Winter running gear: Essential kit to help you train in the cold

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Survive anything the season throws at you with these winter running gear accessories

Running during the winter in the UK can be a real mixed bag. From November through to March, you might have to contend with anything from rain, gale-force winds, freezing cold temperatures, snow or ice (and sometimes a combination of all five!). Having a range of winter running gear in your wardrobe is therefore crucial, and can be the difference between an enjoyable training session and cutting your run short to retreat to the warmth of your home.

When it's looking freezing outside, it can be tempting to reach for your thickest pair of winter running tights, some thermal gloves and a warm jacket. But the conditions are probably not as cold as they seem from the comfort of your centrally heated home. 'I have a saying, which is "Be bold, start cold"', says UKA running coach Michelle Mortimer, who has been coaching since 2009. 'You're going out to exercise so you will sweat. You don't want to be starting your activity too warm because you'll need to be taking layers off.'

First, check the air temperature, as well as the 'feels like' temperature, which takes into account humidity and the strength of the wind. The next thing to consider is the type of run you’re doing. 'How many layers you need will depend on if you're doing a short, faster session or a longer, slower run,' says running coach Michelle Mortimer. 'If you're moving slower, you're not generating a lot of heat, and if the temperature is cold, you need to be factoring in risks like hypothermia. I always recommend carrying layers if you're out for a slightly longer run.'

For a slow run: A pair of lightweight running tights or running shorts will be fine on the bottom half. A short-sleeve running t-shirt should still be enough but you can wear a long-sleeve base layer if your arms tend to get cold. Take a waterproof or windproof layer with you if the weather is looking changeable.

For a fast run: The same as a slow run but you can leave the additional layer at home unless it's torrential rain.

For a slow run: It's all down to personal preference, but this is where some make the switch from shorts to tights. A gilet on top of a technical base layer will help provided added warmth if it's dry or you might want to leave the house in a lightweight waterproof running jacket if it's not. This might also be when you introduce a lightweight glove to your running attire.

For a fast run: You might want to cover those bare legs with lightweight tights as the temperature drops below 10°C. On your top half, a long-sleeve technical base layer will provide enough protection, but you should take an additional water- and windproof layer just in case.

For a slow run: Winter running tights, a long-sleeve technical base layer and a windproof jacket will keep the worst of the elements at bay. Now's also the time to accessorise your appendages – gloves and a circular scarf are a must and a hat is a great way of keeping the chill off if you're short of hair up top.

For a fast run: A lightweight tight will still offer enough warmth if you're running hard, and a long-sleeve technical base layer and gilet will tread the fine line between being too cold and too hot. Gloves will come in handy regardless of efforts.

For a slow run: The thermals (tights, jacket) will remain as your final barrier, but it might be time to add an additional long-sleeve top over a base layer. Gloves and a circular scarf are also a must. When running in these temperatures, you're more likely to encounter slippery terrain, too, so opt for shoes with good grip like trail running shoes.

For a fast run: Thermal tights, a long-sleeve technical base layer and a thick winter-specific jacket. Gloves go without saying and a circular scarf can be adapted mid-run to cover any parts of your head or neck that get chilly.

Finally, there's a good chance that you’ll be running after dark during the winter months, so making sure you’re visible is key. Choose reflective clothing and pop on a head torch if you're running in a poorly lit area. And make sure you run towards traffic so that you can see oncoming traffic.

If there's snow on the ground you're generally OK to run. But there are a number of things to be aware of. Soft, fresh snow is a lot safer to run on than snow that has been compacted down, and you should keep an eye out for patches of ice – particularly black ice. The safest way of running on snow is to take it slow and take extra care of where you're putting your feet.

However, if conditions are icy, Mortimer urges caution, although adds that trail shoes and ice grips can provide some extra grip if you must run during a whiteout: 'I do a lot of trail running, so if I'm somewhere rocky, I will put ice grips on because I'm moving slowly but I would never attempt a road run on an icy pavement.'

She adds that while winter running is great, if the weather's dangerous you don't need to be a hero. 'Make sure you're staying local if the weather's bad so that if you slip over and hurt yourself, you know you can get home if you need to. Alternatively, a running partner or running with a club means that if something does happen, you know that you're safe and you can get home okay.'

We've been busy testing the latest and greatest cold weather kit – including both men's and women's winter running gear – and, below, we've rounded up our favourite pieces of kit.

When to layer up with a jacket is something of a delicate balance – wear a jacket that's too thick and you may find yourself feeling sweaty and claustrophobic a few miles in, but where one that's too thin and you may struggle to warm up at all – especially if you're out for an easy run. Lululemon's Down For It All Jacket is one for when it's really cold – think 0°C or below. Made from 85% White Goose Down and 15% White Goose Feather, we found the zoned insulation kept us exceptionally warm on snowy runs, while the exterior DWR-treated tech fleece fabric is water-resistant and windproof, providing reliable protection from the elements.

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A much lighter layer than the jacket above but one that provides an impenetrable barrier to rain and snow – keeping you dry in all conditions. At 175g, you'll hardly notice you're wearing it, and if it does need to be taken off, it can easily be packed into its rear pocket, making it super easy carry. Made from a windproof yet breathable fabric, it'll reduce the effects of wind chill on cold, blustery days, but will ensure you don't overheat during tougher interval sessions in the cold.

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Conquering tarmac or trails, this jacket has your back – and keeps it dry. Another great lightweight waterproof layer, the Gore-Tex Infinium infused fabric fights off wind and water, while a brimmed hood provides full coverage from the elements. It also comes with a detachable balaclava to keep your face warm.

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When you want a winter-busting triple whammy of staying warm, dry and visible, this 250g jacket's 15,000mm waterproofing, windproofing and 360-degree reflectivity literally covers it all.

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If there's one item that screams winter running gear, it's a pair of cosy running tights – and these are just the ticket. Inside, a brushed fabric remains comfortable against your skin and keeps you warm while wicking away sweat. On the outside, you’ll find external drop pockets big enough for even the largest smartphone and some all-important reflective detailing.

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Built for braving wilder weather on road and trail, the Gore-Tex softshell barrier on the front offers protection from cold, wind, showers and even light snow, while the brushed stretch knit on the back circulates the warm air.

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Following similar principles to the infrared saunas you find at fancy boutique gyms, these tights have a thermo-conductive infrared coating that returns body heat deeper into your muscles.

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Rather pricey, but when temperatures plummet closer to freezing, these luxury run tights repay your investment. Four-way stretchy soft nylon ensures snug-fit support. But it's the naturally thermo-regulating merino fleece lining that wows with amazing comfort and well-balanced warmth.

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A brilliant base layer for scaling up winter protection, the Elite 3.0 is incredibly light, breathable and does a great job of managing moisture that can quickly turn cold. It dries rapidly, has anti-odour properties, thumb loops and well-placed reflective detailing. It's also made from 100% recycled polyester

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Soft, stretchy, breathable and incredibly warm, this base layer comes up fitted and fairly thick, so it's best for running in much colder conditions or stashed in a bag for pre- and post-run comfort.

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While it might be tempting to reach for a jacket as the final layer above a long-sleeve top, on milder mornings, there's one garment that has an advantage up its sleeves (or rather, lack of them). An insulated vest or gilet helps to keep your core warm but keeps breathability high with nothing smothering your arms. Nike's gilet has heat-regulating fabric on its front and back panels that use down feathers to warm your core. And a reliable water-repellent coating prevents those precious feathers from clumping. Final cosy flourishes include warm knit fabric on the shoulders and a thin collar to stop neck drafts.

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This water-resistant running gilet packs Prima loft-zoned insulation for excellent lightweight warmth. If – like us – you’re obsessed with pockets, there are two zippered pockets with hidden phone sleeves, too.

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Running in icy conditions isn't advised for safety reasons, but if you want to charge around on compact snow, or your trails resemble a mud bath, then a running-specific set of crampons can be handy for the most committed runners. These micro crampons from Nortec were a cinch to fit, transformed the grip of any running shoe used during testing and held their own on a range of terrain – from churned-up muddy trails to rock-solid frozen ground.

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If you’ve ever gone out underdressed for a winter run, the first part of your body that is likely to get cold is your hands. But that doesn't mean you need to reach for the ski gloves. Despite being lightweight and minimalistic in design, we found these gloves from Ronhill kept the chill out even on frosty starts. Available in black or fluro yellow, they can also help add some visibility on early morning or evening runs.

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These lightweight running gloves are designed to take care of two classic winter-runner's problems – swiping and wiping. The touchscreen-friendly finger tips actually work, while a couple of soft fabric panels on the thumb and forefinger mean less skin irritation when you’re clearing away those cold-induced nose drips.

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The Icelandic brand specialises in kit that can cope in extreme cold, so your digits are in good hands with these simple but effective Polartec Power Stretch Pro gloves. Delightfully cosy, soft fleece inners are perfect for keeping fingers functionally warm before, during and after inclement runs.

Circular scarves are a great multifunctional piece of kit. At their most basic, they can cover your neck from wind and freezing conditions on cold days. But use your imagination (and a knot or twist here or there) and they can also become a beanie hat, balaclava or even just a sweatband. This Merino wool offering from Wiggle's in-house brand Fohn is excellent quality and the material has natural oder-resistance properties, so it lasts longer between washes.

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A winter-specific version of the eponymous multifunctional neck and head gear, this seamless, versatile Buff is made from a mix of 58% recycled polyester and gold-standard insulation PrimaLoft woven fibres, to keep your neck, ears and head nice and toasty.

When winter bites hard, it's time to give it full beanies. Particularly if you’re among the follically challenged. This double layered, 100% merino wool hat not only protects your noggin, but also features a roll cuff for added ear protection. And it's machine washable.

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Find beanies hot-headed overkill on high-effort runs? Try a headband. This Terrex number adds just enough warmth, keeping your ears sheltered from icy winds and any sweat you muster out of your eyes. The moisture-absorbing, quick-drying fabric is made from 40% recycled materials, half of which are sourced from ocean plastic waste.

While a pair of waterproof trainers can keep your feet dry and comfortable, you can ensure your toes stay toasty by upgrading your sock game. Although not to everyone's taste, toe socks not only prevent blisters by encasing each digit in its own glove-like compartment but keep each little piggy warm by wrapping them in their own separate blankets, too. Our tester's favourites were these Ultra Run Crew socks from Injinji, and their crew length bridged the gap between their shoes and tights.

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Stripes of reflective yarn make you more visible when striding through the darkness. They’re silky, snug and the padded zones on the toes and heels offer just-right comfy thickness. The lighter weave up top also helps breathability and dry warmth.

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Soggy feet create blisters, so good winter running socks should be warm but not sweaty. These merino-blend sweat-wickers offer excellent natural temperature control, absorb plenty of moisture before they feel damp and provide antibacterial stink resistance.

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Sunglasses in winter might sound like an oxymoron, but there are occasionally days when the sky is clear and the low lying sun's rays can be completely blinding. Our tester found that Oakley's Radar EV Path specs sat securely while remaining comfortable during multiple long runs. Their Prizm grey lenses were ideal for bright light and continued to enhance surroundings even in overcast conditions and sheltered woodland. Plus the new Sanctuary Swirl colourway just looks super sleek.

Unless you’ve got flexible working hours, training in the week during winter will involve running after dark. Those who live in towns or cities can probably get away with reflective clothing and rely on streetlights to guide the way, but what if you live somewhere more remote? This head torch might seem like a belt and braces approach, but its 500 lumens maximum setting was fantastic at illuminating paths in remote parts. And, when they were back in familiar, well-lit surroundings, it could easily be changed to a less powerful setting to improve their own visibility.

With a powerful 425-lumens beam, four hours runtime on full blast and a sweat-wicking anti-bounce headband, this lightweight, 78g headtorch cuts a safe path through dark winter nights. Great for road and trail, it's also USB-C rechargeable, so no scrabbling in the odds and sods drawer for spare AAAs when it's time to run.

Even if you stick religiously to the roads year-round, extra grip and waterproofing can come in handy during the wet and frosty winter season. While the Terrex Agravic Flow Gore-Tex 2.0 is a trail running shoe, these work just as well on the road. The responsive and super-light Lightstrike midsole foam and Continental rubber outsole provided a fast and grippy ride, even on wet tarmac, and provided heaps of traction on slippery gravel paths and forest tracks. Finished with a Gore-Tex upper to keep your feet dry and a high mud guard to keep the sludge out, these are the ultimate winter shoe.

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Waterproof shoes are an essential piece of winter running gear in the UK. And these water-proof trail running shoes from Swiss brand On provide excellent cold-weather protection. One-hundred percent waterproof and windproof, they kept out feet dry and warm when splashing around on soggy trails, and the Zero Gravity Cloud pods, coated with textured Missiongrip material, provided excellent traction. Wearing these, our tester felt confident tackling slippery descents (including a path that had been particularly churned up by a cross country race!).

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Nike's much-loved, versatile daily trainer now comes ‘weatherised’. The Shield Pegasus 39 has cosy fleece inners, beefed up grip and a weatherproof upper.

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The Ride 15 is an everyday workhorse that's been re-engineered with a softer midsole foam, meaning it's a little less firm than its predecessors. Reliable across a range of sessions, this winter-friendly shoe has a water-repellent coating.

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The Hovr midsole offers plush cushioning with excellent energy return, while the winter-specific tech delivers a treated upper that's water repellent without extra bulk.

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The max-stacked Cloudmonster packs the biggest ever CloudTec midsole elements, making it On's softest ride. Now featuring stand-out reflective detailing, they're a a good choice for easy runs in low light.

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