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I tested running shoes this summer — a good excuse to get outside and stay active — then Canada got cold.
I like running because it’s an easy way to get exercise and fresh air — just pop on a pair of runners and some comfortable clothes and hit the road. Winter is a different story. The air is super crisp and the ground can be slippery — a much higher chance of literally hitting the road. However, it’s still a simple and relatively inexpensive (compared to exercise classes or pricey gym memberships) way to get in cardio.
In an attempt to keep my running momentum going (I go on 5km runs, nothing extravagant), I set out to test winter-specific activewear, from shoes to jackets and all of the layers in between.
Arc’teryx, Nike, Merrell, Under Armour, Columbia and lululemon recommended products for my exact purpose — winter running. . I tried a variety of gear and landed on these top favourites.
Winter running gear tested and approved, summary
City winter running shoes: Nike Pegasus 41 GORE-TEX
City and trail winter running shoes: Merrell Agility Peak 5
Top-layer jacket (highly technical): Arc’teryxBeta Jacket
Top-layer jacket (less expensive): Nike Storm-FIT Swift Running Jacket
Long-sleeve layer: Arc’teryx Rho Hoody
Fleece layer: Columbia Helvetia II Fleece Pullover
Running tights: lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
Running pants: Under Armour OutRun The Storm Pants
Merino wool socks: Merrell Cushioned Wool Hiking Crew Socks
Winter running gear tested and approved, explained
City winter running shoes: Nike Pegasus 41 GORE-TEX
Why I love them: They’re one of my favourite running shoes, so it’s no surprise that I like the winterized version. In general, I love the shape, fit and feel of the Pegasus 41s. It feels like Nike designed the Pegasus 41s with my foot in mind (there’s a chance many people feel this way). The winterized Pegasuses have grippier bottoms and uppers made from waterproof GORE-TEX. I would never run in icy conditions, but these shoes are great against winter slush. They keep my feet dry and me upright.
Price: $210
Where to buy: Nike
City and trail winter running shoes: Merrell Agility Peak 5
Why I love them: Similar to the Pegasus 41s, Merrell’s Agility Peak 5s come in a regular and winterized version. I’m relatively new to Merrell; I tested a pair when hiking to Machu Picchu. I did moderate research for that endeavour which included going into an outdoor store and asking for a few recommendations — they all pointed me towards Merrell. Now, I actively look to Merrell for outdoor shoes. The Agility Peak 5s are comfortable, light in weight and offer great traction — ideal for winter city running or trail adventures.
Price: $190
Where to buy: Merrell
Top-layer jacket (highly technical): Arc’teryxBeta Jacket
Why I love it: This isn’t the exact jacket I tried, but it’s the closest available — and the Beta has the same features as mine, which may be more akin to the “SL” (super light) variation. The jacket is intended to be the outermost shell for your winter running. It’s waterproof (thanks to GORE-TEX), windproof and extremely light. The hood is slim fitting. I like to wear regular over-ear headphones when running — there’s enough room for them, but it’s snug. The body of the jacket is pretty fitted too — however, it’s designed for layering. This jacket can take on elements way beyond city running, it would be great for hiking, boating or other outdoor endeavours, like skiing.
Price: $500
Where to buy:Arc’teryx
Top-layer jacket (less expensive): Nike Storm-FIT Swift Running Jacket
Why I love it: The Nike Storm-FIT Swift Running Jacket is more relaxed than the Arc’teryx Beta Jacket. It’s also a bit heavier, but they are both very light. The Storm-FIT is water and wind-resistant, which is fine for my running endeavours but the Beta could take on more aggressive elements as it’s water and wind-proof. I prefer the look of the Nike running jacket and would wear it every day in addition to running. The hood is also a bit baggier than Beta, which leaves room for my over-head earphones. I like the pockets on this jacket because they’re zippered and horizontal across the body, so nothing will fall out and there’s lots of space.
Price: $195
Where to buy:Nike
Long-sleeve layer: Arc’teryx Rho Hoody
Why I love it: I am not running in the winter without this Rho Hoody — however, it’s not really a hoodie, it’s more of a long sleeve with an attached balaclava. The Rho is so comfortable and a great second layer (I wear a tight tank as a first layer). It provides warmth but is breathable and moisture-wicking. It has long sleeves that I sometimes pull over my hands instead of gloves. I like the “hood” but I don’t wear it over my mouth as it restricts my breath. I keep the hood over my chin which provides warmth and protection from a jacket rubbing against it. The Rho Hoody makes running in the winter less intimidating.
Price: $140
Where to buy:Arc’teryx
Fleece layer: Columbia Helvetia II Fleece Pullover
Why I love it: I wear the fleece over the Rho Hoody and under the top shell, wearing a total of four layers. The fleece is warm and comfy. It snaps up to my neck, providing warmth. I like the drawstring at the bottom to keep the cool air out and my body heat in. I also like that the sleeves are elasticized at the ends, so they stay in place.
Price: $120
Where to buy: Columbia | Amazon
Running tights: lululemon Align High-Rise Pant
Why I love them: There a great base layer because they stay in place. Winter calls for at least two bottom layers and I still want to be comfortable running. The Aligns are high-rise and offer a four-way stretch, making them an effective and comfortable base layer.
Price: $98
Where to buy: lululemon
Running pants: Under Armour OutRun The Storm Pants
Why I love them: I haven’t tried these exact pants, but a version from a couple of years ago. I like them because they’re relaxed and loose. I like my outer bottom layer to fit easily over my tights, so they’re easy to put on and take off and comfortable during the run. I also like that these are high-rise and water-resistant.
Price: $110
Where to buy: Under Armour
Merino wool socks: Merrell Cushioned Wool Hiking Crew Socks
Why I love them: They stay up and keep my feet and ankles warm without overheating — a perfect pair of socks for winter running. They’re made from 61 per cent merino wool, which is naturally a moisture-wicking material. The material is also designed to reduce the likelihood of blisters.
Price: $30
Where to buy: Amazon
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rmann@postmedia
Shopping Essentials, a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on Canoe.com. Explore in-depth product reviews, expert recommendations and exciting collaborations — plus get behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and trending products — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter
rmann@postmedia