What to Wear to Run in the Cold

When the temperatures drop and snow starts falling, what you wear on your feet could be the difference between a great run and a really bad one. As our founder once said, “If your feet are happy, you’re happy.

Though easy to overlook, your socks play an important role in protecting your feet from chilly conditions. Look for a merino wool blend, like our Athletic Crew Socks, to effectively wick away moisture and trap heat. Cotton socks hold moisture, like sweat or water, and take a long time to dry, so it can make you feel a lot cooler than the temperature outside – a recipe for cold toes.

Rain, snow, slush, and ice are all possibilities when you’re running in the cold, and it’s important to have a shoe that can provide reliable traction through it all. When the roads and sidewalks get messy, consider investing in a road-to-trail shoe like the Hoka Challenger which has a little extra traction on the outsole. Some running shoes also come with a windproof and waterproof membrane, like GORE-TEX®, that will further protect feet from the cold.

Occasionally, even the extra rubber on your shoe's outsole isn’t quite enough to keep you upright on your run. In very icy conditions, or if you’re heading out on wintry trails, traction devices like the Kathoola EXOspikes have tungsten carbide spikes on the bottom that will provide a little more “bite” on slippery roads and trails.

It’s often said that you lose most of your body heat through your head and neck area. While this may not necessarily be true, these areas are more sensitive to temperature changes and are usually more exposed to the weather. Finding the right coverage for your head and hands is an important part of staying comfortable in the cold.

If you have the choice, opt for mittens over gloves to keep your hands warm. While slightly less functional than gloves for some activities, mittens are better for warmth. By keeping your fingers together, they’re able to share body heat more easily. They also have less surface area for that heat to escape. For versatility, look for a glove with a built-in wind-resistant overmitt, like our Bean Bright Stretch Glove with Overmitt.

One of the most versatile accessories is a fleece-lined neck gaiter. Wearing one around your neck prevents chilly winds from seeping in and helps trap body heat. You can also use it as a headband to keep your ears warm while still allowing some heat to escape from the top of your head, so you don’t overheat. It’s also a great option for headwear if you run with your hair in a ponytail.

Your winter running hat should keep your head warm, but not so warm that it causes you to sweat a lot. Our L.L.Bean Performance Beanie packs just the right amount of warmth and moisture-wicking materials for high-output winter activities like running. For a warmer option on really cold days, check out the popular Katahdin Pom Hat. It’s made from a cozy polyester blend that transitions easily from active pursuits, like running, to more casual activities.