In this article, we’re on a mission to explore the very best winter running hats that not only keep you warm, but improve your cold-weather running experience. We’ve scoured the market to unveil the hats that strike the perfect balance between warmth, comfort, and style.
For those living and running in parts of the country that see all 4 seasons, the winter months can be the most challenging to maintain a consistent running schedule. Having the right gear though can make all the difference when being comfortable on cold weather runs.
One of the best ways to ensure comfort is with a good winter running hat or headband that covers your ears. Of course that’s in addition to other gear like gloves or mittens, tights, shoes, baselayers, and a jacket.
For this article though, we’re going to focus on the best winter running hats. What should you look for in a winter running hat or headband? Keep reading to learn more about winter running head gear and my top recommendations.
10 Best Winner Running Hats and Headbands
Below you will find my favorite winter running hats and headbands. There should be something for everyone whether you want a headband, a lightweight hat or a heavyweight beanie.
Best Budget Winter Running Hat: Under Armour Storm Beanie
You’ll see me in this A LOT. I’ve had it for years, it just keeps on trucking and I LOVE the women’s version with the ponytail slot.
The Under Armour Storm beanie lives up to its name as it’s soft, warm, and repels rain and snow. So seriously, it’s the perfect match for that wet winter weather.
Even though it’s water-repellant (NOT waterproof), it’s made with a light breathable and stretchy fleece and even has a ponytail opening. The cuff is a ribbed knit that can be worn folded up or rolled down for a more slouchy look.
- Price: $25
- Fabric: 100% Polyester
- Weight: Midweight
- Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
Serious Winter Running Hat: Trailheads Trailblazer Ponytail Hat
If you like to wear a ponytail or braid when running, this Trailheads Ponytail hat is a great choice. This is essentially a fleece baseball cap so it has a slot for your ponytail to fit out the back. Not wearing a pony tail? The opening closes fully to keep out the cold.
What’s great about this hat for winter running, is that it has a drop-down ear warmer. If you warm up enough, just tuck this fleece back up out of the way. I know it’s a little goofy, but if you’re running on those SERIOUSLY cold days this is hat is so comfy!
The hat comes in several colors, has reflective stitching around the ponytail opening and along the brim for increased visibility on low light days.
If you’re looking for something similar but made out of a different fabric, they have a version using Merino wool. While it’s one size fits most, they do offer a men’s version, which is slightly larger.
- Price: $28
- Fabric: Polyester/Spandex fleece blend
- Weight: Midweight
- Care: Machine wash, line dry
Wool Running Beanie: Smartwool Merino Beanie
The Smartwool Merino Beanie is made from 100% Merino wool, specifically the Merino 250 base layer fabric, to keep you warm, dry, and odor free.
This lightweight beanie can actually be worn year round, believe it or not. It’s great for running, skiing, under a bike helmet, you name it! Truly I’m a gal who NEEDS a beanie to get out the door for my winter runs, so this is something you’ll see on me a TON in a variety of styles.
The hat has a rolled cuff providing additional ear coverage,is double layered for max warmth and offers a bulkfree fit.
If you’re looking to add some color to your winter running wardrobe, this hat comes in several colors and patterns.
- Price: $25
- Fabric: 100% Merino wool
- Weight: Midweight
- Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
Runner Up Wool Option: Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Beanie
This is your classic style beanie, but it’s got a few features that help it make my list. It’s a midweight hat made from 100% Merino wool. It’s soft to the touch and double-layered at the ears for added warmth and protection.
It comes in five colors and is great for running, but also for other fun winter activities like skiing, hiking, and just walking the dog.
- Price: $30
- Fabric: 100% Merino wool
- Weight: Midweight
- Care: Machine wash, line dry
- See all my top wool running apparel >>
Multi-size Option: Lululemon Fast and Free Rulu Fleece Beanie
I originally wanted to include the Lululemon Run for it All Beanie, but it looks like it is no longer being sold. So, in my research I found the new Fast and Free Rulu Fleece Running Beanie and it’s a great replacement.
Available in two sizes which is impressive since most are one size fits all.
This fleece beanie has four-way stretch, water-repellent tech fleece fabric. It’s a snug fit but comes in two size options. The hat also has some reflective accents and comes in 3 color options.
Despite being a new item, it already has a ton of great reviews on Lululemon’s website in case you want a few more opinions.
- Price: $48
- Fabric: 88% Recycled Polyester, 12% Elastane
- Weight: Midweight
- Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
Best For Face Protection: Gorewear Windstopper Balaclava
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, our gear tester Connie puts on the Gorewear WINDSTOPPER® Balaclava to keep her covered. Made with GORE-TEX LABS’ WINDSTOPPER® material, it offers total windproof protection, so even the harshest gusts don’t stand a chance.
But what she loved most is how breathable it was—no more feeling trapped in hot, sweaty gear.
The holes around the mouth and nose vent allow for fresh air to come in. Connie loved not breathing through fabric like she usually does with my other fabric coverings. Plus, the fabric at the bow and ears adds extra wind protection where she needs it most.
Whether you’re running on a cold morning or braving high winds, this Balaclava’sBalaclava’s got you covered—literally.
- Price: $55
- Fabric: 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane (hat), 100% Polyester (recycled) (panels)
- Weight: Max
- Care: Machine wash
Wool Running Ear Band: Smartwool Printed Headband
Feel like you get too hot with all the heat trapped on your head?? That’s not abnormal, so another option is the ear warmer, ear band, whatever you’d like to call it.
Smartwool’s thermal Merino reversible earband is a good option for insulation in winter weather. Again, you’ll see us come back to wool as a good winter option again and again.
It’s dual-layer using an interlock knit with clean seams for no bulk. It’s 100% Merino Wool and is great for those variable weather days with temps all over the board.
It comes in numerous colors and all are reversible for variety.
- Price: $25
- Fabric: 100% Merino wool
- Weight: Midweight
- Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
Lightweight Option: New Balance Beanie
For arguably the best lightweight cap option, the New Balance Beanie is a go-to choice. I like this one when I know it’s not THAT cold, but I am going to be cold for the first 3-4 miles.
Don’t let the name fool you, it’s still long enough to cover the ears.
This hat is super stretchy but maintains its shape well thanks to the polyester/spandex jersey blend fabric that helps wick sweat, keeps you dry, and offers great breathability.
- Price: $21
- Fabric: Polyester/Spandex jersey blend
- Weight: Light weight
- Care: Hand wash
Best Reflective Beanie: Nathan Reflective Beanie
With low light early morning or evening runs, being visible is key to our safety as runners. This Nathan HyperNight Reflective Beanie is the ultimate winter running companion for staying warm and seen.
This lightweight, moisture-wicking beanie keeps you warm without overheating, while its reflective detailing ensures you stay visible in low light. The stretchy, snug fit is perfect for all head sizes and stays in place no matter how fast you’re moving. There is also a hole to put a pontail through which is always a plus!
It comes in 2 colors, is machine washable, and it one size fits all.
- Price: $20
- Fabric: 88% Polyester 12% Spandex
- Weight: Midweight
- Care: Machine wash
Lightweight Ear Band: Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Headband
Coach Stacey swears by this headband for those chilly Colorado runs. It’s lightweight, stays perfectly in place, and wicks away sweat to keep you comfortable. The cozy fleece lining provides just the right amount of warmth for windy winter days without making you overheat.
Bonus points for the headband not getting super wet if you sweat a lot! Some other headbands do not absorb sweat very well, making you feel even colder post-run.
- Price: $30
- Fabric: Main Body: 47% Polyester, 38% Merino Wool, 15% Elastane. Overlay: 85% Nylon, 15% Elastane
- Weight: Lightweight
- Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
Should You Run With A Hat in the Winter?
One of the key things to remember about winter running is that once you get going, it will often feel about 20 degrees warmer than when you started. This makes it really easy to overdress because we’re chilly when we start!
A running hat is not always necessary as it may in fact make you feel too warm.
Personally I will pull on a running beanie when it’s below 40 and almost always have pulled it off by mile 2 assuming there’s no wind.
Once it gets below 30, you may notice that a lot of runners are still in shorts, but wearing gloves and a hat. This is a great way to keep your body warm and still enjoy running in shorts.
Here’s my complete guide on what to wear at different winter running temperatures >>
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