Best Base Layers For Running This Winter
Cold weather running is fast approaching. This is the time of year when you need to focus on building your aerobic base and avoiding freezing to death. Now as much as I love the 'Rocky look' in a big hoodie or tracksuit for a nice slow recovery run, I need something a bit slimmer and less heavy for my threshold training or an interval session. This is where the base layer can come in clutch for many runners. The best base layers for runners are lightweight, comfy, warm, and most importantly- don't randomly roll up when you run!
Base layers are designed to go underneath your top to keep you warm and stay tight to your skin. Base layers help trap heat and regulate your body temperature to ensure you don't break the World Record for the mile in the first 3 and a half minutes of your 10k jog while you're trying to warm yourself up.
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Benefits of wearing base layers
Most people buy base layers to keep themselves warm. However, there are more benefits to base layers than simply not letting the cold make your run worse.
Base layers can be tops, shorts, or full-length for your legs. By wearing a base layer, your recovery is going to improve because the compression will help to increase blood flow.
Another benefit is reduced muscular oscillation, which is a fancy way of saying that your muscles will move more. Muscular oscillation wastes energy and increases your risk of injury.
Overview of the benefits of base layers:
Decreased muscular oscillation
Improved recovery
Warmth
Increased blood flow
Check out this blog from 'Anax Fitness': How Do Base Layers Improve Performance?
Stay warm this winter with the best base layers for running:
There are many different variations of base layers to choose from. Some have zips and hoods, and have holes for your thumbs to go in. Some are bright, have short sleeves and you can even get multi-packs.
Here is our recommendation for every type of base layer, whether it's for yourself or for a Christmas gift for a runner you know- we got you covered.
Best base layer for runners:
FDX Men's Compression Base Layer
Key Features:
Light-weight
4-way stretch fabrication for better mobility
High-wicking fibres to keep you dry, transporting sweat away from the body
Anti-odour technology
Fast drying technology
This base layer will feel amazing to run in, you will instantly notice the 4-way stretch fabrication as you will feel like you're not even wearing a base layer (other than the fact you're a lot warmer). The fast drying feature is great, for the more advanced runners among us you can even run twice in a day and it will be ready and dry for your evening run- this is also where the anti-odour technology will come in handy.
If you have owned a base layer before, then one thing that you will probably notice, within a few miles, is the fact it is wrinkle-resistant. This means you won't have the same struggle putting it on as you would with many other base layers. Also, with this base layer, the crease in your elbow joint is less prominent which leads to less irritation.
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Best base layer with a hood:
MERIWOOL Men Base Layer Hoodie
Key Features:
Anti-odour
Quick drying
Ultra-breathable
Lightweight
Meriwool material- itch-free, soft, and reacts to your body temperature to keep you going by either cooling you down or warming you up.
Get cold ears? Can't be bothered to wear a hat? Or maybe you feel more like you're in a training montage with your hood up.
Whatever your reason is for wanting a base layer that comes with a hood- this is the best one for you. Style, comfort, and features. It's got it all.
Do you ever put on too many layers before your run and then 1-2 miles in your boiling? Well, there are many benefits to training whilst warm (some even claim it to be even better for you than altitude training)- this might not be your jam. And if it's not then don't worry- the material of this base layer is designed to react to your body to keep your temperature regulated.
Best multipack base layer:
MEETYOO Men’s Compression Shirt
Key Features:
Anti-odour
Sweat absorption
High elastic fabric to allow free movement
Breathable
Sweat-wicking material
These base layers offer unmatched value for money. For £30, you can have three high-quality base layers.
One issue I often find with base layers is that during winter you need more than 1 if you are running frequently. The higher-quality base layers that help to prevent odour can be re-worn more than a standard one, however, you will still need a few base layers in your wardrobe. This is why a multipack like this is absolutely perfect.
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Best base layer set:
MEETWEE Men’s Thermal Set
Key Features:
86% polyester + 14% elastane fabric
Lightweight
Sweat-wicking material
4-way stretch to support mobility
This base layer and leggings set is amazing value. For £26 you can have yourself a base layer set to keep you warm through winter, this also makes for a perfect gift this Christmas.
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Best short-sleeve base layer:
X-Bionic Men's Invent 4.0 Light Round Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Key Features:
Lightweight
92% Polyamide, 5% Elastane, 3% Polypropylene
Designed to protect against sweat
Air-conditioned channel design helps to stop overheating
Maybe you're a runner with bigger biceps you want to show off, maybe you get too hot on your runs, or maybe, like me, you prefer the look of a short-sleeved base layer. Whatever your reason is for wanting a short-sleeve base layer, you can stop your search because this base layer, from 'X-bionic Invent', is one of the most high-quality base layers out there and at such a great value.
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