Running Gear Trends We're Loving Right Now

“Our colour story for Autumn/Winter 2020/2021 conveys a message of strength and purposefulness with a sense of optimism,” said executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman. We sure do need those characteristics to get us through the finish line of this pandemic: strength, purpose, optimism. 

And what that translates to in a look? Rich colors paired with strong neutrals. Or as German trend forecaster Christine Sweers notes, “hyper brights” and “abstract graphics.” 

Psychologists have long studied the way color can affect human mood and behaviors. Research shows that our color preferences change based on the seasons and based on our lived experiences. So it’s no wonder the fashion industry (including athletic wear) has done well in shifting their color palettes seasonally. 

However, we set out to find running gear that is on trend for winter 2020, but will be timeless staple pieces for seasons to come. So go ahead and wear a bit of optimism, energy, and whatever else you want to convey on a run with the following gear picks. 

11 On-Trend Items for Winter 2020

Oiselle Puffy Bird Vest | $178

This water-resistant vest gives added warmth on a snowy, slushy day, and the orange “Sun” color is just what you want when it’s particularly gloomy outside. Other components to love: the adjustable hood, interior pockets, and soft insulating liner. 

Old Navy High-Waisted Camo Leggings | $30

Good running gear doesn’t always have to cost a figurative arm and leg. These camo-patterned pants check the boxes of comfy and affordable. (Bonus: They have deep pockets.)

Vander Jacket ‘Running is Beautiful’ Patch | $5

Wear your running heart on your sleeve (or your pants, hats, shoes, etc.) with this sweet iron-on patch from Vander Jacket. 

Fjallraven 1960 Logo Hat | $50

Shine bright on a dreary day with this mustard yellow beanie made from super warm, super durable lambswool. 

Altra Women’s Torin 4 | $120

We’ve loved the Altra Torin 4 Plush. This is the same shoe without the 2mm cushioning in the midsole, which makes for a lighter, faster run and more balanced foot strike. Get it in the bright and cheery plum and coral color, as pictured above.

Keen Women’s Kaci II Winter Pull On Boot | $140

These cute winter boots have excellent traction for hiking an icy trail or just getting through a snowy parking lot and the charcoal bamboo insulation provides a surprising amount of warmth. 

Topo Designs Neck Gaiter | $23

You just have to give props to gaiters for their gear versatility. Yes, we love them as masks, but it’s an accessory you’ll be able to keep using even outside of a pandemic or flu season. Plus this grid pattern is bold, fun, and dare we say, even a bit mesmerizing. 

Sunski Bernina Polarized Sunglasses | $98

This pair of polarized sunglasses also rock chic-looking sunshields on the sides to prevent glare from every angle. We love the angular shape and matte black color. 

Sherpani Tempest Tote | $150

For anyone dreaming of life beyond WFH, this may be the bag of your dreams. The deep 17-liter main pocket has several interior pockets to keep you organized and the tote also doubles as a backpack. 

Death Valley Nails Nail Polish | $12

An inexpensive, easy, and fairly non-committal way to add color to your day is through nail polish. We love this Joshua Tree green color, especially when everything on the trail seems to be brown and grey. Bonus: the polish is vegan, cruelty free, and non-toxic. 

Bornn Enamelware Mug | $17

Drink a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa while dreaming about summertime snow cones in this lemon swirl enamelware mug. The 12-ounce mug is dishwasher safe, oven safe, and perfect over an open campfire.