While cities have started reopening shops and restaurants, many people are still observing best practices that were put in place to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. One such measure is the wearing of face masks when out in public, with the CDC recommending cloth face coverings to help prevent the transmission of germs and viruses.
But while cloth face masks can keep you shielded on a walk, or quick trip to the grocery store, not all of these masks are designed for physical activity. Generic cloth masks aren’t always breathable, and worse, they can irritate or chaff the skin. They’re often heavy and saggy, and can fall off if not secured tightly, defeating the whole point of wearing a mask in the first place.
Luckily, a number of manufacturers are now designing face masks specifically for running, cycling, hiking and working out. Keep in mind: these are non-medical face masks, so while they will help shield you from dust, debris or an accidental spray when talking to someone, they aren’t designed for doctors, nurses or frontline workers.
What Are the Best Face Masks for Running and Cycling?
The best face masks for running, cycling or working out should keep you safe, comfortable and dry, while being flexible enough to bend and move with your workout without falling off. They’re made to be breathable too, so you can still get a run or workout in without feeling suffocated by your protective mask. Here are a few important things to look for.
Material: Similar to your workout clothes, you want to look for masks made from lightweight, moisture-wicking materials. The best masks for working out will wick away sweat, to keep your face dry and comfortable. You’ll want masks with a bit of stretch in them too (look for the words “elastane” or “spandex” on the tag). This ensures that your mask stays flexible and stays put, moving with you on your run rather than sliding off.
Breathability: All of the picks on our list are made from breathable materials, so you’ll never feel suffocated even if the fabric is over your nose and mouth. Some of our picks have tiny perforations in the front too, for even more breathability.
Fit: Whether you’re on a jog or bike ride, you’ll be in motion, so you want a face mask with a snug fit. Face masks that tie on using elastic straps around the ear are great, but make sure you adjust the straps to keep the mask tight around the mouth. We’ve also found masks (or “gaiters”) that fit around your neck, letting you pull up the material over the mouth. There are also balaclava-style coverings that can be worn like a hood, with an extra section that covers your face as well.
Before you head out on your next run or ride, make sure you pick up one of these masks, to keep you and others safe, even if you’re breaking a sweat. Prefer something even
1. BlueBear ProSport Mask with Nano-Filter
One of our favorite masks for running and working out is this ProSport mask from BlueBear. It stands out from other masks on our list because it includes a built-in slot for a filter, adding extra protection. The mask itself is soft and hypoallergenic, making it super gentle on the skin (I.e. no chaffing here).
The contoured shape fits more naturally over the face, and the adjustable straps help the mask stay put even during your more strenuous workouts.
The mask itself is reusable. We recommend replacing the Nanotec filter after each use, to ensure efficacy. Get a 10-pack of replacement filters or $8.50 here.
2. är Small logo Black Mask
If you’re looking for a face mask with a valve, we like this one, which features a “ViralOff” coating that helps to repel viruses on textiles by up to 99.99%.
The mask comes with a replaceable nanofilter that has three layers of protection while remaining super breathable. The “Eco Acqua Zero” technology, meantime, helps repel water, while bringing any moisture from inside the mask to the top, where it eventually evaporates. What we like most is how silky smooth and lightweight the mask feels, with a section of foam along the nose-piece providing just that extra bit of padding for a more secure and gentle fit.
Prefer a mask without a valve? The same mask is available in a classic fit with sizes available for all face shapes (S to L) and even a face mask for kids. The same technology as the face mask with valve applies to this regular mask as well.
Note: While the company calls their ViralOff coating a “self-cleaning” treatment, you should still wash the mask but won’t have to do it as often.
3. WiseGuise 4-in-1 Mask
Made and designed in Los Angeles, this flexible 4-in-1 mask is one of the most intelligently-designed face coverings in the market right now. The versatile design lets you wear this as a bracelet, neckband or headband when it’s not covering your face (it’s also a handy way to keep a mask on you at all times).
Made with breathable and comfortable materials (think 600 thread-count cotton), the mask also wraps securely around the back of your neck, rather than pulling at your ears or sitting too tight against your head. The double-layer design offers both physical protection and an electrostatic barrier from potentially harmful germs and particles. Everything is machine-washable for safe re-wearing.
4. Mystery Ranch WS20 Street Mask
This face mask is our top pick for runners, with soft and stretchy fabric (so it won’t chaff), along with a built-in slot for a filter. Adjustable ear loops and a moldable nose pad help ensure a snug fit. A built-in neck lanyard lets you hang the mask around your neck when you need to slide it off for a second.
5. Under Armour Sportsmask
Under Armour finally has its best-selling sportsmask back in stock. The mask is made from a sweat-wicking material that keeps you cool and dry — moisture is wicked away from the face and trapped inside an insert layer to prevent chafing. The structured mask is snug around the sides, but sits off the mouth for better breathability. And UA says its “Iso-Chill” fabric feels cool to the touch, no matter how long you’ve been wearing it for. An anti-microbial coating keeps things fresh while a built-in UPF 50 coating protects your face from the sun.
6. Adidas Unisex Face Covers
Adidas is well-known for its line of lightweight running shoes, and the athletic brand just released a collection of lightweight face masks as well. Super soft and breathable, the Adidas Face Cover is made with a flexible material that won’t constrict movement. Stretchy straps help the mask stay in place while two layers of fabric help keep dust and particles away from your mouth.
Part of Adidas’ “Primegreen” collection, this face covering is made with 93% recyclable polyester. It’s machine-washable and dryer-safe. This is sold as a three-pack, with various sizes available. Adidas says $2 from every pack sold will go to Save the Children’s Global Coronavirus Response Fund.
7. Brave New Look Geometric Cloth Mask (with PM2.5 Filter)
For extra peace of mind while working out, we like this protective mask from Brave New Look. We’ve been wearing it everywhere thanks to its super lightweight material, and a PM2.5 filter that protects you from small particles and contaminants in the air (The “PM” refers to “particulate matter” while the 2.5 refers to the 2.5 micron measurement of particles that these filters are designed to capture).
Reusable and washable, these masks are available in a simple black design, or choose from dozens of bold colors and patterns. This set of four comes with four filters — one per mask. Slip the filters into a built-in pouch in the mask and breath normally. We recommend replacing the filter after one week of use (more replacement filters available here)
8. Uniqlo AIRism Face Mask
As soft as a T-shirt and as light as a bedsheet, Uniqlo’s face mask features three layers of protection. One layer helps to wick away moisture while another layer blocks up to 90% of harmful UV rays. The built-in filter layer is fully washable; no need to replace filters like some of the other options on our list. And while many running face masks are one-size-fits-all, Uniqlo offers three sizes (S, M, L) so you can find one that fits you best. When you’re trying to stay protected, finding the perfect fit is extra important.
9. Mission Cooling Face and Neck Gaiter
Run this highly-reviewed neck gaiter under cold water for a couple seconds, then wring it out and give it a good snap. The company says the material cools to 30 degrees below average body temperature, and stays cool for up to two hours, making it a great choice when running in the sun. The material also has a UPF 50 coating that can block up to 98% of UV rays, giving you an additional layer of protection when you’re outdoors.
This face covering is machine-washable. Slide it over your head and around your neck, then pull up to cover your mouth and nose.
10. Buff Original Face Mask
Everyone from marathoners to contestants on Survivor have been known to wear head and face coverings from Buff. This one is made from a lightweight merino wool that not only wicks moisture, but helps to thermal regulate your temperature too. The material is also given a special antimicrobial treatment that helps it repel — rather than absorb — odors. No smelly face masks here. This face wrap is semi-fitted so it stays on even when you’re on the run.
This is one of the best face masks for hiking, climbing and anything where you’ll be outdoors for long periods of the day.
11. FOCO Face Coverings
Support your favorite team with a pack of three, reusable face masks, made from soft, breathable materials and stretchy elastic straps to help them stay put. Choose from designs across all the major sporting leagues.
These face masks are reusable and come with an interior pocket for a filter (filter not included). Prefer a more basic design? FOCO has dozens of solid colors and more neutral patterns available as well.
12. Champion Lay Flat Wicking Masks
Athletic brand, Champion, introduces a stylish camo-print face mask that’s made from a lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester and spandex mix. The poly-blend is machine-washable and keeps you cool, while the spandex lets you move and run freely without worrying about the mask falling off. As the name suggests, this mask sits more “flat” against the face, rather than bulging out, making for a more natural, comfortable fit.
13. Hanes X-Temp Cotton Masks
Stock up on these simple, cotton masks from Hanes — the brand known for their super-soft T-shirts is now making equally soft face masks for working out, with a moisture-wicking material that repels sweat as you move. The non-medical masks features three layers of breathable fabric, plus adjustable nosepiece and front panel pleats for extra coverage. The cotton straps loop comfortably around your ears.
14. Athleta Face Masks
One of the top picks from reviewers online for best face masks for running, activewear brand Athleta has released this five-pack of lightweight face masks, made from a stretchy polyester and spandex blend. The masks slide over your face using the elastic ear straps and are lined with airy cotton for breathability. Athleta has pledged to donate 100,000 non-medical masks to healthcare organizations in support of frontline workers.
15. Reebok Face Covers
Soft, gentle, breathable and durable, this dual-layer face mask is adorned with the Reebok logo against a stark black background. The material has a hint of stretch it in, to help it form to your face better than a stiffer mask, while the straps sit comfortably behind the ears. The mask is safe to machine wash in hot water — in fact, Reebok recommends it.
16. Lookhuman Face Masks
They don’t have the same moisture-wicking properties as other masks on our list, but these hand-sewn cloth masks from Lookhuman are a great lightweight pick. The polyester mask offers full face coverage, with straps that tuck securely behind your ear to prevent the mask from shifting while you’re on the move. We like this gray ombre mask, but Lookhuman has more than three dozen other prints and patterns available here.
17. Nixon Flipside Face Mask
While you might know Nixon best for its selection of stylish watches, the brand also makes this reversible Flipside face mask. It features ear loops that you can tighten or loosen, as well as an additional strap that goes over the back of your neck so you can find the right fit when you’re out for a run or just starting your stretches. It’s made of a blend of polyester, cotton and spandex and comes in three variations. Best of all, you can throw it in the washer on the delicate cycle after a sweaty workout.