Running gear for cooler weather

Best for runners who need an extra layer without overheating

As we transition to winter, the weather can be tricky, and temperatures can change on a dime. The Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest helps you strike a balance between hot and cold, keeping your torso warm when those cold winter winds start to howl, while keeping your arms free to prevent overheating. It makes a great added layer when the temperatures start to drop, with plenty of pockets to stash an extra pair of gloves or some tissues so you can keep up with changing conditions.

Best hybrid trail and road shoe

With the cooler temperatures and changing leaves, now is the perfect time to get out on the trails, and the HOKA Challenger 7 is the perfect shoe for the job. The new 4-mm lug pattern allows you to transition seamlessly from road to trail, making it the ideal shoe for runners whose routes often take them on hybrid terrain, giving them a smoother ride on the roads while still providing the grip needed on trails. This also makes them a great option when conditions on the roads are slick with rain, ice or snow. With a breathable upper and higher stack height, the Challenger 7 will ensure your feet are comfortable for your entire run, whether it’s a short jaunt through the trails after work or a long weekend adventure.

The best all-purpose cool-weather running shirt

The Brooks Dash Half Zip is the quintessential cool-weather running shirt to keep you warm and comfortable, mile after mile. The super soft DriLayer® fabric wicks moisture away to keep you dry, while the half-zip design provides extra ventilation when you need it. The thumbholes in the sleeves also provide extra coverage for your hands on chilly days. Streamlined to ensure the shirt moves with you while you run, this piece is so versatile that you’ll want to get one in every colour.

For runners who struggle with cold feet

As temperatures start dropping, a good pair of socks is an essential part of a comfortable run. These Smartwool Performance socks use the company’s patented Indestructawool™ technology with extended durability zones to ensure you have cushioning where you need it. Made from 56 per cent merino wool, these just may be the softest socks you’ll ever run in, and the body-mapped mesh zones that are strategically included in the design ensure maximum breathability. The mid-rise design ensures that your ankles stay warm in cool breezes, improving your overall comfort so that no run ever needs to be cut short.

Best all-purpose cool-weather running tights

A good pair of cool-weather tights is an essential part of every runner’s wardrobe. While not as warm as thermal running tights, the Brooks Spark Tights are comfortable and breathable, and work for the range of temperatures that fall and early winter bring. Made from breathable GO 2 Secure™ fabric, these tights help you stay warm without overheating, are fitted without being restrictive and feature an inner thigh panel to prevent mid-run chafing. As a bonus, these tights come with multiple pockets to ensure all your important items are secure, yet accessible, throughout your run.

The perfect cool-weather base layer

When the cooler weather hits, what do you need? Layers. This New Balance long sleeve is the perfect base layer for your cooler weather runs. Its breathable and fast-drying material ensures moisture is wicked away from your skin to keep you dry, and the thumbholes ensure your sleeves never ride up under your other layers as you get moving. Wear this under a light jacket on rainy days or under a vest when the wind starts to bite.

Best waterproof running jacket

As fall begins to settle in, it can bring wind and rain. The Brooks High Point Waterproof Jacket will have you prepared for whatever the elements deliver, thanks to its DriLayer® Seal fabric 2/5L waterproof construction and taped seams. It has vents that allow for breathability without letting water in, and the lightweight design makes it easy and comfortable to run in. The jacket is also designed with extra space in the back ,so you can wear it over a small backpack if necessary, and the fitted hood prevents rain from running down the back of your neck. The hood also features a supportive visor, which not only keeps the rain out of your eyes, but is the perfect place to put a headlamp if you’re running in low-light conditions.

Great for keeping your ears warm and your body visible

This is the perfect headband for those late fall or early winter days when you need to keep your ears warm without covering your entire head. The midweight stretch-knit fabric has a brushed lining that’s warm without being itchy; for runners with a lot of hair, it doubles as a headband to keep those flyaways in check. As a bonus, the HyperNight headband has reflective detailing along the sides to make you more visible in low-light conditions and comes in high-vis yellow for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement.

Best fall-to-winter running glove

Don’t let cold hands cut your run short. The Craft Core Essence Thermal Multi Grip glove is cosy and versatile, making it perfect for cool fall days and chilly early-winter nights. Made of recycled brushed jersey, the glove is comfortable and warm but not restrictive, with a touchscreen-compatible design on the fingers and a silicone print in the palm so you can easily use your phone without having to remove your glove.

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