Running in the winter: tips to stay warm

Running during winter can feel incredibly rewarding, but colder conditions demand a smarter approach. Low temperatures, wind chill and damp air can cause your body to lose heat quickly, especially in areas like your hands and feet. With the right gear and preparation, you can stay comfortable and keep performing at your best.

Why running in cold weather feels tougher

In colder environments, your body works harder to maintain its core temperature. To conserve heat, blood flow is redirected away from extremities such as fingers and toes. As a result, these areas cool down rapidly, particularly at the beginning of your run. Wind and moisture can intensify this effect, making proper layering essential.

Build your outfit with the right layers

A well-balanced layering system is key. Start your run feeling slightly cool rather than overdressed, as your body temperature will rise quickly once you get moving. Opt for breathable fabrics that wick away moisture, combined with insulating layers that trap heat without restricting movement.

Keeping your hands warm while running

Your hands are often the first to feel the cold. Reduced circulation combined with exposure to wind makes it difficult to retain warmth in your fingers.

Why standard running gloves fall short

Most running gloves rely purely on insulation. While this can be enough in mild conditions, it often isn’t sufficient in colder or windy environments. Without active heat, your fingers can still become cold and stiff.

A smarter solution: heated liner gloves

Heated liner gloves, such as BERTSCHAT® Dual Heating models, provide a more effective solution. By warming both the back of the hand and each finger, they deliver consistent heat where it matters most. Their slim fit allows them to be worn comfortably underneath regular gloves, maintaining flexibility and control.

Explore the heated gloves for improved comfort during winter runs.

Keeping your core warm without overheating

Your core temperature plays a central role in overall comfort. If your torso stays warm, your body can regulate heat more efficiently across the rest of your body.

Why a padded bodywarmer works so well

A padded bodywarmer focuses insulation around your chest and back, while leaving your arms free to move naturally. This makes it ideal for runners who want warmth without bulk, whether you're doing steady runs or picking up the pace.

Discover the heated bodywarmers for optimal temperature control.

Keeping your feet warm without extra bulk

Thicker socks might seem like the obvious choice in winter, but they can actually reduce circulation and affect how your shoes fit.

Why thinner socks perform better

Technical thin socks, such as the Hiking Edition (Grey Thin & Aerowhite) from BERTSCHAT®, provide warmth without compromising fit. They sit close to the foot, reduce friction and help maintain consistent warmth without adding pressure inside your shoes.

View the heated socks collection for enhanced comfort.

Simple tips to stay warm on your runs

• Start slightly cool and let your body warm up naturally
• Protect your extremities first
• Use wind-resistant outer layers when needed
• Run into the wind at the start, not the end
• Keep moving and avoid long pauses

What to wear depending on the temperature

In temperatures around 10°C, lighter layers will usually be enough. Between 0 and 5°C, adding gloves and a bodywarmer improves comfort significantly. In freezing conditions, extra protection — including heated gear — becomes increasingly valuable.

Make winter running something you enjoy

Consistency through winter often comes down to comfort. With the right clothing choices, cold weather becomes far less of a barrier. Small improvements in your gear can make a noticeable difference in how your runs feel.

Stay warm and keep moving all winter

With the right combination of layering, protection and smart technology, winter running can become just as enjoyable as any other season. Discover BERTSCHAT® products designed to support you in colder conditions.

Why fingers and toes lose warmth first

From a physiological standpoint, the body reacts quickly to cold exposure by restricting blood flow to peripheral areas. This process, known as vasoconstriction, helps preserve core temperature but reduces circulation in fingers and toes. As a result, these areas cool down rapidly and can become numb.

Research in thermoregulation shows that reduced temperature in the extremities can impair coordination and fine motor control. For runners, this can subtly affect movement efficiency and overall comfort. Maintaining warmth in these areas is therefore important not only for comfort, but also for performance and safety.

Using products that combine insulation with active heating supports the body’s natural temperature regulation. This helps maintain circulation and prevents unnecessary energy loss, allowing you to stay focused on your run rather than the cold.