When the cold, biting winds of winter or the unpredictability of transitional seasons descend upon our runs, the need for finding the best running gloves becomes paramount. They can make all the difference in how we feel and keep us heading out!
The right pair of running gloves is not just a winter accessory; it’s an essential tool in maintaining your comfort, dexterity, and safety throughout your runs, regardless of the weather.
From lightweight gloves designed for brisk autumn mornings to heavily insulated mittens meant to withstand frigid winter temperatures, we’ll help you navigate the wide array of choices.
We’ll also discuss the key features to look for in a great pair of running gloves, how to find the perfect fit, and budget-friendly considerations for all runners.
Should You Wear Gloves When Running?
Why not? Personally, if I’m cold then my entire run is less enjoyable and I’m more likely to find a reason to cut it short.
Additionally, we know that in the winter our body will first send all heat to our core to protect our organs.
That’s why our fingers and toes can so quickly feel cold when otherwise our overall body feels ok. Keeping your hands warm is a great way to feel comfortable from early mornings to snowy winter runs.
✳️BONUS TIP: Buy throw away running gloves to wear at the start of your race and while standing at the start line. When you warm up a few miles in, you can toss them without feeling bad about it!
What Temperature Should You Wear Running Gloves?
This is going to vary by person, just like you see some folks in shorts when it’s 20 degrees outside!
However, you may also notice those same folks are wearing gloves even if shirtless because our fingers are going to get colder than the core of our body.
Personally, if the temps are below 40 degrees I will start out with a pair of light gloves and then take them off during the run. On days where we’ve hit that 30 degree mark, you’ll seem me reaching for a warmer pair like one of the mittens.
Checkout my complete what to wear running at every temperature guide for more layering ideas!
What’s the Difference Between Gloves and Running Gloves?
The key factor is going to be material. After my recommendations I provide more specifics on what to look for, but in general we are looking for fabrics that pull moisture away from the skin or we’re looking for things to help break the wind.
Top Picks for The 9 Best Running Gloves
Running gloves for women and men are more than just a standard glove. The best ones are those that not only keep you warm enough, but not too warm and of course wicking!
I’ve tried an incredible amount of pairs of gloves over the years, especially since moving to Colorado and getting in plenty of cold weather runs.
Some didn’t fit great, some were light weight, some didn’t actually work on the phone as promised and I quickly realized that water-resistant to play in the snow is NOT a feature of most running gloves.
Which is why I went in search of (and tested) what’s actually worth your money when it comes to gloves for running.
Below my recommendations are more on what specifically to look for and our warmth rating.
Best Touchscreen Running Gloves
Touchscreen compatibility is one of the hardest to find. I’ll say that many claim it, but few that I test truly allow me to use my smartphone with my thumb or index finger (where the fabric is designed for use).
If you’ve been wondering are merino gloves good for running, my very first recommendation is merino! Gloves for running are always going to be a bit individual, but these have become a go to for me.
✅Ibex Merino Wool ($50)
Warmth Level: 3
Pros:
- 5 unisex sizes to choose from
- touchscreen compatible
- lightweight and not bulky
Cons:
- not the warmest gloves on the list
- some customers say they run small in size
These are such great year-round gloves. Merino wool is that perfect lightweight for those chilly spring and fall mornings. It’s going to easily wick away sweat, providing just the right level of warmth.
These gloves feature a conductive material on the index finger and thumb that definitely works. I’ve worn these alot and I’m really impressed that I could fully use my phone.
A definitely winner for me. Especially because they are thin enough to also pair with another mitten when temps really drop.
The small also actually fits my hand well, even as unisex.
Nathan Reflective Gloves ($30)
Warmth Level: 4
Pros:
- reflective and super fun color
- great touchscreen
- key pocket
Cons:
- not the best for very cold weather
Oh, these are such fun gloves for visibility. They have a great pattern for when not reflective, but then offer that extra bit of protection for these early morning runs.
The gloves fit well and the touchscreen actually worked for me. DID YOU SEE THAT?!
I didn’t find that feature to work on a lot of gloves I tested so, for me, this is big. Because when it’s cold, but I want to snap a photo of the incredible deer running along my path, well I don’t want to pull off my gloves.
These are on the lighter side with a lot of breathability making them a good lighter option. Apart from the reflective details, they also feature a custom pocket you can use to stash away some cash or maybe your keys.
Plus, you can even clip a strobe light onto them to improve your visibility while running at night even more!
Best Cold Weather Running Gloves
These aren’t the warmest, but are probably exactly the mid-level many are looking for in that early Fall temperature drop or some 30 degree runs. I’m sure you’re going to find ones that are right for you:
Columbia Omni Heat Gloves ($30)
Warmth Level: 6
Pros:
- Omni-Heat reflection keeps you super warm
- moisture-wicking
Cons:
- these run big, be sure to size down
I have a windbreaker with the Omni heat, so I was excited beyond words to test these out. Unfortunately, I ended up with gloves that were way too big and for that reason, at first, I wasn’t impressed (size down!).
But I took them out again on a 20-degree day and found my palms were a bit sweaty by mile 3. Not cold because of the way they’re designed, but definitely generating some heat.
The Omni has a little reflective panel inside the glove which should be reflecting the body heat you are generating back to you. Totally works with the jacket, but maybe my fingers just don’t generate heat, ha!!
It has great ratings on Amazon, and for the ones that it works for it’s a great pair of gloves to keep you nice and warm on those colder days.
Smartwool Merino 150 Touchscreen ($30)
Warmth Level: 6
Pros:
- Merino wool is moisture-wicking, self-cleaning, and odor-resistant
- super soft
- multiple sizes available
Cons:
- not the best touchscreen capabilities
Running from XS to XL these are a good option to find what truly fits your hand. It’s considered one of their mid-weight gloves, so again not the top-level warmth for crazy cold days, but good for most winter runs.
No more freezing fingertips to use your phone. And plenty of durability from this well-known brand that knows how to use wool to keep your body warm and prevents odor.
Oiselle Super Puff Mittens ($40)
Warmth Level: 8
Pros:
- long cuffs will keep wrists warm and gloves in place
- super soft
- one of the warmest gloves you’ll find thanks to Prima Loft
Cons:
- not the best touchscreen capabilities
- can’t use your fingers (this is a struggle for me with my watch, zippers, etc.)
This recommendation comes from many of the running coaches on my team. They swear first by mittens, but second by Oiselle for these. In truly cold conditions you can easily slip on a thin pair like the Ibex above and then you’ve got serious warmth for whatever mother nature is throwing at you.
Waterproof and will cut the wind!
Best Women’s Running Gloves
There are a lot of options for Unisex gloves, but I often found they were just too big or way too small for my hands. I really liked these for my running options, and I’m sure you’re going to find the right ones here if you’ve always felt the same way:
Nike Women’s Dri-Fit Tempo ($30)
Warmth Level: 3
Pros:
- well-made and durable
- lightweight and compact
- silicone grips
Cons:
- some customers say they run small
These have been my stage one, ok it’s starting to get chilly, gloves for a super long time. I have a couple of pairs because they’ve lasted forever and well one would go missing…I’d get another pair and find them both.
This lightweight spandex glove is great because it’s just what I need for the first 2-3 miles of a lot of fall/winter runs when I’m adjusting to the temperature changes.
I know they wick away the sweat well and fold up super tight, so I can shove them in my pack or a pocket if I decide I don’t want to wear them any longer.
The Dri-Fit fabric definitely helps you stay dry and comfortable, and the mesh accents make them breathable and lightweight.
The design features articulated fingers and palms that fit really great and the silicone grips are definitely a plus on top of it all!
Lululemon Run For All ($52)
Are Lululemon gloves good for running? They do the trick! Honestly, I don’t think they release anything that hasn’t been well tested and I’ve never been let down with a purchase.
Warmth Level: 4
Pros:
- mitten hood for added warmth
- water-resistant and windproof
- silicone grips and touchscreen compatibility
Cons:
- only 2 sizes available: XS/S or M/L
If you want one step up the Lululemon Run For All Gloves are lightweight, but with an additional mitten hood. These are another great spring, and fall option!
They are water-repellent and made with brushed fleece fabric that’s perfect for the cold-weather runs. These gloves even come with reflective details, and include a snap clip to snap them together so you don’t lose one in your bag.
Don’t let the cold hold you back. These hooded, water-repellent gloves are made with brushed fleece fabric to help keep you warm during cold-weather runs.
They’re a great water-resistant and windproof pair of gloves with the fold-top hood that really adds convenience.
Best Running Gloves for Raynaud’s
If you’ve ever experienced numbness in your fingers due to the cold, and want the right protection for Raynaud’s, here are my top tried and tested picks for 2023-2024:
Trailheads Touchscreen Quilted Mittens ($36)
Warmth Level: 9
Pros:
- the warmest gloves on the list
- extended cuff to keep your wrists warm, too
- 200g Polartec Power Fill insulation is warm without being too bulky
Cons:
- mittens lack dexterity
Full-on mittens are going to be the warmest option and the extended cuff prevents air from coming down through the wrists.
I can’t vouch for the touchscreen because I feel like that rarely works, but so many of you with super cold fingers told me that mittens like these were your winter running go-to.
I’m a fan of this particular brand because they do a lot of testing and are a budget-friendly mitt. The downside for me with mittens is the lack of dexterity.
BONUS: Stuff hot hands in your gloves on super cold days.
It’s a trick many friends with Raynaud’s Syndrome use and one that got me through a VERY LONG morning of filming running scenes.
Best Windy Running Gloves
If it’s windy, you know you’ll some added protection to get through your run. Here is my favorite option that I recommend you check out:
✅Craft Hybrid Weather Gloves ($39)
Warmth Level: 8
Pros:
- wind-resistant!
- 5-finger gloves with a mitten attachment keeps you super warm
- reflective print for visibility
Cons:
- not great for very cold weather
Not too many gloves address wind, but that’s probably my biggest issue with cold weather running. If it’s not windy, I am pretty darn happy…but it picks up and suddenly every inch of me feels a little tighter and wants to curl into a ball.
I got these at the end of last season, and I was like WHY haven’t I been using a hybrid glove all along?!
Because of the mitten style, they should be warmer as keeping your fingers together is like putting your whole body in a sleeping bag, trapped heat. Additionally, they have great silicone grip so I can actually hold on to that touchscreen device we’re all so connected to.
See additional colors on Craft >>
What are the Warmest Running Gloves?
The warmest running gloves will be either a full-on mitten or a convertible glove with a mitten cover. It’s the same reason you can be toasty warm inside a sleeping bag while it’s cold outside, body heat.
- Merino Wool and fleece gloves are going to provide warmth while pulling away sweat
- I often double up on gloves like I would a base-layer shirt, wearing liner gloves underneath as a base layer
Do Running Gloves Keep You Warm?
Keeping your core covered is the first step to helping your hands feel warm. So gloves alone, no.
You absolutely need to think about what layers are protecting your core because that’s what the body wants to keep warm, your organs! To do that it’s pulling blood from the extremities, which is why your fingers and toes get cold first.
They will not keep you warm on a winter run, but you might find you feel ok in shorts and still want gloves simply due to the fact that blood is shuttled to your core first.
And personally, I’m just less miserable if my fingers don’t feel like they’re going to fall off.
How We Tested Them
Running gloves for women and men are more than just a standard glove. The best ones are those that not only keep you warm enough but not too warm and of course wicking!
I’ve tried an incredible amount of pairs of gloves over the years, especially since moving to Colorado and getting in plenty of cold weather runs.
Some didn’t fit great, some were lightweight, some didn’t actually work on the phone as promised and I quickly realized that water-resistant to play in the wet snow is NOT a feature of most running gloves.
This is why I went in search of (and tested) what’s actually worth your money when it comes to gloves for running.
How to Choose the Best Running Gloves for You
Many of you like me probably overdress at the beginning of the season, so opt for the lightest weight on those days, but know that the way you LAYER the rest of your clothes can impact how cold your fingers feel.
- When you have a warm core, then your body has more energy to put towards warming your fingers.
- But if your core is cold, then it will pull energy and blood flow from the extremities.
Other factors you need to consider include:
Comfort and Fit
Comfort in running gloves is a question of personal preference, but it begins with a proper fit. As the shapes and sizes of our hands vary, so do the sizing instructions for different brands, so it can be difficult to select the correct size of gloves.
The easiest method to ensure a proper fit is to try them on at a local store before making a purchase or buying a few online to return the ones you don’t like. If you buy online, make sure to use the size guide for a certain brand to pick the right size for you.
Apart from this, a comfortable pair of gloves is one that provides the correct amount of insulation for the temperatures you’re running in, breathes effectively to wick sweat away from your hands as you run, and protects you from the elements. Gloves with a thin polyester lining provide some comfort against your skin without being too bulky.
Temperature Rating
While everyone’s definition of “cold temperatures” is different, most runners typically don gloves when the temperature falls below forty degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a glove with adequate insulation for the temps you’ll be running in, like a good fleece-lined pair for extra warmth.
There are a lot of different manufacturers that make gloves, and many of them specify a temperature range or grade for their gloves. If given, it should serve as your first point of reference for selecting the appropriate glove for the conditions under which you will run.
Having said that, everyone’s tolerance for cold varies, so consider how you actually feel when comparing the indicated temperature ranges. For instance, you might want warmer gloves than your running partner if you typically notice that your hands become chilly earlier.
In the reviews above I used a scale of 1-10 for how warm I thought they were, with 10 being warmest.
Breathability
Our hands, like other parts of our bodies, have sweat glands that create moisture as we run. While we all sweat differently, wearing moisture-wicking gloves keeps our hands dry, warm, and comfortable.
To prevent your hands from overheating while running, invest in a pair of moisture-wicking gloves.
Wear breathable running gloves that wick moisture away from your hands and into the gloves’ outer layers or the air beyond.
Some gloves are better at this than others, and the reason for this is typically a mix of the materials used to make the glove and its thickness.
Running gloves are all designed to be wicking, which means that it pulls the moisture away from your hands and, as I mentioned above, that’s super important so you don’t start to feel colder.
This is why we don’t generally recommend cotton gloves, shirts, or socks for runners!
Waterproofing and Windproofing
Waterproof gloves are made with fabrics like nylon that keep water from getting into the glove or with substances that do the same thing but are put on the fabric surfaces.
Windproof gloves are made by using fabrics and technology that restrict air from traveling from the outside to the inside. If a running glove is waterproof or resistant to water, it will also block the wind and be windproof.
There are various non-waterproof materials that provide wind protection, and it depends on how densely the fabric’s fibers are woven together.
Grip
The last thing you want is to lose your phone while trying to get the perfect selfie while running or at the summit of your trek. Consider running gloves with excellent grip for your phone, keys, water bottle, and trekking poles.
To create a solid grip, most companies utilize silicone overlays on the palm and inner fingers of their gloves. The drawbacks of silicone grippers are the added weight and potential for wear and tear.
Touchscreen Capability
We live in a connected world, and occasionally we need to answer a phone call, respond to a text message, or take a photo while we’re on the go. Enter gloves with touchscreen functionality for running! These gloves have a special material—usually on the thumb and forefinger—that allow you to use your tech devices without taking off your gloves.
However, buyers should be aware that this technology is still new and often not very good. Many firms claim that their running gloves have touchscreen capability, although the functionality is minimal.
Before making a purchase, the best recommendation, for the time being, is to maintain a healthy degree of skepticism and to read actual customer reviews.
Price and Durability
It’s certainly possible to run most of your daily miles using a cheap glove. When the weather deteriorates, you will require a pair of gloves with more protective materials and technology. And that usually comes at a higher price.
Some weather calls for heavy-duty gloves to be safe, but you may sometimes get away with layering two pairs of less expensive gloves to protect your hands. I’ve tested all the gloves mentioned in this article so you don’t have to worry about most of it!
Looking for more reviews to find the best things for your run?
Checkout our full page of my best running gear reviews and guides to save you time searching and money! I share what’s worked for me and fellow runners, along with what wasn’t worth the price tag.
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Wendy
After my half on Saturday when I thought my hands were going to fall off from the cold, I am once again on the hunt for running gloves/mittens! I want it all, touchscreen functionality with a warm glove. Can it happen? Please?
Karla
For all the expensive running gloves I have purchased, my go to gloves are Costco Head gloves and love them best!
Joan Hunter Mayer
Thanks for the tip, Karla! Just found your recommendation through Costco and am going to give them a try!