If you’re already a runner, you know how great it feels to pound out those miles.
Running is one of the most popular exercises on the planet. Running is the most economical and accessible exercise. Running provides all-around physical, mental, and social benefits.
If you are a beginner runner, or even if you don’t run regularly, running is a stellar exercise that you might want to consider adding to your repertoire.
The first thing you’ll probably need to purchase is a pair of running gloves.
This buying guide will help you to understand why running gloves are so important.
You’ll learn the difference between running gloves, running mittens, and running wrist protection gear. You’ll also learn about which running gloves will offer the best protection and comfort for you.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance Running Gloves | Best Overall |  |
| TrailHeads Running Gloves | Budget Pick |  |
| Nike Women's Therma-FIT Elite Gloves 2.0 | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. New Balance Running Gloves
Pros:
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
- Durable material
- Machine washable
- Affordable price
- Can withstand multiple washes
- Sizing is true to size
Cons:
- There’s a risk of sweating underneath the glove
- Sizing is different from advertised, you may need to size up
- Not ideal for long runs
The New Balance Numeric Women’s Performance Running Gloves offer a snug and secure fit, thanks to its heathered fabric chassis that is also moisture-wicking.
Reviewers say that they can handle vigorous training as it offers excellent grip to the hands even when wet or sweaty, while New Balance’s silicone grip edge ensures a proper fit at the wrist.
Aside from the above, the gloves also have reflective accents for better visibility. And a terry cloth sweat wiping thumb with thumb loop to make it easier to pull the gloves on, and take them off.
2. Nike Women's Therma-FIT Elite Gloves 2.0
Product highlights:
The Nike Women's Therma-Fit Elit 2.0 Gloves are the perfect accessory for those long winter runs. It provides optimal thermal protection during low temperature and high humidity.
The smart design features a silicon grip that prevents the gloves from slipping off in case of perspiration. The lightweight construction and front clasp closure provide a more secure fit.
3. TrailHeads Running Gloves
Pros:
- Adjustable Velcro Wristband
- Cool and comfortable with mesh vents
- Reflective thumb and index finger for visibility
- Pinch-free touchscreen finger
- Made of CoolMax and spandex material
- Available in five different colors
- One size fits all; wrist size is 6”-8”
TrailHeads Running Gloves are the ultimate fashionable and functional running gloves on the market today. They feature a mesh ventilation, a pinchfree® touchscreen finger, and reflective thumb and index finger to increase visibility at night, which makes them ideal for both trail running and road running.
These all-season gloves are made of CoolMax and spandex material to keep your hands cool and comfortable during your training sessions, and a Velcro wrist strap for a secure fit.
They can be used during warm weather and cold weather as long as you wear a pair of running gloves liners. They are available in five different colors and two sizes – small/medium and large/X-large.
4. New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Warm Running Gloves
Pros:
- Perfect for the colder months
- Fingertip touchscreen capability
- Available in 4 sizes (S-XXL)
- Hassle-free return policy
- 3-year limited warranty
- Lightweight and durable
These running gloves from New Balance are a great option for those looking for a lightweight and breathable option during the colder months. They come in a range of sizes from small to XXL and offer a touch screen capable design so you can access your smartphone with ease.
A breathable fabric design combined with an inner lining is both warm and highly functional while the silicone dot feature is subtle but highly functional. The thumbs are touchscreen capable which means you can use your phone while running. While they’re not too thick they’re definitely not cosy. They are just right for those chilly runs and they’re not too bulky at all.
They’re also easily machine-washable.
5. Zensah Smart Running Gloves
Pros:
- Very comfortable to wear
- The touch screen feature is very convenient
- Great for cold-weather running
- Also suitable for cycling
- Very lightweight and thermal
The Zensah Smart Running Gloves with Touch Screen Feature are a great choice for those looking for a pair of gloves that are both functional and stylish.
Zensah gloves make your hands less sweaty, absorb shocks, enhance grip, and wick away moisture.
The special material also absorbs a good amount of cold, keeping your hands warm during the cold months, or on chilly mornings.
6. Nike Mens Therma Fit Running Athletic Gloves
Pros:
- Machine washable
- No break-in time required
- Breathable mesh design
- Textured palm for grip
- Good fit
Cons:
- Some reviews say they’re not the warmest set of gloves
- Can start to smell after a long use as they’re not as breathable as others
The Nike Mens Therma Fit running athletic gloves are lightweight and can be worn for a plethora of physical activities, including running, cycling as well as other sports like paddle boarding and kayaking.
The gloves feature a seamless palm for a good grip. They use mesh on the back of the hand so that the hands don’t sweat too much, and mesh covers on the tops so that air easily travels in. Rubber on both of the palm and the fingers also provide good grip when needed.
Nike’s Dry-Fit technology is embedded into the gloves, which wicks sweat away from the skin, keeping the hands dry and cool. A terry-cloth thumb is also featured, which helps absorb sweat and gives the hands a better grip.
7. Smartwool Merino 150 Glove
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Odor resistant
- Highly breathable
- Well-made
- You can wash them in your washing machine
- Warm weather protection
- Glove is textured to provide traction
- Great for runners
- Mostly machine-washable
Cons:
- There may be a slight shrinkage after washing the gloves
- The design is quite bulky
If you are looking for a pair of running gloves from a trustworthy brand then you should consider purchasing the Smartwool Merino 150 Glove. This brand will give you what you need when it comes to your running needs.
The Smartwool Merino 150 Glove is an excellent choice when running. It is textured so that you can get a perfect grip while running. This feature is really helpful when you are running even on snowy surfaces. Its elastic cuff will keep your hands warm.
You might be wondering as to how machine washable these smooth gloves are. The answer is that you can wash them in your washing machine without any fear. There will be little to no shrinkage but even if there is a little, it won’t really make a difference.
8. Gore Unisex R3 Gloves
Pros:
- Great comfort
- Breathable and flexible
- Keep your hands dry
- Stretchy wrist to fit larger sizes
- Longer velcro wrist straps than normal to accommodate larger wrists
- Excellent grip on your palms; will not lose your grip on objects
- Very comfortable inside
9. ASICS Unisex Lite-Show Gloves Running Accessories
Pros:
- Not bulky
- Provides good grip, tear, and odour resistance
- Great ventilation
- Breathable mesh fabric
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Not sweat or weather proof
- Longer fingertips for better grip
- Rubber fingertips for better grip
- Lightweight construction
Running is an invigorating and refreshing workout. However, running barehanded can cause friction and skin damage. That is why you need to invest in a pair of running gloves to avoid damage to your skin.
Gloves made from synthetic fabric offer excellent tear, odour, and sweat resistance. In addition, they are designed to ward off the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. On the downside, these gloves are probably not the best option for running in the rain.
Gloves made from neoprene are lightweight but very flexible. They are perfect for running on warm days. In addition, they are perfect for carrying drinking water. However, they are not weatherproof.
10. adidas AWP Shelter Gloves
Pros:
- Seamless design provides a tight yet breathable fit
- Available in unique, modern designs that stand out
- Very easy to put on and take off
- Unique touch-screen compatible tips
- The snug-fitting elastic cuff prevents bulkiness
The Adidas AWP shelter running gloves are another breatheable mesh design. They are ideal for use during warm to hot weather, not just for running. They provide a snug yet breathable fit, so your hands can stay cool inside and keep sweat from puddling.
The unique fabric on the thumb, forefinger, and pointer finger of these running gloves allows for touch-screen compatibility on your smart phones or smart watches. This means if your phone rings or your pace changes, you can easily check it without taking the gloves off.
Another little handy feature about these gloves are the built-in cuff design. The snug-fitting elastic cuff not only prevents bunching after use, but also ensures that the gloves stay put on your hands during your training.
11. Smartwool Unisex Sport Training Glove
Pros:
- These are a great deal for the price
- They’re very soft and comfortable on the hands
- Very comfortable and breathable
- These are great for running on cold days
- The stitching is durable and the material is high quality
- The finger grips are comfortable and allow for a firm grip on cold objects like water bottles
- They offer a fair bit of protection if you do fall
Cons:
- They don’t have any sort of wrist support
- The colour may be a bigger deal for some people than for others. They’re a fairly bright blue-ish colour.
- There is no mention of using the gloves for running on the website or the packaging.
- The thumb is short and may not be comfortable for some users
The Smartwool Sport Training Glove is designed for the runner who needs a high level of dexterity and warmth. It’s made out of a soft and warm merino wool. The glove is 75% merino wool and 25% nylon.
Unlike other running gloves, Smartwool’s gloves are made out of merino wool. Merino wool is an excellent fabric in terms of breath-ability. That’s because it has a low thread count and is very soft.
12. Saucony Ultimate Touch-Tech Gloves
Pros:
- Moisture-wicking fabric construction
- Very sturdy material
- Has touchscreen compatibility
- Adjustable Velcro enclosure
Cons:
- Runs a tad small and fits tightly; do not get these gloves if you have longer fingers
- Smaller zip pocket for valuables can be a bit difficult to access
If you are a running buff, this is the pair of gloves you need to wear. The Saucony Ultimates provide just the right level of padding and protection you need to make sure you get the most out of your workout without any distractions. The major gripe with most gloves is that they can be a bit uncomfortable, especially when used with a touchscreen. This is not the case with these gloves. They are specially designed with a microfiber material which makes them soft to the touch and allows for excellent touchscreen compatibility.
The gloves are designed with a sleek touchscreen compatible smartphone pocket built in. This enables you to control your music, answer calls, and text while out on a run. Plus, if you put your smartphone in a case or a pocket, you can store them in these gloves. This allows you to jog hands-free. It also has a small valuables pocket for your keys. This is great for the times when you want to leave your phone behind and just take a quick jog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best running gloves?
You can’t go on too many runs without gloves. Even if you run in your own neighborhood, there is always the risk of cuts and blisters attacking your hands. That’s the reason why gloves are almost a necessity for every runner.
When it comes to the best running gloves, the best choice is ensuring that they give you enough protection and stay on for the duration of your run. This is especially important if you run for a long time.
There are a few things you should be aware of when shopping for gloves. They are:
- Type of Fabric
- Touchscreen Friendly
- Padding
- Adjustable
- Type of Fabric
The best running gloves are ones that are thin enough for you to still feel the fabric and that offer the right amount of padding. Some gloves give you just enough padding, while others overwhelm you. The best ones have a balance of both.
What are the warmest running gloves?
The best pair of running gloves for you is determined by:
- ~ The climate you live in and the type of outdoor activities you participate in
- ~ Your budget
- ~ The activity level required to meet your needs
Runners need protection from the elements. Cold hands can start causing problems for runners as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Overheating is a major concern for marathon runners, who can burn through extra calories when the body temperature is sustained at a higher level as we saw in this study.
Heat retention is an important consideration for most gloves. If a runner wears gloves that are too heavy, it can be taxing on the central nervous system by forcing the body into a state of hyperthermia. You can learn more about this phenomena here.
If a runner wears gloves that are too light, there is the potential to get frostbite on the forearms, which can ruin an entire training program for an aspiring runner.
What are running gloves for?
The hands are the most exposed part of the body, which makes them very vulnerable to injury. Running gloves are protective equipment designed specifically to protect runners from finger injuries, which is, in the most cases, extremely traumatic.
Depending on the type of sport, the main reason of finger injuries can often be a blunder of a runner. Touching the tip of the hurdle or a grasp of the wheel on the bicycle are examples of actions that may cause a serious hand injury. Therefore, the majority of gloves present on the market are manufactured to protect the hand from external damage.
What to look for in running gloves?
We’re all aware of the need for excellent running shoes for runners, but you need look no further than your hands to find just as important a piece of gear. In fact, running gloves, or long biking gloves of any sort are just as vital to long distance runners as shoes are.
For those training in extreme environments, such as high altitudes, or in extremely cold weather, gloves are essential to keeping your hands safe from blisters and other problems that can land you in the hospital with hypothermia if you have to go without them. Gloves are an excellent way to protect your hands during ultra marathon training as well.
It is also important for runners to have gloves on hand to protect themselves from falling objects as most runners run early in the morning or late at night when there is little foot traffic. While your hand may not get hit at all, you’ve probably heard stories of runners getting hit by objects.
Conclusion
Running gloves are a great way to help protect your hands from blisters and reduce the impact of running on your joints. If you’re running regularly, you might want to invest in some gloves to protect your hands. While there are lots of options available in the market, choosing the right pair can be tricky. We’ve summarized the features that matter the most and listed a few of the best gloves in each category.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| New Balance Running Gloves | Best Overall | |
| TrailHeads Running Gloves | Budget Pick | |
| Nike Women's Therma-FIT Elite Gloves 2.0 | Upgrade Pick | |