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The Best Running Hats For Men

Last updated on August 22, 2022

We looked at the top 9 Running Hats For Men and dug through the reviews from 18 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Running Hats For Men.

Our Review Process

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Although runners tend to focus more on their footwear and clothing, a reliable running cap is just as important because it can impact your health. A hat protects from UV rays that can lead to skin cancer, as long as the color is bright or dark enough to prevent the sun from getting through. It’s best to avoid pale colors when choosing running hats for this very reason. Also, look for hats with brims that are wide enough to keep the sun completely out of your eyes, unless you are wearing a pair of sunglasses.

Running caps also prevent heatstroke and keep your head at the proper temperature as you move because you don’t want to overheat. Most are made from polyester, which repels water and offers sun protection. Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking materials like this for summer running caps, and look for added features like mesh panels that allow for more airflow. If you run at night, reflective panels and neon colors will make you more visible to others.

If your hair is longer and you put it in a ponytail when working out, be sure that the running cap has a big enough opening in the back to accommodate your hair. Adjustable closures are necessary no matter the hair length, but remember that long hair can get stuck in hook-and-loop closures (also called Velcro). Buckles can work well, but some people don’t like them because they can feel them in the back; this is a matter of personal preference. Other fastener options include plastic snaps, sliding adjusters and bungee pulls.

Our Picks For The Top Running Hats For Men

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

GADIEMKENSD Unstructured Stretch Men’s Running Hat

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GADIEMKENSD

Unstructured Stretch Men’s Running Hat

Here’s a breathable, comfortable running hat that offers four-way stretch thanks to nylon and spandex. It also has laser-perforated back panels for ventilation, a soft 2 3/4-inch brim and a durable, adjustable back buckle. It weighs 1.8 ounces.

Overall Take

Moisture-Wicking and StylishYou’ll stay dry and look great while wearing this well-ventilated, quick-drying cap.

Pros
" Water-resistant treatment pools droplets and doesn’t absorb moisture"
Cons
"Flimsy stitching"
 Runner Up

TrailHeads Race Day Performance Men’s Running Hat

TrailHeads

Race Day Performance Men’s Running Hat

Incredibly comfortable and lightweight at just 2 ounces, this 100% polyester mesh sports hat has a breathable construction allowing air to flow as you move. It features reflective accents for visibility and a dark underbill to reduce glare.

Overall Take

Weighs Just Two OuncesThis high-performing headwear is so lightweight that you’ll forget you’re wearing it!

Pros
" Unstructured and low-profile design"
Cons
"Not designed for large heads"
 We Also Like

ELLEWIN Full-Mesh Men’s Running Hat

ELLEWIN

Full-Mesh Men’s Running Hat

Talk about cool: Ellewin’s full mesh running hat is made from 100% polyester panels built into a traditional cap shape. It dries incredibly fast and has a sturdy, adjustable strap, so it’ll never feel too tight or loose once you set it to your size.

Overall Take

The Ultimate in VentilationWhen staying cool while running is the priority, this breezy hat is the optimal choice!

 Strong Contender

HH HOFNEN Quick-Dry Sun-Protection Men’s Running Hat

HH HOFNEN

Quick-Dry Sun-Protection Men’s Running Hat

This soft and durable running hat is an excellent value with built-in UV protection, lightweight 100% polyester material and reflective material for better visibility. You’ll also appreciate the adjustable Velcro closure in the back.

Overall Take

Your New Go-To HatThis cute and sporty cap for smaller heads dries quickly and weighs next to nothing!

Pros
" UPF 50+ tested for ultimate sun protection"
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
16

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the running hats for men available to purchase.
9

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

18

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Men's Health, Gear Junkie, Verywell Fit, Runner's World, Style Craze.

10,828

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 9 Running Hats For Men and also dug through the reviews from 18 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Running Hats For Men.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

ELLEWIN Full-Mesh Men’s Running Hat

User Summarized Score

8.2
4,646 user reviews

Our Take

Talk about cool: Ellewin’s full mesh running hat is made from 100% polyester panels built into a traditional cap shape. It dries incredibly fast and has a sturdy, adjustable strap, so it’ll never feel too tight or loose once you set it to your size.

What to Look For

  • Some running hats also have built-in UPF technology (ultraviolet protection factor, used for apparel) that offers more sun damage protection.
  • You can also find running caps with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. This finish makes them more water resistant, but you won’t be able to remain completely dry when out in the rain.
  • Flexibility is also crucial for running caps; avoid trucker-style hats that do not bend.
  • Running caps should be soft, but they won’t hold their form and do their job if they are too floppy.
  • All-around mesh panels can be very cooling, but you might want to spray sunscreen on your head for extra protection.
  • Some running hats have a bit of wool inside the brims to help manage sweat and odor.
  • Hats with shorter brims will not provide as much face protection from the sun.
  • Unless the manufacturer’s label says otherwise, do not launder running hats in the washing machine; hand-wash and air-dry them in most cases.
  • If your running cap is giving you a headache, loosen the closure.

Running Hat For Men Rankings

1. GADIEMKENSD Unstructured Stretch Men’s Running Hat

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 5

2. TrailHeads Race Day Performance Men’s Running Hat

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 5

3. ELLEWIN Full-Mesh Men’s Running Hat

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 1

4. HH HOFNEN Quick-Dry Sun-Protection Men’s Running Hat

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 2

5. Fitcare2go Reflective Men’s Running Hat Set, 2-Pack

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 2

6. ZZEWINTRAVELER Quick-Dry Men’s Running Hat

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 2

7. Fitdom All-Sports Lightweight Men’s Running Hat

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 3

8. Headsweats Reflective Race Men’s Running Hat

Overall Score: 8.3
Reviews Included: 5

9. CLAPE UPF50+ Curved-Brim Men’s Running Hat

Overall Score: 8.0
Reviews Included: 2

More to Explore

Some serious runners believe that running caps make them more aerodynamic. That’s because the hat keeps the hair covered and prevents it from creating unwanted drag. It’s the same reason many runners shave their heads or body hair.

However, researchers involved with a study from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) noted that you’re faster without a hat, especially if you shave off all your hair. But since they also acknowledged that most people prefer some kind of head covering, the researchers studied the topic and found that the best hat for running is a visor, worn backward. The lightweight quality of the visor combined with less drag from the backward-worn flap made for a winning combination.

More to explore