--- source_url: "https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g20862641/best-running-gloves/" title: The 5 Best Running Gloves of 2026 — Winter Gloves for Runners mirrored_at: 2026-08-17T03:02:21.956Z host: www.runnersworld.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.runnersworld.com/gear/g20862641/best-running-gloves/index" --- > **Original source:** https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g20862641/best-running-gloves/ ## How We Selected ![black glove displayed against a snowy background](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/trailheads-mens-power-running-gloves-0009-699c727d30799.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "black glove displayed against a snowy background") Trevor Raab I’ve worked at RW for eight years and started running XC in high school. I learned to embrace the cold this year, testing most of the gloves included on this list. I judged them by insulation, dexterity, and fit. I also had a little help from male staffers, who tested the men’s version of gloves—and became aghast learning that the women’s wasn’t similar. Contributor Nick Hilden also provides tips on what to look for when shopping for gloves and answers your frequently asked questions on when to wear, and sizing and fit. Credit: Trevor Raab ### Pros - Windproof overlays on tops of hands - Double-layer knit and merino wool for warmth ### Cons - Bunched up fingertips due to unisex sizing - Not much of a nose wipe patch The Smartwool Active Fleece Insulated Glove is included in our [Best Winter Gear for Runners](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a24220136/best-winter-running-gear/) guide because it checks off all the boxes: double-knit insulation, reflective lining, windproof panels, and touchscreen compatible fingertips. The stitching on the long cuffs ensures a secure, tailored fit around the wrists. The Active Fleece kept my fingers warm for an hour during 32-degree and slightly below freezing runs. When the temperature dropped to 20, my fingers started to ache after a half hour in the cold. My main critique is that they’re unisex sizing only. Even the smallest size, extra small, left some room above my fingertips, which made it difficult to grasp items I pocketed and zippers. The patch on the palm didn’t reach past my thumb and forefinger, which would have provided a soft area for nose wiping. ## Key Specs Sizes XS to XL Touchscreen Compatible Yes Visibility Element Logo, overlay lining Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Credit: Trevor Raab ### Pros - Extended cuffs with Velcro tabs to adjust fit - Primaloft insulation retains warmth ### Cons - Only two sizes When you’re pitting gloves against mittens, it’s dexterity vs warmth. Gloves allow you to use your fingers but gloves keep them together, thereby minimizing heat loss. Even though I felt like I was running with oven mitts on my hands (the sizing is small/medium, medium/large), the Convertible Zip Mittens were great for braving workouts that dipped into the teens—and tens. The extra room also allows for doubling up if you really want to head out when it’s -1 degrees Fahrenheit or less. The Velcro tabs allow you to tighten the fit around the wrists, and the interior lining feels as plush as the felt on my very authentic Robin Hood hat from Nottingham. If you’re prone to losing a mate when things come in pairs, TrailHeads sees you: a buckle guarantees your left and right mitt won’t be separated. Afraid of losing both mitts? Attach them to a carabiner on your duffel using the loops on the cuffs. The reflective zipper is a nice touch if you need to use your fingers midrun. My one issue with the mittens: the material on the thumbs leaves snot trails. [Shop Men’s](https://www.amazon.com/TrailHeads-Convertible-Running-Mittens-Thermal/dp/B095ZZNKMZ/?tag=runnersworld-auto-20)[Shop Women’s](https://www.amazon.com/TrailHeads-Convertible-Running-Mittens-Thermal/dp/B09619JDYS/?tag=runnersworld-auto-20) ## Key Specs Sizes S/M, M/L Touchscreen Compatible No Visibility Element Zipper on back of hand Now 20% Off ### Pros - Soft nose wipe thumb area - Windproof - Leather palms for grip ### Cons - Unisex sizing - Not touchscreen compatible My coworkers thought I was heading out on the slopes or wearing garden gloves, but the Ibex Kilometer isn’t just for skiers (or gardeners). After a stretch of testing during a brief stay in New York City, the Kilometer gets my runner seal of approval. I tested them while logging runs in Central Park and the Hudson River Greenway, hitting gusts of wind on rolling hills and by the water. Temperatures varied from 20 to 40 degrees; the Kilmometer made my workouts more bearable. The leather palms had excellent grip when I ran holding my phone, trying to find the best route back to my hotel. My fingers were shielded from the river’s windchill and the ribbed cuffs kept my wrists toasty. But the biggest win for me was the soft, absorbent patch of fabric on each thumb. They were perfect for swiping my very runny nose when the wind speed was 15 mph. [Full Review](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a70464566/ibex-kilometer-glove-review/) ## Key Specs Sizes XS to XL Touchscreen compatible No Visibility Element Back-of-hand logo, pointer and middle finger detail Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Credit: Trevor Raab ### Pros - Silicone grip on fingers and palms - Sex-specific sizing ### Cons - Only men’s has nose wipe patch - Women’s black pair has no reflectivity detail If you run with your phone and whip it out a bunch of times midrun, these are your gloves; almost the entire palm is patterned with silicone grips. The fingertips are touchscreen compatible and sizing is sex-specific, which translates to no bunched fingers or agitation trying to scroll. These gloves aren’t for extreme weather, but they’re great when things start to get nippy or when you’re heading out for a short winter run. However, there’s one thing TrailHeads must rectify: It’s a travesty that only the men’s version has a nose wipe patch. Why did they skimp on this feature with the women’s edition? [Shop Men’s](https://www.amazon.com/TrailHeads-Stretch-Touchscreen-Running-Gloves/dp/B018RBMKLU/?tag=runnersworld-auto-20)[Shop Women’s](https://www.amazon.com/TrailHeads-Running-Touchscreen-Stretch-Accessories/dp/B0711CDGY5/?tag=runnersworld-auto-20) ## Key Specs Sizes S to L (M), XS to L (W) Touchscreen Compatible logo (M), back-of hand design (W, \*none on black version) Visibility Element Yes Credit: Trevor Raab ### Pros - Thermoregulating wool - Touchscreen fingertips - Ribbed cuffs ### Cons - Simple, no-frills - No reflective detail - Unisex fit These aren’t the cotton gloves you wore in grade school. The Smartwool Liner offers so much more in terms of warmth and quality; it all starts with the woven material. The fabric is merino wool, which regulates warmth, controls odors, and dries fast. The fingertips are touchscreen compatible, and you’re not limited to a small patch on the thumb when you need to wipe your nose (the glove itself is real estate). The ribbed cuffs fit snug, even on small wrists. They’re great to wear when the temperature is mid-30s; maybe even lower if you don’t have near-Raynaud’s hands like mine. ## Key Specs Sizes XS to L Touchscreen Compatible Yes Visibility Element No Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ## What to Consider By Nick Hilden ![line break](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/line-break-listicle-649c7b1c9e9cc.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "line break ") ### Materials Winter runners should look for a pair of lightweight gloves that are warm enough to keep your hands cozy, but breathable enough to let air circulate. Look for technical fabrics— Polyester and other synthetic materials are often your best bet for finding that balance. Some blends are better than others though. In case of bad weather, it also makes sense to keep an eye out for a weather-resistant material that can protect against rain and snow, as well as cold, cutting winds. Moisture-wicking materials, such as merino wool, can also help deal with sweat and mitigate the impact of cold rain. I also like when a glove fabric contains a small amount of a stretchy material, such as Spandex or elastane, to ensure the gloves fit comfortably and snug. That said, skip the stretch if you like a glove that feels roomy inside. On the other hand, I recommend avoiding heavy gloves made from nylon or polyurethane. These materials are often thicker, warmer and weatherproof, so they’re more likely to make you overheat. (Depending on the design, they may also make it hard to use your phone or check your [smartwatch](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/g45263771/best-running-watch/).) ### Warmth Everyone has their own Goldilocks spot for how much warmth they need from their gloves. The important thing to keep in mind is that your body feels warmer while you’re running–speaking broadly, we recommend dressing for a run as if it's [10- to 20 degrees warmer](https://www.runnersworld.com/beginner/a63116381/running-in-30-degree-weather/) than the temperature outside (including the wind chill.) That’s a good rubric for determining both when to start wearing gloves in the winter, and the level of protection you want against the cold. Thinking about gloves specifically, your running gloves probably shouldn’t be as warm as your everyday winter gloves. A warmer glove will keep you going in colder temperatures but will cause you to sweat more, so it may not feel comfortable for long. ### Visibility Winter nights come early, so visibility is an essential concern for all cold-weather running gear. If you frequently run near a road, or in areas with little street lighting, every item of clothing you wear, head to toe, should feature a reflective or high-visibility element. In fact, gloves are among the most important pieces of [reflective running gear](https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a38254827/reflective-gear-to-run-safely-in-the-dark/) you can wear. They catch drivers’ eyes especially well because your hands move as you run, creating a more noticeable effect. ## FAQs With Our Expert ![line break listicle](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/run-line-break-listicle1-65ce1b3030105.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "line break listicle") **When should I start wearing running gloves in the winter?** Every person feels differently about gloves, but as I said earlier in the piece, experts recommend dressing for a run as if it’s 10 degrees warmer than the effective temperature with the wind chill. If you normally wear gloves on a 50-degree day, start putting on gloves when it’s 40 degrees. **How should running gloves fit?** A good running glove should fit snug around your hand. If there’s room for your hand to move inside the glove, your skin may rub against the fabric and start to chafe. At the same time, it’s important to make sure they aren’t too tight, which might reduce circulation. One way to check if you have the right fit is by doing a pinch test. Put on one glove, then pinch the fabric at the tip of a finger with your other hand. Ideally, you should have about a quarter-inch of extra room. **How do I measure my hand size?** Most glove brands use one of two measurements to determine sizing: The circumference of your fingers at the knuckles (without the thumb), and full hand length from the base of the hand to the tip of the middle finger. Check the product listing on the glove to see how the brand measures. To measure the knuckle circumference, hold your fingers together, then wrap a measuring tape around your knuckles. Don’t squeeze your fingers too tight, though. When measuring your full hand, make sure your middle finger is fully extended to ensure a proper measurement. ![Headshot of Amanda Furrer](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/834ca306-afa9-4d8c-acdb-b604ad955588_1651178293.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "Headshot of Amanda Furrer") Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron. ![Headshot of Cat Bowen](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/e517b516-4f09-461e-b6d3-e18d3a69be04_1610382655.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "Headshot of Cat Bowen") Reviewed by[Cat Bowen](https://www.runnersworld.com/author/227204/cat-bowen/) Senior Editor for Commerce, Reviews Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness. ![Headshot of Nick Hilden](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/9cbc03a0-9b45-4fda-858a-50f3dcb1e254_1648043630.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "Headshot of Nick Hilden") Nick Hilden is a writer, globetrotter, and jack-of-many-talents who has written gear reviews for the likes of  _Runner’s World_, _Popular Science_, _Men’s Health_, _Thrillist_, _the Daily Beast_, _the Los Angeles Times_, _Greatist_, and _the Manual_, and his lifestyle, culture, and tech writing has also appeared in _Scientific American_, _Afar_, _Salon_, _Vice_, _Healthline_, and many others. Before entering journalism some 15 years ago, he worked as a bartender, brewery manager, sound engineer, recording and touring musician, cook, teacher, and in a variety of other trades. These days, he lives all over the world, performs music sporadically, and spends a lot of time thinking how to best improve his Honda Element conversion.