Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. By now, you’ve likely pulled out the winter running gear and have had it in heavy rotation for the last couple of months. Most of the country is still seeing extreme temperatures and cold weather patterns, so we’ve put together a list of some new pieces of gear that can be utilized all winter long, and in some cases, throughout the year.
Craft Hybrid Weather Gloves ($40)
Gloves are a must-have piece of gear when planning to run in cold temperatures. The versatility of Craft’s Hybrid Weather Gloves include protection from the wind and precipitation when needed, and the ability to easily tuck the waterproof mitten cover away above the wrist if just the gloves are needed. A soft, brushed interior lining keeps hands cozy, while the exterior includes a silicone pattern for grippiness and touchscreen capability. When winter weather gets to be unpredictable, these are a go-to pair that pack down easily in our hydration vest and have kept our hands protected during runs in freezing, windy conditions. These gloves offer a roomy fit, so size down if you’d prefer a more snug fit. They are offered in both men’s and women’s sizes, along with a variety of color choices. Find them at craftsports.us.
Injinji Performance Snow Over The Calf Socks ($28)
When it comes to running through the snow, protection and insulation are a must on both the feet as well as the legs. Injinji’s new Snow Over The Calf toe socks offer heavy duty coverage with padded toes and extra cushioning on the footbed. This sock has extra thickness that protected our legs when blazing trails through fresh powder. With a substantial stretch over the calves, these socks offer a heavy-duty barrier from the cold weather and precipitation. Made from 63% nylon, 34% Thermolite EcoMade and 3% Lycra, the Thermolite helps to “generate heat using the body’s infrared energy and utilizing hollow fibers to create an insulation layer of warm air within the sock.”
We appreciated the plush, snug fit, along with the cushioned toes that kept our feet warm and cozy while our shoes battled the sloppy snow. Sizes include S-XL. Find them at Injinji.com.
Tracksmith NDO Harbor Jacket ($255)
Of all the winter gear that’s out there, we’re most particular about our jacket—especially when it’s freezing outside. Tracksmith’s NDO Harbor Jacket is an insulated outer layer that’s designed specifically for running without restricting mobility and promoting thermoregulation. We’ve put the miles in while wearing the jacket in sub-freezing temperatures, and it stands out for its ability to keep our core warm without overheating. Tracksmith uses PrimaLoft Gold to insulate the jacket, which consists of 55% polyester and 45% recycled polyester that is engineered for performance. The outer fabric is weather-resistant and moves well with a soft, streamlined quilted texture that encourages unrestricted arm movement. Two pockets (one on each side) are open for protecting cold hands and tucking them away from the elements, while a smaller zippered pocket on the right side is perfect for car keys or credit cards. The collar is crew length, offering immediate coverage around the neck, while the sleeves are tapered with a slight stretch when pulling over watches or additional layers. The one prominent feature that makes this a “running” jacket is the vent across the back that’s lined with Tracksmith’s 2:09 Mesh—constructed from 82% polyester and 18% Spandex Tricot mesh with an antimicrobial finish. Our female testers appreciated the tailored fit of this jacket, along with a longer hemline in the back for added coverage. We recommend sizing up for those who like a looser fit or prefer thicker layers during winter months. Find it in both men’s and women’s sizes (XS-XL) at tracksmith.com.
Craft Sportswear ADV Subz Wool Long Sleeve Tee 3 ($62.99)
Layers can make or break a winter run—especially when the sun comes out. We tested the ADV Subz Wool Long Sleeve Tee 3 made from 80% recycled polyester and 20% merino wool, which includes a half-zip neck and a mock collar. This semi-fitted shirt fits comfortably under a jacket or as a lightweight layer that can be worn on its own, along with design features including thumbholes and reflective decals for increased visibility. We wore this shirt during our winter gear testing and found it to be breathable and light, and we dug the looser fit of the fabric given that many of our winter layers tend to be too tight. Find it at craftsports.us.
Tracksmith NDO Bib ($225)
Full coverage in freezing weather is crucial when spending time outdoors. But when we first heard about Tracksmith’s running bib, we were skeptical—until we tested them. This one-piece bib is a combo of tights and tank and is constructed with a double knit merino wool blend, along with a mesh back panel that utilizes Tracksmith’s 37.5 Technology for breathability. Given our love/hate relationship with running tights, we were surprised when we tested the bib in winter conditions. They pull on like tights—a snug fit (not too snug) when pulling the straps over the shoulders—but without a waistband to fight with or adjust on the run, the ease of running is instantly noticeable. We tested the bibs in both rain and snow, and found them to be not only warm and protective from the elements but, unlike most one-piece outfits, they were comfortable. The legs fit like running tights without the cumbersome waistband and the straps pull up and over the shoulders but have enough stretch that there’s a snug fit on both the top and bottom. We did find that the layer underneath the bib needed to be on the thinner side, and not too long, as with any shirt, it still needed to be tucked in which is harder to achieve in a pair of bibs.
Our testers appreciated the waterproof protection, along with the extra thickness which provided the warmth needed during our runs in freezing weather. Find them in both men’s and women’s sizes (XS-L) at tracksmith.com.
Shady Rays Cascade Sunglasses ($114)
It’s easy to assume that eye protection isn’t necessary during winter months, but with snow on the ground and sunny skies, all eyes should be protected by quality shades. Shady Rays offers both ski googles for the slopes and sunglasses for outdoor activities on or off the mountain. We tested the Cascade frames with ColorRush polarized lenses that promise to enhance color and clarity, and whether it was running in the snow or driving on a sunny day, they did both. The frames are an ultra-flexible TR-90 matte transparent light pink featuring rubber nose pads and snap hinges. They weathered our heavy sweat sessions and with a slight bow in the frame, allowed for an easy fit over beanies while still staying in place. The rubber nose grips are substantial, which helped them stay put during the sweatiest of runs. We also appreciated the lenses that include 100% UV protection, shatter-resistant, saltwater resistant/hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings (water, and oil and grease repellant). These lenses reduced the glare throughout our winter adventures, brightening our routes and protecting our eyes as we braved the rain, wind and snow. Color options include Rose or Lagoon. Find them at shadyrays.com.
Turtle Fur Merino Watch Cap ($58)
Keeping our head covered is the “top” priority for staying warm in the winter and we’re always looking for a light, moisture-wicking layer. The breathable Carefree Merino Watch Cap kept our head from overheating during our testing and absorbed moisture well when putting in the miles. Breathability is key during winter so as not to find ourselves with a sweaty head mid-run, and we found this lightweight hat offered full coverage over the ears and dried quickly. The merino fabric is stretchy and soft, and the Watch Cap design is loose enough for a larger head but still provides a secure fit. This versatile piece of gear can be worn throughout the year but makes winter running that much warmer. Find numerous colors and patterns to choose from at turtlefur.com.
Skratch Lab Oatmilk Latte Vegan Recovery Mix ($29 – 12-serving bag)
Hot coffee is always tempting after a cold morning run, but doesn’t always provide substantial (or essential) nutrients needed after a workout. Skratch Labs recently released their Oat Milk Latte Vegan Recovery Mix that offers a 4:1 carb-to-protein ratio helping to speed up recovery. Ingredients include coffee, cane sugar, oats and pea protein with 240 calories per serving. We’ve been using this mix post-run throughout the winter and continue to enjoy the light, creamy flavor that offers a subtle hint of coffee and 56 mg of caffeine per serving. It’s also easy on post-run digestion. Find it at skratchlabs.com.