9 Best Cold-weather Running Gloves in 2024
Are you looking for the best cold-weather running gloves to keep your hands warm and comfortable during those cold runs? With so many options available in the market, choosing the right pair can be intimidating.
Fortunately, we have put together a comprehensive guide on how to choose a pair of best winter running gloves that will suit all your needs. Whether you are looking for extra insulation, waterproofing, or touchscreen compatibility, we have reviewed the nine best running gloves for cold weather so that you don’t have to.
In a HURRY? Skip to Our Pick
These Nike Thermal Running Gloves is not only do they provide warmth when you need it most, but they also feature Nike Dri-FIT technology that keeps your hands dry during long runs.
The following are the best cold-weather running gloves for 2024, as reviewed and rated by experts – including brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour.
Top 9 Best Cold-weather Running Gloves Reviewed
- Nike Thermal Running Gloves – Top Pick
- Adidas AWP Shield Gloves – Best Touchscreen Option
- Nike Women’s Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves – Best For Women
- Nike Men’s Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves – Best For Men
- Under Armour Men’s Storm Liner – Budget Pick
- New Balance Running Gloves – Best for Everyday Use
- ReflecToes Reflective Running Gloves – Best for Night Runs
- Bessteven Winter Convertible Gloves Flip-Top Mittens – Best For Extreme Cold
- Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves – Best Waterproof Option
| Product | Expert score | Design | Durability | Material | Comfort | Price/Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Thermal Running Gloves | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 |
| Adidas AWP Shield Gloves | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 |
| Nike Women’s Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Nike Men’s Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Under Armour Storm Liner | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| New Balance Running Gloves | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 |
| ReflecToes Reflective Running Gloves | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.8 |
| Bessteven Winter Convertible Gloves Flip | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
1. Nike Thermal Running Gloves
Top Pick
These gloves were designed specifically for running in cold weather. They provide protection from windy and inclement conditions while remaining lightweight.
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These Nike gloves were designed specifically for running in cold weather. They provide protection from windy and inclement conditions while remaining lightweight. Made of polyester, the gloves are perfect for chilly, early morning runs or post-workout hangouts, when you want to stay warm and comfortable outdoors without the bulk of traditional winter liners.
Not only do they provide warmth when you need it most, they also feature Nike Dri-FIT technology that keeps your hands dry during long runs.
- Weight: 0.19 pounds
- Material: Polyester
- Weather (degree): 40-50F
- Waterproofing: No
- Color: Black/white
- Size: S/M/XL
- Touchscreen capability: Conducive thumb and forefinger
- Special features: Nike Dri-FIT technology
Pros of Nike Thermal Running Gloves:
- Comfortable, fitted cuff for ultimate protection.
- Wind-resistant, but breathable.
- Secure fit and reflective details.
Cons of Nike Thermal Running Gloves:
- May be too small for large hands.
- Price may be higher than other gloves.
2. Adidas AWP Shield Gloves
Best Touchscreen Option
Adidas Shield 3.0 Running Gloves
Adidas running gloves for winter are an excellent choice for runners looking for a glove that delivers both warmth and convenience.
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Adidas winter running gloves are an excellent choice for runners looking for a glove that delivers both warmth and convenience. The gloves have multiple touchscreen conductivity points, so you can use your smartphone or other device without taking them off in cold temperatures. The thumb, index finger, and entire palm are touchscreen compatible, so you can operate devices easily with great dexterity while feeling comfortable in the process.
Customer reviews indicate that these are some of the top-rated cold weather running gloves available on the market this year.
- Weight: 0.23 pounds
- Material: Polyester
- Weather (degree): 40-50F
- Waterproofing: No
- Color: Black/white
- Size: Small/Medium
- Touchscreen capability: Multiple touchpoints
- Special features: COLD.RDY fabric to retain heat
Pros of Adidas AWP Shield Gloves:
- Keep your hands warm and dry.
- Advanced grip with multiple touchpoints.
- Lightweight and durable.
Cons of Adidas AWP Shield Gloves:
- May not fit tight enough for some people.
3. Nike Women's Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves
Best For Women
Nike Women's Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves
These gloves are the perfect choice for running in cold weather. They're lightweight yet warm, featuring Dri-FIT technology to wick away moisture and keep your hands dry.
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The comfort of these gloves is ensured through the use of polyester fabric that provides extra warmth and insulation, without being bulky or cumbersome while running. In addition, they are touchscreen compatible, so you can easily use your phone without having to take off the gloves.
They also have flexible and articulated fingers, which allow for natural range of motion during workouts.
- Weight: 0.13 pounds
- Material: Polyester
- Weather (degree): 35-50F
- Waterproofing: No
- Color: Black/burgundy crush
- Size: S/M/L
- Touchscreen capability: Conducive thumb and forefinger
- Special features: Nike Dri-FIT technology
Pros of Nike Women's Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves:
- Helps with weight loss
- Very space efficient and cheap cardio equipment
- Helps work smaller muscle, tendon, joint groups
- Can get a great workout in a short amount of time
Cons Nike Women's Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves:
- Harder to progress with double unders and other speed rope exercises
- Can be tricky to make progress long term
4. Nike Men's Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves
Best For Men
Nike Men’s Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves
Crafted from soft polyester, they offer protection against cold and windy weather while maintaining breathability.
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These Nike gloves are designed to keep runners warm in extreme cold conditions. Crafted from soft polyester, they offer protection against cold and windy weather while maintaining breathability. They have a sleek design that features reflective elements for increased visibility during low-light runs. These warm gloves for running also have touchscreen compatibility, allowing you to use your devices even when wearing gloves.
- Weight: 0.22 pounds
- Material: Polyester
- Weather (degree): 32-45F
- Waterproofing: No
- Color: Black
- Touchscreen capability: Conducive thumb and forefinger
- Special features: Nike Dri-FIT technology
Pros of Nike Men's Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves:
- Keep your hands warm without sweating.
- Comfortable during long runs.
- Fit well for all hand sizes.
Cons of Nike Men's Dri-Fit Element Running Gloves:
- Not suitable for extra cold weather.
- May seem pricey compared to other products.
5. Under Armour Men's Storm Liner
Budget Pick
Under Armour Men’s Storm Liner
Crafted with a plush interior, the gloves effectively trap body heat and insulate it close to skin, providing cozy warmth without compromising dexterity.
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The Under Armour Men's Storm Liner is a popular choice for affordable cold-weather running gloves. Crafted with a plush interior, the gloves effectively trap body heat and insulate it close to the skin, providing cozy warmth without compromising dexterity. The long cuff adds extra coverage that helps keep snow off of your wrists while running or walking outdoors.
Lightweight but durable, these gloves are designed specifically for running in cold weather. They feature an ultra-secure grip that ensures great accuracy when grabbing objects during outdoor activities.
Despite their thinness, these versatile gloves offer maximum protection from wind and rain while allowing your hands to remain comfortable even in extreme weather conditions.
- Weight: 0.18 pounds
- Material: 87% polyester, 13% elastane
- Weather (degree): 30-40F
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Color: Black/pitch gray/midnight navy
- Size: S/M/L/XL
- Touchscreen capability: Tech Touch on thumbs and index fingers
- Special features: UA Storm technology repels water
Pros of Under Armour Men's Storm Liner:
- Ultra soft plush interior for more comfort.
- Water-repelling but breathable.
- Wipe fleece on thumb and index finger.
Cons of Under Armour Men's Storm Liner:
- The fit is a bit tight for larger hands.
- May not be stretchy enough for other activities.
6. New Balance Running Gloves
Best for Everyday Use
These gloves feature lightweight insulation, perfect for chilly spring and fall mornings.
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New Balance gloves are a great option for runners looking to stay warm during their winter running sessions. These gloves feature lightweight insulation, perfect for chilly spring and fall mornings. The touchscreen-compatible design allows runners to easily operate phones or other devices while keeping the hands protected from wind and cold temperatures.
They also have excellent breathability that prevents sweat buildup during intense runs. Made with a soft lining inside, these gloves feature a sweat-wicking material that is odor-resistant, providing freshness even after long runs in rain or snow conditions.
- Weight: 0.09 pounds
- Material: 86% Polyester, 14% Spandex
- Weather (degree): 35-45F
- Waterproofing: No
- Color: Black/cyclone Heather/dragonfly/hi-lite
- Size: S/M/L/XL
- Touchscreen capability: Multiple touchpoints
- Special features: Extremely smooth, no-odor option
Pros of New Balance Running Gloves:
- Very smooth fleece for extra comfort.
- Provide a firm grip in all weather conditions.
- Breathable and prevent odor.
Cons of New Balance Running Gloves:
- Sizing may fit men better.
- Not warm enough for freezing weather.
7. ReflecToes Reflective Running Gloves
Best for Night Runs
ReflecToes Reflective Running Gloves
These gloves are the perfect choice for running in cold weather thanks to their lightweight and touchscreen compatible design.
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These gloves are the perfect choice for running in cold weather thanks to their lightweight and touchscreen compatible design. Made with brushed fleece fabric inside, they are designed specifically for comfort, even while jogging or running in cold temperatures.
The gloves come with reflective elements that make them highly visible in dark conditions, and also feature a fluorescent finish, providing added safety during nighttime training sessions.
Added features such as a soft wrist closure deliver even better fit and keep the warmth inside when exercising outdoors on winter days. These gloves stood out among users due to their durability and quality construction.
- Weight: 0.13 pounds
- Material: Polyester
- Weather (degree): 20-50F
- Waterproofing: No
- Color: Black/pink/yellow
- Size: XS/S/M/L/XL
- Touchscreen capability: Conducive thumb and forefinger
- Special features: Highly reflective for night runs
Pros of ReflecToes Reflective Running Gloves:
- Improved touchscreen option compared to the previous model.
- Extra reflective for night runs.
Cons of ReflecToes Reflective Running Gloves:
- May need another layer for extremely cold weather.
- Don’t stretch enough to fit all sizes.
8. Bessteven Winter Convertible Gloves Flip-Top Mittens
Best For Extreme Cold
Bessteven Winter Convertible Gloves Flip-Top Mittens
Test-proven and recommended by experts for running during winter or extreme conditions, these gloves ensure that you remain protected while being active outdoors in the dead of winter.
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These flip-tops are some of the best running mittens for extreme cold weather. Suitable for both men and women, they easily convert from warm mittens to fingerless gloves, making them super versatile. The thumb hole design allows for convenient wearing without having to take off your gloves and operate your phone, allowing you to keep up with your outdoor activities in cold weather conditions.
Made of high-quality polar fleece material, they are designed to keep you comfortable and provide insulation in extremely low temperatures. Test-proven and recommended by experts for running during winter or extreme conditions, these gloves ensure that you remain protected while being active outdoors in the dead of winter.
These running gloves for extreme cold weather offer excellent dexterity and grip, which makes it easy to handle a variety of objects, all without sacrificing comfort. They are available in a number of different sizes to ensure a perfect fit.
- Weight: 0.2 pounds
- Material: Polar fleece and insulation cotton
- Weather (degree): 10-30F
- Waterproofing: No
- Color: Black
- Size: XS/S/M/L/XL
- Touchscreen capability: Fingerless gloves
- Special features: 2-in-1 flip design turns mittens into gloves
Pros of Bessteven Winter Convertible Gloves Flip-Top Mittens:
- Great for extremely cold conditions.
- Keep your hands warm but not sweaty.
- Convertible into gloves and mittens.
Cons of Bessteven Winter Convertible Gloves Flip-Top Mittens:
- Not waterproof.
- Maybe a little tight around the fingers.
9. Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves
Best Waterproof Option
Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves
With their lightweight and stretchy fabric design and weather-resistant finish to protect against harsh conditions, these gloves are a great choice for winter sports.
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The Black Diamond Mont Blanc gloves are some of the most popular cold-weather running gloves available. With their lightweight and stretchy fabric design and weather-resistant finish to protect against harsh conditions, these gloves are a great choice for winter sports.
The textured grip palm offers enhanced traction and stability, making the gloves suitable for various outdoor activities. Moreover, the touchscreen compatibility technology in the fingertips means users can operate their devices even while wearing these gloves.
If you suffer from Raynaud's syndrome, don’t worry – the gloves distribute warmth evenly throughout your hands due to the superior insulation.
- Weight: 0.13 pounds
- Material: Synthetic
- Weather (degree): 20-30F
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Color: Black
- Size: Small
- Touchscreen capability: Multiple touchpoints
- Special features: Water-resistant stretch shell
Pros of Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves:
- Maximum water protection.
- Stretchy design provides added comfort.
- Digital fingertips and textured grip.
Cons of Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves:
- Available only in small size.
- Rubber may come off after prolonged use.
Do I Need Gloves for Running in Winter?
Running in winter conditions can require extra precautions and preparation to make the experience an enjoyable one. Gloves are essential for running in cold weather, as they keep your hands warm and protected from extreme temperatures.
Most runners start wearing gloves when the temperatures drop below the mid-40s Fahrenheit, or around 5-6 degrees Celsius, depending on how sensitive they are to the cold.
Keeping your hands warm is important because it affects your overall comfort while running. Discomfort can lead to reduced performance and possible physical injury, especially when tackling tougher trails in winter conditions. To prevent this from occurring, it is important to invest in a pair of high-quality running gloves that provide adequate insulation without being too thick and bulky.
Insulated protection ensures warmth even at lower body temperatures, where an active metabolism requires greater energy expenditure, which causes more heat loss than normal.
4 Main Benefits of Wearing Gloves When Running
Wearing gloves while running keeps your hands warm, improves grip strength and dexterity, reduces chafing from sweat, and keeps you safe due to reflective features. Keep reading to learn more about the advantages cold-weather running gloves can offer!
1. Cold Protection
When running in cold weather, it’s important to make sure your hands stay warm and protected from the elements. The right pair of running gloves can provide excellent insulation and protection against frostbite caused by cold temperatures, as well as wind-resistant properties needed for winter runs.
Materials such as polyester and nylon are water repellant, but not all waterproof gloves are necessarily wind resistant, which is why it is important to use gloves that have been tested in frigid conditions.
2. Comfort and Breathability
When running in cold weather, it is important to prioritize comfort and breathability. Comfort ensures an enjoyable run, while breathability allows for efficient temperature regulation. Both are essential for long-distance runners.
Running gloves designed with advanced insulation technologies keep hands warm and insulated without leading to excessive sweating or unnecessary bulk.
Pro Tip:
Look for features such as softshell materials, waterproofing, good air circulation, wicking fabrics, or multi-layer construction when choosing the best gloves for your needs.
Pro Tip:
Look for features such as softshell materials, waterproofing, good air circulation, wicking fabrics, or multi-layer construction when choosing the best gloves for your needs.
3. Sweat Protection
It is essential for runners to consider sweat protection when choosing running gloves for cold weather. When wearing a pair of winter running gloves, your hands will become warmer due to the insulation provided by the material. This can lead to perspiration, which, if not managed properly, can adversely affect comfort and performance. The best cold-weather running gloves provide effective sweat protection with materials that help wick away moisture quickly and keep hands dry.
4. Safety
When it comes to running in winter, one of the most important items to have is a pair of gloves with reflective features.
Not only do these gloves keep your hands warm, but they also make sure that you are visible to drivers and other pedestrians. When the sun sets early, and the roads get dark, reflective gloves can make all the difference in keeping you safe while you stay active outside.
How Warm Should Gloves Be for Running in Cold Weather?
Choosing the right running gloves for cold weather depends on the temperature and weather conditions you'll be running in. If you're going to have to endure really low temperatures and inclement weather, look for insulated, waterproof gloves that provide maximum insulation and protection from wind, rain, and snow.
Moisture-wicking material is also essential to keep your hands dry and comfortable during long runs in cold weather. For extreme cold adventures or winter training sessions, it may also be beneficial to layer liner gloves under thicker ones, which will help keep your fingers warm and cozy throughout the run.
For milder winter days, where temperatures don't dip too low, lightweight running gloves work well. They are designed with thinner insulation so as not to add bulk, but still offer enough warmth to keep you comfortable.
7 factors to consider when Choose Gloves for Running in Cold Weather
When selecting a pair of running gloves for cold weather, it is important to consider several factors. Let’s take a closer look at all of them.
1. Material and Insulation
Running gloves for cold weather should be designed to protect the hands from the elements and provide warmth, insulation, and comfort. Typically made from synthetic blends like polyester, fleece, acrylic, and polypropylene, these gloves are excellent at keeping your hands warm.
For extra warmth and comfort while running in cold weather, opt for gloves with a brushed fleece lining inside. Also, consider running gloves with windproof and waterproof properties that can keep your hands dry even when it's pouring outside.
Wool and thermal synthetic materials work wonders at keeping your fingers warm during long runs in particularly chilly temperatures. Also, consider moisture-wicking fabrics so that sweat gets wicked away.
2. Touchscreen Compatibility
Touchscreen gloves are becoming more and more popular for cold-weather running. This is an important feature to consider when choosing cold-weather running gloves, as it allows users to operate their phones seamlessly, enabling them to check routes, switch songs, take calls, and much more.
3. Fit and Comfort
Fit and comfort are essential when choosing running gloves for cold weather. When assessing size, you should measure hand circumference and length at your knuckles. Material is also important because different fabrics offer different levels of breathability and tactile sensitivity. Materials such as synthetic fibers tend to be more lightweight, whereas merino wool offers excellent warmth, even in wet conditions.
Lastly, flexibility in a pair of running gloves will ensure that your hands can move naturally so you don’t miss a beat during your runs this winter season.
4. Breathability
When it comes to running in cold weather, the breathability of your gloves is key. Breathable materials help regulate temperature and wick away sweat so that you don’t end up with clammy hands during an intense run.
Look for gloves made from nylon, wool, or other synthetic materials like polyester, which provide the necessary insulation while also allowing air to circulate around your hands. Gloves designed with tiny ventilation holes along the tops of fingers, knuckles, or palm pads can further increase breathability.
In addition, touchscreen-compatible materials such as fleece liners are a great way to keep cold winds out but without compromising on mobility and breathability. With these features in mind when considering what type of cold weather running glove is best for you, you will be able to enjoy longer runs in colder temperatures confidently knowing that your hands will remain dry and comfortable throughout.
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5. Waterproofing
Waterproof running gloves are essential for keeping hands warm and dry in wet weather. By keeping out moisture, waterproof running gloves ensure that your hands remain protected regardless of the conditions.
Different materials and technologies are used for waterproofing, such as polyester/nylon, Gore Infinium barrier, and DexShell seals. They all offer different levels of protection against water penetration.
Many brands offer high-quality waterproof running gloves, including The North Face, Nike, Black Diamond, REI, Outdoor Research, and La Sportiva.
7. Durability
When choosing running gloves for cold weather, durability should be a key consideration. Durable running gloves will help keep your hands warm and protected from the elements for as long as possible.
Factors that contribute to durability include quality material construction, reinforced seams, and strong stitching. Additionally, durable materials such as synthetic leathers create a barrier against water molecules in light rain or during heavy workouts, helping keep gloves dry so that they last longer.
Running Mittens vs. Gloves
Runners often struggle to determine if they should use running mittens or gloves during winter. While both provide warmth and protection against the cold, there are some key distinctions between the two that can aid runners in making an informed decision.
Running mittens are defined by having a single opening enclosure that houses your four fingers and a separate individual area allocated for the thumb. These typically have more insulation than regular gloves, offering better heat retention. Since all four fingers are kept together within this cozy chamber, additional body heat is retained. However, mittens make it harder to adjust items with your hands, as dexterity is sacrificed since there aren’t individual fingers.
On the other hand, traditional running gloves feature independent compartments for every finger. This provides more dexterity for operating devices like phones and zipping up garments when out running.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Cold-Weather Running Gloves
Do Running Gloves Keep You Warm?
Running gloves are designed to regulate your body temperature and keep your hands warm while exercising in cold weather. Most running gloves are made from lightweight fabrics, such as merino wool or fleece, with a breathable membrane layer that controls moisture to prevent sweaty hands.
Should I get Mittens or Gloves?
Both mittens and gloves can be used by runners in cold weather, depending on their preference and overall needs. Gloves offer better dexterity and grip for holding various items, while mittens may provide more warmth due to the additional insulation and the fact that they keep fingers together, which provides extra heat retention.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cold-Weather Running Gloves
Finding the perfect pair of running gloves for cold weather might seem daunting. Fortunately, armed with the right knowledge, you'll be prepared to find a pair that will keep your hands warm and dry on any outdoor adventure.
If you spend a lot of time running outside during winter, it’s worth investing in quality materials that will last through several seasons. It is also important to review customer feedback before selecting a product, as this will help you make the best choice. We are sure that Nike Thermal Running Gloves will keep your hands warm and give you maximum comfort during your cold-weather runs.
Have you tried any of these running gloves? Please share your experience in the comments below!
Also read:
- How Cold Is Too Cold to Run
- Best Ankle Brace for Running
- Groin Pain in Runners
- Numb Toes When Running
- Running in 100 Degree Weather
- Threshold Running
- Ball of Foot Pain When Running
- Best Running Shoes for Heel Strikers
References:
- The Best Nike Running Gloves // Nike: https://www.nike.com/a/best-running-gloves
- Effect of cold exposure on fuel utilization in humans: plasma glucose, muscle glycogen, and lipids // American Physiological Society: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00773.2001
- Charifing // Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23517-chafing
- The occurrence of frostbite and its risk factors in young men // Taylor & Francis Online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3402/ijch.v63i1.17650
- Winter running: What to wear at every temperature // NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/6-tips-stay-fit-warm-winter-ncna944061
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