The Best Winter Gloves of 2021
From lightweight liners to insulated options, we found the best winter gloves for every budget, temperature, and snow-covered sport.
Keeping your hands warm can make the difference between a memorable time outdoors and a miserable one. Whether you need more hand heat than your body can generate or you’re looking for a light layer to keep your fingers warm when you set out for a run, there’s a glove out there that’s perfect for you.
And while there isn’t a single glove that suits everyone, we broke them into categories so you can make an informed choice based on your needs. For more help finding the right fit, be sure to check out our comparison chart to help you steer your decision-making. Also, check out the buyer’s guide and FAQ section at the end of this article for additional tips.
Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for:
- Best Overall Winter Gloves
- Best Budget Winter Gloves
- Best Winter Gloves for Fat Biking
- Best Winter Work Gloves
- Best Heated Gloves
- Best Gloves for Ice Climbing
- Best Snowboarding Gloves
- Best Skiing Gloves
- Best Touchscreen-Compatible Gloves
- Best Gloves for In Town and Errands
- Best Gloves for Nordic Skiing
The Best Winter Gloves of 2022-2023
Best Overall Winter Gloves: Norrøna trollveggen GTX
If you want warm hands this winter regardless of what you’re doing, Norrøna’s trollveggen GORE-TEX ($229) is our pick for the best winter glove. It’s made for mountaineering with a mid-length cuff and goat leather palm.
But you don’t need to have big-mountain summits on your bucket list to wear them. These gloves are significantly lighter and more supple than other big mitts, with a tough cuff that’s light, flexible, and trim, which makes them easy to slip on.
On blustery days, keep the warmth in with the low-profile, one-hand tighten-and-release wrist strap, or seal your hands inside with a pull tab on the cuff. A wool liner under the synthetic-insulated shell wasn’t as fuzzy as fleece but gave the gloves dexterity for gripping a ski pole, a mountaineering axe, or holding onto a sled handle.
It also kept the inside from ever feeling sweaty. Use the stretchy, removable wrist straps to prevent dropping them in the snow when you take these off to send a text or snap a pic. Overall, the trollveggen tops our list as a formidable, versatile, and comfortable glove that still allows for dexterity.
Specs:
- Shell/Material: GORE-TEX fabric, goat leather, PrimaLoft, Oeko-Tex-certified fabric, PFC-free DWR, Bluesign-certified fabric
- Cuff type: Medium-length gauntlet cuff
- Insulation: 130g PrimaLoft Gold
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros:
- Warm
- Reinforced with leather in high-wear areas
- Lighter and less bulky than most other gloves in the category
Cons:
- Not touchscreen-compatible
Best Budget Winter Gloves: Jeniulet Winter Gloves
For less than a bowl of chili and a hot chocolate at the ski resort, these winter gloves ($20) from Jeniulet provide good warmth, quality materials, and touchscreen compatibility.
Don’t expect these gloves to offer the performance or durability of our all-around top pick. Still, they’re quite impressive for the price. Made from six layers of wind-resistant and high-density fabrics, these gloves kept many users’ fingers warm and comfortable in temperatures down to -30 degrees. The surface of the palm area is leather, which improves grip and dexterity whether you’re riding a bike, skiing, or working with a snow shovel.
Though they do run quite large, the Jeniulet Winter Gloves simply don’t have many flaws, especially considering they cost less than half that of most competitors.
Specs:
- Shell/Material: Cotton and waterproof nylon shell with fleece lining
- Cuff type: Short under-jacket cuffs
- Insulation: Fleece lining
- Waterproof: These gloves have a water-repellent outer fabric and a built-in “waterproof bag”
Pros:
- Affordable
- Touchscreen-compatible
- Versatile
Cons:
- Sizing is tricky
- Run very large
Best Winter Gloves for Fat Biking: Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Cycling Gloves
Cycling in winter conditions exposes your hands and fingers to the harsh bite of frigid air. These cycling gloves ($85) from Pearl Izumi have been designed specifically with cold-weather riding in mind.
Insulated with 170 g of PrimaLoft Gold insulation and incorporated aerogel particles, these split-finger, lobster-style gloves offer top-notch warmth without sacrificing dexterity.
Gripping handlebars with cold hands is painful. In addition to ample insulation, these gloves include 3D-shaped gel palm pads, which reduce bulk and improve grip comfort. Palm patches of Ax Suede Laredo synthetic leather help ensure reliable grip when steering and braking, even in wet conditions.
Fat bike enthusiasts rejoice — the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Cycling gloves are the best winter gloves for the job.
Specs:
- Shell/Material: AmFIB soft-shell main body fabric with synthetic leather palms and PrimaLoft Gold insulation
- Cuff type: Long wrist-hugging under-jacket cuffs
- Insulation: 170g Primaloft Gold with Crosscore technology insulation
- Waterproof: Water resistant AmFIB Softshell main body fabric
Pros:
- Grippy on the handlebars and brakes
Cons:
- Expensive
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Best Winter Work Gloves: Mechanix Winter Work Gloves
In cold and damp conditions, these work gloves provide reliable warmth, grip, and protection. For just $25, Mechanix gloves are the real deal. With a wind-resistant outer layer, a Thinsulate fleece lining, and Armortex reinforcement in the palms, these gloves are perfect for cold-season manual labor.
Thanks to built-in touchscreen compatibility, you won’t need to remove these gloves to answer a call or send an urgent text. Though they’re primarily made for working, many users report these gloves also perform well for skiing, cycling, and other forms of winter recreation.
Specs:
- Shell/Material: Wind-resistant outer softshell and fleece lining
- Cuff type: Short-fitted velcro cuffs
- Insulation: 3m Thinsulate with fleece liner
- Waterproof: No
Pros:
- High dexterity
- Easy on and off
- Touchscreen-compatible
- Durable
Cons:
- Semi-stiff until broken in
Best Heated Gloves: Black Diamond Solano
For some folks with chronically cold hands, no amount of passive insulation will solve the problem. When you’re wearing the battery-powered Solanos ($400), even arctic temperatures won’t keep you inside.
For a battery-operated glove, the Solano is relatively low-profile, with a rechargeable unit in the cuff and heating elements that wrap around the inside of your wrist, where blood is close to the surface and can best absorb the heat.
The new Solano has more synthetic insulation in the back of the hand and the palm than previous versions, but not so much that it’s hard to grip a ski pole or handlebar.
An easy-to-operate switch on the back of this GORE-TEX-lined goat leather glove lets you choose from three settings. We wore these gloves in the deepest freeze that Vermont could muster, alpine skiing, and fat biking down to -20 degrees. Our hands remained toasty and warm throughout.
Specs:
- Shell/Material: Full goat leather with two-layer Pertex Shield Nylon gauntlet cuff and GORE-TEX liner
- Cuff type: Long gauntlet cuff
- Insulation: Fixed fleece lining and Primaloft insulation
- Waterproof: No
Pros:
- Warm hands in any weather
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- Batteries in the cuff can feel bulky
- They’re a little stiff
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When Fingers Are More Than Cold: Raynaud's Disease
Best Gloves for Ice Climbing: Outdoor Research Mixalot Gloves
When you need to feel everything but also need a barrier against winter weather, the Mixalot ($69) delivers. An ultra-tactile, close-fit, single-layer glove, the Mixalot has a no-slip Pittards Gripster sheep leather palm — the same leather used in golf gloves — that covers all the parts of your hand that touch a tool.
The superb grip paired with gusseted fingers for unrestricted movement gave us total confidence in our tool placements while climbing frozen waterfalls as well as during mixed climbing. A new neoprene cuff and GORE WINDSTOPPER softshell on the back kept biting wind out and warmth in. And the fuzzy thumb is perfect for wiping away nose drips.
Specs:
- Shell/Material: GORE INFINIUM with WINDSTOPPER softshell; nylon/spandex face fabric with polyester backer; Pittards Gripster sheep leather palm and overlay
- Cuff type: Short under-sleeve cuff
- Insulation: Minimal; Single layer soft shell
- Waterproof: No
Pros:
- High sensitivity makes it easy to grip
- Easy to get these on and off
Cons:
- Not super warm
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry
Best Snowboarding Gloves: Dakine Leather Titan GORE-TEX Gloves
Snowboarders usually prefer mitts because they’re typically warmer than gloves. But mitts sacrifice the use of your fingers until you take them off. These long-cuffed and fully waterproof gloves from Dakine offer the best of both worlds: top-notch warmth and dexterity.
The Leather Titan Gloves ($100) are equipped with Hi-Loft insulation and a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane. Seams stitched on the outside, not the inside, reduce pressure points if you’re poling while splitboarding. And they give a better grip whether it’s for a grab or ratcheting your binding.
As an added bonus, the glove liner is touchscreen-compatible. Gone are the days of chilly fingers resulting from cold air exposure after sending a quick text. For all-day shredding on the mountain, these are the best winter gloves for the job.
Specs:
- Shell/Material: Goat leather palm with a polyester fleece lining, synthetic insulation, and a waterproof membrane
- Cuff type: Gauntlet
- Insulation: 280g high loft synthetic
- Waterproof: Yes, GORE-TEX membrane
Pros:
- Good dexterity for a heavily insulated glove
- Very warm and wind-resistant
- Touchscreen compatible liner
Cons:
- Thumb mobility is limited
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Best Skiing Gloves: Hestra Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet Gloves
Slipping your hand into Hestra’s Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet Gloves ($165) is like putting on your favorite sweater. The three-layer dobby polyester melange is soft and molds to your hand over time. The proofed goat leather outer material is durable and water-resistant. Overall, this is a reliable glove fully equipped for harsh conditions.
Inside, the removable five-finger liner is deliciously cozy and warm but not bulky. We like the extended wrist cuffs and integrated Velcro cinch. Even on the deepest of days, these gloves keep bits of snow from entering at the opening.
We recommend these gloves to skiers who spend lots of time in cold conditions with lots of snowfall. They are certainly on the more expensive end of the spectrum, but if you’re looking for high performance and durability, the Patrol Gauntlet is a solid value.
Specs:
- Shell/Material: Water-repellent leather with a removable polyester liner
- Cuff type: Long gauntlet
- Insulation: 100% polyester G-Loft
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros:
- Very warm
- Leather repels water but is fully breathable so hands don’t get sweaty
- Extended wrist cuff
Cons:
- Not touchscreen-compatible
Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry
Best Touchscreen-Compatible Gloves: The North Face Etip Recycled Glove
Though they aren’t ideal for the coldest of winter days, the Etip Recycled Gloves ($45) from The North Face are perfect for wintertime active use. From trail running to skiing, these lightweight yet warm gloves are highly versatile and can serve as a glove liner when you need a little extra insulation.
It’s difficult to strike a balance between insulation and breathability, but the Etip Recycled Gloves are up to the challenge. During high-intensity winter activity, these gloves allow ample airflow and prevent sweating. Silicone texture added to the palms provides solid holding power on ski and trekking poles.
Of all the touchscreen-compatible gloves on the market, The North Face’s Etip technology is among the most consistent and reliable. Wearers of these gloves will appreciate frustration-free smartphone operation.
Specs:
- Shell/Material: Polyester and elastane softshell
- Cuff type: Short under-sleeve cuff
- Insulation: Thin fleece
- Waterproof: No
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons:
- Not ideal for sub-freezing conditions
Check Men’s Price at REICheck Women’s Price at REI
Best Gloves for In Town and Errands: Gordini Fayston – Women’s and Men’s
Gordini’s Fayston Gloves are simple, elegant, and a solid value at $65. For running errands in Breckenridge, Truckee, and the rest of the great mountain towns, the Fayston is perfect everyday attire.
This glove falls under Gordini’s “lifestyle” category, so it isn’t really meant for active use. Instead, the Thindown insulation and moisture-wicking lining are designed to keep your hands cozy while walking to the bar, going for a stroll, or shopping at the resort base area.
We tested the Fayston on chilly morning walks in Crested Butte and were impressed with the elegant design and general comfort. For such a thin glove, the Fayston kept our hands comfortable in temps as low as 10 degrees. Men’s and women’s sizes are available.
Specs:
- Shell/Material: 60% nylon, 40% polyurethane (shell); 100% polyester (lining)
- Cuff type: Short gauntlet cuff
- Insulation: Thindown; 85% goose down, 15% polyethylene terephthalate
- Waterproof: No
Pros:
- Clean, elegant style
- Good value
- Quite warm for their weight
Cons:
- Not ideal for active use
Check Women’s Price at AmazonCheck Men’s Price at Backcountry
Best Gloves for Nordic Skiing: Hestra Windstopper Fleece Gloves
For nordic skiing, less is more. We picked the Hestra Windstopper Tour Gloves ($75) for their lightweight profile, grippy goat leather palm (that never got saturated with snowmelt or sweat), and stylish look.
The Windstopper Tour Gloves are internally lined with GORE-TEX Infinium micro-check material, which keeps the windchill out without sacrificing breathability. Though these gloves include minimal insulation, a layer of fleece on the backhand provides just enough warmth for cross-country touring and other active outdoor activities.
Like all Hestra products, these gloves are well-made and plenty durable for regular use. From a versatility standpoint, we love that these gloves also work well for jogging, running errands, and simply getting your hands warm throughout the winter
Specs:
- Shell/Material: Melange fleece with a goat leather palm
- Cuff type: Short gauntlet cuff
- Insulation: Melange fleece with micro check liner
- Waterproof: No
Pros:
- Well-made
- Durable
- Great dexterity
Cons:
- Relatively expensive for lightweight gloves
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry
Winter Glove Comparison Table
| Glove | Price | Shell/Material | Cuff Type | Insulation | Waterproof |
| Norrøna trollveggen GTX | $229 | GORE-TEX fabric, goat leather, PrimaLoft, Oeko-Tex-certified fabric, PFC-free DWR, Bluesign-certified fabric | Medium-length gauntlet cuff | 130g PrimaLoft Gold | Yes |
| Jeniulet Winter Gloves | $20 | Cotton and waterproof nylon shell with fleece lining | Short under-jacket cuffs | Fleece lining | Water-repellent outer fabric and a built-in “waterproof bag” |
| Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster Cycling Gloves | $85 | AmFIB soft-shell main body fabric with synthetic leather palms and PrimaLoft Gold insulation | Long wrist-hugging under-jacket cuffs | 170g Primaloft Gold w/Crosscore technology insulation | Water-resistant AmFIB Softshell main body fabric |
| Mechanix Winter Work Gloves | $25 | Wind-resistant outer softshell and fleece lining | Short over-the-jacket cuffs | 3m Thinsulate with fleece liner | No |
| Black Diamond Solano | $400 | Full goat leather with two-layer Pertex Shield Nylon gauntlet cuff and GORE-TEX liner | Long gauntlet cuff | Fixed fleece lining and Primaloft insulation | Yes, GORE-TEX |
| Outdoor Research Mixalot Gloves | $69 | GORE INFINIUM with WINDSTOPPER softshell; nylon/spandex face fabric with polyester backer; Pittards Gripster sheep leather palm and overlay | Short under-sleeve cuff | Minimal; Single layer soft shell | No |
| Dakine Leather Titan GORE-TEX Gloves | $100 | Goat leather palm with a polyester fleece lining, synthetic insulation, and a waterproof membrane | Long gauntlet cuff | 280g high loft synthetic | Yes, GORE-TEX membrane |
| Hestra Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet Gloves | $165 | Water-repellent leather with a removable polyester liner | Long gauntlet | 100% Polyester G-Loft | Yes |
| The North Face Etip Recycled Glove | $45 | Polyester and elastane softshell | Short under-sleeve cuff | Thin fleece layer | No |
| Hestra Windstopper Fleece Gloves | $339 | Melange fleece with a goat leather palm | Short gauntlet cuff | Fleece and micro check liner | No |
| Gordini Fayston | $65 | Melange fleece with a goat leather palm | Short gauntlet cuff | Melange fleece with micro check liner | No |
Why You Should Trust Us
To find the best winter gloves, we put dozens of winter warmers to the test. We alpine, backcountry, and nordic skied, hiked, fat biked, snowshoed, skated, sledded, dog walked, and had snowball fights in more than 30 pairs of gloves in the American Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest as well as the Rockies, Canada, and Iceland. Temperatures ranged from -20 degrees to so warm we didn’t need gloves at all.
While testing, we considered waterproofness, breathability, durability, and how well they kept the weather out as well as ease of on and off, taking a phone photo, gripping a ski pole, or packing a snowball while wearing them. Many of our testers live in frigid climates and use winter gloves on a daily basis while running errands and commuting.
As new winter glove styles hit the market this season, we’ll be sure to keep this list updated with our current favorites. At any given time, our roundup will include the best of the best.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Winter Gloves
“Winter gloves” is a massive category that encompasses many different types and styles. The recommendations that we’ve included on this list represent a broad spectrum of options, and it can be tricky to identify the best pair for you. While some winter gloves are versatile enough for all sorts of applications, others are specifically designed for a singular purpose.
When choosing a pair of winter gloves, there are many important factors to consider. In this handy how-to-choose guide, we break down each of these factors to help you streamline — and hopefully enjoy — the selection process.
Active vs. Passive Use
If you’ll be using your gloves as an activewear accessory — such as holding onto a ski pole, ice axe, or chainsaw — choose a glove that offers dexterity. The most dexterous gloves will allow you to articulate each finger independently for improved grip and active functionality. On this list, The North Face Recycled Etip Gloves and the Outdoor Research Mixalot gloves offer uninhibited dexterity.
If you’ll be using your gloves strictly to keep your hands warm while commuting or walking outside, dexterity and workability are less important. If this is the case for you, we recommend gloves that are warm and well-insulated.
If you don’t need dexterity, you may as well take advantage of maximum warmth. On this list, the Pearl Izumi Lobster Gloves may not be the most dexterous, but they are impressively warm and eye-catching.
How Warm Is Too Warm?
Not every activity warrants the warmest glove. If your gloves are too hot, you’ll end up with hands somewhere between sweaty and swampy. Ultimately, you will want to pick gloves based on your body’s comfort level and temperature regulation.
Waterproof
Depending on your needs, waterproofing may be a non-negotiable priority. If your primary winter pursuit is manual labor or snowball fights, definitely choose a glove with a waterproof membrane such as the Norrøna Trollveggen.
If you’ll be actively generating heat while running or nordic skiing, consider a glove without a waterproof membrane, such as The North Face Etip.
Extra-Warm Options
If you seem to always have cold hands regardless of how thick your gloves are, we recommend that you try a battery-powered self-warming option. They can be a game-changer for people who have Raynaud’s disease or chronically cold hands.
On this list, the Black Diamond Solano are high-quality self-warming gloves with plush comfort and impressive battery life.
Phone Compatibility
Not all winter gloves are touchscreen-compatible. If you will need to access your phone or tablet in cold conditions, look for a pair with “e-tips,” which are conductive fabrics that transfer your body’s electric current into the device.
Constantly taking your gloves on and off gets old (and cold) fast, and being able to text your buddy from the chairlift comfortably is a welcome asset.
Durability and Materials
Durability is an important consideration when choosing winter gloves. Our hands make contact with surfaces more than any other part of our body, and the constant movement and action can cause gloves to wear rapidly.
Ultimately, a glove’s durability comes down to its construction and materials. The longest-lasting gloves tend to be made of high-quality leather.
On this list, the Norrøna trollveggen leather gloves are among the most durable we’ve ever tested. The downside of leather gloves is that they require regular maintenance. A waterproofing treatment such as Sno-Seal or Nikwax can significantly help maintain the waterproofing ability and general quality of a pair of leather gloves.
Nylon outer shells can also offer long-lasting durability. Though not as supple as leather, nylon is hardy and requires less maintenance. On this list, the Jeniulet Winter Gloves are quality and affordable nylon options.
Aside from nylon and leather, many thinner winter gloves are made from wool, fleece, and cotton. Generally, cotton is not ideal, as it takes a long time to dry and tears easily.
Lobster Claws and Mittens
For those who regularly suffer from uncomfortably cold hands, mittens are the warmest form of hand protection. When encased in a mitten, your fingers are able to keep each other warm by proximity.
The major downside to mittens is loss of dexterity. When you need the use of your fingers while walking or snowboarding, for example, mittens are great, but for manual labor or gripping a ski pole, mittens aren’t ideal.
Lobster claws are the middle ground between gloves and mittens. Usually, one or two fingers are isolated from the other 3 or 4, resulting in two separate “claws” that can move independently. This style may be a good option for those who have chronically cold hands but still need some dexterity.
Still, lobster claws are significantly less dexterous than traditional gloves. Winter mountain bikers commonly choose to wear lobster-style gloves. On this list, the Pearl Izumi AmFIB Lobster gloves are excellent.
Skiing and Snowboarding
While all of the gloves on this list are high-quality options and well-qualified for winter use, not all of them are ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
Skiing and snowboarding gloves need to be reliably waterproof, durable enough for active use, and comfortable in all conditions. On this list, the Dakine Leather Titan and the Hestra Army Leather Patrol are solid choices for all-day shredding at the resort or in the backcountry.
Sizing
It is important to choose properly sized gloves. As always, we recommend trying gear on before purchase to ensure a good fit.
Extra space inside an oversized glove is just more air that your hands have to heat before they feel warm. When gloves are too tight, they may restrict blood flow, worsen circulation issues, and cause pain.
FAQ
What Are the Warmest Winter Gloves?
On this list, the Norrøna Trollveggen are extremely warm and highly durable gloves. If you suffer from Raynaud’s disease or simply deal with chronically cold hands, it may be worth considering upgrading to battery-powered self-warming gloves.
The Black Diamond Solano gloves are exceptionally warm, well made, and offer impressively long battery life.
Are Gloves Better Than Mittens?
Choosing between gloves and mittens is a matter of personal preference. Each option has pros and cons, and it is important to understand these before choosing.
Gloves offer improved dexterity but reduced warmth. Because every finger can move independently while wearing gloves, this option is better for gripping ski poles, swinging ice axes, or performing manual labor.
Mittens are very warm, but they seriously reduce dexterity. We don’t recommend mittens for activities that require you to use your hands to grip or squeeze.
What Are the Cheapest Winter Gloves?
On this list, we have included many high-quality winter gloves with a broad range of price tags. Some of the cheaper options include the Jeniulet Winter Gloves and the Mechanix Winter Work Gloves.
Though affordable winter gloves do exist, cheaper options tend to be less effective and durable. Premium materials and construction cost more, but they also add up to a higher quality product. It is worth considering making a greater initial investment in your winter gloves so that you won’t have to replace your new pair in just a season or two.
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