The Best Running Gear For Cold-Weather Conditions

A standout base layer for cold-weather running, offering the perfect balance of warmth, breathability, and lightweight comfort. Made from a soft merino wool blend (that’s not itchy), Tracksmith’s popular Brighton Base Layer wicks moisture away from the skin while maintaining insulation, keeping you dry and warm without feeling bulky. The slim, athletic fit provides freedom of movement, while its perforations around the chest, back, and underarms allow for increased air flow as your body temp heats up in the cold. Whether you’re layering it under a jacket for a winter run at sub-30 degrees or wearing it solo when it's in the mid-40s, this base layer delivers superior comfort and ideal functionality for any cold-weather runner.

Believe me when I say: this is the best winter top I’ve ever run in. The new Advanced Windbreaker from London-based Soar takes everything I loved about their original best-selling Windbreaker and improves upon it. Crafted with a silky smooth mid-weight stretch fabric and brushed liner for next-to-skin comfort, this windbreaker offers exceptional warmth and wind protection while maintaining a lightweight feel. An ergonomic raglan construction allows for fluid movement and full range of motion, while laser-cut hems and flat-flock seams create a clean, modern silhouette. It’s evident no detail was too small when Soar was crafting this garment. Wear it once and you’ll never want to run in anything else again. Yes, that’s a bold statement; yes, I’llI stand by it.

Made from the “thinnest wool in the world,” Satisfy’s signature CloudMerino Waffle Base Layer is one to behold. I’ve recommended this top before for springtime running, and that’s because it’s so exceedingly versatile due to its thermoregulation properties. In colder conditions, the wool's breathable fibers pull moisture away from your skin to keep you dry, while the fabric's natural structure traps heat to keep you warm without weighing you down. I’ve found this top to be suitable for any efforts done in sub-50 degree weather. Admittedly, while the craftsmanship of this product is evident upon your first few wears, it comes with an exceptionally high price tag. You’d be better off thinking about this base layer as a substitute for a winter jacket. That might sound a little crazy, but if you’re someone who runs a few times every week, you’d likely be spending more hours in this top than you would in your third or fourth winter coat. It’s simple Runner’s Math.

Another favorite of mine from Tracksmith, the Downeaster Crew offers a bit more warmth and thickness than their Brighton Base Layer. Made with a double-knit blend of high-quality merino wool and polypropylene, it strikes the perfect balance between insulation and breathability. The tailored fit creates a handsome silhouette while still allowing ample freedom of movement. Plus, it's available in a range of rich seasonal and neutral tones, from “coffee heather” to “beetle green.” I admittedly wear this top around the house as much as I wear it on the track.

Ciele seriously impressed with their debut cold-weather running collection, featuring this exceptional half-zip. The star here is their new proprietary material, COOLmatic | EXP DIAMAfleece™––yes, it’s a mouthful, but it’s also elite engineering: an ultralight diamond grid of recycled polyester with carbon fibers woven in for exceptional temperature control. Unlike other winter tops on the market, it also comes with built-in “cuff mittens,” which keep your hands warm when you’ve left your gloves at home. Whether you're layering up for a long winter run or need something versatile for unpredictable weather, this piece has you covered.

While Japanese brand Goldwin built their reputation on technical outerwear, their Light Warmer Jacket proves they're equally adept at crafting premium running gear. The jacket masterfully balances protection and breathability, with a wind-resistant shell that still vents excess heat during intense workouts. True to Goldwin's Japanese heritage of meticulous craftsmanship, every detail serves a purpose: raglan sleeves allow full range of motion, strategically unlined zones enhance comfort, while thoughtful touches like thumbhole cuffs, an adjustable hem, secure zip pockets, and reflective elements for low-light visibility demonstrate their technical expertise. Beyond its performance credentials, the jacket's refined aesthetic makes it versatile enough to transition seamlessly from training runs to everyday wear.

On’s winter tights were the first I had ever bought, and they’ve still been treating me well years later. Made from a soft brushed fabric to lock in warmth and wick away moisture, they’re your gateway into embracing the cold and finally looking forward to those winter morning runs. Specs wise, they have everything I look for in a winter tight: an adjustable waistband, integrated pockets (both on the leg and a zippered pocket on the back), and a buttery-soft fabric.

Whether you’re running along the West Side Highway or doing loops in Prospect Park, you’re bound to see runners repping Bandit wherever you go in NYC. Their cold weather tights have become a recent favorite of mine due to their superior storage system; an impressive array of seven(!) pockets are integrated into the design, which easily hold your phone, energy gels, and even your gloves or beanie if your run happens to heat up. The custom-knitted Stamina fabric, made from an ultra-fine poly/spandex blend, offers maximum stretch for unrestricted movement, with a light brushing on the inside for added warmth. You’ve also got Bandit’s signature fingerprints all over the design, from the exposed drawstring at the waist to the reflective branding on the thigh.

Most winter tights on the market are made from synthetic materials––which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since engineered fabrics can have great breathability and moisture-wicking properties. But for runners who appreciate Merino's natural warmth and performance in their upper layers, Tracksmith’s Fells Tights bring those same beloved qualities to your legs. The textured Merino knit delivers a uniquely comfortable, snug fit that sets them apart from conventional polyester options, proving especially valuable during the season's most bitter cold runs. In more appropriate terms: they feel like your legs are getting a nice, warm hug.

If you’re braving the cold in shorts, they’d better have a good liner. That’s why I love the CoffeeThermal™ Shorts from Satisfy, which have become my go-to pair for everyday runs when it’s just warm enough to forgo leggings. The brand’s CoffeeThermal™ lining is unlike anything on the market; made in France with the help of Israeli nylon expert NILIT, this multidimensional fabric integrates coffee charcoals into its fibers that help to capture and retain body heat, as well as neutralize odors. In fact, even its gray-ish brown hue comes from the byproduct of coffee production. With two spacious pockets and winterized performance that builds on their excellent TechSilk™ model (my second favorite running short of the year), these shorts are a runner's dream.

For the coldest of days, Ciele's beanie-cap hybrid shows off their excellence in performance headwear. It combines wool and silk insulation for exceptional temperature control, while a recycled DWR shell keeps the elements at bay. The insulated ear and neck coverage can also be easily folded up or down depending on the conditions.

Running in the cold without gloves is a rookie mistake; trust me, I’ve done it one too many times. The Softspeed Gloves from Bandit are great for exactly three reasons: first, they’re extremely soft and do a fantastic job at, well, doing what they’re supposed to do––keeping your hands warm. Second, they have touch screen fingertips, so you can check your phone without taking them off. And third, they have a “watch window” so you can easily keep your pace visible amongst all your layers.

These natural Merino wool socks are great for year-round runs or any high-effort activities. They help keep moisture away from your feet, keeping them dry and blister-free, while their mid-calf design provides contoured compression for flexible support. I’ve worn these on long Sunday runs and 40+ mile bike rides, and have never had any issues.

The winter chill can help mask the sensation of sun exposure, but don’t be fooled: UV rays are just as prevalent in winter as they are in summer. Sure, you may not feel the warming sensation of a sunburn creeping in when it’s cold enough to see your breath, but if the sun is shining, your skin is susceptible. So lather up. Preferably in a mineral-based sunscreen like this one from Freaks of Nature.