When your training doesn't stop for winter, your hands become the frontline in the battle against the elements. Whether you’re hitting the trails for early morning marathon prep, gearing up for a winter ultra, or boosting your cycling game during the frosty months, the right gloves are a crucial piece of your winter training arsenal.

To help you take on those frosty months with warm hands, we created a list of the best athletic gloves, breaking down the best options for every scenario. We’ve tailored our selections to meet the unique demands of different endurance sports, a range of temperatures, and the essential features that are vital for long training days.

 

How to Choose the Right Winter Running Gloves

When selecting winter gloves for endurance training, focus on these key factors to ensure you get the right pair for your needs:

Temperature	Weather	Convenience	Quality & Comfort
Consider starting and working temperatures Look for adaptability as you warm up Check if layering options are needed	Water resistance and protection Breathability for high-intensity training Adaptability to changing conditions	Touchscreen compatibility Secure grip for equipment Reflective elements for visibility Dexterity and flexibility	Durability Fit Maintenance requirements

⚠️ Remember: The best glove for you depends on your specific training conditions, intensity level, and typical workout duration. Consider these factors as you review our top picks below.

 

 

 

Best Overall: The North Face Etip Trail Gloves

• Activities: Hiking, running
• Materials: Polyester, elastane, polyamide
• Price point: €55

The North Face Etip Trail Gloves solve one of winter running's most frustrating challenges: maintaining both warmth and device control. These gloves excel with their WindWall™ fabric technology, engineered specifically to block chilling winds while maintaining crucial breathability for long runs. The integrated windproof over-mitt, which cleverly stows in a back-hand pocket, provides instant additional protection when conditions worsen without needing to carry extra gear.

What sets these gloves apart is their thoughtful balance of performance features. The stretchy recycled polyester construction offers unrestricted movement while providing effective moisture-wicking capabilities. Five-finger touchscreen compatibility works seamlessly with devices, and while you might not achieve perfect precision, it's reliable enough for quick playlist changes or checking training metrics. The silicone palm grip pattern adds security when handling devices or gear, which is especially crucial during long training sessions.

Pros	Cons
Snug, stretchy fit that doesn't restrict movement Reflective details for low-light visibility Silicone grip for secure device handling Recycled materials	Limited color options Not made for extreme cold Spot-clean only

🔥 PRO TIP: Size down in the Etip Trail Gloves if you're between sizes. They tend to stretch with use, and a snugger initial fit will give you better device control and prevent cold air gaps.

Buy now at North Face

Best Glove to Mitt: Brooks Draft Hybrid Glove

• Activities: Running, winter training
• Materials: Polyester, Spandex knit
• Price point: €50

 

The Brooks Draft Hybrid Glove takes winter running comfort to the next level with its smart two-in-one design. At its core is a well-fitted running glove with minimal seams for comfort, enhanced by a clever windproof, water-resistant mitt that stows away in a reflective-strapped pouch on the back. It's a game-changer for managing temperature, letting runners tweak their protection on the fly as weather shifts or as they heat up during a run.

What really sets these gloves apart are the thoughtful details tailored for practicality. The cuffs are designed to keep out the chill and the rain, while strategic mesh inserts in the palms allow for cooling when it's needed. The thumb and index fingertips are touch-screen friendly, often responding even better than bare skin. Clever features like magnetic cuff closures keep the gloves together when not in use, and bright reflective and fluorescent details ensure you're seen during those early morning or late evening jogs.

Pros	Cons
Excellent temperature regulation Superior touchscreen compatibility Reflective details and visibility features Windproof, water-resistant mitt over lightweight, breathable gloves.	Mitt portion may shrink slightly after washing

🔥 PRO TIP: Start your cold runs with the mitts deployed, then stow them once you've warmed up. The mitts can be quickly redeployed during walk breaks or when stopping to check your phone.

🔥 PRO TIP: Pair these with a thin-liner glove on extremely cold days. The hybrid construction allows enough space without compromising dexterity.

Buy Now at Brooks

Best Budget Option: Ozero Winter Thermal Gloves

• Activities: Running, cycling, hiking
• Materials: polyester, TPU (shell), spandex (cuff), fleece lining
• Price point: €17.99

The Ozero Winter Thermal Gloves prove that effective cold-weather hand protection doesn't have to break the bank. These surprisingly capable gloves combine a windproof polyester shell with premium polar fleece lining, providing reliable warmth for early winter, spring, and late fall activities. While they may lack some refinements of premium options, they excel at the fundamentals of keeping hands warm and comfortable during outdoor activities.

What makes these gloves stand out in the budget category is their attention to practical features typically found in more expensive options. The conductive fabric on the thumb and index fingers offers reliable device control, while silicone grip patterns on the palm and fingers ensure secure handling of phones, bike handlebars, or other equipment. The elastic cuffs provide a snug seal against cold air, though the finger fit runs slightly loose.

Pros	Cons
Durable, withstands multiple wash cycles Exceptional value for money Reliable touchscreen compatibility Wind-proof and water-resistant Non-slip silicone for grip	Fingers run slightly loose Air dry recommended No reflective detailing

🔥 PRO TIP: These gloves are designed for a slim fit. So, if you prefer a more relaxed feel or plan to use them with liners, order one size larger than your usual size.

Buy Now at Amazon

Best Waterproof: TrailHeads Convertible Running Gloves

• Activities: Running, winter training, wet weather activities
• Materials: Recycled polyester, spandex shell
• Price point: €40 to €50 (men's and women’s models)

For runners who don't let rain dictate their training schedule, TrailHeads Convertible Running Gloves deliver crucial weather protection without compromising performance. The design tackles a common runner's dilemma: the need for waterproof protection that doesn't turn into a personal sauna. By combining a breathable inner glove with a deployable waterproof mitten shell, these gloves adapt to both conditions and effort levels. The extended cuffs prevent the notorious "rain creep" up your sleeves, while four-way stretch materials ensure natural hand movement.

If you like to use devices during your training, you’ll love the responsive touchscreen compatibility and secure grip pattern that ensures a firm grip even in wet conditions. The mitten portion stows easily in a dedicated back pocket when not needed, secured by magnetic closures that won't come undone mid-stride. Reflective elements provide essential visibility for those pre-dawn or dusk training sessions, while the moisture-wicking internal fabric prevents that clammy feeling during higher-intensity training sessions.

Pros	Cons
Reliable waterproofing  Superior moisture-wicking  Excellent touchscreen compatibility Secure magnetic closure system Reflective elements for visibility Recycled materials	Extended cuff may interfere with watch access Less breathability when fully deployed Slightly bulky when packed down

🔥 PRO TIP: While these excel in wet conditions, they may feel warm in temperatures above 40°F (4°C) when the mitten shell is deployed. Use the convertible feature to regulate temperature as needed.

Buy Now at Trailheads

Best All Weather: Seirus SoundTouch GORE-TEX Infinium

• Activities: Running, cycling, winter endurance training
• Materials: Nylon, polyester, polyurethane, spandex, neoprene
• Price point: €52.19

Weather warriors, meet your match. The Seirus SoundTouch GORE-TEX Infinium gloves harness advanced GORE-TEX technology to create a 100% windproof barrier that doesn't sacrifice breathability. When winter throws a mix of conditions your way, these gloves maintain their performance, keeping hands dry and comfortable whether you're fighting headwinds or working up a sweat on long climbs.

Inside the sleek black shell, a cozy fleece lining works in harmony with top-tier moisture management to handle the intensity of serious training. Seirus has engineered these gloves for a form-fit design that seals out cold air from fingers to wrist, though size up if you prefer more finger mobility. The conductive palm and fingers offer reliable device control without compromising the glove's weather protection, while the anti-slip silicone grip ensures confident handling in all conditions.

Pros	Cons
Complete windproof protection Outstanding moisture-wicking Soundtouch fingertips Durable through multiple washes	Sizing runs small Limited color options (black only) Hand wash only

🔥 PRO TIP: These gloves excel in below-zero temperatures and high-wind conditions. The combination of windproof protection and moisture management makes them ideal for high-intensity endurance challenges with unpredictable weather conditions. 

Buy Now at Seirus

Best Deep Winter Cycling: Pearl Izumi AmFib Lobster Glove

1. Activities: Winter cycling, running
2. Materials: Polyester and polyurethane
3. Price point: €42.50

When temperatures plummet below 30°F (-1°C), most cycling gloves wave the white flag. The Pearl Izumi AmFib Lobster Glove, however, is just getting started. Featuring an innovative lobster claw design that pairs your fingers together, these gloves offer the warmth of mittens with a unique touch that keeps cyclists comfortable. They're lined with 170g of PrimaLoft® Gold insulation, incorporating Cross Core™ technology and Aerogel particles for top-notch warmth without the usual bulkiness, ensuring you maintain great feel and control over your handlebars.

Pearl Izumi's attention to cycling-specific details elevates these gloves beyond basic winter protection. The AmFIB® softshell backing shields against bitter winds while maintaining flexibility, and the Ax Suede Laredo palm provides a confident grip on wet bars. A 3D-shaped gel pad absorbs road vibration without adding bulk, while BioViz® reflective elements offer visibility up to 100 meters. The touchscreen-compatible thumb and index finger mean you won't have to expose your hands to check your devices or grab a quick photo of those winter views.

Pros	Cons
Superior warmth in deep winter conditions Durable, water-repellent technology AX grain palm feels like leather, but it's vegan Recycled materials	Lining comes out with your hand Less dexterity  Not great in heavy rain

🔥 PRO TIP: Give yourself a few shorter rides to adapt to the lobster claw design. Practice shifting and braking in mild conditions before tackling more challenging winter routes.

Buy Now at PEARL iZUMi

Best Extreme Cold: Black Diamond Heavyweight Screentap Gloves

• Activities: Winter hiking, skiing, trail running, cold-weather activities
• Materials: Polyester, fleece, nylon, goat leather palm
• Price point: €50

When winter bites hardest, the Black Diamond Heavyweight Screentap gloves deliver serious warmth without the bulk of traditional cold-weather gear. These gloves blend durability with smart design, featuring a nylon-faced stretch fleece backing for protection and a polyester interior that keeps hands comfortable during extended wear. The DWR treatment adds crucial water resistance for snowy conditions, while goat leather palm patches ensure a secure grip on poles or equipment.

Black Diamond has engineered these gloves with tech-savvy adventurers in mind. The entire palm features U|R Powered conductive material, enabling reliable touchscreen operation without exposing hands to the cold. However, runners should note these weren't primarily designed for running – while they excel in extreme cold, they can quickly become too warm during sustained cardio activities. The absence of reflective elements also means you'll need additional visibility solutions for low-light conditions.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio Premium materials and construction Extended wrist coverage Reliable touchscreen compatibility Soft lining	Limited breathability during intense activity Not suitable for moderate conditions Might run small

🔥 PRO TIP: Use these as your go-to gloves for early morning winter trail runs when temperatures are at their lowest. The reduced breathability becomes less of an issue in extreme cold, and you'll find the extended wrist coverage to be a real asset in keeping the chill at bay.

Buy Now at Black Diamond

Best for Layering: Smartwool Active Fleece Glove

• Activities: Running, hiking, nordic sports, shoulder season training
• Materials: Merino wool blend, polyester and elastane
• Price point: €44.95

Think of Smartwool's Active Fleece Gloves as your hands' favorite base layer. Built with the brand's signature Merino wool blend, these gloves master the delicate balance between just-right warmth and crucial breathability. They excel in those tricky shoulder season moments – when the morning chill bites just enough to make you question bare hands, but full winter protection would be overkill. The strategic windproof patch on the back of the hand adds targeted protection where it matters most.

These gloves really shine in their versatility. Wear them solo for cool autumn runs, or layer them under shells when winter demands more serious protection. The stretchy construction ensures unrestricted movement, whether worn alone or as a base layer, while moisture-wicking properties keep hands comfortable during high-output activities. Available in multiple colors (Pecan Brown Heather, Black, Deep Navy, Light Gray Heather), they include a reflective band at the wrist for low-light visibility. The thumb and index finger are touchscreen-compatible, but the

 touchscreen compatibility could be more reliable.

Pros	Cons
Strategic windproof backing Multiple color options Reflective wrist band Lightweight Silicone grippers on palm and fingers	Touchscreen performance could be better No silicone grip elements Not suitable for colder temperatures if not layered

🔥 PRO TIP: Their moisture-wicking properties make them especially useful during high-intensity activities where sweat management is crucial.

Buy Now at Smartwool

Best Heated: Giro Vulc Lightweight Glove

Activities: Winter cycling, cold-weather riding

Materials: Three-layer softshell, windproof membrane, AX® Suede palm, A-Grid fleece lining

Price point: €163,95 (plus optional Inuheat™ One power pack)

Giro's Vulc Lightweight Glove revolutionizes cold-weather cycling with its minimalist-yet-mighty approach. Unlike traditional bulky heated gloves, these streamlined performers skip heavy insulation in favor of a sophisticated heating system. The design prioritizes bar feel and control with a trim fit and windproof membrane, while the innovative Inuheat system delivers warmth precisely where it's needed – from your knuckles to your fingertips.

The magic happens in the extended gauntlet, where a clever pocket houses the Inuheat battery pack away from your wrist. With USB-C charging, these gloves transform freezing rides into comfortable training sessions. The system communicates through vibration feedback, with ten heat levels controllable via a simple button or smartphone app. Perfect for riders who struggle with cold hands. These gloves are great for temperatures from 50°F (10°C) to well below freezing.

Pros	Cons
Superior heating to fingertips Minimal bulk for excellent control Waterproof electronics Touchscreen compatible Smart battery placement	Premium price point Battery pack sold separately Runs small App needs frequent reconnection Tight gauntlet with limited adjustment

🔥 PRO TIP: At maximum heat, expect about two hours of battery life. For longer rides, consider running at a lower power setting or carrying a spare battery pack.

Buy Now at New Day Sports

Best Visibility: ReflecToes High Visibility Reflective Running Gloves

• Activities: Running, walking, cycling, outdoor fitness
• Materials: Polyester, aluminum sputter-coated glass spherical reflective beads, silicone grips
• Price point: €17

 

When safety meets functionality, ReflecToes High Visibility Reflective Running Gloves shine – literally. These gloves combine bio-motion principles with premium reflective technology, using aluminum sputter-coated spherical beads that dramatically amplify light reflection back to its source. The 50-50 mix of high-visibility reflection and day-glow fluorescent material ensures you're seen in all light conditions, making these gloves particularly valuable for those pre-dawn or dusk training sessions.

Beyond visibility, these gloves pack serious performance features into their lightweight design. A thermal fleece lining provides comfort in temperatures between 20-60°F (-7 to 16°C) while moisture-wicking properties keep hands dry during intense workouts. The anti-slip silicone palm pattern maintains grip on everything from phones to water bottles, and an updated touchscreen compatibility ensures you can check your training stats without exposing your hands to the cold. A thoughtful fleece panel on the thumb serves as a comfortable nose wipe – a small but appreciated detail on longer runs.

Pros	Cons
Effective day and night visibility Comfortable fleece lining Reliable touchscreen compatibility Excellent value for money Moisture-wicking capability	Not suitable for sub-freezing temperatures

🔥 PRO TIP: The bio-motion design makes moving hands highly visible to drivers, making these particularly effective for early morning or evening training when hand signals are crucial for safety.

Buy Now at Reflectoes

Final thoughts

Whether you're tackling pre-dawn marathon training, winter ultras, or cold-weather cycling sessions, the right gloves can transform challenging conditions into quality training opportunities. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect pair to keep your hands comfortable and protected during your winter adventures.

Stay warm, stay safe, and keep pushing those boundaries – no matter what the thermometer says.