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Best Running Gloves
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
The level of comfort you’ll experience after you purchase your gloves depends on a few things, including warmth, flexibility and function, and the materials you’ll find designed into the gloves. While much about comfort is a matter of personal preference, wanting gloves that will keep you warm while staying flexible will be an important factor to consider. When you purchase your running gloves, you’ll want to make sure you buy the gloves that will provide you with the correct amount of warmth, depending on where you plan to run and how often you’ll hit the trails.
The level of warmth you need can vary depending on your situation, and not all runners will want the same level of warmth as other runners. For instance, if you live in a warmer area, like Southern California, running in the cold weather will be far different than if you’re hitting the trails in New York in December or January. So, where you live should help dictate how much warmth you need, as well as what the temperature will be like during the winter while you are outside.
When trying to determine how much warmth you need from your gloves, make sure you figure out what the usual winter weather temperature will be while you are outside. One nice thing about running gloves is that most manufacturers will tell you what temperatures their gloves can handle, and this can be an important part of the product description for you to consider so that you wind up purchasing gloves that won’t make you feel too warm, or too freezing.
Another factor that can dictate how comfortable you feel your gloves are is their flexibility and tactile function. If you want to make sure you have gloves that are touchscreen compatible so you never have to remove them when you are on the trail, then you may need to pay a bit more for this feature. However, it is a handy one to have, considering you’ll be able to wear your gloves for the duration of your run even if you need to answer texts and Emails. Or, if you like listening to music when you are on the trails, it will be much easier for you to do that if you buy touchscreen-capable gloves. We provided many options for touchscreen-compatible gloves on your list if that is a feature you want. Also, the flexibility of your gloves and how well they stretch and move with you will determine a lot about how comfortable they are. Make sure you purchase gloves that can stretch and are made to move with you so you never need to worry about your gloves restricting your movements.
Once you know what you really want from your gloves, you should be able to determine what type of materials described above match your needs. Knowing about the materials should also help provide you with the level of comfort you’ll want when you are out on the trails.
Fit
How well your gloves fit you can help you determine a lot about how well you’ll like wearing them. Fit, therefore, is one of the most important factors to consider, and some of this will be up to personal preference as well as the size and shape of your hands. Since everybody’s hands are different, you’ll want to make sure you know about the size and shape of your hands before you purchase your gloves. Another thing to factor in about fit when it comes to gloves is your wrist area since most of these gloves are made to provide some wrist protection and connect easily to your jacket, so you won’t have any skin left out in the open to suffering from the elements. So, even if you think a glove fits your hand well if it doesn’t help protect your wrists when you wear your jacket, you’ll want to select a different style of glove.
Most of these gloves are manufactured for a snug, cozy fit because they are designed to boost warmth and need to insulate your hands well. So, these gloves should go over your hands and feel like another skin layer, offering the flexibility and feel you’ll want. You don’t want gloves that are too large because they can rub and cause skin irritations. Also, if your gloves are too small, they can cut off the circulation in your hands, making your hands feel even colder and less comfortable.
When you are trying to determine how well your gloves fit you, make sure you measure your hands so you purchase the right size. Some manufacturers make gloves that run too big or run too small, and you’ll want to avoid picking the wrong size when you make your selection.
Breathability
Depending on how warm you want your hands to feel, you’ll need to determine how much ventilation you’ll need in your gloves. Some gloves are designed with a focus mostly on warmth, and that usually means the gloves won’t ventilate as well as some other options on our list. However, for some runners, less ventilation is just fine, because they want the extra warmth to help them beat the temperatures they’ll be running in.
Materials designed into the glove will also help you determine how breathable your gloves are going to be. Polyester and acrylic gloves offer the best ventilation, but also typically provide less warmth and weather protection. So, there is typically a trade-off between how much warmth you’ll get from your gloves, and how breathable they will be. Some gloves designed with less breathable materials try to balance out the need for ventilation by featuring mesh vents or other vent panels on the gloves. Using vents can help balance out ventilation on gloves that might not have felt as breathable otherwise. So, just because a glove comes made out of a less breathable fabric doesn’t mean it won’t offer the right amount of ventilation.
Weather Resistance
Some gloves on our list offer elements of wind protection, while others also offer water protection. However, not all gloves are made to provide a lot of weather protection, so before you make your purchase, you need to know what the climate will be like when you hit the trails. Knowing that can help you determine if you need any weather protection at all. Typically, the more weather protection you find in a glove, the more expensive the glove will be.
Many of the gloves on our list offer some form of wind protection, which can help boost warmth while you are on the go. The less wind you feel, the fewer cold breezes you’ll encounter, and the warmer your hands will feel. Some gloves made to help with wind protection feature several layers on the exterior area of the glove, which helps cut back on the amount of wind and cold air that can cut through the glove and hit your hands. Some of the gloves on our list also come with water-resistant features. If you know you’ll be hitting the trails when it rains or when it is wet, then some kind of moisture resistance will be beneficial. Depending on the materials your gloves are made from, you can get a good level of water-resistance out of several types of gloves. Most gloves made for running are not designed to be totally waterproof, because if they were, they wouldn’t breathe at all. However, how much protection from the water you’ll need will depend on the areas you’ll want to explore as you run.
Top Ten Running Gloves
1. Trailhead Elements Touchscreen
Trailhead’s Elements Touchscreen Running Gloves are designed to keep your hands warm during those crisp, cold fall and winter weather days. If you enjoy running and need gloves that will both boost warmth while staying durable, then you’ll like what Trailhead has to offer.
Read moreComfort
Trailhead’s Elements Touchscreen Running Gloves provide you with enough warmth when the weather’s cold, but they don’t overdo how much thermal regulation you get because you won’t sweat in these gloves. Because of their ability to keep you warm while they breathe, you’ll also never experience odor build-up when you are running.
Fit
Trailhead’s Elements Touchscreen Running Gloves have double-layer mesh cuffs, which help make their fit secure so they always feel snug on your hands. Plus, they come in many sizes, so you should be able to find the best fit for you easily.
Breathability
These gloves also have mesh vents on them, which helps create ventilation so your hands stay warm and dry. Made to be highly breathable, Trailhead’s Elements Touchscreen Running Gloves won’t overheat your hands.
Weather Resistance
Since these running gloves offer ample amounts of warmth without causing your hands to overheat, you won’t have to worry about how cold it is outside. Also, you’ll get a decent amount of wind protection with these gloves.
2. New Balance Lightweight
For a chilly afternoon or a brisk morning, these lightweight cold weather running gloves from New Balance are a great addition. You'll hardly even notice them because you can still grip and text, and because they are not bulky. They are available in black or gray. If you are a NY fan, there is also an option that lists the five boroughs on the fingers.
Read moreComfort
With a great amount of warmth and breathability, your hands will feel comfortable in these gloves. The design of the gloves allows you to continue on with your everyday activities. The palm has a grip on it that easily allows you to pick up a water bottle or even use them to drive. Additionally, you’ll be able to quickly respond to email and texts with the touch tips.
Fit
These lightweight gloves are available in sizes Extra Small to Extra Large. For the most part, reviewers have found that they fit true to size. There is a comfortable cuff on each glove that extends under your jacket to keep out the cold and provide a great fit.
Breathability
The blend of the polyester, spandex, and fleece makes for a decently breathable running glove. If you live in a very cold climate, you actually may be put off by the breathability that is offered by these gloves.
Weather Resistance
Polyester is naturally a water-resistant fabric. However, because these gloves are made from a blend, they are not marketed as water nor wind-resistant. They can handle a bit of water or sweat but won’t keep out the rain. However, they are pleasantly warm with a GSM rating of 240.
3. ASICS Thermal
ASICS made their Thermal Running Gloves with plenty of wind protection and warmth, so your hands will always feel warm as you run. Designed to be soft, comfortable, and flexible, you’ll love the way these running gloves feel each time you put them on.
Read moreComfort
Made with a soft interior lining, these gloves feel great when you have them on, since they help boost warmth while providing comfort. You’ll also get a lot of flexibility out of these gloves since they are also designed to be touchscreen compatible.
Fit
ASICS offers a wide variety of size options for their Thermal Running Gloves. However, some of their sizes do tend to run small and the cuffs can fit tightly, so make sure you measure the size of your hands before you make your purchase.
Breathability
These gloves were manufactured with a strong emphasis on keeping your hands warm, so they aren’t as breathable as some other options on our list. They do ventilate but don’t offer a hardcore ventilation system.
Weather Resistance
ASICS Thermal Running Gloves come with a multi-weather brushed fabric designed over the outside of the gloves, which helps protect your hands from the wind. You’ll get enough wind protection to help boost your warmth while you run.
4. Nike Storm Fit 2.0
Nike’s Storm Fit 2.0 Running Gloves provide ample amounts of weather protection because of their wind-resistant and water-resistant features. Plus, they’ll keep your hands very warm while ventilating well so you’ll never need to worry about your hands feeling too hot as you run.
Read moreComfort
Nike’s Storm Fit 2.0 Running Gloves are made to be very flexible so they’ll never restrict your movement, and they also offer a lot of warmth. You’ll also get an added level of comfort with the silicone grip system designed into these gloves.
Fit
Nike’s Storm Fit 2.0 Running Gloves do provide a good fit, but the sizes of these gloves tend to run large. So, before you buy a pair, make sure you measure your hands so you purchase the correct size.
Breathability
Manufactured with Dri-Fit technology, these gloves provide you with moisture-wicking properties that will help your hands stay warm and dry. Also, there are plenty of decent vents that come with these breathable gloves, so you’ll never overheat.
Weather Resistance
Nike’s Storm Fit 2.0 Running Gloves are made with Storm-FIT fabric, which is designed to help repel water and prevent wind from penetrating the glove. With that much weather protection, your hands will always stay warm and dry.
5. The North Face Etip
The Etip from North Face is a great glove for moderate weather, or used as a liner in intense weather. It is extremely comfortable thanks to the Radiametric Articulation and five-dimensional fit system. Additionally, they are available in a variety of neutral colors.
Read moreComfort
There is no doubt about it, this a comfortable pair of gloves. The Radiametric Articulation forms to the natural relaxed shape of your hands and provides great comfort. They feature four-way stretch, silicon grip palms, and every fingertip works with a touch screen. What makes them even better is the fact that they are machine washable.
Fit
As you can guess from the great flexibility, these gloves have a great fit. The North Face uses a five-dimensional fit system that uses five different hand measurements to ensure that each pair is consistently sized. With that said, they tend to run true to size. However, there have been a few complaints of the fingers being slightly too short.
Breathability
These gloves are made from a polyester-elastane fleece. This makes them highly breathable and absorbent. If you begin to sweat, the sweat will be absorbed by the gloves and evaporated quickly. For some reviewers, they were too breathable in high-wind situations.
Weather Resistance
These gloves are slightly water-resistant, but not waterproof. Some users suggest using these as a liner underneath a heavy-duty glove. In high winds, they are a bit too breathable and don’t protect your hands. However, the Radiametric Articulation does help to improve blood flow to your hands, therefore keeping them warmer.
6. Manzella Windstopper
Designed to bring you a lot of warmth and excellent protection from the wind, Manzella’s Windstopper Running Gloves are made to be fully windproof. Plus, with their flexibility and comfort, you’ll love putting these cold weather gloves on every time you run.
Read moreComfort
These gloves are very comfortable and come with a soft interior and an exterior that’s designed to protect you from the wind. You’ll also get a lot of warmth and a pair of gloves that come touchscreen compatible.
Fit
Manzella’s Windstopper Running Gloves are made to fit your hands snugly so that you get the warmth and weather protection you need. Some sizes do run large, so make sure you measure the size of your hands so you get the best fit.
Breathability
Manzella’s Windstopper Running Gloves ventilate well, so your hands won’t ever feel sweaty or wet. Designed with moisture-wicking technology, these gloves will push the outside moisture from your sweat out through the exterior area of the gloves.
Weather Resistance
Manufactured with three layers of wind stopper fabric, these gloves bring you excellent protection from the wind. You won’t feel the cool winter breezes on your hands, and you’ll stay warm.
7. Under Armour No Breaks
These running gloves are not only from a great company but also will keep your hands warm and you running all winter long. They are weather-resistant to ensure if it is raining or snowing these gloves will not get wet and ruin your running experience. Definitely a great pair of gloves to check out for the value.
Read moreComfort
The Under Armour No Break running gloves are made to be Thin, and tight-fitting to ensure they are not too bulky on your hands and will maintain your body heat.
Fit
The No Break Running Gloves from Under Armour doe provide a good fit and do not have extra weight so you do not even know you are wearing gloves. When buying any piece of clothing it is always good to look at the size chart and measure your hands to ensure you get a perfect pair.
Breathability
These gloves provide you with moisture-wicking properties that will help your hands stay warm and dry. Also, there are plenty of decent vents that come with these breathable gloves, so you’ll never overheat.
Weather Resistance
These gloves are manufactured with a UA storm finish to ensure they will be protected from rain and snow without taking away from the breathability of these gloves.
8. Under Armour ColdGear Liner
If you want some protective winter gloves that provide you with plenty of lengths to cover your wrists and upper arms, then you’ll like the style of UnderArmour’s ColdGear Liner Running Gloves. Designed to keep your hands warm and made with flexible materials, these gloves will keep your hands cozy while you run.
Read moreComfort
The fabric manufactured into these gloves is very soft to the touch and feels great against the skin. Plus, you get a silicone grip and great flexibility with these gloves, and their long length helps add a boost of warmth to not only your hands but also your upper arms.
Fit
UnderArmour’s ColdGear Liner Running Gloves are made to fit snugly, but sometimes they can be difficult to get off. Make sure you select the right size so you get the correct fit if you purchase these gloves.
Breathability
These gloves feature a Signature Transport System which helps to wick moisture away from the gloves, preventing you from overheating when you run. Also, the vents on these gloves add the breathability you’ll want when you are on the go.
Weather Resistance
Although there’s no weather protection advertised with these gloves, their long style helps ensure your hands stay protected from the wind and elements. Because of their long length, you’ll stay warm when you run.
9. Vbiger Winter Running Touchscreen
Vbiger’s Winter Running Touchscreen Gloves offer you a lot of warmth whenever you are running during the cold winter weather. Made to be touchscreen compatible, you’ll get a lot of durabilities and use out of these high-quality gloves.
Read moreComfort
Vbiger’s Winter Running Touchscreen Gloves are designed to promote warmth by retaining thermal regulation from your own body heat inside of the gloves. Also, the palms of these gloves have an anti-skid patch to better protect your hands when you run.
Fit
Vbiger’s Winter Running Touchscreen Gloves use a special sizing that’s easy to figure out and will ensure that your gloves fit snugly. By measuring your middle finger and the width of your palm, you’ll know what size of gloves you really need.
Breathability
Made with a good ventilation system, these gloves are designed to wick moisture on the exterior of the gloves. That will help your hands stay warm and dry even when the weather gets very cold.
Weather Resistance
Made to be fully wind resistant, these gloves will provide you with plenty of wind protection to help aid in warmth. You won’t need to worry about too much exposure to the elements affecting the comfort of your hands with these gloves.
10. Sugoi Zap
If you’re looking for touchscreen compatible, durable running gloves, you’ll probably like what Sugoi Zap has to offer. Made with a sleek design and manufactured to keep your hands warm as you run in the winter weather, you’ll like the cozy feel you get with these gloves.
Read moreComfort
If you tend to perform a lot of long-distance runs in the winter weather, then you’ll enjoy how warm your hands will feel during the duration of your trip. Plus, the Sugoi Zap Running Glove is also very flexible, and move as you move.
Fit
The Zap gloves are designed to fit you well and come in enough sizes to offer the snug comfort you’ll need when on the go. Because of their cozy fit, you’ll get plenty of warmth generated but the multiple layers of fabric in the gloves.
Breathability
These gloves have an average ventilation system and do help push moisture to the outside of the glove. This can help your hands stay warm and dry even as you sweat and run.
Weather Resistance
Sugoi Zap Running Gloves are designed to be wind-resistant, so they offer a lot of protection from adverse elements that can keep you cold. Your hands will be protected throughout your run from the cold winter weather.
Sources
- , Best Running Gloves of 2017, Informational Sports Website
- , Best Running Gloves To Keep Your Hands Warm During Your Runs, Informational Running Website
- , Best Running Gloves Reviewed, Informational Running Website
- , The 8 Best Running Gloves Reviewed, Informational Running Website
- , How to Buy Running Gloves, Informational Running Website
- , 8 Running Gloves That'll Make Your Winter Workouts Bearable, Buying Guide