Best Winter Gloves & Mitts of 2026
From rugged to sophisticated, touchscreen-compatible to power-heated—we’ve got your definitive guide to choosing 2026’s best mittens and gloves.
With so many features and styles to choose from, modern gloves have become both a fashion accessory and an indispensable piece of tech. Whether you’re setting routes on a big wall or just dressing for a fancy occasion, we’ve got something you’ll love. There’s nothing worse than having cold hands. Whether you’re working outdoors, enjoying winter sports, or simply going for a stroll in the city, gloves are a must. With so many styles and features to choose from, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to find the right pair.
So we’ve made it simple. Using our guide to the best winter gloves and mitts in 2026, you’ll discover this year’s best, while learning all you need to know about choosing a pair. For their versatility, durability and touchscreen-ready fingertips, we’ve named the Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Windbloc Gloves the best gloves of 2026.
Best All-Around Winter Gloves
The Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Windbloc Gloves are our pick for best winter gloves this year. A Polartec Windbloc stretch shell blocks the wind on an exposed ridge or a bridge crossing at rush hour, and water-resistant goat leather on the palm and fingers adds grip and durability. Touchscreen-compatible leather on the thumb and index finger lets you answer a text without baring your hand, and a zippered gauntlet slides easily under a jacket cuff.
Best Winter Gloves for Women
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just heading to the local cafe, the Kombi Original Mitts do double-duty, thanks to their sleek design and robust technology. Features a waterproof Waterguard outer membrane and down-insulated liners. The long bell cuffs offer extended protection in extreme cold, while a vent pocket increases airflow.
Best Winter Gloves for Men
The Black Diamond Guide Gloves are Black Diamond’s warmest ski gloves. A waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX insert keeps snow and meltwater out, and the removable liner pairs PrimaLoft insulation with boiled wool, so you can pull it out to dry overnight. Goat leather on the palm handles pole straps and ski edges season after season.
Best Winter Mitts
For mittens, consider the Black Diamond Absolute Mitts. They’re the best of both worlds, as they feature split-finger glove liners, which are waterproof and removable. Outside, the Gore-Tex shell features a reinforced goat-leather palm and Kevlar stitching. PrimaLoft Kodenshi and high-loft fleece insulate throughout.
Best Winter Gloves for Outdoor Activities
For winter hiking, snowshoeing or training, we recommend the Outdoor Research Vigor Heavyweight Sensor Gloves. They’re the warmest gloves in OR’s ActiveTemp collection, with two layers of stretch fleece and a grid interior that breathes on the climbs. Silicone grip on the palm and fingers holds onto poles, and touchscreen fingertips let you check the map without taking them off.
Best Touchscreen Compatible Gloves
There’s nothing worse than having to answer a text in sub-zero temps. If you frequently find yourself in this situation, it’s time to get some touchscreen-compatible gloves. The North Face eTip Recycled Gloves offer seamless five-finger touchscreen capability.
Best Dress Winter Gloves
Featuring a lambskin leather outer, a wool trim in Barbour's signature Classic Tartan, and a refined leather strap secured by a Barbour-branded stud, the Dee Tartan Gloves blend sophistication with practical warmth.
Best Extreme Cold Winter Mittens
The Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex Mitts come equipped with everything you’d want from an extreme cold weather glove: durable leather and a poly shell with touchscreen compatibility, Enduraloft insulation, GORE-TEX inserts, and battery-powered heating—case closed.
Best Winter Running Gloves
On winter runs, the Craft ADV Hybrid Weather Gloves change with the conditions. The brushed interior keeps fingers warm, and a windproof, waterproof mitten cover pulls over your fingers when the wind picks up on the canal path, then tucks away when you warm up. Silicone print on the palm adds grip, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips handle your watch and phone.
Best Heated Winter Gloves
For hands that run cold no matter what, the Outdoor Research Sureshot Heated Softshell Gloves add three levels of battery-powered heat to a close, dexterous fit. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries last up to 8 hours on low and about 2.5 hours on high, and 100 g of EnduraLoft insulation keeps working when wet. One note for backcountry skiers: heated gloves interfere with avalanche beacons, so leave them at home on tours where you might need to search or be found.
What To Look For When Buying Winter Gloves and Mitts
1. Gloves vs. mittens
Gloves
Gloves follow the outline of your fingers, allowing for excellent dexterity, especially while working in cold weather. Because of their fitted shape, they’re also a better option for formal occasions.
Mitts
Though less dexterous, mittens are warmer than gloves. That’s because there’s less surface area, meaning less heat loss. Additionally, the empty space surrounding the fingers creates a warm air pocket.
2. What are they for?
Everyday use
For this, most models will do. Avoid paying extra for unnecessary features and opt for something that’s warm—but not too warm—and looks great. Bonus for touchscreen compatibility.
Sports & performance
For outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding, choose a glove with robust features: a long cuff, removable liner, and reinforced stitching, among others. A power heater is a very welcome addition.
Extreme temperatures
In polar conditions, a mitten with a glove-like insert is best, as mittens maximize warmth by reducing surface area and increasing internal volume. A power heater is essential. The Sureshot Heated Softshell Gloves are a good example.
3. Insulation
While there are many types of insulation available on the market, down and synthetic are the broad-stroke categories you’ll find. See the FAQ for more info.
4. Materials
Leather
While dress gloves are constructed entirely of leather for its timeless aesthetic, most sports/work gloves also incorporate leather. In those cases, it’s usually placed in high-friction areas to increase durability, like the palm.
Synthetic
While you likely won’t see synthetic gloves at a formal gathering, they’re actually superior in terms of warmth, waterproofing, and durability.
5. Ventilation
Many gloves feature adjustable vents. Ventilation keeps your hands cool on warmer days and expels perspiration before it becomes cold condensation.
6. Features
Cuffs
The cuff begins at the wrist. Running gloves tend not to have cuffs, while work/ski gloves have cuffs that extend several inches for added protection. Dress gloves have cuff lengths somewhere in between.
Liners
Glove liners optimize functionality by increasing wicking, insulation, and protection. Many are removable, making them easy to wash and fast to dry.
Touchscreen Compatibility
To mimic the natural conductance of a naked finger, touchscreen-compatible gloves incorporate a conductive material into the fingertips. This allows the glove to interact with the electrical signals produced by the capacitive screen.
Heated Gloves
Heated gloves are equipped with a rechargeable battery attached to a wire frame. Heat is generated through the wiring when you turn the battery on.
FAQs for Winter Gloves & Mitts
Tags
Recent Articles
