How to Style Your Running Outfits for All Four Seasons

As a runner, the gear you wear with your favorite athletic shoes can play an important role in your comfort, safety, and overall running performance. That’s why, with each new season, you’ll need to style the clothes you wear with your trusty men’s or womens sneakers with wide toe box slightly differently.

The perfect winter running outfit will look a lot different than what you might wear during the summer. Whether you enjoy running on city streets or secluded trails, here are a few tips to help you style your running outfits for maximum comfort and performance in all four seasons.

What to Wear: Winter

When you head out for a run this winter, layering your clothing and choosing athletic wear that balances insulation, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties is ideal. Don’t let the cold weather slow you down—pair your wide toe running shoes with the following to run in cold, wet, and potentially icy conditions.

• Long-Sleeve Shirt: During the winter, you’ll want to opt for a long-sleeve athletic shirt that’s comfortable, lightweight, and made of a fabric blend that moves with you, like cotton and polyester. Depending on how cold the temperature is outside, you can layer your long-sleeved shirt with a windbreaker, a performance vest, or even an insulated running jacket to stay warm.
   
• A Warm Beanie: When it’s really cold or windy, wearing a beanie can be an excellent choice because it traps warmth and protects your head and ears from the elements during your run. Beanies are better than a typical running hat during the winter because you won’t have to worry about them blowing off in windy conditions.
   
• A Versatile Trail Running Shoe: If you’re ready to brave the elements and run outdoors during the winter, choose wide toe box shoes designed for trail running. Whether you’re actually out on the trails or simply embracing a snowy day by running through a nearby park, you’ll enjoy excellent multi-surface traction with a trail shoe. Combine your versatile shoes with gaiters to keep your socks and feet dry along the way.

What to Wear: Spring

No matter where you live, spring weather can often be unpredictable. Frequent changes in weather conditions from one day to the next make layers your go-to choice for the spring as well. 

With the right outfit, you can lace up your favorite men’s or womens sneakers with wide toe box and be ready for everything, from clear skies to rain. Here are some options you may want to consider for spring running and hiking.

• An Athletic T-Shirt: As the weather begins to warm gradually throughout the spring, you may want to swap the long-sleeve shirt you wore during the winter for a short sleeve athletic t-shirt that’s comfortable enough to wear every day.

Pair your soft tee with a sneaker with wide toe box that allows your toes to splay naturally on spring’s slightly warmer road or trail runs. It’s the perfect way to optimize your comfort without sacrificing performance. If the weather forecast shows rain all day, add a waterproof layer on top for extra protection.

• Performance Gaiters: If you didn’t have to break out your performance gaiters during the winter, spring is the time to make the most of them. No matter the trail conditions, they can help keep your athletic shoes with wide toe box dry and make sure rain, mud, dirt, rocks, and debris stay on muddy and wet spring trails and not in your shoes.
   
• A Rugged, Waterproof Shoe: If you can’t wait for that first spring run on your favorite trail once it thaws out, you need an athletic shoe that can protect your feet in wet conditions. For the ultimate protection on technical trails or any terrain, opt for a rugged, waterproof trail running shoe or hiking boot with a Vibram® Megagrip outsole.

What to Wear: Summer

In the summer, choosing clothing and gear with breathable fabric is crucial as the weather really heats up so you can stay cool while you churn out the miles. Here are some items you may want to consider for your summer running adventures.

• A Lightweight Tank: Once warm temperatures become the standard in the summer months, opt for a lightweight and breathable tank top made from a technical fabric blend. It’s an excellent way to make sure you feel cool even when you’re pushing yourself and working up a sweat.
   
• A Performance Running Cap: When you get ready for a summer run, protecting your face and skin from the sun’s rays by wearing sunscreen and protective accessories, like a running cap, is essential. Wearing a super lightweight, streamlined performance running hat made from fabric that wicks away moisture is the perfect way to stay protected.
   
• 3D Wave Sense Insole: This lightweight, washable insole effectively manages moisture to keep your feet dry during hot summers. It’s also highly breathable and delivers soft massaging comfort in your men’s or womens sneakers with wide toe box. Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of extra comfort.
   
• Lightweight Road Shoes:If you look forward to your daily summer runs each morning, do yourself a favor and choose lightweight training shoes with a mesh upper for a comfortable and breathable fit and a stable and smooth run. When you can get out there before the warmest temperatures of the day, summer runs can be just as fun as any season.

What to Wear: Fall

Similar to the spring, fall weather can present some unpredictable conditions. Once cool temperatures start to come back around, make a habit of checking the weather forecast before each run so you can choose your outfit strategically. Here are some options you’ll want to consider before heading out for a run amongst the fall leaves.

• An Athletic T-Shirt or Long-Sleeve: Depending on the weather for the day, you may want to opt for a short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt. Choose the option that you feel will keep you most comfortable. That way, you can lace up your running shoes with wide toe box, go beyond the ordinary, and enjoy every moment.

• A Cap or a Beanie: The sun keeps shining well into the fall season. Don’t send your lightweight running cap to the back of your closet. It will still come in handy for keeping the sun out of your eyes and off your face. However, even during the early fall, morning and evening runs or overcast days can feel chilly. For those runs, grab a beanie instead.
   
• A Reliable Windbreaker: On cool or windy fall days, you’ll appreciate an additional layer like a windbreaker. It helps keep the elements at bay while staying light enough to make sure you don’t overheat. If your windbreaker also has water resistant or moisture-wicking design features, even better.

Whether you enjoy running on the road or on trails, in the snow or under the shining sun, the right gear lets you make the most of every opportunity to get moving. The weather may change from season to season, but your love for running only gets stronger. 

About Topo Athletic

From the very beginning, Topo Athletic has had one goal: to make running shoes you can count on day after day. Every pair of Topo Athletic shoes is designed with the brand’s signature roomy toe box, secure midfoot and heel, and low heel to toe drop. These features let your toes splay out in their natural position for optimized comfort and performance as you move through the gait cycle. Whether you enjoy running on city streets, on trails, or along a path at your favorite local park, lace up a pair of wide toe box running shoes from Topo Athletic. Check out their entire selection to embrace the journey with performance footwear that’s built to help you always stride for more.

Find athletic gear, trail shoes, road shoes, and more for every run at https://www.topoathletic.com/.