Running hats can serve multiple purposes, depending on your needs. Maybe you live in a cold climate and need added warmth, or perhaps you work out in the heat and need something that will protect you from the sun. We found that key elements also include ventilation, cooling features, and anti-glare attributes. If you are a night runner, reflective details might be an important addition to add visibility. We’ve developed a list that is not only diverse but filled with products that are well-reviewed and practical.
Best Running Hats For Men:
- Lululemon Men’s Fast and Free Running Hat Elite
- Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Pattern Cuffed Beanie
- MISSION Cooling Performance Hat
- The North Face Men’s Backyard Ball Cap
- Nike Men’s Feather Light Adjustable Hat
- HIGHEVER LED Beanie Hat with Light
- UnderArmor Men’s UA Iso-Chill Launch Run Hat
- adidas Men’s Superlite Relaxed Fit Performance Hat
- New Balance Lightweight Running/Athletic Skullcap
- Sprints Adult Printed Running Adjustable Hat
- Under Armour Men’s Isochill Launch Run Visor Adjustable Hat
Good to Know
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Two colors
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4.4 star rating
In the market for a lightweight running hat? This one fits the bill and is also ventilated for maximum airflow on those toasty days. It is specifically designed for running. When sweating is inevitable, the fabric will help wick away moisture while offering quick drying benefits simultaneously. The sweatband is also sweat-wicking and breathable. The fit can be customized via the adjustable back closure, while reflective details promote visibility. This is one of the higher-rated men’s running hats from Lululemon.
Review Highlights
“It’s great keeps sweat and sun out of face.”
Good to Know
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Nine colors
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4.5 star rating
Meet your potential favorite hat, which is an all-season multi-use addition to your wardrobe. Bonus, it’s reversible, further adding to the versatility. The adjustable ear band assists in customizing the fit while clean non-fussy seams prevent the addition of unnecessary and obstructive bulk. Relish in the amazing benefits of 100% merino wool, which is anti-static, insulating, NOT itchy, and lightweight. However, be sure to note there seems to be a trend of mentions that this fits tight.
Review Highlights
“I use this beanie for running and hiking and just love it! It keeps my head warm and comfortable during cold weather temperatures. Highly recommend it!”
Good to Know
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Two colors
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4.4 star rating
Expect all of the typical benefits of a baseball cap, like blocking the sun from your eyes. However, when activated with water, this cap provides a cooling sensation. According to the description, it cools to 30 degrees below average body temperature. That sounds totally refreshing on a hot summer day while hitting the pavement. Speaking of scorching sun, the hat also provides UPF 50 protection. This is something you’ll be able to wash and reuse repetitively. Overall, it is described to be lightweight and comfortable.
Review Highlights
“It does help. It’s just so hot in Louisiana.”
Good to Know
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Eight colors
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4.7 star rating
If you’re looking for the opposite of a trucker fit, this shallow-sitting backyard baseball style may be ideal. Specifically made to have a snug fit, the adjustable buckle at the back helps further customize the fit. Categorized as one size fits all, it’s likely a realistic option for a variety of head sizes through the fact that it can be adjusted. Cotton and polyester make up the construction of the hat, which also comes in pleasantly bright color options, that may offer better visibility in various situations.
Review Highlights
“Great hat and great price. Fits nice and higher on head not all the way down my ears as some other hats do.”
Good to Know
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Six colors
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4.2 star rating
Running hats just seem ideal when they are lightweight. Even when running in colder weather, the head can get so hot! Since the fabric is made from Dri-FIT® material, it will help wick away sweat. The design is highly breathable thanks to its mesh side panels, adding additional anti-sweat help. Interestingly, the black underbill is described to reduce glare. The fit is also adjustable. Full disclosure—some reviews mentioned that the design has changed and have expressed disappointment.
Review Highlights
“The only complaint is that on my all black hat, the logo seems to be coming off and I haven’t had it for very long.”
Good to Know
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One color
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4.4 star rating
LED headlight and warm winter cap collide in this practical yet cozy mash up. A double soft plush inner lining is comfy yet remarkably breathable. Constructed of premium acrylic blend material, the hat is stretchy, and ideal for men, women, anyone. Choose between using the white LED light, or the blue and red flashing lights. My husband and I sometimes cross country ski near our home at night, so I’m thinking this will be a solid Christmas gift for him.
Review Highlights
“Works great and is tough for being thrown around in the vehicle! Couldn’t find details on how to change the battery.”
Good to Know
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Four colors
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4.8 star rating
Described as light, stretchy, and breathable, this seems like a practical solution for runners. However, additional features make this an ideal selection for those who live in warmer climates. A built-in, cool-to-the-touch sweatband sounds like a welcomed treat when the sun is beating down during a daily run. The idea is that it can help disperse body heat. Laser perforations have been added to increase airflow and overall ventilation. The sizing is relatively adjustable thanks to a hook and loop closure.
Review Highlights
“You’ll never catch me on the run without a hat. At first it was to tame the hair, then it became style.”
Good to Know
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Nine colors
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4.7 star rating
It’s great to be conscious of the environment because every little bit helps. This hat is one of those small yet still significant contributions, as it is made from recycled material. Overall, the hat is designed to be lightweight, and the mesh allows that needed breeze. Fabric is also moisture-wicking, should you be the type to work up a major sweat. Under the visor, the lining is anti-glare, which may help you see a little bit better on ultra-sunny days. In addition to other sun protective properties, the fabric also provides UPF 50 sun protection to guard against the sun’s most harmful rays. There is a hook and loop back closure which is adjustable.
Review Highlights
“Very comfortable fit perfect for all sorts of activities. Lightweight and breathable too. 1 dislike however is that the underside of the brim is gray so it shows sweat really easily.”
Good to Know
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One color
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4.7 star rating
Advertised as one size fits most, the hat utilizes a specific 3-D stretch technology that not only makes for a more snug fit but also helps the hat hold its shape. The polyester material is described as having a jersey feel. So we are thinking it sounds like this one would be pretty soft. A band within the hat is also sweat-wicking.
Review Highlights
“IMO a bit pricey, but when it fits my rather large head and is comfy, that is quickly forgotten. Love it and may buy another.”
Good to Know
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Seven vibrant patterns/colors
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5 star rating
Yes, another moisture wicking hat, which really is a highly useful attribute, considering this list is for hats ideal for running. A light polyester fabric also features mesh inserts to prevent heat build up, and promote a quick cool down. The hat is adjustable, since it features a velcro closure. It is also labeled to be unisex, so you and your partner can be matching running buddies! We also think it’s useful that the hat is listed to be machine washable— you probably know how awesome that is if you’ve ever gotten a whiff of a hat used primarily for workouts. Pretty gross.
Review Highlights
“These hats are great! Not only stylish but lightweight and fabric is so soft to the touch. I have more patterns on my wish list.”
Good to Know
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One color
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4.5 star rating
Light, stretchy fabric sounds like the key combination for running hats. So this option is solid and is also detailed to be durable and breathable. A cool-to-the-touch sweatband built-in takes the heat down and helps disperse body heat. Ventilation has also been built into the design, which is constructed of 100% polyester. The fit is adjustable, but overall the visor is designed to conform to your head. Reflective logos add a touch of visibility.
Review Highlights
“This is a great visor for running to keep the sweat from dripping down from your forehead. However I found the visor a bit “stiff” around the forehead area while wearing it at the beginning but after awhile I got use to it.”