productive to your training and health, certain cold-weather running gear is necessary. As the temperature drops it becomes that much more important to dress strategically, so you can still get the workout you want regardless of the weather.

According to a decade-long study of Boston Marathon runners conducted in the late 90’s the best temperature range for running is on the colder side: 46-59 degrees Fahrenheit. At these temperatures the heat your body generates is just enough to keep you warm without getting too hot, but it’s also not so cold you’re fighting to maintain a healthy body temperature. Do temperatures colder than this range mean you should opt for a treadmill instead? Definitely not. 

In this piece we’re going to explore best practices when it comes to cold weather running gear and talk through some of our favorite products and brands from head to toe. Whether you’ve got a concrete running goal you’re trying to hit in the spring or simply hate indoor running (we get it), we’re here to help you find the best cold weather running gear to stay warm, safe and comfortable during your winter outdoor runs. 

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Cold Weather Running Gear Best Practices

Mind The Temperature Carefully

Here, we’ll talk about the best gear you can buy for running during the colder months and why you ought to opt for it despite the sometimes hefty price tags. For some wisdom on clothing decisions, New York City-based triathlon and running coach Jonathan Cane says, “Dress as if it were 15-20 degrees warmer and you weren’t running. The faster you run, the more heat you’ll generate.”

Layering Is Key

Layering is the key piece of advice for all winter runners. Wearing a sweat-wicking outer layer that you can strip away or open to let your skin breathe is a key component most runners miss, thinking it best to layer up in thick cotton. Remember that your skin wants to breathe and you’ll heat up exponentially once you start running, so wearing running shorts and a t-shirt isn’t a bad way to go. Once the temperature drops, add a running jacket that you can easily take off.

Get a Grip on Your Extremities

Some shoe companies make a winter-specific running shoe that will keep you warm and safe on the road, or you can opt for shoe covers with or without spikes to help you clamp down on the snow to avoid slipping. Wool socks are also a great investment, but be sure to buy several pairs so you can rotate through your selection. Running hats, caps, and beanies are also prudent for your ears and scalp to keep your body temperature insulated. Some favorite items of triathlon and running coach Jonathan Cane are the Under Armour Base Layers and the YakTrax traction cleats.

Winter running doesn’t have to be scary, it can be fun in fact. Often, you’re the only person out there doing your thing, and the landscape is beautiful and barren. Next we’re going to walk you through each layer and component of cold weather running gear you should consider, and highlight a few of our favorite products in each.

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Base Layer: Stay Dry as Possible

The goal of your base layer is to help you stay as dry as possible on the inside. This means wearing technical fibers that keep you warm while also wicking away sweat. You’d be surprised how easy it is to overdress in cold temperatures and how much heat your body generates, especially during long, challenging runs. Sweat immediately freezes and can make you colder if it’s not drawn away from your body quickly by an athletic fabric.

Here are a few pieces we recommend as the base layer of your cold weather running gear.

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Second and Third Layers: Adding Warmth

Your second and perhaps third layers are all about adding warmth. While your base layers keep you dry, you might add an additional thin fleece or pullover that can help add heat in especially cold temperatures. These layers should also be made of technical fibers and should hub the body snugly without being too tight or too baggy.

We recommend avoiding cotton here and going with a fleece or polypropylene half zip.

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Outer Layer: Repelling The Elements

Depending on the day, you may not need an outer shell to keep out wind, rain or light snow, but we always recommend being prepared. A sudden gust of wind on a cold day can leave your bones chilled, or knock a block of snow off a branch and leave you damp.

A waterproof shell adds almost no weight or bulk, but can be a lifesaver in the event of rogue precipitation. Here are a few we recommend pairing with your base layer and fleece layer for the ultimate cold weather running gear getup.

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Base: Grippy Footwear

It’s extra important in the winter to have grippy footwear that gives you a solid hold on the ground when things may be extra icy and slippery. Make sure you have running shoes with good traction or add on traction cleats to avoid slipping and injury when running in snowy conditions.

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Final Layer: Protecting Extremities

The last layer is all about your extremities — meaning your head, feet and hands. In cold weather your body draws blood to your center to protect your vital organs, so this can lead to cold feet and hands if you don’t have the proper protective gear on.

We’re all about the extra accessories here at SPY, so don’t forget to grab a few pairs of socks, a winter running hat and some gloves to tie together your cold weather running gear.