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To find the best winter gloves, we tested 16 top models for men and women from top brands and budget manufacturers to confirm which deliver when the temps drop
Credit: jason Wanlass
By Clark Tate ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated January 30, 2026
We set out to find the unicorn of winter gloves that protect your hands, don't fumble when grabbing your keys or replying to a text, and don't cramp your style. We also sought gloves that deliver maximum warmth on the coldest days.
The Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro are the best overall gloves of the bunch. They're touchscreen-friendly gloves that offer great dexterity while remaining warm and weatherproof. We would wear these every day of the winter without complaint. If you're on a budget and just want to stay warm, the Carhartt Waterproof Insulated step it up a notch in warmth, but are a bit bulkier, and aren't touchscreen compatible.
For women, the Carhartt Quilts Insulated are the best casual gloves we tested. They offer a good fit for smaller hands and come in a cute puffer style, although they are not very waterproof. The warmest pair of women's gloves we tested is the Outdoor Research Revolution Gore-Tex, which can double as a ski glove.
We gathered some of the most popular gloves and wore them for everything from late-fall trail running to wintery dog walks at the local park to subzero work commutes. We ran every pair through a series of controlled water-resistance, temperature, and dexterity tests to identify the best options for everyday use.
Best Use: Casual/Sport | Touchscreen Compatible: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Warm and waterproof
Touchscreen fingers and thumb
Lightweight and compact
Velcro gauntlet
Reinforced goat leather palm
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as breathable
Lacks the warmth of a full-bodied glove
Who is it best for: The Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro are solid mid-weight gloves that are legit all-purpose winter accessories. Their design has a flair for outdoor winter sports, so they'll fit in perfectly on a bluebird day at the ski resort, with a pair of snowshoes, or during open skate at the local ice rink — so long as temps are not too far below freezing. This glove is also casual enough for shoveling the driveway, taking a walk, strolling a winter market, or waiting at the train stop. They are also sleek enough to complement a smart casual wardrobe for work or dining out. In short, we reached for these gloves pretty much every time we stepped out the door.
Why we love it: The Sureshot Pro gloves have a velcro adjustable cuff that extends well above the wrists. This traps in heat and does an exceptional job of keeping all forms of precipitation at bay while maintaining a low-key profile. In essence, they don't look heavy-duty, but they will keep your hands surprisingly warm. We love that these gloves are windproof and waterproof, and we really like the goat-leather reinforced palm, thumb, and first two fingers. “The best part is these gloves are so incredibly versatile,” said one of our lead testers. “They're just warm enough to be effective in any scenario.”
Should you buy it? The touchscreen sensitivity of the Sureshot is excellent, especially given the amount of protection they provide, but the fingertips are a bit wide and imprecise. We were able to unlock our phone to take a few snaps without a problem, but we kept our texts pretty short. Also, the Sureshot Pro gloves were never designed to compete with heavier, full-bodied snow gloves. “Don't expect the same degree of warmth as larger gloves,” said one tester. The Sureshot Pro gloves are much lighter, thinner, and dextrous, better suited to brisk walks than standing around in deep cold. “When we considered them at face value, though, we loved everything about their performance.” If high-grade, general-purpose hand protection is what you seek, you should snag a pair of these excellent gloves.
Who is it best for: The Carhartt Quilts Insulated has a soft fleece inner lining and a quilted layer of lofty polyester that traps heat and blocks wind extremely well. The women's specific fit is designed for slimmer hands and fingers, and a velcro cinch strap for a snug fit around the wrist. The thick synthetic palm is durable enough to handle winter fun like pulling sleds or making snowballs, as well as winter chores like shoveling snow and brushing off your car before work (less fun). Despite not being “officially” waterproof, these gloves performed surprisingly well in our testing, resisting water and blocking wind completely. We held our gloved hands underwater for a full two minutes, and only towards the end did a small amount of water seep through one seam. Plus, if the gloves start to get soggy, the synthetic fill will still insulate when wet.
Why we love it: These gloves are warm and protective for sure, but the main reason to consider these gloves is the fit. Our female tester told us, “I appreciate the smaller fit and that there is extra adjustability to get it just right. Most gloves feel too roomy in the fingers for me, so it's nice to find one that hugs my hands without cutting off circulation.” However, she also notes that “the finger length verges on being too short for me, even as someone who usually wears a size small glove.” We'd recommend trying a pair on before committing to a size, but it could be a holy grail glove for those with smaller hands.
Should you buy it? If you struggle to find gloves that fit your small hands, then yes, these are a warm and protective option. But there are some instances where you might want to look elsewhere. They can feel a bit clunky at times and are not dexterous enough to complete detailed tasks, such as tying their shoes or zipping their jackets. They are not touchscreen compatible either. However, they still hold their own in cold, damp weather, making them a good pick for quick outdoor chores and shorter adventures close to home. We recommend these to any small-handed folks who want to keep their hands warm with a wallet-friendly glove.
Carhartt also makes a mitten version. The Quilts Mitt has the same quilted insulation, wrist cincher strap, and fleece cuff as the glove, but all your fingers are housed in the same pocket. If you're a mitten kind of gal, we can recommend it based on the consistently great performance of the Quilts glove.
The Quilted Carhartt gloves are mostly waterproof and work well enough for extended time in the snow. Credit: Clark Tate
Best Use: Sport/Skiing | Gauntlet or Cuff: Gauntlet
REASONS TO BUY
Amazing warmth
Excellent durability
Waterproof
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Somewhat basic
Who is it best for: The Arc'teryx Fission SV is an absolute workhorse of a glove. It has enough warmth, weatherproofing, and durability to keep your hands protected for a full 10-hour day outdoors in frigid temps. This is marketed as a ski glove (and has a price tag to match), but in our experience, it is a great option for just about anything that takes you outside in the winter. Their Gore-Tex build makes them especially suitable for hands-on snow activities, whether it's skiing, ice fishing, or building a snow fort.
Why we love it: Many gloves with this level of warmth and durability can essentially feel like big pillow wraps for your hands. The Fission gloves offer a supreme level of protection while still allowing you to use your hands fully. We also love the general quality of this glove; no corners were cut in the design process. Their impressive stretch-nylon gauntlets are dense but pliable, and our tester points out, “Some gloves skimp on insulation through the wrist, but these gloves are packed with insulation through the gauntlet. That detail makes a huge difference when you're in biting wind all day.”
Should you buy it? With comments from our testers like, “I just loved the overall feel of these gloves; they're hefty and weighty, and they just feel like they mean business,” it's hard to not recommend the Fission. We have been wearing them for over 3 seasons now, and they have yet to show signs of wear. However, these are much more expensive than other winter gloves, and the price can be a deterrent for those who need something to walk the dog or shovel the driveway. That said, they're built to last, and they'll keep your digits warm and protected.
We tested these alongside a full lineup of other men's ski gloves. Check out the full review to read more about their ski-specific features, and see how they compare to other ski-oriented options.
Best Use: Sport/Skiing | Gauntlet or Cuff: Gauntlet
REASONS TO BUY
Good fit for small hands
Multi-activity glove
Good dexterity
REASONS TO AVOID
Not fully waterproof
Might be too slim for some
Who is it best for: The Outdoor Research Revolution Gore-tex is a women's-specific ski glove that our testers used nearly daily. The polyester insulation keeps your hands warm in everything from 30°F bluebird days to below-zero mornings, and convenience features like touchscreen-compatible finger tips, a wrist leash, and a cinch closure on the gauntlets increase usability. A Gore-Tex membrane ensures that your hands will stay dry all day long. It is a great choice for days on the slope, but it will work just as well on the sledding hill, and is more reasonably priced than most other gloves this protective.
Why we love it: The OR Revolution actually feels like it was made for women's hands. Rather than just sizing down in a unisex or men's glove, the Revolution features slimmer fingers, which will be appreciated by small-handed people who often have a hard time finding gloves that fit. But just because they have a slimmer fit, it doesn't mean they don't crush it on active days outdoors. Our lead tester summed it perfectly: “As a snow professional, I put these to the test—digging snowpits, climbing ice, backcountry skiing, and spending long mornings at freezing ski resorts. I think they nailed the balance between warmth, dexterity, and cost. They feel they were made for women who work and play hard outside.”
Should you buy it? If you are looking for a glove that can carry you through a full 10+ hours out in the cold, and fits smaller hands, then yes. However, they're not built for extreme weather conditions. A Gore-Tex insert blocks snow and slush, but the waterproofing in our pair degraded after heavy testing. The narrower fit was also a bit too narrow for some of our female testers, so if you want to fit a liner glove underneath for extra warmth or have wider fingers, you may want to size up or consider the men's glove. Keeping these things in mind, the Outdoor Research Revolution glove is unique in that it can be your one-and-done option for everything from skiing to mid-winter bonfires. It's well-built enough to get you through multiple seasons, and, relative to other gloves that perform this well, it is a steal.
We tested the OR Revolution in our side-by-side review of women's ski gloves, and they were one of our favorite options there, too. Check it out for more details on the strengths and weaknesses of this glove while out on the slopes.
Best Use: Casual/Work | Touchscreen Compatible: No
REASONS TO BUY
Well-insulated
Flexible and unrestrictive
Comfortable with fleece cuff
Largely waterproof
REASONS TO AVOID
Thick, unwieldy fingers
Less breathable
Slippery fabric
Not unisex
Who is it best for: The Carhartt Waterproof Insulated gloves are a warm, comfortable, and reliable winter classic. Even on cold days in coastal Maine, the thick polyester insulation kept our hands warm while shoveling snow or walking the dog. One of our testers wore them in temperatures down to -20°F while collecting data on a remote glacier in the Yukon, and still stayed warm. Hanging out on a glacier may not be part of your day-to-day, but it just goes to show how protective they are. They block wind very well, and unless you're submerging your hands in a bucket of water (like we did), these are functionally waterproof.
Why we love it: Though a bit bulky, these gloves have a rugged comfort that is typical of many Carhartt products. The stretchy knit wrist cuff is comfortable against the skin, closes any gaps without being restrictive, and comes with an additional adjustable wrist cuff that you can tighten for a more secure fit. They aren't technical gloves by any means, but for the price, they stand up surprisingly well when temps plummet. One tester made the point, “I was impressed with their warmth even on colder days — for the price, I don't think you can find a better deal out there.”
Should you buy it? If you are looking for a high-performing budget option and aren't concerned about fit or technical features, then yes, the Carhartt WP Insulated could be a great choice. However, these gloves are pretty bulky, slightly oversized, and not unisex. Carhartt only makes sizes down to S, and even then, for women with especially small hands, they might still be too big. These also don't breathe super well, and take forever to dry, so it's best to save them for the truly cold days and low-output activities.
We also tested the mitten version of this glove and liked it almost as much. The Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Mitten is made from identical materials and is just as warm (or warmer) and weather-resistant as the glove. The only downside is the lack of dexterity, which is the main deterrent for most people. However, for mitten lovers, this Carhartt model is a warm, affordable choice.
We tested the Carhartt thoroughly. It's warm, reasonably waterproof, and perfect for daily wear. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Who is it best for: The The North Face Etip Recycled is a very lightweight, touchscreen-compatible glove with a comfortable, stretchy, close-fitting cut that gives your fingers almost as much dexterity as bare hands. They are made from a single layer of fleece fabric and provide just enough warmth to take the bite out of the weather. These are not snowday gloves, these are the daily wear pair that you pull on when you're heading out to work or the grocery store. The touchscreen sensitive fingertips work very well, allowing you to unlock your phone, snap a photo, write your shopping list, or send a quick text.
Why we love it: Most gloves these days have touchscreen compatibility, but with the TNF Etip, it's the little things. These gloves have silicone gripper palms that keep your phone secure in your hand, or your hand secure on the subway grab rails. The slim cuff fits easily under your jacket sleeve, sealing out any unwanted breezes. Lastly, these gloves are sleek enough to fly under the radar with almost any outfit, sporty, professional, or casual. And they are small enough that you can slip them into a pocket or bag when you arrive at your destination. A tiny clip keeps them together so you don't accidentally lose one en route.
Should you buy it? These aren't the warmest gloves we tested. In fact, they are some of the thinnest in the lineup, but this is what makes them so easy to wear. If you want an extra boost of warmth, you can always layer with a liner glove. And despite their lighter weight protection, our testers still believe this is the option they would choose to wear if they were running around the city all day. If you value dexterity and need to use your phone to look up directions, scan yourself into public transportation, or text your mom back, then these are the ones you will want.
The North Face Etip gloves are strechy enough to layer over these thin SmartWool liner gloves. Credit: Clark Tate
For a brisk walk or a busy day when we'll need access to our phone, The North Face Etip gloves are our go-to choice. Credit: Clark Tate
We don't recommend making snowballs with these, but The North Face Etip Recycled will shrug off a bit of dry snow. Credit: Clark Tate
Who is it best for: If you like to move, even when it's cold out, these beauties are for you. The Arc'teryx Venta gloves are thin, secure, and comfortable. They are designed for runners, hikers, and the like, but they have a sleek, under-the-radar style that will fit in downtown just as well as it does on the trail. They're not super warm, but they block the wind like an NFL offensive line. They're great if you plan to work up a sweat and don't want wind chill to freeze your hands afterward. “Yes, they're mostly for intense activity, but we also wore them casually, so they work well for that too,” said one of our key testers.
Why we love it: Construction quality is at the top of our list with the Venta gloves. They're lightweight and very breathable, and thin enough that we rarely need to take them off when retying a bootlace, taking a photo, or checking for messages. And, as mentioned, we geeked out over their GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER technology. It really made a difference when we were out on a windy ridge trail, but we appreciated it just as much when we were walking lakeside in the park downtown.
Should you buy it? They're a little pricey compared to other lightweight gloves, but if you're willing to spend the extra cash, the Arc'teryx Venta gloves are worth it. They're built to last. Keep in mind, though, that they're not a traditional winter glove. The Ventas are thin and basic, primarily designed to protect your hands while you're burning calories, but they're not meant to keep your hands warm in frigid temps for hours on end. That said, with their comfy fleece liner and touchscreen capabilities, they work great as a light daily glove, and perfectly bridge the gap between athletic and casual wear.
Best Use: Casual/Liner | Touchscreen Compatible: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
Helpful palm grips
Comfortable fabric
Dry quickly
Great price
REASONS TO AVOID
Prone to snag
Not weatherproof
Handwash
Who is it best for: The Achiou Touch Screen Thermal is a synthetic knitted glove that will appeal to a broad range of users, the great price being one of the main draws. The Achiou is ideal for casual daily wear, adding just enough warmth to take the edge off the cold. It is lightweight and breathable enough to make it a decent option for high-output pursuits like running, but don't expect much when it comes to wind- or water-resistance. We like to use it as a backup glove, keeping it in the car in case we forget (or lose) our regular pair. Because they're so affordable, we even like to keep an extra pair around the house for visitors to borrow.
Why we love it: These gloves have a cozy cotton feel that makes them easy to wear. In fact, the Achiou gloves worked very well for tasks that required a lot of dexterity, like tying shoes or zipping a jacket. An amazing rubberized grip, combined with touchscreen thumb and finger pads, makes these gloves phone-friendly as well. Overall, they are easy to wear and maneuver in because they work rather seamlessly with your hands and fingers. “The grip is my favorite thing about these gloves, everything feels secure in your hands,” said one of our testers.
Should you buy it? We worry about how well the Achiou gloves will stand the test of time. Ours held up well during one winter's worth of testing, but the jury is still out on several seasons of use. That said, the price is right — so maybe buy more than one pair. It's also pretty light on features, but as one of our testers noted, “If you're in the market for a very basic pair of gloves, these will definitely float your boat.” As in most cases, you just can't have the best of both worlds. With the Achiou, you will get a budget-friendly glove that will work in a pinch, tiding you over for that walk through the grocery store parking lot.
The Achious are not windproof or waterproof, but they are reasonably warm and they offer tons of comfort and dexterity. They also have a super effective rubber grip. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Who is it best for: We'll start by saying the Smartwool Merino is not a winter glove on it's own. It is better described as a warmth-boosting accessory that will work well with any of your other gloves on extra cold days. Its thin wool design allows the glove to slide easily into a heavy-duty ski glove or a mid-weight winter glove, making it a fan favorite liner for temporary cold snaps. For fairness, we scored our Smartwools solely based on their own merits, but we also took the time to match them with a variety of larger winter gloves to determine their effectiveness as a liner, and we were impressed. Not only do they add warmth, but they do wonders at keeping your hand out of the biting cold on the ski hill when you have to take off your bulky gloves to make helmet adjustments or skip a song on your phone.
Why we love it: The Smartwool Merino gloves are extremely lightweight and storable, giving you the ability to shove them into any nook or cranny for future use, even your jeans pocket. They aren't particularly warm, weatherproof, or water-resistant, but but wool has amazing temperature regulating properties, which helps your hands maintain the sweetspot between freezing and sweating. On top of that, they're comfy, well-made, and they offer tons of dexterity. "I really liked their touchscreen capabilities, said our lead tester. “I feel they respond better than any gloves in our lineup.” And, when combined with a regular winter glove, they make all the difference. As for other uses, we feel they work for running or other forms of winter workouts. “I love that they're compact enough to be stowed in a pocket or center console to be used randomly for short periods of time,” said one tester.
Should you buy it? These gloves are not made for extreme exposure. So if you're looking for the best winter protection money can buy, you should spend your dollars on a different option. That said, the Smartwool Merino gloves are one of the easiest and warmest liners we've tested, so if you're looking for an added layer of insulation, these wool mighty mites will exponentially increase warmth and wind-resistance, allowing you to enjoy your day in the snow and cold.
Who is it best for: The Mechanix Wear Coldwork Originals are the best in our lineup at protecting our hands from more than just the cold without restricting their function. They are great for anyone needing a dexterous glove for light-duty work in moderately cold weather. Think raking leaves, shoveling snow, or even small engine repair. They have a light fleece lining that keeps hands warm down into the twenties, and they're well-suited to those who need precision and comfort rather than maximum insulation. They also have full-hand touchscreen compatibility, which is also great for DIYers who frequently consult a phone or tablet while working. They come in unisex sizing, but those with smaller hands might struggle to get a snug fit.
Why we love it: These gloves offer an excellent blend of comfort, grip, and flexibility, and best of all, they have uncompromising tactile control. The thinner lining and the softshell exterior offer durability without bulk. “They move with my fingers so well that I rarely need to pull them off, even to do detail work,” our lead tester said, “I've used them while tuning up my snowblower in freezing temps, and I was impressed by how easy it was to grip bolts and manipulate tools.” The faux leather palms provide reliable traction, and the gloves are breathable enough to keep hands from overheating on warmer days. Bonus: they're machine washable.
Should you buy it? Yes—if you're after a tough, flexible hybrid glove that keeps your hands warm and agile in chilly conditions. The Mechanix Wear are not true work gloves or true winter gloves; they fall somewhere in between. They're not ideal for warmer fall days when you need the kind of abrasion resistance that a hardier leather work glove can provide. They're also not warm enough for really cold weather. That said, our lead tester often paired them with a thin liner glove for a boost of warmth when needed, and for mild-to-cold-weather jobs where dexterity matters, these gloves are hard to beat. If they fit you well, you'll likely get a ton of use out of them.
If the Mechanix gloves aren't warm enough for your climate, add a liner underneath. Credit: Clark Tate
Who is it best for: The Wells Lamont Hydrahyde Leather Hybrid are thick gardening/work gloves with a women's-specific fit, perfect for anyone who struggles to find a good fit in unisex work gloves. While certainly not warm enough for the depth of winter in northern climates, they are great for mild winters and shoulder seasons, or days when you work hard enough to generate a bit of your own warmth. They have a leather palm that effectively protects your hands and provides grip, while a breathable spandex upper allows sweat to evaporate. These are a compelling option for anyone who needs something for outdoor projects through late fall and early spring.
Why we love it: If you wear a women's size small or extra small, you are likely to find a better fit with the Wells Lamont than with most unisex work gloves. They offer more warmth than your average work glove and more protection/dexterity than your average winter glove. They are a compelling option for anyone who struggles to find work gloves that fit their hands. With a proper fit, they are among the most nimble gloves we have worn. Our lead tester reports, “I was able to tackle every gardening and home-repair task on my plate without having to remove these gloves.”
Should you buy it? We love the Hydrahyde gloves for what they are, but they are best suited to shoulder seasons or milder winter climates. If you plan to use them for deep winter chores, you'll want to pair them with a liner, in which case you may want to size up; our testers found that the fit was too tight to comfortably wear liners beneath the gloves in their regular size. Neoprene panels on the back of the hand and wrist add warmth and water resistance. Not a ton, though. They repel a light mist, yet they soaked through immediately in our immersion test. However, if you are looking for a warmer-than-average work glove that fits small hands, this is the way to go.
We appreciate the Wells Lamont women's hydrahide glove for their comfortable fit and protective leather palms. Credit: Clark Tate
How We Tested
Our testers live in some of the most iconic winter climates in the U.S., and know how quickly cold hands can turn a day sour and how much a warm pair of gloves can help. We wore these gloves running errands around town, driving to work, walking the dog, hiking, and doing chores in rural Maine's bone-chilling weather and Utah's freezing high-altitude temps. We tied our shoelaces, unbuckled our avalanche beacons, took notes, and clipped dog leashes to test their dexterity. To test their warmth, we wore them in frigid temperatures, sometimes wearing a different glove on each hand for direct comparison. We tossed them in a freezer for 5 minutes with a thermometer inside, and dunked them in a bucket of water for two minutes to test their waterproofing, and timed how long it took them to dry.
Our testing team put these winter gloves through the wringer in some seriously trying conditions.
Whether commuting to work or hitting the slopes, a warm pair of gloves is the final piece of a well-assembled outdoor kit. If you're looking to fill out that kit a little more, we also tested winter boots and winter coats for men and coats for women. And after spending long days out in the cold, our favorite piece of advice: start with a good layering systems. This will help keep your torso warm, and your hands and feet are more likely to stay warm as well.
Why Trust GearLab
Lead tester Jason Wanlass calls the great state of Utah home. No stranger to long, cold, snow-packed winters, he's an avid skier and trail-seeker and enjoys hiking year-round. Jason also tests men's winter jackets, traveling extensively during the winter months to examine the best coats and gloves for the world's colder climates. He is joined by long-time GearLab tester Clark Tate, who has spent extensive time between the Appalachian, Rocky, and Sierra mountain ranges. She currently lives in central Maine, embracing the long winter months with wilderness camping trips, backcountry and cross-country skiing adventures, and trail runs/slides, even when the windchill is well into the negative double digits. Our New England test team is rounded out by Jake Homes, a Registered Maine Guide who leads winter trips on Katadyn for Acadia Mountain Guides. He also studies geophysics and glaciology at the University of Maine, spending a chunk of every year pulling radars around on remote glaciers in Alaska.
A soggy lineup: the aftermath of our side-by-side waterproof testing. Credit: Jason Wanlass
How to Choose the Right Winter Gloves
The fastest way to narrow down the right choice for you is first to decide what type of winter glove best suits your lifestyle and preferred winter activities. Think about how you spend most of your days in the winter. For in-bounds skiing or snowboarding, you'll need warm, insulated, waterproof gloves to handle cold, wet conditions while sitting on a lift. If you'll be active the entire time you wear them, as you are when running or cross-country skiing, they need to be more breathable than warm. Touchscreen compatibility and comfort will be nice in casual use cases, like commuting around town. If you want to keep your hands warm while doing chores or yardwork, you'll need your gloves to be well-made and durable. Since many of these gloves are inexpensive, buying a different pair for dedicated tasks may be worth it.
Having gloves that keep your hands reliably warm and dry can be a game-changer in the winter months. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Types of Winter Gloves
While not an exhaustive list, most winter gloves fall into the following categories:
The all-arounder: This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of winter gloves. They generally have adequate insulation and waterproofing for most winter conditions and are good for activities like sledding, skating, or brushing snow off your car. All of the models we tested in this category will hold up well to dry snow and fend off normal winter sogginess, just don't expect them to be fully waterproof. They are typically quite affordable and provide plenty of protection for day-to-day winter activities. However, they often lack touchscreen capabilities, and can be too bulky to use with your phone anyway.
What do you do during the winter? How much snow and cold is typical for where you live? Answering these questions will go a long way to helping you find the right glove. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Ski Gloves: You need reliable protection on long days on the mountain when you can't run inside to warm up, and ski gloves are (or should be) virtually bulletproof when it comes to warmth and weather resistance. However, they also need to be dexterous enough to make adjustments to their boots or bindings throughout the day. To accomplish all this, ski gloves are built with more technical materials that provide lighter, less bulky protection, and often come with price tags that reflect this. They also have cool features like gauntlet-style cuffs, wrist leashes, and nose wipes, which are great for long days on the hill. They also come in gendered styles, and if you're considering this kind of glove, you might want to check out more in-depth specs in either our men's ski glove review or our women's ski glove review.
An extended gauntlet cuff on a ski glove can help keep snow from entering your sleeves on deep powder days. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Lightweight and Liner Gloves: Liners are thin, breathable gloves with a wide range of uses. They're light on insulation, most aren't waterproof, but they are great for high-output activities like chilly shoulder-season runs, cross-country skiing, or walking the dog when you'll have your hands in and out of your pockets the whole time. Aside from wearing them on their own, many people choose to layer them under a heavier pair of gloves to boost warmth. Because many winter gloves can be bulky and unwieldy, you often have to remove them to navigate your phone, unsnap buckles, or tighten laces. When it's below zero, liners help protect your fingers from the bite of the cold.
Liner gloves often have touchscreen-compatible fingers and some grippy material on the palm to give them greater functionality.
Work Gloves: These have more abrasion-resistant materials on the palm, such as leather, rubber, or faux leather. The uppers are often made of a more breathable material that you'll appreciate as you start to work up a sweat. They are not usually as warm as a standard winter glove, but they offer more durability. Not all work gloves are insulated, but the ones we included for testing have some insulation, making them suitable for winter chores like carrying firewood or shoveling snow.
The Wells Lamont White Mules have high quality leather palms with suede patches that help them grip well. Credit: Clark Tate
The Debate: Gloves vs Mittens?
In short, mittens retain more warmth by keeping all your fingers in the same chamber, sharing the heat generated, while gloves offer better finger control, allowing you to complete more detailed tasks like unlocking your car, zipping your jacket, and maybe even tying your boots. That said, we have zipped up jackets while wearing mittens, and these days you can find gloves with the right tech and insulation to match the warmth of mittens, so it really comes down to personal preference.
How Warm Should Your Glove Be?
While nobody likes cold hands, when it comes to winter gloves, warmest isn't necessarily best. The level of warmth you should look for depends completely on your daily routine; you wouldn't wear a ski glove to the grocery store, and you wouldn't wear a simple liner on the slopes. We rated the warmth of every glove we tested for this review, but rather than taking it as a best-to-worst scale, use these ratings as more of a gauge that you can use to find the appropriate level of warmth for your life.
It's not the absolute warmest, but we found the Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro to be the perfect balance between warmth and bulk; it fit right into our daily life, whether commuting to work or playing in the snow. If you live further north where arctic blasts are a yearly occurrence, then yeah, you'll want to go for something super warm like the REI Co-op Ganutlet GTX or the Arc'teryx Fission SV. Keep those fingers toasty. But for many people who have a routine that includes driving to work, hopping on and off public transportation, or taking a brisk walk with the dog, a glove like The North Face Etip or the REI Co-op Polartec Wind Pro 2.0 is a much more practical choice.
Sealing off the opening with an adjustable wrist strap is the best way to keep the cold out. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We found the Windstopper technology to be legit. Credit: Jason Wanlass
A pull strap, like the one on the OR Sureshot Pro, makes getting the glove on a lot easier. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Though thin, the Arc'tecyx Venta has a comfy fleece lining that adds a touch of insulation. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Final FAQs
The majority of the winter gloves we tested are made with synthetic outer shells like polyester or nylon with fleece linings. These materials are durable and, with proper treatment, can resist water. Leather gloves can be a stylish and highly durable alternative for those who prefer natural materials. But it's worth noting that these usually need a waterproofing agent like Nikwax to perform well in wet conditions. When it comes to liners, you'll find a mix of synthetic and wool options. Gloves made with a high percentage of Merino wool are usually warmer, more breathable, and have odor-resistant properties, but most options have some percentage of nylon or spandex to improve fit and durability. The benefit of fully synthetic liners is the cost; these gloves are usually pretty affordable and easy to replace if you lose one. If you are engaged in active pursuits, seek options with moisture-wicking properties.
Modern winter gloves come with a variety of features, and you can choose to go all out or just stick to the basics. The one most people look for is touchscreen-compatible fingertips, which allow you to use your phone without removing your gloves in the cold. Silicon grippers on the palm also make it easier to handle your phone or keys. Another much-appreciated feature is a pull strap to help you get the glove on, along with an adjustable wrist cuff, which you can cinch down to keep the breeze from sneaking in. Lastly, we love it when gloves have a pairing clip to keep them together, so you're not left wearing a single glove á la Michael Jackson.
A proper fit is essential to keep your hands comfortable, warm, and functional. While it can be tempting to size down to avoid bulk, too-tight gloves can restrict mobility, cut off circulation, and reduce warmth. Loose gloves can be comfy and warm, but if they are too big, they will make it difficult to use your hands for anything other than hanging by your sides. To find a good fit, look for gloves with accurate sizing information and adjustable cuffs, straps, or elastic bands to ensure a snug fit. Most gloves are unisex with a wide range of sizes (sometimes all the way through XXS-XXL), but if you can't find a good fit for your small hands, it's worth looking into a women's-specific model.
Touchscreen-compatible fingertips can be an important feature for anyone who will need to engage with their smartphones while outdoors in cold climates. Credit: Clark Tate
Other Winter Gloves to Consider
TRENDOUX Winter Gloves - These are our favorite winter gloves for under $20. When they are brand new, you wonder why anyone would pay more for a glove. They're warm, water-repellent, and compatible with a phone. That said, this is not a very hardworking glove. The palm material is thin, synthetic, and unlikely to last more than a few months of really heavy use compared to a carefully crafted leather glove. So if you're light on gloves or just don't plan to use them often, this is a great value. Just don't expect it to last through multiple seasons of hard work or snow play.
We tested dexterity while skiing, snowboarding, tying shoelaces, and, in this photo, riding bikes. Credit: Chris McNamara
Black Diamond Mercury Mitt for Men and the Women's Version are our favorite mittens for extreme cold. They have the highest warmth score of any glove or mitten we have tested. The high-quality leather is both durable and relatively precise… for a mitten. These are the gloves we use for bike commuting when the temps really drop or for an Arctic storm at the resorts.
Carhartt Women's Quilts Mitt - The Mitt version of one of our favorite women's gloves does not disappoint. It delivers much more warmth and decent dexterity compared to other mitts. While not the most durable, it will get most casual wearers through a few winters, and they're price is low enough that we don't feel bad about replacing them every few years.
REI Co-op Gauntlet GTX Gloves - These gloves were our top choice for many years. They are warm, waterproof, and surprisingly dexterous for a fully featured glove. However, the over-the-cuff gauntlet style and bulkier fit are more appropriate for snowball fights and maybe even the occasional ski day than for casual use. They just don't fit in well enough around town for us to recommend them as everyday wear (we would never pull them on for a grocery store run). That said, we still love these gloves, and they are a steal compared to most ski gloves, so if you get more down and dirty in the snow every winter, these are a great option.
Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor - If you're looking for something a little bit warm, pretty breathable, and low-key enough to wear either on a hike or a walk to dinner, these OR gloves are a decent choice. While we prefer the Arc'teryx Venta for town-to-trail coverage (their windproofing tech is truly incredible), the Research Flurry is half the price, and if that's not enough to draw some interest, we don't know what is.
REI Co-op Polartec Wind Pro 2.0 - Simple and effective, they're built to do battle with wind, yet remain breathable, so they're a great option for movement in the form of running, hiking, or snowshoeing, or even just for daily wear. They're not waterproof or warm, but they create enough of a weather barrier for running errands, shoveling the driveway, or taking a lunchtime walk. Overall, we prefer the The North Face Etip Recycled gloves for commuting purposes, because they ahve a snugger fit, grippy silicone spotted palms, and full finger touch screen compatibility (the Polartec only has thumb and index finger tech touch), but the REI Polartec is slightly warmer in our experience, and is not a bad alternative.
Conclusion
Choosing between the many winter gloves on the market today can be hard. We hope that by buying these options, spending weeks testing them, and months wearing them, we've helped you zero in on your perfect pair. Keeping your hands warm is a crucial step to enjoying the winter months. We've got you covered, from heavily insulated and waterproof gloves for outdoor chores to deft liners for the most detailed tasks. See the roundup of our favorite gloves to find the best pairs for specific disciplines.
While all of these winter gloves work in some conditions, a few rise above the rest. Credit: Clark Tate
