The 8 Best Winter Running Hats, According to a Running Coach

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall for Women:

Oiselle Beanie at Oiselle.com

Its lightweight wicking fabric offers the ideal balance of material weight and breathability.

Best Overall for Men:

Under Armour Beanie at Amazon

This lightweight beanie offers all the features runners want in a winter running hat.

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 Unisex:

Smartwool Unisex Cuffed Beanie at Amazon

It’s soft, not at all itchy, and wicks away moisture, keeping your head dry and comfortable.

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 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 for Ear Coverage:

rnnr Beanie at Rnnr.com

The bottom fold on the rnnr Cold Weather Running Beanie gives your ears some extra warmth.

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 develop picks for the best winter running hats that can handle whatever conditions you encounter during your cold-weather runs.

To help you narrow your choices, here are the best winter running hats on the market.

Runners often find their winter running cap turns out to be too warm, making their run uncomfortable. The Oiselle Lux Beanie prevents overheating and evens out the temperature. Its lightweight, wicking fabric offers the ideal balance of material weight and breathability, so your head doesn't get too warm. The cap stretches enough to fit a ponytail but remains tight around your head and doesn't slip.

This lightweight Under Armour Men's Storm Elements Beanie offers all the features runners want in a winter running hat. With the Armour Fleece construction built for performance, it’s light, quick-drying but remains warm, covering your ears to the nape of your neck. The material is snug but not tight. The Armour Storm finish repels rain and snow without sacrificing breathability.

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.

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 comfortable, this beanie can be cuffed up for milder days or pulled down low over your ears when the temperature drops or the wind picks up.

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 and Spandex blend and can comfortably accommodate all size heads, making it a good choice for both men and women.

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.

When runners are exposed to cold temperatures for more than a few minutes, their ears can become numb, with a stinging sensation. Made of thin cartilage, ears are susceptible to the cold.

The bottom fold on the rnnr Cold Weather Running Beanie gives your ears some extra warmth, and its stretchy material makes sure it fits the biggest heads. The material is soft enough to provide you with a cozy feeling.

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

For a breathable, lightweight hat that offers plenty of warmth, consider the Oiselle Lux Beanie, which has everything female runners want in a running hat. The cap prevents overheating and evens out the temperature, providing the perfect balance of material and warmth.

For a men's hat that offers protection and comfort, the Under Armour Men's Storm Elements Beanie is the cap you want. The Armour Fleece construction is optimized for performance and reliability. It’s light and quick-drying but remains warm, covering your ears to the nape of your neck.

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.

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The 8 Best Winter Running Hats of 2021, According to a Running Coach

Keep your head warm through cold weather workouts

Best Overall for Women: Oiselle Lux Beanie

Best Overall for Men: Under Armour Men's Storm Elements Beanie

Best Budget for Men: Tough Headwear Running Beanie

Best Unisex: Smartwool Unisex Cuffed Beanie

Best for Reflectivity: TrailHeads Men’s Power Cap

Best for Running in Snow: TrailHeads Fleece Cap With Drop Down Ear Warmer

Best for Ear Coverage: rnnr Cold Weather Running Beanie

Best Beanie: Under Armour Men’s Billboard Beanie 3.0