The Right Type of Winter Running Gloves
By K10 Patel / Updated on Apr 24th, 2024
Winters are different depending on where you live, however, we can all agree that winter is the season to utilize running gloves. Running without gloves on a chilly day can make your hands numb, swollen, stiff, or just feel super cold. If you do not have any running gloves, all it takes is one run in cold temperatures and I guarantee that you will be looking to buy a good pair.
What Kind of Gloves Do I Need?
Running gloves should be windproof, thermally insulated, water resistant, and made from synthetic materials. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
Windproof
The word windproof is self-explanatory. This means that the glove does not let wind through. Essentially, windproof gloves will also keep your hands warm. Windproof and wind-resistant go together but they are not the same thing. Watch for running gloves which say “wind-resistant” which means that the glove provides a barrier against air penetration but does not completely stop air from coming through the material. Windproof gloves will have its outer layer made such that it completely blocks wind from penetrate through.
Water-Resistant
Water-resistant means that the glove does not allow water to penetrate through to a certain degree. Water-resistant is NOT the same thing as waterproof. The difference in words between windproof and wind-resistant as well as waterproof and water-resistant is very subtle.
With enough rain, water-resistant gloves may eventually let rain seep through and leave your hand feeling damp. Some brands may call water-resistant as water-repellent. Waterproof means that the glove does not let water through in its entirety. Typically, if the glove is waterproof, most brands will make the glove windproof as well. The same is not true vice versa.
Most runners look for some breathability – I find that water-resistant works best for me. On long runs, when hands get sweaty, waterproof gloves trap the moisture and the sweat generally stays inside the glove. For this purpose, I opt for a water-resistant feature in running gloves.
Thermal Insulation
The point at which most runners need gloves is when the temperatures are in the 30s (in °F) and below.
Gloves need to provide your hands will light insulation. Why light?
Because you do not want the gloves to suffocate your hand. Yes, it is indeed possible to have your hand feel way too warm and tightly fit inside that glove. Breathability is important so light insulation is the way to go.
You do not want to keep pulling your glove at the fingertips during the run because it is getting too hot inside your glove or its too tight. At temperatures in the teens or single digits, ensure that you draw a balance between light and thick insulation. Cooler temperatures require thicker insulation and at the single digits, you may want less breathability. I recommend testing out your gloves at various temperatures to see how tolerable they are in cooler temperatures to know when you should switch to a thicker insulated glove.
Synthetic Materials
Running gloves are made with stretchy materials, so if you are in between two sizes, I recommend sizing down. Getting the smaller of the two sizes means that you will have a snugger fit. I never run with my phone, but others do. If touchscreen capability is a feature, you look for, then sizing down would benefit you. The snug fit also improves warmth.
The two main materials in running gloves are polyester and nylon. However, other common materials include a combination of elastane, spandex, neoprene, merino wool, viscose, and dralon.
Viscose and dralon materials are not widely known. Both materials are included in some running gloves in small percentages. Viscose fabric is made from wood pulp which is a soft and wet material made from wood fibers. Viscose tends to degrade when exposed to heat and light.
Dralon is composed of acrylic fabric coated with teflon. Dralon is soft and light wool material. It is a classic water-resistant material.
Final Thoughts
Clothes such as compression leggings, windbreakers, and running jackets are typically what runners focus on, but do not forget about accessories such as running gloves. Going for a winter run without gloves will turn out to be uncomfortable for you, so having comfortable running gloves is a necessity.
Look for a running glove that is windproof, water-resistant, insulated lightly, and made of synthetic materials. If you want warmer hands, buy gloves with thicker insulation. The four things I look for in a glove may not necessarily be the most principal factors for you, but they should be considered when buying running gloves.
There is no one-solution-fits-all for running gloves, therefore, you should have at least two pairs of gloves, one with lighter insulation for ‘mild’ temperatures and one with thicker insulation for much cooler temperatures. There are hundreds of options available for purchase, so do your own research and pick at least two pairs you think will work out for you. I like to stick to popular brands such as Nike, Under Armour, New Balance, and Brooks for running gloves but there are much lesser known brands with running glove options as well.
Try them out during your workouts multiple times and realize what you do not (or do) like about them before purchasing your next pair.
