Winter Running: Gear You Need to Keep on Track

Micro-spikes: Exercising outside in winter can be frightening if your shoes don't have any traction. And often regular running shoes just won't cut it on slippery snow or ice. Micro-spikes are smaller versions of crampons, which are devices used for extreme mountaineering on steep terrain. Slip micro-spikes around your shoes or boots for added grip with miniature spikes and coils that go below your feet. Some are made for winter boots, while others, like the lightweight YakTrax Run micro-spikes, are made specifically to stretch over running shoes.

Hat and Gloves: Your major muscle groups will stay warm on a run, but your extremities will feel the cold and wind. For your head, opt for a headband that will keep your noggin from overheating and your ears warm, and gloves or mittens that are windproof and breathable. Unless you are in sub-zero temperatures, a lightweight glove should be plenty to keep your fingers warm but not sweaty, like the gloves in the Nike Run Thermal Headband and Gloves Set. Both the headband and gloves are made from a warm, fleece fabric with a little bit of stretch and are easy to get on and off.

Socks: Even if you have warm, waterproof shoes, your toes can still ache from the cold weather. Thick socks will keep your feet warm, but they'll have added bulk that won't work for a run and might ended up making your feet too sweaty. Choose light-weight to medium-weight socks that are made from wicking merino wool and are high enough to keep your ankles warm, like the Smartwool Hike Medium Crew socks.

Running Tights: Even though your legs are doing the work, warm running tights will keep your legs primed and ready to keep moving. Look for bottoms that have an added thermal layer for warmth and use a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric to stay dry. Don't forget reflective elements either, so that you can stay visible if your afternoon jaunt runs late. Both the 2XU Hyoptik Thermal Compression Tight or the CW-X Insulator PerformX Tight will keep you warm and visible, even as the days grow shorter and the sunlight dims more quickly.

Base Layer: A base layer's main goal is to keep your core warm underneath a windproof and water-resistant outer layer. Figure out what you like best when it comes to fit—some shirts are skin tight while others are looser. Make sure that the base layer is made from a moisture-wicking and breathable material, like wool or high-tech polyester. For a loose fitting option, check out the Skirt Sports Wonder Wool long sleeve shirt that has thumb holes. The Nike Therma 1/2 Zip running top is a tighter shirt also with thumb holes, reflective elements, and a front zipper opening.

Jacket: Jacket: The main job of a winter running jacket is to provide protection from wind and water, while not hindering body movement. Pick a jacket that is water-proof or water-resistant, wind-resistant, and made from a slightly stretchy material. Figure out what amenities you want like thumbholes, zipper pockets or reflective trims. The ASICS Thermo Windblocker for women is a water- and wind-resistant breathable jacket with 60 grams of polyester-fill insulation for warmth, while the water- and wind-resistant Brooks Cascadia Thermal Jacket for men has 80 grams of poly-fill insulation.