Running Shoes, Apparel and Gear The 10 Best Winter Running Hats of 2021 Keep your head warm through cold weather workouts By Christine Luff twitter linkedin Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Christine Luff Reviewed by Reviewed by John Honerkamp on January 17, 2020 twitter linkedin instagram John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board John Honerkamp Updated on December 01, 2020 Print More in Running Shoes, Apparel and Gear Beginners Weight Loss Motivation Long Distance Nutrition and Hydration Injury Prevention Treadmill Running Race Training View All Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Best Overall for Women: Lululemon Run for It All Beanie at Lululemon "Designed for runners, this reflective pick will bring warmth while its back opening allows you to wear a ponytail or bun." Best Overall for Men: Nike Men’s Dri-FIT Running Beanie at Dick's "Its perforated design prevents overheating while the Dri-FIT fabric ensures its breathability so you can run in comfort." Best Odor-Fighting: Smartwool Unisex Cuffed Beanie at Amazon "Keep odors in check with this moisture-wicking option, made of 100% merino wool so you can stay cozy on the coldest of days." Best for Reflectivity: TrailHeads Men’s Power Cap at Amazon "A beanie that doubles as a layering piece under a helmet, it's lightweight enough to be tossed into a pocket before heading out." Best Budget for Women: New Balance Lightweight Running Hat at Amazon "As affordable as it is versatile, it can either be worn alone or under a helmet for cycling or snow sports." Best Budget for Men: Tough Headwear Running Beanie at Amazon "Runners, snowboarders, or bikers can brave frigid elements with this hat, complete with reflective detailing to keep you visible." Best for Ponytail: Turtle Fur Ponytail Beanie at Amazon "Keep your mane in check with this ponytail-friendly beanie, made to block 97% of UV rays so you can stay protected." Best for Extremely Cold Weather: Nike Pro Hyperwarm Hood at Dick's "On days when the weather's especially frigid or windy, this hood keeps your head, ears, neck, and most of your face covered." Best for Running in Snow: TrailHeads Fleece Cap With Drop Down Ear Warmer at Amazon "Part ear warmer and part cap, this option keeps your ears warm while its brim keeps snow or rain out of your eyes." Best Beanie: Under Armour Men’s Billboard Beanie 3.0 at Dick's "A moisture-wicking option that doubles as athleisure and a casual accessory, it promises not to move while you do." Runners know that if their head is cold during a run, they’ll feel it all over. However, it’s not easy to find a hat that provides the perfect balance of keeping you warm without overheating. We’ve done the research to come up with picks for the best winter running hats that can handle whatever conditions you encounter during your cold weather runs. Here, the best winter running hats. Best Overall for Women: Lululemon Run for It All Beanie Buy on Lululemon This durable and soft beanie from Lululemon will quickly become one of your winter running wardrobe favorites. Made of a sweat-wicking fabric that has shape retention, it won’t get stretched out after lots of wear and trips through the washer and dryer. The reflective detailing in the stitching will help you be seen in low-light conditions, and the opening in the back is comfortable and convenient for your ponytail to stick out. Versatile and comfy, this beanie is also easy to tuck into a pocket or your waistband in case the weather changes mid-run. The Best Cold Weather Running Gear, According to a Running Coach Best Overall for Men: Nike Men’s Dri-FIT Running Beanie Buy on Dick's This lightweight beanie delivers everything runners want in a winter running hat. With exceptional wicking capability, the Dri-FIT technology keeps your head dry. The thermal lining feels warm and soft against your skin, while the perforations allow excess heat to escape. Made of a stretchy material, the hat stays put, so you won’t be pulling or adjusting it during your run. Reflective elements help to increase your visibility when running in the early morning or evening. The 10 Best Winter Running Hats of 2021 Best Odor-Fighting: Smartwool Unisex Cuffed Beanie Buy on Amazon Buy on Zappos This double-layered beanie from Smartwool is made with merino wool and naturally repels odor, so you don’t need to wash it after every wear. It’s soft, not at all itchy, and wicks away moisture, keeping your head dry and comfortable. Versatile and comfy, this beanie can be cuffed up for milder days or pulled down low over your ears when the temp drops or the wind picks up. Best for Reflectivity: TrailHeads Men’s Power Cap Buy on Amazon The ring of reflective lines around this beanie makes you visible during early morning and evening runs. With a brushed thermal lining that retains heat and a breathable, wicking outer layer, the hat keeps your head warm, dry, and protected. It’s made of a stretchy polyester/Spandex blend and can comfortably accommodate all size heads, making it a good choice for both men and women. The Best Reflective Running Gear of 2021, According to a Running Coach Best Budget for Women: New Balance Lightweight Running Hat Buy on Amazon When you want a quality, lightweight beanie but don’t want to spend a lot, you can’t go wrong with this hat from New Balance. Designed with 3D stretch technology, it stretches to fit but still maintains its shape, even with repeated wear and washings. The moisture-wicking material keeps your head dry and comfortable, and the fit is snug enough that the hat won’t migrate up as you’re running. Cyclists and winter sports enthusiasts will also appreciate that it can easily be worn under a helmet. Best Budget for Men: Tough Headwear Running Beanie Buy on Amazon For a versatile and inexpensive running beanie, you can’t beat this stretchy, comfy hat from Tough Headwear. Made of a breathable, wicking fabric, it keeps your head warm and dry, while providing excellent head coverage, especially over the ears. It’s thin enough that it can be worn under a brimmed hat for running or a helmet if you want to also use it for cycling or snow sports. Best for Ponytail: Turtle Fur Ponytail Beanie Buy on Amazon Anyone with longish hair knows how uncomfortable and annoying it can be when their ponytail gets bunched up and tangled under a winter hat. This beanie hat has a small slit to put your hair through, so your ponytail is free to easily and comfortably swing. Made of a soft, stretchy technical fabric, it effectively wicks away moisture, and also provides anti-microbial and sun protection. The thoughtful design lets heat escape through a single top layer, while a double-layer band provides extra warmth and protection for your ears. Best for Extremely Cold Weather: Nike Pro Hyperwarm Hood Buy on Dick's Be ready for frigid temps and blustery conditions with this versatile Nike Pro Hyperwarm Hood. Made with Hyperwarm fabric, it’s designed to keep you toasty and dry throughout your run. You can wear it over your head, nose, and mouth for full facial protection, or as a neck gaiter as you warm up and need more ventilation. The flatlock seam construction prevents any annoying irritation or chafing on the run. Best for Running in Snow: TrailHeads Fleece Cap With Drop Down Ear Warmer Buy on Amazon Running in the snow can feel invigorating, but getting pounded in the face with snowflakes can also make it annoying and even dangerous. With a small brim, this winter hat from TrailHeads keeps snow or rain off your face, so you’re ready for any kind of conditions. The innovative design also features drop-down ear covers for additional protection. If the weather changes or you start to warm up, simply flip up the ear covers for more ventilation. The elastic inner band stretches to accommodate different sizes, allowing for a snug, comfortable fit. The 10 Best Ear Warmers of 2021 Best Beanie: Under Armour Men’s Billboard Beanie 3.0 Buy on Dick's A snug and comfortable beanie is a versatile item for any cold-weather running wardrobe. Made of soft, lightweight knit material, this one from Under Armour keeps your head warm and cozy, without overheating. UA’s moisture-wicking technology keeps you dry and comfortable. With a secure fit, the beanie stays in position, providing ample ear coverage and good protection, even in blustery conditions. This stylish hat also works for casual wear, so you definitely get a lot of bang for your buck. Final Verdict From a comfortable, snug fit to a ponytail opening, Lululemon’s Run for It All Beanie has everything female runners would want in a durable winter running hat. For a versatile, reliable hat with excellent protection and comfort, Nike Men’s Dri-FIT Running Beanie is a favorite for men. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a long-time running coach and avid runner, Christine Luff has researched and recommended lots of winter running hats, as well as personally tested them during cold weather runs and races. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Whether you're looking to run faster, further, or just start to run in general, we have the best tips for you. Sign up and become a better runner today! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit