The 12 Best Winter Gloves That Actually Keep Your Hands Warm

The W.B. Insulated Gloves offer advanced durability and versatility with their polytex exterior and waterproof technology, ensuring that your hands are shielded and warmed no matter the cold-weather activity. Inside, the brand's FastDry material wicks away sweat and promotes breathability so you stay comfortable. For added protection, the gloves have a gauntlet cuff and barrel lock cord pull, which gives you an adjustable and customized fit, and prevents cold air from creeping in. Plus, they're designed so you can still access your smartphone and other tech devices. 

"[I] used to ride my ATV all winter long. As much as I'd love to buy hand warmers, I'm happy with just these [on] 20-mile ATV rides in 10-degree weather… I've also [cleaned] the ice dams out of my gutters with these and my hand stayed dry/warm after completely submerging them in icy water," wrote one reviewer, adding that they are "going to get the wife a pair and get a pair in another color."

To buy: amazon.com or zappos.com, from $37

These popular fleece gloves offer a silicone palm for better grip and still allow use of your devices, all without adding bulk. They're made with 93 percent recycled polyester and have a four-way stretch so your grip isn't compromised whether you're on the trail or running errands. In fact, the brand's Radiametric Articulation technology ensures that your hand stays in its natural position for added comfort. 

"The gloves fit really well, so I can still use my hands like I'm not even wearing gloves," one North Face customer shared. "The fabric is really soft and thin, but still keeps my hands warm." 

To buy: (men's) thenorthface.com or amazon.com, $45; (women's) thenorthface.com or zappos.com, $45

If you're looking for something a little bit hardier, upgrade to the Apex model to add a layer of windproofing.

Their soft-shell insulating construction adds warmth while upping your defense against moisture inside and out. The pull tab cuff makes the gloves easy to put on and take off and gives them an adjustable fit. Touchscreen capability is guaranteed through the gloves' five-finger Etip design and silicone palm gripper. 

"I have a rough time keeping my hands warm in Wisconsin," another North Face shopper said. "Got these as a gift and they are great! Keeps the wind out and keeps my hands warm."

To buy: (men's) thenorthface.com or amazon.com, from $49;$55; (women's) thenorthface.com or amazon.com, from $35$55

Another reviewer favorite is the OZero, a slim pair of gloves that are both windproof and waterproof, in addition to being touchscreen-friendly. Priced under $20 and a popular pick among Amazon shoppers, the affordable winter gloves are lined with a thermal fleece material for adequate warmth and have an elastic cuff to block out the cold. Strategic silica gel patches are placed throughout the palm and fingers for advanced grip. 

"So far, I have used these gloves for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. They've been able to handle everything I've asked them to handle, and they've kept my hands dry, warm, and protected from the wind — even in the high winds while going 40-plus miles-per-hour on the snowmobile," one customer shared, adding, "they've done a great job of keeping out small amounts of snow and moisture I've encountered with them (including while digging/lifting out stuck snowmobiles." 

To buy: (men's) amazon.com, $17; (women's) amazon.com, $15 (originally $17)

If you're trying to get the best of both worlds, go for a convertible mitten that flips into a fingerless glove and magnetically secures into place. This Polartec pair includes a storage pocket to tuck the mitten flap into when you're not using it and a separate thumb flap for when you just need to send a quick text message.

"I work outside and wanted some gloves that would allow me dexterity while keeping most of my hand warm," a reviewer wrote, noting that fit was also an important requirement. "[I] went to work. Oh my! These gloves work wonderfully! I even put them on cold hands, and my hands got warm! Not sweaty, just comfortable. I really am impressed." 

To buy: (men's) amazon.com, $34; (women's) amazon.com, $34; 

Nike's Sphere running gloves are lightweight and flexible and offer reflective detailing for your morning run — or suspiciously dark commute. Their fitted cuff provides a snug fit while their Dri-Fit technology wicks away moisture. Touchscreen tips give you access to your phone, smartwatch, and other tech essentials so you can easily switch to the next song, check your mileage, and bookmark your workout when you're on the move. 

"I like how well these gloves fit around the fingers," remarked one Amazon customer. "[They] form nicely around the hands and thumbs as well. They are perfect for running, especially if you like to run with your phone in your hand like I do." 

To buy: amazon.com, from $25

These midweight gloves from Black Diamond keep you connected thanks to their touchscreen-compatible fingertips. Their U|R-powered palm material ensures that you can comfortably hold and access your smartphone while you're wearing them. For added comfort, they're made with the brand's Polartec Power Stretch Pro, which offers more dexterity. Note: These gloves are designed to be liners, so while the fleece is treated to be water-resistant, it won't keep you dry during any intense outdoor activities — but it will fit under a bigger shell.

"I bought a pair for a mountaineering trip to Mexico," explained an Amazon reviewer. "They kept my hands warm at 18,000 feet. I also use them for everything from ice climbing to walking my dogs. They work so well I bought a pair for my girlfriend."

To buy: amazon.com or backcountry.com, $40

Durable for yard work and stylish enough for a night out, these sleek leather gloves from Barbour repel water and are lined with fleece for cushiony-feeling warmth. They're built with a wrist strap to ensure a fit that's both secure and adjustable. 

"I bought these gloves as a gift [for] my husband at Christmas. I was hoping they would fit, as he has large hands. They fit! My husband rides a Harley and his gloves were getting worn and old," a Nordstrom shopper said, adding that the leather "was wonderful [and] good quality."

To buy: backcountry.com or nordstrom.com, $100

Waterproof, windproof, and stuffed with a heat-trapping combination of PrimaLoft and Polartec Thermal Pro insulation, these mittens should stand up to adventures even in the most extreme cold. And, they do so without compromising your dexterity. Kevlar stitching on the mittens' leather palm adds durability and the Pertex Shield material delivers breathability. 

"[When I'm] hiking/skiing in the northeast, my hands and feet almost always get cold," one Amazon shopper began their review. "These came just in time for a cold, single-digit [temperature] weekend on the trail and they were great! They're very comfortable and kept my hands toasty coming down the mountain." 

To buy: (men's) backcountry.com, $120; (women's) backcountry.com or amazon.com, $120

The Eddie Bauer Superior Down Gloves have a heavy-duty waterproof shell, which is enhanced with the brand's StormRepel DWR moisture-shedding finish and WeatherEdge breathable technology. They're seam-sealed for added protection and insulated with premium 650-fill down. Microfleece-lined cuffs boost warmth and up your protection from chilly winds. These gloves are also touchscreen compatible and clip together for compact storage. 

"Quality gloves," one Eddie Bauer shopper shared. "[I] have used [them on] really cold winter hikes. [They're] warm, water-resistant, and [have] decent dexterity as well. You may not be able to type a text, but can unlock phone and click photos, or check maps [on your] phone while hiking with the touch screen capability." 

To buy: eddiebauer.com or amazon.com, from $38 (originally $75)

These Gore-Tex gloves will be your go-to for every ski or mountaineering trip you have on the horizon. Offering advanced waterproofing and wind resistance, the heavy-duty gloves protect your hands from the chill of the mountain and keep them warm using fiberfill insulation and a midweight fleece lining. Goat leather material on the palm ensures you have a secure grip when handling ski poles and holding onto ski lift handlebars. Users have multiple adjustment features available to them in order to customize the gloves' fit. 

"These are awesome," a Backcountry customer raved in their review. "I have a lighter pair of non Gore-Tex gloves which are great for bluebird days, but [I] definitely needed something for the colder wet days skiing. They have kept my hands dry and warm, and the overall functionality I couldn't be more satisfied with. Best gloves I've ever owned."

To buy: backcountry.com, $190

These heated gloves from Outdoor Research will cost you a pretty penny, but reviewers say they're worth it. Designed to keep your hands toasty on the slopes, the innovative gloves are electronically heated and run on an AltiHeat battery to provide long-lasting warmth, which can be customized with three different settings. Beyond their heating capabilities, their performance is further strengthened with Gore-Tex waterproofing and EnduraLoft insulation. Their fleece lining acts as a soft cushion that also enhances the gloves' warmth. 

"These are amazing gloves and have made those cold mornings on the mountain so much more enjoyable," one reviewer said. "I've had the gloves for seven years and have since purchased some for my father-in-law, who is always working outdoors in the cold Ontario winters." 

To buy: backcountry.com, $359