The best running gloves for any conditions
Keep your training on track this winter with a pair of high-quality gloves made for running
Staying motivated to run during colder weather can be challenging, but making sure your hands are warm and comfortable can go a long way toward getting out the door during the winter season. To help you stay warm and motivated, we’ve put together our list of the best running gloves for these cold–and constantly changing–conditions.
Craft Hybrid Weather Glove
A versatile glove/mitten for cold and wet conditions
When you’re dealing with changing weather conditions, reach for the Craft Hybrid Weather Glove. This versatile glove/mitten provides the warmth and weather protection you need in cold, sloppy conditions, or during the start of your run, when you’re still warming up. If the temps improve or if you start overheating, simply pull back the waterproof mitten cover and continue your run with the now exposed, more breathable brushed-polyester glove. The glove is covered in silicone dots, for a secure grip on phones and keys, while the touchscreen-compatible embroidery allows you to take important calls and text messages without exposing your hands to the cold weather. Finally, the addition of a small reflective band ensures you remain visible when running in low-light conditions.
Craft Core Essence Thermal Multi Grip Gloves 2
A lightweight glove for less extreme weather
With their soft, stretchy and highly breathable brushed-polyester jersey material, these gloves deliver the warmth and weather protection runners appreciate in less extreme conditions. The gloves provide exceptional dexterity and, thanks to their touchscreen-compatible construction, ensure accurate texting or scrolling through music playlists. The addition of a silicone print in the palm reduces the risk of dropping expensive phones or other valuable items.
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
Cosy fleece gloves for cool conditions
Featuring a cosy fleece construction and touchscreen compatibility, The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves provide warmth when running, without requiring you to remove your gloves to access your phone. The North Face uses a unique Radiametric Articulation and their 5-Dimensional Fit, resulting in gloves that mirror your hands’ natural neutral position while avoiding the bulk of some less sophisticated construction methods. The addition of silicone dots provides a secure grip when answering your phone, while the multiple colour options (in Canada) allow you to co-ordinate your gloves with your outfit; there’s nothing wrong with looking good while you’re training.
Black Diamond Spark Mittens
A durable waterproof/breathable mitt
With their durable goat-leather shell and waterproof/breathable BD dry insert, the Spark mittens are the perfect choice for running in very cold winter conditions. Mitts are inherently warmer than gloves, and the use of a cosy fleece lining and Primaloft Gold insulation only boosts the heat-trapping qualities of these mittens. Black Diamond has added finger slots to the fleece lining, which help increase dexterity when handling small items. A hook-and-loop wrist closure seals out drafts, and the built-in leashes ensure you won’t lose a mitt when you stop to grab your post-run coffee.
Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Mitten
A windproof merino wool mitt
The Active Fleece Wind Mitten features a cosy polyester and merino wool mitt that provides warm and excellent breathability. If the wind picks up, runners can deploy the tuck-away windproof overlay for additional weather protection and warmth. Smartwool has added silicone dots on the palm and finger area for a secure grip when handling your phone, and the touchscreen-compatible thumb and forefinger area allow you to answer calls without exposing your hands to the elements.
Smartwool Merino Glove
A lightweight merino wool glove
Constructed from a lightweight merino jersey fabric, the Merino Glove is perfect for running in milder temperatures. The fabric consists of 88 per cent wool that surrounds a 12 per cent nylon core, resulting in exceptional warmth and breathability while still maintaining a reasonable level of durability. These minimalist gloves feature a touchscreen-compatible thumb and forefinger, allowing you to easily access your phone. In colder weather, these are also ideal as a liner under a heavier mitt or glove.
Smartwool Thermal Merino Glove
A colourful, lightweight merino glove
Made with 100 per cent merino wool, these gloves deliver what merino is known for: warmth, breathability, a broad temperature comfort range and odour resistance. Smartwool has added touchscreen-compatible thumb and forefinger patches for easy phone use, while the numerous colour options ensure you’ll have the perfect match for your running outfit. On a slightly more functional note, the gloves also make an ideal liner in colder conditions.
Products reviewed in this article:
Craft Hybrid Weather Glove
Craft Core Essence Thermal Multi Grip Gloves 2
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves
Black Diamond Spark Mittens
Smartwool Active Fleece Wind Mitten
Smartwool Merino Glove
Smartwool Thermal Merino Glove