When the temperatures dip and daylight is in short supply, most people retreat indoors to wait out the cold months. But with the right gear, it’s easy to stay active even in windy, rainy and snowy conditions. For those who like to hit the road, trail or path with their running shoes, a great pair of running gloves to keep their hands dry, warm and protected are at the top of the list for must-have items to run comfortably even when flurries begin to fall.
In order to comfortably run outdoors, having gear that is sweat-wicking and fast drying is a must, especially in cool temperatures. Cold and wet fingers can quickly lead to frostbite, which is why the gloves on our list are typically moisture-wicking and resistant to rain and snow. Using breathable fabric also helps to keep hands and fingers dry even on the sweatiest jog session.
Although some gloves can be worn year-round, most are designed for either cool temperatures, like fall or spring, or cold weather use. Even on days that don’t feature a frost warning, wearing gloves helps to protect against damage from wind, sun and rain. Hands are more at risk for damage than other parts of the body because they are moving back and forth and cutting through the wind and cold air. Plus, your hands may feel fine for the first few steps, but by mile two you’ll likely be wishing you had gloves.
When running outdoors, it’s important to make yourself as visible as possible to other pedestrians and especially to motorists. During cold months, help yourself avoid injuries by doing your warmup inside, staying hydrated, keeping runs short, and heading indoors immediately after your run is complete. Wearing gloves that are conducive to using with smartphones and smartwatches also helps to check maps and time without removing your gloves and risk letting the cold air hit your skin.
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Check out our top picks for the best running gloves to keep you comfortable this winter.
1. Nike Mens Therma Fit Running Athletic Gloves
BEST OVERALL
When looking for running gloves, most customers want something that is breathable, moisture-wicking, insulating and allows for access to tech items. The Nike Mens Therma Fit Running Athletic Gloves have all these properties and more. Made with Therma Fit fabric to keep hands warm and insulated, the gloves feature a curved gusset design for a relaxed fit and spandex for extra stretch. The gloves have a slightly extended fitted cuff to help keep wind from traveling up sleeves. The gloves are designed with thoughtful features, including a silicone grip for grabbing smartphones or bike handles, touchscreen-friendly thumb and forefingers and a fleece nose wipe on the thumb. We also like that the gloves are available in three sizes to help users find the best fit.
2. New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Warm Running Gloves
BEST SIZE OPTIONS
For a glove that is ideal for cool temperatures, we like the New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Warm Running Gloves. Available in four sizes and three colors, including the highly visible Dragonfly orange, the New Balance gloves are a polyester and spandex blend that creates a smooth fleece with 240 GSM. The gloves are finished with antimicrobial properties to protect against odors and have touchscreen-compatible fingertips. We also like that the gloves have grips on the palm, making them a great option for cyclists.
3. Under Armour Men’s No Breaks Armour Liner Gloves
MOISTURE-WICKING
Wet extremities in cold conditions can prove deadly as frostbite can quickly set in on fingers and toes. That’s why when you’re exercising in cool and cold months, it’s important to have gear that will keep you dry even when working up a sweat. We like the Under Armour Men’s No Breaks Armour Liner Gloves, which are made with Soft ColdGear EVO fabric that is warm and breathable while also working to quickly wick moisture and stay dry. The lightweight gloves can be worn on their own and will repel rain and snow, but are thin enough to also act as a liner. Users will easily be able to check their smartphones and watches without removing their gloves thanks to the tech touchpoints on the fingers and thumbs.
4. VBiger 3M Winter Gloves
BEST FOR COLD WEATHER
If a freezing windchill isn’t enough to make you hang up your sneakers for the season, then you need gear that can keep up with your dedication to running. The VBiger 3M Winter Gloves are made with lightweight mercerized velvet and 3M Thinsulate C40 that will keep hands warm without adding bulk. The thickened inner layer of fleece and outer nylon layer keeps warmth in and rain and snow out. An elastic cuff helps to keep the wind and rain out and a reflective strip on the back of the gloves provides added visibility. We also like the anti-slip silicone palm that helps users hang onto their smartphones, as well as the touch screen thumb and forefinger that helps to check for messages and switch between songs.
5. Smartwool Merino Wool Liner Glove
BEST LINER
If you’re looking for a moisture-wicking glove that is great for running, is stylish enough to wear to the office, and can be worn on its own or under larger gloves or mitts, the Smartwool Merino Wool Liner Gloves are definitely worth checking out. Available in four sizes and three colors, the wool gloves are a lightweight knit that provides easy movement. The ribbed cuffs help to keep out wind and rain and the gloves have touchscreen fingers and thumbs. We also like all the features that naturally come with products made from merino wool, including antimicrobial odor control and temperature regulation, which help make this a great year-round glove.
6. Run for It All Hooded Gloves
SHORT DESIGN FOR WATCHES
The Run for It All Hooded Gloves from Lululemon are designed to be worn in cool conditions and have a cozy hood that provides extra warmth and wind protection on days that are especially cold. Made with four-way stretch for added comfort, the gloves are designed with water-repellent tech fabric that is warm and water-repellent. The gloves are designed with a shorter fit to make it easier for runners to see their watch while in motion. We also like that the unisex black gloves include reflective dots along the side for added visibility.
7. Patagonia Peak Mission Glove
GLOVE AND MITT COMBO
The Patagonia Peak Mission Glove is an adaptable glove and mitt combo that is designed to keep hands warm during trail runs in cool weather. Like the Lululemon Run For It gloves, the Patagonia gloves also come with the option to convert the glove into a mitt thanks to its removable mitt cover, which provides added wind and water resistance. The breathable glove is a spandex, nylon and polyester blend that provides ample stretch for added comfort. We also like that the glove has odor-control additives that will keep the gloves and your hands smelling good.
8. SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Ultra Grip Knitted Gauntlet
BEST FOR RAINY WEATHER
Many running gloves feature water-resistant properties, but few are actually waterproof. If you live in an area that is prone to rainy weather and need a glove that can keep your hands dry and warm, we recommend the SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Ultra Grip Knitted Gauntlet. The waterproof and windproof gloves are made with a merino wool lining that wicks away moisture. Lightweight and breathable, the SealSkinz gloves are finished with a palm grip and have a touchscreen-compatible finger and thumb.
9. Brooks Greenlight Gloves
EXCELLENT VISIBILITY
Cold weather typically coincides with less daylight, which is why it’s important to pick a pair of running gloves that are not only warm but highly visible. If you’re a runner who prefers early morning or late-night workouts, the Brooks Greenlight Gloves are a great choice. The neon green gloves are easy to spot and are made with lightweight and warm DriLayer fabric. The index fingers and thumbs are compatible with touch screens, making it convenient for users to check their distance and the weather and know when it’s time to head inside and warm up.
10. Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Gloves
BEST FOR WARM WEATHER
We typically think of cold weather when it comes to running gloves, but there are many styles that are designed to be worn in the heat. The Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Gloves use xylitol crystals in the fabric of the gloves to help keep the user’s hands cool. The gloves protect hands from the sun and have anti-slip palm prints to help improve grip, making them a great option for runners who also like to mountain bike or paddle.
Stay Warm Throughout Your Wintertime Runs with the Best Running Tights