Gear of the week: Best winter running gloves

For many Canadians, winter is here. For the rest, it’s about to be. One of the first things to go when running long distances in the extreme cold is the feeling in the hands. Get a right pair of gloves this winter so that the numbing tingle doesn’t make you cut the run short. These gloves and mitts are our top picks. Not only will they keep the fingers dry and cozy, but they are great for… well… mopping up runny noses mid run.

Brooks Drift Glove, $50.00

These gloves have an optional double layer with a water-resistant flap that pulls over the fingers. Brooks adds tech-friendly pads on the fingers so runners don’t have to take gloves off to change their music or use their tracking apps. In winter, reflective strips on gear is everything and this pair has one simple stripe which ups the style and increases chances of being seen in the dark. The best detail of all: magnetic buttons to keep them from wandering astray in the drawer.

MEC  Deploy Run Gloves, $15.00

The first thing that runners will notice is the bright yellow-green colour of these gloves. Winter can be dull enough, no need to dress in all dark and boring shades. This MEC pair is trendy, has a fun reflective print and, important for runners, has added fleece on the thumb. All for just $15.00– these are quite the find.

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Zoot Ultra Thermo Glove, $34.99

Zoot has made the palms and fingers of these gloves extra grippy with smart phone finger tips sparing runners from having to take them off to use their phone or make adjustments to gear on the run. These ones are sleek and stylish and work well when worn as a lining for skiing or other outdoor activities. Zoot really had the runner’s needs in mind when they built in a panel of towel material on the thumb. They describe it as a “fleece snot wiper” because let’s face it, runny noses happen while putting in the kilometres.

Saucony Ulti-Mitt, $35.00

Saucony claims to have designed a mitt for the runner’s hands as well as their noses. They have done exactly that. Not only are these guys warm with the added water-resistant flaps, but they also have an extended double-layered wrist to keep out the sneaky drafts and small magnets on the bottom to keep the pair together. Finger tips and thumbs are tech-friendly and a Saucony has printed their name in reflective type along the right index finger. Small details like this go a long way. As any winter runner knows, the gloves pretty much double up as tissues for runny noses. A soft fleece pad is added specifically for this need.

2XU Sub Zero Gloves, $80.00

2XU has a real knack for going above and beyond and always providing that extra durable piece of gear that stands up to tough conditions. These gloves are great for the multi-sport athlete as they have extra padding and grip on the palms great for grasping handle bars or ski poles. These are extra durable and made from thick material for serious sub-zero temperatures but the thumbs and index finger still have soft material for nose wiping. The wrist cuffs are adjustable so athletes can ensure a snug fit to keep out wind and snow.

Asics PR Shelter Mitt, $35.00

Oddly enough, the term “fits like a glove” doesn’t hold true for most tiny-handed runners. For the runner with mini hands, Asics has come to the rescue. These will fit nice and close and the mitt flap won’t feel loose or saggy. The wrist cuffs have a double layer which is a must when running through sleet or snowstorms. These mitts have it all: water resistant outer layer, tech-friendly tabs, reflection, warmth and a cool look.

Zoot Ultra Flexwind Glove, $39.99

These are just like the Ultra Thermo Glove by the same brand but upgraded to included the water-resistant over-the-fingers flap. These Zoot mitts will keep digits toasty and noses dry so that runners can focus on their pace and kilometre count.