The 12 Best Men’s Running Jackets Of 2023
Even if you run less like Usain Bolt and more like Forrest Gump before he ditches the leg braces, you need proper running gear. Running jackets help marathoners optimize their performance. For intermediary runners or beginners, the right jacket ensures comfort and less distractions while running. A weather-resistant option will squash any potential to use cold or rain as an excuse not to hit the trail for the New Year’s resolution crowd.
We rounded up twelve of the best men’s running jackets. Go for a bright 360 reflective jacket if you’re a night jogger or one with anti-cold technology if you live up north. Since not all runners are alike, each choice excels in different ways.
On Weather Running Jacket
This is the strongman of the group, built with 100% polyamide protection, which is tough as nails and abrasion-resistant. The jacket features a tear-proof upper fabric across the chest and shoulders that acts as lightweight armor —it also gives the jacket a cool superhero look.
As a four-way stretch, the fabric bends and recovers lengthwise and widthwise, helpful if you run in the woods or anywhere your jacket could get snagged on something. Another great feature is the hood, which stays put even on windy days and has a stiffened peak to keep rain off of your face.
Asics ACCELERATE Jacket
Asics lists “persistence” as a company pillar, so it’s no surprise that they’re serving up a running jacket designed to endure. The Asics ACCELERATE Jacket is great for high winds. The windproof and waterproof polyester blocks aggressive air currents and the regular fit construction makes it so the jacket doesn’t interfere with motion.
The sleeves even have a thumb hook so they don’t ride up from arm swinging. Other useful features include the flaps over the zippers and sealed seams which prevent wind and precipitation from getting into the jacket. Style-wise, the ACCELERATE comes in three different shades of blue and in black.
Tracksmith Session Jacket
Tracksmith honors its dedication to the competitive amateur with their user-friendly Session Jacket. It’s a classic piece of aerodynamic runner’s wear that’s soft, stretchy, and allows air to flow through the mesh sides.
There aren’t any complex zippers or weirdly-placed pockets that only those who speak pro-runner would know what to do with, and it’s easily maintained with a simple cold wash. Plus, its durable yet flexible build makes it perfect for rest days as well as heavy runs.
Saucony Boulder Drizzle Jacket
With the Bolder Drizzle Jacket, Saucony serves up a weather-impervious running zip-up, with commendable attention to details. On the function front, some notable features include a 3D-printed membrane and a waterproof shell, providing both breathability and protection in rain or shine.
On the style front, the different colorways and design accent heat-printed on the right arm make this jacket a handsome, practical choice for simply running errands. On both fronts, the hood protects your head and gives a nice architecture to the collar area when stowed.
Rhone Thermal Run Full Zip Hoodie
The running gurus over at Rhone are at it again, with their Thermal Run Full Zip Hoodie. It’s minimal, with sleek, accommodating lines, and yet somehow packed with all sorts of marathon-worthy technology. The material they employ is, of course, a pragmatic terry fabric with a lot of mobility.
They then level this up with its architecture, including the flatlock seams that prevent uncomfortable grazing and clamminess, and the reflective detailing which makes this jacket a practical choice for you night runners.
Ten Thousand Lightweight Tech Jacket
Ten Thousand’s Lightweight Tech Jacket boasts near-future know-how, from its laser-cut underarms to maintain freshness, to its origami-like construction which allows the capped hood to stay put during intense sessions. It also allows the whole jacket to fold into itself.
Suffice to say, it’s an excellent travel jacket considering how little room it takes. The fabric itself is chafe-proof and gives tons of mobility, making it effective during warm-ups and outdoor circuit work.
Reigning Champ Dot Air Running Jacket
Dot Air Technology is a wondrous thing. Word on the street is that it was designed to prevent heat stress for the members of Japan’s Summer Olympic Team. Reigning Champ’s Running Jacket is made with this pro-level textile, which strategically combines the strength and abrasion-resistance of nylon with the mobility of elastane.
They’re built into a feather-light barrier mesh, cleverly composed for high-level moisture wicking, while ensuring air flows through with zero restrictions. On top of all of that, this jacket is built with a comfortable athletic trim that suits a wide range of body types.
Brooks All Altitude Jacket
If even the most torrential of downpours doesn’t stop you from getting your run in, you might consider adding the Brooks All Attitude Jacket to your arsenal. First off, it’s made with something Brooks Running calls DriLayer, which is a water-resistant laminated knit developed to maintain your body’s natural warmth, while fighting moisture.
It also fights wind, by the way. Second, the chest pocket secures your phone while the hood deeply frames your face, which means you can safely still listen to your amp-up playlist in the rain.
Adidas Own The Run Seasonal Jacket
The adidas Own The Run Seasonal Jacket not only keeps rain and light snow at bay and lets you move as if nothing was there thanks to the pre-shaped sleeves, but boy does it look cool too. That jagged printing throughout the sleeves and back adds personality without compromising even an iota of the neutral aesthetic and overall function. Even more, it’s made from fully recycled polyester—that’s right, 100%.
Nike Therma-FIT Repel Miler Running Jacket
As Nike does, the Therma-FIT Repel Mile Running Jacket flaunts the classic qualities we all go to Nike for specifically: The tried-and-true build, the relaxed fit that’s always comfortable, and that adjustable ninja-like hood. While maintaining all of that, this jacket is also made with modern materials that keep you warm without bulk, and repel water and wind while making sure you have your full range of motion.
Something that’s both practical and visually appealing is the extra stitching just below the chest and on the biceps. It gives the jacket an armor-like look, while also providing more points of stretch and mobility.
NoBull 4-Way Stretch Woven Jacket
With its rubber-like four-way stretch, the NoBull Woven Jacket is made for you big-movement runners. You can probably even do back handsprings in between laps in this jacket. There’s literally a whole 15% of spandex in its formula. It also has a more traditional textile feel because of the way the weave is composed, if that’s your preference, and sports a modern slim fit.
The thumbholes at the end of the sleeves ensure that you’re fully covered no matter how far out you stretch your arms, while the touch of polyester prevents premature wear as you put this jacket through its paces.
Asics Winter Run Jacket
Frigid days don’t have to deter you from your health goals. The Asics Winter Run Jacket is a tank against cold and wind, holding the line in several points of entry. The collar and chest have an almost puffer-jacket quality about them, while the full polyester construction is effectively thermal. In fact, the product testers over at Asics made sure this jacket fit the bill for temperatures below 40 degrees fahrenheit.
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