The best gadgets and gear to help youkeeprunningwhenit’sfreezing
When the evenings get colder and darker, it’s easy to get lax about your running routine. Strava statistics dwindle, leggings are cast to the back of the wardrobe and your once pavement-worn trainers stay firmly paired in the hallway.
But bad weather needn’t halt you in your tracks completely. When you’re properly dressed for the elements, no amount of sleet or snow can stop you from logging those all-important miles. The key to braving the chill is finding the right body armour, from clever layers to practical gadgets.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best running essentials for the winter months so you can be and beat your personal best.
1 ULTRABOOST X ALL TERRAIN TRAINERS, £169.95, ADIDAS
Adidas has updated its cult UltraBOOST boot with some shiny new features designed to withstand even the most unpredictable weather. As well as being one of the most stylish running shoes out there, it also uses a splash-repellent primeknit that extends up the ankle to keep your feet warm and dry when you (inevitably) run through puddles. The new iteration of the shoe has kept the iconic four-way stretch outsole, giving you great traction whether you’re trail running in nature or pounding the city pavements.
2 PRINCETON TEC AXIS RECHARGEABLE LED HEAD TORCH, £71.21, OUTDOORGB
One of the most cumbersome things about winter running is the fact that it gets darker so much earlier. Rather than fumbling around with your smartphone torch when you’re navigating particularly poorly-lit areas, invest in a robust headlamp like this one from Princeton Tec. Light and small, its adjustable beam can cover up to 58 metres, keeping you safe and visible. It also comes with a handy micro-USB port for charging on-the-go.
3 THERMODYNAMIC RUN LEGGINGS, £90, SWEATY BETTY
Not all leggings are created equal, so here’s a good pro tip: Invest in different pairs for different seasons.
Sweaty
Betty’s temperature-regulating leggings are made from thermodynamic fabric that holds in just the right amount of warmth on chilly mornings, while still allowing breathability when you sweat. There’s a hi-vis pattern running up the outside leg too, which is loud enough to keep you visible but subtle enough to be worn from the office to the street.
4 SPEED PRO GLOVES, £40, SALOMON
Salomon has thought of everything with their lightweight running gloves. Not only do they utilise a unique ‘Zargon’ technology that reflects warmth back to you when you exercise, they’re also made from touchscreen fabric so you can easily swipe through your playlist while you’re on your run.
5 THERMOSHELL INSULATED LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET, £140, INOV8
A good outer layer is key to staying warm in the changeable winter months, and this packable jacket delivers on both wind and water protection. It utilises Polartec Alpha insulation — a special kind of fabric technique that regulates warmth and transfers moisture, with a stable core of knit fibres that keep you toasty when you need it most. There’s no need for loud patterns or colours here either; it comes in a trend-ticking monochrome shade that will last you for plenty of winters to come.