For every jogger who switches to the treadmill when the temperature drops, there’s another who breaks out their base layers and braves the cold to log their miles. If that sounds like you, a good hat should be part of your ensemble. “Running in the winter without proper head protection can lead to heat loss and will make that run a lot less comfortable,” Gemma Ward, a Road Runners Club of America (RRCA)–certified coach and a runner training and products specialist at New York Road Runners, tells SELF.
She adds that the best running hats are pretty impressive multitaskers—they’ll help you stay warm while preventing you from overheating (and having to deal with a sweaty head). So while you certainly can wear any old hat for your outdoor runs, one that’s specifically designed for movement will keep you more comfortable in the long term.
If you’re ready to level up your headwear, you’ve come to the right place. We spoke to running experts about how to find the right hat for you and got their takes on the best ones you can buy.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie
- Runner-Up: The North Face Oh Mega Beanie
- Best Budget Pick: Levi’s All Season Leather Logo Patch Beanie
- Cutest: Tracksmith Varsity Runner’s Cap
- Best Headband: Ondo Everyday Merino Wool Headband
- Best Ponytail-Compatible Beanie: Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Training Beanie
- Best Ponytail-Compatible Brimmed Hat: TrailHeads Fleece Ponytail Hat
- Best for Sweat: New Balance Sport Performance Trucker
- Best Splurge: Arc’Teryx Grotto Toque
- Most Versatile: Buff Original EcoStretch
- Best Balaclava: The North Face Freedom Fleece Balaclava
In this article
What should you look for in a running hat?
Your hat should be made of fabric that retains heat but still breathes (bonus points if it’s machine-washable), Ward says. As SELF has previously reported, Merino wool is a great option because it naturally regulates your body temperature and wicks away moisture.
Ward says synthetic fabrics, like polyester, fleece, and spandex, can also have sweat-shedding properties and will keep your head plenty warm too. Just try to avoid hats solely made of cotton, which can sop up moisture and make your head cold, she says.
As much as we love a slouchy beanie, a running hat should fit closely around your head—snug enough that it won’t shift or fly off, but not so tight that it pinches you, Ward says. She also recommends taking the hat’s coverage into consideration: Does it go over your ears? Does it protect your neck? If you’re heading out into frigid temps, a little extra fabric can go a long way.
Depending on your personal preferences and usual running conditions, design elements like waterproofing, windproofing, reflective details, or ponytail compatibility can make a good hat truly exceptional. These features can be harder to find, so they can help you narrow down your options as you browse.
Shop the best running hats
Ready to gear up? Longtime runners and coaches say these top-performing hats are the best in their class. (Oh, and don’t forget some gloves.)
Best Overall: Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie
Pros
- Lightweight yet warm
- Temperature-regulating
- Adjustable cuffed length
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Some Smartwool reviewers found that it’s not very stretchy
A favorite of Katie O’Reilly’s, a runner and supporter of Girls on the Run International, Smartwool’s Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie should keep most runners from freezing. It’s cuffable, so you can adjust the length to your liking; it’s made entirely of Merino wool; and its double-layered design holds heat, but doesn’t add bulk.
In fact, some REI reviewers were surprised to find how thin—yet warm—this beanie was (which is the best of both worlds for running hats). That also makes it easy to roll up into a pocket if you decide to go hat-free in the middle of your run—a perk that Ward always likes to have in her headwear.
Runner-Up: The North Face Oh Mega Beanie
Pros
- Thick and warm
- Adjustable cuffed length
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Not very sweat-wicking
- Pricier than our overall pick
A chunky, cable-knit beanie is a staple, and this one performs great on runs, Brittany Kenst, a coach from Girls on the Run Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, tells SELF. It’s made to insulate your head and has a comfortably roomy (but not oversized) fit. Read: It’ll stay on and lock out the cold, even on windy days.
“Nice and warm, and plenty of space for all my hair,” one reviewer for the North Face wrote. “And let’s not forget warm.”
Best Budget Pick: Levi’s All Season Leather Logo Patch Beanie
Pros
- Under $30
- Available in 21 color options
- Adjustable cuffed length
Cons
- Doesn’t effectively block wind
One SELF contributor’s neon green Levi’s beanie is both a great accessory and a motivational item: “Since it gets dark so early in the winter by me, the bright color helps with safety (and brings a little fun to something I don’t really enjoy—running, haha),” she says. “[It also has a] good balance of warmth without overheating.”
The All Season beanie feels soft and warm, although some Amazon reviewers noticed that it let the wind in. But if spending a little less and staying highly visible (just look at how that neon pops!) are your priorities, this is still a great option.
Cutest: Tracksmith Varsity Runner’s Cap
Pros
- Stylish, but made for performance
- Very warm
- Regulates temperature
- Doesn’t retain odors
Cons
- Colorways tend to sell out
- Brand recommends hand-washing only
The cute, collegiate vibes of Tracksmith’s Varsity Runner’s Cap caught our eye, but its performance is why UESCA-certified running coach and frequent SELF contributor Jennifer Heimlich regularly wears it.
“I love the weight of this beanie for sub-freezing temps—it’s warm but light enough that I don’t overheat,” she says. “Plus, it doesn’t get smelly (even if I do get super sweaty)!” She adds that she’s never noticed any tightness or pinching while wearing the Varsity Runner’s Cap either—no forehead indents here.
Best Headband: Ondo Everyday Merino Wool Headband
Pros
- Available in two sizes
- Just-right level of coverage
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Some Ondo reviewers had a hard time finding the right size