Best Women's Running Vests 2023

Buyer's Guide | Fleet Feet

Updated on
Shop All Women's Running Vests

The vest is a cold-weather staple that belongs in every woman's running kit.

Versatile to wear year-round over your running shirt or layered with a jacket or pullover a good running vest keeps your core warm while letting excess heat escape to keep you in the Goldilocks zone: not too hot, not too cold.

That’s why if you’re not sure what to wear running when it’s cold outside, a winter vest is a great place to start.

Engineered with technical fabrics to keep you dry, insulation for extra warmth and pockets to carry your essentials, you can find the right vest for your needs.

Here are our top picks for the best running vests for women:

[This is part of our Best Running Clothes Guide 2023. For more expert advice on the best gear for runners, check out our top lists of the best running shoes, best running gear and best massage tools.]

[Looking for a different type of running vest? Check out our guides to the best hydration vests and best reflective vests.]

How To Choose the Best Vest for You


Vests are one of our favorite pieces of gear for running comfortably year-round. Not all vests are created equal, however.

Here’s what to consider when choosing the best women’s vest for running:

  • Materials: Vests can vary slightly in the materials they’re made with and how they are insulated. Lightweight down for insulation is a great option for those looking for the most warmth, while ripstop nylon and weather-treated fabrics are great for blocking out the wind, rain and snow. Sweat-wicking and breathable materials are also essential to prevent overheating and chafing.
  • Fit: A good sports vest should have a relatively slim or athletic fit for easy layering and armholes that allow you to swing your arms freely without feeling too tight.
  • Pockets/Features: We love vests with hand pockets or a chest zip pocket for extra storage and hand coverage.
  • Reflectivity: Vests with reflective elements included are a great way to run safely in the dark. Many vests have some reflectivity added to help you stand out to drivers and other road users.
Best Vests For Women
Women's Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest 2.0 Thumbnail

Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest 2.0

$120
The women’s Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest 2.0 is one of our favorites for fall and winter running. It uses lightweight Thermolite® insulation that locks the heat in around your core, while side panels help you maintain a comfortable temperature as you warm up. The Shield Hybrid Vest 2.0 is wind- and water-resistant like many of the other vests on this list, but our favorite feature is the draft-flap snaps along the zipper that keep the vest in place if you unzip for extra ventilation.
Women's | Brooks Shield Hybrid Vest 2.0
Best Vests For Women
Women's Mizuno Breath Thermo® Vest Thumbnail

Mizuno Breath Thermo® Vest

$120
Every time we wear this vest we’re shocked at how warm it is considering how lightweight it feels. It’s equipped with patented Breath Thermo technology that uses escaping body vapor to generate heat. Then, as you start to sweat during your run, the dual filament DRYLITE textile blend works to wick away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable as you move. Zippered pockets at the side seams and chest let you safely store your belongings with you to keep your hands free. And as a bonus, the Mizuno Breath Thermo sports all-around reflectivity to keep you safely visible during runs in low-light conditions.
Women's | Mizuno Breath Thermo® Vest
Best Vests For Women
Women's Cotopaxi Fuego Down Vest Thumbnail

Cotopaxi Fuego Down Vest

$185
This is one of our favorite new vests to wear whether we’re at the ski lodge or getting some chilly miles in. The Cotopaxi Fuego Down Vest brings the heat in style using responsibly sourced, water-resistant down for unbeatable warmth and easy packability. It’s wrapped with colorful ripstop nylon that’s been treated with a DWR coating to protect against light rain and snow. Plus, if you get too hot, you can stash the entire vest into one of the two interior pockets and toss it in your pack.
Women's | Cotopaxi Fuego Down Vest
Best Vests For Women
Women's Craft ADV Essence Warm Vest Thumbnail

Craft ADV Essence Warm Vest

$110
Craft makes amazing cold-weather gear for staying active during the winter months, and the ADV Essence Warm Vest is no exception. Its slim design makes it easy to layer, while quilted padding at the front and back to give you an extra layer of protection and warmth. We love the jersey material on the sides that’s breathable and stretchy so you don’t overheat and can swing your arms freely when you’re running or cross-country skiing. Secure hand pockets can hold some tissues and your phone. Plus, reflective details help you stay visible when you’re running in the dark.
Women's | Craft ADV Essence Warm Vest Women's | Craft ADV Essence Warm Vest Black
Best Vests For Women
Women's Brooks Run Visible Insulated Vest Thumbnail

Brooks Run Visible Insulated Vest

$160
Winter running often means running in the dark—the Brooks Run Visible Insulated Vest is one of our go-to’s for nighttime running, early morning dog walks or any time we need to add some reflectivity to our outfit. It’s warm, weather-resistant and breathable, so your core will stay warm while excess heat can escape. The feature that really makes this vest shine is the fluorescence, high contrast and 3M™ Scotchlite™ Carbon Black Stretch reflectivity in critical motion zones to help drivers recognize spot you on the road.
Women's | Brooks Run Visible Insulated Vest
Women's rabbit Dawn to Dusk Vest Thumbnail

rabbit Dawn to Dusk Vest

$120
This vest looks just as good at the coffee shop as it does during your morning warm-up. The Dawn To Dusk Vest is lined with rabbit’s High Country flannel for a soft and cozy feel. Plus, the eco-thermal insulation and wind- and water-resistant material will keep you protected straight through to spring. If you plan on wearing your vest for more than just running, it’s hard to go wrong with this stylish layer.
Women's | rabbit Dawn to Dusk Vest

How We Picked the Best Women’s Running Vests

The best women’s running vests for you come down to personal preferences. Fit, features and style all play a role in finding the right one. But there are things that set some vests apart from the rest.

We picked the best running vests for women based on a combination of real-life use, quality of materials, details and our own top-seller lists. Our vest guide ranges from the best winter running vests to layers for milder weather so no matter where you run, you can stay warm. With all of that in mind, we picked women’s running vests that lived up to our own personal (and professional) expectations.

Standing Behind Our Picks

Shopping for running clothes online is hard. You don’t know for sure how a shirt or a pair of pants will fit until you try it on.

We want you to get the right clothes and gear. That’s why we offer our Happy Fit Guarantee return policy.

Buy new running clothes from Fleet Feet and give them a try—log some miles, get in a few workouts, lounge around. If you don’t love the way the clothes look, fit or perform, send them back within 60 days and we’ll give you a full refund.

Plus, get free shipping on any fleetfeet.com order over $99, and return shipping is always on us.

Want to try on something in person first? Find a Fleet Feet location near you.


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