Running Gloves vs Mittens for Cold Runs: Which Should You Buy?
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Gloves give you dexterity; mittens give you warmth. For running, the choice depends on how cold it gets and whether you need your fingers mid-run. Below we compare both, explain why convertible gloves are a strong middle ground, and give a temperature guide in °F.
Top picks
- TrailHeads men’s convertible touchscreen gloves: glove dexterity with a fold-over mitten shell for colder stretches.
Check price on Amazon - TrailHeads women’s reflective convertible gloves: convertible warmth plus reflective details for dark runs.
Check price on Amazon - Smartwool merino headband: warm ears complete the cold-hands fix without overheating.
Check price on Amazon
Why mittens are warmer
In a mitten your fingers share one pocket of air and warm each other. In a glove each finger is wrapped separately, so there is more surface area losing heat. That is why mittens usually feel warmer for the same material, and why many runners with chronically cold hands prefer them.
Why gloves are more practical
Gloves let you unlock a phone, adjust a watch, open a gel, tie a lace or grab a key without taking anything off. Touchscreen fingertips make that even easier. On milder cold days, mittens can also feel too warm, leading to sweaty hands that then get cold.
The middle ground: convertible gloves
Convertible running gloves combine both: a fitted glove with a mitten shell that folds over the fingers when you need more warmth, then tucks away when you warm up. For most runners in variable winter weather, this is the most versatile single choice.
- TrailHeads men’s touchscreen running gloves with fold-over mitten shell: touchscreen tips for phone and watch use, with a mitten shell for colder or windier stretches.
- TrailHeads women’s reflective convertible running gloves: the same convertible design with reflective details for low-light runs, plus touchscreen tips.
Gloves vs mittens vs convertible
| Feature | Running gloves | Running mittens | Convertible gloves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warmth | Good | Best | Good to very good (shell over) |
| Dexterity | Best | Poor | Best (shell back) |
| Phone and watch use | Easy with touchscreen tips | Hard | Easy with touchscreen tips |
| Adjust mid-run | Remove only | Remove only | Flip shell on or off |
| Best for | Mild cold | Very cold, windy | Changing conditions |
| Overheating risk | Low | Higher on mild days | Low |
Temperature guide (°F)
Everyone runs hot or cold differently, so treat this as a starting point. Wind, rain and how long you are out all matter.
| Temperature | Suggested hand cover |
|---|---|
| Above 50°F | Usually no gloves needed |
| 40 to 50°F | Light gloves, or convertible gloves with the shell tucked away |
| 30 to 40°F | Running gloves; convertible gloves with the shell ready for wind |
| 20 to 30°F | Convertible gloves with the shell over, or mittens |
| 10 to 20°F | Mittens or convertible gloves with shell over; consider a thin liner underneath |
| Below 10°F | Warm mittens over a liner glove; limit time out if hands stay numb |
Wind can make it feel noticeably colder than the thermometer says, so move down one row on windy days. And if you warm up quickly, move up a row.
Which should you buy?
- Choose gloves if your winters are mild and you use your phone or watch often.
- Choose mittens if you run in very cold places or your hands are always the first thing to go numb.
- Choose convertible gloves if temperatures swing during your runs, you start cold and warm up, or you only want to buy one pair. This is our default recommendation for most runners.
Tips for keeping hands warm on runs
Start warm. Put your gloves on indoors a few minutes before you head out, so your hands leave the house warm instead of trying to recover from cold.
Run into the wind first. If your route allows, start into the wind and finish with it at your back, so your hands and face get relief when you are tired and sweaty.
Keep the shell ready. With convertible gloves, flip the mitten shell over before your fingers get numb, not after. It is much easier to stay warm than to rewarm.
Keep your core warm. When your torso is cold, your body sends less blood to your hands. A good base layer and a neck gaiter help your hands indirectly.
Use pockets wisely. If you carry a phone, a jacket or tights pocket close to your body keeps the battery warmer too, and touchscreen tips mean you rarely need to take a glove off to use it.
Dry is warm. Damp gloves lose warmth quickly. Wicking fabric helps, and on long or wet runs some people carry a spare thin pair.
Buying checklist
- Measure your hand and check the size chart on Amazon; a snug fit is warmer than a loose one, but not tight.
- Look for touchscreen fingertips if you use a phone or watch.
- Choose reflective details if you run before sunrise or after dark.
- Check that the mitten shell flips over and stows easily with cold hands.
- Wicking fabric helps keep hands drier and warmer.
- Pair hand warmth with a headband or beanie and a neck gaiter; a warm head and neck help overall comfort.
Complete the kit
Gloves are only one part of staying comfortable. Add Smartwool cold-weather running socks for your feet and a noxgear Tracer2 light-up vest for dark runs. Our winter running gear for beginners guide gives a full priority order.
FAQ
Are mittens really warmer than gloves?
Generally yes, because your fingers share warmth in one pocket. The trade-off is less dexterity.
Can I use my phone with convertible running gloves?
Yes, the TrailHeads gloves listed here have touchscreen tips, so you can use a phone or watch with the shell folded back.
What temperature should I switch to mittens?
Many runners switch somewhere in the 20s °F or colder, or earlier in strong wind. Use the temperature guide above as a starting point.
Should I size up for running gloves?
Follow the size chart. Too tight can restrict circulation and feel colder; too loose lets cold air in.