The 8 Best Running Gloves for Cold and Wet Weather

Optimize your run with essential gear. From budget picks to high-tech pairs, running gloves prioritize warmth and moisture control to maximize performance.

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In my high school cross-country days, we would creatively stretch our student budgets when it came to running gear. Band-Aids, for instance, were a staple to prevent chafing and cutting thumb holes in hoodie sleeves made for makeshift hand warmers. Fortunately, one perk of getting older and having your own bank account is the ability to buy your own high-tech running gear. And while protecting your hands might feel like an afterthought, consider this: Your hands play a crucial role in your running form. When it's cold, your muscles contract, affecting your grip and overall efficiency. A good pair of running gloves will keep your hands warm, maintaining your circulation and preventing stiffness.

Plus, cold is just one concern; sweat is another. Wet hands can lead to blisters and discomfort, affecting your focus and pace. The best running gloves will wick away moisture, keeping your hands dry and comfortable. So if you’re ready to get a competitive edge for your next race, or simply stay afloat during the cold weather running months, keep reading to discover our top picks for running gloves.

Our Picks for the Best Running Gloves:

• Best Running Gloves for All Weather: adidas Teber Gloves
• Best For Cold Weather: Lululemon Cold Terrain Lined Gloves
• Best Mens: Under Armour Storm Liner Gloves
• Best Running Gloves for Women: Nike Therma-FIT Sphere
• Best Waterproof: Salomon Bonatti Waterproof
• Best Lightweight Running Gloves: Hestra All-Weather Glove
• Best Convertible Running Gloves: Trailhead Men’s Convertible Running Gloves
• Best for Using With a Touchscreen: Zensah Smart Running Gloves

Best Running Gloves for All Weather: adidas Teber Gloves

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Key Features:

• Materials: 39 percent nylon, 38 percent polyester, 12 percent leather, 9 percent polypropylene, 1 percent polyurethane and 1 percent elastane
• Men’s sizing: Small/medium, medium/large and large/extra-large
• Women’s sizing: N/A
• Colors: Black
• Price at publication: $40
• Best for: Sub-freezing runs; rainy days; runners who won’t need nimble fingers

Senior Editor Taylor Rojek tested the adidas Teber gloves, and she affirms they are some of the best winter running gloves you can wear if you live in extreme temperatures—we’re talking times when a so-called “all-weather” classification might still be too tepid. On a 24-degree morning hike, Rojek says the gloves provided much-needed warmth, saying the pair kept her hands “not too overheated, but cozy.” Rojek says the gloves might be “overkill” for temperatures above sub-freezing digits, but notes that she has “generally good circulation.” On the other hand, extra-warming running gloves can be all the more important for runners with Reynaud's or other circulatory conditions.

The gloves boast a heavy-duty construction, with a two-layer cuff to keep out wind chill, and a sturdy leather palm for good grip. Rojek did say the gloves are fine for hand use that require less finesse, but she’d skip the pair if she needed fingers for more nimble tasks, like getting dog treats out of her fanny pack. The gloves do have conductive fingertips to make tapping your smartphone screen more feasible in a pinch.

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What we love:

• Leather palm helps you hold onto items
• An alternative to ski gloves that can handle below freezing temps
• Bungee-cord adjustable wrist for snug fit and high visibility reflective logo

What we don’t love:

• Fairly bulky and less flexible compared to other running gloves

Best For Cold Weather: Lululemon Cold Terrain Lined Gloves

SI Showcase + lululemon

Key Features:

• Materials: 90 percent nylon and 10 percent elastane (outer back side panel); 82 percent nylon and 18 percent elastane (body); 100 percent polyester (back of hand filling); 53 percent recycled polyester, 43 percent elastomultiester and 4 percent elastane (back of hand)
• Men’s sizing: Small/medium and large/extra-large
• Women’s sizing: N/A
• Colors: Black
• Price at publication: $62
• Best for: Mid-season and colder runs; rainy days; runners who want access to their touchscreen

NASM-certified personal trainer and writer Rachael Gonzalez says these Lululemon gloves kept her hands warm and dry “for the better part of an hour” during a rainy day run. She adds that the gloves are “soft and comfortable” with no “notable friction points” after cutting out the inside tag.

The cuffs are a notable feature of the glove, which keep the wrist warm without being over tight, but snug enough to keep from riding up. Gonzalez said the cuff also didn’t interfere with the smart watch strapped on her wrist or the sleeves of her running top. A silicone imprint on the gloves’ palm adds extra grip, and the fingertips are designed for smartphone responsiveness: “I had to stop several times to check which way I was supposed to go and didn’t have any issues or get too held up,” Gonzalez says.

The gloves eventually succumbed to some moisture, but not enough to be a deal-breaker, Gonzalez says: “The fingertips did get a little wet towards the end, and I noticed my hands sweating throughout, but they were breathable enough that my fingers didn’t prune, and I honestly don’t think the moisture from the outside penetrated the gloves at all.” And once warmed up enough to not need the gloves, they easily fit in her running belt, she says.

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What we love:

• Stretchy fit for flexibility of movement
• Grippy palm excellent for holding slippery items
• Fingertips were really responsive to my phone screen

What we don’t love:

• At $62, one of the pricier options

Best for Men: Under Armour Storm Liner Gloves

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Key Features:

• Materials: Polyester and elastane
• Men’s sizing: Small to extra-large
• Women’s sizing: Small to extra-large
• Colors: Black, pitch gray and midnight navy
• Price at publication: $25
• Best for: Dry days where you need an extra layer; as a base layer underneath waterproof gloves

Under Armour describes these gloves as like a “baselayer for your hands” because of their snug fit and light weight. The knit gloves are temperature-regulating enough to give you extra warmth on a chilly day, but form-fitting enough to be worn underneath heavier gloves for more extreme temps. One reviewer on the Under Armour website said the Storm Liner gloves are “breathable and moisture-wicking,” and kept their hands cool and dry.

Another wrote that the gloves are “comfortable and snug” and a “good base layer to have for training days outside in the cold.” The reviewer adds that the touch sensitive points on the thumb and index finger are so-so, but notes, “I have yet to find a pair of gloves where the touch-sensitive fingers work well,” which has been my experience as well.

The reflective logo adds a nice safety element for dimly-lit runs, and the value of the gloves makes them an excellent all-around choice.

What we love:

• Can be worn alone or as a liner glove
• Lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking
• Touchscreen compatible

What we don’t love:

• Slightly tight fit due to the knit construction, reviewers say
• Not warm enough for colder weather

Best Running Gloves for Women: Nike Therma-FIT Sphere

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Key Features:

• Materials: 79 percent polyester, 10 percent nylon, 7 percent polyurethane and 4 percent spandex (palm); 95 percent polyester and 5 percent spandex (back)
• Men’s sizing: N/A
• Women’s sizing: Extra-small to large
• Colors: Black
• Price at publication: $30
• Best for: Women; layering under heavier duty gloves; people who want to occasionally tap a touchscreen

Editor Rachel Pasche went on cold weather runs wearing the Nike Therma-FIT Spheres, calling the gloves “small and snug”—as a positive attribute, since unlike these women’s running gloves, unisex gloves often have an oversized fit. She says overall, the gloves check several boxes: “They have good grip, but aren’t too sticky; I love the inclusion of touchscreen fabric on the thumb and forefingers; and they’re long enough in the wrist so that jacket sleeves cover the gloves completely, keeping my wrists warm—a huge issue with shorter gloves.”

Pasche also liked the use of thinner materials, since although her hands did get a little sweaty in her run, the gloves were able to wick away the moisture and keep her hands warm. Slippery running gloves can definitely be a nightmare when it comes to dexterity, and Pasche says the grippy lettering on gloves came in clutch when fiddling with items like her phone, headphones and shoe laces.

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What we love:

• Long wrist adds comfort and security
• Grippy Nike lettering adds both style and functionality
• Touchscreen-friendly fingertips

What we don’t love:

• May not fit women with longer fingers, based on our tester’s feedback
• Could be slightly more breathable and reflective

Best Waterproof: Salomon Bonatti Waterproof

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Key Features:

• Materials: 100 percent polyamide with DWR (durable waterproof coating)
• Sizing (unisex): Extra-small/small, medium/large and extra-large
• Colors: Deep Black, Forest Night and English Manor (light blue)
• Price at publication: $27
• Best for: A rainy but temperate run; people who prefer quick access to their index finger when using a touchscreen or smartwatch

I had high expectations for these Salomon Bonatti Waterproof gloves, having recently tested an excellent pair of rain boots (seriously, I can’t recommend Xtratufs enough). Plus, living in an arid mountain town that sits in a rain shadow of the surrounding peaks, I wondered if I’d need to set my sprinklers just to test these suckers. Thankfully, rain did finally come, and these gloves proved their mettle. I was able to get great mileage out of these water-resistant gloves running in a lengthy drizzle, keeping my hands toasty and prune-free.

What I really love about these uber-lightweight gloves is their simplicity and practicality. They’re so unassuming, they can be packed down to fit into the small stash pocket of ladies’ running shorts. It is worth noting that the Bonatti mitts aren’t equipped to get your hands through super cold weather. On the other hand, though, that also adds to the gloves’ versatility: You don’t necessarily need all that extra insulation, but if that were the case, you could wear these over another pair of warmer gloves. The gloves are also convertible. Mid-run, when I wanted to tinker with my playlist, I slipped my fingers out to tap my iPhone screen. For me, freeing up my fingers was preferable to wearing “touchscreen” gloves—your mileage may vary, but I’ve never had much luck manipulating a touchscreen with even the best of gloves on.

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What we love:

• High-visibility logo and fun color options available with the inclusion of a natural green and bright, light blue
• Fully waterproof protection
• Quick access to fingers with convertible mitten portion

What we don’t love:

• With the waterproof materials, these running mittens lack the “cozy” factor that other gloves have

Best Lightweight Running Gloves: Hestra All-Weather Glove

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Key Features:

• Materials: 100 percent polyester with neoprene cuff
• Sizing (unisex): 6 (extra-small) to 11 (extra-large)
• Colors: High visibility yellow and dark gray
• Price at publication: $54.95
• Best for: Mild to modest winter runs; runners who want a midweight glove with high visibility

Swedish brand Hestra makes a lightweight—yet fairly heavy-duty—running glove. The gloves are thin, soft and breathable, yet wind-resistant and water-repellent, making them another solid all-weather option. For extreme low temps though, Hestra recommends layering the gloves. A reviewer on Amazon agreed, noting the Hestra gloves made an excellent thin layer to wear under ski gloves: “They are great for when I need to take off my ski gloves to use my phone. They repel the snow and the touchscreen fingers work great on my phone and car.”

We also love that you can buy the glove in a high-visibility yellow, adding safety to night runs. If you want a more low-key look though, the gloves are also furbished in a dark gray.

What we love:

• Wind- and water-resistant
• Reflective details and grip print in palm
• Touch screen compatible

What we don’t love:

• Tough to layer but not rugged enough for extreme temps

Best Convertible Running Gloves: Trailhead Men’s Convertible Running Gloves

SI Showcase + Trailhead

Key Features:

• Materials: 100 percent polyamide with DWR (durable waterproof coating)
• Men’s Sizing: Small/medium and medium-large
• Women’s Sizing: Small/medium and medium-large
• Colors: High visibility yellow, coral and black
• Price at publication: $38
• Best for: Runners who live in volatile climates that can get dicey on a dime; people who love a cozy cuff on their convertible mitten

Convertible gloves make for some of the best cold weather running gloves. The addition of a mitten cover provides an added layer of protection during those extra cold winter runs. When not needed, the mitten top folds into a pocket above the wrist. On Amazon, a reviewer wrote that the gloves are “perfect” for runs in the cold, wet winters and falls in Vancouver: “I love these! They keep your hands at the perfect temperature and dry for the most part.”

Keeping out moisture is the gloves’ waterproof shell. Plus, if you want to get moisture off your brow, the thumb features a grid fleece to wipe away sweat. Handy magnetic tabs tucked in the wrists will help keep you from separating the winter running gloves from each other when you aren’t hitting the road or trails. The extended cuff features high visibility stitching, and both the black and yellow options have reflective logos for added safety. You can also find a women’s version of the convertible running glove in a bright coral color.

What we love:

• A hybrid glove that can be quickly converted to a mitten in colder weather
• Waterproof shell
• Extended cuff with high-viz sticking

What we don’t love:

• Reviewers struggled to use the gloves with smart phone screens

Best for Using With a Touchscreen: Zensah Smart Running Gloves

SI Showcase + Zensah

Key Features:

• Materials: 100 percent polyamide
• Sizing (unisex): Small, medium and large
• Colors: Black
• Price at publication: $29.95
• Best for: Moderate weather; sweaty palms that need good moisture wicking

Our tester said these Zensah Smart running gloves fit like, well, a glove. That is to say they had that ideal “not too snug and not too loose” feel. Most important, the fingertips worked on their phone’s touchscreen, so they were able to use a phone as needed when running. And the tester had no reason to want to remove the gloves: “The gloves kept my fingers and hands at the perfect temperature so I could keep them on the whole run,” they said.

A few other aspects our tester liked: The gloves' striped reflective fingers, a nice feature for an early-morning run; and the gloves having more grip than slip, so you can hold your phone without worrying about dreaded drops. An extended cuff is another key quality, extra important for those cold days when you don’t want your wrists getting whipped by the elements.

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What we love:

• Lightweight and cozy fit
• High reflectivity

What we don’t love:

• Not ideal for super chilly weather

Why Buy Running Gloves?

Finding a terrific pair of running gloves might feel a tad self-indulgent compared to cold weather running gear closer to the ankles, like the best running shoes or running socks. On the contrary, though, any running coach would disagree, and assert that investing in a pair of quality running gloves can make a significant difference in your overall comfort and performance, especially in colder weather. Plus, even with the best running app queued up to motivate you, it’s tempting to stay inside rather than endure those chilly outdoor workouts. Even if you think you’re covered by throwing running pants over your compression running shorts, you may be mistaken, since extremities like your fingers tend to get colder faster. Running gloves give you a no-excuse way to tolerate and even enjoy your runs, allowing you to push yourself faster and further.

What to look for in Running Gloves

If you want your running gloves to be more than a mere mantle ornament, you’ll need to find the right pair for your purposes. For instance, you’ll want to consider your climate, the type of gear you already have on hand and if you need rain protection as well. Factors including those and a few others comprise the key traits you should weigh when shopping for running gloves:

• Breathability: A breathable gloves ensures you’ll have enough airflow and moisture wicking to prevent overheating and chafing. The use of mesh panels and breathable activewear materials, like cotton, polyester and nylon, can help with this. Note that a breathable running glove may come at the expense of water-resistance. That may be worthwhile if your hands tend to work up a sweat.
• Temperature rating: Many running gloves are considered a base or liner layer, and as such, are not rated to handle severe cold, while others can protect your vulnerable fingers from a sub-freezing chill. For your safety, brands are typically pretty explicit about what temperatures its gloves are rated for.
• Waterproof/windproof: Cold, wind, rain or snow, in all likelihood, running gloves will be the only barrier between your vulnerable fingers and the elements. That makes the protection especially crucial in preventing wind burn and frostbite during winter runs. Otherwise, you’ll have to shelter inside before you’ve barely gotten in a warm up. Consider how extreme the elements are where you live when selecting a pair of gloves, including water-resistance, lest your hands get soaked and cold in wet conditions.
• Touchscreen compatibility: Many modern running gloves are touchscreen-friendly, allowing you to use your devices without having to remove your gloves. This feature is nice for those who tend to interrupt their runs with music adjustments, run tracking or responding to messages. Realistically though, the effectiveness of touchscreen fingertips can be highly variable.
• Comfort and fit: Running gloves are often designed with moisture-wicking materials that help keep your hands dry by pulling sweat away from your skin. They are also lightweight and breathable, providing comfort over long stretches. Some gloves also have reflective elements for added visibility during low-light conditions.
• Grip: Sweaty palms can make it difficult to maintain a secure grip on your running essentials, such as your phone, water bottle or even your own clothing. Many running gloves are designed with materials that offer an enhanced grip, ensuring that your hands stay firmly in control during your run or jog.
• Price and durability: If you're an avid, race-ready runner, investing in a higher-quality, more expensive pair of running gloves is easily justified. On the other hand, occasional runners can probably skate by with a more budget-friendly option. But perhaps first and foremost, consider the climate in which you'll be running. If you live in a region with harsh winters, investing in a durable, insulated pair of gloves might be a wise decision. If you only need them for milder weather, a less expensive option may suffice.

How We Chose the Best Running Gloves

To find the best gloves and mittens for all your road and trail running needs, we solicited feedback from testers within our team. Many of our testers are personal trainers and dedicated runners, but ultimately the main qualification was a willingness to brave the elements by running or jogging on a suboptimal day.

Testers were then tasked with evaluating the following criteria:

• How did the gloves fit? Compared to what might be expected, were the gloves true to size, or too big, or too snug?
• How did the gloves perform while running? Did they keep your hands warm? Do you wish they were thicker? Did your hands overheat at all?
• Are the gloves reflective? Would they reasonably help you be seen during a dawn or dusk run?
• How was the grip on the gloves? Could you comfortably hold your phone, zip your coat or perform other nimble tasks without taking the gloves off?

Based on testers’ feedback, we compiled our list and assigned fitting superlatives—although you’ll notice there’s plenty of crossover among the list. For instance, our designation of “Best Lightweight” could apply to several other pairs of running gloves, like the Salomon Bonattis or the Under Armour Storm Liner Gloves.

FAQs

Is it good to run with gloves on?

Yes, running with gloves can be good if you’re running in cold weather, as they provide warmth and protect your hands and fingertips, which can tend to get cold first. However, in warmer conditions, wearing running gloves when not necessary could lead to overheating.

Are fleece gloves good for running?

Yes, fleece and fleece-lined gloves can be good for running in cold weather since the material is highly cozy and insulating, keeping your hands comfortable during chilly temperatures in winter runs. However, you may want to leave the fleece and wool gloves at home in warmer conditions and opt for something more breathable gloves to prevent overheating.

At what temperature should you run with gloves on?

Ultimately, the temperature you run with gloves on will come down to personal preference. However, more sensitive people generally reach for gloves at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and are advised to wear gloves for safety when temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind chill can also play a big factor in how the temperature affects your hands.

Final Thoughts

Among the handwear category, the ideal running gloves tend to straddle the fence between everyday wear and sporting equipment. You generally can’t run in a driving glove, which, although stylish, is a recipe for sweat with its typically all-leather build. On the other hand, a snow sport glove like those for skiing might be a bit of overkill. A running glove strikes the perfect balance, and is why you’ll often see the flexible, athletic-style running gloves we recommend on the hands of professional athletes when warming up or playing in ice-cold conditions.

But for us regular athletes, convenience is often ultimately the most significant factor, so consider if you’ll be wearing your gloves in a focused race with few distractions, or need a flexible fit for tinkering with your phone. Machine washable is always a plus if you tend to use the softest part of your glove as a nose wipe. Whichever the case, you’ll find a myriad of options to keep you visible, warm and free of clammy hands.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.