A good windbreaker is a must for any runner’s wardrobe, especially in the UK, where the wind levels can change from an airy breeze to a gusty gale force within the space of a few minutes.
We take a look at some of the best running windbreakers on the market to help keep you comfortable and protected on your runs.
Not sure which shoe to choose?
In a few simple steps we help you to choose the ideal running shoe for you.
GO TO THE RECOMMENDERA quality windbreaker provides you with a barrier between the elements and your skin. It prevents your heat-trapping base layers from shedding their warmth in high winds, helping you to stay toasty amidst the elements. Because there is no membrane, windbreakers are very breathable and allow perspiration to escape while you are active. This also makes them very thin and compressible, which means that they can slide easily into your hydration vest or running belt when you don’t need them. Windbreakers also usually have a water repellent treatment that will protect you from light rain, making them extremely versatile and preventing you from being caught out by an unexpected shower during your run.
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Windbreakers are an excellent ultralight option for everyday runs in low- to mid-range temperatures. However, they won’t keep you warm enough in freezing temperatures or dry enough during a heavy downpour. In these cases, you’ll need an insulated running jacket or a waterproof jacket with a membrane.
When you’re choosing your windproof jacket, look out for models that offer features such as mesh ventilation or zips under the arms for added breathability. Reflective elements are also essential for running in low-light conditions and will help keep you safe when you’re out.
Take your pick!
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite windbreakers to help you find the best one for your needs. These jackets will help you to enjoy your runs from start to finish, whatever the elements decide to throw at you. We’ve included a mix of models specifically designed for roads or trails so that you can make your choice based on your favourite type of running.
The best windbreakers for road running
These jackets will keep you cosy on your road runs.
adidas Own the Run
This adidas Own the Run running jacket is classically cut, stylish, and features a stand-up collar, side pockets, and an adjustable drawstring hood. Its water-repellent coating comes in handy if you get caught in a shower, and it’s 100% recycled polyester fabric, which means that it’s environmentally friendly too!
Ronhill Core Jacket
The Ronhill Core Jacket is lightweight, breathable, and great for a run in the park or on breezy training days. Its water-resistant finish will keep you dry in a light rain, and the fleece-lined collar adds extra warmth. The cuffs and hem are semi-articulated, and the front zip security pocket is easy to access.
Men’s Nike Windrunner Running Energy
The Nike Windrunner jacket not only has a great vintage look, its water-repellent material and built in UV protection will keep you feeling good rain or shine. It has recently been updated to make it easier to store and carry, more breathable, and more sustainable.
Women’s Nike Storm-FIT Swift
Designed specifically for running, this hooded jacket is designed with Storm-FIT technology to be lightweight, breathable, and resistant to the elements. Its oversized fit gives you more freedom of movement, and the bungee cord at the hem allows you to adjust the fit so you can stay comfortable as you move.
Asics Core Jacket
This ultra-light Asics Core jacket is designed to protect you from cooler temperatures and slight bad weather. Its fabric is breathable, water-resistant, and quick-drying. It also has two handy front pockets for practical storage and a reflective logo so that you can be seen in the dark.
New Balance Athletics Packable Jacket
The Asics Athletics Packable Jacket is stylish enough for everyday wear and technical enough to keep you comfortable on blustery or drizzly runs. Water Defy water-resistant technology keeps you dry, and Wind Defy is a heat-conserving, wind-resistant technology. Its packable pocket allows you to fold up the jacket into a handy waist pack.
Asics Lite-Show Jacket
The Asics Lite-Show Jacket is perfect if you do a lot of running in low-light conditions, thanks to its advanced reflective details and 360-degree visibility. Its water and wind-resistant fabric helps keep you warm and dry in bad weather, and it’s made with over 50% recycled materials to reduce waste and carbon emissions.
The best windbreakers for trail running
If you spend most of your time on the trails, it’s worth investing in a specialised trail-running windbreaker. Jackets for trail running need to be a little more hardwearing than those for road running to withstand attacks from branches, brambles, and rough boulders. They're also designed to be worn comfortably with a hydration pack. Finally, they often offer higher protection against the elements, as you’ll be more exposed to extreme changes in conditions when out on the trails.
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
When the original Patagonia Houdini was released in 2005, it was seen as a revolution in the world of outdoor sports due to its groundbreaking wind protection, durability, and packability. The jacket has since been updated, but it has maintained its reputation as one of the best. It’s unmatched in terms of fit, feel, resistance, adjustability, coverage, weight, and volume, making it one of the most popular windbreakers on the trail running market.
Evadict Trail Running Long-sleeved Windproof Jacket
The Evadict windproof jacket will keep you snug in windy or cool conditions and strikes the perfect balance between freedom of movement, protection, and breathability. It packs down into its pocket for easy transportation and can be worn either under or over your bag thanks to its stretchy fabric, which is very handy if you’re taking it on and off during changeable weather conditions. There are lateral openings on the back of the jacket for both ventilation and to enable access to your backpack if you’re wearing it underneath. Thumb holes in the sleeves allow you to protect your hands in cold weather, and a chest strap keeps the jacket in place even if you undo the zip.
Terrex Xperior Light Windweave Jacket
This adidas Terrex trail running jacket balances breathability, wind protection, and weather resistance to keep you comfortable, whatever the conditions. “Windweave'' is Adidas Terrex's most recent technical windbreaker innovation. Zoned fabric density is used to create denser and more robust water-repellent sections where needed, such as on the shoulders, while other sections remain open and breathable. Thus, each area has a unique structure that adapts to the body and activity, all without any irritating seams. The chest pocket doubles as a stow-away pocket when the jacket is not needed, and an additional pocket keeps your valuables secure during your activity. On top of all this, the garment is made with at least 70% recycled materials.
Take your pick!
Now that you’ve seen what’s on offer, all that’s left to do is hit the roads or the trails.
Happy running!
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