The 6 Best Ear Warmers For 2022 - Winter Headbands for Running

2022-09-24 04:42:31 By : Mr. Da Xu

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The colder months are well on their way, and before they hit, you'll want to stock up on all the cold weather gear you may need to make your outdoor runs more bearable. While we all know to reach for gloves, jackets, and a thick pair of tights, it's all too easy to forget to cover your ears—and find they're practically frozen solid halfway through your run. And while hats are great for the coldest days, a headband or ear warmer is a better option for when it's not super cold yet but still nippy enough to bother you.

Ear warmers keep your ears comfortable and cozy while still allowing heat to escape the top of your head, keeping you from overheating. With tons of options out there, we've rounded up our favorite options for people of all genders to help make shopping easier. Look below for our top picks that will keep your ears feeling delightful as the weather gets frightful.

There are three basic types of ear warmers on the market: headband style, earmuffs, and ear cups. Headband-style ear warmers are great for keeping your hair out of your face and are best for keeping you warm in cooler conditions. Earmuffs and ear cups may feel slightly less secure and won't hold your hair back, but may be a better choice for those prone to overheating.

Materials like merino wool are naturally moisture-wicking but may be too warm for folks who tend to run hot. If you want a pair of ear warmers with a more secure fit, look for stretchy fabrics like spandex.

To find the best options among the many ear warmers on the market, we looked at expert-tested reviews from trusted sources as well as consulting reviews written by people who have bought these warmers and ear bands. We then took into account price, materials, design, sizes, and comfort to settle on the six ear warmers you'll find below.

Cover your bases—and your skin—and invest in some running hats, gloves, and gaiters, too.

Merino wool is naturally durable, moisture-wicking, and super warm, making it a great material for workout gear. This headband is made from 100 percent merino wool, but it uses a knit design to give it a bit of stretch. Since it is so tall, it covers a large portion of your head, which can help keep you extra warm, and means you can also wear it as a gaiter around your neck.

This headband has a tapered fit that's thinner on the forehead, and expands over the ears. This helps keep your ears covered without having too much fabric slip down your forehead. This headband is also a great option for inclement weather as it has a DWR coating that's both water- and wind-resistant.

Those of us with long hair know the struggles of finding headgear to wear with a ponytail. This headband is made with soft, moisture-wicking material, and has a slit in the back for a ponytail to get through. Not only is this convenient, but it can also help keep the band secure, and prevent it from moving around. It also has a reflective element on the front, which is great for running in low light conditions.

This headband is made of super plush fleece that is soft to the touch and super warm. It has a slimmer fit, so it will cover the ears without stretching up the head, which can be a better fit for smaller heads, and prevents it from riding up or sliding down.

Headbands can cause some people to overheat, so if you prefer to have your forehead exposed, a standard pair of earmuffs may be the way to go. This one sits on the back of your head instead of on top, which gives you the option of also wearing a hat. They are snug enough that they won't fall off, but not super tight, and are comfortable for long periods of wear.

These Earbags are a great lightweight solution for keeping your ears warm. Since they have elastic that fits around the ear, they won’t put pressure on your ears or head, which helps prevent headaches or discomfort, and makes wearing earbuds easier and more comfortable. They are double-lined, so they’re also great for keeping out biting wind and precipitation.