Cold, wet, and winter runs can be tough on your hands. Regular gloves often trap sweat, restrict movement, or make it hard to use your phone.
The right running gloves deliver warmth, comfort, and control. They protect against rain and wind, stay lightweight, and let you use your GPS or touchscreen without stopping.
This guide highlights the best running gloves for cold, wet, and winter conditions. Our picks are based on runner feedback, expert reviews, and top-performing brands. We focused on key features like insulation, weather resistance, grip, breathability, and touchscreen compatibility.
Whether you are logging long winter miles or heading out for a quick run on a chilly morning, this list will help you find the right pair for your needs.
Let’s take a closer look at the running gloves that will keep your hands warm, dry, and comfortable when the weather turns cold and challenging.
How We Chose These Running Gloves
We evaluated gloves based on real-world running performance, expert reviews, and runner feedback to ensure each recommendation delivers on warmth, comfort, and usability in cold, wet, or winter conditions.
Key Criteria:
🔥 Warmth Without Bulk
Gloves must keep fingers warm without restricting movement or causing sweat buildup.
🌧 Weather Resistance
Windproof, water-repellent, or convertible gloves scored higher for keeping hands dry and comfortable.
🖐 Grip & Dexterity
Silicone grips and stretch fabrics were prioritized for secure handling of bottles, straps, or zippers.
📱 Touchscreen Compatibility
Reliable conductive panels on thumbs and index fingers allow use of phones, GPS devices, and watches mid-run.
💬 Runner Feedback & Expert Reviews
We considered fit, durability, and performance reported by real runners and referenced top gear guides to ensure practical recommendations.
This approach ensures you get running gloves that perform in real winter conditions, whether for short morning runs or long trail miles.
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves — Best Overall for Most Runners
The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves are a top choice for runners who want reliable performance in cool to cold weather. These gloves combine warmth, comfort, and touchscreen functionality in a streamlined, low‑bulk design that works well for everyday runs and longer winter sessions.
Key Features
- Touchscreen Compatibility: The gloves use U|R Powered and Etip technology on the fingertips and palm so you can operate your phone, GPS watch, or music device without taking your gloves off.
- Soft Fleece Construction: Made from 93% recycled polyester and 7% elastane double‑knit fleece, the interior feels soft against the skin and provides cozy warmth without adding bulk.
- Stretch Fit: Four‑way stretch fabric and 5-Dimensional Fit give you a snug fit that follows your hand’s natural shape and movement for better comfort and dexterity.
- Natural Hand Position: Radiametric Articulation helps keep your hands in a relaxed, natural position while running, reducing fatigue and improving control.
- Secure Grip: Silicone grip dots on the palm boost traction, so you can hold your phone, bottle, or leash with confidence on the move.
- Sustainable Design: The use of recycled materials supports a more eco‑friendly build without compromising performance.
These gloves perform well across a range of conditions and are especially good for runners who want touchscreen control and a natural feel without heavy insulation, making them ideal for cool to moderately cold days.
Best For: Daily running, cool morning runs, multitaskers who need touchscreen access, and eco‑conscious athletes.
Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves — Great Runner‑Up for Cold Weather Runs
The Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves are a lightweight, performance‑oriented option for runners who want reliable protection and breathability in cooler conditions without heavy insulation. These gloves are inspired by high‑output mountain sports but translate well to running, trail runs, and brisk winter jogs.
Key Features
- Weather‑Resistant Stretch Shell: The gloves use a stretchy, weather‑resistant fabric that sheds light wind and moisture while allowing airflow to help prevent sweat buildup on harder efforts.
- Breathable Palm with Silicone Grip: The palm features a breathable stretch material with a patterned silicone grip for secure handling of water bottles, GPS devices, leashes, or poles.
- Touchscreen‑Ready Fingertips: Digital fingertip zones let you use a smartphone or GPS without removing the gloves, so you stay on the move and in control.
- Low‑Profile Stretch Cuff: A slim cuff design provides a close fit that doesn’t bulk up under jacket sleeves and stays comfortable while running.
- Lightweight Build (≈56 g per pair): The gloves are very light, making them ideal for runs where you want protection without added weight.
- Temperature Range: Best suited for cool conditions around 30–45 °F (0–7 °C), balancing warmth with breathability for active use.
- Material: 100 % polyester stretch shell with no heavy insulation, focusing on weather resistance and agility.
These gloves are especially good for cold‑to‑moderate winter runs where you are generating heat and don’t need thick insulation. The silicone grip reduces the chance of items slipping out of your hands, and the touchscreen capability keeps you connected without stopping. While not the warmest gloves on the list, they strike a solid balance of breathability, weather resistance, and dexterity that many runners appreciate.
Best For: Athletes who want lightweight, breathable winter gloves with grip and touchscreen usability for training runs in cool and near‑freezing weather.
Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Glove — Best Convertible Running Gloves for Variable Conditions
The Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Glove is designed for runners who face changing weather conditions and want flexibility without adding bulk. This glove combines a breathable, stretch fleece base with a stowable waterproof mitt that instantly boosts warmth and protection when you need it. It’s a smart choice for long runs where temperatures and conditions can shift.
Key Features
- Convertible Flip‑Top Mitt: A waterproof Cordura flip mitt adds an extra layer of warmth and weather protection when flipped over the fingers, with minimal added weight or bulk.
- Base Glove Material: The main glove is made from 76% nylon and 24% polyurethane grid fleece, offering lightweight insulation and breathability.
- Touchscreen‑Compatible Fingertips: Conductive ultrasuede fingertips let you use your phone, GPS, or smartwatch without removing your gloves.
- Waterproof Protection: The 100% silicone‑coated Cordura ripstop flip mitt helps keep hands dry in rain or snow.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing around 51 grams, these gloves are packable and won’t weigh you down even on longer runs.
- Sizing: Available in Small (≈9.125″), Medium (≈10.125″), and Large (≈10.5″) when measured from cuff to tip of the middle finger.
The standout feature of the Ultra Flip is its convertible design, which lets you switch from a breathable running glove to an insulated mitten quickly on cooler, windier, or wetter sections of your run. The breathable grid fleece base helps manage moisture during hard efforts, while the waterproof mitt adds protection without restricting movement. Touchscreen compatibility keeps you connected without interrupting your pace.
Best For: Runners who want a versatile glove system that adapts to changing conditions during longer runs or unpredictable winter weather. These gloves are ideal for trail runs, ultra distances, and multi‑condition outings where quick warmth and weather resistance are needed.
Comparison Table — Best Running Gloves for Cold, Wet & Winter Runs
| Glove Model | Warmth Level | Water Resistance | Breathability | Touchscreen Ready | Best For |
| The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves | Medium | Light | High | ✔️ | Everyday cold runs |
| Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves | Medium | Moderate | Very High | ✔️ | Cool to near‑freezing runs |
| Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Glove | Variable (convertible) | High (with mitt) | High | ✔️ | Changing weather & long runs |
Conclusion
The best running gloves depend on temperature, conditions, and how you run. Focus on the balance of warmth, breathability, and usability that fits your typical winter runs.
- Choose The North Face Etip Recycled Gloves if you want a lightweight, reliable option for everyday cold-weather runs with excellent touchscreen performance.
- Go with Black Diamond Mont Blanc Gloves if you run hard in cool to near-freezing temperatures and need strong breathability and grip without bulky insulation.
- Pick Ultimate Direction Ultra Flip Gloves if you run long distances or in changing weather and want the flexibility of a breathable glove with on-demand wind and rain protection.
The right gloves make winter running more comfortable and consistent, keeping your hands warm, dry, and functional no matter how cold or wet the conditions get.
