Best Running Gloves Compared & Tested – 2024 List
We have put together a list of the best running gloves available on the market. Selected and reviewed, look at our collection, and enjoy your next run, wearing a pair of gloves from our list.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
If you’re a competitive runner the last thing you want is for little nagging things like cold hands to slow you down, and if you’re an average daily runner you’re just as likely to want your hands to be cozy and comfortable.
Comfort is a priority. It’s the thing we seek most while running so it’s out the top evaluation of products as well. We’ll let you know what users thought about the comfort of the gloves so that you can be sure to pick one that suits your needs.
Runners know the importance of having gear that is practical as well as comfortable. When you are out for a run, the last thing you need to be worrying about is adjusting your clothes or fiddling with your gear every 10 minutes.
Comfort is key and all of the running gloves featured here on our list are made to be comfortable and easy to wear. Whether you need them for a quick jog around the neighborhood or a long-distance trek through the mountain snows, winter running gloves are a must-have!
So, check out the great selection available here on our top ten list and get the pair of gloves that will meet all of your wants and needs.
They don’t have to be thick to provide a good amount of warmth. Everyone’s body temperature and circulation are quite different so the type you need will be determined through the experience of your own body temperature.
There are liners to help keep your hands even warmer if needed. Most are typically lightweight so that they don’t impede your running abilities.
Style
It all just depends on what you are looking for in a pair of running gloves. Your personal preference will guide you to decide which style you like best if you are looking for technology or an additional pocket these will play into whether you make the purchase or not.
There are many styling options available for you to choose from as well when it comes to the gloves you wear when you are out for a run. You may want thinner gloves for a milder climate or thick warm gloves for cold winter time runs. You may need water proofing protection for rainy or wet conditions while a simple pair of basic gloves may be all you need to protect your hands.
You can also look for styling features like finger design, gripper pads, pockets, fit and comfort features and many other things that can set one pair of gloves apart from another pair. These gloves here have all been carefully reviewed by our team to ensure they are the best available right now!
Do the sizes run too small, too big, or just right? Are they a bit narrow, or tighter in certain places? These are the things we are on the lookout for so you don’t have to do all the research. They should fit snug to the hands, but not so snug they cut off circulation. If they are too big they’ll just be annoying and could cause your skin to become irritated. If they are too small they could cut off circulation which does not sound comfortable at all.
Most prefer a stretchy material that allows their hands to move freely while they are active so we’ve made sure to include how flexible each one is. Is it touch screen compatible? Does it have a pocket? These are things to consider when making your purchase. Little added perks so you don’t have to remove your gloves in the cold are pretty awesome.
Breathability
Even though you want to be protected from the wind and the cold air, you still want to have enough ventilation and the right materials so your gloves don't accumulate sweat and stuffy air.
Another feature to consider as you search for the best running gloves for your needs is how breathable they are. You want gloves that will fit and keep your body beat close so your hands stay warm. But at the same time, you do not want to get overheated and too sweaty because your hands will get wet and the wet gloves can cause the chilly air to make your hands feel even colder!
Breathability becomes important because it is that balance of airflow and warmth retention that keeps you comfortable and protected from the elements without getting cold wet hands.
There are a lot of different materials to choose from when making your purchase. It usually comes down to preference. Is there a certain type of fabric that you find bothersome, are there certain fabrics that provide you with comfort?
These are the things you’ll consider when making your purchase. They are typically thicker on the back of the hands to allow for wind protection. The palm of the hand and insides of the fingers will typically have a thinner mesh fabric to allow for a good amount of breathability.
Top 4 materials used in Running Gloves:
POLYESTER: It will typically have high breathability and keep sweat away while providing warmth. Won’t be protected against wind and/or water.
ACRYLIC: It will be breathable, stretchy and warm. Won’t be protective against wind and/or water.
FLEECE: Nice and cozy. Not so great at keeping sweat away and lacks breathability. Be on the lookout for exceptions of this material having panels with different fabrics that allow you to breathe easier.
POLYPROPYLENE:If you are looking for wind and waterproofing gloves this is the material you seek. It will keep your hands dry and warm. It typically doesn’t keep sweat away or has as much breathability but it will have some.
Weather Resistance
If you live in a cold climate or have particularly bad circulation, gloves should be a real consideration for you. Most people have had their hands go numb at one point or another, and pretty much everyone can agree, it’s not much fun.
You can find gloves that are mad for all kinds of weather and that is what makes them so popular among runners. You can get running gloves for warm or cool weather as well as gloves that protect against sunburn and water. It is important to get running gloves that are made with good weather resistance so that you can protect your hands from the elements and so that you can also stay comfortable during your run.
We here at RunnerClick know how important it is to keep your hands protected and we understand the impact the weather can have on your run. That is why we included a range of gloves for your consideration here on our top list of the best running gloves available!
Keep in mind that there are options for all types of weather. Ones that are specifically designed to keep the wind away, and ones that are water/snow proof. You don’t need to wear them year-round. In the winter, if you get cold hands you might want to purchase a liner to get more warmth.
Keeping those hands warm while you run, especially in the colder months is quite detrimental. Some of these have the wind-resistant technology, others provide warming technology, and others have no wind resistance, but whatever your need is you’re sure to find it here.
Materials
It is important to consider the materials that are used in your gloves because a number of feature and perks of a certain pair of gloves can be closely tied to the materials used in its construction.
Some materials are better at wicking away sweat and moisture to keep your hands dry and comfortable. Other materials are better at protecting against water so your hands stay dry during rainy weather or wet conditions. Still, other materials are made to keep your hands warm and comfortable. Depending on where you are and what environment you are running in, you may need different types of gloves made from different materials for various tasks.
Here at RunnerClick we know how important it is to ensure you are getting the best of the best when it comes to the gear you use and the products you buy. Materials come in many different types, each with its own unique look and feel as specific features.
Finding the right running gloves often comes down to finding gloves that are made from the materials that will perform the way you need them to and that will give you the results that you are looking for!
11 Best Running Gloves
1. Unigear Lightweight Running Gloves
When you are running outside in the cold, the last thing you want to be thinking about is your cold fingers, that’s why Unigear Running Anti Slip Sporting gloves are a fantastic choice! They will not lower your running pace and they will keep you lovely and warm.
Read moreComfort
The Unigear gloves have been made from a 4-way stretch fabric that allows your hands to move freely but at the same time offer tightly fitted protection. The gloves are made from a 350g velvet material that feels like cashmere. They have been designed with long elastic wrists that help keep your wrists warm.
Built with an integrated silicone, this anti-slip silicone will make it easier for you to hold items without dropping them. Featuring conductive and durable microfibers in the thumb and index fingertips, these gloves are touchscreen-friendly so you can confidently use devices like your phone without removing your gloves.
Breathability
These gloves are highly breathable, keeping your hands cool and well ventilated. The fabric features wicking technology that wicks moisture away from your skin.
Cost and Value
These Unigear gloves are fantastic value for money. Affordable and stylish you can get a lot of features with this pair, making them a great buy.
2. OZERO Thermal
These stylish OZERO thermal gloves are a fantastic pair to wear for cycling because they are warm, windproof, and have non-slip silica so you can guarantee a firm grip.
Read moreComfort
These gloves have elastic cuffs that ensure they stay snug on your hands, keeping the cold and rain out. They also have a soft cotton lining that is warm against your skin. The gloves have silica gel particles on the index finger, middle finger, and palm, giving you a good level of grip. The gloves are windproof and have a water-resistant shell that keeps your hands dry.
A TPU component also keeps freezing water and wind off your skin. The gloves are coated with a conductive fabric along with the index finger and thumb, allowing you to easily use your mobile phone without removing your gloves.
Breathability
Windproof and offering plenty of warmth, these cycling gloves are not as breathable as some of the other gloves in our collection.
Cost and Value
These thermal gloves from OZERO are another of our stylish gloves that are perfect to wear whilst cycling. Offering plenty of features, these are highly affordable for athletes who have a smaller budget.
3. Manzella Silk-Weight Windstopper
Here's a glove that ensures you don't need to worry about running in the wind. With its 3-layer windstopper and great comfort, the Manzella Silk-wight Windstopper will sure to blow your mind.
Read moreComfort
These quite comfortable 3 layered silk-weight windstoppers have a reflective component that allows others to see you easily. It also provides you with touch screen technology so you can easily check messages without freezing your hands off.
The majority of users reported that the fit was accurate with only a minute number of users saying it was too large. Since they don't have any insulation, just wind stopping power, they allow for a lot of dexterity.
Breathability
100% Nylon construction means that underneath the layers of weather protection you have a base that isn't the most breathable but that wicks moisture well. You won't need to worry too much about ventilation on super chilly days and many users said that the fit of these still allowed for a thin inner layer of air that kept their hands comfortable. It is highly wind resistant with its 3-layer silk-weight windstopper fabric.
Cost and Value
There is no doubt that on those super rough days logging miles outside where the wind is at its peak strength that having the gear to protect against it is invaluable. These will definitely do that and protect your hands from the wind, and at a mid-range price, they are worth having in your arsenal.
4. ReflecToes Reflective
These ReflecToes reflective running gloves are ideal for wearing whilst jogging outside in the darker and colder winter months.
Read moreComfort
The gloves are lightweight, warm, and super soft against your skin. They also feature a thermal fleece lining, providing added warmth. The gloves have been built with touchscreen technology so you can use your smartphone confidently whilst wearing the gloves.
The fluorescent green color gloves are a fantastic feature in lower light levels, as they ensure you can be seen by drivers and fellow runners.
Breathability
Featuring a thermal fleece lining, these jogging gloves are not as breathable as some of the other gloves in our collection.
Cost and Value
These Hi-Vis reflective fluorescent green gloves are another of our affordable gloves. Designed to wear whilst jogging, wearing these gloves will make you stand out for all the right reasons.
5. Under Armour ColdGear Liner
Flexible, warm, and long is the way these Under Armour liners go. They'll fit snug and keep sweat away while you exercise.
Read moreComfort
Most found these quite comfortable with their dual layer fabric being quite soft. It has an ultra-warm interior, and a fas-drying exterior and its 4-way stretch fabrication provide a good amount of flexibility. It has a silicone plated palm that provides a good grip, and its extra long length keeps you warm.
It seems that the sizing might be off as some users thought they were too light and too loose while others found them difficult to remove. They are intended to be used as liners so they should fit snug, but shouldn't be so snug they are hard to remove.
Breathability
They come complete with Signature Moisture Transport System that keeps sweat away. The polyester construction also means a decent amount of ventilation without leaving you chilly. There's no specific wind resistance feature but the extra long length is sure to protect you from the wind blowing up your sleeves.
Cost and Value
There a ton of extras in this design including wind protection, excellent grip and moisture wicking that make these a nice option. They are a bit costly, but not over-priced.
6. Head Digital
The Head Digital perform really well when it comes to windy weather and these are made from high-quality materials so they're durable as well.
Read moreComfort
These will be great if you like long distance runs and you want your hands to stay warm for the whole time. They have a snug fit but they are flexible at the same time. These are touch screen compatible - you can use your phone even when the temperatures are really low.
Breathability
They aren't the most breathable, but they protect your hands without getting too warm. Most athletes will truly enjoy these gloves as they are perfect for more windy days and they help to stay warm.
Cost and Value
These are very well-rounded and comfortable. They are also fairly priced.
7. TrailHeads
If you want cold weather running and you want to stay comfortable, TrailHeads is the way to go. These are specifically made for this purpose and a perfect choice for you. They’re not intended for winter’s coldest days as the producers say but they will be definitely perfect for those who enjoy outdoor exercise in fall or early winter.
Read moreComfort
They provide the right amount of warmth. Your hands stay warm but they don’t sweat. It means that you don’t need to worry about unpleasant odor. You will also have no problem with using your smartphone or any other electrical device as these gloves are touchscreen compatible.
There are double layer stretch cuffs to make the fit more secure. There are even special cell mesh accents to keep you cool during long running sessions.
Breathability
These are quite breathable with mesh side insets, so your hands stay dry during running. This is a blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex so these are moisture wicking.
Cost and Value
You won't be able to beat the price of these with a stick! Super affordable option here.
8. Vbiger
Whether you are a professional athlete or simply enjoy running every day, you should own a pair of these Nike Therma Fit running gloves.
Read moreComfort
The gloves have been constructed using a Therma-FIT fabric that acts as a fantastic insulator, keeping you warm. The gloves have articulated fingers and palms, providing added comfort and ease of motion. If you are caught out in the rain, these gloves will still retain their insulating properties even when wet. They have conductive thumbs and forefingers that make these gloves touch screen compatible. Silicone has also been added to the gloves, giving added grip.
Breathability
Wearing these will keep your hands warm so when it comes to our collection these running gloves lack breathability.
Cost and Value
Priced as a mid-price, these running gloves from Nike are a great buy. You can rely on the fact that this stylish pair of gloves will keep your hands warm when you are enjoying your run.
9. Zensah Smart
Technology at its finest, with a touchscreen, a thumb snot wipe, and silicone gripping, you'll be warm and enjoy the benefits of the Zensah Smart design.
Read moreComfort
This highly comfortable Zensah Smart option has a touchscreen feature that you can use with your electronics. They have reflective stripes for increased visibility while you run, and the 4-way proprietary stretch material provides flexibility.
They come complete with Silicone gripping on the inside of the palms, and a thumb snot wipe. Most thought the fit was as it should be with just a few saying the sizing ran small.
Breathability
These are highly breathable so you don't have to worry about sweaty hands while you run. They have no specific wind-resistant materials; however, they do provide warmth on your run.
Cost and Value
You can get these at a moderate price. If this is the type you are looking for you won't have to invest a pretty penny in them.
10. Nike Storm Fit 2.0
Fit for a storm, the Nike Storm 2.0 will provide you with a good amount of warmth while you run and its Dri-Fit technology does wonders for keeping sweat away.
Read moreComfort
This touchscreen compatible option will give you comfort as you exercise with its silicone features for added grip and reflective components that allow others to see you easily. Make sure you check the measurements and measure your hands before you order as there were some users that stated it ran a bit large in size.
Breathability
Dri-Fit makes it quite breathable and the fabric stays dry. Its knuckle and finger gussets provide ventilation so your hands can breathe easily while you run. It has a Storm-FIT fabric on the back of the hand to repel wind and water, and most have benefited from this feature with just a few reports of the water feature not properly repelling water.
Cost and Value
There is no way around it, while these are a solid option, they are pricey.
11. HEAD Hybrid
HEAD Hybrid gloves are a premium style pair of gloves made for wearing when running in cold weather conditions.
Read moreComfort
Made from polyester, nylon, and spandex, these premium gloves from HEAD are warm, comfortable, and extremely soft to wear against your skin. The gloves have been constructed using a fleecy, windproof material to keep you warm. The gloves also have an added insulated back panel that features DuPont Sorona insulation. They have been built with Sensatec touchscreen technology, allowing you to use your smartphone without removing your gloves.
Breathability
You do not need to worry about getting cold hands when wearing these as they have been constructed with fleece material and have an added insulated back panel that features DuPont Sorono insulation. However, this pair is probably one of the least breathable gloves in our collection.
Cost and Value
Extremely affordable, if you want a cheap pair of running gloves that will keep your hands warm, this pair from HEAD is a fantastic choice. You will not be disappointed with these!
12. New Balance
New Balance is known for producing athletic products that have the perfect blend of function and fashion, giving athletes the performance technology, they need to get results. These New Balance running gloves are a great example of this!
Read moreComfort
Made from 95% polyester and 5% spandex, these running gloves have been created with the perfect fit so you can wear them for a range of activities. The gloves have built-in touch tip technology print on the fingers and thumbs, allowing you to use screen devices without removing your gloves. They also have a reflective New Balance logo, making them great for wearing in lower light levels.
Breathability
These have been built with moisture management technology that works by moving moisture away from the skin and drying quickly.
Cost and Value
Available for a high price, these running gloves from New Balance are one of the most expensive pairs in our collection. If you have a bigger budget to spend, this option is e a fantastic buy.
Sources
- , How to Buy Running Gloves, Sporting good site
- , 8 Steps to Enjoying Cold Weather Running, Wellness informational site
