Chain Gang Yaktrax are like snow chains for your shoes. These heavy-duty rubber webs strap onto normal running kicks—say some Nike Pegasus +25s—and turn ’em into winter warriors. Their 1.4 mm steel coils help give you a scary amount of traction on packed snow, ice, and spilled ranch dressing.
$29,
yaktrax.com
Cold KillerThe mortal enemy of winter runners? Gusts of cold-ass air. And warm, inviting buses along your route. Oh, and renegade snowmen. Defy all three with
TNF’s Windstopper Hybrid jacket, which puts water-resistant Gore-Tex and wind-busting tech between you and the elements. Eff you, Jack Frost!
$135,
thenorthface.com
Hot JamsIf your headphones won’t play nice with the earmuffs you’ve had since grade school, it’s time to upgrade to the
Nike Hatphone. Inside the fleece beanie is a layer of Nike’s magical wicking Therma-FIT fabric plus a pair of built-in speakers and a pocket for the iPod Nano you bought by returning those crappy gifts.
$55,
store.nike.com
Last Traction HeroOn frozen streets your fancy sneakers might as well be pretty lace-up ice skates. If you want some real dedicated cold-weather sneakers, pick up
Icebug’s MR4 trainers. Their rubber soles have retracting carbide-tipped studs to keep you from doing a Johnny Weir impression.
$150,
garmontusa.com
Glove BeaconsGetting nailed by a snow plow driver is not the way you want to end your winter run. Luckily
Saucony Ulti-Mitts have a blinking LED light, so you’ll be visible in the dark. But if you get clipped, you can utilize the convertible fore-fingers to dial for help or just make a playlist to listen to as you freeze to death.
$30,
saucony.com
Wrist ManagementThe
Polar FT60’s built-in fitness test takes only five minutes to determine just how much damage living off the dollar menu has caused your body. Then the watch monitors your heart rate and sets fitness goals to help you drop the holiday weight you’ve been carrying for a decade.
$240,
polarusa.com
