5 Winter Running Gear Essentials
When it comes to winter running there seem to be several universal complaints:
My hands are cold.
My feet are cold.
My butt is cold.
Been there. Done that.
Bought the gear to remedy the situation…and didn’t break the bank.
There’s no doubt that running gear ain’t cheap and the colder it gets the more you need! But gear shouldn’t hold you back from getting outside in the winter. If you’re comfortable and prepared for the elements, getting outside in the winter can be really rewarding. That’s why I’ve put together a list of winter running gear essentials that won’t break the bank.
Mittens
There are really two types of mittens that you can go for. If you tend to run hot, I’d suggest convertible run mittens. Like the Saucony Run Mitt. The best time to snag these? Holiday Sales or early spring when gear companies are clearing out apparel to make room for the spring line. Also, TJ Maxx or Marshall’s is a great place to look—that’s where I found mine for $7.99!
If you struggle with constantly cold fingers or have Raynaud’s Syndrome I’d suggest a more traditional mitten. My go-to pick is a pair of The North Face’s Denali Thermal Mitten. They are perfect for run temps below 20 degrees. Or if you struggle with Raynaud’s Syndrom these can keep fingers nice and toasty. These ones were worth their full price, but you could probably find them at a discount in the offseason.
Photo credit: saucony.com
Photo credit: NorthFace.com
Vest
More often than not, I’ll reach for a vest all winter long instead of a jacket. I find that they are more breathable while still providing warmth for the core. I have yet to find a jacket breathable enough to not produce condensation on most winter runs. A vest is versatile and a great investment.
Unfortunately, you can pay upwards of $100 for a running vest. I was able to score a Brooks Running Vest at TJ Maxx for $20, but if you’re not so lucky this vest from Arcteryx is one of the cheaper ones I’ve found from a reputable brand, or you could try this one from Amazon.
Wool Underwear or Boyshorts
If you’re finding that your rear needs some new gear, an inexpensive way to beef up the warmth is with a pair of merino wool underwear or boyshorts. A good pair of winter running tights can run $80+, but adding a merino wool layer to an existing pair of tights can do the trick.
I have a pair from Smartwool that I really like, however they no longer make the boy short version. Instead, try this pair from Stio or Ridge Merino.
photo credit: backcountry.com
Micro Spikes
Along with being uncomfortably cold a major concern for winter running is the risk of slipping and falling. If you don’t have access to a treadmill or simply need your nature-fix each day, a pair of microspikes or nano spikes can help you run in all conditions with ease.
It is hard to come by a pair of microspikes at a discounted price, but if you consider that the alternative is a gym membership or not running at all, I’d say it’s a great investment. My go-to pair for slippery roads is the STABIL Icers from STABIL GEAR and for trails, are a pair of microspikes from Kahtoola.
Photo Credit: kahtoola.com
Photo Credit: StabilGear.com
Duct Tape
Extra warm socks won’t do a dang thing if the mesh of your sneakers is wide open to the winter wind, snow, and slush. The number one defense against cold feet is a pair of waterproof shoes, but waterproof shoes can often run $30+ more than a typical road shoe.
The budget solution? Apply Duck Tape to the mesh portions of a pair of road shoes. Taping the toe and the sides thoroughly can keep cold and wet out, and feet dry and warm.
Now that you know what you need, you’ll be praying for snow, just like me!
-Sarah