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The Best Winter Workout Gear to Keep You Warm and Active, Even in Sub-Zero Weather

There's plenty to choose from, including leggings, thermals, sneakers, sunglasses and more.

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Headshot of Giselle Castro-Sloboda
Written by  Giselle Castro-Sloboda
Article updated on 
Headshot of Giselle Castro-Sloboda
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/fitness myths. In my free time I enjoy cooking, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or watching a documentary. 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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Some people love to work out outside, no matter the season. As long as you're dressed appropriately, it's possible to enjoy outdoor workouts when the temperature drops. Workout clothes made from breathable fabrics will help you stay warm even if it's below freezing. Whether you’re running, walking or biking, keeping warm is vital. That means wearing the proper layers for those 20 degrees Fahrenheit days and the right attire that stays put during any activity. You'll also want footwear that can handle all of Mother Nature's elements.

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After researching the most highly recommended winter attire, I narrowed down my favorite pieces based on brand reliability and customer reviews. These are my recommended winter workout gear, like insulated vests, fleece-lined leggings and more to keep you warm yet mobile.

The Swiftwick Pursuit Four socks are designed to keep you cool in the summer and warm in winter. The socks are made 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 handled Portland's rainy and cold climate well during his runs. Another mentioned that they wear these socks year-round and it's the only brand they wear.

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Keeping your head and especially your ears covered is important when you're 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 double-layered merino wool, 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.

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These wraparound sunglasses are ideal for any of your favorite winter activities. Although the lenses are big, the glasses are lightweight and have a nose pad, so they sit 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 doing 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.

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If you're going to be running outdoors, make sure you're wearing the right leggings. Oiselle's Fireglow Fleece Tights offer the warmth of sweatpants underneath, but also have the flexibility and movement of a tight. The reflective panels at the bottom of the leggings are ideal if you like to run at dusk or dawn and want to make sure you're visible to others on the road.

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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. 

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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. 

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Chances are, if you're running outdoors this winter, you're wearing a smartwatch to track your pace and time. Owning a pair of winter gloves that keep your hands warm, has a touchscreen option and allows you to access your watch easily will make your running experience better. The Oiselle Firecracker Watch Window Gloves do just that by including a window for your smartwatch's face, instead of covering it up as most gloves and sleeves do. These gloves also have a reflective print to keep you visible while running outdoors.

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

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Brooks knows a thing or two about gear for cold-weather performance. The Brooks Shield Hybrid Jacket 3.0 is designed to keep you dry and warm during rainy or snowy winter weather. It's made up of a lightweight Thermolite insulation and is semi-fitted without the added bulk in a standard jacket.

This jacket is ideal to wear as-is or to layer, depending on your activity. You'll be able to take this on a long run as it has plenty of pockets to hold your essentials, such as your keys, earbud case and more.

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The Thermajohn Long Johns Thermal Underwear are form-fitting with a fleece-lined base layer for heat retention, and they're also soft and comfortable. They're also made with a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that won't let you overheat. And since these also have four-way stretch, you can freely move around in them without worrying about chafing or bunching. They're also a good option for those who need to layer up. Reviewers are quite happy with the fit and comfort of these leggings, with a 4.6 star rating from almost 55,000 reviews.

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If you don't let winter elements, including snow, stop you from being active, then you need the right footwear. The Brooks Cascadia 17 GTX are a good choice for men and women who want shoes with the right amount of stability and grip for exploring the most uneven terrains. They also have Gore-tex waterproof protection, so you don't need to worry about it getting wet either.

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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.