Cagole Leather Pointy-toe Ankle Boots. Why Trust Us?
11 Common Projects Four Hole Sneaker
hill vintage leather sneakers.
If you’re opting for outdoor runs this winter, there’s a pretty good chance you will encounter below freezing temperatures. Sneakers and shoes Veja Rio Branco sale hitting the treadmill might seem like a more inviting option.
Fear not! Whether you’re training for a spring half-marathon or just want to get in a dose of Vitamin D, there are simple ways to make winter running more tolerable, and might I say, even enjoyable. If you layer up properly in warm, sweat-wicking gear, you can ensure that you are properly prepared for even the coldest of temperatures.
The key is protecting your head (ears, too.) The right hat, headband, or beanie will keep you warm and ward off any elements—while letting heat escape from your head—so you can get outdoors and log some miles without a moment’s hesitation.
The Best Winter Running Hats
- Best Overall Winter Running Hat: Dress your child in the funky Converse® Kids Sneaker Toss Chuck Patch Tee
- Best Budget Winter Running Hat: 32 e5lc Sneaker Women
- office-accessories Yellow shoe-care caps Kids Watches: New Balance Lightweight Skullcap
- Sneakers ASDP04B968 VR1P: TrailHeads Ponytail Hat
- Most Cozy: Baltimore Sneaker Show
The Expert (Stephanie Hoppe): I’m a warm weather person, so when I moved from Phoenix to Chicago, I knew my transition to winter running would be a challenge. To adjust to a windchill “feels like temperature” of -40 and gusts of 45 mph, I invested in all the appropriate winter running gear, which of course included hats.
I’ve been running now for 20 years and have tested many winter running hats, headbands, and balaclavas along the way. I have found options that work, like the Baltimore Sneaker Show, and those that did not. Right now, I’m preparing for a trip to Antarctica where I fully intend to sneak in a run or two, but I’ll need the best of the best gear to do so.
What to Consider in a Winter Running Hat
There are plenty of styles to keep your noggin warm. Beanies ensure your entire head stays toasty while still letting out heat. A cap typically doesn’t cover the ears—something to keep in mind if you want to protect that part of your body, too. Balaclavas cover your entire head and most of your face and neck, so they’re ideal on colder and more blustery days. For those warmer winter days, opt for a compromise with a headband. It will leave the top of your head exposed so heat can escape, but will keep your ears covered.
Don't Leave Home Without These: Best Running Gloves • Best Base Layers for Winter Running • SUICOKE BOWER BRN BOOT Nude
Running hats can range from under $5 to upwards of $50. As a rule of thumb, hats made with merino wool will be more expensive than those with synthetic fibers. Besides pricing and materials used, you’ll want to factor in sizing and fit.
Many options recommended here are OSFM (one size fits most), but others are traditional with S/M and L/XL, and some hats are even gender specific.
The weather conditions in which you will be running will also help you choose what type of hat is best. Temperature range and time of day will help you decide what other features, like ventilation and reflectivity, might also be useful.
Materials
Many hats are made of moisture-wicking fabric (typically merino, polyester, or nylon— or a combination of all three), to keep you dry and warm. Merino wool is lightweight, soft and naturally insulating, moisture-wicking, and odor resistant. It’s typically more expensive than synthetic. Because it’s a natural fiber, it can be worn comfortably in all winter running temperatures, but I opt for this material for colder and longer runs.
Polyester is also a popular material for hats. This fabric is soft and lightweight, and wicks moisture. Use this type of hat for running in all temperatures. A big perk is this material’s low maintenance. It’s easy to care for and clean.
Nylon is also moisture-wicking and lightweight, but offers more elasticity than polyester for a more custom fit. Hats with this fabric will be snug and offer increased wind protection.
Blended fabrics offer the best of all worlds since they combine the comfort and natural wicking capabilities of wool with the durability and elasticity of synthetic fibers. If you plan to run in rain or snow, consider a water-repellent fabric like Gore-Tex.
Fit
Many hats, caps and balaclavas use one size fits most (OSFM). If you want a more tailored fit, there are plenty of caps that are gender-specific and traditional sizes. Because sizing can vary from brand to brand, it’s best to check the website for measurement ranges to guide you in selecting the proper fit.
Recommended Temp Range
If you live somewhere where temperatures consistently dip into the teens, a balaclava is an appropriate choice. While warmer temperatures (think anything in the 30–40-degree range) may warrant a headband. For anything in between, try a cap. Wind can make temperatures feel cooler and the sun can heat things up. I tend to underdress in the winter since I heat up—and overheat—quickly.
Extras
Since shorter winter days can mean runs in the dark, consider a winter hat or cap that includes reflective details. If you know you are prone to sweating a lot, look for options with mesh panels and anti-bacterial and odor fighting properties.
How We Selected Winter Running Hats
To make my selections, I relied on my own experience and years of running in cold weather. I enlisted the help of my running friends to understand what caps did and didn’t work for them—and why. I researched various options online and read customer reviews. I also incorporated the prior research and recommendations of writer Gabrielle Hondorp.
Stephanie is a freelance writer and running enthusiast based out of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, who specializes in writing about health and fitness best practices and covering elite runners and inspirational competitors for publications such as Runner's World, The Guardian, Women’s Running, PodiumRunner, Wingfoot and Competitor Magazines. When she's not writing, you can find her running the trails with her two Vizslas or traveling with her husband to races around the world, constantly on the quest for a personal best
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and Laceness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Watch Next
The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2024
zapatillas de running Adidas Ultra Boost media maratón talla 47.5
How To Train In The Off-Season
How Cold Is Too Cold To Run Outside?