My Go-To Cold-Weather Running Gear
"A lot of you have been asking me about my fleece leggings..."
There was a time in my life where I would LOL if you suggested I run outside in the winter. I was a fair-weather runner through and through. And then I was introduced to really good cold-weather running gear and completely changed my tune. (I also moved to a place where the average first frost is mid-October, and snow falls well into April.)
The thing is, you can run comfortably in most weather as long as you’re dressed appropriately. I’m now a true believer in that.
I posted on Instagram Stories in early November that fleece leggings szn was upon us, and not to be *that girl*, but multiple people replied asking me for more specifics. So, since a lot of you have been asking me about my fleece leggings, I’m sharing my favorites—plus the other cold-weather running apparel I use from November through March/April.
Quick note: Apparently a lot of my winter running go-tos are no longer available. So I’m sharing the stuff I wear and love if it’s available, but if it’s not, I’ve picked something similar from the same brand so that I can at least vouch for it in some way.
Fleece Leggings
Stoic Tech Fleece Legging
Great for cold-weather running and hiking, these leggings are made with a sweat-wicking fleece interior and smooth, breathable exterior. I have them in the bright blue color, which is a nice change up from my all-black-everything running attire. My favorite features: a very high, thick waistband, and a phone sleeve pocket on the leg that actually keep my iPhone in place while I run.
Buy it: backcountry.com
Under Armour Authentic Leggings
The Under Armour ColdGear leggings I wear are no longer available, but I found these ones that look very similar—the waistband is really the biggest difference. These leggings are made with thick fabric with a brushed (aka fleecy) layer on the inside and a sweat-wicking layer on the outside, which keep you warm without overheating. I also find I can wear these multiple times before they stink enough that I need to wash them. In case you also hate doing laundry.
Buy it: underarmour.com
Nike Pro Therma-FIT
Again, the closest I can find to my old faithful Nike winter running leggings is this pair. You get lightweight fleece on the inside, wicking material on the outside, a small zip pocket in the waistband for keys, and a not one but two mesh side pockets, one on each leg.
Buy it: nike.com
The North Face Women's Winter Warm Tights
I have a pair of The North Face leggings that I wear nonstop when I go for walks in the winter. Of course, they don’t seem to be sold anymore! But I found these newer leggings that are comparable: fleecy interior in the back of the legs, wind-proofing material on the fronts. Mine are just roomy enough that I can wear my merino wool baselayer pants underneath when it’s especially cold (read: a recent 4-mile walk on a 16-degree day).
Buy it: dickssportinggoods.com
Jackets & Fleeces
Jack Wolfskin Hydro Grid Fleece
My usual winter running setup is 1) wicking T-shirt, 2) breathable fleece, 3) windbreaker or puffy outer, depending on how cold and windy it is. I just started slotting this fleece into that mid-layer spot, and so far, it’s been great. The fleece is lightweight, stretchy, and breathable, but still really good at insulating. Couldn’t ask for much more!
Buy it: jackwolfskin.com
Merrell Women's Flux Lightweight Hybrid 1/4 Zip Fleece
I recently wore this for a Turkey Trot 5k, and it was a little too hot under a windbreaker on a 45-degree day. Which means it’s going to be perfect for runs when temps are in the 30s. The fleece is thin and lightweight, but super soft and just warm enough to take off the chill.
Buy it: merrell.com
A Few Other Ideas…
Since the other jackets and fleeces in my rotation (a New Balance puffy, an Adidas windbreaker, and Nike pullover fleeces) are nowhere to be found online, I did some browsing for other options that look legit. Full disclaimer: I have not worn or tried these. Just simply recommending options that seem worth trying based on my research and trust of these brands in general.
REI Co-op Swiftland Cold-Weather Running Jacket
Buy it: rei.com (plus-size version here)
Nike Therma-FIT Run Division
Buy it: nike.com
Smartwool Women's Smartloft 60 Jacket
Buy it: smarwool.com
Lululemon Another Mile Jacket
Buy it: lululemon.com
Accessories
Stance Athletic Crew Socks
I take my socks very seriously. Stance’s crew socks are the perfect cut to cover your ankles, and they’re made with a nylon wool blend that does a great job keeping your feet dry. They're great on milder winter days where you just need to fully cover up any exposed skin. I prefer these medium-cushioned socks to the lighter cushioned run socks, but if that seems more your jam, you can find them here.
Buy it: stance.com
Bombas Women's Merino Wool Running Calf Sock
Bombas’ running socks are also pretty great. I rotate between both brands, and love them equally. These wool ones are a great option for the coldest winter days. Since they’re made of merino wool, you can wear them a few times before washing, if you must. (Real talk: They’re expensive socks, so you may decide to buy just a few pairs and rewear them. No shame.)
Buy it: bombas.com
Sugoi Zap Wind Mitts
Sugoi makes really great cold-weather running clothes and accessories. I have a gloves version of these mittens that I’ve been using for six or seven years at this point. They’re warm and have reflective details plus a smartphone-compatible thumb, so you can switch songs or podcasts without having to take them off.
Buy it: sugoi.com
Nathan Convertible Glove/Mitt
Convertible gloves/mittens are where it’s at. It really does make a huge difference in warmth when you pull over the mittens. I love how these work for a wide range of cold and truly keep my hands warm when it’s below freezing. The tech fingers are great too, so I can change my podcast or send a quick text without taking off the gloves completely. There’s also a nose wiper on the thumbs that I admittedly use… very often.
Buy it: nathansports.com
Saucony Bluster Glove
I just started using these, and so far, really like them! The material is water- and wind-resistant and you can, indeed, use a touchscreen phone without taking them off. They also have thumb nose wipers (or “nose guard” if you want to be discreet). They’re not as warm as the other gloves, but they’re great for days in the 30s-40s.
Buy it: fleetfeet.com
Headsweats Thermal Headband
I prefer a headband/ear warmer situation over a hat so that my head doesn’t get super sweaty, but when it comes to headbands, I’m not picky. I usually just grab whatever one I can find. I have a few, and some don’t even have any discernible branding on them. Recommending this one because Headsweats makes great products and if you’er only going to buy one ear warmer, this one’s basic and covers all your bases.
Buy it: amazon.com
Stay warm out there, and happy shopping!
—AMW
Got any favorites to add? Leave a comment!