Winter months offer a thrilling – if not chilling – running adventure. While cold days, long nights and a host of unpredictable elements compete to keep runners indoors, at Sport-locker.net we see them as part of the fun.

So much so we fully intend to get down and dirty with a winter cross country series and we’re going to need all the help we can get.

To keep runners/mud wallowers like us protected from the elements, Nike has introduced new winter running gear featuring options for breathable and lightweight warmth, water-resistance and vibrant reflectivity.

Nike Flash Pack Footwear

Drawing insights from runners logging miles in the dark winter months, Nike designers created the Nike Flash Pack, a reflective and water repellant line of shoes to keep runners protected from the elements.

The pack features six styles: Nike LunarGlide 5 Shield, Nike Air Pegasus 30 Shield, Nike Free 5.0 Shield, Nike Lunar Eclipse 3 Shield, Nike Zoom Structure Triax 17 Shield and Nike Zoom Vomero 8 Shield.

Each shoe sports a unique reflective print that hides subtly during the day but comes alive under nighttime lights to help runners stay visible.

To keep shoes water resistant, designers incorporated a three-layer mesh that repels water while allowing breathability. A tightly woven mesh makes up the shoes’ tongues, which are finished with a durable water-repellant (DWR) breathable coating. A micro fleece collar and tongue lining complete the design for added warmth.

Three of the pack styles include:

Nike LunarGlide 5 Shield: For the runner with mild to moderate over-pronation, the Nike LunarGlide 5 Shield provides exceptional cushioning and support through Lunarlon, Dynamic Support and Nike Flywire technologies.

Nike Air Shield Pegasus 30: Thirty years strong, the Pegasus has been a running standard known for comfort and neutral cushioning. The thirtieth edition features an evolved upper for improved fit and a Nike Zoom unit in the heel for low-profile, responsive cushioning.

Nike Free 5.0 Shield: An 8-millimeter midsole offset places the Nike Free 5.0 in the middle of the Nike Free spectrum between a barefoot-like feel and a traditional athletic shoe. Nike Flywire technology delivers a dynamic, glove-like fit and the Nike Free articulated flex grooves offer barefoot-like flexibility.

Nike Shield Flash Jacket

The Nike Shield Flash Jacket combines water resistance and reflectivity into one sleek design. In low light conditions, the reflective material provides 360-degrees of reflectivity helping runners stay visible.

The upper body and sleeves feature Storm-FIT 10 fabrication, providing breathable wind-and-water-resistance, keeping water out and allowing sweat vapors to escape. Subtle perforations down the jacket’s back help enhance breathability.

The jacket’s design integrates special details tailored for runners, including hand warmers that pull down from the sleeves to keep hands covered and a runner-specific hood that stays put to help keep ears warm in inclement weather.

Nike Aeroloft

One challenge of winter running is finding, and remaining at, the right level of warmth in changing climates. Informed by the “Nature Amplified” design ethos, the Nike Aeroloft 800 Vest addresses this challenge, featuring an ultra-light insulating layer composed of perforated down.

Tested by elite runners in rugged conditions, the lightweight vest features 800-fill down body-mapped to maximize mobility and warmth where needed most. The runner’s movement activates ventilation in the vest, allowing heat to escape the body through laser-cut holes situated between the down chambers.

Wicking Dri-FIT side and shoulder panels further boost breathability, while the rip-stop nylon exterior provides durability and protection from wind.

If the weather warms up mid-run, the Nike Aeroloft 800 Vest folds up to fit in a pocket for easy layering and carrying.

Nike Dri-FIT Wool

Nike’s popular Dri-FIT technology is proven to help keep athletes dry and comfortable by moving sweat away from the skin to a garment’s outer layer where it can evaporate. For cool conditions, Nike Dri-FIT Wool is composed of lamb’s wool and polyester to provide warmth, breathability and mobility.

Unlike pure wool, this blend includes Nike Dri-FIT to move sweat away from the body and dry quickly. Flat-seam construction reduces potential irritation from chafing and ensures garments fit smoothly over the body.

Nike Dri-FIT Wool is available in long-sleeve half-zip and crew styles for men and a v-neck and long-sleeve half-zip for women, making it a great option for layering or on its own.

Nike Flash Pack apparel and footwear, Nike Aeroloft 800 Vest and Nike Dri-FIT Wool are available at nike.com.

Let us know what you think of Nike’s new winter running gear and tell us your winter training plans in the comments section below or on our Twitter and Facebook pages.