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The Best Running Gloves for Cold Weather – Top Picks for Chilly Runs


As the temperature drops and winter sets in, dedicated runners need gear that ensures comfort and performance in chilly conditions. Among the most essential winter running accessories are gloves designed to combat the cold. The right pair not only protects your hands but also enhances your running experience. In this article, we present our top picks for the best running gloves tailored for cold weather. Jump in and find the ideal gloves for your upcoming chilly run.

Quick Answer

Name of products

Brooks Draft Hybrid Glove

Nike Men’s Dry Tech Lightweight

TrailHeads Power Stretch Gloves

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Advantages
 

  • Adapts to various weather conditions.

  • Allows runners to use devices without removing the gloves.

  • Reflective details enhance visibility during low-light runs.

  • Efficiently draws sweat away, keeping the wearer dry.

  • Ensures unhindered movement during activities.

  • Trustworthy quality and design from Nike.

  • Made with power stretch material, ensuring a snug, flexible fit that adapts to the hand's contours.

  • Effective heat retention in cold conditions.

  • Operate devices without removal.

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Rated by our team

Our Top Picks

Brooks Draft Hybrid – Best Overall

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Nike Men’s Dry Tech Lightweight – Best Lightweight

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ReflecToes Reflective – Best Reflective Details

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Adidas Winter Performance Dash – Best Touchscreen Compatibility

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TrailHeads Power Stretch – Best for Wet and Cold Weather

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FanVince Winter – Best Thermal Insulation

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Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor – Best Flexibility

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Black Diamond Mont Blanc– Best Durability

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Marmot Power Stretch Connect – Best for Wind Resistance

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Trailheads Men’s Convertible Zip – Best Adjustable Fit

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Best Running Gloves for Cold Weather – Detailed Review

Brooks Draft Hybrid

Our Rating: 10*

Description:

First, these Running Mittens are designed for utmost warmth, making them paramount in cold weather running essentials. Second, they offer a balanced combination of comfort and functionality. Third, the mittens come with an internal glove that provides consistent warmth. Next, there’s an external mitt that’s both windproof and water-resistant, protecting against the harshest of conditions. Then, they are praised for their impeccable fit, ensuring they stay in place even during intense workouts. Finally, while they are notable for their high visibility and reflective details, potential users should be aware of minor elastic shrinkage after washing. Nevertheless, they remain a premier choice for winter runners.

Specs:

  • Material: Polyester, Spandex, Nylon
  • Size: Medium (available in S to XL)
  • Special Features: Windproof, Thermal, Breathable
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Product Care: Machine Wash, Tumble Dry

My experience:

Exploring the realm of the best running gloves for cold weather, the Brooks Draft Hybrid Glove distinctly stood out from the rest. The moment I wore it, the glove seemed tailor-made, providing a snug fit without feeling restrictive. Its unmatched temperature-regulation abilities ensured my hands stayed warm, even on the frostiest mornings, without any sweat. A standout feature is its touch screen compatibility, allowing seamless interactions with my music and running apps. Moreover, the reflective details, which are often overlooked, significantly enhance visibility during low-light runs. Without a doubt, the Brooks Draft Hybrid sits prominently among the top choices for cold weather running mittens.


Pros


Cons

  • Ideal for cold days.

  • User-Friendly-Tech-compatible fingertips.

  • Breathable.

  • Mixed fabric construction.

  • Colors-Limited options.

Nike Men’s Dry Tech Lightweight

Our Rating: 10*

Description:

Nike’s Dry Tech Lightweight Running Gloves rank highly among the premier winter gloves for outdoor activities. Ideal for moderately cold and breezy conditions, these mittens provide warmth without causing sweaty palms. Also, their sleek design is great for layering, and the specialized membrane between fingers counters moisture buildup. The reflective Nike emblem enhances visibility during low-light conditions. While they receive much acclaim, there’s room to enhance the touchscreen and palm grip functionalities. These mittens truly embody Nike’s signature combination of fashion, safety, and coziness.

Specs:

  • Material: Polyester blend
  • Size: Medium (Available in M-XL)
  • Special Features: Lightweight design
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Product Care: Hand wash

My experience:

From my own experience for brisk morning and evening runs, the Nike running gloves have consistently been my top choice. The Best Running Gloves should offer both warmth and ventilation, and these mittens masterfully find that balance, ensuring hands stay warm without becoming clammy. A word of advice for those freezing mornings: they’re fantastic for milder cold, but for the more intense chills, layering might be necessary due to their sleek design. A subtle yet impactful feature is the reflective Nike logo, serving both as a style emblem and a safety marker during dim-lit runs. One hiccup I’ve observed is the occasional inconsistency with the touchscreen fingertip feature. Still, for those on the hunt for dependable running gloves, Nike’s Dry Tech model is a solid contender.


Pros


Cons

  • Design-Sleek and comfortable.

  • Keeps hands warm without overheating.

  • Easy to wear.

  • Sizing-Inconsistent.

  • Material-Thin, lacking wind protection.

  • Durability-Seams can unravel.

Reflec Toes Reflective

Our Rating: 9,9*

Description:

Reflec Toes Reflective Running Gloves stand out as the top choice for winter runs during dawn and dusk. Constructed from a flexible, moisture-managing fabric, they come with a handy pocket for small items and a thumb patch designed for wiping noses. Their bright yellow hue combined with distinctive reflective fabric ensures greater visibility in dim settings. Although they offer warmth and convenient phone accessibility, they might not be the best fit for extremely cold temperatures.

Specs:

  • Material: polyester, spandex pro stretch
  • Size: Available in XS-XL
  • Special Features: Retro-reflective design
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Product Care: Hand wash

Pros


Cons

  • High Visibility.

  • Thermal fleece lining.

  • Smartphone touch technology and padded rubber grips.

  • Temperature Limitation-Best between 20 and 60 degrees F.

Adidas Winter Performance Dash

Our Rating: 9,9*

Description:

These mittens are among the top-performing insulated gloves for cold-weather exercises. Designed for activities like running and biking, they combine style with functionality. Leveraging Adidas’s renowned Climawarm technology, they promise excellent heat retention and breathability, making them ideal for cold, breezy conditions. Touchscreen pads on the thumb and index finger ensure easy smartphone interactions, eliminating the need to take them off.  Besides, an extended cuff boosts warmth, while a nifty pocket at the back accommodates small essentials.

Specs:

  • Material: Polyester
  • Size: XS/S , L/XL
  • Special Features: Climawarm technology, moisture-wicking, touchscreen conductivity pads, extended cuff, hidden pocket.
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Product Care: Hand Wash

Pros


Cons

  • Lightweight with a non-bulky design.

  • Silky material suitable for throwing activities.

  • Affordable with multiple touchscreen points and styles available.

  • Sizing might not accommodate smaller hands.

  • Durability concerns with thumb area tearing

  • Not ideal for extremely cold temperatures.

TrailHeads Power Stretch

Our Rating: 9,8*

Description:

The TrailHeads Power Stretch gloves emerge as top contenders for cool weather exercise, blending wind-resistance with a moisture-managing interior. They offer consistent warmth while maintaining their structure during rigorous activities. In addition, their lightweight nature is ideal for autumn and winter jogs. Inclusions such as palm grips and touchscreen capabilities ensure hassle-free smartphone operation, eliminating chilly finger moments during song switches or messaging. While a few might find them a tad slender, they shine in moisture control, guaranteeing dry hands. Crafted with 4-WAY STRETCH FABRIC, they shield against breezes and promise thermal efficiency.

Specs:

  • Material: Polyester, Spandex, Nylon, Silicone
  • Size: Small
  • Special Features: Lightweight, Touchscreen compatibility, Silicone palm grips, 4-way stretch fabric
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Product Care: Hand Wash

Pros


Cons

  • Polartec fabric offers protection in cool weather.

  • 4-way stretch fabric ideal for active use.

  • Hidden magnets secure thumb flaps.

  • Inaccurate measurement sizing

FanVince Winter

Our Rating: 9,8*

Description:

Designed for passionate outdoor adventurers, the FanVince Winter Running Gloves rank choice for those seeking the best men’s running gloves and best women’s running gloves. Made of windproof polyester and complemented by a water-resistant TPU layer, these mittens ensure hands stay warm and dry across cold winters, blustery falls, and wet springs. Inside, they boast a cozy polar fleece lining and an elongated knitted cuff for added warmth. Standout features encompass touchscreen compatibility on the thumb and forefinger, a grip-enhancing silicone design, and robust protection against the elements. With FanVince, you get a blend of practicality, innovation, and style for all winter pursuits.

Specs:

  • Material: Windproof Polyester & Water-resistant TPU.
  • Size: Men (XS-XL), Women (S-XXL).
  • Special Features: Coldproof, Water-Resistant, Windproof, Lightweight, Sun-protection, Touch screen.
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous.
  • Product Care: Hand Wash.

Pros


Cons

  • Easy to maintain.

  • Durable design.

  • Material quality could be better.

Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor

Our Rating: 9,8*

Description:

The Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves are meticulously designed for chilly environments, blending alpine wool, fleece, and nylon. These mittens, while providing ample warmth, are also lightweight and offer tactile precision, thanks to their touchscreen-friendly fingertips. Their snug fit underscores their appeal, presenting a perfect balance of comfort and utility for winter pursuits.

Specs:

  • Material: Wool, Polyester, Nylon Fleece .
  • Special Features: Touchscreen compatible, breathable, wicking, pull-on closure, glove clip, anti-slip silicone palm print, tapered wrist.
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous.
  • Product Care: Hand Wash.

Pros


Cons

  • Touch-screen compatible.

  • Breathable and lightweight.

  • Anti-slip silicone palm.

  • Mixed material might impact durability.

Black Diamond Mont Blanc

Our Rating: 9,7*

Description:

These gloves feature market-leading silicone grippers, offering unparalleled grip. With a single-layer polyester interior and a dual-layered softshell exterior, they ensure optimal warmth for routine runs. While they might not be the first choice for regular rock climbing, their sturdiness qualifies them for sporadic rough adventures. Their touchscreen responsiveness is impressive with a perfect fit, and an added glove-keeper clip guarantees convenient storage.

Specs:

  • Material: Plastic.
  • Special Features: Thermal, Breathable, Touchscreen Supported.
  • Hand Orientation: Pair.
  • Product Care: Hand Wash.

Pros


Cons

  • High-stretch material for flexibility.

  • Touchscreen Supported.

  • Slow drying time.

  • Not ideal for wider hands.

  • Not suitable for very windy conditions.

Marmot Power Stretch Connect

Our Rating: 9,7*

Description:

Fashioned from Polartec fleece, the Marmot Power Stretch Connect Gloves emerge as premier choices for cold climates. They offer a snug fit akin to a second skin while ensuring ease in actions like tweaking equipment. Their touchscreen functionality is generally reliable, unless compromised by moisture. While they perform admirably in cold and breezy conditions, their efficacy diminishes when damp. Even though they aren’t designed for rigorous tasks, their durability is noteworthy, outlasting many competitors. A glove-keeper clip enhances their usability, making them a steadfast ally in chilly ventures. Combining innovation with coziness, these mittens focus on ensuring warmth and nimbleness during outdoor activities.

Specs:

  • Material: Polartec Power Stretch fabric, Outer composition: Polyester, Elastane.
  • Special Features: Thermal, Moisture-wicking technology, Stretch construction, Touchscreen compatible, Carabiner loop.
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Product Care: Machine Wash

Pros


Cons

  • Good movement.

  • Attractive price/performance ratio.

  • Breathable, stretchy, quick-drying, and insulated.

  • Wears out quickly.

Trailheads Men’s Convertible Zip

Our Rating: 9,7*

Description:

That is to say, while these gloves are the best choice for extremely cold runs, their design prioritizes warmth and might limit finger flexibility. The unique zip-top feature, however, provides a solution for brief tasks or ventilation. They excel in temperatures between -15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may be too warm for milder settings. Some drawbacks include their heavier weight and bulkiness. Standout attributes encompass the innovative zip feature, visibility-enhancing reflective details, environmentally-conscious materials, longer cuffs, and TrailHeads’ assurance of satisfaction.

Specs:

  • Material: recycled polyester, spandex, polyester
  • Special Features: Reflective accents around the zipper for improved visibility, thermal insulation.
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
  • Product Care: Machine Wash

Pros


Cons

  • Zip mitts for finger access.

  • Made with warm recycled materials.

  • Reflective accent for visibility.

  • Best for temperatures below 10F.

  • Extended cuffs might not suit all.

Importance of the Good Choice Best Running Glooves  for Winter

Imagine trying to enjoy a coffee after a morning run, but your fingers are too frozen to grip the mug. Frustrating, right? That’s where the magic of the best running gloves for cold weather comes into play. Let’s delve into the criteria for finding your ideal pair.

Key Features to Consider Running Gloves

When selecting the best running gloves for cold weather, several features can make all the difference. It’s not just about warmth, it’s about combining comfort, functionality, and durability for optimal performance. Let’s find the key aspects to consider when making your choice.

Material and Insulation


For cold-weather running gloves, prioritize materials like fleece for warmth and breathability, polyester/spandex blends for moisture-wicking, and merino wool for temperature regulation. Insulation options include thermal synthetic fibers, lightweight down, and Primaloft for heat retention, especially when damp. Seek additional features such as windproof and waterproof layers, plus touchscreen compatibility for smartphone use. Always consider conditions and fit when selecting.

Grip


The grip is a crucial feature in the best cold-weather running gloves. Many incorporate silicone or rubberized patterns on the palm and fingers to enhance grip, preventing slips when holding objects or using devices. Some designs use leather or synthetic patches for added durability. A good grip ensures safety, especially in wet conditions, and is essential for maintaining control over items like water bottles or mobile phones during runs.

Touchscreen Compatibility


Touchscreen compatibility in cold-weather running gloves is essential for modern athletes. Many gloves feature conductive threads or special pads on the fingertips, enabling users to operate smartphones or GPS devices without removing them. This functionality ensures runners can access apps, change music, or answer calls without exposing their hands to cold elements, combining convenience with protection.

Breathability and Moisture-Wicking

Breathability and moisture-wicking are vital for cold-weather running gloves. Optimal gloves use materials that allow air circulation, preventing overheating while simultaneously drawing sweat away from the skin. This moisture-wicking capability ensures hands remain dry and warm, reducing the risk of chills. Together, these features promote comfort and regulate temperature, making runs in frigid conditions more manageable and enjoyable.

Weatherproofing


It is essential for protection against the elements. Premium gloves offer windproof and waterproof layers, shielding hands from icy gusts and moisture. Some even include a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating to repel rain or snow. Ensuring gloves are weatherproof not only keeps hands dry and warm but also prolongs the life of the gloves, making them a reliable companion for winter runs.

Care Tips

Proper care extends the life of your gloves and ensures they retain their warming properties.

  • Washing
    Always check the label for care instructions. Most mittens can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
  • Drying
    Air dry your mittens to prevent shrinkage and maintain the integrity of the material. Keep them away from direct heat sources.
  • Storage
    Store your gloves in a cool and  dry place away from sunlight. This will ensure they remain in top condition and are ready for your next run.

When to Replace Your Running Gloves?

In other words, if your gloves show significant wear, aren’t insulating well, or don’t fit snugly, it’s time to replace them, as your running comfort and safety are of utmost importance.

Why Must You Trust Us?

As a result of rigorous testing, real-world experience, and in-depth market research, our recommendations stand out when choosing the best running gloves for cold weather. Our team consists of passionate runners who have braved the chilliest mornings and frostiest evenings, ensuring the gloves we recommend stand up to the claims. We’ve sifted through countless user reviews, sought feedback from the running community, and even consulted with sports gear professionals.

We understand that everyone’s hands and needs are different, which is why we evaluate gloves based on a range of criteria – from thermal retention and moisture-wicking capabilities to dexterity and touch screen compatibility. Our goal is to provide you with reliable, unbiased, and thoroughly researched information, helping you find the perfect glove match for those cold-weather runs.

To summarize, by relying on us, you’re benefiting from the knowledge of experienced runners and thorough testers, guaranteeing your hands stay warm and efficient throughout your cold runs.

FAQ

What materials are best for cold weather mittens for runners?

For cold weather mittens for runners, materials like thermal fleece, neoprene, and synthetic blends are ideal. These fabrics offer excellent insulation, moisture-wicking properties, and breathability, ensuring hands stay warm and dry during runs. Some gloves also incorporate wind-resistant or waterproof layers for added protection.

Can I wash my running gloves in the washing machine?

Yes, most running gloves can be washed in a washing machine. However, always check the care label first. Some gloves may require a gentle cycle or cold water to maintain their integrity. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents. After washing, reshape the gloves and let them air dry to preserve their form and functionality.

Do I need touchscreen gloves if I don’t use my phone while running?

No, if you don’t use your phone during runs, touchscreen gloves aren’t essential. However, they can offer versatility for unexpected situations where phone use is needed. Additionally, these gloves can be beneficial for other touchscreen devices you might encounter. Ultimately, your personal preferences and anticipated needs should guide your decision.

Are there gloves designed specifically for women or men?

Yes, there are gloves designed specifically for men or women. These designs consider differences in hand size, shape, and sometimes aesthetic preferences. Women’s gloves often have a narrower fit, while men’s gloves might be broader and longer. However, it’s essential to choose gloves based on comfort and functionality, regardless of gender labels.

Do jogging mitts also provide wind protection?

Yes, many jogging mitts are designed with wind-resistant materials to shield hands from chilly breezes. This feature is especially beneficial for runners who tackle routes with strong wind conditions. However, it’s advisable to check product specifications to ensure the gloves offer wind protection.

How often should I replace my running mitts?

You should replace your running mitts when they show signs of wear, reduced insulation, or if the fit becomes loose. Typically, with regular use, gloves might last one to several seasons. Prioritizing care and proper storage can extend their lifespan, but always prioritize warmth and functionality.

What if my hands still feel cold even with running gloves?

If your hands remain cold with running gloves, consider upgrading to a thicker or insulated pair. Layering thin gloves under heavier ones can also help. Ensure gloves fit snugly, as loose gloves may let in cold air. Circulation plays a role, so wiggle your fingers periodically. If cold persists, consult a doctor for potential circulation issues.