While a pair of running gloves may not improve your running time and speed, they sure can make the whole thing a lot more comfortable. When it’s cold out, flying through the air can make your hands even colder than they need to be – which isn’t exactly fun or conducive to training. Even with spring here, the air can still be pretty chilly and wet. So instead of letting your hands freeze solid cold and breathing on them every time you stop, grab a good pair of comfy, cozy running gloves and beat that PR in comfort. There’s a million good choices out there, but we’ve paired them down to three options – a versatile insulated pair, a pair with touchscreen-compatible fingers, and a waterproof pair. Here’s our top 3 best running gloves out there for 2018.
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3 Best Running Gloves of 2018
The All-Rounder: Smartwool PHD Insulated Travel Glove
Simple and straight-up, super warm. The Smartwool PHD’s gloves are intended for performance and comfort in all kinds of temperatures, just as all Smartwool products are. They have a 46% Nylon, 37% Merino Wool, 17% Elastane body, with a super-soft, super warm lining of 70% Wool, 30% Nylon. The perfect glove for cold weather training, or for pretty much any other cold-weather application, like walking or biking. Reflective bands on the back of the hand add some visibility on dark winter runs, while the grippy palms ensure you can grasp your phone without losing it. May need to add a liner for freezing cold temperatures.
The Touch-Screen Pro: The North Face Pamir WindStopper Etip Glove
Warmth is important to you, but so is being able to use your touchscreen and change songs on your phone, as well as track your time and maps. You need a pair of touchscreen-ready gloves. The North Face Pamir has you covered. They are made from North Face’s Windstopper fleece that, as the name implies, blocks wind as you’re charging at full-out speeds; it’s a good midweight warmth, offering good warmth without the bulk. The 5-Dimensional Fit, as North Face calls it, ensures a consistent, easy fit.
On the palms and fingers is UlR® Powered soft shell, which ensures you can use the touchscreen with all five-fingers. The Pamir are excellent gloves for keeping your hands warm in frigid temps, and still staying connected without having to expose your hands to the biting wind.
The Waterproof Option: Gore GTX Thermo Gloves
These gloves are actually intended more for biking, but they work just as well for running in cold weather. These gloves are made from a light, wind-blocking and waterproof Gore-tex fabric, lined with a warm Thermo lining, ensuring your hands are perfectly warm and dry in the worst of weather. The wrists have Velcro closures to keep them secure and tight around your wrist, and prevent any water from working its way in. And as they are intended for biking, the palms are padded and absorb both shocks, and any moisture that might get in when wiping your sweaty forehead. The palm itself is smooth leather, with reflective lining and trim to keep you visible as it gets dark.
An all-around versatile pair of gloves to keep the water off, whether you’re running in the snow or biking in the rain.