Farewell, Frosty Fingers—These Cold-Weather Running Gloves Will Keep Your Hands Warm Mile After Mile

When it comes to running, our feet tend to get a lot of love. Especially come winter time, cold weather socks and snow-worthy sneakers top most of our gear lists. These are essential, of course, but the one winter running accessory you shouldn’t forget? Gloves. You really need the best running gloves for cold weather and running gloves for winter in general to make it through this freezing season.

The best running gloves for cold weather, at a glance:

• Best touchscreen: New Balance, Lightweight Touchscreen Warm Running Gloves, $19
• Best extra-warm: Brooks, Shield Lobster Running Gloves, $30
• Best lightweight: Icebreaker, Quantum Gloves, $50
• Best merino wool: Arc’teryx, Gothic Glove, $40
• Best windproof: Outdoor Research, Commuter Windstopper Gloves, $65
• Best waterproof: Freetoo, Waterproof Winter Gloves, $19
• Best reflective: Trailheads, Convertible Running Gloves, $38
• Best fleece: Lululemon, Fast and Free Fleece Running Gloves, $42
• Best budget: Achiou, Winter Gloves, $10

If you’ve ever gone for a run without gloves, you know it’s not long before your tender hands and fingers start to freeze. Fingertips can turn pallid, knuckles get stiff, and hands turn into proverbial blocks of ice. Next thing you know, and you’re stopping mid-jog to warm up your mitts, or worse, cutting your run short completely to avoid freezing. Tl;dr: cold hands can take the pep out of your step pretty fast, which is why we recommend investing in one of the best winter running gloves instead.

Whether you’re training for your next marathon or just getting into road running, don’t go out empty-handed—literally. Below, the best running gloves for cold weather, guaranteed to keep your hands toasty mile after mile.

Warm up with the best running gloves for cold weather

Best touchscreen: New Balance, Lightweight Touchscreen Warm Running Gloves — $19.00

Hate bulky winter gloves? Same, which is why we love these lightweight fleece-lined babies from New Balance. The palms feature a grippy design, so no worrying about dropping your phone or your water bottle mid-run. They’re also touchscreen compatible, allowing you to swipe, text, and press play, all without having to take your glove off.

Sizes available: S-XL

Colors available: 4

Reflective: Yes

Pros: 

• Touchscreen compatible
• Grippy, non-slip design
• Mid-weight fleece makes them easy to stow in a pocket

Cons: 

• May not be warm enough for super cold runs

Best extra-warm: Brooks, Shield Lobster Running Gloves — $30.00

If you’re running in a place that frequently dips into freezing temp territory, add these mitten-glove hybrids to your cart. They’re insulated with a synthetic fill that’ll keep your mitts toasty on even the most frigid of jogs. When it’s sleeting or snowing, the ripstop nylon exterior keeps hands dry and out of the elements worry-free. The tech compatibility and flexible fingers don’t hurt either.

Sizes available: S-L

Colors available: 1

Reflective: No

Pros: 

• Mitten-glove hybrid design lets you customize your warmth
• Ripstop nylon exterior is wind and water resistant

Cons: 

• Chunky
• Limited colors and sizes

Best lightweight: Icebreaker, Quantum Glove — $50.00

Don’t let the weight of this glove fool you—they’re warm as can be. Just like the brand’s cozy base layers, these Icebreaker gloves are made from a merino wool that regulates temperature, stays dry, and stays smelling great. Use them alone or as a liner when the temps really drop.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 1

Reflective: No

Pros: 

• Lightweight enough to be used as a glove or a liner
• Merino wool helps regulate temperature and prevent odor buildup

Cons: 

• Limited color options

Best merino wool: Arc'teryx, Gothic Glove — $40.00

This light, liner-like option comes from Arc’teryx. The Gothic Glove is also made from merino wool, which gives it an airy but powerful feel when it’s on. Warmth aside, they’re convenient, giving you tech compatibility in the thumb and forefinger when you need to shoot off a quick text, and compactness when you need to stow them in your pack.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 2

Reflective: No

Pros: 

• Lightweight design makes them easy to stow on the run
• Merino wool provides warmth without the bulk

Cons: 

• Less wind and water resistant than other picks on this list
• No reflective details

Best windproof: Outdoor Research, Commuter Windstopper Gloves — $65.00

As the name suggests, these stretchy knit gloves are designed to be windproof and water resistant. They feature reflective details, grippy palms, and a microfleece interior for added warmth. Just note that because they’re windproof, they may not offer enough ventilation, especially for serious sweaters.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 4

Reflective: Yes

Pros: 

• Windproof & water resistant
• Grippy palms and reflective details

Cons: 

• Not much ventilation

Best waterproof: Freetoo, Waterproof Winter Gloves — $19.00

These gloves are made with a stretchy lycra for a snug, yet flexible fit. The inner is lined with fleece to keep you warm and, if you’re the type to brave the elements for a run, you’ll appreciate the high-density membrane that helps keep rain and snow from seeping through the fabric.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 2

Reflective: Yes

Pros: 

• Outer membrane prevents water from seeping through the fabric
• Thumb and pointer fingers are touchscreen compatible

Cons: 

• May not offer enough ventilation for heavy sweaters

Best reflective: Trailheads, Convertible Running Gloves — $35.00

For fans of the convertible style, check out Trailhead’s mitten-to-glove design. As a mitten, they’re a little bit warmer and waterproof for when things get soggy. As a glove, they provide total mobility and tech compatibility while you’re on the road or trail. And never worry about losing them when they’re off—each mitten has a hidden magnet in the sleeve which keeps them paired up in your backpack, gym bag, or wherever you stow them.

Sizes available: S/M or M/L

Colors available: 2

Reflective: Yes

Pros: 

• Interior magnet helps keep them together
• Convertible design lets you customize your warmth

Cons: 

• Limited size options

Best fleece: Lululemon, Fast and Free Fleece Running Gloves — $42.00

Heading out for a chilly jog? Don’t leave without these beauties. The warm, yet lightweight fleece and reflective detailing make them ideal for low visibility situations when you need to be seen and stay warm. If black isn’t your thing, there’s also a blue and purple color available.

Sizes available: XS/S or M/L

Colors available: 3

Reflective: Yes

Pros: 

• Lightweight fleece design for cooler (but not frigid) runs
• Built-in hook keeps them together when not on your hands

Cons: 

• May not be warm enough when things get really chilly
• Limited size options

Best budget: Achiou, Winter Gloves — $10.00

These best-selling $10 gloves are a no-brainer for anyone on a budget. In addition to being snug, they’re designed to make cold-weather running convenient. From touchscreen fingertips to strategically placed silicone grips, they’re a quality glove that won’t break your bank.

Sizes available: XS-2XL

Colors available: 20+

Reflective: No

Pros:

• Budget-friendly price
• Lots of color options

Cons: 

• No reflective features
• May not be warm enough for super cold temps

How to choose the best cold weather running gloves

Consider the weight

If you’re running in a cold climate, you might want insulated gloves made with thicker materials. But remember that once you start to heat up, you may end up stuffing them in your pocket, so thickness and weight are something to keep in mind.

Take note of the details

Many gloves have special features like reflective strips (which can be helpful for keeping you safe while running at night) or convertible mitten tops (which let you customize your warmth).

Remember your budget

Just like socks, gloves are one of the easier clothing items to lose (RIP to all the single gloves lost). Make sure the gloves you choose aren’t a stretch for you budget-wise—or else your fingers and your wallet will be hurting from the loss.

Frequently asked questions

Is it good to run with gloves on?

Whether or not you choose to keep your digits warm with gloves is a matter of personal preference. Just be sure to wash them in between runs to keep things hygienic.

What temp do I need gloves for running?

Some people turn to gloves when temperatures drop below 35 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit. But again, the decision to wear running gloves is totally up to you and will depend on how warm you tend to get while running.

How tight should running gloves be?

As with all running gear, comfort is key. You’ll want to make sure your gloves fit well so they’re neither too tight or distractingly loose. When in doubt, order the same size gloves you would wear normally.