After running three marathons, two of them in winter, a freelance editor has shared the cold-weather running essentials she would buy again. Her recommendations span affordable vests, supportive sports bras, and leggings that stay in place, aimed at runners training through the colder months for events like the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October or the London Marathon in April.
Budget-friendly layering picks
Among her top picks is the UTOBEST Running Vest from Amazon, priced at £24.99. She notes that some running vests can cost three times as much. The vest has six compartments, including a 5-litre zipped pocket at the back, a whistle, and reflective strips for visibility in the dark.
For socks, she recommends the Salty Resistance Socks in Flush Pink at £13, made by a company founded by journalist Grace Cook. The socks have silicone grips on the bottom, a snug fit to prevent blisters, and wash well without fading.
H&M Sports Sunglasses at £19.99 are suggested for sunny spells, with a wrap-around style that fully covers the eyes to block glaring sunbeams.
Leggings, bras, and tops that last
The Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight with Pockets 28" at £49 are described as the only leggings she runs in. They are compressive but not restrictive, have side and back pockets that hold keys, phone, and bank cards, and have not bobbled, ripped, or lost elasticity in five years of ownership. The internal elastic waist cord allows adjustment, and they have never rolled down.
The New Balance RC Bra, priced from £40, is her top pick for larger busts. It has thick, adjustable straps, a wide back band, and four hook-and-eyelet fastenings. It provides full coverage without feeling bulky and never pills in the wash.
The Aesene AirTouch Mesh Long Sleeve Top at £64 is a layering piece that offers warmth without overheating. It has thumb holes, a concealed zip pocket at the back, and reflective branding for evening runs.
Accessories for comfort and connectivity
The Lululemon Luxtreme Training Headband at £10 keeps ears warm and headphones in place, with a velvet interior that prevents slipping. It also works for Pilates, spinning, and skiing.
KIPRUN Adult Running Gloves from Decathlon at £5.99 are form-fitting and have conductive material on the index finger and thumb, allowing phone use without removing them.
The Shokz OpenDots 2 headphones at £179 are described as weightless and non-slip, with clear audio quality. They are not in-ear or noise-cancelling, so wearers remain aware of their surroundings, which is useful when running near roads.
