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Whether for warmth, sun protection or to keep sweat out of your eyes, running headbands are a fantastically versatile addition to your kit bag

Running headbands are a very underappreciated but useful piece of running kit. Here we've picked out the best running headbands for both men and women – they'll feel comfy and stay put no matter how many miles you clock up and help keep you warm, too.

In cold weather, they can provide the perfect level of insulation, keeping the ears and forehead warm but allowing heat to escape from the top of your head, whereas a full beanie can get too hot after you've been running for a while. Running headbands are also a great way to absorb sweat from your head and stop it trickling down into your eyes. In summer, a headband can protect your head from the sun – perfect for when you're out on a long run or trail adventure. And anyone with long hair who has ever run a marathon, a parkrun or just for the bus will know how annoying hair flapping in your face can feel – a headband is an easy way to prevent that.

Primarily, a running headband should feel comfortable to run in for extended periods – snug-fitting enough to not slip out of position no matter how windy it is or how much you're moving, but also not so tight that it feels restrictive or makes wearing earphones underneath uncomfortable.

If you are buying a headband primarily for cold-weather protection, then the level of warmth and insulation is obviously a factor – look for fleece-lined, windproof or merino wool options. Alternatively, if the headband is to be worn all-year round, lighter and more breathable models are good for sweat-wicking and protecting your head from the sun.

Another feature to look for in winter running headbands are reflective details for extra visibility in the dark or low light conditions. Finally, those with long hair might appreciate openings for ponytails.

This unisex headband is designed to perform during demanding workouts, but its knitted construction and simple, stylish looks mean it also works for general wear. The yarn is lightweight, breathable, sweat-repellent and easy to care for but also insulated enough to keep you warm in cold conditions. It also features reflective details to keep you seen in low light.

Designed for running, yoga and the gym, this Lululemon headband is a good all-rounder. With its velvet bonding, this stayed perfectly in place without pulling hair too tight. Made from a sweat-wicking, cotton-feel fabric, it is naturally breathable and machine washable.

Another headband designed to keep your head cosy as you run; this wintry offering from Proviz also has a reflective logo to help keep you visible in low lights. The fleece liner is soft and comfortable against the skin, while also being sweat-wicking for when things heat up.

An extra-wide, windproof (it features Gore's excellent Windstopper material), water-repellent and breathable headband, this is ideal for winter running. The high-elasticity element adds extra comfort and the sweat-wicking lining keeps your forehead dry as you run. With added reflective elements on the front and side of the headband, this unisex option is an excellent piece of kit.

This unisex headband is made entirely from merino wool, so it's a great choice for keeping your lugs warm and cosy in really cold conditions. Thankfully merino still has excellent moisture-wicking abilities, meaning it still feels light and comfy during more intensive workouts. And, as its name suggests, it's reversible, so you can switch it to match your running outfit of the day, although the colours could have perhaps been more contrasting than black and grey.

This performance model from trail specialists Inov-8 is designed to deliver lightweight protection in all conditions. Made from stretchy fabric, it will fit all head sizes, and offers excellent moisture-wicking and a soft feeling against the skin. The material is not the thickest of the headbands shown here, but it's enough to keep out a chill and excellent for warmer conditions or when you're really working up a sweat. Available in men's and women's options and a variety of colours.

From the makers of the phone-cord-looking hair rings that became a staple in many women’s gym bags, this headband has an integrated hair ring that keeps everything in place while you’re running. It has silicone grips to stop it from slipping, but the best thing is that the combined hair bobble can be used to tie your hair up at the same time. Game changer.

This one features reflective detailing all over the body of the headband, so it's a great choice to keep you seen on night runs. The fabric is sweat-wicking and the contoured design keeps your ears cosy. The soft brushed fabric also feels comfortable and it's thermal enough to keep you warm in cold conditions.

The value running brand delivers again with this affordable, functional piece of unisex kit. No bells and whistles here – they’re a nightmare to run with anyway – just a well-made, well-priced headband, that's thick enough to keep your ears warm in the cold. It's one size, but there's enough give in the material to make it comfortable for all.