Keep your base layer simple. This is the layer that’s going to be right up against your skin, so avoid features like zips, pockets, chunky logos, and anything else that might cause irritation. In terms of fabric, merino wool is our top pick for its ventilation and thermoregulating properties, but any sweat-wicking material will do.

Your mid layer is all about warmth, so you don’t have to be quite as picky. That said, there are some factors that can work to your advantage. A well-ventilated mid layer with sweat-wicking capacity will work together with your base layer to transport moisture even further away from your skin. And lightweight insulation will help keep you warm without weighing you down.

If it’s raining, snowing, or an unfortunate combination of both, your third and outermost layer is arguably the most critical. Precipitation of any kind warrants a waterproof shell to ensure your base and mid layers stay dry. Similarly, in the case of high winds, a windbreaker will prevent the air from penetrating your gear and turning your sweat against you. In both cases, your shell should ideally be as lightweight as possible without compromising its ability to do its job.

If the weather conditions are chilly but not particularly wet or windy, feel free to skip the third layer—especially if your mid layer offers some degree of protection on its own. (For example, the Helly Hansen jacket below features a water-repellant treatment, which will hold up against a light drizzle.) “You might not need to wear all three of these layers all the time,” King says. “But the concept of layering in threes will always have you covered.”

Consider your kicks

It’s not the cold weather itself that necessarily influences the kind of footwear you should wear—at least, not directly—but rather the cold’s impact on the conditions you’ll be interacting with, as well as your body.

“When it comes to picking the best shoe for training in winter, you want to mostly pay attention to your traction,” says Caleb Kinney-Woods, personal training leader at Life Time. “I would definitely recommend switching to a trail-based shoe.” Trail running shoes are the unsung heroes of winter cross-training. From navigating icy sidewalks to maintaining your footing during a set of burpee broad jumps, their grippy outsoles and toothy lugs will help keep your legs under you. Look for a pair with a lower stack height and wider base, as these will give you the most versatility, as well as increased stability during weighted and lateral movements.

It’s not just the terrain that’s affected by the cold, as anyone who’s ever tried to tie an uncooperative shoelace in sub-zero temperatures will tell you. It’s the kind of thing you don’t really think about until you’ve had to face it, so consider this a heads up. If you can find a trail shoe with a non-traditional lacing system, like the pull tabs on the Mount to Coast T1 below, add it to your cart now and thank us later.

Accessorize with intent

With your key layers covered and footwear in check, you’re almost ready to go—but not before a few finishing touches. “The one thing that I would recommend for colder temperatures, or if you’re dealing with snow or any kind of precipitation, is something that can cover your mouth to help warm the air as it enters your body,” says Kinney-Woods. “Something like a neck gaiter that you can pull up, and maybe even a stocking cap that you can wear down to help cover your eyes a little bit.” A running balaclava like the one below from On will do both.