Although when you think ‘running gear,’ your mind might immediately go to a stylish pair of sneakers or a functional insulated water bottle, true runners will know the importance of not neglecting your hands and fingers. Especially when you’re heading off for a run during the chillier winter months.
Finding the right pair of top-rated winter running gloves can make a world of difference to runners heading out in the colder seasons, but get the wrong pair, and you could find yourself with sweaty, cold, uncomfortable gloves that only serve to distract and slow you down! Luckily, we’ve consulted with some of the experts to help you establish exactly what features to look for in your winter running gloves and compiled a handy (pun intended) buying guide so you can get the best winter running gloves available, whatever your priorities.
The Best Winter Running Gloves
1OZERO Men’s Thermal Winter Running Gloves
Designed for the stylish man on the go who doesn’t want to let cold weather stand in his way, these OZERO Thermal Gloves attempt to find the perfect balance between warmth and breathability so you can carry on with your day without worrying about your gloves. Featuring integrated touchscreen technology so you can use your devices with ease without needing to remove your gloves, these winter running gloves are also water-resistant and windproof, so nothing needs to get in your way. They even have enhanced grip on the palm, index finger, and middle finger so you can grip any tool with confidence no matter how cold it is outside. They’re machine washable, so even the muddiest cross-country doesn’t need to be an issue, and the snug cuffs ensure you can jog, run, or sprint without ever worrying about your gloves slipping off your wrists. They will definitely become your go-to piece of winter running gear.
Made of windproof polyester, insulate cotton, and waterproof TPU (not suitable for submerging in water)
Touchscreen technology
Enhanced grip on palm and first two fingers
Machine washable
Elasticated wrist for a tight fit
- BrandOZERO
2Finger Ten Warm Winter Running Gloves
Coming in at under $10 with touchscreen technology and a free earband pack included in the price (free earband included at time of writing), these Finger Ten Warm Running Gloves are easily our selection for the Best Value in our best winter running gloves buying guide. Using their own exclusive insulation fabrics, these gloves are designed to keep your hands warm, aerated, and protected from wind no matter where you’re heading. The cuff closure design fits tightly at the wrist to prevent slipping and to keep the cold air out of your gloves and has a wind and waterproof coating on the back of the gloves to keep you protected from rain on your run. The palm of the gloves incorporates grip powder with an anti-slip design so you can easily hold or use anything without needing to remove your gloves and the touchscreen capabilities mean you can send a text, answer calls, change your music, or check your smartwatch for calorie burn without breaking your stride. There’s even a 3M reflective design embedded on the back of the gloves to increase your visibility when out at night. Make sure you have all you need by bringing one of these handy running backpacks.
Touchscreen technologies in index finger and thumb
Grip powder and anti-slip design on palm of gloves
Back of gloves are water and windproof (palm is not)
3m reflective design for use at night
- BrandFINGER TEN
- Weight7 Ounces
3Mountain Made Unisex Winter Running Gloves
The perfect cold-weather gloves for anyone who lives for the outdoors, Mountain Made Unisex Outdoor Gloves are designed to provide the ultimate warmth, dexterity, and performance whether you’re an avid runner or committed outdoor photographer. With a stylish aesthetic that makes these gloves almost appear to be fashion gloves rather than winter running gloves, Mountain Made has gone one step further. Creating a pair of gloves that aren’t just warm and flexible for your afternoon run but also actively eliminates odor. They also feature a quick-drying comfort lining and touchscreen technologies and even has an anti-slip zipper design made with expensive equipment in mind. All that means you don’t need to worry about frosty fingers dropping your prized camera or brand new smartphone! With sizes available for men and women, these top-rated winter running gloves really are a Premium Pick for anyone heading outdoors in the winter. For the best performance, choose a pair of the best stability running shoes on the market.
Absorbent and quick-drying comfort lining
Anti-bacterial treatment to eliminate odors
Anti-slip grip
Touchscreen compatible
Men’s and women’s sizes available
- BrandMountain Made
- ModelGGBSV-parent
- Weight4 Ounces
4Prodigen Outdoor Winter Running Gloves
Made from premium Dacron and fluff material with three insulation fabrics, these winter running gloves are sure to keep your hands as warm as possible even in the harshest conditions. Prodigen Outdoor Winter Running Gloves have high sensitivity touchscreen technology embedded into the thumb and index finger plus an anti-skid design so you can hold your smartphone, other items, or the steering wheel of your car easily without needing to remove your gloves. The size is easily adjustable with the zipper on the back, so ensure a comfortable fit and the wind and waterproofing makes it appropriate for keeping the rain off you while enjoying outdoor activities, although they aren’t totally waterproof! The attractive and sleek design ensures these gloves look stylish, whether you’re taking to the slopes or heading to the shops and with sizes for men, women, and even kids, the whole family can keep their hands dry and warm all year round with these winter running gloves from Prodigen. Since you enjoy running even in harsh weather conditions, you will need one of these waterproof running shoes as well!
Made from premium Dacron and fluff material with three insulation fabrics to provide maximum warmth
Includes high sensitivity touchscreen capabilities on index finger and thumb
Silicone-embedded palm to provide extra grip and anti-skid protection
Slightly waterproof and windproof to protect from light rain
- BrandProdigen
5HiCool Touchscreen Winter Running Gloves
Made to make your life easier, these winter running gloves from HiCool are equipped with the best quality touch conductive fabric on the index finger and thumb to allow you to easily use your smart devices even in the coldest conditions without needing to remove your gloves. HiCool Touchscreen Winter Running Gloves are made of quality Lycra fabrics to allow you plenty of stretch and flexibility while ensuring they’re thick enough to keep you warm, whether you’re driving to work or heading out for a run. The thinness and elasticity in the wrists of these touchscreen gloves mean you can easily tuck them into your jacket or coat to keep out any cold winds while the anti-skid design on the palms of the hands ensures that you never need to worry about dropping your precious devices or slipping on the steering wheel again. There are even attractive reflective strips sewn into the back of the gloves to improve visibility when you’re heading out on a cold night. Make sure to browse our list of the best running armbands that will come in handy for sure.
Touchscreen technology in the index finger and thumb tips
Made of Lycra fabrics with fleece lining
Non-slip silicone in the palm of the gloves
Elasticated wrist
Attractive reflective strip logo on backs
- BrandHiCool
6SOUYANA Unisex Winter Gloves
With a thick polar fleece lining inside and elastic wool Lycra fabric making up the bulk of these touchscreen compatible running gloves for winter, SOUYANA Unisex Winter Gloves are sure to keep your hands snug and cozy even when the weather outside is anything but! Designed to find the perfect balance between gloves that are warm, breathable, and durable, the non-slip silicone grip on the palms of the gloves mean even the iciest items are easy to pick up and hold safely while the touchscreen technology in the thumb and index finger allows you to use your smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet without worry. The unisex design makes these stylish winter running gloves a great choice for everyone whilst the gloves offer a great balance between keeping your hands warm without compromising the ability to move around comfortably. Make sure to take a look at our choice of the top running belts so that you can bring everything you need on your run.
Touchscreen technology in index finger and thumb
Made of premium compression soft fabrics with elastic wool Lycra fabric
Non-slip silicone grips on palm
Unisex design
Water-resistant
- BrandSUOYANA
7Outdoor Essentials Touchscreen Thermal Winter Running Gloves
Whether you’re not totally awake without a brisk cold morning run or you won’t let the winter months stand in the way of shooting some hoops, these winter running gloves from Outdoor Essentials are everything you need to keep your hands warm. Outdoor Essentials Touchscreen Thermal Winter Running Gloves combine comfort without bulky or restrictive fabrics. Made with a reinforced nylon/spandex blend, these warm running gloves are snug and flexible and ready for any adventure. The touchscreen technologies embedded into the index finger and thumb of the gloves means you can swipe, snap, and send messages without needing to remove your gloves. While the silicone grip design means you don’t need to worry about dropping your valuables or having your hands slip on the handlebars of your bicycle even in icy conditions. The premium abrasion-resistant fabric has been designed to ensure these winter running gloves are as durable as possible so you can keep using them season after season whilst the moisture-wicking fabric will ensure your hands are clean and dry even after an intensive outdoor workout. For the maximum comfort even in the cold weather, check out these quality running socks!
Touchscreen technology in index finger and thumb
Made with a nylon/spandex blend
Embossed anti-grip silicone pattern for added grip
4-way stretch and abrasion-resistant fabric for longer life
- BrandOutdoorEssentials
8TrailHeads Running Gloves
These top-rated winter running gloves might be more suited to the fall than fully wintery conditions, but they are still a great addition to any serious runners’ arsenal. Made of a nylon/polyester/spandex blend, TrailHeads Running Gloves provide plenty of warmth for a chilly morning run whilst still offering you plenty of lightweight flexibility and breathability to ensure you can perform at your best. The spandex ensures any moisture is quickly absorbed and dried to prevent sweat from dampening the gloves and chilling your hands. Meanwhile, the double-layer stretch cuffs ensure a secure and comfortable fit, so you don’t need to worry about them slipping down while you’re out and about. The gloves feature touchscreen conductive technology on the thumb and index finger so you can use your devices on the go without needing to remove your gloves and the mesh inserts help regulate your body temperature as you warm up on a cold run. These warm running gloves come in a number of colors to suit your gear including a hi-visibility version perfect for evening outings. Since you love your outdoor workout, you will certainly need a pair of trail running shoes for men as well.
Touchscreen technology in index finger and thumb
Made of a nylon/polyester/spandex blend
4-way stretch material with double layer stretch cuffs for a secure and comfortable fit
Moisture-wicking technology prevents sweat from dampening the gloves
- BrandTrailHeads
9Highloong Lightweight Compression Running Gloves
Highloong Lightweight Compression Running Gloves are compression-enhanced, lightweight and warm running gloves that feature an intelligent 4-way stretch fabric to offer runners the perfect and most comfortable fit so you can focus on the run, not on your gloves. The superfine fleece lining is perfect for keeping your hands warm on chilly days while the thin material ensures your hands don’t overheat once you’ve got your heart rate up. The shell fabric is made of a blend of polyester and spandex for a flexible and comfortable fit whilst allowing plenty of airflow and breathability and can be used as an inner glove if you need something a little toastier in properly cold conditions or underneath your ski gloves.
Lightweight, 4-way stretch fabric for a comfortable fit
No touchscreen technology
Superfine fleece interior lining
Made of polyester/spandex blend
- BrandHighLoong
- Weight1.3 Ounces
10Nike Men’s Therma Fit Running Gloves
Made of a polyester/spandex/polyurethane blend, Nike Men’s Therma Fit Running Gloves might be the last in our list of the best winter running gloves, but they’re definitely worth waiting for. The Therma-FIT fabric is designed to provide plenty of warmth and insulation with innovative construction to allow your hand to fully relax when wearing them. These running gloves for winter retain their insulating properties in wet conditions to ensure cold air stays outside the glove. At the same time, your hands keep all the nice warm air inside without any annoying or uncomfortable bulk, so a bit of rain doesn’t need to stand in the way of you enjoying your favorite outdoor activity. These men’s gloves feature articulated fingers and palm to ensure you’re able to enjoy a full range of motion, and the touchscreen technology in the thumb and index finger allows you to use your smartphone on the go without needing to remove your winter running gloves.
Made of 96% polyester, 3% spandex, 1% polyurethane
Articulated fingers and palm for comfort and full natural range of motion
Extended ergonomic cuff
Touchscreen technologies on index finger and thumb also feature a “fleece nose wipe” on the thumb
Incorporated strategically placed silicone to improve grip.
- BrandNike
- ModelNRGG4
Winter Running Gloves Buying Guide & FAQ
Features to Look for in Winter Running Gloves
Fabric - Most winter running gloves are made out of polyester, acrylic, fleece, or polypropylene. Each material has its own pros and cons, and it will generally come down to your personal preference as to which material makes the best winter running gloves. That said, we would probably advise that polypropylene is the best material when looking for running gloves for winter as it's wind and waterproof and will keep your hands warm. Polyester or acrylic is great for breathability but doesn't protect against wind and water, while fleece is the warmest option but isn't so great when it comes to breathability.
Breathability - As we've established, getting the ultimate breathability in your winter running gloves really will make a massive difference to the comfort levels you experience when running. In turn, that will impact your own general performance! Check the materials used to make the gloves to help you establish how breathable the gloves are likely to be, and read customer reviews to get a good feel as to how your warm running gloves are likely to breathe. If you're shopping in person, you can usually feel breathability pretty quickly as the best running gloves won't feel stuffy or hot.
Touch screen technology - There are few things more annoying than having to interrupt your run to deal with your smartphone or device, particularly when you're wearing a bulky pair of gloves that need to be taken off! If you're going on longer runs, you might want to consider a pair of warm running gloves with touch screen technology built-in so you can use your devices without needing to take off your gloves.
Reflective patterns - As the winter days are the shortest, it's likely that when you head out for your run, it's going to be pretty dark. There are some wonderful running gloves for winter that incorporate reflective patterns on the gloves to help ensure you're visible even when you're running late on a winter evening.
Winter Running Gloves FAQ
Q: What are winter running gloves?
A: Before we go into any more detail, let's establish exactly what winter running gloves are and why you're going to want a pair. Put simply, running gloves for winter have been specifically designed to provide the ultimate levels of warmth and breathability that can stand up to cold and even freezing temperatures.
Q: Are winter running gloves comfortable?
A: As every runner knows, it's vital to remain comfortable in every stride if you want to beat your PB when out for a run. In the same way that a stray shoelace in your sneaker will slow you down, uncomfortable or poorly fitting gloves can also become a distraction and hindrance on a run. So you're going to want to find a pair that fits well and is comfortable to wear for long periods. Many warm running gloves are lined with soft or fleece material to provide extra insulation and padding. Still, it's worth remembering that just because a glove has a fluffy interior, they might not be comfortable in the long run if you're hands are sweaty and your body has warmed up after a jog or sprint.
Q: Are winter running gloves windproof gloves or breathable gloves?
A: Although many winter running gloves are windproof or waterproof, it's actually far more important to ensure the pair you settle on is breathable. The balance of allowing airflow between your fingers while retaining warmth takes some skill to get right. However, the best winter running gloves will keep your hands protected from the elements without allowing you to get cold or wet.
Q: Can you operate your phone/GPS running watch with winter running gloves on?
A: We all know how annoying it is when your phone rings or you need to adjust the settings on your running watch when you're wearing gloves and have to faff about taking them off before you can deal with whatever notification is interrupting your run. Thankfully, as we become ever more connected and reliant on our smart devices, the geniuses who design running gear are making efforts to incorporate special features that enable users to interact with their smart devices. For gloves, these are usually special grips built into the index finger and thumb of your gloves at least, or every finger at best! While not every pair of warm running gloves will feature smart-compatible features, these are definitely increasing in popularity. They make it so much easier to switch up your music on the run rather than having to stop and remove your gloves every time.
Q: Are winter running gloves good value for money?
A: Overall, if you want to truly embrace your running potential and get out in all weathers, then some warm running gloves for winter will be essential for you to become your best. There's such enormous scope when it comes to prices that it's easy to find a budget pair when you're first starting out, but there are also plenty of more expensive options with all sorts of unique features to help them stand out. Whether or not they're good value for money really comes down to what you want to get out of your winter running gloves and how often you use them.
