Winter Running Accessories for the Current Chicago Weather

Fleet Feet Sports South Loop assistant manager Jilana modeling a few of the highlighted winter accessories.

There's no other way to say it. It's damn cold in Chicago right now. But this isn't our first Chicago winter. If it is for you, take a look at these tips and essential winter running accessories, and if you haven't, take a look at this article on how to choose the right apparel for the current cold temperatures.

Before you head out, check your weather app and don't just look at temperature. Runners should consider wind chill — the temperature it "feels like" outside based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin, according to the National Weather Service.

Take a look at this chart.

The chart below shows how long you can be exposed to certain temperatures before resulting in frostbite. For example, a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit and a wind speed of 15 mph creates a wind chill temperature of -19 degrees Fahrenheit. Under these conditions frost bite can occur in just 10 minutes. 

Below are some products and tips to help you overcome the cold and run comfortably.

First and foremost. Avoid wearing cotton.

Cotton is one of the worst materials you can wear during the winter, because cotton holds moisture and loses its insulating properties. If you sweat, get wet from the snow, or if there's any moisture in the air, the cotton will quickly absorb it and keep it close to your skin, making you feel even colder.

With that being said, we have a bunch of non-cotton, merino wool headwear and sock options, windblocking gloves, and a few other running tools that make Chicago winter running easier that we've learned over our 20 years in the business.

You'll need a hat.

It may just be a myth that 40-45% of body heat is lost through the head (actually about 10%), but exposed ears in frostbite level cold can ruin a run faster than about anything. A merino wool hat should be used to keep heat trapped at head-level. Merino wool wicks moisture away from the skin and suspends the moisture in the weave, and can absorb almost 1/3 of its own weight before making you feel cold or wet.

Smartwool Merino 250 Cuffed Beanie

With a roll cuff for added warmth over the ears, this beanie is made from Smartwool's Merino 250 wool fabric, their heavier base layer fabric. Other colors available in-store.

Smartwool Reversible Beanie

This beanie is made from Smartwool's lighter weight Merino/polyester blend to ensure fabric moves moisture, dries quickly, and maintains its shape. This beanie is reversible, giving you some style points. Other colors available in-store.

Smartwool Training Beanie

Made from Smartwool's 3-panel crown construction provides a close, comfortable fit; contoured shape covers your ears for added warmth on cold, windy days. Other colors available in-store.

Asics Thermopolis 2-N-1 Beanie

Take cover from the cold in the coziest way with this beanie's soft thermal fabric that features double-layer, seamless construction and contoured ear coverage.

Mizuno Breath Thermo PIP

The moisture wicking fabric removes sweat from direct contact with your skin so you stay dry, while Mizuno's infamous Breath Thermo material simultaneously works to retain warmth.

Balaclava and neck gaiters are optional but they're warm and they help you look like a ninja.

While some seasoned winter runners apply a petroleum based jelly such as Vaseline to their exposed face to prevent wind burn, a balaclava or neck gaiter provide exceptional protection to your raw skin from your cheeks, nose, and neck, down to your chest

If you can, choose mittens over gloves. They have their advantages. 

Your hands may be more functional in gloves, but your digits will be much warmer in mittens. Mittens offer more warmth since fingers have skin-to-skin contact with each other and can share body heat. Mittens also tend to have a smaller surface area than gloves, which reduces heat loss, so when in doubt, always choose mittens.

For those who just can't do mittens, go for a pair of gloves that tighten at the wrists for seamless warmth where your hands meet your exposed wrists.

Manzella Hatchback Outdoor Gloves

This mitten/glove combination is water repellent and wind resistant making it a versatile piece.

Manzella Adventure 100

These gloves are some of the warmest out there. Insulated with Gore Windstopper fabric and covered with windproof, breathable, and water-repellent material.

Manzella Versatile Mitten

These heavy duty mittens provide twice the performance with Gore Windstopper and Primaloft infused with a micro grid synthetic leather palm.

Stay away from cotton, splurge on a pair of merino wool socks. Thank us later.

Merino wool socks will prevent your feet from getting cold. Nothing will make you want to cut your run short than cold feet.

Smartwool Cold Weather Mid Crew Sock

A Merino blend and mesh zones designed for runners help keep your feet warm during long winter runs. Other colors available in-store.

Smartwool Run Light Elite Micro Sock

These socks are also made of a Merino blend but with a no-show look. Other colors available in-store.

Feetures Elite Merino Ultra Light Quarter Sock

These socks use a Merino blend to insulate when wet which keeps feet warm in cool and damp conditions. Other colors available in-store.

Prevent a potential slip or fall by using a headlamp.

The sun sets by 6 o'clock in the winter months. Don't let ice and slush sneak up on you. A fall can keep you out for several days. Use a light to see black ice and help be seen by others.

Nathan Neutron Fire RX Runners Headlamp

This USB-rechargeable battery powered headlamp kicks out 200 lumens with red, green, and blue LED options.

Nathan Zephyr Fire 150 Hand Torch

This 150+ lumen hand torch features a comfortable hand strap that provides grip-free running along with a 24-degree downward angle.