In this article, we’re on a mission to explore the very best winter running hats that not only keep you warm, but improve your cold-weather running experience. We’ve scoured the market to unveil the hats that strike the perfect balance between warmth, comfort, and style.

best winter running hats

For those living and running in parts of the country that see all 4 seasons, the winter months can be the most challenging to maintain a consistent running schedule. Having the right gear though can make all the difference when being comfortable on cold weather runs.

One of the best ways to ensure comfort is with a good winter running hat or headband that covers your ears. Of course that’s in addition to other gear like gloves or mittens, tights, shoes, baselayers, and a jacket.

For this article though, we’re going to focus on the best winter running hats. What should you look for in a winter running hat or headband? Keep reading to learn more about winter running head gear and our top recommendations.

Best Winter Running Hats and Headbands for 2025

10 Best Winner Running Hats and Headbands

Below you will find our favorite winter running hats and headbands. There should be something for everyone whether you want a headband, a lightweight hat or a heavyweight beanie.

Best Budget Winter Running Hat: Under Armour Storm Beanie

You’ll see me in this A LOT. I’ve had it for years, it just keeps on trucking and I LOVE the women’s version with the ponytail slot.

The Under Armour Storm beanie lives up to its name as it’s soft, warm, and repels rain and snow. So seriously, it’s the perfect match for that wet winter weather.

Even though it’s water-repellant (NOT waterproof), it’s made with a light breathable and stretchy fleece and even has a ponytail opening. The cuff is a ribbed knit that can be worn folded up or rolled down for a more slouchy look.

best womens running beanie

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Water-repellant
  • Ponytail opening
  • Multiple ways to wear (folded up or folded down)
Con
  • Some have reported that it lacks warmth because it’s thinner
  • Sizing tends to run small

Serious Winter Running Hat: Trailheads Trailblazer Ponytail Hat

If you like to wear a ponytail or braid when running, this Trailheads Ponytail hat is a great choice. This is essentially a fleece baseball cap so it has a slot for your ponytail to fit out the back. Not wearing a pony tail? The opening closes fully to keep out the cold.

What’s great about this hat for winter running, is that it has a drop-down ear warmer. If you warm up enough, just tuck this fleece back up out of the way. I know it’s a little goofy, but if you’re running on those SERIOUSLY cold days this is hat is so comfy!

trailheads winter running hat

The hat comes in several colors, has reflective stitching around the ponytail opening and along the brim for increased visibility on low light days.

If you’re looking for something similar but made out of a different fabric, they have a version using Merino wool. While it’s one size fits most, they do offer a men’s version, which is slightly larger.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Reflective details
  • Ponytail opening in the back
  • Side panels stay put to keep your ears warm
Con
  • Some have reported the liner on the top of the hat isn’t super warm and wind blows through
  • Mixed reviews on the sizing
  • Ear covering may not come full down depending on the size of your head and amount of hair

Wool Running Beanie: Smartwool Merino Beanie

The Smartwool Merino Beanie is made from 100% Merino wool, specifically the Merino 250 base layer fabric, to keep you warm, dry, and odor free.

This lightweight beanie can actually be worn year round, believe it or not. It’s great for running, skiing, under a bike helmet, you name it! Truly I’m a gal who NEEDS a beanie to get out the door for winter runs, so this is something you’ll see on me a TON in a variety of styles.wool running beanie

The hat has a rolled cuff providing additional ear coverage,is double layered for max warmth and offers a bulkfree fit.

If you’re looking to add some color to your winter running wardrobe, this hat comes in several colors and patterns.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Easy to pack for trips or if on the trails
  • Lightweight but still warm
  • Breathable material
Con
  • Not reversible if you do not cut off the multiple tags inside
  • Mixed reviews on the sizing

Runner Up Wool Option: Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Beanie

This is your classic style beanie, but it’s got a few features that help it make our list. It’s a midweight hat made from 100% Merino wool. It’s soft to the touch and double-layered at the ears for added warmth and protection.

winter running beanie

It comes in five colors and is great for running, but also for other fun winter activities like skiing, hiking, and just walking the dog.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Multiple colors to pick from
  • Lightweight but still warm
  • Keeps you warm even in 20F degrees and below temp
Con
  • If you wear it a lot, some have said it’s not super durable
  • Too warm and itchy, depending on the temperature
  • Some reported it started to slide off their head as they moved

Multi-size Option: Lululemon Fast and Free Rulu Fleece Beanie

I originally wanted to include the Lululemon Run for it All Beanie, but it looks like it is no longer being sold. So, in our research, I found the new Fast and Free Rulu Fleece Running Beanie, and it’s a great replacement.

Available in two sizes which is impressive since most are one size fits all.lululemon fleece beanie

This fleece beanie has four-way stretch, water-repellent tech fleece fabric. It’s a snug fit but comes in two size options. The hat also has some reflective accents and comes in 3 color options.

Despite being a new item, it already has a ton of great reviews on Lululemon’s website in case you want a few more opinions.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Fits true to size and doesn’t move around
  • Sweat-wicking material so you’re not running around with a sweaty head in the cold
  • Fleece lining keeps you extra warm
Con
  • The fit can be a little snug around your forehead
  • Some have said it looks like a swim cap
  • Sizing can be akward, especially if you have a lot of hair

Best For Face Protection: Gorewear Windstopper Balaclava

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, our gear tester Connie puts on the Gorewear WINDSTOPPER® Balaclava to keep her covered. Made with GORE-TEX LABS’ WINDSTOPPER® material, it offers total windproof protection, so even the harshest gusts don’t stand a chance.

But what she loved most is how breathable it was—no more feeling trapped in hot, sweaty gear.

The holes around the mouth and nose vent allow for fresh air to come in. Connie loved not breathing through fabric like she usually does with other fabric coverings. Plus, the fabric at the bow and ears adds extra wind protection where she needs it most.

Goerwear Balaclava

Whether you’re running on a cold morning or braving high winds, this Balaclava’s got you covered—literally.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Great for layering, especially in colder months
  • Doesn’t fog up glasses or goggles
  • Can breath comfortably even with the mouth covering
Con
  • Face panels do not have wind protection
  • No fold down option if you don’t want your face covered the entire time

Wool Running Ear Band: Smartwool Printed Headband

Feel like you get too hot with all the heat trapped on your head?? That’s not abnormal, so another option is the ear warmer, ear band, whatever you’d like to call it.

Smartwool’s thermal Merino reversible earband is a good option for insulation in winter weather. Again, you’ll see us come back to wool as a good winter option again and again.

It’s dual-layer using an interlock knit with clean seams for no bulk. It’s 100% Merino Wool and is great for those variable weather days with temps all over the board.

smartwool headband

It comes in numerous colors and all are reversible for variety.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Stays in place as you move around
  • Covers the entire ear so they never get cold
  • Super comfortable and not tight-fitting
Con
  • May sit weird on your head depending on head and hair size
  • Some have reported it to get itchy, especially if it sits on your forehead

Lightweight Option: New Balance Beanie

For arguably the best lightweight cap option, the New Balance Beanie is a go-to choice. I like this one when I know it’s not THAT cold, but I am going to be cold for the first 3-4 miles.

Don’t let the name fool you, it’s still long enough to cover the ears.

New Balance Beanie

This hat is super stretchy but maintains its shape well thanks to the polyester/spandex jersey blend fabric that helps wick sweat, keeps you dry, and offers great breathability.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Lightweight material that keeps you warm
  • Comfortable fit
  • Great quality that is going to last through a lot of wears
Con
  • Some have reported the logo to rub off easily
  • Some have questioned the durability

Best Reflective Beanie: Nathan Reflective Beanie

With low light early morning or evening runs, being visible is key to our safety as runners. This Nathan HyperNight Reflective Beanie is the ultimate winter running companion for staying warm and seen.

This lightweight, moisture-wicking beanie keeps you warm without overheating, while its reflective detailing ensures you stay visible in low light. The stretchy, snug fit is perfect for all head sizes and stays in place no matter how fast you’re moving. There is also a hole to put a pontail through which is always a plus!

reflective beanie

It comes in 2 colors, is machine washable, and it one size fits all.

Details

Quick Take

Pro
  • Reflective detailing to keep you safe running in the dark
  • Comfortable fit
  • Sweat-wicking to keep your head dry running in the cold
Con
  • May be too snug of a fit for some
  • Some have reported the hat to move around as you get running

Lightweight Ear Band: Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Headband

Coach Stacey swears by this headband for those chilly Colorado runs. It’s lightweight, stays perfectly in place, and wicks away sweat to keep you comfortable. The cozy fleece lining provides just the right amount of warmth for windy winter days without making you overheat.

fleece headband for running

Bonus points for the headband not getting super wet if you sweat a lot! Some other headbands do not absorb sweat very well, making you feel even colder post-run.

Details

  • Fabric: Main Body: 47% Polyester, 38% Merino Wool, 15% Elastane. Overlay: 85% Nylon, 15% Elastane
  • Weight: Lightweight
  • Care: Machine wash, tumble dry
  • Available from Smartwool.com for $30

Quick Take

Pro
  • Super comfortable and soft material
  • Will keep your ears warm, especially in colder temps
  • Stays in place even as you pick up the pace
Con
  • Some have reported it to be too wide and not a flattering fit
  • Too many tags that can be irritating

Should You Run With A Hat in the Winter?

One of the key things to remember about winter running is that once you get going, it will often feel about 20 degrees warmer than when you started. This makes it really easy to overdress because we’re chilly when we start!

A running hat is not always necessary as it may in fact make you feel too warm.

Personally I will pull on a running beanie when it’s below 40 and almost always have pulled it off by mile 2 assuming there’s no wind.

Once it gets below 30, you may notice that a lot of runners are still in shorts, but wearing gloves and a hat. This is a great way to keep your body warm and still enjoy running in shorts.

Here’s our complete guide on what to wear at different winter running temperatures >>

What to wear running in 10 degrees

Looking for more gear reviews?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish

Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinishrunning coach

Sign Up to Receive a Weekly Newsletter with Top Running Tips and Laughs

The post 10 Best Winter Running Hats and Headbands appeared first on RunToTheFinish.



from RunToTheFinish https://ift.tt/tqFVYNv