As the seasons change, so should your running gear. It’s a no-brainer that you’ll want to bundle up as it gets colder, but bulky outerwear can slow you down. What you need is a running jacket that moves with you while still protecting you from the elements.
Whether you're looking for stylish outerwear that can take you from your run to grocery shopping or a high-performance jacket that will seriously protect you on the trails, there's a running jacket to fit all your winter needs.
What to Consider
If it’s colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re going to want a wind jacket to protect you on blustery runs; if it’s under 30 degrees, an insulated or thermal running jacket will keep your core temperature where it should be. Depending on the conditions, you might also need something water-resistant, and you may want to throw on a long-sleeved shirt, base layer, or mid-layer for extra warmth.
But remember: You’re still working out, and you’re still going to sweat, even if it’s absolutely freezing. Sweat-wicking fabrics (even in the heaviest-duty outerwear!) are key to keeping you comfortable for the duration of your run. In addition to material and protection, keep style and comfort in mind. A jacket with an adjustable and/or removable hood will ensure you are never fussing with fashion during your runs.
Your jacket is your outermost layer of protection against winter weather. Stay warm, dry, and visible with the best running jackets for men and women — whether you're trail-running on the foothills or doing laps around your neighborhood.
Des Linden wore the elite version of this jacket to win the 2018 Boston Marathon in monsoon-like conditions, in case you had any doubts about its durability.
It’s made with Brooks’ wind- and water-resistant Breathable DriLayer Seal fabric, which has enough durability to block out bad weather without trapping your body heat inside the shell.
Bonus: It packs up into a built-in mesh pouch with backpack-style straps for when you’ve warmed up and don’t need it anymore.
This winter jacket (designed specifically for female runners) feels like a comfy lightweight fleece. That makes it perfect for cold mornings when you know it’s going to warm up throughout the duration of your run.
The high collar eliminates the need for a scarf or neck gaiter, and there’s a removable hood to provide extra warmth around your ears if you need it. We love this jacket for winter runs and hikes.
Not only is this lightweight running jacket water- and stain- repellent, it’s also made with Polartec Alpha insulation. Panels along the front and lower back keep your core temperature up, while sweat-wicking material on the upper back and arms keeps you dry. Despite the extra protection, it still packs up tightly enough to fit in your pocket.
We love Baleaf's biker shorts, so we were super excited to see that they launched some cold weather gear, too. This winter running jacket has an anti-splash outer layer and a soft fleece interior that will keep you nice and warm.
It's a full-zip design and has reflective properties, too. We also like that there's a larger pocket on the back of the jacket to store larger items like a phone or wallet.
Cut the chill on your morning run with this jacket that was designed specifically for running. It is made with waterproof Glyde fabric that is seam-sealed and breathable. The zippered pockets are perfect for your phone while the watch hole is a genius addition for easy time checks on your run. The hood cinches at the front and back for added comfort, and you can even flip the cuffs of this jacket to reveal reflective details for dark runs.
This running jacket is one of the best outerwear essentials for wet weather. The water-repellent woven fabric keeps your body dry, and the adjustable hood will protect your neck and head how you prefer. This 100% recycled polyester jacket can also be packed into the side pocket for compact, on-the-go gear.
Bulky outerwear can slow your stride. But this sleek jacket is crafted from a breathable, 100% merino wool liner with four-way stretch and water-resistant properties, giving you total mobility while keeping you warm and dry on the coldest days.
The wool is also naturally antimicrobial — guaranteeing that you won’t stink this up during your hardest efforts, and that you can transition this piece from workout to any other part of your day.
Don't let frigid days knock you off your training schedule. With lightweight thermal padding and a water-resistant finish, this track jacket was made for winter runs. It has extra fabric to keep your midsection toasty, long sleeves with thumbholes so your hands are covered, and a dropped-back hemline to keep your butt warm.
New Balance’s NB DRY fast-drying technology wicks away sweat to keep your body moisture-free, while the NB HEAT technology traps warm air generated by your body to retain heat on cold runs.
This particular running jacket is slim-cut to stay close to your skin (all the better to retain heat), and the quilted fabric stretches as you move so you don’t feel constrained on those challenging winter runs.
It's hard to find a waterproof jacket that stretches, and this anorak from On fits the bill. We like the relaxed fit, and some additional essential features like the hood, the tapering in the sleeves, and the vents on the front and back to help with breathability. It comes in five different colors, and is available for men, too.
While wool is a winter staple, it’s probably not the first fabric that comes to mind for a breathable running jacket. But the light-as-air outer shell is coated with DWR for wind and weather protection, and the body-mapped panels of Merino Sport wool mesh provide breathability and temperature control.
Made for plunging temperatures and severe elements, this minimalist running jacket uses Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper technology to block those powerful winds and keep you warmer for longer. The lightweight, water-repellent softshell is stretchy and breathable, making it ideal for the most intense winter training.
This jacket feels super light, but there’s a lot of power packed into it. The wind-blocking outer shell is bonded to Breath Thermo, a heat-generating fabric that absorbs your body moisture and uses it to generate heat.
It also quickly dries any absorbed moisture, keeping everything comfortable and dry throughout your run. The 360-degree reflectivity is a nice touch for dreary days, too.
Winter running jackets made with down feathers use baffles — pockets of space between two layers of fabric — to hold their insulation.
Because you can’t really run in a heavy down parka, this jacket is stuffed with ultra-thin, featherless insulation to keep you nice and warm without giving up mobility. Stretch panels on the sleeves and sides will help you hit your full stride all winter long.
Nothing chills you faster on the run than a wet shell that traps the dampness against your skin. This running jacket is wind- and water-resistant, with a soft knit interior to insulate body heat and thumb loops to prevent cold air from creeping up your arms.
This is an especially great choice for chilly morning or evening runs thanks to Asics' LITE-SHOW technology, which uses 360-degree reflectivity to keep you safe and visible even in the rainiest, snowiest conditions.
Everything about this jacket is strategic and well-thought-out: It’s lightweight, there’s an uninsulated hood that adds coverage and has buttons to secure it out of the way when not in use, and it has stretchy fabric on the lower back, elbows, and armpits for more efficient mobility.
And FYI, “SL” stands for super light — because the whole thing weighs in at less than 270 grams.
Made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop, this high-performance running jacket is good for the environment and for you! It features adidas WIND.RDY technology to protect you from the chilly winds, and the full-zip closure reaches your neck to keep all your warmth in. We love the slim zippered side pocket to safely store your phone on runs.
Ashley MateoAshley Mateo is a writer, editor, and UESCA- and RRCA-certified running coach who has contributed to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Women's Health, Health, Shape, Self, and more.
Kasey CaminitiContributorA self-proclaimed music junkie, Kasey enjoys festivals and concerts on the weekends but lately snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Rufio.
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