There is only one way to dress for winter running: layers, layers and more layers. On really cold days, starting from the outside, you’ll need a shell to break the wind, a vest on particularly cool days, one or two long sleeves of varying thicknesses, and a good-quality base layer. This bottom layer is arguably the most important, since it’s the garment that comes in direct contact with your skin and does the most work in terms of moisture wicking and temperature regulation. For this reason, we’ve got a list of the best high-quality base layers on the market so you can stay warm and dry this winter, no matter how much wind, rain, or snow you encounter.
Best tights for high-intensity workouts
Smartwool Intraknit Active Base Layer Bottom
Optimize performance while maintaining maximum comfort
The Smartwool Intraknit Active Base Layer Bottoms are designed to optimize your performance on the run while maintaining maximum comfort. Crafted from a blend of responsibly-sourced merino wool and TENCEL Lyocell fibres, these base-layer bottoms offer exceptional moisture management and temperature regulation, ensuring a comfortable and dry experience. The slim fit contours to your body while the mesh ventilation in gender-specific zones enhances breathability during high-intensity workouts. Minimal seams reduce chafing, allowing you to focus on your run without distractions. Perfect for layering, these base-layer bottoms provide the support you need to achieve top-notch intensity in your training sessions.
Best base-layer shirt for winter races
Craft Pro Active Extreme X CN Long Sleeve Baselayer Jersey
A high-performance essential tailored for racing
The Active Extreme X CN LS long-sleeve base-layer jersey is a high-performance essential tailored for racing and high-intensity workouts in mild to cold winter conditions. This advanced garment integrates Seaqual polyester, Coolmax Air Technology and recycled polyester to effectively manage body temperature during intense activities. Its waffle-knitted design enhances moisture transport and comfort, while the body-mapped mesh panels and armpit inserts ensure targeted ventilation where it’s most needed. With a tight fit, lightweight fabric, and flatlock seams, this jersey offers exceptional stretch, ergonomic fit and optimal freedom of movement. Wear it on its own or as a great base layer when the temperatures drop.
Best for sweat management
Icebreaker 125 ZoneKnit Base Layer Leggings
Stay dry during winter runs
The Icebreaker 125 ZoneKnit Base Layer Leggings are the ultimate choice for managing sweat and ensuring comfort during your longest winter runs. Made from an ultralight Cool-Lite jersey blending merino wool and TENCEL Lyocell, these leggings excel at sweat management and odour resistance. They also effectively regulate body temperature, thanks to the strategically-placed panels of eyelet Cool-Lite mesh. With gussetted construction for enhanced mobility and flat-lock stitching to eliminate chafing, these leggings offer unparalleled comfort and freedom of movement. Harnessing the performance qualities of natural fibres, Icebreaker provides an eco-friendly alternative to petrochemical synthetics, backed by a one-year fabric, stitching and manufacturing guarantee.
Best revamp of an old staple
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip Boxed
This classic staple has been updated for fashion and function
The Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip has been thoughtfully updated to enhance functionality and aesthetics, making it one of the top choices for cold-weather running. Constructed with 100 per cent responsibly-sourced merino wool and featuring shoulder panels and flatlock seams, this base layer excels at preventing chafing and maintaining comfort and temperature regulation during high-intensity running. With a slim, body-enhancing fit and an updated design to accommodate a range of body shapes, this base layer offers enhanced comfort, breathability, thermoregulation and odour resistance through an interlock knit fabric. The 8-inch centre front zip with a semi-locking slider and the crew neck with raglan sleeves provide added versatility and convenience, making it a must-have for the winter running season.
Most functional base layer top
Icebreaker 200 ZoneKnit Merino Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top
For those seeking optimal temperature regulation and freedom of movement this winter
The Icebreaker 200 ZoneKnit Merino Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top is a versatile midweight base layer tailored to regulate temperature during high-intensity activities. Made from 100 per cent pure and natural merino wool, this slim-fit top is made with the brand’s innovative ZoneKnit body mapping technology, which actively manages body temperature and promotes breathability. Featuring raglan sleeve construction for enhanced mobility, thumb loops for secure sleeve placement and warm hands, gussetted underarms for added comfort and movement, as well as flatlock seams to prevent friction, this top prioritizes performance and comfort. With a drop tail hem for additional coverage, this base layer is the ideal choice for those seeking optimal temperature regulation and freedom of movement during their winter long runs.
Best winter tights for women
Salomon Cross Warm Tights–Women
The perfect blend of warmth, comfort and functionality for winter running
The CROSS WARM 28 Women’s Tights from Salomon offer a perfect blend of warmth, comfort and functionality for winter running. Made from brushed jersey with a high-waist design, these tights provide extra warmth with a soft touch. Featuring deep pockets made from recycled fabric, these tights also offer superior moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable. The reflective details ensure visibility in low-light conditions, while the AdvancedSkin technical fabrics enhance body comfort by keeping you dry, warm and protected during your activities. Ideal for running, these fitted tights prioritize breathability, lightweight feel and stretchiness, making them a versatile choice for various winter endurance sports.
Best base layer top for men
Salomon Cross Long Sleeve–Men
A lightweight and breathable base layer for winter conditions
The CROSS RUN Men’s Long Sleeve T-Shirt from Salomon is a great base layer for winter running that provides performance and comfort. Designed for year-round training, this versatile tee offers a lightweight and breathable design that moves with you, offering the flexibility and freedom of movement needed as you ramp up your speed during cold weather runs.
Best hoodie for women
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer ½ Zip Hoodie–Women
A must-have to stay warm this season
Elevate your winter runs with the Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/2 Zip Hoodie, a must-have to stay warm this season. Made from 100 per cent merino wool, this slim-fit hoodie guarantees superior breathability and odour resistance, ensuring maximum comfort during chilly workouts. The innovative design features raglan sleeves and flatlock seam construction to minimize chafing, while the back body seam wrapping to the front enhances the fit for optimum performance. With a centre-front zip for added ventilation control, this base-layer hoodie is designed to keep you warm, cosy and focused on achieving your best performance during cold-weather runs.
Best hoodie for men
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Hoodie–Men
A great choice when you need additional coverage from those winter winds
Prepare to conquer winter runs with the Men’s Merino 250 Base Layer Hoodie designed by Smartwool. This slim-fit hoodie boasts the comfort and warmth of the brand’s warmest-weight base layer, made from 100 per cent merino wool for insulation and breathability. With a higher neck on the hood for additional coverage, this hoodie ensures you stay cosy during your long winter runs. Featuring flatlock seam construction and shoulder panels to eliminate chafing and enhance mobility, this base-layer hoodie is the perfect choice for dedicated runners seeking both comfort and performance in challenging winter conditions.
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