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How to choose your running shoes? How to maintain your running shoes? When should you change your running shoes? Hydration and running Which hydration pack for running? Which watch to choose for running? What is the right outfit for running? What running clothes for winter? How to choose your running jacket? How to choose your running bra or sports bra?
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WHAT CLOTHES TO RUN IN WINTER?

Do you want to go running without locking yourself in the gym as soon as the weather conditions are more severe? Here are some tips on what clothes to choose for running in winter.

Running in winter: 3-layer system's compulsory!

While there is one essential rule for all outdoor activities, and particularly in winter, it is the 3-layer rule. To make your choice of clothes for running in winter, you must compose your running outfit around this principle.

The concept is very simple. Rather than putting on a big, thick sweater, you will have 3 layers of clothing that will provide you with perfect insulation from the cold while allowing good perspiration wicking. This last point is very important, because if the humidity stagnates around your body, then you will be more exposed to the sensations of cold.

For running clothes for the purpose of running in the winter, you will need:

  • A base layer which consists of a technical base layer with good breathability and quick drying
  • A layer of warmth such as a thin fleece or lined t-shirt that will continue wicking away moisture and insulating you from the cold
  • A protection layer, such as a waterproof / windproof type jacket to protect you from the vagaries of the weather. Again, choose an insulating material, but also breathable.

GOOD TO KNOW: MODULATE THE THREE-LAYER SYSTEM

When the temperatures are warmer, it is quite possible to adjust your outfit and only run with part of your 3-layer system. However, always wear technical underwear, then add a layer of warmth if the weather is a bit cold, but clear or for protection if the weather is mild.

Protect your extremities

RUNNING IN WINTER

© Buff

If you are keeping warm during exercise, there are always three areas to protect particularly from the cold: the head, hands and feet. When choosing your running clothes for winter, think about the dedicated accessories.

The head

To avoid too much heat loss through your head (it can be up to 30% of the total heat released by your body), it is essential to cover yourself up. This will also prevent cold tingling in the ears. Hat or headband, choose a warm material that also has a breathable membrane to prevent overheating. A water-repellent and windproof finish will allow you to have a winter running outfit ready for all eventualities.

Hands

No need to take out your ski gloves, but it is imperative to cover your hands well when running in winter. To complete your running outfit, opt for gloves that will insulate you from the wind, water-repellent and equipped with a fleece-type lining against the cold. You can also wear them with silk gloves when the temperatures are freezing.

The feet

There's nothing like a pair of merino socks for warmth and breathability. If your course is snowy or muddy, your shoes will make your outfit waterproof.

GOOD TO KNOW: THE NECK IN ALL THIS?

Depending on the winter running clothes you choose, you may need a neck warmer if you find that your jacket collar is not high enough. It's a good way to complete your running outfit, but also to limit heat loss on your upper body.

Which sneakers for running in winter?

To run in winter on asphalt, your usual running shoes may be sufficient. On the other hand, for frozen sidewalks, places where the snow is poorly cleared or for slippery trails, it is important to choose running shoes with crampons or notched soles to optimize your grip on these tricky grounds.

In addition to the crampons, an upper fitted with a waterproof and breathable membrane like Gore-Tex will be essential to get home with dry feet. To fight against the cold, it is also better to avoid models that have a lot of mesh. In order to find what you are looking for, consider looking for trail shoes where you will find many sneakers with spikes and lugs.

What pants/shorts to wear for running in winter?

The last key point to complete your winter running outfit is the protection of your legs. Running tights are essential for keeping your muscles and joints warm and thus providing you with comfort, but also preventing injuries. Like the base layer of the 3-layer system, these tights are both insulating and breathable. They come in different compression levels for muscle support tailored to individual preferences. In windy conditions, you will easily find running tights equipped with a windproof-type membrane. Do not neglect this option, because the wind can drastically drop the temperatures felt.

Enjoying the pleasures of running in the great outdoors even when the temperatures drop? It's possible! You just need to choose your clothes for winter running and adopt the right reflexes for a running outfit that will ensure you warmth, breathability and grip thanks to the 3-layer system for the torso and the spikes/lugs on the soles of your running shoes.

THE THREE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER TO KNOW WHAT CLOTHES TO CHOOSE FOR RUNNING IN WINTER:

  1. The first winter clothes to choose from are the components of the 3-layer system which will insulate the upper body from the cold.
  2. For comfortable running sessions in the cold, complete your outfit with gloves, a hat and socks suitable for low temperatures.
  3. No running in winter without crampon shoes which will give you good grip, no matter how severe the weather conditions.

RUNNING CLOTHING