Wearing a pair of the best winter cycling gloves can make all the difference in the world when cycling in cold winter conditions, keeping your hands comfortable and warm so you can enjoy your cycling.
Gloves are a very personal choice for cyclists. We all experience the cold differently, and riders often have specific requirements. Compared to the best cycling gloves, there is a lot more to consider when it comes to winter gloves and what you might need from them.
Last updated on 24th February 2026
I gave this guide a comprehensive overhaul for 2026 based on some really good cold-weather testing. The Gorewear Gore-Tex Trigger gloves move into the best overall spot, whilst the Endura Strike gloves replace the Galibier Ardennes as the best budget option. The Castelli Espresso 2 gloves also replace the outgoing Espresso GT pair, which used a membrane containing small amounts of PFAS chemicals. The Velotoze waterproof knitted gloves replaced the Giro knitted option, and we added the GripGrab Polaris 2 waterproof gloves as an excellent heavy-duty five-finger option. Fresh images of the products have also been added. We also eliminated any outdated or discontinued gloves from the guide.
Best winter cycling gloves
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Best overall
✅ You want the warmest deep winter cycling glove: These gloves are the warmest gloves that I have tested and keep our hands warm in freezing temperatures.
✅ You want dry hands: The Triggers have strong waterproofing and are very breathable, which further enhances comfort.
❌ You want to tuck the cuff under a jacket sleeve easily: The bulky cuff is hard to tuck under tighter jacket sleeves, which could let some rain in.
❌ You want to balance protection and weight: These are bulkier gloves, and despite being light, aren't as physically small as others in the guide. These are gloves for the cold days.
The Insulated Trigger Gloves from GoreWear take our best overall spot. If you are looking for the warmest, most protective winter gloves, these will be for you.
GoreWear is winding down its cycling products range in March. These gloves are still widely available online, but won't be around forever. While they are, they remain our top choice.
These are Gore's warmest winter gloves, and are the warmest I have used, and as someone who has been testing winter gloves for years, that says a lot. For cold, low-intensity winter riding, these are the gloves I am reaching for as the generous serving of Polartec Primaloft Gold insulation and Gore-Tex ePE liner has kept my hands cosy and comfortable in freezing conditions, as I mention in my full review breathability is also decent.
Gore Wear have opted for a lobster-style design, but rather than pair the fingers together, the index finger is separate, and the middle finger, ring finger and pinky are all in the main section of the glove.
This layout maintains dexterity and I could easily change gears, brakeand operate my GPS computer. The gloves are also pretty light and don't feel too bulky in use, which I like.
As you would expect from a brand that made its name from selling waterproof jackets, the Trigger gloves aren't just extremely warm but also highly water-resistant. The Gore-Tex ePE liner adds a waterproof layer without sacrificing breathability.
Top tip, the yellow version boosts visibility but can look tired over time and pick up stains, so you may want to go for black.
Read more in our full Gore Wear Gore-Tex Insulated Trigger gloves.
Best budget option
✅ You want some good quality gloves at an affordable price: For the money, these gloves have a lot going for them and provide strong performance.
✅ You don't need or want a bulkier, heavyweight glove: These gloves are lightweight and not too big and bulky in use.
❌ You prioritise warmth: Whilst warm and cosy, these gloves may start to struggle at temperatures close to freezing
The Endura Strike Waterproof gloves take our best budget spot. For the price, these gloves really pack a punch and have a lot going for them. They go toe to toe with far more expensive gloves for just over $50.
These are soft and comfortable gloves to wear; the fleecy lining feels very comfortable, and they tick a lot of feature boxes. They are touchscreen-compatible, have a nose-wipe panel, reflective details, and a velcro-closure strap. There's also some light gel padding in the palm and a grippy silicone print for grip.
Endura has given the gloves a waterproof and breathable internal membrane, and they arrive with a good water repellent DWR coating, though this may degrade over time.
For all sorts of riding and conditions, these gloves will do a good job. The cut and finger length are also excellent.
Read more in our full Endura Strike Waterproof glove guide
Best performance winter cycling gloves
✅ You want plush warm winter gloves: The Espresso gloves have a good amount of insulation that feels really plush and comfy, they feel like a strong ally in the cold, but are on the right side of bulky, which makes them ideal for more purposeful road riding.
❌ You will ride in lots of heavy rain and cold: The Espresso 2 gloves don't prioritise waterproofing and may come unstuck in heavy rain and cold. If you ride a lot in the rain or plan to, another option may be a better bet. Pairing these gloves with the Sportful Lobster shells would also be a good move.
Castelli launched the Espresso 2 gloves in Autumn 2025, and these gloves build on the Espresso GT gloves that we previously featured in the guide.
The gloves gained touchscreen compatibility, which is always welcome in this day and age, and switched from a Polartec Neoshell to Polartec Aircore membrane, partly because Neoshell contained traces of now-banned PFAS chemicals. Aircore does not, and is more breathable.
These are Castelli's winter all-rounders and are some of the most comfortable gloves I have ever used. They are just so soft and plush inside, and the fit is very good. Not too fitted, with some room for your fingers and hand.
What I like especially about the gloves is that they have plenty of warm insulation and feel very plush and comfortable, but are on the right side of bulky for me. They combine well with a range of long sleeves and still provide good dexterity. If you're riding in the cold but don't want an overly bulky winter glove, these are a good option.
Castelli continues with the long zippered closure. The Espresso 2 also uses a longer cut at the wrist, a squared-off fingertip shape, and lots of silicone grip material on the palm. I find the overall effect is a less bulky feeling that is faster to get on and off, perfect for taking gloves off on climbs, and I can take my gloves off on the bike without undoing the zip.
These are quality winter all-rounders that breathe well; they have a DWR coating, but won't perform quite as well in prolonged or heavy rain.
Best heavy duty waterproof gloves
✅ You want a quality five-finger winter glove: These are excellent, warm and comfortable winter gloves for the colder days.
✅ You want strong waterproofing: The gloves have very good waterproofing performance and will help if you plan on riding in the rain.
❌ You want to spend a little less: At full RRP these are some of the most expensive gloves on the guide, the quality is there though, it depends on what you want to spend.
The GripGrab Polaris 2 waterproof gloves from Danish brand GripGrab are my deep winter, heavy-duty five-finger pick. If you want a high-quality pair of winter gloves to keep your hands warm, these are a fantastic buy.
We have lobster gloves and more breathable five-finger options in the guide, like the Espresso 2, but the Polaris 2 are a little heavier-duty with Gold level insulation from Primaloft and a waterproof three-layer membrane as part of the construction.
The gloves have a nice length cuff, nose wipe panel, and are touchscreen compatible, and I have found them to be very warm and cosy inside. I went through a period this winter of automatically reaching for them for every ride in a recent period of bad weather.
Breathability is also very good in my opinion. These are great, heavy-duty winter all-rounders that will look after you in bleak conditions.
Best heated winter cycling gloves
✅ You struggle with cold hands and fingertips in particular: Heated gloves like this can provide extra warmth, which may keep your hands feeling comfortable if you find you really struggle in colder temperatures.
✅ You don't do long rides: The battery lasts for around two hours on max, which is going to limit the amount of time you might want to use them for.
❌ You really don't like the feel or fit of a long gauntlet-style glove: If you like more of a traditional fitting and looking glove. The long 'gauntlet' style design of these gloves may not be your cup of tea.
If you struggle with cold hands, heated gloves seem like the perfect solution. Providing guaranteed warmth from an electronic power source.
What makes the Giro design so good is that there's no insulation and no attempt at being waterproof (though the battery electronics are waterproof). These gloves run a bit small because there's no bulk and no need for airspace to trap body heat. Instead, Giro uses a windproof membrane material that fits snugly to your hand and allows you to feel the bars and controls. When that's not enough on its own, that's where the electronics take over.
The Giro Vulc Lightweight gloves don't need insulation because the long gauntlet houses an Inuheat battery pack (sold separately by Giro). The pack charges quickly and connects to the gloves with a pair of magnetic contact points. Although the gauntlets don't have much room to go over other clothes, they are still a smart design that keeps the battery packs away from your wrist. Hold down the button and the system turns on with a vibration. Then, once connected, the heating elements run across the top of the hand and cover the knuckles down to the tips of every finger. Even with my hands that run cold, I was able to spend just under two hours, the max battery life when turned all the way up, riding at freezing temps with no extra insulation.
When riding in the rain, or if you want more battery life with less power, the low bulk nature of these again shines. Smartwool, or other liners, are an excellent choice to add insulation. If it's raining, you could also add either the Sportful Lobster covers that feature below to better keep your hands dry. Although the system is pricey, it's the best on the market.
The Giro Vulc gloves aren't available in the UK currently and are US-specific.
Read more in our full Giro Vulc Lightweight heated gloves review.
Best neoprene cycling gloves
✅ You ride or race in the rain: These gloves will help keep you comfortable on wet rides or when riding harder in the rain. They also offer good protection in the dry, but aren't the best choice. Neoprene gloves are a good addition to your kit bag for specific conditions.
❌ You want strong warmth and waterproofing: These gloves are seriously waterproof, but neoprene doesn't have tonnes of insulation. These aren't gloves that will keep you toasty in freezing temps. They are generally a bit more specific.
Neoprene gloves seem like the perfect solution for riding in the rain. In reality, that is true, but only when it's reasonably warm, or you are riding hard and generating more heat. As long as the air isn't too cold, your hands will get wet, then warm the water in the neoprene, and you'll be toasty warm. UAE Team Emirates uses these gloves, and Tadej Pogacar often races in them.
The Velotoze Waterproof Neoprene gloves are the best neoprene option I have used. They are very comfortable neoprene gloves with excellent sealing and a very long cuff, which is crucial for keeping water out of the stitching on the gloves.
Some neoprene gloves can feel very tight and restrictive, but the Velotoze are really comfortable. They also have a nice, long cuff that extends up the wrist and is designed to be worn against the skin.
I've worn these gloves for several hours in the rain, and they perform excellently. They are also totally impervious to water when testing them under a running tap. Your hands will probably be moist with sweat long before the gloves let any water in.
Fun fact: the gloves aren't officially touch-screen compatible, but I found they will work if you don't have a screen protector on your phone.
They aren't a magic bullet, though. You will probably be a little cold on their own in close to freezing temperatures, but if you pair something like the Sportful Lobster glove with them, you can use them for even more.
Read our in-depth Velotoze Waterproof Neoprene review.
Best waterproof outer shell
✅ You want or need to ride long distances in cold, wet rain: These gloves really do feel like a secret weapon at times. Having another protective layer over your gloves is nice, and I really like how small they fold down, so you can carry them as extra protection very easily. It's a bit like carrying a rain jacket for your hands.
❌ You prefer a neater five-finger glove: These gloves are less cumbersome than I expected. I love sleek, fitted gloves generally, but if you like a well-fitting, regular five-finger glove, the roomier fit and aesthetic may not be for you.
The most challenging situation for the best winter cycling gloves is heavy, cold rain. No matter what a brand might say, there is no such thing as a fully waterproof glove. If you ride in heavy rain for more than a couple of hours, you will have wet hands.
Lots of other outdoor sports use glove-layering systems, but we seem to lag behind in the cycling world. Possibly due to a need for good dexterity. This is an outer layer that works.
These thin lobster gloves are very thin, and nearly all the seams are taped; think of them as a rain jacket for your gloves. If it's really grim, pull these on, and they really boost protection. They also pack down very small; you can carry them easily in a saddlebag or jersey pocket.
I recently wore them over some gloves for a three-hour ride where it didn't stop raining, and they keep you so much more comfortable.
These gloves also don't breathe brilliantly in warmer temperatures, but if you aren't sweating in cold weather, they will work very well. I also find braking and shifting fine when wearing them due to the thin material.
Read more details in our full Sportful Lobster gloves review.
Best lightweight winter cycling gloves
✅ You don't need top-tier protection: These aren't the warmest gloves in the guide. If you're not looking for deep winter heavy hitters and instead want a lighter all-rounder, then step this way.
✅ You're riding with more intensity in the cold: I have done some hard, cold rides in these gloves, and they strike a great balance between warmth and comfort and being light and not too bulky. Ideal for racing or hard riding.
❌ You tend to feel the cold: These gloves are a touch more specific, if warmth is your priority, there are warmer options to spend your money on.
The Castelli Perfetto RoS gloves are lightweight gloves that are nowhere near as heavyweight as something like the Espresso GT gloves. If you're interested in a lightweight yet warm pair of gloves, these are a fantastic option.
Gore fabrics see heavy use in Castelli designs. For the Perfetto RoS gloves, Castelli uses the popular Gore-Tex Infinium as the outer layer. That means there is a membrane, and it's completely windproof but highly breathable. It also offers a high degree of water resistance, although it's not considered waterproof.
Aiding in the water resistance, Castelli applies durable water repellent to the outer surfaces, and there's a minimal seam design. The wind resistance alone goes a long way towards providing warmth, but the inside is a fleece that feels great against my skin and adds even more warmth. The result is a glove that is easy to stash in a jersey pocket but provides outsized warmth.
You can use these across a wide range of temperatures, and for many people, they provide more than enough warmth, especially when riding hard. For warmer places, I think they would see you through the whole winter.
There's no change of material for the palm, just added panels of synthetic suede covered in silicone dots at the base of the knuckles and heel of the palm. The first two fingers also have a strip of silicone to help with grabbing the levers. The one thing to watch out for is the length of the fingers.
Read more details in our Castelli Perfetto RoS gloves review.
Most versatile winter cycling gloves
✅ You want some comfortable, lightweight gloves: Thanks to their woven construction and stretchy nature, these are really comfortable gloves that form to the shape of your hand when you wear them. The cuff length is also excellent.
✅ You want some gloves to do pretty much everything in: These are a really versatile option, I've used them for such a wide range of riding and barring the coldest days, they will look after you.
❌ You don't like the feeling of sweaty hands: It's not much of an issue for me, but in warmer temperatures, the gloves can get a little sweaty depending on intensity; they deal with it well, though generally.
The Velotoze Knitted Waterproof gloves are the most versatile option in the guide for me. These soft, knitted gloves from Velotoze have a waterproof membrane inside and use a simple elasticated design with plenty of palm grippers to provide a good hold on the bars.
They are relatively light, and you can really do a bit of everything in them. They are stretchy and very comfortable. I always enjoy pulling them on and riding in them.
They do very well in the rain, and I have worn them on some miserable days. Water will overcome them eventually, but there's a massive amount of protection on offer from these gloves.
For spring and autumn and into winter, these gloves perform well, and the waterproof membrane actually does a good job with wind blocking and weather proofing, boosting the usability range.
Unless you want super warm gloves for the colder days, for the money, these gloves don't put a foot wrong.
Read our in-depth Velotoze Knitted Waterproof glove review.
Also consider
Although this guide features gloves for every occasion, there are a few more options that we have tested that are worth honorary mentions.
The Q36.5 Termico gloves are a really great option, offering versatility across a wide range of winter riding conditions. The insulation is effective, and we have worn these down to freezing comfortably, yet the low bulk and lightweight ensure they still give good dexterity. With that said, they aren't the warmest gloves, but they find a good middle ground. Our only real criticism isn't that the touchscreen capability isn't great.
If you are UK-based, then the Madison DTE Waterproof gloves are a cosy choice for winter riding at a very competitive price. Not only are they warm and very comfortable, but the taped seams and waterproof membrane will keep large amounts of water at bay.
We originally chose the Pearl Izumi AmFib Lobster Glove as our pick for the deep winter conditions. Although Gore Wear's Insulated Trigger gloves have now replaced them in this guide, the Pearl Izumi's are still well worth buying if you're looking for a lobster style glove for cosy hands in dry cold conditions.
How to choose the best winter cycling gloves
If you are shopping for your first pair of winter gloves, then I'd say generally two pairs of gloves will cover you across a winter's worth of riding. A heavier-weight warm pair for when it's really cold, and a lighter-weight pair that you can use in milder conditions as well as autumn and spring. You can add in more specific pairs if you want to, around a heavier and lighter weight pair as you go.
We all feel the cold differently; some people ride all winter without gloves, and some people really struggle with cold fingers.
It's worth going warmer than you think you might need. Your hands sit without moving much for long periods of time, and at least for me. You can take gloves off if your hands are too warm, but you can't do much if your hands are freezing and your gloves aren't warm enough.
If you're riding harder, it's also worth remembering just how much heat we generate; you can get away with a lot less kit if you're going hard.
What things should I look for when buying?
There are a few things that I would personally look for when buying winter gloves, and factors that I have considered when putting this guide together. Top of the list is a good-length cuff to keep your wrist warm and sit nicely under a jacket or base layer. I try to avoid too much bulk as I like to retain a good handlebar feel and sensations when braking and changing gear.
A soft, cosy interior that feels great and putting your hands into a plush-feeling winter glove helps you feel ready to face the cold. A nose wipe panel can be really useful, too. There are plenty of options with these features in the guide that will look after you and your hands.
Why do our hands get cold during winter cycling?
Part of the reason our hands get cold is part of a response mechanism from our bodies, which controls blood flow to extremities as our core temperatures decline.
When we start getting colder or ride at lower intensities, the body pumps less blood to our extremities and instead sends it to our core to maintain our internal temperature. That's why our hands and feet are often some of the first areas to start feeling cold.
Our blood vessels also narrow in cold weather, which also restricts the amount of warm blood that gets to our extremities.
If you can keep yourself nice and warm overall, your hands should stay warmer for longer. Sometimes this means exercising at a higher intensity, which should see oxygen carried in the blood carried more comprehensively around the body.
Is there such a thing as waterproof gloves?
The answer depends on the timeframe we are talking about. A good pair of gloves with a waterproof membrane, or even a DWR coating, will keep your hands dry for a while.
Ride long enough and they all saturate. The only option that is actually waterproof is a shell or a fully sealed neoprene glove. Sportful makes a shell I included here, but there are some others out there. They are truly waterproof, but they also require another glove for warmth, and that second glove will eventually get wet also. When you leave the house on a bitterly cold day, you might make it through a ride with only a single pair of gloves. If you leave the house and it's raining, you will need a change of gloves if you ride longer than about three hours.
How many winter gloves do you need?
The longer you ride in the winter, the more gloves you might add to your collection. Throughout the winter, the temperature changes a lot, and there are gloves available for very small differences. Rain and deep winter gloves are more specialised, so you’ll have to decide if you are willing to ride in that kind of weather.
Then there is the number of gloves you will need on a ride when it's raining. Rides under three hours, you might get away with only a single pair of gloves, even if it's raining hard. A portion of that won't be totally comfortable, though, and it ends up being more about getting home before it's a serious problem.
Carrying a second pair of dry gloves to switch to will make a big difference, but that isn't always a viable option for everyone. Sometimes it just comes down to a drop off in warmth and comfort the deeper you get into the ride. The best gloves will keep your hands feeling relatively comfortable even when the gloves are starting to get wet and cold.
How do I keep my hands warm in the rain?
When it's raining and just above freezing for hours, it's nearly impossible to keep your hands warm. For shorter rides, it's easier and more manageable.
There's really no such thing as an indefinitely waterproof glove, and sometimes, it comes down to just putting up with some discomfort.
However, there are a few things you can do to give yourself the best possible chance.
First is choosing a pair of gloves that performs very well in the rain, something like the Gore-Tex Trigger or GripGrab waterproof option.
Second is using an outer shell like the Sportful lobster to keep the rain at bay; think of this as a rain jacket for your gloves.
Thirdly, you can use a hand warmer pack inside your gloves to boost comfort and warmth. Save these for the second half of a ride as something of a pick-me-up.
What are the warmest winter cycling gloves?
This is a reminder that a five-finger glove will never be the warmest option. If you are struggling with cold fingers, you want to look for a lobster glove. You do give up some dexterity, but it's not hard to rid,e and it will be substantially warmer. It's also worth considering your jacket choice, as cold arms and a cold core will limit your body's ability to keep your fingers warm.
How we test the best winter cycling gloves?
Testing is the backbone of the tech department at Cyclingnews and how we test products is taken seriously, so read on to find out more.
To test the best winter cycling gloves, we take a mixed approach of active and passive testing. On the active side, we'll do things like run our hand under running water and submerge it to see if any water gets in. We'll try to use a smartphone screen while wearing them, and we'll try to perform a basic task to test their dexterity.
But to find out which are really the best, we also need to use them in their natural setting, and for us, that means long rides in the cold and wet.
As mentioned, we have made a point of riding for hours on end in cold and wet temperatures. I head out when the weather is bad to train and ride my bike, and sometimes that's the only way to really find out how gloves perform.
The Cyclingnews test team spends time riding and testing so that you don't have to test with your bank balance. This list represents our search for the best possible winter cycling gloves in every situation.
Being British, I have many years of cycling in winter under my belt, and plenty of experience in dressing appropriately for all types of conditions from warm and wet to cold and dry, and everything in between. I've spent the past few years updating many of Cyclingnews' guides to winter kit, including overshoes, base layers and more and log plenty of time outside on the bike in the depths of winter.
