Activewear The 14 Best Running Gloves of 2023, Tested and Reviewed TrailHeads’ Convertible Mittens are comfortable and warm, at a great price By Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT LinkedIn Twitter Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, it's Michelle's mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 15, 2023 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Michele Stanten, ACE-GFI Reviewed by Michele Stanten, ACE-GFI Michele Stanten is a walking coach, certified group fitness instructor, and running coach. She is the author of Walk Off Weight and The Walking Solution. Learn about our Review Board 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 Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr LinkedIn Twitter Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Fit / Sara Michael It only takes one run with exposed hands to know that running gloves are an essential when dressing 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. “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, 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. To find the best running gloves, 20 of our expert testers took home one pair of running gloves to use in their running routines over a span of three weeks. Testers completed at least three runs and rated each pair on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for fit, design, comfort, quality, moisture-wicking, durability, and overall value. We also had a running coach and certified group fitness instructor from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in running gloves, how they should fit, and whether you even need them. Our Top Picks Best Women’s Overall: TrailHeads Convertible Mittens for Women at Amazon Jump to Review Best Men’s Overall: Under Armour Men's Storm Run Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Cold Weather: Brooks Draft Hybrid Glove at Amazon Jump to Review Best Tech-Friendly: The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Ozero Winter Thermal Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Wind: Seirus SoundTouch GORE-TEX Infinium All Weather Glove at Seirus.com Jump to Review Best Moisture-Wicking: Brooks Fusion Midweight Glove at Amazon Jump to Review Best Everyday: Athleta Winthrop Reflective Gloves at Gap.com Jump to Review Most Lightweight: Nike Sphere 360 Gloves at Dick's Jump to Review Best for Cool Weather: Tracksmith Inverno Gloves at Tracksmith.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Women’s Overall TrailHeads Convertible Mittens for Women 5 TrailHeads View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Trailheads.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 Pros Convenient storage pouch Pairing clip Secure magnets Cons Extended cuff may cover wrist wearables We love everything about Trailheads’ Convertible Mittens: They earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for all key categories, making them our best overall pick. “These are hands-down the best winter running mittens I have ever used—and I have tried a LOT,” our tester said. “They’re worth every penny, and maybe more!” When you wear these as mittens, your fingers will generate and share warmth, making them great for cold weather running. But if you need to cool down or use your phone, the versatile design can be converted into fingerless gloves in seconds. We appreciate the small magnets that secure the thumb flap to the body of the glove, as well as the storage pouch that the mitten flap can fold into. Other notable features include the anti-slip silicone grip, reflective detailing, and pairing clips to keep left and right together. These high-quality gloves are made with four-way stretch, moisture-wicking materials that will keep your hands comfortable, warm, and dry in all climates. It’s important to note that the extended cuff may cover wrist wearables, like your Fitbit Charge 3, but you can fold the cuff over for easy access. Price at time of publication: $38 Key Specs: Materials: Nylon, polyester, lycra | Touch Screen Compatible: No | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry | Reflective Details: Front and side reflective accents | Sizes: S/M, M/L | Warmth: High | Waterproof: Not listed Verywell Fit / Sara Michael Best Men’s Overall Under Armour Men's Storm Run Liner Gloves 4.6 Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Underarmour.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Design 4/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 4/5 Pros Lightweight Budget-friendly Touchscreen compatible Cons Not warm enough for cold weather Under Armour’s UA Storm Run Liner Gloves provide a perfect fit and reliable protection at a great value, earning them a spot as our other best overall pick. We love the touch screen-compatible index finger and thumb pads, as well as the reflective logo on the front of the glove. They’re also one of the budget-friendliest pairs on our list. But what stands out the most is the gloves’ all-around comfort: “These gloves are a must-buy—they’re stylish, affordable, and the comfort was top notch,” our tester said. And moisture-wicking materials work to keep your hands dry and protected. Marketed as a liner glove, this pair can be worn alone in mild weather or under a thicker glove or mitten when temperatures drop, but they’re too thin for cold temperatures. They’re also lightweight and breathable, which contributed to their perfect score of 5 out of 5 for comfort and moisture-wicking. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs:Materials: Polyester, elastane | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry | Reflective Details: Front reflective accent | Sizes: S to XL | Warmth: Low | Waterproof: No Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro Best for Cold Weather Brooks Draft Hybrid Glove 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Brooksrunning.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Design 4.9/5 Value 4.8/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 4.9/5 Pros High reflectivity Great temperature regulation Touch screen-compatible Cons Elastic may shrink after washing Along with a warm thermal and a cozy hat, the best cold weather running gear includes a quality pair of gloves. Made for rain, wind, and cold weather, Brooks’ Hybrid Gloves are perfect for brave runners who venture out when temperatures drop. The internal glove provides comfortable warmth, while the fold-over, windproof, and water-resistant mitt delivers added protection. On a snowy day, they make for an ideal pairing with shoes for walking on ice. Not too snug but not too loose, these versatile gloves earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for fit. They also scored high in comfort and moisture-wicking because of their great temperature regulation: “These gloves kept me comfortably warm without my hands overheating or getting sweaty,” our tester said. Early morning or late night runners are covered, as the gloves feature reflective detailing and fluorescent, contrasting colors for optimal visibility. After washing, the gloves stayed mostly intact, thanks to high-quality fabrics. While the mittens’ elastic did shrink a bit, the mittens were still wearable. Price at time of publication: $45-$50 Key Specs: Materials: Polyester, spandex, nylon | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Not listed | Reflective Details: Front reflective accents | Sizes: S to XL | Warmth: High | Waterproof: No Verywell Fit / Anna Knief Best Tech-Friendly The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos Our Ratings Comfort 4.8/5 Design 4.8/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 Moisture-Wicking 4/5 Pros Pairing clip Wide range of colors Cozy fleece lining Cons No reflective detailing Not as breathable If you’ve worn touch screen-compatible gloves, you’re probably used to their limited thumb and index finger capabilities. But The North Face’s Etip Recycled Gloves allow you to text, type, and touch with all five fingers. That’s not the only thing that sets these gloves apart. They also provide a perfect fit and cozy comfort. “I absolutely love the feel of these gloves on my skin,” our tester said. “They really feel like second skin.” But while the pair earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for fit, the warm fleece lining caused our tester's hands to overheat on longer runs, leading to a less than perfect score for comfort. We love the pairing clip that secures left and right together, as well as the anti-slip silicone grip on each palm. These North Face gloves are great for tech lovers, but for early morning or late night runners, we recommend choosing a glove with reflective detailing. Price at time of publication: $31-$51 Key Specs:Materials: Polyester, elastane | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Spot clean only | Reflective Details: None | Sizes: Extra Small to Extra Large | Warmth: Medium | Waterproof: No Verywell Fit / Anna Knief Best Budget Ozero Winter Thermal Gloves 4.7 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 4/5 Quality 5/5 Pros Water-resistant Windproof Sleek design Cons No reflective detailing After testing Ozero’s Winter Thermal Gloves, we were shocked by their budget-friendly price—earning the pair a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for overall value. The gloves excelled in most key categories, with a perfect score for design, comfort, quality, and durability. We appreciate that the gloves are easy to get on and off, but are also snug enough to protect against cold air and rain. The fit, plus windproofing, make these gloves suitable for wet and windy climates. But if you run in the early morning or late night, we recommend choosing a pair with reflective detailing for better visibility. Switching songs or texting mid-run is easy, thanks to the gloves’ touch screen-compatible thumb and index finger, as well as the anti-slip silicone grip on the palm. We also love that for their low price tag, Ozero’s gloves are still a durable, high-quality pick with a sleek, modern design. Price at time of publication: $17 Key Specs:Materials: Polyester, fleece | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry | Reflective Details: None | Sizes: S to XXL | Warmth: Medium | Waterproof: No Verywell Fit / Madeleine Armstrong Best for Wind Seirus SoundTouch GORE-TEX Infinium All Weather Glove 4.7 Seirus View On Seirus.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 4/5 Fit 3.8/5 Quality 5/5 Pros Pairing clip Cozy fleece lining Moisture-wicking Cons Expensive May run small Although blustery conditions are less than ideal, you can make the most of running in the wind with a quality pair of running gloves. Seirus’s SoundTouch Gore-Tex Infinium All-Weather Gloves will keep your hands warm, comfortable, and happy. And when you start to work up a sweat, the moisture-wicking materials get to work: “When I took the gloves off after working up some heat, my hands still felt dry and so did the gloves,” our tester said. These gloves are 100 percent windproof, keeping your hands insulated while providing much-needed breathability. And we like that they're waterproof, too, for running in rain or snow. We love the pairing clip that keeps left and right together, as well as the touch screen-compatible thumb and index finger and the anti-slip silicone grip on the palm for taking texts and calls while on the go. We appreciate how durable the gloves are, maintaining their original quality after many washes and wears. But they might run small, so we recommend sizing up. It’s also important to note that they're one of the more expensive pairs on our list. Price at time of publication: $55 Key Specs: Materials: Fleece, polyester | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Not listed | Reflective Details: None | Sizes: S to XL | Warmth: High | Waterproof: Yes Verywell Fit / Tracy Spangler Best Moisture-Wicking Brooks Fusion Midweight Glove 4.6 REI View On Amazon View On Brooksrunning.com View On REI Our Ratings Comfort 3.5/5 Design 5/5 Value 4/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 Pros Lightweight Budget-friendly Pairing magnet Cons Not warm enough for cold weather Designed for mild to moderate weather conditions, Brooks’ Fusion Midweight Gloves provide a comfortable layer of protection. They’re lightweight, with a mesh lining that allows for optimal breathability: “These gloves did a great job of moisture-wicking. My hands never felt sweaty when I was running,” our tester said. The pair earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for moisture-wicking, fit, design, quality, and durability. We love that they fit snug, but not too tight, with an elastic band that prevents cool air from sneaking in. The gloves also boast a magnet to keep the pair together, front reflective detailing for visibility, and a touch screen-compatible thumb and index finger. At around $30, this pair is budget-friendly, too. We also appreciate that the gloves are comfortable to wear in cool weather, but we wouldn’t recommend them for colder climates. The mesh lining and lightweight design may cut your run short in low temperatures. Price at time of publication: $34 Key Specs:Materials: Not listed | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry | Reflective Details: Front reflective accents | Sizes: XS to XL | Warmth: Medium | Waterproof: No Verywell Fit / Holly Klamer Best Everyday Athleta Winthrop Reflective Gloves 4.6 Athleta View On Gap.com Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Design 4.5/5 Value 3.8/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 4.5/5 Pros Sleek design Reflective detailing Pairing clips Cons Touch screen compatibility is inconsistent Expensive Running errands? Walking at night? Training for a marathon? Athleta’s Winthrop Reflective Gloves are protective enough for outdoor activities and stylish enough for everyday use—a great choice for those with busy lifestyles. With a sleek look and slim design, this pair earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for fit. They also have common features, like pairing clips, front reflective accents, a touch screen-compatible thumb and index finger, and an anti-slip silicone grip on the palm. But we did find that the touch screen capabilities didn’t work all the time. During testing, the gloves provided protection in a wide range of climates, keeping our tester’s hands comfortable and dry on many runs. They also held up for over a month, with no signs of wear and tear, making them well worth the higher price. Price at time of publication: $49 Key Specs:Materials: Fleece | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry | Reflective Details: Front reflective accents | Sizes: S/M, M/L | Warmth: Low | Waterproof: No Verywell Fit / Shannon Bauer Most Lightweight Nike Sphere 360 Running Gloves 4.6 Nike View On Dick's View On Finishline.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 4/5 Quality 5/5 Pros High reflectivity Budget-friendly Warm Cons Not as moisture-wicking Lightweight gloves offer protection, without the bulkiness of their heavier competitors. And whether you’re heading out on a chilly day or running in the rain, Nike’s Sphere 360 gloves will keep your hands warm: “Almost as good as my heavier duty gloves for very cold days and since they are so lightweight, I use them for everything and they don't get in the way,” our tester said. We love that the pair features a front reflective pattern and logo, as well as anti-slip silicone grips on the palm and reliable touch screen capabilities. They fit like a glove, covering the wrist with a secure band so cold air or rain doesn’t get in. Because of their lightweight design, these versatile gloves can be worn alone on cool days or under thick gloves when the temperature drops. But they earned a 3.5 out of 5 for moisture-wicking because the thin material doesn’t do the best job at keeping sweaty hands dry. Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs: Materials: Polyester, nylon, polyurethane, spandex | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Hand wash, air dry | Reflective Details: Front reflective accents | Sizes: S to XL | Warmth: Medium | Waterproof: No Verywell Fit / Jennifer May Best for Cool Weather Tracksmith Inverno Gloves 4.6 Tracksmith View On Tracksmith.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Design 4/5 Value 5/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 Pros Wide range of colors Lightweight Soft Cons No reflective details or pairing clip Made from warm, moisture-wicking performance fabrics, Tracksmith’s Inverno Gloves are ideal for running in mild to moderate temperatures. And when you need to wipe your nose, Tracksmith has you covered, with panels of soft fabric along the thumb and index finger that won’t irritate your skin. This pair also has a touch screen-compatible thumb and index finger, for checking your phone or fitness tracker. We appreciate the snug fit that blocks air from sneaking in, and the comfortable material with just the right amount of stretch. And although the gloves are thin, they kept our tester’s hands warm and dry on cool, crisp runs. These durable and cost-effective gloves will last for many wears and washes, earning them a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for overall value. We love that Tracksmith offers unique features and a thoughtful design, but we wish this pair had reflective details or pairing clips. Price at time of publication: $32 Key Specs:Materials: Polyester, elastane | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, air dry | Reflective Details: None | Sizes: S/M, L/XL | Warmth: Medium | Waterproof: No Verywell Fit / Sara Michael Best Investment The North Face Ventrix Convertible Gloves 4.6 The North Face View On The North Face Our Ratings Comfort 4.5/5 Design 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Fit 4/5 Quality 5/5 Pros Pairing clips Wide range of sizes Storage pocket Cons May run small If you’re looking for versatile, high-quality gloves that’s decked out with thoughtful features, The North Face’s Ventrix Convertible Glove is our top pick. It features a storage pocket, fold over waterproof mitt, pairing clips, reflective details, touch screen compatibility, and an anti-slip silicone grip. Despite its steep price, this pair earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for value. We appreciate that the cozy inner fleece provides warmth without sacrificing breathability: “I expected these to be extremely heavy, but the material is breathable and lightweight,” our tester said. We also love that the moisture-wicking performance materials work to keep sweaty hands dry. But, like many other wearers, we found that these gloves run a bit small, causing some tightness in the thumb and limited range of motion. We recommend that you size up to avoid this issue. Price at time of publication: $65 Key Specs:Materials: Nylon, polyester | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Not listed | Reflective Details: Front reflective accents | Sizes: XXS to XL | Warmth: High | Waterproof: Yes Verywell Fit / Stella Yu Most Versatile Smartwool Unisex Liner Glove 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 3.8/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 3/5 Pros Budget-friendly Lightweight Wide range of colors Cons No reflective detailing or silicone grip Whether you’re training in the fall or skiing in the winter, Smartwool’s Unisex Liner Glove is our pick for a glove that can handle it all. These budget-friendly liners can be worn alone or under your favorite pair of heavy, winter mittens or gloves. Snug but not constricting, the comfortable gloves provided a perfect fit, earning a score of 5 out of 5 for both fit and comfort. We like the lightweight breathability and moisture-wicking performance materials. But because of their thin design, you should only wear these liners alone in mild to moderate conditions. While we do appreciate the touch screen-compatible thumb and index finger, we were left wanting some additional features. The gloves don't have reflective detailing or anti-slip silicone grips—making them best used under other gloves equipped with those features. Price at time of publication: $24 Key Specs:Materials: Polyester, wool, elastane | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Machine was cold, air dry | Reflective Details: None | Sizes: XS to L | Warmth: Light | Waterproof: No Verywell Fit / Dera Burreson Best Convertible Craft Sports Hybrid Weather 2-in-1 Gloves 4.5 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Backcountry.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Design 5/5 Value 4/5 Fit 5/5 Quality 5/5 Pros Wide range of colors Durable Waterproof Cons Not as moisture-wicking Convertible gloves are a great choice for runners who hit the road in varying weather conditions, since they offer both glove and mitten options. For cold, blustery days, these water- and windproof mittens work to keep your hands toasty. And in warmer weather, simply fold over the mitt, and the inner glove will do the trick. Like many others on our list, Craft Sportswear’s Hybrid Weather Glove features reflective detailing, touch screen compatibility, and anti-slip silicone grips. We like that the gloves fit true to size and provide comfortable warmth. They’re also durable, lasting through many wears and washes during testing. For their versatile use, this pair is reasonably priced. And if you opt for the Flumino/Silver color, you’ll get some reflectivity, too. But the gloves only earned a 3.8 out of 5 for moisture-wicking because when our tester's hands got warm and sweaty, they held onto moisture instead of drying quickly. Price at time of publication: $40 Key Specs:Materials: Polyester, elastane | Touch Screen Compatible: No | Care: Not listed | Reflective Details: Front reflective accents | Sizes: XS to XXL | Warmth: High | Waterproof: Yes Verywell Fit / Abigail Moore Best for Visibility Nathan HyperNight Reflective Running Gloves 4.5 Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Fleetfeet.com Our Ratings Comfort 3.8/5 Design 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Fit 4/5 Quality 5/5 Pros Budget-friendly Lightweight Storage pocket Cons Touch screen compatibility is inconsistent The best reflective running gear is bright, reliable, and will keep you safe on early morning and late night runs. Nathan’s Hypernight Reflective Gloves feature a reflective diamond pattern and logo in front, plus a small pocket in back to clip in a strobe light for added visibility. The pair fit well, with a high, snug cuff that blocks cool air and rain from getting in. And we love the anti-slip silicone grip and panel of soft fabric along the thumb, for irritation-free nose wiping. The gloves have a touch screen-compatible thumb and index finger, but we found that they’re slightly inconsistent and may take a few tries to work. Quality and durability received a perfect score of 5 out of 5 because the comfortable material lasted through multiple wears and washes. But if your hands tend to sweat, you may want to opt for a glove with better moisture-wicking capabilities. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs:Materials: Polyester, spandex | Touch Screen Compatible: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Reflective Details: Front reflective accents | Sizes: XS to XL | Warmth: Medium | Waterproof: No Verywell Fit / Amina Abdelrahman How We Rated the Best Running Gloves 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best running gloves we tested. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These running gloves are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great running gloves, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These running gloves are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend running gloves with this rating; you won't find any on our list. We Also Tested In total, we tested 20 pairs of running gloves, but only included 14 in our final list of recommendations. While these three didn’t make our top picks, they did have some notable features: lululemon’s Women’s Run for it All Gloves provide a perfect fit, with enough room for each finger to breathe, but without any gaps between fingertips and end of the glove. We also love the sleek, sporty design and touch screen capabilities. But the gloves are too thin to protect against cold weather and left our tester's hands wet and sweaty. Comfortable, sleek, and soft, we liked Outdoor Research’s Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves. They’re also durable, with a convenient grip placement and touch screen compatibility. At first, the gloves kept our tester's hands warm, but after 20 minutes of running, they caused overheating and excess sweat. Craft Sportswear’s Lumen Gloves are soft and comfortable, with reflective details and storage for your keys. But while they fit well throughout the fingers, our tester found the wristband to be too loose, letting cool air into the glove and making her hands cold. Verywell Fit / Holly Klamer How We Tested Running Gloves We test many products in The Verywell Testing Lab, but some require real-world, consistent use and long-term testing to get the most accurate results. For this story, 20 of our expert testers took home one pair of running gloves each to use in their own running routines. In addition to testing, we spoke to experts to discuss what to look for in a running glove. The experts we spoke to included: Michele Canon, CPT, coach for STRIDE GO, an online training platform for runners Steve Stonehouse, NASM CPT, USATF certified run coach and director of education for STRIDE Matt Scarfo, an NASM-certified personal trainer and running coach John Honerkamp, RRCA and USATF-certified running coach After unpacking the gloves and examining for rips, tears, loose threads, or other initial damages, our testers put the gloves on to assess for fit. They noted how tight and restrictive or oversized and baggy they felt, or if the gloves fit just right. During the three-week testing period, testers got outside at least three times for brisk 10 to 15 minute runs, recording the outside temperature each time. As they ran, testers paid special attention to how comfortable the gloves felt and how well they performed: Did the gloves keep their hands warm or let in cold air? Was there any overheating or chafing? Were the gloves too tight, affecting circulation? And how soft, stiff, or itchy did they feel? Our testers also documented any special features, like reflective details, touch screen compatibility, anti-slip silicone grips, or convertibility. We also instructed testers to wash the gloves based on the manufacturer’s instructions at least one time during the testing period and note how well they held up. Finally, testers rated each pair of running gloves on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for fit, design, comfort, quality, moisture-wicking, durability, and overall value. We used these scores and insights to create a list of the best running gloves available on the market today. Verywell Fit / Abigail Moore 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,” Canon says. Look for gloves made with fabrics that wick away moisture, like Merino wool or synthetic blends (made from polyester, spandex, or 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. The right moisture management technology 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 touch screen capability in a pair of gloves. Many running gloves offer some level of compatibility with touch screens, but some are better than others—like our top pick, The North Face’s Etip Recycled Gloves. If touch screen sensitivity is one of your must-have features, you should expect to pay a few dollars more. 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 unnecessary, but it’s always best to be as visible as possible, Matt Scarfo, an NASM-certified personal trainer and running coach, says. Since your hands move as you’re running, adding some reflectivity to them may actually help catch the attention of drivers. Some gloves (like Nathan’s Hypernight Reflective Gloves) are also available in bright, high-visibility colors, so you may want to consider that option as another way to catch drivers’ attention. Verywell Fit / Amina Abdelrahman Comfort and Fit “It’s really a happy medium of finding a glove that’s not too tight but not too loose,” John Honerkamp, RRCA and USATF-certified running coach, says. If your gloves are too tight, you risk losing circulation in your hands. But if they’re too loose, cold air might get in, defeating the gloves' purpose. Running gloves should also feel comfortable enough that you forget they're even on—there’s nothing worse than having to fiddle with clothing or accessories during long runs, Honerkamp adds. Moisture-Wicking Choosing a running glove with moisture-wicking capabilities will ensure that your hands stay dry, warm, and comfortable on outdoor runs in any weather condition. Look for fabrics that wick away moisture, like Merino wool, or synthetic blends with polyester, spandex, and nylon. The best moisture-wicking glove that we tested is Brooks’ Fusion Midweight Glove. Our tester appreciated the mesh insert located at the palm that allowed for optimal breathability. Warmth Depending on the weather outside, you’ll need to choose a glove with appropriate warmth, insulation, and protection. Typically, running gloves come in three levels of warmth: low, medium, and high. If you plan to run in cold weather, opt for a running glove such as Brooks’ Hybrid Glove that will provide optimal warmth. For cool conditions, a midweight glove like Tracksmith’s Inverno Gloves is a good choice. And for warmer days, we recommend a lightweight glove, like Nike’s Sphere 360 Running Glove. Weatherproof Waterproof and windproof running gloves are important for those who run in wet and windy climates. You don’t want to start your run dry and warm, and finish with damp, numb, and cold extremities. Luckily, it’s easy to find waterproof and windproof gloves. Just check the manufacturer website—usually, any weatherproofing will be listed in the product description. We recommend SoundTouch’s Gore-Tex Infinium All-Weather Gloves for running in wet, windy weather. Verywell Fit / Dera Burreson Frequently Asked Questions Is it good to wear gloves while running? “Running gloves are a good idea when temps drop below 50 degrees,” Canon says. “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.” 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. What are the warmest gloves for running? When running in cold temperatures, you’ll want a glove that will keep your hands warm yet feel lightweight and breathable. It’s also a good idea to look for wind- and waterproof gloves if you plan to run in brisk and wet weather. We recommend Tracksmith’s Inverno Gloves to keep your hands warm on cold, windy, and rainy runs. Is it better to train with heavy or light gloves? “If your gloves are too heavy, even an extra two ounces, it really adds up,” Honerkamp says. “You don’t wait to be distracted while you're running—it's all about being comfortable and focused.” You want to find a good balance between a running glove that’s thick and heavy enough to keep your hands protected and warm, but not too light that wind, rain, or cold air can get in. Can you wear compression gloves while running? Compression gloves are used to address symptoms of 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. Why Trust Verywell Fit Michelle Parente is an experienced fitness writer. She is passionate about making reliable product recommendations. And as a fitness enthusiast herself, Michelle knows that quality activewear and accessories can level up any workout, providing an extra boost of comfort and confidence. 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