Words: Jonathan Wells
Cold, dark weather workouts; you either love them or you hate them. With dull mornings, frosty temperatures and unpredictable weather to contend with, mid-winter month runs and cycle rides can be challenging. But the real risk of wintertime workouts? Visibility.
Unlike the endless nights and bright mornings of summer, winter brings with it gloom and mist and murkiness; conditions that make your training sessions even more demanding. But good reflective gear can help. From radiant running shoes to jackets with metallic detailing, we’ve rounded up the best kit on the market to help you become safer, more visible and more confident during your dark daily exercise.
Get a jacket suited to your sport
With the drastic drop in temperatures, you’re probably wearing more workout gear anyway — which means that there are more reflective options to choose from. Your jacket (as important for insulation as it is for visibility) should come first. And it pays to invest.
If you prefer a two-wheeled workout, there are few brands better than Rapha to protect you from the elements. With an innovative merino wool blend, pump loop inside rear pocket and reflective trim for visibility, the brand’s ‘Classic Long Sleeve Jersey’ is a stand-out in the category. If you’re always getting caught in downpours, Castore’s ‘Triton’ jacket has an all-over abstract reflective print — and Iffley Road‘s gilet boasts a reflective strips across its windproof triple-layer Italian softshell.
Double down on safety with reflective shorts
As the other half of your workout wardrobe, your shorts or sweatpants will also benefit from a reflective upgrade. And, if you’re tough enough to run through winter in shorts, they will prove an all-year investment — also ideal for late-night summer runs.
From luxury Italian workout brand Petra, these Fast Technical Shorts are equipped with practical features including invisible zip pockets, a soft elastic waistband and reflective logos for visibility. Salomon caters for the really cold running routes with its Agile Long tights, boasting sleek reflective details in strategic places. And Adidas’ versatile shorts feature subtle reflective strips down their sides.
Don’t sacrifice your shoes’ comfort for reflective style
Reflective shoes can be tricky. The trainers or sneakers you currently lace up are likely tailored to your sport and to your feet; the result of hours of research and dozens of pairs tried on. But there are shoes out there, if you look hard enough, that can offer the best of both worlds; meticulous design and engineering — but with a hint of day-glo, too.
Shoes like New Balance’s Fresh Foam Higher sneakers are our safe option; designed for extra comfort and optimal cushioning for all your running sessions. A little bolder are Under Armour’s HOVR™ Infinite 2 Storm shoes, crafted from reflective-tipped compression mesh. Or, for any night cyclists out there, Van Rysel’s reflective blue cleats are extremely rigid and incredibly visible.
Don’t overdo it with the reflective accessories
And, finally, accessories. If you’re reflective from head-to-toe — but still think you could do with an extra hit of visibility, there are plenty of extras and add-ons to get you safely ready for a nighttime run or cycle ride. Just remember not to go overboard and overload yourself — you still want to hit that PB.
And Satisfy’s understated ripstop running belt will help you get there. Built by NASA collaborator Schoeller, it features multiple pockets, a sweat-proof phone sleeve and pouches for gels and keys. Cyclists, once more, should turn to Rapha — and the brand’s hi-vis, abrasion-resistant Explore gloves. Or, for all your exercise needs, why not upgrade your Apple Watch with Nike’s Sport Loop, woven from reflective nylon?
Prefer to stay indoors? Here’s all the equipment you’ll need to build the ultimate home gym…
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