Gear Up for Winter: Head-to-Toe Cold Weather Running Picks

Winter in Manhattan can mean frosty mornings, sharp north winds, and the occasional snow day, but it doesn't have to mean taking the season off. The right gear makes all the difference. Here are the pieces our staff reach for when the temperature drops.

Start at the Top

You lose a lot of heat through your head, and cold ears can make any run miserable. The Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie 2.0 is a go-to for the coldest days. If a full hat is too much, the Mizuno Breath Thermo Headband keeps your ears covered while letting heat escape from the top.

Warm Hands, Happy Runner

Fingers are usually the first thing to go numb. For wet or windy days, the Nike Therma-FIT GORE-TEX Run Gloves are hard to beat. The Nike Women's Therma-FIT Pacer Sphere Midweight Running Glove is a great everyday option. And if you're out before sunrise, the Nathan HyperNight Reflective Convertible Mitt 2 converts from glove to mitten and adds reflective visibility in the dark.

Build Your Layers

Layering is the secret to staying comfortable from your first mile to your last. Start with a moisture-wicking base like the MRC Men's Performance Tech Long Sleeve 2.0, then add a warm midlayer when it gets colder. Our own MRC CloudalLux quarter zips, in men's and women's, are perfect for that, and the Diadora Women's StratoUno Long Sleeve Half-Zip is another great option.

Block the Wind

Kansas wind can turn a 30-degree morning into something that feels a lot colder. A light shell over your base layer makes a huge difference, and our own MRC Lightweight CoreGrid Jacket, in men's and women's, is light enough to run in but still keeps those gusts off your core. If you want extra warmth without the sleeves, the Diadora Padded Winter Vest with Polartec Alpha insulation, in men's and women's, is a great layer for the coldest days.

Cover Your Legs

Once it drops below freezing, it's time to trade shorts for full coverage. The Brooks Momentum Thermal Tight comes in men's and women's and is our pick for the coldest days. For a lighter option on milder winter runs, check out the Brooks Men's Dash Tight. Prefer a looser fit? The Nike Women's Swift Dri-FIT Mid-Rise Pant and the Vuori Performance Jogger have you covered.

Don't Forget Your Feet

Skip the cotton and go with merino wool, which stays warm even when it gets damp. We love the OS1st Wicked Comfort Merino Crew for extra coverage and the Feetures Merino 10 Cushion No Show Tab if you like a lower sock. On the really frigid days, stick a pair of Adhesive Toe Warmers in your shoes.

Shoes Built for the Weather

Slush and wet roads can soak a regular pair of trainers in minutes. The Brooks Ghost 18 GTX, in men's and women's, adds a waterproof GORE-TEX upper to one of the most popular daily trainers on our wall, so your feet stay dry and comfortable all winter long.

Summary

Winter running is all about smart layers, warm extremities, and the right shoes for the conditions. Cover your head and hands, layer up, keep the wind and wet out, and you'll be ready for whatever this winter throws at you. Stop by the shop at 1129 Garden Way and we'll help you build your winter kit, or come try it out on our Tuesday 5:30 pm group run.