As winter sets in, staying warm becomes a priority—especially for someone like me, who isn’t used to freezing temperatures. Growing up in Southern California, anything below 55 degrees feels downright chilly, so when the temperature in St. Louis recently dropped to 29, I knew I needed the right gear to stay comfortable.
I’m not the type to hibernate indoors until spring. As a runner who finds treadmills boring and an equestrian who can’t stay away from the stables, I need clothing that keeps me warm without restricting movement. While layering up with scarves, puffers, and beanies works in some situations, it’s not always practical—running while bundled up is uncomfortable, and my horse wouldn’t appreciate me riding in a knee-length puffer coat.
That’s why I was excited to try out Nike’s tech fleece and cold-weather gear. I’ve been a loyal Nike fan for years—my well-worn Frees have logged countless miles, and I have a couple of Nike sweatshirts that are longtime favorites. I’ve also picked up a few running tops and sports bras over time, but I don’t regularly splurge on Nike gear.
That’s where my holiday wish list comes in. I keep a running list of high-quality wardrobe upgrades, and when I receive a gift card or some extra cash, I treat myself. Cold-weather gear is always on that list, and after adding a few new Nike pieces to my collection, I can confidently say that if you love staying active but hate the cold, you might want to add Nike gear to your wish list too.
Take joggers, for example—they’re incredibly versatile. Of course, they’re great for casual wear, but they can also be dressed up. I love pairing them with my Battlegrounds at Cedar Lake t-shirt (which I earned crawling through mud) or even styling them with kitten heels and a knit cardigan for a more polished look.
Then there’s my new favorite sweatshirt. It fits like a cozy sweater, with a stylish curved hemline and a cowl neck that doubles as a gaiter—perfect for a quick coffee run.
For outdoor runs, I need serious activewear, and the fleece-lined Nike Miler top delivers. It has a high neckline for extra warmth and a relaxed fit that’s a welcome change from the ultra-clingy workout gear I usually see. I know I’ll be wearing this piece constantly in the coming months, whether I’m hitting the trails or spending time at the stables.