Best Winter Running Gear Reviewed

When you run, you rely on your feet to help you reach your goals. This is why it's very important to protect them, and the very first thing you're going to need is a good pair of warm, durable socks. You need the right footwear too, but it's best to start with socks so you're shielded from the cold on all levels.

The Razer Trail comes from a company called Rockay. They have dedicated their time and assets to bring you the best apparel and gear for running, made by runners for runners. They are well aware of what the average runner goes through if their gear is not adequate! All of their products come with a lifetime guarantee, so even if your socks disappoint you or fail you, Rockay is ready to send a brand new pair your way!Read more

The Razer Trail is made out of a combo of Econyl Regenerated Nylon, Recycled Polyamide, and a small percentage of recycled elastane. You can probably see that there's one more thing this company cares about, besides their gear, and that's keeping the Earth green. All of their socks and other items are made out of recycled materials, but that doesn't make the socks low-quality!

The materials used are second-hand, but they have been reinforced to last you a lifetime, working better than most regular materials. Every material kind was carefully selected for their unique features that make running a more enjoyable sport. Plus, their products are treated with Polygiene, which is a specific technology that makes washing socks after each use obsolete. Polygiene kills every last trace of bacteria and fungus, removing odors and dirt without the help of a washing machine. You just need to air dry your socks after you're done using them, and they will be as good as new - good for your wallet and the environment!

The excellent material blend is not the only amazing feature these socks have. For starters, they are truly seamless. This removes every irritation point a sock could have, lowering the chances of blisters developing.

When you're out running in the cold, the last thing you need is stopping to see where the blister is and how much damage it did to your feet! The socks are strategically cushioned to improve your performance and to shield your sensitive feet from the rough terrain. The socks have a reflective logo on the back of the top band, alarming people of your presence if night falls while you're running.

There are breathable mesh zones placed around the socks. You might think that staying cool is the last thing you need when you're freezing, but it's very possible to become sweaty while you're running. If the temperatures drop significantly while you're still damp, you could develop frostbites, and you really don't want that to happen! The Razer Trail also has arch support that secures your feet and helps them survive strenuous exercises without any pain or stress.

One more addition from Rockay is the Flare Quarter Running Sock. These socks have all the lovely features most Rockay products have, like the lifetime guarantee, or the excellent recycled material blend. But unlike the trail, these socks are slightly shorter. This might seem like a bad idea when it's cold, but if you're already properly dressed, and if your shoes are thick enough, you don't need any extra material suffocating your feet.Read more

The Flare is made out of recycled nylon, recycled polyamide, and recycled elastane. The nylon and polyamide serve to cushion you, to breathe, and to give you support, while the elastane gives the socks the stretch they need to accommodate your ever-moving feet. The intricate patterns you see, clashing with the white background, are not there just to make the socks interesting.

They mark the spot where breathable mesh intertwines with the arch support. These strategically engineered zones will give your feet all the support they need without suffocating them in the process! You can also see where the padding is, guarding you against blisters and pain as long as they live.

There is a little logo on the top band, shining like fireflies in the summer night to give other people an idea of your whereabouts when the Sun goes down. The toes of these socks are seamless, removing the blister and pain threat!

Now that we have your feet covered, it's time to move up to your calves. It's not uncommon to experience calf fatigue and an uncomfortable level of vibrations when you run for a long time, essentially rendering you unable to continue. Plus, the extra layer around the calves will keep you warmer, and the compression will keep your blood moving towards your feet, and from them, keeping you warm all the time. It's important to remember to choose a lower level of compression because too much compression when you run can immobilize you or slow the flow of blood down, so you'll start feeling cold and numb!Read more

The Rockay Blaze is a sublime calf sleeve that was masterfully engineered to help you better than ever. The Blaze, just like every sock from Rockay, is made out of the best possible materials that cater to your needs. The sleeve is streamlined and fun, so you will look stylish while feeling great!

There are plenty of color choices that suit your preferences. The Blaze has true documented graduated compression, in the 16-23 mmHg range. This is just strong enough to help you fight fatigue and swelling without hindering your range of movement.

This compression can also wick away sweat, keeping you cool and dry. You can also experience lowered muscle vibrations, and you won't feel too weak to continue if you have the Blaze wrapped around your legs! Just like the socks we described above, the Blaze has been treated with Polygiene, so you won't need to wash them so often, nor will they smell or become dirty as fast as other sleeves would.

Now that your feet and legs are protected, it's time we move up to the next item on the agenda - your head. You lose most heat through your hands, feet, and through your head, so it's very important that you keep your head warm, even with some extra layers if need be. This means that you need a good hat, preferably made out of wool. A high-quality beanie will keep you toasty while protecting you from all kinds of weather at the same time.Read more

Smartwool is a company that creates products for people who really value their time in the great outdoors. Although they started with socks back in 1994, they have since expanded their product list. Now they have almost everything you need to stay warm and dry in the cold, harsh winter.

Most of their items are made out of Merino wool, and so the 250 Beanie is also made out of Merino wool. Merino wool is the best kind of wool out there. It's thick, super durable, and it retains heat like no other.

It also wicks away moisture, absorbing plenty of water before letting it escape through the dense upper layer. You'll stay both warm and dry with a merino wool hat topping off your head! This cuffed beanie is double-knitted, improving the strength of the hat while giving you a comfortable fit.

Although the beanie is cuffed, it's bulk-free, so don't expect any tension headaches while wearing it. The cuff will also absorb any sweat from your forehead, leaving your eyes unaffected. The sides of the beanie are reversible, so when you're tired of wearing the same color, or if the wool becomes damp, you can simply swap the beanie around and it's as good as new!

The final, very important part of your agenda is your hands. If you ever went outside when it was way too cold without gloves, you know why it's important to keep them warm. When you run, your hands will slightly move, and that movement can create a waft of cool air that can chill you even more, and if you want to avoid redness, pain, or even frostbites, you need a good pair of gloves that are able to shield you from winters daggers.Read more

These gloves have a very specific construction that differs when you're looking at their back and at the palm area. The materials used to construct them are essentially the same all around, but the percentage differs, and that difference matters.

Your hands are very different. The top of your hands is rough and tougher, while the tip of your fingers and the palms are much more sensitive to any temperature fluctuation, and they do not handle cuts or abrasions well either.

The index and thumb fingers are specially made out of conductive thermal leather so you can easily access your phone or other touchscreen devices without having to take off the gloves. P.R.O. thermal fabric, powered by Minerale, is woven throughout the gloves. This fabric insulates you, removes excess moisture, helps the gloves dry as fast as possible, and keeps you odor-free.

Now that we have most of you covered, it's time to start thinking about adding extra layers. It's always better to have more layers instead of going for a thick sweater and a warm jacket. Why? Because, if by any chance you start feeling warm, you can simply take off a thinner jacket, such as this one, and put it in your backpack, or wrap it around your hips, while your other warm layers remain. If you've got a thick jacket, the extra weight and bulk will slow you down, plus you might start feeling too cold!Read more

The North Face is a very well-known company that creates outstanding gear for the great outdoors. If you buy any jacket from them, you can rest easy knowing you're taken care of. The Resolve is a jacket that appears rather thin, but believe us when we say that it will warm you up like no other.

The Resolve comes in a myriad of colors, ranging from cal, neutral hues to vibrant and wild colors that stick out like a sore thumb in the white backdrop of snow. The Resolve is completely waterproof, lined with breathable mesh that will keep you cool and dry while the rain rages on around you. The hood is adjustable, and it can be hidden in the collar if you have no use for it. The Resolve has a lifetime guarantee, so if the jacket fails you in any way you always have a back-up plan!

Now that you have a proper jacket, you should really think about investing in a proper long-sleeved shirt. The shirt should ideally cover the length of your arms, and maybe even your neck, and it should be very isolated to keep you warm at all costs. It doesn't need to look that well, but the Thermopolis does look good while keeping you warm!Read more

The Thermopolis is 100% polyester. This might not make it as breathable as one would like, but it will keep you warm and dry. Polyester is known for its incredible moisture-wicking abilities, and if you've got this sweater hugging your body, you will be toasty and dry, no doubt about that! You just need to make sure you've got the right size.

Otherwise, the shirt may cling onto you too much and restrict your movement, chafing you raw or it could disrupt your blood flow! The slim fit of the Thermopolis wraps around your figure perfectly while still leaving room to move. The fabric of the shirt is brushed, so as to not chafe you, it's relatively lightweight. The Thermopolis is also very stretchy, making it comfy all day long. The long raglan sleeves have thumbhole cuffs for extra heat retention. The reflective elements of the Thermopolis keep you safe when the night falls.

Buying boxer shorts specifically made for running might not be what you thought of when we mentioned winter running gear, but believe us when we say that you will praise the day when you bought these! The extra layer around your legs retains valuable heat and wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and very toasty. These shorts also help keep the blood moving while protecting you if you accidentally fall!Read more

This Swedish company is very familiar with terrible winters, so you can safely rely on them to help keep you warm when you run on crisp snow. These boxer shorts are 100% polyester, but the fabric is different around the construction, with features adapted for optimal protection. The shorts are thin and lightweight, elastic to let you use your legs naturally.

The fabric is channel-knitted, trapping air between them and your body to warm you up. The Coolmax-air fibers hug your body and transport moisture away from your sensitive skin. The body-mapped Windstopper fabric in the front shields you from windchill. The shorts can be safely washed in a machine, just make sure to avoid the dryer if you don't want them to shrink!

When you're running during the day, chances are that the Sun will decide to shine down on you. But if it's shining down on you, its also shining down on the snow, and that creates a reflection that can be very distracting, and it can be harmful to your eyes! You've probably seen people participating in winter sports, wearing those large polarized glasses that cover half of their faces. It's time you did the same thing because the health of your eyes is extremely important!Read more

The Julbo Aero Sunglasses are very large and curved to shield your eyes from every side. They come in three color varieties - tortoiseshell gray, neon orange, and simple, eternal black. Do not let the color of the lenses you see on the pictures confuse you.

The lenses actually change colors and adapt to the current level of sunshine, keeping your eyes adequately protected at all times without hindering your sight! There are pads present around the nose and on the temples that create an ideal fit, so do not worry about losing the glasses somewhere along the way!

Breathing can become one of the most difficult things in the cold weather! The cool air shreds your lungs, which is very problematic when you really need that gulp of air to keep you going. This is why you need to think in advance and protect yourself with a hood that will warm up that air and protect your face and nose from winters chilling kisses. The hood should also cover your neck and head, so you'll have two or three layers keeping your blood and body optimally warm!Read more

The NIKE Pro Combat Hood is made out of a THERMA-fit material that is perfectly insulating and moisture-wicking. The flat-seam construction keeps your face free of irritation, and it lies smooth against your face, creating a perfect fit. It can easily fit under helmets, hats, or jacket hoods to keep you even warmer.

The hood extends below the neckline, completely covering your nose, leaving only your eyes to fend off the cold. If you don't need to protect your face, or if it's becoming a bit too hot for your comfort, the hood transforms into a neck gaiter that gives your face the space to breathe.