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The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

From lightweight layers to heavily insulated options, we found the best winter gloves for every budget, temperature, and snow-centric sport and activity.
The best winter gloves of 2022-2023From the ski hill to the grocery store, warm, reliable gloves are crucial in winter; (photo/Jason Hummel)
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Keeping your hands warm during winter can make the difference between a memorable time outdoors and a miserable one.  Frozen fingers can stop a day on the slopes, end a hike early, and just be painful and uncomfortable. Whether you need more hand heat than your body can generate or you’re looking for a light layer to keep your fingers warm when you set out for a run, there’s a winter glove out there that’s ideal for you.

And while there isn’t a single winter glove that suits everyone, we broke them into categories so you can make an informed choice based on your needs. For more help finding the right fit, be sure to check out our comparison chart to help you steer your decision-making. Also, check out the buyer’s guide and FAQ section at the end of this article for additional tips.

Otherwise, scroll through our collection of best picks for winter gloves for 2024.

Editor’s Note: We updated our winter gloves buyer’s guide on October 31, 2023, to include 23 sections that support education about winter gloves for you, whether you’re playing or working in the snow.

The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Best Overall Winter Glove

Norrøna trollveggen GTX

Specs

  • Shell/Material GORE-TEX fabric, goat leather, PrimaLoft, Oeko-Tex-certified fabric, PFC-free DWR, Bluesign-certified fabric
  • Cuff type Medium-length gauntlet cuff
  • Insulation 130g PrimaLoft Gold
  • Waterproof Yes
Product Badge The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Warm
  • Reinforced with leather in high-wear areas
  • Lighter and less bulky than most other gloves in the category

Cons

  • Not touchscreen-compatible
Best Budget Winter Gloves

Jeniulet Winter Gloves

Specs

  • Shell/Material Dacron polyester shell with fleece lining
  • Cuff type Short under-jacket cuffs
  • Insulation Fleece lining
  • Waterproof These gloves have a water-repellent outer fabric and a built-in “waterproof bag”
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Touchscreen-compatible
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Sizing is tricky — they run very large
Runner-Up Best Winter Gloves

Black Diamond Legend Gloves

Specs

  • Shell/Material GORE-TEX insert, goat leather, fleece lining
  • Cuff type Neoprene undercuff
  • Insulation 170g PrimaLoft Gold on the back; 60g PrimaLoft Gold on the palm
  • Waterproof Yes
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Warm
  • Durable, flexible leather in the palm and fingers
  • Wrist-leash with wide band

Cons

  • Not touchscreen-compatible
  • Pricey
Best Leather Gloves

4-Season Give’r Gloves

Specs

  • Shell/Material All leather cowhide exterior
  • Insulation Thinsulate and polyester fleece lining; 150g on the palm side with 260g on the external hand
  • Cuff type Elastic undercuff
  • Waterproof Yes, waterproof membrane, with wax coating for additional leather protection
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Durable
  • Good dexterity
  • Warm

Cons

  • Requires a short break-in period to reach optimal feel
Best Snowboarding Gloves

Dakine Leather Titan GORE-TEX Gloves

Specs

  • Shell/Material Goat leather palm with a polyester fleece lining, synthetic insulation, and a waterproof membrane
  • Cuff type Gauntlet
  • Insulation 230g high loft synthetic
  • Waterproof Yes, GORE-TEX membrane
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Good dexterity for a heavily insulated glove
  • Zipper stash pocket
  • One-hand cinch gauntlet
  • Nose-wipe panel

Cons

  • Thumb mobility is limited
Best Skiing Gloves

Hestra Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet Gloves

Specs

  • Shell/Material Water-repellent leather with a removable polyester liner
  • Cuff type Long gauntlet
  • Insulation 100% polyester G-Loft
  • Waterproof No
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Very warm
  • Leather repels water but is fully breathable so hands don’t get sweaty
  • Extended wrist cuff

Cons

  • Not touchscreen-compatible
Best Touchscreen-Compatible Gloves

The North Face Etip Recycled Glove

Specs

  • Shell/Material Recycled Polyester and elastane softshell
  • Cuff type Short under-sleeve cuff
  • Insulation Thin fleece layer
  • Waterproof No
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Touch screen compatible
  • Made from recycled materials
  • 4-way stretch for dexterity

Cons

  • Not for extremely cold weather
Best of the Rest

Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Evo Gloves

Specs

  • Shell/Material AmFIB soft-shell polyester-blend body fabric with synthetic leather palms
  • Cuff type Long wrist-hugging under-jacket cuffs
  • Insulation 170g Primaloft Gold with Crosscore technology insulation made from 35% post-consumer recycled polyester plus Aerogel particles for high warmth
  • Waterproof No, water-resistant main body fabric
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Grippy on the handlebars and brakes
  • Comfortable gel for palm support
  • Good dexterity

Cons

  • Expensive

Mechanix Wear Coldwork Original

Specs

  • Shell/Material Wind-resistant outer softshell and fleece lining
  • Cuff type Short-fitted velcro cuffs
  • Insulation 40g of 3M Thinsulate with fleece liner
  • Waterproof No
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • High dexterity
  • Easy on and off
  • Touchscreen-compatible
  • Durable

Cons

  • Semi-stiff until broken in

Black Diamond Solano Heated Glove

Specs

  • Shell/Material Full goat leather with two-layer Pertex Shield Nylon gauntlet cuff and GORE-TEX liner
  • Cuff type Long gauntlet cuff
  • Insulation Fixed fleece lining and Primaloft insulation
  • Waterproof Yes
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Warm hands in any weather
  • Excellent battery life

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Batteries in the cuff can feel bulky
  • They’re a little stiff

Gordini Fayston – Women’s & Men’s

Specs

  • Shell/Material 60% nylon, 40% polyurethane (shell); 100% polyester (lining)
  • Cuff type Short gauntlet cuff
  • Insulation Thindown; 85% goose down, 15% polyethylene terephthalate
  • Waterproof No
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Clean, elegant style
  • Good value
  • Quite warm for their weight

Cons

  • Not ideal for active use

Oyuki E-Jack GTX Glove

Specs

  • Shell/Material Goat skin leather, GORE-TEX membrane
  • Cuff type Undercuff
  • Insulation 133g PrimaLoft Gold on the top; 80g PrimaLoft Grip in the palm
  • Waterproof Yes, GORE-TEX membrane
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Good dexterity
  • Easy to get on and off with pull tab
  • Removable wrist leashes

Cons

  • No clip to attach gloves together

Hestra Windstopper Tour 

Specs

  • Shell/Material Melange fleece with a goat leather palm
  • Cuff type Short gauntlet cuff
  • Insulation Melange fleece with micro check liner
  • Waterproof No
The Best Winter Gloves of 2024

Pros

  • Well-made
  • Durable
  • Great dexterity

Cons

  • Relatively expensive for lightweight gloves
A variety of winter gloves are made for work days, domestic use, and sports; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Winter Glove Comparison Table

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Shell/Material, Cuff Type, Insulation, Waterproof.

GlovePriceShell/MaterialCuff TypeInsulationWaterproof
Norrøna trollveggen GTX$229GORE-TEX fabric, goat leather, PrimaLoft, OEKO-TEX-certified fabric, PFC-free DWR, Bluesign-certified fabricMedium-length gauntlet cuff130g PrimaLoft GoldYes
Jeniulet Winter Gloves $20Dacron polyester shell with fleece liningShort under-jacket cuffsFleece liningWater-repellent outer fabric and a
built-in “waterproof bag”
Black Diamond Legend
Gloves
$150GORE-TEX insert, goat leather, fleece lining Neoprene undercuff170g PrimaLoft Gold on the back; 60g PrimaLoft Gold on the palmYes, GORE-TEX
Give’r 4-Season Gloves$119All leather cowhide exteriorElasticated undercuffThinsulate and polyester fleece lining; 150g on the palm side with 260g on the external handYes, waterproof membrane, with wax coating for additional leather protection
Dakine Leather Titan 
GORE-TEX Gloves
$100Goat leather palm with a polyester fleece lining, synthetic insulation, and a waterproof membraneLong gauntlet cuff280g high loft syntheticYes, GORE-TEX membrane
Hestra Army Leather Patrol
Gauntlet Gloves
$165Water-resistant leather and polyester with a removable polyester linerLong gauntlet100% Polyester G-LoftNo
The North Face Etip
Recycled Glove 
$45Recycled polyester and elastane softshellShort under-sleeve cuffThin fleece layerNo
Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Evo Gloves$95AmFIB soft-shell main body fabric with synthetic leather palms and PrimaLoft Gold insulationLong wrist-hugging under-jacket cuffs170g PrimaLoft Gold with Crosscore technology insulation, made from 35% post-consumer recycled polyesterWater-resistant AmFIB Softshell main body fabric
Mechanix Wear Coldwork Original$33Wind-resistant outer softshell and fleece liningShort over-the-jacket cuffs40g of 3M Thinsulate with fleece linerNo
Black Diamond Solano $400Full goat leather with two-layer Pertex Shield Nylon gauntlet cuff and GORE-TEX linerLong gauntlet cuffFixed fleece lining and PrimaLoft insulationYes, GORE-TEX
Gordini Fayston$65Synthetic leather shell (nylon) and a polyester liningShort gauntlet cuff45g Thindown insulationNo
Oyuki E-Jack GTX Glove$130Goat skin leather, GORE-TEX membraneUndercuff133g PrimaLoft Gold on the top; 80g PrimaLoft Grip in the palmYes, GORE-TEX
Hestra Windstopper Tour $75Melange fleece with a goat leather palmShort gauntlet cuffFleece and micro check linerNo
Not all gloves are touchscreen compatible nor offer dexterity to text; (photo/Eric Phillips)

How We Tested Winter Gloves

To find the best winter gloves, we put dozens of winter warmers to the test. We worked outside and in the yard, shoveled mounds of snow, and ran errands in storm flurries. We also played: alpine, backcountry, and Nordic skied, snowboarded, hiked, fat biked, snowshoed, skated, sledded, dog walked, and had snowball fights in more than 30 pairs of gloves in the American Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest as well as the Rockies, Canada, and Iceland. Temperatures ranged from -20 degrees to the 40s.

One of the lead testers, Mattie Schuler, is no stranger to cold weather — she grew up in Wisconsin and has called Colorado home for a decade. Schuler spends her days outside teaching kids at an outdoor school — even in cold, windy, and wet weather. Schuler has tested dozens and dozens of gloves and mittens for personal and professional use, so she’s established a good metric on the basics like warmth and comfort. She’s admittedly quite picky about certain things like exactly where the nose wipe is located and if the wrist leashes are too long or too thick.

While testing to find the best gloves for winter, our team considered waterproofness, breathability, durability, and how well they kept the weather out as well as ease of on and off, taking a phone photo, gripping a ski pole, steering and opening a vehicle door, riding a bike, leveraging a shovel, or packing a snowball while wearing these pairs. Many of our testers live in frigid climates and use winter gloves on a daily basis while running errands and commuting including our Senior Editor, Morgan Tilton, who specializes in our snowsports buyer’s guides and grew up in the Colorado Rockies, where she lives today.

As new winter glove styles hit the market this season, we’ll be sure to keep this list updated with our current favorites. At any given time, our roundup will include the best of the best.

Certain gloves have patches of fabric that reinforce the construction for durability; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Winter Gloves

“Winter gloves” is a massive category that encompasses many different types and styles. The recommendations that we’ve included on this list represent a broad spectrum of options, and it can be tricky to identify the best pair for you.

Overall, in your go-to collection of gloves, you should have a few pairs that range from super warm to lightweight, with a medium warmth in the middle. That way, you aren’t sporting a thick, heavy glove when it’s a 35-degree sunny day outside. You’ll have a pair that fits exactly the conditions you need, whether that be a warmer, waterproof pair during super cold temps or a lighter design or liner during warmer winter days.

While some winter gloves are versatile enough for all sorts of applications, others are specifically designed for a singular purpose.

When choosing a pair of winter gloves, there are many important factors to consider. In this handy how-to-choose guide, we break down each of these factors to help you streamline — and hopefully enjoy — the selection process.

Lighter gloves are generally less warm and easier to compress or fold; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Active and Passive Activities

If you’ll be using your gloves as an activewear accessory — such as holding onto a ski pole, ice axe, or chainsaw — choose a glove that offers dexterity. The most dexterous gloves will allow you to articulate each finger independently for improved grip and active functionality. On this list, The North Face Recycled Etip Gloves offer uninhibited dexterity.

If you’ll be using your gloves strictly to keep your hands warm while commuting or walking outside, dexterity and workability are less important. If this is the case for you, we recommend gloves that are warm and well-insulated.

If you don’t need dexterity, you may as well take advantage of maximum warmth. On this list, the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Evo Gloves may not be the most dexterous, but they are impressively warm and eye-catching.

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Three-finger gloves blend the warmth of mittens with the dexterity of gloves; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Lobster Claws and Mittens

We focus on winter gloves here. But for those who regularly suffer from uncomfortably cold hands, mittens are the warmest form of hand protection. When encased in a mitten, your fingers are able to keep each other warm by proximity.

The major downside to mittens is loss of dexterity. When you need the use of your fingers while walking around town or snowboarding, for example, mittens are great, but for manual labor or gripping a ski pole, mittens aren’t ideal.

Lobster claws are the middle ground between gloves and mittens. Usually, one or two fingers are isolated from the other 3 or 4, resulting in two separate “claws” that can move independently. This style may be a good option for those who have chronically cold hands but still need some dexterity.

Still, lobster claws are significantly less dexterous than traditional gloves. Winter mountain bikers commonly choose to wear lobster-style gloves. On this list, the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Evo Gloves are excellent.

Many gloves have a Velcro cuff closure to help keep out the elements; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Skiing and Snowboarding

While all of the gloves on this list are high-quality options and well-qualified for winter use, not all of them are ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Skiing and snowboarding gloves need to be reliably waterproof, and durable enough for active use including ample friction with ski poles and bindings or backpacks and carrying gear. They also need to be comfortable in a wide range of conditions, because you’ll be out there with ’em on for a while and the weather can turn upside down.

On this list, the Dakine Leather Titan, Hestra Army Leather Patrol, and the Oyuki E-Jack are solid choices for bell-to-bell shredding at the ski resort or in the backcountry. Otherwise, read more about our favorite ski gloves.

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Streamlined gloves can make zippered pocket access easier; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Ski Pole Connectivity 

One very niche feature of some winter gloves, and specifically ski gloves, is their ability to connect to ski poles, like with those from Leki.

Leki has the Trigger System, which offers a built-in, tiny loop in the thumb saddle of some of their mittens and gloves that then connects to the brand’s ski poles. This helps provide more user control and a quick and easy on-and-off, but is also supposedly safer with a rapid-release mechanism.

If you’ve got Leki poles but aren’t a fan of their gloves, you can also use one of their Trigger S straps, which is a harness that goes over your gloves to still be able to connect to the poles.

Leather is the most durable material for gloves though plenty of synthetic options are durable, too; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Durability and Materials

Durability is an important consideration when choosing winter gloves. Our hands make contact with surfaces more than any other part of our body, and the constant movement and action can cause gloves to wear rapidly.

Ultimately, a glove’s durability comes down to its construction and materials. The longest-lasting gloves tend to be made of high-quality leather and many have added reinforcements. The Mechanix Wear Coldwork Original includes textile reinforcements on the thumb saddle, and the Norrøna trollveggen has additional leather in high-wear areas, like the palm and fingertips.

On this list, the Norrøna trollveggen leather gloves and Give’r 4-Season Gloves are among the most durable we’ve ever tested. The downside of leather gloves is that they require regular maintenance. A waterproofing treatment such as Sno-Seal or Nikwax can significantly help maintain the waterproofing ability and general quality of a pair of leather gloves.

Nylon outer shells can also offer long-lasting durability. Though not as supple as leather, nylon is hardy and requires less maintenance.

Aside from nylon and leather, many thinner winter gloves are made from wool, fleece, and cotton. Generally, cotton is not ideal, as it takes a long time to dry and tears easily.

Shorter cuffs on gloves can more easily layer inside the hem of a jacket arm; (photo; Eric Phillips)

Cuffs and Gauntlets

Choosing a glove that has a large gauntlet cuff or a small undercuff comes down to the amount of protection you need from snow, wind, and cold temperatures, as well as personal choice and style plus your layering system.

With a larger gauntlet cuff, the cuff goes over the cuffs of your winter coat, like with the Hestra Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet Gloves. Then, tightening the wrist cinch makes it so no snow or wind gets in during a long day. Wrist cinches also help to ensure a secure, proper fit on your hands. 

With an undercuff, like the 4-Season Give’r Gloves, you’ll have less bulk around your wrists, but a higher chance of snow or wind getting near your wrists and into your coat.

If your coat or midlayer has built-in wrist covers and thumb holes in the sleeves, then a gauntlet or undercuff comes down to personal preference, as your wrists will be covered and protected from any snow getting in. 

The majority of our favorite gloves have synthetic insulation, so they stay warm even if they get damp or wet; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Type of Insulation

Insulation is the part of the gloves that adds that extra padding and warmth around your fingers, palms, and back of your hand. There are two main types of insulation, down and synthetic, or a product can include a mix of both. 

The majority of our favorite winter gloves are made with synthetic insulation, which has a strong resilience to getting wet or damp, so the gloves can retain their warmth properties.  

Down

Natural down fill is often made of duck down or geese down (the finest, lightest feathers), and is extremely lightweight, very packable (like what you want in a down jacket), and is overall warmer than synthetic down. The Gordini Fayston gloves use natural down. The down is technically Thindown, a natural goose down fabric that is RDS-certified or post-consumer recycled. The material is packed into a streamlined, flat layer that resembles a piece of fabric, rather than the down being stuffed inside stitched-together fabric.

Synthetic

Synthetic insulation, however, keeps you warm even when damp because it is made from polyester, and keeps its insulation power and ultimately dries faster. Many more companies are opting for recycled synthetic fill, like in the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Cycling Gloves.

Hybrid

Winter gloves can include a mix of insulation with both synthetic material and down fill.

The higher the quantity or grams of insulation in a glove, generally the more warmth; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Amount of Insulation

When you see a number in grams next to a pair of gloves, that’s the amount of synthetic insulation.

If the glove is made with natural down feathers, the most common notation is the fill power like 800-fill mittens for hunting. Typically expressed in the hundreds, the value reflects the loft of down inside the product. That volume is calculated based on the number of cubic inches that one ounce of that particular down can take up. Loftier down will have a higher fill, which means more warmth at a lighter option. 

None of our selected winter gloves on this top picks list have down fill. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the amount of synthetic fill offered in each pair:

Amount of Synthetic Insulation (grams):  

Greater dexterity and an overall ability to feel objects allows you to do finer operations like grab a zipper pull; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Warmth

Not every activity warrants the warmest glove. If your gloves are too hot, you’ll end up with hands somewhere between sweaty and swampy. Ultimately, you will want to pick gloves based on your body’s comfort level and temperature regulation, as well as the outside temperature and your chosen activity.

Offering adaptability, the Dakine Leather Titan GORE-TEX Gloves have a small zipper pocket on the top of the glove, so you can either open it for some extra ventilation or pop in a handwarmer for added warmth.

Some companies provide a warmth rating in degrees, while others have a rating system to rate the warmth of the gloves to other gloves in their brand’s lineup. Warmth can be tricky, as materials and fill do influence the amount of overall insulation value and heat retention, but so does a person’s physical ability to generate heat and their personal preferences. 

Here is the warmth value of our selected winter gloves based on ambient temperature:

To give us a more general idea of functionality, here is the warmth value for our selected winter gloves based on how those models compare to other products within their brand’s family (warm, warmer, warmest): 

Wrist leashes on gloves are super helpful for moments when you need to pull off your gloves to quickly check your phone or pull out a credit card; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Extra-Warm Options

If you seem to always have cold hands regardless of how thick your gloves are, we recommend that you try a battery-powered self-warming option. They can be a game-changer for people who have Raynaud’s disease or chronically cold hands.

On this list, the Black Diamond Solano are high-quality self-warming gloves with plush comfort and impressive battery life.

Waterproofness and Water Resistance

Depending on your needs, waterproofing may be a non-negotiable priority. If your primary winter pursuit is manual labor, snowball fights, or clipping in and out of your snowboard bindings in deep snow, consider choosing a glove with a waterproof membrane such as the Norrøna Trollveggen or the Black Diamond Legend Gloves. Waterproof membranes help keep water out but aren’t quite as breathable as a glove without a waterproof membrane.

If you’ll be actively generating heat while running or Nordic skiing, consider a glove without a waterproof membrane, such as The North Face Etip.

If you are using the gloves for something right in the middle — not too wet but not completely dry — you can opt for a glove with water resistance. A waterproof glove aims to never let water in, so the gloves stay dry all the time. With water resistance, water can eventually seep in, but only after long periods of time or a high volume of water. 

You can also apply waterproofing to your gloves, like Nixwax, which includes options like a wash, a spray, or waterproof creams for leather gloves. The Give’r team with the all-leather 4-Season Give’r Gloves recommends using Sno Seal Beeswax Waterproofing on leather gloves once a season.

For cardio activities, you’ll want a glove that isn’t too warm and offers breathability; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Breathability 

The best winter gloves should keep your hands warm. But if your hands get too warm and sweaty, that can actually make them feel colder. That’s where breathability is important. Heavy-duty winter gloves are made with a waterproof and breathable membrane, which keeps water droplets out but allows for vapor to seep through, like the Oyuki E-Jack GORE-TEX Gloves.

If you aren’t going to be using gloves in extremely wet weather, but want something that is super breathable, opt for The North Face Etip Recycled Glove, which strikes a near-perfect balance between warm insulation that is still breathable.

Ventilation

Alternatively, some gloves have ventilation options in the form of small zipper pockets, like on the Dakine Leather Titan GORE-TEX Gloves. Zip it open to let some air in if your hands are hot, or use it to stash a hand warmer for extra heat.

The leaner the glove, the greater the opportunity there is to open a wrapper without removing the layer; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Pull Tabs

On gloves with shorter cuffs or undercuffs, getting them pulled on all the way can be a bit tricky. Thankfully, the Norrøna trollveggen gloves have a streamlined pull tab and the Oyuki E-Jack GTX glove has a unique cutout that works just like a pull tab — you can use both to easily pull the gloves on for a secure fit.

Wrist Leashes

Wrist leashes are your best friend if you tend to take your gloves off often.

With a wrist leash, you get a stretchy leash that attaches to your glove and then goes around your wrist, so even if you let go of your gloves, it’s still securely attached to you.

Some wrist leashes are sewn on and not removable, while others are easy to remove and use from glove to glove, like on the Oyuki E-Jack GTX glove.

You’ll also find wrist leashes that might be too short for your liking or the wrist cuff feels too tight or too large. If the leashes are removable, you can easily change these out to your liking.

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Leather winter gloves have a brief break-in period and can be treated with waterproof wax; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Touchscreen Compatibility

Not all winter gloves are touchscreen-compatible. If you will need to access your phone or tablet in cold conditions, look for a pair labeled with “touchscreen compatible” or “e-tips.” Meaning, the construction includes conductive fabrics that transfer your body’s electric current into the device.

Constantly taking your gloves on and off gets old (and cold) fast. Being able to text your buddy from the chairlift comfortably is a welcome asset, like with the exterior coatings on the fingers of the Jeniulet Winter Gloves or the Dakine Leather Titan GORE-TEX Gloves, which come with a touch-screen compatible glove liner.

Fingers of gloves can have additional various materials that can increase warmth, integrate touchscreen ability, or boost tenacity; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Glove Sizing

It is important to choose properly sized gloves. As always, we recommend trying gear on before purchase to ensure a good fit. If you can’t try on the glove, most websites have accurate sizing guides and charts where you simply measure the circumference of your hand and the length from wrist to fingertips.

Be sure to pay attention to the specific metrics on the chart, as well as the difference between men’s and women’s gloves, which can differ from product to product and brand to brand.

Extra space inside an oversized glove is additional air that your hands have to heat before they feel warm, which isn’t necessarily good but isn’t detrimental. However, gloves that are too big can feel more cumbersome, sloppy, or flop off.

When gloves are too tight, they may restrict blood flow, worsen circulation issues, and cause pain. One way to tell if gloves are too small is if getting them on and off hurts or rubs. You should be able to slip them on and off with relative ease. 

Compared to mittens, you should be able to do simple tasks like open an underarm vent without removing the glove; (photo/Jason Hummel)

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials

More companies are moving towards using sustainably sourced materials as well as recycled materials.

Responsible Synthetic Fill

PrimaLoft is a leader in sustainable fill options, as seen in the Oyuki E-Jack gloves, Norrøna trollveggen, and the Black Diamond Solano and Black Diamond Legend Gloves.

The brand PrimaLoft has a few different iterations — Gold, Grip, and more — and produces synthetic fill that doesn’t require animal-sourced materials. Rather, the process takes retired plastic bottles and turns that rubbish into fibers that insulate gear. Plus, gear with PrimaLoft fill can also be recycled and turned into another piece of gear. Pretty cool, right?

Responsible Down Fill

Thindown is another fill option, though it is composed of naturally occurring down. The down is sourced ethically and certified RDS (Responsible Down Standard) and is able to be recycled meeting the Global Recycled Standard.

Recycled Materials

Taking an inspection of the exterior textiles and interior liners, we’re starting to find more gear with recycled polyester, like in The North Face Etip Recycled Glove.

Other companies use fabric that is Bluesign-certified, like the Norrøna trollveggen, which means you are getting a product with fabric that has been tested to not be harmful to humans or the environment. Similar certifications include OEKO-TEX-certified fabric and Fair Trade sewing.

Nontoxic Treatment

Topically, materials are often treated with chemicals for water repellency. When you see PFC-free water repellency, that means the application is free of toxins or perfluorochemicals, which are harmful to human health and the environment.

Ares where gloves are often reinforced include the fingertips and inside the thumb and forefinger; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Maintenance and Care

To help your gloves last from season to season, washing and treating is also a good end-of-season practice, but make sure to follow the instructions for each pair.

For pairs with removable liners, you can wash the liners in a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent, like a fine fabric wash, then air dry. Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or a harsh detergent. 

Those pairs that don’t have removable liners or are mostly leather: Use a damp rag to spot clean and wipe away any dirt or debris. If they still need to be cleaned more, hand wash with a mild detergent and let air dry.

Then, leather gloves can be treated once they are dry with a waterproofing treatment such as Sno-Seal or Nikwax. That routine can significantly help maintain the waterproofness and quality of leather gloves.

In a winter climate, it’s great to have at least one comfortable pair of winter gloves for general everyday activity and walks; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Price

Our budget pick in this lineup is the Jeniulet Winter Gloves ($20) followed by the Mechanix Wear Coldwork Original ($34) for outdoor, winter work.

The next price tier includes winter gloves that are still below $100, but use more durable materials for a higher-quality glove. That includes the touchscreen-compatible The North Face Etip Recycled Glove ($45), the lifestyle glove Gordini Fayston ($65), the Nordic touring glove Hestra Windstopper Tour ($75), and the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Evo Gloves ($95) for cycling.

For gloves that are more ski and snowboard-ready with higher insulation, durable leather, and necessary features (like wrist leashes and nose wipes), this third bucket rounds up the Dakine Leather Titan GORE-TEX Gloves ($100), which is a superb deal for a GORE-TEX glove. For a bit more, there are the full-leather 4-Season Give’r Gloves ($119), the Oyuki E-Jack GTX Glove ($130), and the Black Diamond Legend Gloves ($150). 

The Hestra Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet Gloves ($165) are just a bit more pricey than some of the other gloves and have similar features and insulation: Check the overall fit and comfort to see what your personal best choice is. The Norrøna trollveggen GTX gloves ($229) are less than the battery-powered Black Diamond Solano ($400), but cost more than the other gloves in the guide. That’s because they are made for the coldest pursuits in the mountains and don’t disappoint. The priciest gloves on our list are the Black Diamond Solano ($400), which are battery-powered and will truly withstand cold temperatures — they are rated to keep your digits warm down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, well below zero.

A range of materials are used to make winter gloves like synthetic leather, leather, synthetic textiles like Cordura; (photo/Eric Phillips)

FAQ

What are the warmest winter gloves?

On this list, the Norrøna Trollveggen are extremely warm and highly durable gloves. If you suffer from Raynaud’s disease or simply deal with chronically cold hands, it may be worth considering upgrading to battery-powered self-warming gloves.

The Black Diamond Solano gloves are exceptionally warm, well made, and offer impressively long battery life.

For warm winter gloves, you can also look for a pair that has added synthetic or down insulation in the back of the hand and on the palm, like with the Black Diamond Legend Gloves or the Oyuki E-Jack GTX Glove. Down insulation is warm and light, but loses its insulation power when wet, while synthetic insulation still works when wet and dries much faster.

Are gloves better than mittens?

Choosing between gloves and mittens is a matter of personal preference. Each option has pros and cons, and it is important to understand these before choosing.

Gloves offer improved dexterity but reduced warmth. Because every finger can move independently while wearing gloves, this option is better for gripping ski poles, swinging ice axes, or performing manual labor.

Mittens are very warm, but they seriously reduce dexterity. We don’t recommend mittens for activities that require you to use your hands to grip or squeeze.

Some gloves are more washable than others, but always check the care instructions before throwing them in the machine; (photo/Eric Phillips)
What are the cheapest winter gloves?

On this list, we have included many high-quality winter gloves with a broad range of price tags. Some of the cheaper options include the Jeniulet Winter Gloves and the  Mechanix Wear Coldwork Original.

Though affordable winter gloves do exist, cheaper options tend to be less effective and durable. Premium materials and construction cost more, but they also add up to a higher quality product. It is worth considering making a greater initial investment in your winter gloves so that you won’t have to replace your new pair in just a season or two.

What type of glove is best for snow?

If you are going to play in the snow with your gloves, make sure to get a pair that has a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep you dry and warm. GORE-TEX is known for superb waterproofness that doesn’t compromise breathability, like in the Black Diamond Solano and Oyuki E-Jack GORE-TEX Gloves

If you don’t select a waterproof glove, at least choose a glove that is treated with DWR (durable water repellency) on the exterior, and preferably, a PFC-free DWR treatment that is void of harmful chemicals also known as perfluorochemicals.

Also consider a pair that has a long gauntlet cuff, so you can use the wrist cinch to tighten it over the coat sleeves and deter any snow from getting in.

The palms on gloves are often reinforced and cuffs can be super narrow for easy integration with the interior arm of a jacket; (photo/Eric Phillips)
Can I wear an extra liner with winter gloves?

If your hands are warm and dry in your pair of winter gloves, adding a liner isn’t necessary.

But if you find that your hands are still cold in your go-to pair of winter gloves or you are heading out on a bone-chilling day, consider putting on a slim, moisture-wicking liner beneath your winter glove.

This layering system can be similar to what you do for your core on a cold day: Pull on a base layer against the skin first, then a midlayer that insulates, followed by an outermost layer that is waterproof or windproof.

While wearing the liner, if your hands are getting too hot, you can simply ditch those compressible liners in a pocket. Using an extra liner is also helpful for a day of touring, where you’ll be hot and sweaty on the ascent and want to drop the outer glove.

Liners can be useful at the ski area if you need to take your hands out of your glove — but don’t want to expose your skin to the cold air or wind or precipitation — to operate a phone, fix laces or buckles, adjust your hair under your helmet, or any other fine movements that require fingers.

Technical glove liners are touchscreen compatible, which works very well, and some of our favorite winter gloves even include a pair with purchase.

Should I mend a hole or ripped seams on gloves myself?

Cotton gloves are easy to repair yourself, as the material is thinner and a simple sew job can bind a hole. You can also easily repair holes in thin leather gloves, or other materials with a similar thickness, where the edges of rips can easily connect back together. Afterward, add a waterproof sealant like Seam Grip Waterproof Sealant by Gear Aid.

For heavier-duty gloves made from leather or synthetic material, mending a hole yourself might not be the way to go. Jordan Martindell is an avid outdoorsperson and owner of SewBo, a fabric store in Boulder, Colo., that offers sewing classes, camps, and more. Martindell recommends not mending high-quality gloves yourself. “If something can be fixed with the no-sew patch, then yes,” she says, give it a try yourself. “If you can’t do it with that, though, hire someone, especially if the gloves need to remain waterproof,” she adds.

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