The Best Hats for Runners in 2025

Whether you're an experienced marathoner or new to the trails, a running cap can help you enhance your runs and push yourself to the next level. In this guide, we'll explain how to choose the best running hats for your style and running preferences.

1. Best Running Hats for Sun Protection

One of the biggest reasons to wear a hat is to protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause issues like sunburn and heat stroke in serious cases. You'll want to pay attention to a hat's ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating, which indicates how much UV radiation can reach your skin through the hat. 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation's rating system, clothing with a UPF of 30 to 49 is considered very good, and a UPF factor of 50 or higher is considered excellent.

Baseball Caps and Trucker Hats

Baseball-style caps and trucker hats are good choices for runners who want a secure fit without trapping too much heat. These styles often have venting or mesh panels to let your head breathe.

The Adams Extreme Outdoor Cap is a UPF 50+ hat with a nearly 9-inch neck and shoulder flap for additional sun protection on extremely hot days. The flap also features a secret zipper pouch to store small items like house keys or packets of energy gels.

The Kangol Tropical Ventair Spacecap features a breathable polyester-chlorofiber blend and an elasticized sweatband with venting for more comfortable runs in hot, sunny weather. 

Bucket Hats for Running

While bucket hats are a less common choice for runners, they provide excellent sun coverage and convenience. You can fold and stash a bucket hat in your kit, so they're a good option for trail and marathon runners. 

If you need a sturdy yet stowable hat with excellent sun protection, the Dorfman Pacific Evergreen Supplex Boonie Bucket Hat is a great choice. Its dark green underbrim deflects sunlight and reduces glare, improving visibility and keeping you safe on the trail. What's more, it features a UPF 50+ rating and a heat-wicking mesh inner lining to keep you comfortable when you're feeling the heat.

Visors

Without any fabric on your scalp, visors allow maximum breathability while keeping your face cool. They're a comfortable option for runners who like bulkier headphones because you can position them over the band for extra support. 

The No Headache Midsize Visor is a great example. With two expandable arms, it can fit various head sizes without causing discomfort. Plus, the 4-inch-wide brim provides excellent sun protection for your face.

2. Best Hats for Running in Winter

Regulating your body temperature is a must when running outside in winter. You need a hat that will keep your head and ears warm while wicking away sweat and excess heat.

Some of the best options for cold weather runs include:

• Running caps: Baseball-style caps like the Adams Extreme Performance Cap are good for running in late fall and early winter temperatures. For mid to late winter, though, it's better to go with another style.
• Beanies and toques: Knit caps like the Kooringal Australia Men's Beanie Bolaro and the Kooringal Tamara Women's Beanie help trap body heat to keep you comfortable in chilly conditions. 
• Knit headbands: If you like keeping your ears warm but prefer not to wear a hat, a knit headband might be the right choice for winter runs.

3. Best Running Hats for Rain

Don't want to let a rainy day interrupt your training? A waterproof and weather-resistant cap is exactly what you need. 

When looking for a hat you can wear in the rain, material is more important than style. Look for a hat that offers water- and mildew-resistant properties to protect your health and ensure your hat will last for years. The Tilley LTM8 Mesh AIRFLO® Hat is a great hat for running in the rain because it's made from Nylantium®, Tilley's proprietary water- and mildew-resistant nylon formula.

The Tilley TH5 Hemp Outdoor Mid-Brim Hiker Hat is another excellent choice. Made from breathable and water-repellent hemp, this hat is a stylish and comfortable option for outdoor activity in almost any weather.

4. Best Running Hats for Men

Male runners have various hat styles available to them, including but not limited to:

• Baseball caps: We love the Adams Extreme Performance Cap for its 50+ UPF and glare-reducing green underbrim. With a terrycloth sweatband and ventilated mesh panels, you can stay comfy during your most challenging runs. 
• Trucker hats: The classic Flexfit Khaki Retro Snapback Trucker Cap provides a breathable mesh back and an internal sweatband for extra comfort without sacrificing style.
• Bucket hats: The Kooringal Redondo Vented Bucket Hat is packable and crushable for easy storage on long runs. Plus, with a snap-up brim on both sides, you can ensure you always have the best view of your surroundings.

5. Best Running Hats for Women

Of course, women can wear any hat style men can. However, ladies' hats are ideal for those who prefer a more feminine look. Some of those ladies' running hat options include:

• Running caps: The Koorginal Haven Sport Cap offers great sun protection for a lightweight baseball-style cap with cute details like a ponytail opening and elastic bow closure. If you prefer a boxier fit, the Flexfit Black Retro Snapback Trucker Cap features a breathable polyester blend with a mesh back and a 2 ¾-inch brim for maximum sun protection.
• Visors: The Kooringal Jessa Sport Visor features lightweight polyester fabric to keep you cool on summer runs, walks or any other outdoor sport. Plus, the 2 ¾-inch brim effectively shields your face to prevent sunburns.
• Ear coverings: Knit earmuffs or headbands, like the Kooringal Woother Headband, keep your ears warm while allowing your scalp to release excess heat.

Why Do Runners Need Specialized Hats?

While you can absolutely run without a hat, long runs and bad weather call for a little extra head protection. Here are the biggest benefits of adding a running cap to your kit:

• Regulates body temperature: Running caps trap body heat, helping you stay warm and dry on winter runs.
• Saves energy: A running hat can keep you from expending too much energy on especially hot or cold days, helping you run longer without feeling overwhelmed.
• Enhances visibility: A running hat with a brim blocks the sun's brightness, making it easier to see the trail on sunny days.
• Improves comfort: A good running hat is made with breathable, lightweight materials that wick away sweat and keep you more comfortable.
• Protects against the elements: Running hats provide a barrier against rain, snow, UV rays and other weather conditions that impact your running.
• Improves performance: Wearing a running hat helps block out all the environmental factors that can distract you from your run so you can focus on hitting your goals.

What Material Is Best for Running Hats?

The best running gear is lightweight, breathable and durable to keep your body temperature stable while you're warming up, actively running and cooling down.

Some of the best materials for running hats include:

• Wool: Beanies and other cold-weather running hats are typically made with traditional wool. You can also find some with polyester lining for enhanced breathability.
• Polyester: Hats made from 100% polyester or a polyester blend wick away moisture and dry quickly, which makes them suitable for running in sunny, hot weather.
• Nylon: Modern nylons are comfortable, durable and even weather-resistant, making them ideal for running in wet and dry conditions.

You'll want to avoid heavy, nonbreathable materials like acrylic and cotton. These materials absorb sweat, which can leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable during your run. They can also cause you to overheat, even when the weather is cold. 

If you find a hat you love with a nonbreathable exterior, you can always check the lining. An acrylic hat with a polyester lining can still provide the same benefits as a polyester or wool hat without allowing too much heat to escape, making it ideal for winter running. 

Find the Best Running Hats at Hats Unlimited

If you want to invest in any running gear, a hat is one of the best and most affordable places to start. That's where Hats Unlimited comes in.

From cold-weather runs to your next formal event, we offer high-quality hats for every activity and occasion. Browse our selection of men's and women's hats online to find a running cap that suits your unique style!