Madison Isoler Mesh Headband review: a simple solution for sweaty runs

This low profile headband may be designed for cyclists, but it’s great for summer trails runs where you just want to keep the sweat and hair out of your eyes

Madison Isoler Mesh Headband
(Image: © Madison)

Advnture Verdict

For this minimalist headband, Madison have focused on sweat solutions using moisture wicking fabric and a mesh panel for extra breathability on long, warm trail runs

Pros

  • +

    Breathable and sweat wicking

  • +

    Lightweight

  • +

    Very comfortable with flat lock seams

  • +

    Low profile

Cons

  • -

    Only one size available – but it should fit most heads

  • -

    Not thermal

  • -

    No high vis details

  • -

    No ponytail hole

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Madison Isoler Mesh Headband review: first impressions 

British brand Madison is a cycling apparel company, but their Isoler Mesh headband can easily cross over into your running kit. This is a pretty simple, but effective, piece of kit that’s geared more towards warm weather.

Made from polyester, this headband is good at wicking away sweat and the mesh panel at the nape of your neck adds breathability. It boasts a really comfortable, non-bulky fit with good stretch and flatlock seams to prevent annoying rubbing and chafing. Without features like a ponytail hole or high visibility reflective details, It is minimal and perfect for anyone just looking for a simple solution for sweat and it stays in place when you’re on the go. 

It won’t provide much warmth in the winter, but will certainly keep the wind out your ears if that’s all you’re looking for.

Specifications

• RRP: £7.99 (UK)
• Sizes available: One size
• Unisex: Yes
• Materials: Polyester (85%), Spandex (15%)
• Colors: Black, white
• Best use:  Trail running, hiking 

Madison Isoler Mesh Headband: on the trails 

Madison Isoler Mesh Headband

The Madison Isoler Mesh Headband is a pretty straightforward and minimalist headband that does the trick for warm trail runs (Image credit: Madison)

The Madison Isoler Mesh Headband is a pretty straightforward and minimalist headband that does the trick for warm trail runs.

It’s not a thermal band meant to keep you warm in winter, but it’s made from polyester so is great for wicking away sweat. The main added feature that I haven’t seen on other bands is the mesh panel on the half that goes around the nape of my neck and that does really add breathability on hot days which I like.

It’s definitely as comfortable as headbands come, with smooth fabric and flatlock seams, plus they’ve gone all in with the stretch so it’s not too tight and has more of a barely there feel which is what I’m looking for on a trail run. 

It doesn’t have a ponytail hole and I found that if I tuck my ponytail into it, it doesn’t stay in place but wearing a lo ponytail over the top of it works fine. It’s not particularly wide – under three inches – so it doesn’t doo much to keep the sun off my part line. It isn’t thermal so I might not wear it on really cold days, but it certainly will keep a cool breeze out of my ears.

If you’re just looking for a straightforward headband at a good price, you’ll be happy with this.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing

One size fits all. 

Fit

Snug but not at all tight, lots of stretch and stays in place when you move. 

Comfort 

One of the most comfortable headbands I’ve tried, it has nice smooth fabric and I can wear it for hours and it doesn’t pull my hair, give me a headache or scratch my skin. 

Temperature regulation 

Wicks away sweat to cool you off, not thermal. 

Breathability 

Manages moisture perfectly with breathable fabric and a mesh panel. 

Durability 

Well constructed with flatlock seams. 

Here’s where we tested the Madison Isoler Mesh Headband: 

From most points in Glasgow you can see the Campsies which are a range of beautiful rolling hills. If you’re keen to get up in them, you’re not alone as they make a popular walking for city dwellers due to their proximity to town. From Lennoxtown 6 miles north of Glasgow, turn right on the B822/Crow Road and follow it up the hill until you come to a large car park on your left

Julia Clarke

Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the book Restorative Yoga for Beginners. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.