From 5km lunchtime loops to weekend trail runs in the woods and the final leg of triathlon events, running is my favourite form of escapism and fitness-building pursuit. It very, very rarely fails to make me smile.
It can be hard to get out the front door in the depths of winter, however. But over the years I've built up a trusted kit that I use to get the best out of my runs. It's taken a lot of trying and testing of different products across the market, but I now rarely leave the door without a combination of the below.
Covering leggings, tops and accessories, these products will help you refresh your running wardrobe, too. Everything listed is under £40, so you won't be breaking the bank while trying to up your sporting game. Here are my editor-approved recommendations for the best winter running essentials to shop in 2025.
The winter running essentials I don't leave the house without
BAM Huckaby Bamboo Running Leggings
Running tights, hiking wear, pyjamas and long johns. The versatile 68% bamboo/28% organic cotton Huckaby leggings from BAM are a soft, cosy and smartly-priced pair of leggings. They’re not too snug for serious running, though, proving both breathable and quick-drying. And with eco credentials, too.
Shop: the BAM Huckaby Bamboo Running Leggings here for £39 £19
Keela Trail Pro L/S Top with Stayfresh
This well-priced long-sleeve top is warm, soft on the skin and offers impressive breathability. It’s worked for me as both an outer top and base layer over autumn and winter, the 9% Lycra in the mix giving it more stretch than a classic 100% polyester top. Think about sizing down if you’re between sizes, though.
Shop: the Keela Trail Pro L/S Top with Stayfresh here for £34.95
Inov-8 Race Elite Headband
Need some encouragement getting out of the door on chilly days? Inov-8’s Race Elite Headband has regularly been the savour of my early morning runs, the soft-on-the-skin construction and warmth they offer thwarting icy blasts of air. The lightweight material is stretchy but not saggy, and it also acts as a neck buff when the temperature rises. The only issue is how much I lose it in the wash….
Shop: the Inov-8 Race Elite Headband here for £10
Stance Primal Light Crew Sock
Paying 16 quid for a single pair of socks might seem excessive, but I can vouch for the long-term durability and winter warmth of Stance’s Primal Lights, a pair I’ve used for years for trail running and hiking and they’re still not showing signs of wear or ghastly holes. And they look great, with Stance’s instantly recognisable designs giving them casual wear chops, too.
Shop: the Stance Primal Light Crew Sock here for £16.99
Runderwear Long Running Boxer Shorts
A decent pair of running boxers have year-round appeal, but I especially like them in winter for providing an extra protective layer of warmth from cold conditions. These high-quality boxers from Runderwear are worth the spend, boasting silicone grips to hold them in place, minimal internal seams to reduce chafing and a sweat-wicking fabric for when things heat up.
