Best winter running gear 2023 to survive the cold and rain

A roundup of the best winter running gear, from clothing to wearables and accessories, from all the best brands, including Under Armour, Nike, Saucony and more.

Best winter running gear: pictured here, two people running in cold weather in a forest
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The best winter running gear can protect you from the elements and turn something unpleasant – running in the cold – into a more enjoyable experience. These specially crafted cold-weather and rain-resisting garments and running footwear can provide the right amount of protection, insulation and breathability for your cold-weather runs.

As much as we love summer training, we must admit that running during winter can also be a glorious feeling if you wear proper winter running gear. Those crisp Sunday mornings, when the weather is dry and cold, the sun shines bright orange, and it's just you and the road... Nothing can beat the tranquillity of those sessions.

As peaceful as winter running is, you still need to wrap your body parts up appropriately so your joints and muscles won't get hurt. The cold-proof garments on this list, including the best running shoes, best running tops, best running jackets and best running socks, have been tried and tested to work perfectly in cold conditions and provide maximum breathability, insulation and comfort. Finally, if it's water protection you're after, make sure you also read our best waterproof running jackets and best waterproof running shoe guides.

Best winter running gear to buy right now

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

best winter running gear: GORE WEAR R3 Men's JacketT3 Approved badge


(Image credit: Gore Wear)

1. Gore Wear R3 Jacket

Best winter running jacket

Specifications

Material: 100% polyester

Reasons to buy

+
Permanently waterproof
+
Windproof yet breathable material

Reasons to avoid

-
Best suited for when it's real cold

The R3 fits close to your body, and thanks to the runner-specific cut in combination with GORE-Tex Active Technology, it won't restrict your movement, nor will it let you get cold during your outdoor sessions. The technology also makes the jacket waterproof, windproof and highly breathable.

Designed for maximum breathability and reliable protection even in rainy weather, the R3 has an adjustable waistband and a chest pocket with zip and cable exit, keeping your phone/tissues/keys securely in one place. It is also backpack-friendly, much to trail and long-distance runners' delight. 

Under Armour OutRun The Cold

(Image credit: Under Armour)

2. UA OutRun The Cold Long Sleeve

Best winter running top

Specifications

Materials: 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane

Reasons to buy

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Thumbholes and running watch opening to keep your hands warm without losing out on data
+
Super-soft material feels nice on the skin

Reasons to avoid

-
Loose fitting, so you might need a base layer if it's windy

What we love the most about the OutRun The Cold Long Sleeve is how soft the brushed knit fabric feels on the skin; exactly what we need when we need any incentive we can gather to go out for a run in freezing temperatures. It's also stretchy and breathable to keep you ventilated when things get hot under the hood.

Even better is the watch opening on the left wrist; no need to choose between keeping your hands warm and looking at your running watch! There are some reflective details on the top to make you more visible in low-light conditions, although we ran with a running head torch when testing the top, just in case (check our best head torch guide for more info).

dhb Merino Long Sleeve Base Layer on white backgroundT3 Approved badge


(Image credit: dhb)

3. dhb Merino M_200 Long Sleeve Base Layer

Best base layer for winter running

Specifications

Material: 100% Merino wool

Reasons to buy

+
Flatlock seams to reduce chafing
+
Odour-resistant, moisture-wicking material

Reasons to avoid

-
You need to tuck it in properly for it to stay inside your trousers

We love a good synthetic base layer but Merino wool is perfectly is well-suited for keeping you warm and dry during physical activities. It is naturally odour resistant and also moisture wicking for extra comfort during during cold weather runs. Or walks. Or hikes.

The dhb Merino M_200 Long Sleeve Base Layer is made with 'superfine grade' 18.5 micron merino yarn and fits close to the body which is perfect as it will keep you warm without making you too warm, if you know what we mean. If you ever feel too tasty inside this base layer, you can let some more in by zipping down the neck. 

Best winter running gear: ASICS Lite-Show 2 Winter Long Sleeve Half Zip Running Women's TopT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Asics)

4. ASICS Lite-Show 2 Winter Long Sleeve Half Zip Running Women's Top

Best winter running top for women

Specifications

Material: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex

Reasons to buy

+
Moisture wicking material
+
Extra ventilation holes under the arms
+
Highly reflective design

Reasons to avoid

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It is a bit warm for anything but the coldest of weather
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A bit on the short side

The ASICS Lite-Show 2 Winter Long Sleeve Half Zip Running Top has not only got a very long name, but it also features Asics' Lite-Show "body mapped 360° reflectivity" – it's not just on the bike when it's useful to be seen but on the pavement, too. The half-zip nature of the top is great for adding some extra ventilation when you really get warm during your runs: a half-zip is an ideal compromise between a sweatshirt and running jacket, the former being too warm and the latter flapping around your hip as you run.

To save on your order, make sure you check our Asics discount codes

Under Armour OutRun The ColdT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Under Armour)

5. UA Storm OutRun The Cold Pants

Best winter running joggins for men

Specifications

Material: 72% Polyester, 28% Elastane

Reasons to buy

+
Coated with water-repellent UA Storm technology
+
Mesh area over the knees to avoid bagginess
+
Plenty of storage pockets

Reasons to avoid

-
Not quite as aero as leggings

The UA Storm OutRun The Cold Pants reminded us of the On Running Pants, but not only UA's version is cheaper, but it's also water-repellent and – most importantly –equally as comfortable as On's joggers. We were surprised at how stretchy the OutRun The Cold Pants were during testing; we sat, ran and squatted in them without them breaking a sweat (unlike us). They are also said to wick sweat more efficiently, something we couldn't test as the temperatures were so low we didn't sweat much. We appreciated the extra zipped pockets, though, helping us take out phones, keys and other accessories on our wintery runs.

ASICS Lite-Show 2 Winter Running Women's Tight on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Asics)

6. Asics Lite-Show 2 Winter Running Women's Tights

Best winter running leggings for women

Specifications

Material: 91% Polyester, 9% Spandex

Reasons to buy

+
Laminated media pocket at back
+
Rear-leg zip opening

Reasons to avoid

-
Just like the ASICS top, the tights are on the short side

The Asics Lite-Show 2 Winter Running Women's Tights is the bottom half of the Asics Half Zip top above; it offers the same great features, like heat retention and highly reflective panelling. The features that are exclusive to this garment, however, are the rear leg zip at the bottom of the legs for extra ventilation and the laminated rear media pocket for your phone or iPod Touch – does anyone still use those?

For sure, the Asics Lite-Show 2 Winter Running Women's Tights will keep your legs warm when they need to be warm and also keep the muscles stimulated, and joints protected all the way through your runs.

Proviz Unisex Pixelite Running Gloves on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Proviz)

7. Proviz Unisex Pixelite Running Gloves

Best winter running gloves

Reasons to buy

+
Highly reflective material
+
Soft touch fabric

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the closest fitting gloves

The performance-grade Proviz Unisex Pixelite Running Gloves are made of a mix of soft-touch fabrics and the highly reflective PixElite material, meaning you will feel good and be visible, even after sunset. Designed and manufactured in Italy, the Proviz Pixelite running gloves are designed to be stylish whilst also trying not to compromise too much on performance. And they do just that, although the gloves are not the thickest, so we wouldn't call them ideal for sub-zero conditions.

Premax Weather Defence Facial Cream on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Premax)

8. Premax Weather Defence Facial Cream

It's like a base layer for your face

Reasons to buy

+
Advanced skin protection for athletes
+
Perfect gift idea for runners and cyclists

Reasons to avoid

-
Admittedly, a bit of a luxury for most

One thing you can't really cover up, even in the coldest of conditions, is your face. Sure, you can wear a balaclava, but not only it is not comfortable for running, you might also get some funny looks, even in the times of covid, by running around on the street wearing a full balaclava.

Instead, protect your face by applying some Premax Weather Defence Facial Cream before your runs. According to Premax, its cream is an "exercise-specific formula" that protects the skin when exposed to wind, cold and harsh weather conditions.

The Premax Weather Defence Facial Cream is formulated with bunch of natural ingredients such as rosehip, macadamia, lavender, shea butter, aloe vera and the list goes on. The cream itself absorbs quickly and doesn't make the skin greasy at all. 

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Saucony)
Best winter running shoes

Reasons to buy

+
Super lightweight
+
Thermal backing for warmth
+
Reflective details for extra visibility on the road

Reasons to avoid

-
Less breathable than standard running shoes

We highly recommend the Saucony Endorphin 2 Runshield as the current leader in the waterproof running shoe market. Having loved running in the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2, the Runshield model is just as easy to run fast in and to love!

Read our full Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 Runshield review

Best winter running gear: 2XU Vectr Ultralight Cushion Crew SocksT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: 2XU)

10. 2XU Vectr Ultralight Cushion Crew Socks

Best winter runnig socks

Reasons to buy

+
Extra cushioning in soles
+
Top mesh for added breathability

Reasons to avoid

-
Some might find it too tight

Runners often forget to support their ankles, which is quite surprising, given how much pressure they must endure during running. Even in cold weather, many people often only put leg warmers on with ankle socks, leaving the ankle joints susceptible to cold weather conditions.

Give your ankles some much-deserved love, and wrap them up well in some nice supportive socks. The 2XU Vectr Ultralight Cushion crew socks use a system called 'X. Lock' for arch, ankle and plantar fascia support. The design promotes an anatomical, anti-blistering fit for reduced friction in the shoes.

2XU says the Vectr is "the ultimate sports performance sock, built for every sport and every shoe". The zoned mesh ventilation ensures breathability and comfort, along with the light 1.25mm cushioning at the soles, which deliver greater comfort inside tight-fitting sports shoes.

Best winter running gear: Proviz Nightrider Backpack - 10 LitresT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Proviz)

11. Proviz Nightrider Backpack (10 Litres)

Hydration pack ready and fully waterproof

Reasons to buy

+
Chest strap
+
Waterproof
+
High-viz

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most spacious backpack

The Proviz Nightrider 10-litre backpack has a tough 600D nylon outer layer coated with a PVC lining to make it water-resistant to the highest levels. The inner lining is 210D polyester which adds strength, something that comes in handy when battling the elements outdoors. The chest strap helps to add stability during your runs and keeps the bag from bobbing up and down.

The outer shell is covered with Proviz's highly reflective paint, and there is even a cute little triangle on the top of the bar, which can be removed and replaced with the Triviz Light Pack (sold separately) for extra visibility at night. Use the Proviz Nightrider 10-litre backpack as a hydration pack or as extra storage space to keep a set of spare socks and snacks for longer rides.

Best winter running gear: Nike Team Performance Beanie HatT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Nike)

12. Nike Team Performance Beanie Hat

Best winter running hat

Reasons to buy

+
Straightforward design
+
Reflective logo

Reasons to avoid

-
It's just a beanie with a swoosh, really

As straightforward as it gets, the Nike Team Performance Beanie Hat will keep your head warm when it needs to warm. A no-frills, easy-to-wash hat that sports a reflective Nike swoosh logo at the front and isn't too warm, so it'd make your head boil. What else can you possibly ask from a beanie hat?

How we test the best winter running gear

This year, we were blessed with freezing weather from early on the year, which isn't good for our wallet but great for testing the winter running kit. We put the garments and accessories on this list through rigorous testing, which included multiple cold morning runs, baltic afternoon jogs and blisteringly cold evening strides. If we were lucky enough to have some rain on the runs, we even tested the water-resistance products on this list.

How to choose the best winter running gear for you

There are a few criteria winter running gear need to comply with. Putting on a parka and thick skiing trousers won't cut it, I'm afraid. Not only they will make you feel way hotter than needed, they will also restrict your movement' none of which is a desired thing when you run.

Winter running jackets and tops need to be warm enough so you won't feel cold at the start of your runs but also not too warm by end. the best winter running jackets provide insulation and breathability without restricting arm movement  and chafing. 

Running tights need to be, well, tight enough and also moisture-wicking so even if they get slightly wet, they won't weigh your legs down. The compression provided by the tights will keep your muscles oxygenated and warm as you run. It's also beneficial if the tights are windproof.

Accessories can also come handy, because as we know, it's all about layering when it comes to winter clothing. Lightweight neck warmers and beanie hats you can take off and shove in your pocket if needed are a great addition and can help you bridge the initial transition period of your runs.

Always check the weather before you head out and dress accordingly. Being mindful about winter exercising always pays off!

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.