For some people, running is seasonal and ends as soon as temperatures drop. For others, it’s a year-round activity, and all you need to do is simply adapt to the changes in weather.
If you’re a man in the latter category, you want to ensure that you have the right cold weather running gear. The running gear that you need includes:
- Shoes
- Socks
- Jacket
- Pants
If you want to learn more about cold weather running gear, you’re in the right place. This article explains how to choose the right men’s winter running gear to maximize your runs in style and comfort this winter season.
Men’s Winter Running Gear – The Basics
There are many reasons why the right men’s running gear is a must if you want to continue your runs in the winter. The most obvious reason is to keep you warm.
Even though your body feels like it’s warming up during your runs, that doesn’t mean you should start your runs in a t-shirt and shorts. Cold weather will still adversely affect your body, including stiff joints and tightened muscles, which could lead to injury. For that reason, you must dress warm enough to keep your joints and muscles warm.
At the same time, you also don’t want to overdress. This may cause you to overheat during your run. Layering is the solution to keeping your body at the right temperature during your runs. You want a base layer, an outer layer, and a mid-layer for extra cold days. Your base layer should fit snugly against your skin to keep you as warm as possible, while the outer layer protects you from the elements, such as the wind.
The layering applies to running pants, too, on days when you’re running in extreme cold. You’ll want to invest in a base layer to keep your legs warm and an outer layer to protect them.
However, it’s essential to know your limits; at a certain point, it is too cold to run. On windy days when the temperature is below zero, you should hop on your treadmill instead.
Beyond the top and bottoms, you want to ensure that you have the right additional accessories, including:
- Warm hat or headband
- Winter running gloves
- A neck gaiter
What Men’s Winter Running Gear Do You Need?
How you run in the winter is unique to you. You may need less winter running gear than you think, or you may end up needing more than you anticipated. It all depends on your running needs.
To guide you, here are some men’s winter running gear that you don’t want to forget.
Shoes and socks
Your shoes are the most critical for any run, especially in winter. The two components you want to focus on when choosing winter running shoes are warmth and safety.
The best cold weather running shoes are insulated and have good traction to take on any ice that gets in your way. Although airy mesh ventilation works well to cool down your feet in the summer, you’ll want the opposite effect in the winter, so you should stay away from shoes like that.
You should get winter running shoes with insulated lining to keep your feet warm. Choosing shoes with a waterproof membrane that will keep your socks dry and avoid wet and frozen feet is also a good idea.
Speaking of socks, you want to skip the ankle socks that are usually convenient in the summer and choose socks with a little more length to protect your ankles from the cold wind. The material of your socks is also important. A wool blend will keep your feet warm and comfortable throughout your run.
The right jacket
Although your base layer will primarily keep you warm, you must choose the right winter running jacket to add warmth and protect you from the elements.
The material of your running jacket should be warm and soft and wick away sweat from your body. You should avoid down jackets for running, as it doesn’t perform well when it gets wet. Instead, opt for lightweight materials such as polyester and a cotton filling for extra warmth.
You should also ensure that your jacket fits comfortably but is not too loose to let cold air enter as you run. The sleeves should be cuffed, or you can also choose cuffed gloves and put them over your jacket sleeves to keep body heat in and cold air out.
Finally, if you’re used to running in the dark, you should choose a running jacket with some sort of reflectiveness for safety and to ensure that you’re seen at night.
Warm but comfortable pants
Your legs do most of the work when you run, so you want to protect them. Although it may be tempting to grab your regular joggers in the winter, you may want to put more thought into your pants.
You should have some good winter running tights for the season. Having running pants that fit close and snug will ensure that your legs remain as warm as possible throughout your run.
As the weather gets colder, add a thermal base layer to ensure everything stays warm and perhaps thermal pants to repel the wind overtop.
Conclusion: Keep Warm with Men’s Winter Running Gear
Warmth is imperative for winter running, so having proper cold weather running clothes is essential to stay warm on your next winter run.
From solid running shoes with traction to running socks that keep your feet warm to a good pair of tights, it’s a good idea to stock up on the men’s winter running gear you need to make the most out of the cold weather.
