Article by Jennifer Schmidt, Ben David, and Jana Herzgova
Gorewear Winter 2025 Reviews: Concurve Thermo Tights, Thermo ¼ Zip and R3 Gloves
It’s finally winter and Jen, Ben and Jana got in solid cold weather testing of Gorewear’s Concurve Thermo Tights ($120), Thermo ¼ Zip ($100) and R3 Gloves ($45) for their reviews below.
Concurve Thermo Tights ($120)
Features
Jen - The fabric is comfortably soft and warm enough for the coldest temperatures we’re likely to get in an Auburn, CA winter. I like the bright yellow elements around the ankles. They’re not glow-in-the-dark, but a running buddy commented that they really helped with visibility on a dark late fall morning. The side pocket would be large enough to hold a few gels and a car key. The product description emphasizes the reduced number of seams, but it’s not something I noticed while wearing them.
Ben- I really enjoyed these snug, very warm tights on chilly mornings here in Philly. There is a large pocket on the outer thigh for a phone, tissues, gels, etc. There’s also a smaller pocket built into the waistband. It’s a very streamlined, nearly seamless tight, very form fitting and warm.
Jana - These tights are a game-changer for chilly morning runs in Utah. The fabric is soft, cozy, and provides plenty of warmth for winter conditions. The design includes a large outer thigh pocket on the right side, perfect for holding essentials like your phone, gels, or tissues, and an additional smaller pocket discreetly built into the waistband for keys or other small items. The nearly seamless construction gives them a sleek, form-fitting feel that’s both comfortable and functional.
Fit
Jen - The fit is fairly tapered: generous through the waist and hips, but then tight from the thighs to the ankles. They fit like a S/M in the waist and hips, but XS/S through thighs and calves and XXS/XS in the ankles.
The high-rise waistband hit right where I wanted it to and the adjustable drawstring was crucial.
There’s the right amount of stretch in the fabric for the fit to be a little accommodating.
Ben - I’m 5’7” and found size medium to be appropriately snug for a cold weather tight. It also didn’t run long, with a nice firm taper at the ankle. The waist felt roomy to me, though appropriately. The seamless construction makes it all very stable, very wearable and extremely comfortable.
Jana - These tights have a tapered fit: they’re generous through the waist and hips, snug from the thighs to the calves, and extra fitted at the ankles. The high-rise waistband sits perfectly, and the adjustable drawstring ensures a secure fit. The fabric offers just the right amount of stretch, balancing comfort and support beautifully.
At 5'11", I found the size large, snug and warm, but the length stops just above my ankles—slightly shorter than I’d prefer, which is the only downside I’ve noticed. Aside from that, the taper at the ankle is firm, the waist feels comfortably roomy yet secure, and the seamless construction adds to the overall stability and comfort.
Performance and comparisons
Jen - The fabric weight and feel are just about perfect for cool-weather running, but the fit is a deal-breaker for me on this one, unfortunately. I found that the bagginess in the hips and rear was uncomfortable for faster running and could lead to chafing.
Comparisons: Saucony Runshield - The Runshield is slightly thicker and warmer, with a better fit through hips and thighs. Brooks Momentum thermal tights - again, better fit and slightly warmer.
Ben - This is a very good, reliable tight from a good, reliable brand. It will work best for cold-weather days, certainly below 40 degrees. Unlike Jen, my size M fits fairly well. I would compare it to the Tracksmith Turnover Tights. These are better fitting, warmer and better suited to real winter conditions. They are likewise a more affordable version and likely a more user-friendly version than the Tracksmith NDO Tights.
Jana - The fabric weight and feel are perfect for cool-weather running, and the fit works great for me. I’ve been using GOREWEAR gear for several years during my runs and races in arctic and subarctic environments, and the quality has always been exceptional. I haven’t used other running tights, so I don’t have any comparisons to offer, but Gorewear has consistently met my needs with its reliable fit and performance.
Thermo ¼ Zip ($100)
Features
Jen - Warm enough for temperatures in the 30s and 40s (depending how hard you’re running) and quite soft. It won’t necessarily keep you warm in the rain, but is breathable enough that it doesn’t trap sweat. The front kangaroo pocket is cozy for tucking your hands in when wearing the jacket casually, though not a great location to store things in on the run.
Ben - This is a heavy, very warm pullover, well suited for colder temps, as Jen mentions. I appreciated the front pocket for gels and gloves when ready to be stashed. The arm holes also allow for warmer hands when gloves are less necessary. This works best as an outer layer pullover on cold days with a large collar that presumably one could zip up for more coverage on even colder days.
Jana - The Everyday Mid 1/4 Zip has quickly become a favorite of mine, however it is a different model than Jen and Ben received. It's a great mid-layer made from a comfortable, soft fabric that keeps me warm without making me feel sweaty or restricted. The material is breathable and dries quickly, making it perfect for layering on chilly runs.
Fit
Jen - Relaxed and roomy enough to have a base layer (or multiple) underneath. As someone who’s usually on the XS/S border, I felt I definitely could have sized down to an XS and still had room. The length of the torso is just right and the arms are slightly long, but that probably provides a little extra warmth to cold wrists and hands.
Ben - Like Jen, I also saw the fit to be roomy and thus certainly appropriate as an outer layer. (You could wear 1-2 layers underneath and still have plenty of room). I found the sleeves to be slightly long but not problematic.
Jana - I love the slimmer fit and the partial zip—it gives me just the right amount of flexibility and helps with temperature control as I warm up. The neck collar fits perfectly and doesn’t feel constricting at all, which is a big plus. It’s simple, cozy, and versatile, and I can easily wear it as an outer layer or under a jacket.
Performance and comparisons
Jen - This is a great mid-weight layer for cold runs, and I’m looking forward to testing it for skate skiing this winter. It fits and performs well as a running-specific warm layer - no suggestions for improvement on my end, except that I should have sized down! The Patagonia R1 fleece pullover would be a popular competitor with a similar fit. The Nike Therma-FIT is a similar quarter zip with a slightly shorter cut.
Ben - This pullover is all about comfort and warmth and delivers on both fronts. It’s made well and highly functional, moving with you as a run and keeping you warm on colder winter days. To me, the best comparison would be the Tracksmith Session Quarter Zip. I believe the Gore Thermo is warmer, cheaper and offers more features (pockets, hand-holes, i.e.).
Jana - The GOREWEAR Women's Everyday Mid 1/4 Zip performs exceptionally well as a versatile layering piece for chilly weather. The soft, breathable fabric offers the right balance of warmth and moisture-wicking properties, keeping me comfortable during my runs without feeling too hot or too cold. The slimmer fit is flattering while allowing for easy movement, and the partial zip provides excellent flexibility for temperature control as I warm up. I have no comparison to offer, GOREWEAR gear has been my go to options for all my winter outings and races in arctic / subarctic environment. It has always delivered for me.
R3 Gloves ($45)
Jen - Stretchy and close-fitting without being too tight. The seams around the thumb and forefinger are unusual but not noticeable when you’re wearing them.
Ben - I agree with Jen. These are just on the verge of being too tight, but overall fit well. They feel streamlined and warm. Likely not best for the absolute coldest of conditions but perfect for anything in the 15-35 degree range. They have a reflective strip which is always a bonus when light is at a premium during the darker winter months.
Performance and comparisons
Jen - These quickly became the gloves I reach for by default for cold morning runs, as long as it’s not raining. They fit perfectly and are cozily soft. Nothing fancy here - if you need something water-repellent or want to use your phone with gloves on, you’ll need something else, but this is an excellent execution of a basic running glove.
Ben - Definitely not a fancy or overly complex glove. They’re straightforward and warm, relatively well-fitting. I’d compare them to the Tracksmith Inverno Gloves, which are likely better for the coldest of conditions but equal in their straightforward construction.
Shop at Gorewear HERE
Tester Profiles
Jennifer Schmidt found trail running in her mid-20's and began dabbling on the roads a few years later. Trail 50k's and road marathons are nearest and dearest to her heart, but she loves chasing competitive and personal goals on any surface and over any distance. These days, you can find her primarily on the sweet California singletrack around Auburn and Truckee, usually averaging 70-95 mpw. Depending on the season, she also competes in the USATF road and XC circuits for Sacramento Running Association's racing team. She has a marathon PR of 2:41 and was recently selected as an alternate for the USA team for 50k world championships.
Ben is the Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park, PA. A cancer survivor, he has run 21 marathons. He holds PRs of 3:15 for the marathon and 1:30 for the half. At 46, he still enjoys pushing himself and combining his running with supporting a variety of causes. Follow him on Instagram: @RabbiBPD or Twitter: @BDinPA
Jana Herzgova took up running in 2016, after a back injury. Prior to that she was a speed skater, but due to back pain and doctor's recommendation, she transitioned into running. Since then, starting with shorter ultra distance races she quickly evolved into an avid long distance and unsupported mountain runner. She also loves to take on challenges/races in arctic and subarctic climates, mainly in unsupported and semi-self supported style. She currently lives in Utah/Wyoming.
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