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By Jane McGuire
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It's getting to that time of year again when your head needs a little TLC. Wrap it in a warm hat – whether it's a running beanie or a running bobble hat – throw on gilet puma el rey ii slip on camo shoes in grey running gloves, and you'll be able to get out the door and face down the frost-laced pavements.

What are the best winter running hats?

Prefer to cut straight to it? No sweat. Here are our favourite running beanies for the winter months, at a glance.

  • Sealskinz Unisex Waterproof Cold Weather Beanie Hat

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    Sealskinz Unisex Waterproof Cold Weather Beanie Hat

    £25 at Amazon
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  • New Balance Lightweight Running Athletic Beanie

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    New Balance Lightweight Running Athletic Beanie

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  • Proviz Reflect360 Explorer Fleece-Lined Beanie

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    Proviz Reflect360 Explorer Fleece-Lined Beanie

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  • Ron Hill Classic Beanie

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    Ron Hill Classic Beanie

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  • CEP Winter Run Beanie

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    CEP Winter Run Beanie

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Types of winter running hat

Beanies ensure your entire head stays toasty while still letting out heat. A cap typically doesn’t cover the ears —something to keep in mind if you want to protect that part of your body, too.

Balaclavas cover your entire head and most of your face and neck, so they’re ideal on colder and more blustery days.

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What to look for in a running beanie or bobble hat

Materials

Many hats are made of moisture-wicking fabric (typically merino, polyester, or nylon— or a combination of all three), to keep you dry and warm. Merino wool is lightweight, soft and naturally insulating, moisture-wicking, and odour resistant. It’s typically more expensive than synthetic. Because it’s a natural fibre, it can be worn comfortably in all winter running temperatures.

Polyester is also a popular material for hats. This fabric is soft and lightweight, and wicks moisture. Use this type of hat for running in all temperatures. A big perk is this material’s low maintenance. It’s easy to care for and clean.

Nylon is also moisture-wicking and lightweight, but offers more elasticity than polyester for a more custom fit. Hats with this fabric will be snug and offer increased wind protection.

Blended fabrics offer the best of all worlds since they combine the comfort and natural wicking capabilities of wool with the durability and elasticity of synthetic fibres. If you plan to run in rain or snow, consider a water-repellent fabric like Gore-Tex.

Fit

Many hats, caps and balaclavas use one size fits. If you want a more tailored fit, there are plenty of caps that are gender-specific and traditional sizes. Because sizing can vary from brand to brand, it’s best to check the website for measurement ranges to guide you in selecting the proper fit.

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When it comes to choosing the best hat for you, look for extra details like reflective panelling to keep you visible when running in low winter light, hats that cover your ears for below-zero runs and hats that have an opening for your ponytail.

    The best winter running hats and beanies

    the best winter running hats and beanies
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    Sealskinz Unisex Waterproof Cold Weather Beanie Hat

    Sealskinz Unisex Waterproof Cold Weather Beanie Hat
    sai flat leather slides jimmy choo shoes sai flat nke natural

    Sealskinz Unisex Waterproof Cold Weather Beanie Hat

    Now 11% Off
    £25 at Amazon

    If you're running in a rainier part of the UK and want a beanie that will keep the weather out completely, this Sealskinz hat promises to be 100% waterproof, as well as being breathable and windproof. It's built for extreme cold weather, so is a good option for runners who really feel the cold.

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    New Balance Lightweight Running Athletic Beanie

    New Balance Lightweight Running Athletic Beanie
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    New Balance Lightweight Running Athletic Beanie

    When you just need a simple, warm layer to get the job done without busting your budget, this skullcap has you — and your ears— covered. Comprised of a blend of polyester and spandex, this hat wicks away moisture and keeps sweat from pooling into your eyes. It’s robust enough to block out the windchill yet lightweight enough that you won’t overheat on balmier days.

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    Proviz Reflect360 Explorer Fleece-Lined Beanie

    Proviz Reflect360 Explorer Fleece-Lined Beanie
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    Proviz Reflect360 Explorer Fleece-Lined Beanie

    Now 20% Off

    A super-reflective running hat that's ideal for wearing when running in low light. As well as being insulated with a fleece lining to keep the cold out, the hat is breathable enough to stop you getting too sweaty as you clock up the miles. One size should fit most runners, there's also a new balance 880 v11 womens running shoes nike air max 95 womens shoe grey.

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    Ron Hill Classic Beanie

    Ron Hill Classic Beanie
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    Ron Hill Classic Beanie

    Another versatile option for runners, this Ron Hill beanie is ideal when it comes to keeping warm and visible on winter runs. There are handy reflective elements and it's made from a Regulite fabric to keep you cool and dry, whatever the weather.

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    CEP Winter Run Beanie

    CEP Winter Run Beanie
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    CEP Winter Run Beanie

    This unisex winter running beanie is soft and comfortable, while still keeping the weather out. There are reflective elements to ensure you're seen when running in low light, and the hat is designed to stay put when you're on the move. Available in two different colourways.

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    Salomon Winter Training Unisex Beanie

    Salomon Winter Training Unisex Beanie
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    Salomon Winter Training Unisex Beanie

    Salomon's unisex Winter Beanie has a lower, windproof front to provide extra protection in windy, rainy conditions. It's also got integrated sunglass slots to enhance comfort, and a built-in sweatband to help wick away moisture and keep you cool.

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    Inov-8 Extreme Thermo Beanie

    Extreme Thermo Beanie
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    Inov-8 Extreme Thermo Beanie

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    This is all about the warmth – windproof panels protect your noggin from the elements while the fleece-lined interior adds warmth while also wicking sweat away. It also packs down small to fit in a belt or pocket when you've warmed up.

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    Buff Thermonet hat

    Thermonet hat
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    Buff Thermonet hat

    Buff's Thermonet hat is so lightweight you'll quickly forget it's atop your head. But that doesn't mean it sacrifices warmth – the Thermonet fabric is claimed to wick moisture away four times faster than regular fabric, meaning there's less chance of cold sweat dropping your head temperature.

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    Asics Winter Beanie

    Asics Winter Beanie
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    Asics Winter Beanie

    Now 72% Off

    If you're a runner who only needs a hat for a couple of really cold runs a year, or you just don't want to spend a lot on winter accessories, this Asics beanie is the one for you. For less than a tenner it keeps your head and ears cosy, has wind-blocking properties and reflective details to keep you seen in low light.

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