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Best Gloves For Kids – 2024 Edition
Great gloves for kids, for children or adults, should be comfortable, weather-resistant, and warm. To jumpstart your research, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten best gloves for kids. You’ll also discover some criteria to evaluate before you make your selection.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
With so many styles to choose from, how do you know what is best for your little one?
When you’re searching for the best gloves for kids, you’ll come across a variety of options that include both gloves and mittens. While we focused on gloves in our review, we’ll tell you the differences below so you have a better understanding of what both gloves, mittens, and the combination of these two standards can offer your child.
- Gloves come with individual fingers divided, so you get five full fingers and a better range of motion. Gloves provide the flexibility that mittens don’t offer and work well for children that will need to handle cold-weather gear or make other adjustments to their winter clothes to stay warm. Some gloves come with lightweight options that breathe well and allow moisture from sweat to absorb outside of the glove, making temperature regulation excellent since your child’s hands will stay warm and not overheat.
- Mittens typically feel warmer than gloves since your fingers will create more body heat when they aren’t separated by materials like they are with gloves. With mittens, children won’t be able to make easy adjustments to their gear or have much finger flexibility, so many active children prefer to have more flexible fingers.
- Lobster style gloves blend gloves and mittens together, keeping your index and middle fingers combined and your ring and pinky fingers together. They are a good cross-style to help increase warmth like mittens while still providing flexibility like gloves, but they tend not to be as warm as mittens, nor as flexible as gloves.
- 3-in-1 styles are made for both gloves and mittens and combine a shell glove or mitten with a removable liner on the interior. Most 3-in-1 styles add a lot of versatility, since you can use the shell and lining together, or pull them apart when the weather gets warmer. If you purchase gloves made in the 3-in-1 style you’ll get a lot of flexibility to handle gear.
Insulation
Good insulation works to keep hot air in while wicking moisture away from your hands.
Hands sweat inside of gloves, and a moist environment in cold weather can make your hands uncomfortable. We wanted to ensure that we selected materials that worked double duty to keep hands warm and dry in cold temperatures. To achieve this, there are few materials that we found were the most effective.
A polyester lining is one of the best and most cost-effective options. This material is not only affordable, but it is also incredibly tough. The most popular polyester lining comes in the form of fleece. On its own, the fabric is fairly breathable, but when paired with a leather or Gore-Tex shell, it really shines. The reason fleece is used often is because it wicks away moisture, it dries quickly, and it is incredibly soft and cozy.
Down is another great option to trap in heat. If it’s good enough for ducks, it is good enough for your hands! The downside to down, however, is that it can clump up over time and become less effective. Microfiber lining is a great alternative to down. It works much in the same way, but is often treated with water-repelling materials and comes in at a much more affordable price point.
Weather Resistance
Keeping water out is the most important feature when shopping for gloves.
So, what type of materials are the most effective at keeping water and snow on the outside of the glove? There are a few different materials to select from, each of which has specific pros and cons that we will explore below. Be sure to weigh all of the pros and cons to find which works best for you.
Leather is one of the most effective materials to keep water out. What we love most about leather shells is that they are often treated with an additional layer of waterproof material that wicks water off of the surface. Leather is great because it is thin and lightweight, and promotes a full range of motion without feeling too stiff. The downside to leather is that it often comes at a much higher price point.
Gore-Tex is another great material to keep water out and heat in. Gore-Tex is often found on the shells of wither coats, but it is also great for gloves as well. It is composed of five different layers of materials that all work together to wick water away from the surface and keep your hands comfortable. The downside to this material is that if it is not cleaned regularly, it becomes less and less effective over time.
Features
Smart design features make it easier for your little one to wear them all day long.
Heated Options
Some kids gloves come with battery-powered heating systems to help boost warmth inside the gloves even when the weather gets very cold. These batteries often come as rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and can be adjusted for different temperatures inside the gloves.
These types of gloves tend to cost much more than your standard glove, and they are also going to be heavier and bulkier. While you don’t necessarily need this feature for your child and it can work to slow your child down a bit since heated gloves tend to be less flexible, it’s an option you can consider if you have the money.
Touch-Screen Compatibility
Many kids’ gloves today come with fingertips that are made to be touch-screen compatible, and also feature palm areas to help children hold onto smart devices. This feature means your child can play with his or her phone or smart device without having to take his or her gloves off and feel the cold weather.
Kids winter gloves that are touch-screen compatible are usually lightweight or mid-weight and come with the flexibility to help you not only move better while active but also to help hold the smart device. If you know your child will use smart devices often while outside, this is a great feature to consider.
Fit
If your little one finds that they don’t fit quite right, they are less inclined to actually keep them on their hands!
Finding the right fit is incredibly important if you want your little one to actually keep them on their hands. If they fit too tightly, they won’t have the range of motion needed to grip ski poles or build a functional snow fort. Too loose, and they won’t work to keep cold air away from their hands.
As a parent to a growing child, you may feel compelled to buy slightly larger to fit as they grow. However, it is super important to buy a size that fits their hands as they are to ensure that they are effective at keeping cold air and moisture away from their hands. However, if you feel unsure of a size, it’s always better to err on the side of too large rather than too small.
Be sure to consult the sizing chart before making your final purchase. Some brands offer sizing in standard Small, Medium, and Large options, while others use a numbered system. We suggest busting out that tape measure and measuring your little one’s hands from the wrist to the tip of their middle figure for an accurate measurement before you make your purchase.
Top Winter Gloves for Kids
1. Swany X-Change Jr
Swany uses the same advanced tech for their adult gloves and transfers it into a much smaller package. What we love most about this design is that it boasts a snug fit that works to wick away water and moisture. It is made from premium materials that are incredibly soft and comfortable, and durable as well. These may cost a little more than most, but we feel that they are worth every penny.
Read moreThe exterior shell of this design is composed of pliable microfiber that is reinforced with leather trim in high impact areas on the side of the palm and fingers. It also has a buckle in the front to create a customized fit to keep cold air out, and a small zippered pocket to store heat sources.
Inside is Swany's Triplex Insulation System that works to keep hands warm and dry. While the waterproof exterior works to keep water out, the lining on the inside helps to wick moisture away from your hands. The lining is breathable while it keeps water and cold air on the outside.
For long days playing out in the snow or on the ski slopes, this design from Swany is worth every penny. We love that it is made from premium materials that work to keep hands dry and warm, even when the temperature really starts to plunge outside.
2. Spyder Overweb
These unique gloves will bring confidence to any aspiring superhero. While not directly related to Spiderman, they are reminiscent. They are offered as boys gloves, but we think they are great for girls too. They are warm, waterproof, and unique.
Read moreFor the adventurous soul or Spiderman fan, these winter gloves really stand out from the rest. The back of the hand has a web on it and there is a small spider stitched on the wrist. They are available with the choice of six different accent colors. For the most part, the glove is black, but for the detailed spider and web stitching, you can choose a color.
They offer a great amount of insulation. The ThemaWEB insulation brings 200g of warmth. To add more ventilation or warmth, there is a zippered pocket on the back of the hand. You can leave it open for airflow or you can insert a hand warmer for increased warmth.
The polyester 10k/10k hydroWEB laminate has a Splyon DWR finish. This makes the gloves waterproof, breathable, and warm. To keep out snow, there are two closures. There is a bungee drawcord and also a wrist strap. With these gloves, you don’t need to worry about cold hands after falling down or building a snowman.
These gloves not only look great, but they are also comfortable. The stretch polyester fabric allows for generous dexterity and there is also a decent grip in the palm of the hands. For convenience, there is a nose wipe on the thumb. Best of all, these gloves are machine washable.
3. Hestra Heli Ski
If you want some excellent winter weather protection for your little one, then you might want to consider Hestra Heli Ski gloves, which are made to offer excellent performance on the slopes and in the snow. These kids gloves feature a protective outer layer and an insulated, warm inner layer that will keep your child’s hands happy even on the coldest of days.
Read moreThe five-finger winter gloves are available in six different colors. The colors are pretty basic, but there is a nice variety. There is a wide range of sizes available and most everyone agrees that they fit true to size.
The exterior is made with windproof and waterproof goat leather. The interior of these leather gloves includes a removable Bemberg liner to help keep hands very warm. The insulation used inside is Bemberg synthetic.
The goat leather helps protect your child in the winter cold and from the wet snow while also featuring the ability to provide a secure grip on poles. The snow lock around the wrists ensures that no snow enters the gloves and helps to keep in the warmth.
Designed with a snow lock gauntlet to seal around the wrist, these kids gloves will help keep snow out of the interior glove area for added warmth and protection. Plus, they are also designed with handcuffs to prevent the loss of a glove into the snow.
They also feature a snap hook that lets you snap the gloves together when you aren’t using them, making it very easy to find them.
4. Hestra CZone
Hestra’s Gauntlet CZone gloves offer kids weather protection and warmth for all outdoor snow day activities. These kids winter gloves provide your child with comfort and flexibility that will help promote easy movement and keep hands warm, dry and happy all day long.
Read moreThese three-finger mittens provide great warmth and dexterity. The separation of the thumb and pointer finger makes it easy to perform daily tasks. They are available in sizes 3-7. The color choices are quite limited, only pink, black, or gray.
The interior of these gloves is made of a CZone insert and warm fiberfill insulation that helps produce heat.
Designed on the exterior of the kids' winter gloves with windproof, waterproof, and breathable Hestra lining, your child’s hands will stay protected from the weather with these gloves, which also ventilate well.
They also feature hook and loop straps so you can easily keep the gloves together when you need to put them away. Plus, the brushed polyester lining makes them feel very soft to the touch, adding a lot of comfort and flexibility to the gloves. They also come with a PU digital palm to help make your child’s day easier each time he or she wears the gloves.
5. Columbia Youth Whirlibird
For an affordable pair of gloves made by an excellent manufacturer, you might want to consider Columbia’s Youth Whirlibird gloves which offer plenty of warmth and weather protecting features that will keep your child’s fingers warm and dry on wet, cold days. These kids gloves come with several features that make them above average in performance and will perform well in snowy weather.
Read moreThe five-finger gloves look pretty standard. One thing that does make them stand out is the color choices available. You can choose from a variety of colors, including feminine and masculine options. They are available in sizes Small to Extra Large.
There is a Nylon HC 3000 shell on the outside, and Omni-Heat reflective lining plus 150g micro-temp XF II insulation on the interior of the gloves for kids. The Omni-Heat reflective lining works to derive heat from your child’s own body heat, while the insulation helps to keep the temperature warm on the inside.
Columbia’s gloves come with Omni-tech waterproof breathable technology built into it. Being both breathable and waterproof, you’ll stay dry, warm, and comfortable all day long.
They are also made to be touchscreen-compatible, so your little one can play with smart devices easily. These gloves also feature a nose wipe on the finger to help runny noses on cold days, and an adjustable wrist strap to keep the snow out.
Made with several features that children will enjoy, these kids snow gloves will protect your child from the weather while also adding plenty of warmth.
6. Burton Youth Gore-Tex
Burton’s Youth Gore-Tex gloves provide another excellent option that offers weatherproof protection, comfort, and warmth to keep your child’s hands happy on cold, snowy days.These can handle just about anything—from ski outings to building a snowman since they are extremely waterproof.
Read moreIf your child is one who enjoys showing off their personal style, these will fit like a glove! They are available in many different colors and patterns, neutral, feminine, and masculine - there really is a style for everyone! They are available in sizes Extra Small to Extra Large and tend to run true to size. There have only been a handful of customers who say they run slightly large.
The interior of these gloves uses microfiber with Thermex insulation to keep your child’s hands heated throughout hours of winter play. Also, with the Gore-Tex waterproofing and warm insulation, your child’s hands should stay warm and dry even on the coldest winter days.
The exterior is lined with a Gore-Tex membrane, which makes it totally waterproof, windproof, and still breathable. So, as your child sweats, the gloves will ventilate the water out so your child’s hands will never feel too warm.
These gloves also feature touchscreen-compatible fingers so that your child can use a smart device without taking his or her gloves off. Burton’s Youth Gore-Tex gloves are also made with gauntlet-style wrists, which helps keeps out the snow.
7. Hestra All Mountain CZone
Multiple layers of fabric work together to craft an incredibly warm and comfortable fit that keeps little hands happy all day long. In true Hestra fashion, this design is made from quality materials and comes in a wide variety of sizing options to create a perfect fit. While it costs more than other designs out there on the market, it is well worth it for long days playing out in the cold.
Read moreThis design is constructed with four different layers of weather-resistant materials that keep cold air out, and hot air inside. It is composed of 70 percent waterproof leather, and 30 percent durable polyester. It boasts an additional CZone insert that creates an impenetrable waterproof barrier around your hands.
The interior is also lined with 100 percent waterproof polyester that keeps little hands warm, but not overly sweaty. It has an elastic wrist band that is reinforced with a buckle to ensure that no cold air is able to enter, even as you move your hands as your little one plays in the snow.
If you want something that is incredibly effective for long days out in the snow and is willing to pay a little bit extra, this design from Hesta is one of your best choices. We love that it is composed of premium materials that hold up well during outdoor playtime, and it is comfortable enough to wear all day long.
8. Burton Youth Vent
If you’re looking for something that’s very waterproof since you’ll know you’ll be handling snow often while playing outdoors with your child in the winter, then you’ll probably want a pair of waterproof gloves, like the Burton Vent gloves. These kids gloves are designed to keep your child’s hands warm and dry, no matter how much snow you encounter throughout your day.
Read moreThese Burton gloves come in many different colors and designs for both boys and girls. For the kid who doesn’t mind a bit of attention, these are a great choice. They are available in sizes Extra Small to Extra Large. Like other Burton gloves, they run true to size for the most part, if not slightly large.
Inside the gloves there is a midweight Thermacore synthetic insulation that provides warmth without adding too much bulk, helping your child to feel comfortable. Designed with a DryRide Insane Membrane 2.0, which is a breathable and waterproof laminate that keeps hands warm while allowing the sweat accumulation on the inside of the glove to vent out, your child’s hands will feel perfect in these gloves.
They also feature a Toughgrip PU palm that will help grab onto ski poles, rope tows—or really anything he or she needs to grab. Plus, the microfiber lining on the interior of the gloves helps to offer a boost in insulation and warmth.
9. Dakine Avenger
The Avenger is a great glove for below-freezing temperatures. It features 230g of synthetic insulation and a Gore-Tex waterproof liner. They are easy for children to put on and take off without assistance and have a durable polyurethane palm, making them a great choice for sports and playing in the snow.
Read moreWhile there are not many choices in terms of color and print, the ones that are available are appealing. You can choose from all black or gray with black and teal, or there are also two pairs with designs - one blue and one purple based. They have a simple but stylish look and would please any child. As for sizing, the Avengers are made to fit children from age four to twelve, with sizes Small to Extra Large.
Similar to many winter jackets, these gloves bring you 230g of high-loft synthetic insulation. 230g is a great amount of warmth for below-freezing temperatures. To aid in ultimate warmth and comfort, the materials built into it will ensure that your hands never get wet.
Our favorite material is present here! Gore-tex. The gore-tex insert is both waterproof and breathable. For extra comfort, the durable polyurethane palm is dotted with texture for extra breathability and grip. The Avenger is a great glove for playing in the snow and sports.
These gloves are easy to take on and off with just one hand. The cinch drawstring tightens it around the middle of the lower arm. There is also elastic at the wrist as an extra precaution to avoid snow from getting in. The Avenger gloves come with a two-year limited warranty and are machine washable.
10. The North Face Youth Denali Etip
If your little one likes to stay connected with a smart device while on-the-go, then he or she will love The North Face Youth Denali Etip gloves, which are made to be compatible with smart devices while your child plays outside. Since you don’t want their hands to freeze, you’ll be able to solve that concern by purchasing a pair of these gloves.
Read moreThese are pretty basic in the style department. They are available in sizes Small, Medium, and Large and in four colors- black, gray, pink, and blue. The North Face Youth Denali Etip gloves are made to be heavyweight and come with a lot of fleece insulation to keep your child’s hands warm when the days are cold outside. Plus, this glove also features a silicone gripper on the hands to prevent a smart device from slipping out of your hands if your gloves get wet.
One of the biggest flaws with the Etip glove is the fact that it’s not waterproof. We aren’t saying that they will get wet and cold in a light snowfall, but these aren’t the gloves you’ll want to build a snowman in. With the silicon grip, these would be better suited for sports.
They are also made with UIR powered fleece on the outside of the gloves to provide five-finger touchscreen capability that works with any smart device. These are made with a five-dimensional fit and Radiometric Articulation to provide plenty of comforts.
On the knuckles, there is a nylon Taslan which helps add durability and makes the gloves long-lasting. Plus, with the ability to work with touchscreens while providing warmth, your little one can always keep his or her hands warm even when using a smart device outside.
11. Columbia Fast Trek
If you’re looking for a good cold-weather glove that works well for an active child and you don’t necessarily need waterproof protection, then Columbia’s Fast Trek gloves are manufactured with plenty of mobility and durability to last through a few winter seasons. Designed with a focus on warmth and comfort, your child will be able to move without having to worry about the gloves restricting his or her hands.
Read moreThey are designed with 100% polyester MTF fleece, which makes it a midweight glove that provides a lot of warmth on colder days. The palms of these gloves are also designed to be abrasion-resistant so that the gloves won’t wear out and will last much longer.
They are water-resistant, but not waterproof. They are okay for a walk in the park or sports, but not for getting down and dirty in the snow.
With an elastic wrist, these gloves are made to stay on your child’s hands no matter how active he or she gets while outside. Plus, the elastic wrist closure features a security clip to ensure that the gloves stay on your child’s hands.
They are also machine washable, so it is very easy to keep them clean no matter how filthy they become. With their flexibility, comfort, and warmth, these are great gloves to wear on chilly days.
Sources
- , Winter safety: Advice for parents and kids, Website
