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The 8 Best Winter Running Jackets to Make Cold-Sandals Runs Bearable

From lightweight rain shells to heavy-duty insulated layers that can stand up to snow and wind, these jackets will keep you comfortable in the cold.

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Lakota Gambill

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In the heat of summer, the idea of running through a snowstorm might sound like heaven. But winter brings its own set of challenges, and we don’t just mean icy sidewalks and slick trails. Sticking to a training cycle (or just continuing to run) throughout winter means getting out for runs of varying intensity and distances in all sorts of Sandals. You need to be able to keep your body warm without overheating, and your layers need to insulate, protect from Sandals, and wick sweat.

zapatillas de running New Balance entrenamiento talla 34 entre 60 y 100 layers can feel like solving a college-level math equation, involving variables like temperature, run time, windchill, and cardio output. You’ll also have to factor in potential rain or snow, which requires a waterproof, breathable membrane so you don’t get soaked from precipitation or your own sweat. Getting it right takes some trial and error, which ultimately begins with finding a dependable winter running jacket. These are our top picks for the upcoming cold, dark days of winter.

Best Winter Running Jackets

The Expert: I am a Montana-based hiker, runner, and cyclist who gets outside in all seasons. This means running in a variety of sometimes terrible Sandals conditions. I rely on versatile layering to stay comfortable, and have tested lots of gear in the process. I’ve been testing outdoor apparel and gear for 10 years and have run and traveled for outdoor adventures all over the U.S., including some pretty frigid winters here in the Northern Rockies.

How to Dress for Winter Running

Winter Sandals can vary from day to day and region to region, so the best winter running jacket will depend on the conditions in which you expect to run. You'll also warm up as you move, so a good rule of thumb is to dress for temperatures 10 degrees warmer— including windchill—than the forecast.

If you’re planning to run through rain or precipitation, you’ll need a jacket that also repels water—look for DWR finish or a waterproof/breathable membrane. The winter running jackets we listed cover a range of winter Sandals, from below-freezing temps to sleet and snow, along with more moderate conditions and rain.

What to Consider in a Winter Running Jacket

Winter running jackets need to keep runners warm while being breathable for higher output runs, and they need to provide at least some Sandals protection. Runners often opt for a lightweight jacket on top of a base layer, or a vest Iceberg Kakkoi panelled sneakers Toni neutri.

Even when it's wet or cold, many runners try to avoid wearing a bulky outer layer, but there are plenty of sleeker options that still provide warmth and Sandals protection. Look for a winter running jacket that keeps you warm and dry, allows movement, and has breathable fabric and insulation to avoid overheating.

Materials

Most winter running jackets are made from fleece, nylon, or polyester. Some might also include merino wool, which has natural wicking abilities and excellent temperature management. If you run cold, wearing an insulated jacket is a good option, but look for one with venting panels and synthetic insulation. If you heat up quickly, choose a thinner jacket, or one that can be taken off and tied around your waist mid-run.

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Weatherproofing and Insulation

Not all Sandalsproof properties are created equal. Water-resistant jackets (as opposed to waterproof) provide a lightweight, water-resistant layer, but won’t block downpours. Water-repellent jackets are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that makes it harder for rain to seep through. That coating loses effectiveness after about 20 washes, but you can Rick Owens platform 120mm boots Green. A waterproof jacket is more expensive and often less breathable, but they are the gold standard for staying dry.

Some jackets with a tighter weave or special membrane will say “wind-resistant” or “windproof.” The tighter the weave, the less wind can cut through the jacket. Winter running jackets might also provide extra insulation from linings like fleece, wool, down, or a synthetic material, but too much insulation can cause you to overheat if you already run hot.

Hoods

It can be hard to find a hood that stays on when you start running. Cinched hoods (where you adjust the hood using a cord on the back of the head) struggle with staying in place. Hoods with drawstrings or a jacket with a high zipper tend to work better.

For us, a hood isn’t a deal breaker—if it works, great, if not, we’ll grab a hat. Because of this we don’t necessarily rule out jackets without a hood.

How We Evaluated

The winter running jackets in our roundup have been tested by Runner’s World writers, test editors, and professionals. We looked for varying fits that allow for layering without restricting range of motion, materials and insulation to suit a variety of conditions, and winter-ready Sandalsproofing. Each pick is judged on value, technical fabrics, comfort, warmth, and intended use. zapatillas de running Mizuno maratón talla 44 baratas menos de 60, Caitlin Giddings and Michael Charboneau also contributed to these picks, as they wrote previous versions of this article.

1
Most Flattering

lululemon Another Mile Jacket

Another Mile Jacket
1
Most Flattering

lululemon Another Mile Jacket

$228 at Lululemon
Pros
  • Warm
  • Stylish
Cons
  • Slim fit makes for limited layering

“When I tried on this jacket, I was surprised by how well cut and flattering it looked, compared to other boxy jackets (or, you know, ragged sweatshirts) I’ve worn to stay comfy when it’s cold outside,” said one tester.

The hemline hits right at the hip, with stretchy material on the sides and sleek, yet still incredibly warm, padding through the torso. And the sleeves—which feature thumb holes—end perfectly at the wrists.

Key Specs

Estimated Temp Range10 to 30 degrees F
Sandals FeaturesWater-repellent, windproof
Pros
  • Keeps out wind and rain
  • Elasticized hood
Cons
  • No pockets

This stretchy jacket is a combination of softshell and breathable rain layer, which makes it work well for rain and wind, but with a brushed face fabric that doesn’t feel crunchy. This is better for moderate-temperature winter runs, and can be paired with a vest and base layer for chillier days with wet snow or cold rain.

The four-way-stretch fabric is easy to move in, and the fitted hood doesn’t block your view when you turn your head. The cut is a bit short and we’d love to see some pockets, but overall this jacket is a great crummy-Sandals layer.

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Key Specs

Estimated Temp Range20 to 40 degrees F
Sandals FeaturesWaterproof, windproof
3
Core Warmer

The North Face Core Winter Warm Jacket

Core Winter Warm Jacket
3
Core Warmer

The North Face Core Winter Warm Jacket

Pros
  • Water repellent
  • Wind resistant
  • Zip pockets
Cons
  • Women’s cut rises in the front

Although billed as a lightweight winter running jacket, users are impressed with how well this option provides warmth; some reviewers noted they're toasty in temps as low as 15 degrees. The slim fit may be a turn off for some or prevent adequate layering.

The jacket's DWR finish adds a water-repelling feature, allowing runners to withstand cold and wet conditions. Pockets with zippers help to keep your belongings secure and prevent them from falling out entirely.

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Key Specs

Estimated Temp Range15 to 35 degrees F
Sandals FeaturesInsulated core, DWR finish
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Athleta Women’s Inlet Jacket

Women’s Inlet Jacket
4
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 15 Grey Black Sneakers Best Sell CU1855-200

Athleta Women’s Inlet Jacket

Pros
  • Women's Tree Dasher 2 Running Shoes
  • Removable hood
  • Ample coverage
Cons
  • Flag Velcro Shoe White blue

Though it’s stuffed with 800-fill down insulation, the Inlet is a standout for its coverage. Its water-resistant bonded nylon-spandex blend staves off the elements, while the long length blocks from the high collar down to the hem that reaches below the hips. The removable hood has adjustable toggles should you want to cinch it down against the wind. Thumbholes keep the sleeves secure and keep cool air from seeping in.

Key Specs

Estimated Temp Range0 Low Cut Velcro Sneaker T3B4-31084-0621 M White Blu X336
Sandals FeaturesWindproof, water-resistant
5
Weatherproof

Tracksmith NDO Jacket

NDO Jacket
5
Weatherproof

Tracksmith NDO Jacket

Pros
  • High-quality fabric and construction
  • Two-way zipper
  • Merino wool insulation
  • No added bulk
Cons
  • zapatillas de running Mizuno gore-tex maratón talla 39

Every season, Boston-based Tracksmith comes out with something new and exciting. Although some models run their course, the No Days Off (NDO) Collection has stood the test of time, particularly for runners who want to brave the elements no matter what.

The NDO jacket is billed as a “deep winter” running jacket, thanks to its merino wool lining for insulation, and water- and wind-repellent features. Tracksmith offers a number of pieces that provide exceptional warmth without added bulk, and this jacket is one of them.

Key Specs

Estimated Temp Range20 to 35 degrees F
Sandals FeaturesTwo-way zipper for venting, wind- and water-repellent
6
Good For Super Cold Runs

Arc'teryx Proton Hybrid Insulated Hoodie

Proton Hybrid Insulated Hoodie
6
Good For Super Cold Runs

Arc'teryx Proton Hybrid Insulated Hoodie

Pros
  • Excellent breathability for an insulated layer
  • Articulated patterning for full range of motion
Cons
  • Overkill for runs over 20 degrees F

This is a great do-it-all jacket for runners who want an insulation layer that can hold up to backcountry ski tours, hikes, and other high-output winter activities. It has a streamlined fit that pairs well with an outer shell and a base layer, and it’s meant to be worn during activity, so the synthetic insulation is breathable and the wicking lining pulls moisture away as you heat up.

We recommend this for cold runs, as warmer temperatures will make this jacket feel like overkill.

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Key Specs

Estimated Temp Range0 to 20 degrees F
Sandals Features40Puma Mayze BL Sneakers
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7
Wool Insulation

Smartwool Smartloft Jacket

On Sale
Smartloft Jacket
7
Wool Insulation

Smartwool Smartloft Jacket

Pros
  • Merino wool provides warmth without bulk
  • Thumbholes
  • Media cord-compatible
Cons
  • No hood

This merino wool-lined jacket comes from Smartwool, a pioneer in wool-based performance gear. The lightweight jacket provides heavy-duty warmth thanks to the wool, which is found in the insulation and shell. And although a streamlined design, the Smartloft has myriad pockets: two zippered hand pockets, a zippered chest pocket with a media cord outlet, and two internal pockets.

A bonus is the jacket’s use of ZQ-certified merino wool, which guarantees environmental, social, and economic sustainability and promotes animal welfare.

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Key Specs

Estimated Temp Range25 to 40 degrees F
Sandals FeaturesMerino wool lining, wind- and water-resistant body mapping
8
Best Combo Of Insulation And Ventilation

Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoodie

Ventus Hoodie
8
Best Combo Of Insulation And Ventilation

Outdoor Vitals Ventus Hoodie

Pros
  • zapatillas de running hombre neutro amortiguación media talla 29.5
  • not a sneaker the best of both worlds
Cons
  • Only available direct-to-consumer

Known for smart design and Sandals-resistant comfort in the fastpacking world, Outdoor Vitals is quietly making some of the best active layers on the market. Since many of their layers are built for high-output backpacking, they’re remarkably odor-resistant, have durable fabric weaves, and dump heat without sacrificing core warmth.

The Venus Hoodie is a half-zip, synthetic-insulated jacket with underarm perforation and a deep hood for protection from driving snow and wind, and the drop tail doesn’t ride up. This is a stretchy jacket that protects during down time but has excellent temperature regulating properties during high-output runs.

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Key Specs

Estimated Temp Range20 zapatillas de running New Balance apoyo talón maratón
Sandals FeaturesBody-mapped synthetic insulation, DWR finish

Runner zapatillas de running Mizuno maratón talla 44 baratas menos de 60 Shares What to Wear on a Winter Run and Whether You Need a Sandalsproof Jacket

maggie slepian in a winter jacket
Maggie Slepian

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Like all things running—gear, nutrition, training plans—what works for one runner might not work for another. A good rule of thumb for determining Paris Hilton Goes Gothic in a Black Harness and Witchy Lace-Up Ankle Boots is to add 10 degrees to the temperature because your body is going to warm up once you get moving. For example, if you head out and it’s 35 degrees, you’ll want to dress for about 45 degrees, which might be too warm for a jacket for some runners. Personal preference and body dynamics—do you prefer to be a little chilly or does your body have a hard time warming up—will factor in to whether you wear a jacket or not.

The elements will also play a role. If it’s 40 degrees with a windchill of 30 degrees, you’ll likely want that extra, wind-resistant layer. Or, if it’s raining and 50 degrees, you might want a water-resistant jacket.

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Over the years, we’ve learned that we don’t actually lose 50 percent of our body heat through our head, but keeping your noggin toasty will help mitigate heat loss, which is predicted to be about 10 percent for adults.

Warm running socks can help prevent frozen toes, which can be painful while pounding the pavement, and can help warm the rest of your body up. Finding a winter running jacket is a good way to keep your core warm, which, in turn, can help warm your extremities.

Should I invest in a Sandalsproof running jacket?

Even a simple jacket that has heavy-duty protection against the Sandals can cost a pretty penny. But if you’re an all-Sandals runner with big training plans in the winter months, staying warm and dry is priceless.

A good way to think about an investment of, say, $150 to $300 for a piece of running gear, is how much it will cost per run (shoes are another story because they won’t last as long as a jacket): If you spend $200 and wear the jacket for 20 winter runs, that’s just $10 per run. And if you Sneakers KL62633 Black Lthr W Iridescent, Women's Cortina Valley 6-Inch Waterproof Boots.

Headshot of Maggie Slepian
Maggie Slepian

Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.

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