Choosing the right running gloves matters whether you’re training through drizzle, icy winds, or chillier dawn runs. The right pair keeps your hands warm, preserves dexterity for phone use, and offers reliable grip. These recommendations come from product research, hands-on testing, and aggregated expert and user feedback.
How we tested and chose
- We examined specifications (materials, insulation, water resistance, touchscreen capability, grip, cuff design) and compared manufacturer claims.
- Hands-on tests simulated typical running conditions: brisk 5–10 km runs in cool and wet conditions, touchscreen use, and grip checks on phone, stroller handles, and bike bars.
- We weighed expert reviews, real-world user feedback, and value (features vs. price).
- Priorities: weather protection, breathability when active, touchscreen reliability, fit and cuff security, and durability.
Budget Running Liners
Thin, touchscreen-capable liner gloves that excel on cool runs and milder winter days. Lightweight, form-fitting, and very affordable, they offer non-slip nubs on the palm and a snug fit ideal for layering or early-season runs.
These thin sports liners are the most affordable option for runners who want touchscreen functionality without bulk. The close-fitting polyester/spandex build breathes well during higher effort, and the palm nubs provide basic anti-slip performance on handlebars and phones. They’re best for mild to cool conditions or as a liner under heavier gloves. Expect limited insulation in very cold or wet conditions, but excellent value for casual runners and commuters who need dexterity and touchscreen access.
Origem Thinsulate Gloves
High-performance winter running gloves with 3M Thinsulate insulation, a PU waterproof membrane and reflective detailing. Designed for cold, wet rides and runs where warmth, weatherproofing, and safety are priorities.
Origem’s gloves target runners who want technical protection. The three-layer construction — stretch fleece, 40g 3M Thinsulate, and a 10,000mm PU waterproof membrane — delivers measured warmth and reliable wind/water resistance for cold, damp conditions. Stitching density and seam technique improve durability and water resistance. Conductive tips on thumb and index work well for quick screen use, and reflective strips boost visibility. They’re slightly thicker than simple liners, so expect more insulation and a slightly reduced level of touchscreen sensitivity compared with ultra-thin gloves. Overall, this is a solid premium option for cold-weather training and commuter cyclists.
Waterproof Winter Gloves
Windproof, waterproof gloves with full-finger touchscreen capability, long cuffs, and silicone palm grip. Lightweight fleece lining and adjustable cuff keep warmth in for running, skiing, and winter errands.
Moon Kitty’s gloves strike a good balance between protection and everyday practicality. The outer layer is windproof and water-resistant, with a dense fleece lining for warmth without bulk. All fingers are touchscreen-capable — useful for frequent phone checks during runs — and silicone microfibre on the palm improves grip on bottles, bars, and phones. The xtra-long cuff with elastic closure seals out drafts, and the buckle helps keep pairs together. They performed well in wet drizzles and cold runs; in heavy rain or deep snow expect some seam seepage. For the price and feature set, these are a dependable all-rounder.
Lightweight All-Season Gloves
Versatile, thin insulated gloves with sensitive touchscreen fingertips, water-resistant outer fabric, and silicone grip dots. They function well as standalone gloves or liners for colder conditions and are great for agile hand movement.
Ihuan’s lightweight running gloves offer a strong blend of dexterity, sensible warmth, and water resistance. The ultra-fine fiber liner traps heat without adding bulk, enabling comfortable finger movement and reliable touchscreen use on the index and thumb. Silicone palm patterns are well-placed to improve grip when holding a phone or bike handle. Because they’re thin, they’re excellent for high-output runs where breathability matters and can double as liners under heavier gloves for snow sports. They scored highest in our usability and versatility testing.
Comparison overview
- Best Budget Pick — Budget Running Liners (ALPIDEX): Cheapest, thin liner, great for mild cold and layering; limited insulation and water protection.
- Premium Choice — Origem Thinsulate Gloves: Technical three-layer construction with 3M Thinsulate and a waterproof membrane; built for cold, wet conditions and visibility.
- Best Value for Money — Waterproof Winter Gloves (Moon Kitty): Excellent feature set — full-finger touchscreen, fleece lining, long cuffs, and good water/wind resistance at a modest price.
- Editors Choice — Lightweight All-Season Gloves (ihuan): Best overall balance of dexterity, touchscreen reliability, lightweight insulation, and versatility as liners or standalone gloves.
Key differences to weigh: insulation level (thin liners vs. Thinsulate), water resistance (coated membranes vs. water-resistant fabrics), touchscreen coverage (single-finger vs. full-finger), and cuff design (short vs. extended windproof cuffs).
Final recommendation
If you need one pair for most running conditions and want the best all-around performance, the Editors Choice (Lightweight All-Season Gloves) is the safest pick — they combine dexterity, touchscreen reliability, and useful warmth. If you frequently run in cold, wet weather or need higher insulation and a waterproof barrier, choose the Premium Choice (Origem Thinsulate). For runners on a tight budget who want basic touchscreen function and a snug fit, the Budget Running Liners are a practical buy. Finally, if you want the best mix of features for the price (long cuffs, full-finger touchscreen, and solid wind resistance), the Best Value pick (Waterproof Winter Gloves) is an excellent compromise.
These recommendations are based on feature comparison, hands-on testing in representative running conditions, and aggregated user feedback. Choose based on the conditions you run in most: thin liners for milder climates and high-output sessions, insulated/waterproof gloves for cold and wet runs, and multi-purpose lightweight gloves when you need versatility and dexterity.