Best running gloves 2024 and mitts for running from Nike, Gore Wear, Ronhill and more

Whether you're a fitness fanatic who refuses to give up the great outdoors or someone looking to get fit for the summer, a pair of the best running gloves is essential if you're looking to go running in the cold. But even if the temperature is not in the sub-zero region, running gloves can come in handy if you want to keep your paws warm until your body has generated enough heat from running.

Your hands are one of the first parts of the body to become cold when you're running in the winter because your blood flows back to your chest cavity to feed oxygen to your vital organs. Left exposed, your hands may become painfully cold, sore and dry. So once you've taken care of the rest of your body by investing in one of the best base layers and the best running tights, the next step might be to invest in some running gloves. 

Best running gloves to buy right now

The Gore Wear Infinium Gloves are hands down the best running gloves (pun intended). These gloves are light and thin whilst also being windproof and highly water-repellent. The special coat on the tip of the index finger and the thumb enables you to operate smartphones so you can snap a couple of pictures for your Strava post. After months and months of testing, we tried really, really hard to find something negative to say about the Gore Wear Infinium Gloves, but all we can say is that they might not be the best running gloves in freezing temperatures. These are the no-compromise running gloves you were looking for.

Made from the durable Polar Power Dry Featherweight material, these fast-wicking running gloves keep your hands dry from sweat and are lightweight. You lose a little bit of the warmth that some of the other gloves offer, but the MontanePower Dry Glove will do perfectly for not-extremely-low temperatures. In addition to their moisture-managing properties, these gloves offer up an elastic wrist to keep the draft out, reflective elements so you can be seen when running alongside roads, and conductible fingertips for that all-important smart device control.

In addition to providing warmth, the Ronhill Classic Gloves manage moisture, leaving your hands dry and sweat-free. Available in black or bright yellow, if you’re conscious about wearing reflective clothing while you’re running alongside main roads, these gloves will ensure you’re seen. 

Nike says that the Therma-Fit material insulates your hands against the cold and retains that ability even in wet weather. Indeed, these running gloves are fleece-lined, providing additional warmth and comfort in the most frigid weather. Other features include reflective detail for visibility and a nose wipe because – let’s face it – we all use our gloves to wipe a runny nose mid-run. 

These cheap and cheerful gloves are designed to keep your hands warm when the nights become cooler. With additional details, including a reflective element and a key pocket in the palm, you can go out for your evening run knowing that you’re visible and your key is in a safe place. Unlike other gloves on the list, they don’t offer smartphone compatibility or extra grip, but you can't go wrong with a basic glove that does the job. 

How to choose the best running gloves for you

Most winter running gloves have thermal properties, while the best running gloves also add moisture management and wind resistance to keep your hands warm and dry in sub-zero temperatures. Not everyone needs thermal running gloves in winter, especially if you live in a country that never gets really cold. Lighter, thinner gloves with good moisture-wicking properties are better suited for those climates.

For cold weather runs, we recommend lined or fleece gloves. These will keep your hands warm and your fingers frostbite-free until you warm up, at which point you can take them off and put them in your pockets. Finally, you should look for water-resistant running gloves if you live in a country with a lot of rain, especially in the UK, where it rains all year around.