Numb, freezing fingers. Cold hands that feel like they aren’t part of your body. It’s one of the worst feelings a runner can experience while running in the cold. This is why running experts recommend a good set of running gloves in your essential running gear checklist.
It’s as much important as a jacket or a hat to protect you from the blustery winds and frost. But which ones are the best according to your needs? How much should the budget be? We take a look and provide you with a helpful, informed decision.
Here are the gloves that I include with links so you can check pricing on Amazon. They come in different styles and colors.
Best Gloves for Running in Cold Weather
1. Mountain Made Cold Weather Gloves
2. The North Face Winter Running Gloves
3. Under Armour Extreme Coldgear Gloves
4. Pearl Izumi Unisex Thermal Lite Glove
Our Top Choice:
Spandex and polyester combination material allows wearer to make full use of hands. A great fit. Enclosure is zippered for a quick on-off aspect.
Why Wear Them - Cold Weather Exercise
Wearing the best gloves for running in cold weather effectively reduces heat loss and protects the hands in cool environments. It aids in maintaining an overall healthy body temperature and keeping yourself safe whenever you head outdoors. Here’s how to gear up plus some great tips for cold weather exercise towards a more efficient and successful run:
What To Look For In Your Running Gloves
The features you will find on running gloves are quite diverse. Maybe you’ll need a tough glove that will protect you from the freezing cold. Maybe you’re looking to be able to use your smartphone as you run. There are some gloves that are marketed as stunningly lightweight, and those that can be used as a liner for thicker gloves. Don’t forget the fit- materials can sometimes make your hands feel as if they’re covered in paint, while others feel velvety smooth and comfortable. Here are some essential characteristics you should look out for:
- Wind Protection. While the overall warmth factor for a glove depends on insulation, how it can stop the wind will depend on its material density. When runners say they need something that keeps their hands warm, it usually means they need something that can stop the biting wind. The best gloves for running in cold weather in this case has a multi-layered aspect, with the outermost layer a material that primarily wards off the wind.
- Waterproof. Sometimes you have to run while rain pours out of the sky. It’s a fact of life for any running enthusiast. Good waterproof gloves can keep excess moisture off your hands as you run with purpose. Fleece gloves might be great for warmth, but your hands will be soaking wet as soon as the rain comes. You’ll have to find the right balance between being waterproof and the gloves being breathable and comfortable. It’s always a plus to choose running gloves that can stave off that first layer of moisture when it comes.
- Tactile Function. If you really need tactile function, then you’d need to shell out extra for it. Is it really that important to be able to control your iPhone or tablet without taking off your running gloves? Simply put, the tactile aspect can be really handy when you need to twiddle on your smart phone without being clumsy. The best running gloves will have a level of tactile response, especially in the thumb and forefinger areas. Keep in mind that some gloves can be better at tactile function than the others.
- Fit. Perhaps the most important feature of them all. It’s a different thing for each user. Hands are some of the most unique human aspects, because you can have large hands with tiny fingers, or small hands with long fingers. Spend a good amount of time to familiarize yourself with the fit before purchasing. It’s a must that the glove must run up to your wrists so you can cover the whole length of your arm with a jacket and a pair of gloves. Don’t be afraid to sent a running glove back if it doesn’t match your hands.
- Warmth. Our hands have a complicated vascular system, Rush University shares that it is best to keep them protected from cool temperatures. What good are gloves if you won’t wear it? You might say that you find the running gloves too warm, or too thin to handle the cold temperatures outside. Keep in mind that there are some states and countries that are a whole lot colder in the winter seasons as compared to states and countries near the equator. Good thing glove companies have established a warmth system rating in the form of specific temperatures. We can’t state this enough- you’ll need gloves that aren’t too cold nor too hot to wear.
- Style. The style of a glove will largely depend on the brand and the model. “Simple” black gloves look differently across the board. In order to give you an idea of how it would look, we’ll provide the necessary pictures for you to look at.
The 4 Best Running Gloves for Cold Weather– Recommendations
The phrase “fits like a glove” should be taken seriously here. You’ll know intuitively if a running glove is right for you as soon as you put them on. Here are some of the best running gloves that combine the best of important aspects such as design, construction, features and pricing.
Mountain Made has put in everything except the sink when they made these Cold Weather Gloves. Men and women will surely be pleased about the performance of these running gloves as they sprint outside chilly weather. The waterproof aspect is covered by an absorbent material; the multi-directional material can stretch to conform comfortably with your hand.
There’s also a quick-drying lining that provides extra warmth. You won’t fumble with things, thanks to the textured palm grips. One of the best gloves for running in cold weather also has the tactile function which allows you to navigate on your smart phone without accidentally pressing the wrong buttons.
Who Are They Best For?
These running gloves are exceptionally thought of highly for a reason- it could keep cold and even chilly weather off the user’s hands as they run outdoors. The bonus is that you won’t have to take off your gloves to operate your smart phone.
Notable Features
- Spandex and polyester combination material allows wearer to make full use of hands. A great fit.
- Enclosure is zippered for a quick on-off aspect.
- Textured mesh palm has a great degree of tactile function for mobile device operation.
- Windblocking lining preserves heat and keeps off cold winds. Plus, it’s absorbent and quick drying.
- Treated with anti-bacterial solutions to keep unusual odors at bay.
- Comes in with 4 sizes, from small to extra large.
Drawbacks
- Take a closer look at their sizing guidelines because their glove sizes are smaller than normal.
North Face has created these running gloves to withstand freezing temperatures. More than that, they are engineered to cut out the wind factor as the runner completes his or her journey in the cold weather.
Unique features such as a glove cover can convert these high-performance gloves into warm mitts that take on the most extreme temperatures. Wickability is probably the best aspect, as your hands will remain dry and comfortable until you come home.
- Additional insulation keeps hands warmer when using touchscreen devices in cool-to-cold conditions
- UR Powered TNF Apex ClimateBlock soft shell at palm for five-finger touchscreen capability
- TNF Apex ClimateBlock soft shell at back of hand blocks wind and moisture
Notable Features
- Cover hoods flip over to provide extra warmth and protection to your fingers. The option to tuck them back into the gloves is an added convenience.
- Radiametric Articulation technology does a great job in optimal blood flow. It warms your hands by mirroring its natural relaxed curves.
- North Face Winter Running Gloves have reflective surfaces that make you visible when you feel the need to run at night.
- 5 Dimensional Fit technology {https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&langId=-12&productId=286382&storeId=7002} maps out 5 hand measurements. The resulting gloves have a consistent and accurate fit.
- A coating of Durable Water Repellent treats the soft-shell polyester gloves, which is excels at keeping moisture off.
- A handy compartment in the palm for stashing your house key in.
Notable Features
- The key pocket which holds the handy compartment may feel tighter than the other glove.
The Coldgear Gloves hold up to their name, as they can be relied on to protect the runner’s hands from extreme cold conditions. The water repellant finish keeps moisture at bay. You get maximum body heat retained via the Coldgear infrared technology . This technology has been popular for snow boarders and other winter outdoor enthusiasts.
- Where we started? It all started with an idea to build a superior T-shirt
- The technology behind Under Armour's diverse product assortment for men, women and youth is complex, but the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear when it's hot, ColdGear when it's cold, and AllSeasonGear between the extremes
- The technology behind Under Armour's diverse product assortment for men, women and youth is complex, but the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear when it's hot, ColdGear when it's cold, and AllSeasonGear between the extremes.
The palms are reinforced in at the tips and the grip; Under Armour has made it so you can still control your mobile device while wearing them. Lastly, you get an ultra soft fleece material for maximum comfortability.
Who They’re Best For
Any runner who has the cash to shell out for a high end product that has top-notch features can get the Under Armour Extreme Coldgear Gloves and have a great time with it. These runner gloves can work under extreme weather and in damp, chilly conditions.
Noteable Features
- Has a concealed key pocket.
- Special water-repellent treatment via DWR makes these gloves waterproof while still being breathable.
- Thermo-conductive inner lining provides extended warmth.
- Designed with reflective detail which comes very useful when running in less than optimal lighting conditions.
- Extreme comfortability provided by ultra soft fleece material.
- Comes in Small, Medium, Large, XL, and a smaller one size for women.
Drawbacks
- These gloves might prove to be a bit more difficult to take off.
- If you absolutely adore Under Armour and want a runner’s glove without breaking the bank, then the Under Armour Engage Gloves might be for you. These gloves have almost all of the listed features above but have a much lower entry cost than the Coldgear Gloves. The cold range temperature is understandably lower.
The most economical choice in this list is a competitor that does a great job on almost all essential running glove checklists. The Thermal Lite Glove is the company’s lightest glove product designed for the winter season. These gloves can keep your hands and fingers warm in cool temperatures. You can also add them in as a liner in chilly climates. In short, very useful for all outdoor activities.
- PRO Thermal Lite fabric provides optimal, light-weight warmth in mild conditions
- Silicone screened finger tips for a locked-in performance grip
- Reflective elements for low–light visibility in dark conditions
Who They’re Best For
Pearl Izumi Unisex Thermal Lite Glove is the top choice for budget-minded runners looking for the best protection from the cold. You won’t feel the chill as you run in the cold environment, and this product can double as a very effective liner when the chilliest weather comes around.
Noteable Features
- Very Lightweight
- Reflective elements put out visibility in low light running conditions.
- Enhanced grip in the fingertips area.
- Superb windstopping and cold protection via the Pro Thermal Lite fabric material.
- Comes in 6 sizes, from extra small to XXL.
Drawbacks
- May not be enough for extremely cold weather. May be used as liner for gloves that provide more protection.
- No tactile feedback feature
Hi, Jeremy Here,
I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journey. About Me.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API