FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A PAIR OF RUNNING GLOVES FOR WINTER

Like with all running clothing, footwear and accessories, there are certain features you’ll want to look for which provide plenty of benefits to enhance your run.

TEMPERATURE SUITABILITY

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and depending on where you live, temperatures can shift from a light chill to icy winds in no time. That’s why it’s well worth thinking about the conditions you’re heading out into before choosing the right pair of gloves.

Start by checking the temperature and the forecast, but also get familiar with how glove warmth is usually rated. Many brands use terms like lightweight, midweight and heavyweight to help you gauge how much insulation you’ll get – think of it as a scale that runs from mild cold to something closer to arctic conditions.

• Lightweight gloves: Ideal for a mild chill (around 5-10°C). These focus on breathability and stopping the initial bite of cold without overheating once you get moving.
• Midweight gloves: Best for colder days hovering around freezing (0-5°C). They offer more insulation but still allow some airflow so your hands don’t get sweaty.
• Heavyweight or thermal gloves: Designed for properly cold weather (0°C and below). If you’re dealing with sharp winds or frosty mornings, these keep the warmth in and the sting out.
• Windproof / Waterproof gloves: Perfect for exposed routes, persistent rain or those days when everything feels a bit arctic. They add a protective barrier that keeps the elements out while still allowing movement.

If it’s just a light nip in the air, a standard lightweight pair should do the job. As the temperature drops towards zero, a thicker, more insulated pair becomes essential. For windy routes, look for windproofing. And if you’re constantly dealing with cold, wet conditions, a waterproof thermal pair will keep your hands far happier. Choosing the right warmth level means you’ll stay comfortable, protected and able to focus on the run – not your frozen fingers.

INSULATION AND WARMTH

There are different types of running gloves, so it’s important to check out each one before deciding on which is right for you.

• Lobster: these are a hybrid style, being a cross between regular gloves and mittens. Three fingers are kept together in one pocket, while your thumb and remaining finger are together in another pocket, creating a ‘lobster claw’-like design. This helps the fingers keep warm together, distributing the heat out evenly
• Mittens: great for warmth, mittens offer a flap over your fingers, keeping them all together and covered from the cold

You may find these options better than regular running gloves, due to their versatility and warmth - keeping all fingers together means heat can be distributed evenly. Great if you always find your fingers feeling the cold when clocking miles.

WHAT KIND OF WEATHERPROOFING CAN MY GLOVES PROVIDE?

If you find yourself running in cold, wet weather often then it’s worth weatherproofing your gloves, or finding a pair that offer the protection you need against the elements.

First, let’s quickly brush up on what ‘waterproof’ and ‘windproof’ mean.

• Waterproof: This means the material is designed to keep out rain and wet conditions, so your hands stay dry even in persistent or heavy showers. Don’t confuse this with water-resistant, which can handle light moisture or brief exposure to rain, but won’t keep you dry once the weather really sets in.
• Windproof: This means the fabric is designed to block cold air from cutting through, helping your hands stay warm even when you’re running in strong or persistent winds. It reduces that sharp, icy chill you often feel on exposed routes.

Running gloves can be made waterproof by adding several layers during construction, including a waterproof membrane. This membrane helps stop rain from getting in while still allowing heat and sweat to escape, so your hands don’t overheat. It’s worth noting, though, that fully waterproof gloves can sometimes feel bulkier. If they get very wet, they may feel heavier and can take longer to dry because of those extra layers.

A few common materials and technologies you might come across include Gore-Tex, Aquasealz, and DWR:

• Gore-Tex: A waterproof membrane with tiny pores that block water from entering but still let sweat and heat escape.
• Aquasealz: Another waterproof membrane, but instead of pores, it uses a flexible, solid barrier that stays stretchy even when wet.
• DWR (Durable Water Repellent): A coating applied to the outside of the fabric that helps water bead off. It’s great for light rain, but not fully waterproof on its own.

These technologies work in different ways, but they all help keep wind and water out of your gloves – so you can get on with your run without worrying about cold, soggy hands.

CAN I USE MY PHONE WITH MY RUNNING GLOVES ON?

This all depends on the type of gloves you have. We’ve all been there in winter when we’re trying to change a song or send a quick text while wearing gloves but our phone is refusing to cooperate. That’s why some running gloves now offer touchscreen capabilities.

If this is a feature you’d prefer, check the specifications when buying your running gloves. A great example of gloves that offer a touchscreen-friendly feature are the Nike Pacer Lightweight Gloves.

It’s important to remember all gloves will be different and it’s rare that a pair of gloves will allow you to text and use your phone with complete ease (as if not wearing gloves at all). But it’s still a great feature to consider and can generally work well when you’re out and about in the cold.

DEXTERITY AND GRIP

Dexterity and grip are essential if you’re always using your hands when running, whether you’re holding your phone or taking a quick drink or snack break. Having complete control of your belongings is key, so this is a good feature to consider when buying new winter running gloves.

From those who love trail running where the terrain can make it a bit trickier to be stable, to those who take the dogs or pushchair out on their runs, having the right dexterity and grip in your gloves should be a big consideration.

You can find plenty of gloves that have silicone overlays and grippy materials that’ll help you keep hold of your accessories and valuables with ease. Why not check out the Under Armour Storm Fleece Running Gloves, which keep you warm without forgetting about grip?

VISIBILITY IS KEY

It's pretty obvious to any runner that being visible when it’s dark is a given, whether it’s by other runners, pedestrians or vehicles (if you’re a city runner). Some gloves offer reflective strips, shapes and logos so that even down to your accessories you can be seen.

If you have a favourite pair of gloves already but they don’t have any reflective features, you can buy your own and stick them on, elevating your current pair with ease.

HOW SHOULD MY GLOVES FIT?

As with all sportswear and accessories, your winter running gloves should be comfortable and snug, but not too loose so that they fall off, and not too tight that they’re uncomfortable. You should be able to move your fingers as normal with no restrictions (especially if you’re likely to use your hands during your run).

For help with sizing, check out our handy sizing charts to see what size will fit you best. It’s important to note that if your hands are slightly different in size, always fit for the larger hand.

There tends to be slight differences between men’s, women’s and unisex sizings, like with many clothing pieces and accessories. Men’s gloves tend to be made for larger hands whereas women’s are made for the opposite. You may find it beneficial to head into a Sports Direct store to try on gloves, or ask a member of staff for guidance on which pair is best for you!

DURABILITY AND OVERALL PRICE POINT

How much you want to spend on your gloves is completely up to you, but you don’t need to break the bank to find a great pair of gloves. However, it’s important to note that generally, the more money you spend, the better the features tend to be, so when purchasing your first pair of winter running gloves, think about what features you really need and which you’re not too fussed about.

Price points can reflect how durable the gloves are too, so a higher-priced pair may be better in the long run. If you’re a casual runner or a beginner, you may want to opt for something more budget-friendly until you find a pair you just can’t live without.