For years, my dad has been running in the same ’47 Mets hat that he’s had since before I was born. It’s clearly not built for running because, as he has sweat in it, the fabric has slowly bleached from navy blue to washed-out grey. Nevertheless, it’s the hat he always packs on vacations and grabs before he runs out the door to log miles. While baseball caps are great, they aren’t designed for running. They aren’t built to be tossed in the washing machine, or to go for a post-run swim. To keep you company on all of your summer miles, here are 10 hats built for running that still bring style to the table.
Path Projects Muir Cap
Breathability in a running hat is crucial, and to provide unmatched breathability, Path Projects puts 94 two-millimeter holes all over the top and side panels. The all-black, sleekly designed cap is a solid grab for the running closet.
Rhone El Cap
The sleek design of this hat does just what it’s supposed to — blocks out the sun and wicks away brow sweat. The power-stretch mesh panels keep you cool and come in five different colors to suit pretty much any style.
New Balance 5 Panel Performance Hat
In a bright orange that’s no longer available, this hat was my sidekick for the New York City Marathon. It’s lined with reflective trim, which makes it easy to be seen at night.
Satisfy Ultra-Light Running Cap
When you’re looking to add a little funk to your regular runs, we recommend reaching for this tie-dye hat. It’s ultra-lightweight and printed on a ripstop fabric, so there’s no need to handle with care.
Arc’teryx Calvus Cap
Arc’teryx makes quality goods that continually top our ‘best of’ lists. This cap is no different. It’s designed for mountain training, so you know it’ll handle any road run easily. There’s no velcro on this, just an adjustable stretch closure strap with a quick release buckle.
Patagonia Duckbill Cap
No running hat list would be complete without the classic Patagonia Duckbill cap. The magic exists in the brim. It easily shrinks into a pocket and then bounces back to its original shape. It’s also the 35th anniversary of the Baggies, the same fabric that makes up this hat. Celebrate with a new cap.
Ciele FST Cap
Ciele makes excellent racing caps — for cyclists and runner alike. We recommend grabbing a hat, then downloading Ciele’s app, ‘EverybodyRun’ to check out races, run clubs and events near you. Then, run to whatever microbrewery the app recommends. The best post-run recovery lies in what beer you’re drinking. And this cap fits right in, no matter your splits.
Myles Momentum Cap
Seafoam green, or Waterfall as Myles calls it, is a color that can do no wrong. The hat looks almost worn-in, which is great for a classic 5-panel hat. The adjustable snap band and dark color under the brim keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Saysky Blaze Cap
Whether you’re running here or across the pond, Copenhagen-based brand Saysky makes products you’re sure to get noticed wearing. This is one of its less-intense products, but the technical features are still top notch. The moisture-wicking fabric and mesh panels improve ventilation so you stay cool no matter where you’re running.
Path Projects Arapahoe Cap
While this doesn’t quite look like a running hat, the DWR coated, quick dry 5-panel would say differently. Its best feature is that it works just as well hiking in the Adirondacks as it does sipping a beer after a race.
