Arm and Leg Warmers

Arm and leg warmers are the smartest solution for runners who want to be flexible in changeable weather without changing outfit. On a fresh morning you start warm, halfway through the training your body warms up and you want to shed the extra layer. Arm warmers and leg warmers you adjust in seconds: just take them off and put them in your back pocket. No heavy long trousers or extra shirt needed, just the right layers in the right places.

The range runs from thin lightweight arm sleeves for fresh spring mornings to thermal leg warmers for winter training and compression models that also have a function in warm weather through muscle support and recovery promotion. The main selection criteria are the thickness and thermal value, the type of material, the presence of silicone grippers and whether you choose standard warmth or compression as the main function. Also view our range of running shirts and long running trousers for complete clothing layers in cold weather.

Why arm and leg warmers for running?

Most runners run across a larger temperature range than cyclists. Your body warms up quickly and also cools down quickly during breaks, falling temperature or wind after sweating. Long trousers or an extra shirt are too much in warmth but too cold at departure or after a section in the wind. Arm and leg warmers fill exactly that gap: they give warmth when you need it and can be stowed away as soon as that is no longer the case.

Arm warmers protect your upper arms and forearms against wind cooling while your shirt or top keeps your torso warm. Leg warmers protect your kneecaps, upper legs and calves in the cold, something which is extra relevant for running because the joints at a cold starting pace are more susceptible to strain. Also read our blog starting with running for more tips about the right equipment in changeable weather.

Which arm and leg warmers suit you?

The right choice depends on the temperature, your training intensity and whether you are looking for warmth, compression or both. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You start early in the morning when it is cold but know it will warm up later: Choose thin lightweight arm sleeves and leg warmers that can be stowed compactly. They give just enough warmth at departure but weigh almost nothing when you have them off. Ideal for training sessions where you already expect the temperature change in advance.

You run in winter at temperatures below 5 degrees and want maximum warmth: Choose thermal arm and leg warmers with fleece lining or brushed inner material. These keep your muscles and joints warm even in persistent cold during longer endurance runs. Combine with running gloves and a running hat for complete winter protection.

You want to support your calves and upper legs during long distances or intensive training: Choose compression leg warmers or calf sleeves. Compression improves blood circulation in your lower legs, reduces muscle vibrations and can reduce fatigue during long distances. View our range of compression socks for running as a supplement to the compression function.

You train for a triathlon and also want to keep your legs warm on the bike at cool starts: Leg warmers are also useful at the cycling sections of a triathlon in fresh weather conditions. Lightweight models with silicone gripper stay in place even during cycling movements and can be quickly taken off at the transition. Also read our triathlon beginner's guide for more explanation about clothing choices at triathlon.

You have sensitive kneecaps or want to protect your knees at a cold starting pace: Leg warmers that also cover the knee keep the joint warm so the synovial fluid in the knee joint stays at temperature. That reduces the stiffness and strain at the first kilometres of a cold training session. Always recommended for athletes with knee complaints who train in the cold.

What types of arm and leg warmers are there?

Arm warmers and arm sleeves

Arm sleeves cover your arm from wrist to just below the armpit. They protect your arms against wind cooling, cold and UV radiation. Available in thin lightweight versions for fresh spring mornings, thermal versions for winter training and compression models for muscle support. A silicone gripper at the top keeps the sleeve in place without slipping down.

Leg warmers

Leg warmers cover your leg from ankle to upper leg and protect kneecaps, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves against cold and wind. Ideal for fresh mornings where your legs struggle to come up to temperature. Available in thin lightweight models for changeable autumn weather and thermal models for winter running.

Calf sleeves and compression tubes

Calf sleeves cover only the calf and ankle without covering the foot. They combine warmth with compression on the calf muscles for better blood flow, less muscle vibrations and faster recovery. A good choice for runners who specifically have problems with calf fatigue or cramps at long distances. Available in standard and compression versions.

Knee warmers and upper leg sleeves

Specific sleeves that cover only the knee area or the upper legs. Useful for athletes with knee complaints who want extra warmth on the joint at a cold starting pace or during longer endurance runs in winter.

What to look for when buying?

Thickness and thermal value

Tailor the thickness to the temperature at which you train most. Thin models are suitable for 5 to 15 degrees. Thermal models with fleece lining are the better choice below 5 degrees. Too warm arm and leg warmers at mild temperatures cause overheating and sweat that cannot evaporate properly.

Silicone grippers

Check whether the top and bottom of the sleeve or leg warmer are fitted with silicone grippers. Without grippers arm sleeves and leg warmers slip down with every running stride, which is irritating and negates the protection. A wide gripper distributes the pressure better and pinches less than a narrow gripper.

Material and breathability

Choose polyester or polyamide elastane combinations that combine stretch, breathability and moisture management. Avoid cotton: cotton absorbs sweat, dries slowly and gives cold clammy feedback when you warm up. Also check whether the material is chlorine-resistant if you want to use the sleeves for triathlon swim training too.

Fit and sizing

Arm and leg warmers must fit snugly but not pinch. Too tight restricts blood circulation. Too loose slips down and offers less protection. Always check the size chart of the specific brand. Sizes vary per manufacturer and depend on the circumference of your arm or leg, not just your clothing size.

Our advice: Start with one set of thin lightweight arm sleeves and leg warmers for changeable autumn weather. That is for most runners the most used combination. Then expand with a thermal model for the winter months if you also continue training outside at temperatures below 5 degrees. Always combine with the right running jacket for wind protection of your torso.

Who are arm and leg warmers suitable for?

• Runners in changeable weather who start cold in the morning but do not want to run the entire training in long trousers or an extra shirt.
• Winter runners who continue training outside even at temperatures below zero and want to keep their muscles and joints warm.
• Long distance runners who use calf sleeves and compression leg warmers for muscle support and reduction of calf fatigue at marathons and half marathons.
• Triathletes who want to keep their legs warm on the bike and while running at fresh triathlon starts without taking extra clothing layers along.
• Athletes with knee complaints who want to keep their knee joints extra warm at a cold starting pace to reduce stiffness and strain.

Combine your arm and leg warmers with the right running shoes, running socks and running shirts for a complete running kit that keeps you comfortable at every temperature. Also read our blog the 10 biggest beginners' mistakes in running to avoid common mistakes.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our running specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about arm and leg warmers

What is the difference between arm sleeves and arm warmers?

Arm sleeves and arm warmers are two names for the same product: a sleeve that covers your arm from wrist to armpit for warmth and protection. The terms are used interchangeably. Some manufacturers use arm warmers for shorter models that only cover the forearm and arm sleeves for models that cover the complete arm. Check the exact length of the model when purchasing.

How do I keep arm sleeves and leg warmers in place during running?

The silicone gripper at the top and bottom keeps the sleeve in place during the running movement. A wider gripper distributes the pressure better. If a sleeve keeps slipping down the size is probably too large or a good gripper is missing. Check the fit carefully before purchasing — they must fit snugly but not pinch.

Can I also wear arm sleeves in warm weather?

Compression arm sleeves can also be worn in warm weather for muscle support and UV protection. Thin UV-resistant arm sleeves protect your arms during trail runs and long outdoor sessions in the sun without overheating. Thermal arm sleeves are intended for cold weather only.

What is the difference between leg warmers and calf sleeves?

Leg warmers cover the complete leg from ankle to upper leg and focus primarily on warmth. Calf sleeves cover only the calf and ankle without covering the foot and combine warmth with compression on the calf muscles. Choose leg warmers for general warmth in the cold, choose calf sleeves if you specifically want to support your calves at long distances.

Can I also use arm and leg warmers for triathlon?

Yes. In fresh race and training conditions lightweight arm sleeves and leg warmers are useful both on the bike and when running. Check the regulations of your race organisation before taking arm and leg warmers to a race. At most triathlons they are permitted but there may be specific rules about the order of putting on and taking off in the transition zone.