The best women's running gear for hot weather

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The Insider Pick:

• We’ve got you covered from head to toe with the best running gear that will help you beat the heat and keep those PRs coming all summer long.

• We love Brooks' running top, Under Armour's shorts and sunglasses, Feetures' comfy socks, Fitletic's hydration belt, and Adidas' running cap for staying cool during hot weather runs.

With the right gear, running is an exercise that can be practiced nearly all year around depending on where you live. Having the right kind of running gear can make or break your running experience. Staying cool during your summer runs is just as important as staying warm during those chilly winter outings.

As a runner living in the Northeastern United States, I can attest to the importance of having the right type of gear to match the season. Summer has made her presence known this year with record-breaking heatwaves, so there’s no better time to arm yourself with clothing and accessories that will help keep you cool.

For successful summer running, timing matters. Get out for your runs in the early morning or in the evening when the heat isn’t as intense. There are also a few important things to consider when seeking out the right gear to help you stay cool, comfortable, and protected. When it comes to clothing, light colors are best and breathable, synthetic fabrics are a must. They’ll help you stay cool while wicking sweat away and promoting airflow around your body.

Look for sun protection when you can. UPF protective clothing and accessories like a running cap can help prevent sunburn. The higher the UPF rating, the better the sun protection. Ideally, you’ll want to look for clothing rated at 25 or above. For the best sun protection, don’t forget to apply sunscreen!

Running sunglasses are also a smart purchase to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and can make your run more comfortable. It’s no fun squinting during your entire run only to end up with a headache to ruin the euphoria from those post-run endorphins.

To help you find the best warm weather running gear, we’ve gone through the reviews and done some testing of our own to find the best selection, so you can feel (and look) cool from head to toe.

Here are our top picks for the best running gear to keep you cool:

 

• Best women’s running top: Brooks Ghost Racerback

• Best women’s running shorts: Under Armour Women’s Fly-By Shorts

• Best running socks: Feetures Elite Light Cushion No-Show Tab socks

 

 

• Best running belt: Fitletic Hydra Hydration Belt

• Best running sunglasses: Under Armour Unisex Zone 2.0 Sunglasses

• Best women’s running cap: Adidas Women’s Adizero II Cap

 

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best running top to keep you cool

Brooks

Why you'll love it: The super lightweight fabric of the Brooks Ghost Racerback allows for breathability and a barely-there feel that makes it ideal for hot and humid days. 

You’re likely familiar with the phrase “light as a feather,” and it’s an apt description for the Brooks Ghost Racerback. Made from 100% polyester, this top wicks sweat away and dries quickly, which will help you feel cool and dry as you run. It comes in a few basic colors, as well as a fun color block design if you feel like jazzing up your running outfit. You can get it in sizes ranging from XS to XXL.

I put this running top to the test myself, and am happy to report that it has become my go-to running top on those hot summer days when it’s tempting to ditch a shirt altogether. I like that this top provides some coverage from the sun, while still giving you that barely-there feel thanks to the lightweight fabric.

The seams on the side also have a loose weave for added ventilation. On every run, it remained comfortable. There was no riding up, and no adjustments were needed. I experienced zero chafing, even after completing some very sweaty runs.

This top stood up to the heat (and the sweat) and kept me comfortable throughout my runs. It had already started to dry by the time I’d cooled down and stretched. It has also washed well, but I’ve only air dried it, which I recommend doing for most running clothes to help them last longer and perform at their best.

If you’re looking for a fitted running top that sits close to the skin, you won’t find it in the Ghost Racerback. It is described as semi-fitted, which I would say is accurate. I found that it fit true to size, but some reviewers did suggest sizing down if you want a closer fit. This top is also slightly see-through, which is a great way to show off a cute sports bra and adds to the breathability provided by the semi-fitted style.

Reviewers at REI had positive things to say about this top, with sentiments like “great for summertime” and “perfect for running in hot weather.” The Brooks Ghost Racerback checked all the boxes for everything I look for in a running top: Flattering fit, great performance, and easy to wash and dry. It’s the ideal running top for those hot days when you know you’ll be busting out a sweat no matter the intensity of your workout.

While the Brooks Ghost Racerback doesn’t offer UPF protection against the sun, you can find more of the best running tops for hot weather here for additional options!

Pros: Ultra-lightweight fabric, breathable, non-chafing, fast drying, washes well

Cons: Some reviewers felt it ran too big; some may not like that this top is slightly see-through

Buy the Brooks Ghost Racerback at REI for $27.93 

Check out our guide to the best running tops for hot weather

The best running shorts to keep you cool

Under Armour

Why you'll love them: The Under Armour Women’s Fly-By shorts will keep you cool in hot weather thanks to the lightweight material and mesh side panels that enhance breathability.

On especially hot days, a good pair of running shorts that don’t ride up and provide breathability are a must. The Under Armour Fly-By shorts are a favorite among runners because they check all the necessary boxes: They’re comfortable, breathable, flattering, and provide extra features not found in all running shorts.

Available in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, these shorts come in a wide range of colors so you can choose your favorite, and have reflective details to keep you visible in low light, which is great if you’re trying to beat the heat by getting out in the early morning or late evening. They also provide ample storage solutions with front hand pockets and a hidden back storage pocket in the waistband.

If you’re looking for comfort, you won’t be disappointed. The wide elastic waistband won’t dig into your skin, and its flat design will look flattering underneath your running tops. There are built-in briefs for added coverage so you can focus on your run without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction. The shaped hem also allows these shorts to have a loose and comfortable fit without looking bulky.

Made from 100% polyester, the fabric is light and breathable so you can feel dry and comfortable even as you sweat. The mesh side panels further promote airflow as you run. These are machine washable, but as with most athletic gear, it’s best to air dry them instead of throwing them in the dryer to prolong their lifespan. Thanks to the synthetic material, they won’t take long to dry so you can be throwing them on in no time to get that run in.

The Under Armour Fly-By shorts are labeled as a “best seller” on the brand's website and have a 4.5-star average rating on Amazon. Thanks to the features and flattering fit they offer, it comes as no surprise that they’re a favorite pick among runners. Reviewers from Amazon say they're “perfect for running outdoors in hot weather” thanks to the lightweight material.

Reviewer Carol K. says, “Normally, it can be difficult to find shorts that fit well, but I love these. Quality material, comfortable fit, and the pockets are subtle but useful. 5 stars!”

Much like dresses with pockets, I (and many reviewers) consider running shorts with pockets to be a great find. Though these shorts don’t offer UPF protection, if you’re looking for a comfortable pair of lightweight running shorts that will help you stay cool, the Under Armour Fly-By shorts are a great option.

Pros: Comfortable, flattering fit, light-weight material with mesh side panels, front pockets for extra storage, reflective details for more visibility, multiple colors to choose from

Cons: Don’t offer UPF protection

Buy the Under Armour Women’s Fly-By shorts at Under Armour for $24.99

The best running socks for hot days

Feetures

Why you'll love them: The Feetures Elite Light cushion No Show Tab socks keep your feet comfortable and come in plenty of fun colors. 

Uncomfortable feet can make for a miserable run, which is why buying socks specially designed for running is an investment you’ll thank yourself for. Just as there are running socks designed to keep your toes toasty in the winter, there are also socks designed to keep your feet as cool as possible in the summer. True to the clever name, these Feetures socks do indeed come with plenty of features that make them a worthwhile addition to your sock drawer.

A lot of thought was put into the design of the Feetures Elite. The anatomical design with a specific right foot and left foot sock creates a better fit, and the seamless toe prevents any unwanted chafing that can lead to blisters. Targeted compression will give you additional support during your runs, and the high-density knitting provides a light cushion without stifling your feet in hot conditions.

The Coolfeet ventilation system is designed to keep your feet cool with synthetic fibers that quickly wick away sweat so you can continue to feel dry as the miles tick by. There are fun colors to match the fun name, and different sizes to choose from so you can be sure to find your perfect fit.

These are no-show socks, but the cushioned tab on the back of the sock comes up just high enough to eliminate any unwanted heel chafing, and prevents the socks from slipping down into your running shoes.

I own a couple pairs of these socks myself, and have never had an issue with blisters or slippage. They’re my go-to on hot days when I don’t want too much cushion and want to keep my feet feeling light and dry. I often find myself wearing them outside of running as well thanks to how comfortable they are.

Among runners, they’re one of the more popular brands of running socks — and for good reason. They live up to the promised results and have a high-quality construction that will make them last through the miles. Some reviewers did feel they were on the expensive side, but still worth buying. They’re perfect for long runs when durability truly counts and will get you to the finish line blister-free.

Amazon reviewer Stephanie calls them a must-have sock saying, “I wear these predominantly for running and they keep my feet at a comfortable temperature, with no sliding or shifting in the sock. The cushioning is comfortable and just enough where you feel it, but the socks aren’t bulky as a result.”

Pros: Anatomical design, seamless toe to help prevent blisters, cushioned tab to prevent slipping, provides compression for support where needed, sweat-wicking fabric to keep feet cool and dry

Cons: On the expensive side

Buy the Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab running socks on Amazon for $11.99 and up

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