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Article updated on April 8, 2024 at 9:00 AM PDT

Must-Have Winter Workout Gear: The Best Jackets, Leggings, Socks and More

Best cold weather workout picks that every outdoor enthusiast needs in their wardrobe.

Our Experts

Written by 
Giselle Castro-Sloboda
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
Giselle Castro-Sloboda Fitness and Nutrition Writer
I'm a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness myths. On my spare time I enjoy cooking new recipes, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or binge-watching many TV shows at once. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I've had my wellness and lifestyle content published in various online publications such as: Women's Health, Shape, Healthline, Popsugar and more.
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CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

Our Picks

$130 at Amazon
brooks-cascadia-15-gtx-trail-running-shoes
Brooks Cascadia 15 GTX
Best winter shoes for women
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$35 at Fleet Feet
saucony-fortify-convertible-glove
Saucony Fortify convertible gloves
Best unisex winter touchscreen gloves
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$98 at Ibex
ibex-woolies-top-and-bottoms
Ibex Woolies Tech long-sleeve crew and base layer bottoms
Best men's winter thermals
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$20 at Amazon
swiftkick-pursuit-four-sock
Swiftwick Pursuit Four socks
Best men's winter socks
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$13 at Smartwool
smartwool-merino-wool-headband
Smartwool Merino 250 reversible headband
Best unisex headband
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$59 at Blenders
blenders-eclipse-x2
Blenders Eyewear Eclipse X2 sunglasses
Best men's sunglasses for cycling and winter sports
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$25 at Goodr
goodr-a-gingers-soul-sunglasses
Goodr Women's Sunglasses OG A Ginger's Soul sunglasses
Best women's bounce-free sunglasses
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$99 at Title Nine
title-nine-crash-2-0-leggings
Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tight
Best women's winter leggings
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$168 at Lululemon
lululemon-another-mile-vest
Lululemon Another Mile vest
Best women's running vest
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$126 at Under Armour
under-armour-coldgear-reactor-performance-hybrid-jacket
Under Armour Men's ColdGear Reactor Performance Hybrid
Best men's running jacket
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$105 at Backcountry
icebreaker-top-and-leggings
Icebreaker BodyFit 200 Oasis legging
Best women's thermals
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$85 at Amazon
asics-lite-show-winter-tight
Asics Lite-Show winter tight
Best men's winter leggings
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When you prefer to work out outdoors or in your home, winter can be brutal. But with the right winter workout gear, you'll still be comfortable. Workout clothes made from breathable fabrics will help you get a sweat on while keeping you warm enough to withstand the dropping temperatures. Shoes, jackets, hats, gloves and more: We've rounded it all up for you.

For outdoor workouts in the colder months, you must have the gear on hand to keep you warm and insulated -- whether you’re running, walking, or biking, keeping warm is vital. This includes wearing the proper layers for those 20-degree (or colder) days, the right gear that stays put during any activity. You'll also want footwear that can handle all of Mother Nature's elements. With so many options to pick from, it can be overwhelming knowing which are worth buying.

After researching the most highly recommended winter attire, I narrowed down my favorite pieces based on brand reliability and customer reviews. 

$130 at Amazon

Brooks Cascadia 15 GTX

Best winter shoes for women

If you don't let the elements of winter, including snow, stop you from being active, then you need the right footwear. The Brooks Cascadia 15 GTX is a good choice for men and women who want a shoe with the right amount of stability and grip for when they're exploring the most uneven terrains. Reviewers call it the perfect trail running or hiking shoe because it is waterproof, well-cushioned, has a firm sole and supports even high foot arches. 

$35 at Fleet Feet

Saucony Fortify convertible gloves

Best unisex winter touchscreen gloves

If you are looking for gloves that are unisex, the Saucony Fortify Convertible Gloves are a good choice. These are convertible, which means you can wear them as a five-fingered glove or a mitten. The wind mitt is tucked into the backhand pocket and can be worn as an option for especially cold weather. These gloves are midweight, plus wind and water resistant. Reviewers say that it's easy to use a smartphone even with the mitten in place. Other reviewers say that if your hands tend to run hot, these gloves are a good option for winter activities because they're not overly warming. However, one buyer pointed out that these gloves may not be the best option for days that are colder than 30 degrees. 

$98 at Ibex

Ibex Woolies Tech long-sleeve crew and base layer bottoms

Best men's winter thermals

Winter gear is all about layers -- they're key to keeping you warm on frigid days. The Ibex Woolies Tech Long Sleeve Crew and the Woolies Tech Base Layer Bottoms are intended to be a midweight base layer for all your winter activities. The thermals are made up of merino wool and nylon "Core" Elastane Jersey, allowing you to move freely. The merino wool is moisture-wicking, keeping you dry and odor-free during your most extreme outdoor activities. Reviewers say that these thermals keep them warm during bike rides and runs, and they're anything but bulky -- making them ideal for layering. Some loved these layers so much that they bought extra pairs year after year.

$20 at Amazon

Swiftwick Pursuit Four socks

Best men's winter socks

The Swiftwick Pursuit Four socks are designed to keep you cool in the summer and warm during the winter. The socks are made out of merino wool, which helps regulate body temperature and keeps your feet dry. The best part is these socks can be worn comfortably whether you're going on a hike, run, bike ride or trail run. One reviewer raved that the socks even handled Portland's rainy and cold climate well during his runs. Another person mentioned that they wear these socks year-round and it's the only brand they wear. 

$13 at Smartwool

Smartwool Merino 250 reversible headband

Best unisex headband

Keeping your ears and head covered is important when being active in the cold outdoors. Smartwool's Merino 250 Reversible Headband offers proper coverage of the ears and head and is designed for all genders. It is made up of merino wool and is double layered, making it ideal for being active during low temperatures. Some reviewers say they use this headband during skiing and snowboarding, while others have worn it while hiking and running. One person said they turned to outdoor running during the pandemic and this headband withstood the cold winters of Chicago. 

$59 at Blenders

Blenders Eyewear Eclipse X2 sunglasses

Best men's sunglasses for cycling and winter sports

These wraparound sunglasses are ideal for any of your favorite winter activities. Even though the lenses are big, the glasses are lightweight and have a nose pad so it sits comfortably on your nose. These glasses look best on oval, heart-shaped and round faces. Reviewers share that these stay put while cycling, hiking and other winter sports. A few people mentioned that the sunglasses are also versatile enough to use in the summer and can be used while playing sports such as volleyball and baseball. 

$25 at Goodr

Goodr Women's Sunglasses OG A Ginger's Soul sunglasses

Best women's bounce-free sunglasses

If you're looking for classic sunglasses that will stay on during your run, Goodr's OG A Ginger's Soul sunglasses will fit your needs. The non-reflective glasses won't slip or bounce during your most rigorous activities. The lenses offer 100% of UV400 protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Reviews show that the majority of buyers are satisfied with this classic set of sunglasses that are ideal for all forms of outdoor activities, but especially running. Some reviewers say they loved their first pair enough that they bought more Goodr styles. 

$99 at Title Nine

Title Nine Crash 2.0 Polartec Tight

Best women's winter leggings

The right leggings can make your winter activities more enjoyable and remove the worry of freezing while spending hours outdoors. Title Nine's Crash 2.0 Polartec Tight is made with Polartec fleece designed to keep you warm and chafe-free. You have the choice to purchase the tights in a solid or striated color. Women who reviewed these tights across the board agree these tights keep them warm and dry during the coldest and wettest weather. 

$168 at Lululemon

Lululemon Another Mile vest

Best women's running vest

If you're looking for a puffer vest that isn't bulky yet is still functional, Lululemon's Another Mile vest fits the bill. The stretchy vest is intended to be worn during winter activities and is designed to move with you. The water repellent material also keeps you dry no matter the elements outside. Reviewers share that the vest is the perfect layer to keep them warm even when wearing a sweatshirt. One reviewer said it kept her warm when she wore it while playing tennis and cycling. One thing to keep in mind is that it runs small, therefore it's best to size up. 

$126 at Under Armour

Under Armour Men's ColdGear Reactor Performance Hybrid

Best men's running jacket

Under Armour is known to have winter gear to keep you warm during even the harshest of wintry elements. Its ColdGear Reactor Performance Hybrid will keep you insulated and prepared for those early morning runs, hikes, cycling sessions and more. The jacket is breathable and lightweight so it doesn't feel bulky. One reviewer recommended wearing thermals under this layer on days that are below 30 degrees, and another said they liked that this item is a hybrid between a hoodie and a jacket. Other satisfied reviewers said the jacket kept them warm during their winter runs and golf games. 

$105 at Backcountry

Icebreaker BodyFit 200 Oasis legging

Best women's thermals

When you're planning on going winter camping or hiking and need a reliable base layer, the IcebreakerBodyFit 200 Oasis leggings are a great choice. They are made up of merino wool to keep you dry during your long winter excursions. It's soft, comfortable and was designed to move with you and the slim fit makes it easy to layer. Reviews across the board say that these thermals are the best all-around for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing and running, and even those frigid days when you just need an extra layer. 

$85 at Amazon

Asics Lite-Show winter tight

Best men's winter leggings

The Asics Lite-Show Winter Tight are a good choice if you want to stay warm and well-supported during those cold winter days. The tights are form-fitting yet include a drawcord waist tie to let you adjust it for your best fit. Reviewers who swear by these tights say they've used it as a base layer for work, while others say it kept them warm on the coldest winter days for the duration of their long runs. These tights also include Firefly technology which helps you remain visible even at nighttime.