Best Running Gloves and Mittens

You can lose a lot of your body heat through your extremities, so it’s important to cover those hands. Keeping your hands protected can make all difference between a comfortable run and a miserable one during cold and windy weather.

What to Look for in Running Gloves and Mittens

Materials: When shopping, look for mittens and gloves that are made with lightweight yet insulating fabrics that trap heat and wick away sweat. By maintaining a moisture-free environment within the gloves, your hands stay warm and dry throughout your run.

Fit and Comfort: Look for gloves that feature flexible, stretchable fabrics that allow for natural hand movements and a snug fit. These materials not only provide excellent dexterity but also ensure that the gloves stay securely in place. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s sizing chart to determine which size is right for you.

Grip: If you plan to carry anything while running, you might want gloves with strategically-placed grip pads. Some running gloves feature materials with textured surfaces or silicone grip patterns, improving your ability to hold onto objects.

Touchscreen features: Many running gloves have touchscreen features on the thumb and fingers, so you can use your phone or other devices without taking off your gloves.

Here are some recommendations for the best running gloves to keep you comfortable and protected on the run:

Best Overall: The North Face Etip Gloves

These gloves are a popular choice among winter runners due to their exceptional dexterity and touchscreen compatibility. Featuring a soft fleece lining and a four-way stretch fabric, they provide both warmth and flexibility to keep your hands comfortable during your runs. The Etip Gloves also have silicone grip patterns on the palms, ensuring a firm grip on your phone or other devices. Buy on Amazon

Best for Use with Smartphones: Zensah Smart Running Gloves With Touch Screen Feature

These Zensah Smart Running Gloves keep your fingers warm while still allowing you to use your touch screen smart phone or iPod. Their proprietary Zensah fabric provides ultra-breathability and comfort for you during your cold runs. Buy on Amazon

Best Budget: Outdoor Essentials Touch Screen Running Gloves

For reasonably-priced, high-quality running gloves, you can’t go wrong with this pair from Outdoor Essentials. The stretchy, comfortable Nylon/Spandex blend fabric adds a layer of warmth without the bulk. These gloves also feature touchscreen capability, as well as silicone dots on the fingers and palm to allow for a secure grip on your phone or water bottle. Available in sizes for both men and women, they also work well for casual wear when you’re not running. Buy on Amazon

Best Grip: New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Running Gloves

This pair from New Balance is also reasonably-priced and we love how grippy the palms and fingers are. They’re ideal for holding onto a water bottle, phone, or anything else you may need to carry on the run. The gloves are also touchscreen-compatible on the thumb and index finger, so you can use your devices without removing them. Although they’re not warm enough for temperatures below 25 degrees F, they provide great protection on moderately cold days. Buy on Amazon

Best Women’s Convertible Mittens: TrailHeads Women’s Power Stretch Convertible Mittens

The TrailHeads Women’s Power Stretch Convertible Mittens easily convert from warm mittens to fingerless gloves. You can tuck the mitten top into a storage pockets, allowing your fingers to text, change your music, take photos, or monitor your run data. The Polartec Power Stretch fabric provides protection in colder weather. Runners also love the extended wrist coverage that fits easily into jacket sleeves, so no part of your hand is unprotected. The reflective accents are also ideal for those who run in low-light conditions. Buy on Amazon

Best Men’s Convertible Mittens: Manzella Hatchback Running Mitt

For male runners who want the added warmth of mittens, but the functionality of running gloves, these “running mitts” do it all. Use the stretch fabric glove in milder weather or pull out the wind resistant mitten hood when needed. Buy on Amazon

Best Lightweight Running Gloves: Trailheads Lightweight Running Gloves

Sometimes my hands are cold during my early Spring or Fall runs, but my thick Winter running clothes are too warm to wear. Ideal for spring or fall running weather, these lightweight gloves from Trailheads are perfect for those types of running conditions. In addition, they can be used as a base layer for really cold winter temperatures. They feature a secure, snug fit to keep your hands protected from the wind and cold.

Made with moisture-wicking technology, these running gloves dry quickly if your hands do start getting warm and sweating. An additional bonus is the conductive fabric on the thumb and forefinger that allows you to use touchscreen devices without removing your gloves. Buy on Amazon

Best for Extreme Conditions: Outdoor Research StormTracker Gloves

Built for extreme weather conditions, these gloves are designed to withstand harsh winter elements. Made with a windproof and water-resistant shell, they provide excellent protection against wind, rain, and snow. The StormTracker Gloves also feature touchscreen-compatible fingertips, allowing you to use your smartphone without taking them off. With their snug fit and superior insulation, these gloves are perfect for those cold, blustery days. Buy on Amazon

Best for Smartphone Use Runner-up: TrailHeads Women’s Running Touchscreen Gloves

Versatile and comfortable, these running gloves feature a smooth, durable outer layer that is wind and abrasion resistant, as well as a super soft, brushed inner layer that wicks moisture away from your skin for maximum thermal efficiency.

You can easily use your smartphone or other touchscreen device while wearing them, thanks to the conductive fabric on tips of the thumb and forefinger. The silicone palm grips in a snowflake-shaped pattern will enhance your grip and dexterity. These gloves also feature an attractive metallic swirl print on back of hand. Buy on Amazon

Trailheads Men’s Power Stretch Convertible Mittens

Another glove/mitten combination, the Trailheads Men’s Power Stretch Convertible Mittens are a versatile way to keep your hands warm and protected. It features a wind- and waterproof outer mitt for weather protection, plus thermal interior glove to keep hands dry. The reflective stripes help runners be seen in low light conditions. Runners also love the hidden magnets that the thumb flaps in place when not in use. Buy on Amazon

Best Budget Runner-up: Unigear Lightweight Running Gloves

Another budget-friendly option, these lightweight running gloves are made with four-way stretch material and compression technology, so they offer a snug and comfortable fit. They also come with touch screen pads on the thumbs and forefingers, so you can use your devices without having to remove them. Runners will also appreciate the silicone beads on the palm and fingers that allow for a secure grip when holding your water bottle or other gear. Buy on Amazon

Related: Best Winter Running Hats

How Can I Keep My Hands Warm When Running?

Wearing a pair of gloves and mittens is the most obvious way to keep your hands warm when running. If your running shirt or jacket has thumbholes, you can use them to provide more protection underneath your gloves or mittens. Using hand warmers, either disposable or rechargeable ones, in your gloves is another easy way to get some extra warmth to that area.

How Should I Wash My Running Gloves?

It’s generally recommended to hand wash your winter running gloves rather than tossing them in the washing machine. Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and a mild detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. Gently agitate the gloves in the water, paying extra attention to any particularly soiled areas. Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water before allowing them to air dry.

How Can I Stay Warm When Running in the Cold?

Staying warm when running in cold weather is possible if you properly plan your clothes and pre-run routine. Here are some tips for protecting yourself when running in the winter.

Layer Up. It’s important to dress in layers when running in cold weather. Start with a base layer made of sweat-wicking fabric, then add an insulation layer like a lightweight fleece, followed by a wind- and water-resistant outer layer.

Wear a Hat and Gloves. Protect your extremities by wearing a winter running hat and gloves. This will help to retain heat. Look for items made of wicking fabrics or wool.

Choose the Right Socks. The right pair of socks is essential for running in cold weather. Look for running socks made of wool or a synthetic sweat-wicking fabric that will keep your feet warm and dry.

Warm Up Properly. Preparing your body for the cold weather conditions is essential. A dynamic warm-up with stretching and movement will help to get the blood flowing and generate heat.

More Cold Weather Running Tips:

Why You Should Trust Us

An avid runner, certified running coach, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, enjoys researching and testing running gear and gadgets. Her decades of running experience and writing have helped her learn the value of using the best gear to improve comfort, safety, and performance.

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