Kit & Gear

The Best Running Gloves For 2021

Find out everything you need to know about running gloves, learn which are best suited to different types of weather conditions and check out our top recommendations.

ㅤ

WHY DO YOU NEED RUNNING GLOVES?

Running gloves are typically categorised as additional clothing accessories, but during winter they are arguably essential items of clothing.

A running glove serves two main purposes, to provide you with warmth during cold temperatures and to offer protection against the harsh elements like fierce winds and driving rain. Gloves should be comfortable to wear, so choosing a pair that are the right size, fit and material are the most important factors.

In addition to this, gloves have a number of additional purposes, like allowing you to easily access and open zips, pockets and features of running gear and apparel. They also provide you with grip, making it easier to hold items and some even allow you to work devices like mobile phones without having to take them off. Most running gloves also feature reflective detailing, which increases your safety and chances of being seen by motorists, cyclists and other pedestrians.

ㅤ

DO I NEED MORE THAN ONE PAIR OF RUNNING GLOVES?

It’s best to have at least one pair of versatile running gloves, something that suits a variety of conditions and temperatures. But ideally, you will have more than a single pair in your running armoury. Like other items of running footwear and clothing, there is a glove for every occasion, all types of weather and conditions and we’re here to help you choose the right pair to suit your needs.

Our Sportsshoes.com Running Ambassador Ben Mounsey, has been busy testing our range of running gloves. Here he gives his lowdown on the best models and his top recommendations:

ㅤ

THE BEST GLOVE FOR WINTER RUNNING

My top recommendation for winter running is the GORE C5 GORE-TEX THERMO GLOVE

In my opinion, this is the ultimate glove in terms of protection, comfort and fit. Serving as my go-to glove for the entire winter season, I’ve regularly called upon its service for the harshest and coldest of temperatures and conditions. There are a number of things that impress me about this product. Firstly, its versatility, as it’s primarily designed to function as a winter bike glove, but is equally suited to running, especially off-road disciplines. They are thermo fleece-lined for unrivalled levels of comfort and have a thick, waterproof outer shell to protect against the elements. I particularly love how they wrap and adjust neatly around your wrists to prevent moisture and cold air entering in between your glove and outer layer of clothing. The shape and length of the glove extends perfectly down your wrist, allowing your sleeve to sit underneath or overlap, to form the complete winter barrier.

Furthermore, for a heavy-duty winter glove, they don’t completely restrict your movement like many other bigger and thicker comparable models. Clothing can still be easily adjusted whilst wearing them and items can be handled and accessed without the need for removing them to do so. If you’re serious about running and you want a glove that performs at the highest level in all conditions, then I believe it’s worth spending a little extra and investing in a product of this quality – they are built to last.

It is also worth pointing out that GORE clothing is typically designed to be a snug fit, so I would recommend sizing up if you prefer a slightly roomier glove. I usually buy medium in most apparel, but prefer a large size in GORE products.

ㅤ

ㅤ

GORE C5 GORE-TEX THERMO GLOVES

SHOP GORE C5 GORE-TEX THERMO GLOVES NOW

ㅤ

THE BEST LIGHTWEIGHT WINTER GLOVE FOR RUNNING

For a lightweight glove that performs well in most winter conditions, the SCOTT WINTER STRETCH GLOVE is the ideal choice. Featuring GORE-TEX INFINIUM fabric, its super-lightweight design is both breathable and windproof. The fabric has been cleverly engineered to allow moisture out, whilst providing maximum protection from the wind. The material also has a slight stretch, so wraps neatly around your fingers and hands to create a winter barrier that feels almost like a second skin. This allows for flexibility and range of movement, which means you can pick up objects and items without any restriction. The thumb, index and middle fingers also have a Y shaped rubber patterned design for grip and the tip of the index finger allows for use of a mobile phone. However, in my opinion, the touchscreen performance is very unpredictable.

Its super-lightweight design makes this the perfect glove for fast performance and racing, both cycling and running. But worth noting that in seriously extreme conditions, I usually wear a mitten over the top for extra warmth and waterproof protection.

In terms of sizing, SCOTT clothing and accessories are always an athletic fit, so best to size up if you prefer a little extra room.

ㅤ

ㅤ

SCOTT WINTER STRETCH GLOVES

SHOP SCOTT WINTER STRETCH GLOVES NOW

ㅤ

THE BEST WATERPROOF GLOVE FOR RUNNING

Mention the word waterproof in relation to running clothing and most people will immediately think of Sealskinz, such is the brand’s commitment and passion to combatting wet weather. So, it should come as no surprise when I recommend the SEALSKINZ WATERPROOF ALL WEATHER GLOVES as the best in test for this particular category.

Developed using a three-layered construction, these gloves provide an excellent barrier against wet weather, whilst also keeping your hands warm and ensuring breathability. Like the GORE C5 GORE-TEX THERMO GLOVE, this particular model is similar in shape and design, complete with a Velcro strap across the wrist to secure the fit and offer maximum protection. It also has a soft and comfortable inner, plus a durable suede palm for improved grip on the outer. This is an excellent all-weather winter glove and not just suitable for wet conditions.

This glove is a small fit, so I would opt for a more generous size to allow for more comfort and flexibility.

ㅤ

ㅤ

SEALSKINZ WATERPROOF ALL WEATHER GLOVES

SHOP SEALSKINZ WATERPROOF ALL WEATHER GLOVES NOW

ㅤ

THE BEST MITTENS/OVERMITTS FOR RUNNING

Mittens or Overmitts are ideal to wear either a single or double layer, depending on the conditions. They offer a protective waterproof layer and also increase warmth, whilst allowing for movement inside the glove. My favourite mittens are the RAIDLIGHT MP+OVERMITTS, because they are ultra-lightweight in design and perfect for all outdoor activities. I also like the colour, although this is of course a secondary preference compared to performance.

Created specifically for racing, this glove is constructed from MT+ membrane which is both waterproof and highly breathable. Complete with taped seams, this super-lightweight item will pass any kit inspection and can be easily stowed in a pocket or compartment. When choosing a suitable size, I would advise going larger, as the fit is small and so you can also use it as a secondary layer.

ㅤ

ㅤ

RAIDLIGHT MP+OVERMITTS GLOVES

SHOP RAIDLIGHT MP+ OVERMITTS NOW

ㅤ

THE BEST TOUCHSCREEN GLOVE FOR RUNNING

In my opinion, THE NORTH FACE RECYCLED E-TIP GLOVE is by far the most superior touchscreen running glove on the market. This is because of their outstanding fit and quality design, providing you with excellent grip and allowing you to access and control your touchscreen device without any restricted movement. Of all the gloves I’ve tested, this pair fits the size and shape of my hands the best (size medium is a perfect fit for me).

Made from a super-soft recycled polyester material, they are also one of the most comfortable gloves I’ve ever worn. Also, like many other comparable models, these gloves attach neatly together in the form of a small clasp lock, securely connecting them when not in use.

ㅤ

ㅤ

THE NORTH FACE RECYCLED E-TIP GLOVES

SHOP THE NORTH FACE RECYCLED E-TIP GLOVES NOW

ㅤ

THE BEST LINER GLOVE FOR RUNNING

The SCOTT LINER LF is my favourite liner glove and a great all-year round model. Made from soft brushed fabric, this glove is extremely comfortable to wear, keeping your hands warm on really cold and dry days, but also allowing breathability. I really like the shape and length of the wrist cuff, which easily overlaps with sleeves to increase warmth and protection. At the tip of the index finger, touchscreen technology lets you access your phone and other touchscreen devices without having to remove the glove. The inner-facing part of the outer glove also features a super-sticky grip pattern which runs the length of the fingers and the top of the palm, allowing you to grip items and objects effectively.

This liner glove can be worn on its own on cold days, or underneath an additional waterproof layer like the RAIDLIGHT MP+OVERMITTS in wet conditions. Like GORE clothing, SCOTT design tight-fitting clothing and accessories, so best to size up for a generous fit, especially if you are wearing an extra glove or mitten over the Liner LF for complete protection.

ㅤ

ㅤ

SCOTT LINER LF GLOVES

SHOP SCOTT LINER LF GLOVES NOW

ㅤ

THE BEST BUDGET GLOVE FOR RUNNING

If you’re looking for value for money and you don’t want to break the bank, then look no further than Ronhill. They sell a range of gloves, all of which perform exceptionally well at very reasonable prices. My personal recommendation is the RONHILL WIND-BLOCK GLOVES, because they fit perfectly and are extremely comfortable to wear. This particular model is also great for winter running as they are made from a thermal, yet breathable material, which keeps your hands warm and dry during exercise (breathable - not waterproof). Finger grips and smart tip technology allow you to grip items and control your phone. This glove also has reflective detailing to help you to be seen in low-light conditions.

In terms of sizing, I would say these are true to fit and I would personally choose a medium as opposed to large.

ㅤ

ㅤ

RONHILL WIND-BLOCK GLOVES

SHOP RONHILL WIND-BLOCK GLOVES NOW

ㅤ

Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.