Having proper winter running gear can make all the difference in your training, whether you’re in the thick of Northeast conditions (bone-chilling downpours, occasional sleet, plenty of snow), the Midwest (brutal winds, severe ice storms, blizzards), the Rocky Mountains (ranging from single-digits and dry to 30 degrees and snowstorms), the Southwest (Desert dry and crisp climes), the Southeast (neither too cold nor snowy, but known to host to ferocious storms), and finally, the Pacific Northwest with conditions the likes of severe wind advisories, including that of the fatal blows that bellowed through Spokane last week, leaving hundreds of thousands without power; through the quick-to-soak-you-to-the-bone rain, the early morning frost – you name it, Winter is Here. We shouldn’t have to wait till Christmas – check out our shopping guide below:
WOMEN
Shoes, oh ma gawd, shoesss
Adidas Climaheat Rocket Boost Shoes – “These women’s running shoes blast through cold-weather runs.” With boost in the midsole, “…they are incredibly cushioned, bouncy and responsive in order to return energy to your stride, even in colder-than- cold weather. The shoes feature a stretchy ripstop upper with climaheat that keeps feet warm and a HEATGUARD collar that shuts out the cold.”
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 16 – We’re onto the 16 already. One of Brooks’ best-selling shoes, the Adrenaline GTS is known for its dependable support and cushioning. “Combined with a grippy sole that’s perfect for slippery conditions, the GTS adds up to an excellent winter training shoe.”
(1) Saucony Ride 8 GTX or Ride 7 GTX (on sale) – The 7’s are currently on sale; “waterproof with breathable Gore-Tex and a DWR treated sockliner to keep your feet dry and comfortable in the worst weather you can stomp through.” The 8’s “are 20% lighter than standard gasketed booties.”
Tops
Adidas Supernova Run Transparent Jacket – (On sale now! Almost 50% off!) Keeps wet weather off your back, made with climaproof that shuts out the elements while staying breathable; features a back pocket and a hood.
Asics Thermopolis 1/2 Zip – (Online only offer: Buy 1, Get 1 Free on all sale priced apparel and accessories!). Climate-controlled, safe, and incredibly good-looking with butter-soft multi-weather fabric.
Brooks LSD Thermal Vest – Lightweight, windproof, water-resistant with front and back retroreflectivity.
(2) Saucony Sonic Reflex Jacket – 360 deg. of high reflectivity, water & wind resistant
Bottoms
Adidas Climawarm Tights – Blocks out the chill; hosts reflective details.
Sugoi MidZero Tight – Mid-weight thermal tight with soft, next-to-skin brushed surface. A must for winter wear. Can be purchased via Running Warehouse.
(3) Sweaty Betty Thermodynamic Run Tights – With black reflective panels, mesh inserts behind the knees.
MEN
Shoes
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 16 – Same as Women’s GTS 16 – a Maximalist shoe.
(4) New Balance Minimus 10v3 Trail Shoe – “If you want to keep things minimal this winter, the New Balance Minimus is a suitable choice.” “Mud, rocks and debris are no match for you in the Minimus 10v3 trail running shoe. With a durable Vibram outsole for better traction, you can keep moving however the terrain changes.”
Saucony Ride 8 GTX – Same as Women’s Ride 8, Neutral shoe with neutral pronation, water resistant and waterproof.
Tops
(5) Adidas Sequencials Climaheat High-Neck – “Keep the chill out of early-morning runs in this men’s long sleeve running top.”
Asics Thermopolis 1/2 Zip – Fulls zips available online as well. Innovative seaming, high utility in any weather.
Saucony Exo Jacket – Fully waterproof & windproof, ultra lightweight, temp. range 50F and below.
Saucony Sonic Reflex Jacket – Slightly different design from that of the Women’s, same 360 deg. reflectivity, water resistant but not wind resistant.
Bottoms
(6) Adidas Techfit Heat Tights 2 – Made with climaheat insulation, these fitted men’s tights trap your body’s heat and keep you dry. Made with compression.
(7) Mizuno Men’s Breath Thermo Layered Tight – Wide waistband and circular drawcord for custom fit. Features Impermalite Flex water/wind resistant front panels for protection from the elements.
Sugoi MidZero Tight – Flatlock seams prevent your skin from chafing as you run, while an inner stash pocket provides storage. Elastic grippers + reflective branding to keep you visible in low-light conditions.
ACCESSORIES
(8) 7 Headlamps for Runner, Reviewed – “Whether running an all-night-ultra, sneaking in a post-work jog during the long winter months or starting a race before dawn, trail runners inevitably run in the dark at some point. Here’s the dirt on seven light sources that run the gamut from lightweight speedsters to ultra-powerful models that turn night into day.”
Brooks Greenlight Glove – With tech-tipped thumb and index finger and envelope pocket on the palm.
(9) Brooks Women’s Race Day Arm Warmers – On SALE now! These are the best! “So light you can roll them down as wristbands, buttery soft, ultra-light and boast UPF 50+ protection. Perfect for the start of the race.”
C9 by Champion Men’s Running Hat – With reflective dots, one size.
C9 Champion Women’s Outerwear Beanie – Can wear with your hair down or up (has pony-tail hole).
(10) C9 Champion Women’s Outerwear Headband – There’s a lot to choose from for both men and women via C9 Champion, but this one is particular is cool because it covers the ears, let’s the head breathe, and has a hole for a pony.
(11) Nathan Bandolier Reflective Running Vest – Minimal fit & 360 deg. reflectivity to aid in visibility in predawn or post-sunset training.
Oakley Crisp Run Glove – “These fleece hand warmers have a long cuff that keeps your wrists and forearms warm-but you can also roll it down for extra hand warmth. Touch tip technology in the thumb and pointer fingers means you don’t have to take them off to snap a mid-run pic.”
(12) Pearl Izumi Transfer Hat – Made from their proprietary P.R.O. Thermal material with Minerale technology and 48% polyester, it’s snug, quick drying and odor repellent; it sports reflective logos for added alert.
(13) Smartwool Running Socks Mens/Womens – There are medium-rise, low cut, no-show, light, micro, compression, you name it. Smartwool is the leader in winter running sockwear. I swear by them even in warmer months for the marathon, as they do a better job of preventing blisters.
(14) YakTrax Run – Combo of removable spikes and steel coils, the only traction device anatomically designed to meet the needs of runners braving the winter elements.
Tips & Tricks
Running clothing, shoes and accessories, especially that which is designed to battle the elements can be costly. Most of the items listed above are of mid-high price points. That is, if you shop directly from the retailer. Be a savvy shopper. Look at Amazon.com or runningwarehouse.com, which has Free 2-Day Shipping & Return Shipping, 90 Day No Sweat Returns and good deals. Retailers themselves offer sales all the time. Some of the items above are currently on sale, but check out full display of sales items on each prospective site. Brooks is awesome and offers Free Shipping on All Orders + Free Returns. Having friends who’ve worked for Brooks for years, we can tell you firsthand that their customer service is excellent, and they care about you having a good experience with their materials, which is hard to find these days. If you’re local to Bellingham, Fairhaven Runners and Klicks are staffed with extremely knowledgeable athletes and run-nerds, can help direct you towards proper gear, and can order just about any product you might be interested in, from their store. Plus, it’s a really good thing to keep these businesses around; they’ve done a lot for our community. If you’re cheap, anti-establishment and/or like dated, funky gear like me, thrift shops are awesome. Value Village is hip to Nike products, and everything there has gone up in price real quick, but Goodwill is still awesome at balancing that consumer/company fine-line of give-get. You just have to be patient and look for the unsoiled crotches and less-washed wear. Which is my jam. Being anti-establishment (kind of), I refrain from spending my earnings at Sports Authority or other big sporting goods stores, unless there’s a good sale, as the prices are usually sky-high. Outlets are a good choice too.
