The 8 Best Running Gloves For Logging Cold-Weather Miles

I tried on a lot of gloves for this list, but I knew the North Face Etip Trail was going to be my favorite from the moment I put it on. They’re soft but durable, fitting snugly with just enough stretch to avoid restricting your fingers. There are warmer running gloves out there, but I found that these kept me perfectly warm in cool to moderately cold temperatures.

The North Face has several Etip variations, all of which would be fine on a run, but I’m particularly fond of the Trail design. They have windproof mitts that flip over your fingers for extra protection against frigid breezes. It’s a convenient extra layer that’s built into the glove, but stays hidden when they aren’t in use.

They also feature five-finger touch-screen capability, which makes it easier to use your phone. (Easier being the operative word. You may still not have perfect control, but it’s fine for the occasional Spotify scroll or checking your texts.)

Beyond that, it would be nice if the trail gloves were available in more colors like the other Etip variants, but these are an incredibly well-rounded pair of gloves and perfect for runners.

For less than $20, the New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Running Gloves are comfortable and have some well-considered features for runners, making them an easy pick if you’re shopping on a budget. They’re made from a pleasantly snug, stretchy material, with effective moisture-wicking to keep moisture away from freezing on your hands and prevent odor build-up.

My favorite parts of these gloves, though, are the wrist gaiters. They keep warmth in without feeling overly structured and restrictive. The touch-screen capacity on the pointer finger and thumb are also fairly reliable, while a raised pattern across the palm provides plenty of grip. They do come in a few different colors, including two fluorescent options, adding more visibility.

The tradeoff for their lower price, unfortunately, seems to be lower durability. I didn’t have any issues with this when I used them for about a month (compared to some user reviewers remarking on stitching coming undone), but I’d still expect them to last for a shorter time than the rest of our picks.

If you find yourself constantly changing songs or checking your health data mid-run, then you need a pair of gloves that allow you to control capacitive touch screens quickly and precisely. The most screen-friendly fingertips I found were these TrailHeads gloves, which feature a “conductive” fabric on the thumb and pointer finger.

Poke with your fingertip, swipe with the finger pad, type with your thumbs—these gloves transmit commands with superior accuracy. And while it’s annoying that you don’t have that material on all of your fingers, the thumb and pointer finger are really all you need to quickly open an app or skip a song. I also like the silicone grips on the palm, which you keep a solid grip on your phone.

Smartphone compatibility aside, the TrailHeads’ soft, stretchy material feels great on the hands, and the backhand reflective patterns provide a strong dose of visibility. They are very lightweight, even compared to some of my other picks. They’re great for a light to moderate chill, but you probably need a warmer pair for running at night, or in the coldest months of the year.

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The Black Diamond Heavyweight Screentap is a heavy glove made for winter hiking and other cold weather sports. They’re thick, but not overly heavy or cumbersome, and still manage to give you a reliable level of touch-screen control. I’ve worn them in snowy weather and found they provide ample warmth, and their soft fleece interior feels great on the skin. They’re also DWR-treated for water resistance, and are durable enough to last for years.

The Heavyweight Screentaps aren’t made for running, though, so they come with some tradeoffs. They’re not very breathable and get excessively warm on longer runs. It also lacks any dedicated reflective or high-visibility elements. If you’re planning to run in very cold weather, though, this glove gives you the warmth you need without wearing a full-blown ski glove.

Smartwool’s Active Fleece Gloves are perfect for weather that is cool, but not quite cold—think chilly autumn evenings, long before there’s snow on the ground. Smartwool’s signature Merino wool blend is breathable and wicks moisture well, so they’re a good choice for the shoulder seasons, when you aren’t sure whether it’s cold enough to wear gloves. They’re also pleasantly soft on the skin, the slight stretch provides a good fit and plenty of mobility.

They also have their fair share of running-friendly features: There’s a patch of windproofing on the back of the hand, a reflective band around the wrist adds some visibility, and they come in a few different colors. They also technically have touch-screen-friendly fingertips, but I still had trouble using my phone while wearing them.

The thing to keep in mind here is that they’re not intended for especially cold weather. They’ll cut a fall chill, but won’t keep you from freezing all winter long.

If cold winds are your primary concern, try a lobster glove–a hybrid mitten that keeps the pointer finger separate from the main finger pouch. The thicker mitten-style padding provides plenty of wind blockage and warmth, and the independent pointer finger makes it easier to turn keys, open doors, or open a water bottle.

Brooks makes a lobster glove for runners, the Shield Lobster Glove 2.0, which feels plenty warm and soft, but is also breathable enough to prevent overheating. The wrist cuffs are warm and snug but not too tight. And, while they’re somewhat large, they’re lightweight and never lapse into feeling like paddles.

Their only real downside is the lack of touch-screen capability. Brooks says they’re “tech-compatible,” but the padding on the exposed pointer finger doesn’t play nice with touch screens. On a cold, windy day, though, they’re exactly what you need.

Waterproof clothing, by definition, isn’t very breathable, so running in a fully waterproof outfit may leave you drenched in sweat. That said, if you frequently run in the rain (like me and my fellow Pacific Northwesterners), a waterproof running jacket Merino wool is warm but breathable.

To that end, I’m a big fan of the Convertible Running Gloves from TrailHeads, which feature a breathable inner glove and a warmer waterproof mitten shell. This lets you adjust between letting your hands breathe in cool, dry weather and shielding them from the cold and rain. Their insulation is warm, making them a good option for low temperatures. At the wrist, their extra-long cuffs help keep rain from running up your sleeves, too.

These gloves also offer above average visibility, are secured together via magnet, and their touch-screen compatibility is among the best on the list. Will there be times when your gloves feel a little steamy inside? Maybe. Is that better than running with gloves soaked in frozen rain? I think so.

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If you’re a consistent night runner, the ReflecToes Fluorescent Reflective Glove is the undeniable grand champ of high-vis running gloves. Most of the backs of the hands are covered with large reflective elements for high visibility at night. Though they come in a few colors, we recommend going with a fluorescent color to add additional visibility in the early evening, before cars turn on their lights.

Though they’re on the list for their visibility features, the ReflecToes are also decent gloves. They feel soft and comfortable, and are surprisingly warm for their weight. I also really like that they have a soft spot on the back of the thumb that allows you to wipe sweat from your brow or a runny nose without causing painful chafing. They allow for above-average precision with touch screens, as well.

Fair warning: The sizing on these gloves runs a little small. I normally wear large-sized gloves, but these were very snug, verging on too tight. I’d recommend sizing up unless most gloves feel very roomy in your standard size.