Fitness Gear Apparel The 12 Best Running Gloves of 2022, According to a Running Coach Your hands will be warm and protected with the North Face Etip Recycled Gloves By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 13, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Chloe Jeong It only takes one run with exposed hands to know that running gloves are an essential item for cold-weather runs. Running without gloves in frigid weather is uncomfortable, distracting, and can lead to cracked and chafed skin, or more serious issues such as frostbite. Reviewed & Approved A top choice is the North Face Etip Recycled Gloves which are tech friendly, made with recycled materials, and clip together so they don't get lost. The Under Armour Storm Run Gloves are a good choice to repel water but stay breathable on a rainy run. “Cold weather combined with exertion can affect the circulation in your hands and fingers, which can cause numbness, discoloration or exacerbate conditions like Raynaud’s Disease,” says Michele Canon, CPT and coach for STRIDE GO, an online training platform for runners. You can lose a lot of body heat through your extremities, so leaving your hands uncovered can make you feel even colder during runs. Running gloves can also keep your hands protected from wind, precipitation, and even germy surfaces. We consulted runners and running coaches about their favorite gloves and features they look for and we evaluated running gloves for our list based on warmth, performance, price, materials, design, technology, and durability. Here are the best running gloves on the market, according to a running coach. Our Top Picks Best Overall for Women: The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall for Men: Under Armour Men's Storm Run Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget for Women: OutdoorEssentials Touch Screen Running Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget for Men: Ozero Winter Thermal Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review Best Unisex: Smartwool Unisex Liner Glove at Amazon Jump to Review Best Convertible: TrailHeads Men's Convertible Mittens at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Athleta Flurry Glove at Gap.com Jump to Review Best for Rain: Showers Pass Crosspoint Gloves at REI Jump to Review Best Tech-Friendly: Outdoor Research Melody Gloves at Moosejaw.com Jump to Review Best for Really Cold Weather: Craft 2-in-1 Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall for Women: The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves 4.9 Courtesy of Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos Pros Versatile Touchscreen compatibility Comfortable and flexible Clasp for storage Cons Not suitable for extreme cold Expensive Known for their durable, high-performance cold-weather gear, The North Face delivers exceptional protection for your hands with their popular Etip Recycled Gloves. We chose these gloves as our best overall for their versatility and comfort. They’re made with cozy, four-way-stretch fleece that feels soft against your skin. The Etip functionality allows you to use touchscreen devices with ease, while the grippy silicone palm helps you avoid dropping your phone, water bottle, or other gear on the run. As someone who frequently misplaces one glove, I appreciate the mini plastic clasps that keep the pair together when I’m not using them. Although these versatile gloves are designed for cold weather running and other outdoor adventures, they’re also sleek and stylish enough for casual wear. The gloves come in four sizes, from XS-L. Materials: Polyester | Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes | Care: Hand wash, air dry Best Overall for Men: Under Armour Men's Storm Run Gloves Courtesy: Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Underarmour.com Pros Versatile Soft and comfortable Repel water Extended cuff Cons Limited color options Not suitable for extreme cold Your hands will stay warm and dry in these Under Armour gloves, which feature their Storm technology, designed to repel water without sacrificing breathability. Made with a soft, smooth knit fabric, they’re ideal for cool or moderately cold-weather runs but also work well underneath thicker gloves or mittens during extreme cold. The gloves’ cuff extends well past the wrist, so you can tuck them into your jacket to avoid exposing skin to the cold. Plus, the Tech Touch technology lets you use your phone, tablet, or smartwatch without having to remove your gloves. The super-soft Speedwipe fleece on the thumb and index finger comes in handy for wiping your nose or brow. Available in four different sizes, these gloves also have some reflective detailing, making them a good pick for running in low-light conditions. Materials: Polyester, elastane, silicone | Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes | Care: Machine wash, air dry Best Budget for Women: OutdoorEssentials Touch Screen Running Gloves Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon Pros Comfortable, stretchy fabric Touchscreen capability Affordable Excellent grip Cons Hand-washing recommended Not warm enough for extreme cold These running gloves from Outdoor Essentials are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice quality or functionality in a reasonably-priced pair of gloves. Made of four-way stretch fabric, they conform to the shape of your hands for a custom fit and feel. Grippy silicone dots on the fingers and palm allow you to securely hold your phone or water bottle as you’re running. These gloves even have touchscreen capability—a feature not often found in less expensive running gloves. Ideal on their own for moderately cold weather, they’re also low-profile and streamlined enough to fit nicely under heavier gloves or mittens in extremely cold conditions. With no prominent logo on them, these versatile and stylish gloves can also serve double-duty for casual wear. They’re perfect for keeping your hands comfortable and toasty while driving or running errands in the cold weather. Materials: Spandex, nylon | Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes | Care: Hand wash, air dry Best Budget for Men: Ozero Winter Thermal Gloves Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon Pros Affordable Warm but not bulky Touchscreen compatible Silicone grips offer secure hold Cons Cuffs too tight for some Only one color option Another great value, these stylish gloves from Ozero are made with water-resistant and windproof material that provides excellent protection in inclement weather. Coated with a conductive fabric on the thumb and index fingertips, they keep your hands warm and dry while using your devices. Silicone particles on the palm, index finger, and middle finger allow for a secure grip on your water bottle, phone, or other items. The low-profile design and elastic cuffs offer a snug fit, keeping the warmth in and the elements out. Attractive and comfy, these gloves are a great option if you want a pair that’s reliable but still reasonably priced. They’re available in five different unisex sizes. Materials: Polyurethane | Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes | Care: Machine wash, air dry The Best Running Gifts for Men, According to a Running Coach Best Unisex: Smartwool Unisex Liner Glove Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon View On REI Pros Lightweight but warm Touchscreen capability Anti-odor properties Versatile Cons No reflectivity Some say they run small These SmartWool gloves look like a very basic, low-tech pair, but they’re actually extremely effective at locking in body heat and keeping hands warm and protected. Made with comfy, soft-brushed Merino wool and stretchy acrylic, they strike the right balance of insulation and flexibility. They also feature a rib-knit cuff which provides a streamlined fit and helps keep any cold air from creeping in. The thumb and index fingertip work with your smartphone and other devices, so you can spare your hands from getting cold when answering a text. Plus, the wool has anti-microbial properties, allowing you to wear them many times before you’ll need to toss them in the washing machine. Available in four different women’s sizes, these gloves are an affordable, lightweight option for keeping your hands protected on the run. Materials: Merino wool, acrylic | Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes | Care: Machine wash gentle, air dry Best Convertible: TrailHeads Men's Power Stretch Convertible Mittens Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Trailheads.com Pros Reflective details Water- and wind-proof Versatile Stretchy and comfortable Cons No touchscreen compatibility Only two sizes Conditions can be constantly changing during a cold weather run, so a glove-and-mitten combination is a versatile choice. These convertible mittens feature a windproof and waterproof outer mitt for extra protection and warmth, plus fingerless gloves underneath. When your hands warm up or you need to use a device, just tuck the attached mitten top back into the storage pocket. The separate thumb flaps offer a secure fit, and hidden magnets hold them in place when you’re not using them. The soft and flexible Polartec fabric conforms perfectly to your hand, allowing full range of motion. Available in two different sizes, this glove-mitten combo also features reflective elements on the cuff and mitten cover to increase your visibility during dark winter morning and evening runs. Materials: Polyester, nylon | Touchscreen Compatibility: No | Care: Machine wash gentle, air dry The Best Cold Weather Running Gear, According to a Running Coach Best Lightweight: Athleta Flurry Reflective Glove Courtesy: Athleta View On Gap.com Pros Lightweight and soft Reflective details Touchscreen compatible Water- and wind-resistant Cons Only one color option Not warm enough for very cold temps You can keep your hands warm but look cool in these stylish gloves from Athleta. The wind- and water-resistant polyester fabric keeps you protected from the elements, and also wicks away sweat. The touchscreen compatible fingertips make it easy to snap a selfie or use your smartwatch on the run. A reflective stripe on the back of the hand helps keep you safe and seen during early morning or evening runs outside. Plus, they have a small clip to hold them together when you’re not using them. Available in two sizes, these gloves are a comfy, lightweight option for cold-weather runs. Materials: Polyester | Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes | Care: Machine wash, air dry Best for Rain: Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Knit Gloves Courtesy: REI View On REI View On Showerspass.com Pros Waterproof Unisex Comfortable, snug fit Grippy palm Cons Expensive Tough to take off Although they look like an average running glove, this pair from Showers Pass actually keeps you dry—even in very soggy conditions. With a three-layer, waterproof construction, they’ll keep your hands protected from the elements when you're logging some cardio in the rain. One of the layers is a microporous waterproof membrane, which allows the gloves to ventilate so your hands won’t get really sweaty or overheat. The silicone print on the palm ensures a secure grip in the rain, while the low-profile, snug fit allows for exceptional comfort, no matter how many wet miles you’re running. Available in four different sizes, these gloves are also a great option for cycling and hiking when it’s cold and rain is in the forecast. Materials: Nylon, lycra, spandex, polyester, CoolMax | Touchscreen Compatibility: No | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low or hang dry Best Tech-Friendly: Outdoor Research Melody Sensor Gloves Courtesy: Outdoor Research View On Moosejaw.com View On Outdoorresearch.com View On REI Pros Good touchscreen functionality Lightweight and flexible Grip on palm Pull loops on bottom Cons Not suitable for extreme cold No reflectivity With all the features you’d want in lightweight running gloves, this versatile pair from Outdoor Research is the perfect companion for a cold-weather run. Made of a comfy and flexible polyester and spandex blend, these gloves provide good warmth and protection without feeling bulky. The touchscreen compatible thumb and index fingertips make it easy to answer a call or snap a selfie on the run, without exposing your hands to the cold. The grippy palm ensures a solid hold, while the pull loops at the base make it easy to get them on and off. Plus, they have an extended cuff, so you can easily tuck them into your sleeve. Although they’re not suitable for extreme cold, these gloves are low-profile enough to fit under a pair of mittens for more warmth. Materials: Polyester, spandex | Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes | Care: Machine wash gentle, air dry The Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Cold Weather Workouts Best for Really Cold Weather: Craft Hybrid Weather 2-in-1 Gloves Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon View On Backcountry.com Pros Excellent for extreme cold Water and wind-proof Versatile Reflective elements Cons Touchscreen compatibility inconsistent Not odor-resistant For really cold conditions, a two-in-one glove and mitten combo is your best bet for protecting your hands from the elements. Constructed of soft, stretchy polyester with a brushed inside and elastane performance fabric, these Craft hybrid gloves keep your hands warm but also allow for good dexterity. The wind- and waterproof mitten cover provides another level of protection over the five-finger gloves and can be easily stowed when not in use. The gloves feature grippy, silicone prints to allow for a secure hold, as well as touchscreen-sensitive fingertips. Additionally, reflective details provide enhanced visibility during morning or evening runs. Available in six different sizes, these versatile gloves are ideal for changing weather conditions. Materials: Polyester, elastane | Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes | Care: Machine wash, air dry Best Reflective: Nathan HyperNight Reflective Running Gloves Courtesy: Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon View On Dick's Pros Excellent reflectivity Pocket for storage Touchscreen capability Flexible and comfy Cons Not suitable for extreme cold Elastic wrist may be too tight for some Known for their high-performance running gear, Nathan delivers a quality running glove that has lots of cool features. Perfect for running in the dark or low-light conditions, they feature an eye-catching reflective pattern on the back, so oncoming cars and bikes can see you. Runners also appreciate the gloves’ touchscreen capability for easy use of their smartphones. Made of stretchy spandex and soft, brushed fleece, the gloves combine excellent breathability with stretchy comfort and warmth. Plus, they have a soft, built-in nose wipe on the back of the thumb and a back-of-hand pocket for stashing a key or cash. These lightweight gloves are available in five sizes. Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyurethane | Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low The Best Reflective Running Gear, According to a Running Coach Best Heated: Sharper Image Battery Heated Gloves Courtesy of Sharper Image View On Sharperimage.com Pros Excellent warmth Water- and wind-resistant Touchscreen compatible Comfortable fit Cons Expensive No reflectivity If you run in extremely cold conditions and need gloves that provide dependable warmth, this pair from Sharper Image may be for you. They feature ultra-thin heating panels that extend from the backs of the palms down to each fingertip, so they can keep hands warm for up to seven hours. With three different heat settings, you can easily dial the warmth up or down. For even more protection, they’re water- and wind-resistant but are also breathable so your hands don’t overheat. While some battery-heated gloves are bulky and awkward, these have a snug, comfortable fit that allows for exceptional mobility. Another huge plus is the touchscreen-sensitive thumbs and index fingers. One downside is that the gloves are expensive, but they’re definitely worth the splurge if you want guaranteed toasty hands. Materials: Nylon, polyester | Touchscreen Compatibility: Yes | Care: Hand wash (remove batteries), hang dry Final Verdict The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves (view at Amazon) are an ideal choice for female runners looking for a versatile and functional pair of running gloves. Comfy and flexible, they have plenty of cool features including touchscreen functionality, a grippy palm, and clip for storage. For men, the Under Armour Men's Storm Run Glove (view at Amazon) is a true standout, with a secure, comfortable fit and helpful characteristics, such as touchscreen compatibility, a fleece nose wipe, and reflective details. What to Look for in Running Gloves Materials “When selecting running gloves, you want to choose a pair that’s made with materials that will keep you warm and dry,” says Canon. Look for gloves made with fabrics that wick away moisture, such as Merino wool, or synthetic blends such as polyester, spandex, and nylon. Stay away from gloves made from materials that hold water, like cotton, since wet hands will be more prone to irritation and dangerous effects of the cold, such as frostnip or frostbite. Good moisture management technologies will provide extra warmth, comfort, and protection, says Steve Stonehouse, NASM CPT, USATF certified run coach and director of education for STRIDE, an indoor running franchise. “Wicking moisture away means dry, and dry means warm,” he says. Touchscreen Compatibility Any runner who has fumbled to use their GPS watch with gloves on or froze their fingers when trying to snap a selfie knows the benefit of having touchscreen capability right at their glove fingertips. Many running gloves offer some level of compatibility with touchscreens, but some are better than others. If touchscreen sensitivity is one of your must-have features, you should definitely expect to pay more for the technology. Reflectivity Some gloves feature reflective elements, such as stripes, patterns, or logos, to help runners increase their visibility in low-light conditions. Wearing reflective gloves may seem like it’s going overboard, but it’s always better to be as visible as possible, says Matt Scarfo, a NASM-certified personal trainer, and running coach. And, since your hands move as you’re running, adding some reflectivity to them may actually help catch the attention of drivers. Some glove manufacturers also make gloves in high-visibility colors such as neon yellow, so you may want to consider that option as another way to catch the attention of drivers. Frequently Asked Questions When to wear running gloves “Running gloves are a good idea when temps drop below 50 degrees,” says Canon. “In extremely cold temperatures 20 degrees or below, gloves are necessary to prevent the risk of frostbite. Mittens and hand warmers are other good options to keep your hands even warmer in much chillier temps.” Can you wear compression gloves while running? Compression gloves are used to address symptoms from certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and hand osteoarthritis, and may not be recommended for use during exercise. Ask your doctor or physical therapist for specific instructions on how and when you should be using compression gloves. How tight should running gloves be? Gloves that are too tight can be harmful because they can affect circulation to your hands, which is especially important when running in cold weather. Choose running gloves that fit snugly, but still allow for a good range of motion. Avoid a loose fit around the wrist, since that may allow cold air to sneak in. How to clean running gloves Unlike some running clothes, you typically don’t need to wash running gloves after every use. When they get soiled or start to smell a little funky, you can usually toss them in the washing machine with your regular running clothes and then dry them on low, or hang dry.However, you should check the product label for the recommended care. Some gloves with special coatings shouldn’t go in the washing machine or dryer and may need to be hand-washed or spot cleaned. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a marathon runner and running coach, Christine Luff has researched and recommended lots of running gloves and mittens, as well as personally tested them during frigid training runs and races. Christine understands the importance of thoroughly researching products to only recommend the best in class. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit