[For the iRunFar team’s current favorite running gloves, check out best running gloves guide.]
As I watch it snow from my office window (yeah it rocks!), I thought it high time to share my thoughts on some new gloves and liners I have sitting at the ready. I’ve tested them on cool cloudy fall runs, bluebird Colorado snow days and while climbing a glaciated peak in Iceland, but there is no way in hell I’m running in this weather. For those of you that relish sideways, face-pelting, blowing snow, pick a pair and get outside! I’m going to put another log on the fire.
Below, I review SmartWool Glove Liners, Brooks Pulse Lite Gloves, Loki Liner Gloves, Burton Polartec Power Stretch Gloves and 180s Ultralite CRG.
SmartWool Glove Liners ($18)
SmartWool Glove Liners are great, go-to, quality, no-frills, wool liners for wearing on their own or layering under wind-proof gloves on really bitter days. Breathable SmartWool fibers regulate temperature, plus give you all the benefits of wool—my favorite being they keep you warm even when they’re sweaty and they smell much fresher than many of my other gloves.
Brooks Pulse Lite Glove ($18 for updated version with retractable MP3 thumb pad, $10 for basic version)
The Brooks Pulse Lite Gloves are lightweight waffle-weave gloves that feature a retractable thumb pad to answer your phone or change your tunes while on the go, and grip pads on the thumb and forefinger to operate your watch without removing your gloves. Articulated fingers and good breathability with quick drying capabilities keep you comfortable on cool mornings in warmer climates and mild winter days elsewhere. They have a substantial ribbed wrist cuff to provide a snug fit. But for those of us with skinny wrists, it’s a bit of a bother—yes, I speak from personal experience. Granted, this is an issue of personal preference, and with a $10 price tag for the basic version, they are definitely worth it for a lightweight running glove.
Loki Liner Gloves ($19)
Loki Liner Gloves are good basic, yet sleek liners for those who prefer polyester to wool. They are super soft, have a bit of grip on the palm, making them comfy with poles and fit well. (I could have said like a glove, but chose to spare you.) My only complaint is the location of the decorative white ribbed strip on the forefinger—it just isn’t pleasant for wiping my nose. And yes, I farmer blow, but I finish with a quick forefinger wipe. However, I like the liners enough that I switch to a thumb wipe when I wear them. They’re also a great weight for high intensity activities in cold climates–they were all I needed skinning up the mountain on a recent sunny 20 degree day.
Burton Polartec Power Stretch Glove ($20)
Burton’s Polartec Power Stretch Gloves fall under the two-for-one category. No Burton snowboards has not started making running clothes, but these spring-boarding gloves do make for rather sweet winter running gloves. They are definitely made for cold running days and kept my hands warm, even in heavy wet snow. They have sticky rubber palms, so they don’t get holes when you do knuckle dragging snowboard tricks in the park, but the grip also ensures running poles won’t slip and allows you to operate your watch while staying warm. (Plus, you can pretend you are Spiderman—add some Spidey Underoos and you’re set!) While they may not be the most traditional choice, if you are a boarder and a runner definitely grab a pair—they run snug, so size up or try on for size. Go, Spidey, go!
180s Ultralite CRG ($25, aka convertible running glove/mitten)
180s Ultralite CRG’s offer truly amazing warmth and comfort for being, well, so ultralite. There is no bulk, even with the wind and waterproof mitten hood tucked away in the cuff when not in use—handy feature! The index finger and thumb have Tec Touch 2.0 fabric pads capable of operating most requisite MP3 players or phones so you don’t have to expose even a finger tip to the cold. The thumb and hand back have soft terry fabric for full-on nose wiping and the palms are mesh for nice heat and moisture management. A patch on the mitten hood features no-slip grip material so you won’t drop your running or skiing poles, and there’s reflective detailing for those of you striding it out in the cold and the dark. I first tested these on a fairly chilly day and was certain they wouldn’t offer enough warmth, but I was wrong. As soon as my blood got pumping, my hands warmed up and were comfortable without being too hot or sweaty.
Call for Comments
What are your favorite winter running gloves? Do you go with $3 gloves from the garden center or convenience store or do you go with something made specifically for the task at hand? Anyone living in a cold enough climate for two hand layers? If so, tell us about your set up!
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[Disclosure: The items reviewed above were provided by their respective companies for testing. Also, links above to Amazon.com and Backcountry.com are part of an affiliate program that helps support iRunFar.com.]
