As a runner, there’s no getting around the fact that you may be exposing yourself to some pretty gnarly elements every time you head out the door. And just like running shoes protect your feet from the sport’s repetitive impact and running gloves to keep your hands warm in wind and rain, the best running hats will shield your head and face from all kinds of weather conditions.
Sure, you could wear an old baseball cap. But running hats are specifically designed with moisture-wicking fabrics to keep sweat from dripping into your eyes, quick-drying materials that can stand up to a downpour, breathable panels that dump heat during your hottest runs, and brims that protect your skin and eyes without obstructing your field of vision.
Round out your running gear getup with a hat designed to go the distance with you—and make you look good while doing so.
Field Mag's Top Picks
- Best Overall: Ciele Athletics GoCap
- Best Beanie for Running: Arc'teryx Rho Lightweight Wool Toque
- Best Hat for Winter: Ciele FLTCap WND
- Best Minimalist Hat: Lululemon Fast and Free Running Hat
- Best Trucker Hat for Running: Path Projects Rainier Cap
- Best Ultralight Running Hat: Janji AFO Hyperlight Cap
- Best Vents: On Lightweight Cap
- Best Mesh Running Hat: KAVU Trail Runner
- Best for Sun Protection: FRACTEL Legionnaire Hat
- Best Short-Brim Running Hat: Hoka Packable Trail Hat
- Best Running Visor: Ciele Athletics FSTVisor
What We Look for in a Running Hat & How We Tested
Nobody's stopping you from running in a regular ole baseball cap or beanie, but if you're going to be rocking headwear on all your runs, it definitely pays to give it some extra consideration. Like good running shorts or running shirts, we like running hats that are lightweight, have good breathability, sweat-wicking, and provide some shade for the eyes. They also have to be comfy.
All these must-haves typically mean that running hats be made of technical materials like polyester or ripstop instead of cotton and canvas, and have some stretch and easy adjustability for fit. UV protection and other specific-use features like mesh panels are nice for certain situations, too.
But it's one thing to check specs and another to actually get out and run some miles in new headgear, so that's exactly what we did. We've collectively run thousands of miles in spring, summer, fall, and winter, in 5Ks and marathons and on roads and trails while wearing the hats below (some admittedly more than others) to make sure that even if a one sounds good on paper it feels good on the move, too.
