Best running gloves to protect your fingers from the elements in 2026

When the temperature starts to dip in the winter it’s a good idea to invest in warm training gear from your running shoes up to your hands, which is where the best running gloves come in.

While your body will naturally heat up as you begin to move and get your heart rate going, your hands can be one of the trickiest things to keep warm as you make up those miles. Especially if you’re running in areas where you’re exposed to direct wind.

That’s why we’ve put together a shortlist of the best running gloves that’ll help keep the chill at bay. From a thin pair that will give you a simple added layer, to heavy duty gloves that will keep you toasty when the temperature really drops, there’s plenty to look out for in our list below. Picks have been based on in-depth research and analysis of user reviews.

You can also read our selection of the best waterproof running shoes and the best running jackets.

Best running gloves to buy in 2026

1. Salomon Cross Warm

Price	$30/£29.99
Sizing	XS-XL
Features	Touchscreen tips

This lightweight option from Salomon should keep the tips of your fingers tucked away from the elements when temperatures start to get cold enough for gloves.

They’re made to keep some warmth in your fingertips while retaining an element of breathability, and are said to provide a fitted feel so they should slip easily onto your hands.

As they’re machine washable you won’t have to worry about working up an intense sweat, and thanks to their AdvancedSkin Warm tech built in, they’re said to regulate the temperature of your hands so they don’t overheat, either.

They even have a handy treatment built into the index finger that’s touchscreen compatible so you can access your phone to change the track or check on your stats.

2.Under Armour Storm Run Liner

Price	$30/£24.99
Sizing	Women’s XS-XL; men’s S-XL
Features	Touchscreen-compatible thumb and finger, water-repellent

Treat yourself to an extra layer of protection when you head out on your next run, with these subtle gloves from Under Armour. Made to be extra-thin, you should barely feel you’re wearing them while still benefiting from their weather protection.

Created using the brand’s Storm Technology, Under Armour says these gloves should see you through all sorts of different weather types, right from short rain showers (thanks to built-in water resistance) and even more extreme conditions like snow.

You should also be able to use your phone, as they have touch pads on both the thumbs and fingers so you can scroll and tap as needed.

3. GripGrab Running Expert Hi-Vis Gloves

Price	$36/£27
Sizing	XS-2XL
Features	Touchscreen-compatible, hi-viz, silicone grip on palm

These versatile running gloves from GripGrab are designed to not only insulate your hands from the weather, they also double up as an extra source of visibility.

If the temperature is dipping in those winter months then the light will be, too, so it’s good to ensure you’re both warm and easy to see.

GripGrab says these gloves simultaneously provide insulation from the external conditions while also remaining breathable so you don’t overheat, and they also have a textured underside for added grip so you can hold onto your phone, with touchscreen tips so you can actually use it too.

4.Inov-8 Train Elite Glove

Price	$15/£15
Sizing	S-XL unisex
Features	Touchscreen-compatible, breathable

If you’re looking for a no-fuss pair of gloves to include in your run kit for training or race day, this option from Inov-8 is a strong contender.

Made from a stretchy fabric that should ensure they’ll snugly fit your hands, they’re nice and lightweight, which means they shouldn’t feel cumbersome while wearing them, and also they should be easy enough to roll up and put in a pocket or bag when not in use.

5.Montane Trail Gloves

Price	$15/£39.99
Sizing	S-XL unisex
Features	Windproof and breathable, touchscreen-compatible, grippy palm

If you’re heading out on an especially breezy day, on a mountainside trail where you’re likely to be exposed to the elements or just on a run in very cold conditions, these windproof gloves from Montane may be your best bet.

Promising a thick layer of protection while maintaining a level of breathability you’d want while running, they’re also said to have a special angled cuff which means they won’t affect your arm movement and mess with your form.

Featuring a subtle, reflective logo for an extra measure of visibility, the finger tips are also compatible with your touchscreen phone.

6.Ronhill Running Wind Block Flip Glove

Price	$39/£39.99
Sizing	S-L unisex
Features	Windproof and water resistant, touchscreen-compatible, pairing clip, reflective taping

If you’re not quite sure what the weather is going to be look like and the temperature seems like it could drastically dip mid-run, these gloves from Ronhill have an extra mitt that can fold over the fingers for additional warmth and protection against harsh winds.

Once the weather settles you can easily pull this outer layer away to reveal the fingertips once more, which include a touchscreen compatible material, and there’s even a soft material on the thumb so you can wipe away any sweat.

7. Reebok Reflective Running Gloves

Price	$22/£39.99
Sizing	S-L unisex
Features	Touchscreen-compatible, silicone palm, extended cuffs, reflective backs

Made from a thermal plush material, these gloves from Reebok utilise silicone on the palm to help improve your grip so you can hold onto your phone or water bottle as you run.

The cuffs have been extended to cover your wrist and a portion of your arm for extra warmth, with a conductive thumb that’s said to allow you to scroll on your touchscreen.

What’s more, the backs of these gloves are designed to reflect light, which should help boost your visibility.

8. Proviz Reflect360 Running Gloves

Price	$46/£24.99
Sizing	S-XL unisex
Features	Touchscreen-compatible, silicone palm, extended cuffs, reflective backs, glove clip

Proviz says its Reflect360 material, which contains reflective beads, makes these running gloves visible from all angles.

The brand claims they are also breathable and comfortable due to their stretchiness.

In addition, there is a clip to keep the gloves together when not in use.

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Features to look for in running gloves

When shopping for running gloves, prioritise the following things.

Weatherproofing

Because we generally wear them in winter, running gloves need to keep our hands warm. To do this, more expensive gloves will incorporate high-tech materials like Gore-Tex, which can be windproof and waterproof, on the outside to repel the elements.

Cheaper models will use polyester and a fleece lining, a combination that is often sufficiently warm given we move our hands as we run. Therefore, compared to cycling gloves, running gloves should be a little thinner.

For most types of running, a little water resistance, perhaps in the form of a Durable Water Repellent coating, is more than enough.

Ultra-runners training and racing in extreme conditions may want or need fully waterproof gloves to keep out rain for hours on end. But these can cost up to $100/£100 and are probably overkill for most of us.

Fit and comfort

Running gloves should be as snug as possible so they fit securely, don’t catch on clothing or foliage, if you’re on a trail, and don’t let drafts in.

You don’t want them them too tight though otherwise your dexterity and circulation might suffer.

Manufacturers typically give them stretch via Lycra or elastene to stop them feeling restrictive.

Features

Reflectivity and visibility are great features to have in running gloves. As they jog up and down, reflective gloves are often one of the first parts of you to catch road users’ attention after dark.

At a minimum, look for reflective trims and logos. Hi-viz panels on the back of the palm are even better.

More and more multisport watches and mobile phones have touchscreens, so thumb and finger tips compatible with this technology are good to have.

Other features like pairing clips and sweat/nose wipes are beneficial but aren’t essential.