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A good running cap does more than keep the sun out of your eyes. The right one should fit securely without pinching, manage sweat well, dry quickly and hold up to regular washing after months of training and racing.
Looking for a new pair of running shoes? Check out our top picks.
To find out which caps stand out, the Run Testers team picked their favourite options out at the moment. The result is a mix of premium performance picks, budget-friendly everyday options and versatile designs that work just as well off the run as they do on it.
Who Are The Run Testers?
The Run Testers are a group of journalists based in the UK who have been testing and reviewing the best running shoes, watches and all manner of other kit for decades. We’ve written for a wide range of websites and magazines, and if you’ve ever searched for a review or buying advice about running gear, the odds are you’ve stumbled across our work.
As experienced journalists all of our reviews are completely independent and impartial, and because we’ve tested such a wide range of shoes we’re confident that our selections really do stand out from the crowd as some of the best available. There’s more info on the core Run Testers team here, and you can find out more info on our shoe preferences by watching our video where we each select our ideal running shoe rotation.
Hoka Run Hat
Price: £30/$34
The Hoka Run Hat is a firm team favourite thanks to its comfortable, rounded-peak fit. A large front panel soaks up sweat effectively, while breathable side panels help keep things cool during harder sessions.
It’s not the cheapest cap on the market, but it’s regularly available in a wide range of colours, and previous versions often turn up in Hoka’s sales when new colourways launch. It’s the pick reached for whenever a key session or race is on the calendar.
Montane Minimus Light Waterproof Cap
Price: £15
For wet-weather running, the Montane Minimus Light is the go-to choice. Its waterproof brim helps keep glasses clearer in the rain, offering a more comfortable alternative to running with a jacket hood up.
The thin material means it doesn’t overheat despite being waterproof, and it packs down small enough to carry easily. The original version tends to be excellent value, but if you can’t get hold of one, expect a similar level of quality and performance from Montane’s newer options, but at a slightly higher price point.
On Lightweight Cap
Price: £40/$45
The On Lightweight Cap is one of the most popular picks across the whole team, used for everything from daily training to racing over a range of distances. A five-panel design with breathable dotted side panels and a rounded brim keeps things comfortable across long and short runs alike.
It’s on the pricier side, but testers rate it highly for breathability even when sweat levels rise, and it comes in a good range of colours. Several testers name it as their number one pick for racing and focused training.
Columbia Speed Trail Cap
Price: £30/$36
Built for trail and hiking use but equally suited to hot urban runs, the Columbia Speed Trail Cap features a built-in sweatband and a laser-cut vented body with perforations running across the top rather than just the sides.
A draw-cord toggle at the back allows for a precise, adjustable fit, and the soft, flexible peak makes it easy to roll up and stash in a belt or vest. It’s hand-wash only, but the thin fabric dries quickly.
2XU Run Cap
Price: £20/$25
A simple six-panel design cut from light fabric, the 2XU Run Cap includes four small vented sections, a rigid peak and an adjustable Velcro fastening at the back, along with a built-in sweatband.
At £20, it’s one of the more affordable picks on this list, and it has held up well across a large number of races and training runs.
Buff Five Panel Air Cap
Price: £35/$45
For hot, sweaty conditions, the Buff Five Panel Air Cap stands out for its well-ventilated design and quick-adjust cord system, which lets you loosen or tighten the fit without removing the cap.
It’s also easy to pack away thanks to a brim with just enough structure to hold its shape while still folding down when needed, making it a strong pick for warm-weather training.
Ciele GOcap
Price: From £45/$40
A long-standing design that’s been part of the Ciele range from the start, the GOcap is rated for daily comfort, with a cooling wick fabric that performs well as sweat builds up during a run.
The semi-flexible brim means it can be packed away if needed, and the rear clasp is simple to adjust. It’s held up well over years of regular use and washing, making it a reliable everyday option as well as a backup racing cap.
Acid Running x Fractal Cap
Price: £39/$57
A collaboration between Acid Running and the Australian brand Fractal, this cap pairs Acid Running’s aesthetic with Fractal’s performance running cap design. The lightweight, soft material makes it comfortable to wear, while the semi-flexible brim offers protection without stopping it from being packed away.
The fit adjusts in a similar way to the Ciele GOcap, with the strap end tucking neatly inside the cap. It doubles as an off-the-run cap thanks to its styling, making it a popular pick for travel.
Asics Five Panel Cap
Price: £34/$48
A straightforward five-panel design available in a wide range of colourways, the Asics Five Panel Cap has proven a consistently reliable option across both training and racing. Testers note it sits deeper on the head than some rivals, which some runners prefer over shallower-fitting caps.
It’s a mid-priced option, and while it doesn’t stand out for any single standout feature, its an all-round solid option across the board.
Sprints Caps
Price: From £27.99
Sprints produces a range of well-made caps in distinctive designs, including patterned and character-led prints alongside more understated options. Build quality is a highlight, with a slightly thicker feel than some rivals that hasn’t caused any issues in hot weather testing.
The brand also offers a dedicated performance cap alongside its more fashion-focused designs, giving runners a choice between a statement look and a more low-key option depending on preference.
On Specter Cap
Price: £75/$80
Sitting at the very top of the price range on this list, the On Specter Cap is built almost entirely around minimising weight. A perforated front panel and see-through mesh top make it extremely breathable, at the cost of reduced sun protection compared with a fully covered design.
It’s an option for runners chasing the lightest, most breathable cap available rather than maximum coverage, and sun cream is recommended if you’re wearing it for extended periods in strong sun.
Kiprun Running Cap
Price: £11.99/$24.99
A significant step up from the budget caps Kiprun used to be known for, this version uses a soft material and deep head sectioning that compares well with caps costing considerably more.
At under £12, it’s one of the most affordable caps on this list, and it’s available in a range of colourways, making it an easy recommendation for runners who don’t want to spend a lot on a cap that still performs well.
Kiprun Ultralight Trail Running Sun Hat
Price: £14.99
Offering more coverage than a standard cap, the Kiprun Ultralight Trail Running Sun Hat protects the back of the neck and ears as well as the head, while remaining lightweight and breathable.
It’s a strong option for trail running and long days out in strong sun, and its low price and easy washability make it a practical addition to a hiking or travel kit bag as well as a running one.
Grasmere Spring Verdant Running Cap
Price: £39.99
A newer brand releasing caps in limited runs across four seasonal colourways, the Grasmere Spring Verdant stands out for its subtle, understated design compared with brighter, more neon options elsewhere on this list.
It offers a comfortable, deep fit that holds securely in place, and its low-key look means it works as well off the run as it does during training. With further colourways planned across upcoming seasons, it’s one to watch from a newer brand doing things differently.