Expert product recommendations for cold weather running

Although each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotions. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our Product review guidelines here.

The Expert editing contains interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest episode we spoke to the founder of The athletics clubs Dane McCarthy and trainer and running expert Ben Lauder Dykes about their favorite products for cold weather running.

The Dane McCarthy started playing rugby in Australia, where he was immediately inspired by the benefits of group exercise. “The camaraderie and collective energy of team sports laid the foundation for what would eventually become ‘squad training’ and later The Athletic Clubs.” he says to PS. The private membership community opened its first location in 2020 and is pursuing national expansion, with five current gyms in the Tri-State area. Ben Lauder-Dykes, a former professional and semi-professional footballer, was introduced to The Athletic Clubs by a client he coached and is now the head of Run Athletic.

“At The Athletic Clubs, our mission is to help more people enjoy running and use it as a tool to achieve their broader fitness goals. By improving their running form and performance, we help members run more consistently and at a level that feels good to them,” Lauder-Dykes explains, continuing: “These improvements not only improve their running behavior; they also increase strength, fitness and work capacity during their team sessions pursuit that is registering for a race, participating in events such as Hyroxor just enjoying a weekend of running with friends or exploring new cities while on vacation.”

“The key is to keep your core warm, as that helps prevent blood from flowing away from your extremities.”

As temperatures drop, I had to ask these pros how they recommend their team stay warm, centered, and mentally sharp for the outdoors runs in cold weather – and they more than delivered. “The key is to keep your core warm, as that helps prevent blood from flowing away from your extremities,” says Lauder-Dykes, who suggests a high-quality thermal base layer for the upper and lower body; moisture-wicking socks, gloves with hand warmers and an extremity hat; a winter coat made of windproof and water-repellent materials; and even winterized running shoes with thermal insulation. “In cold weather, I try to modify my training to keep my body constantly moving, which helps maintain warmth and minimizes the time I spend outside. This can also be a great opportunity to structure workouts with fewer breaks or active recovery, which keeps the blood flowing and your body temperature rising.”

After you all proper fitness equipmentMcCarthy reminds us that the final key will emerge – whether on your own, during a solo outdoor adventure or with a team. “When you’re starting out, consistency is key. Before we opened our first studio, I trained outside for over a year in all weather conditions (cold, rain, heat) without missing a single session. But more than just showing up is about connecting with people and staying rooted in the ‘why’ behind what you do. That’s where real fulfillment comes from,” he says.

Ahead, shop the essentials the Athletic Clubs’ McCarthy and Lauder-Dykes rely on for cold-weather running, and find out how they use each item on the list.

Experts from this article:

Ben Lauder DykesNASM CPT, is an RMP (Running Mechanics Professional) Level 2, Precision Nutrition Level 1 and Strong First Kettlebell Instructor Level 1.