Choosing the Best Winter Cycling Gloves
Our Top Picks
Winter cycling is exhilarating, but only if you’re comfortable. While layers keep your core warm, your hands, exposed to the wind and responsible for crucial bike control, need specialist protection to help you stay warm during winter cycling.
Choosing the right pair of winter cycling gloves can be a minefield. Too thin, and you freeze; too bulky, and you lose essential dexterity. Specialist cycling gloves become essential during the colder months, especially for cold rides when maintaining warmth and control is critical. We spoke to the experienced buying team here at Sigma Sports about which winter cycling gloves they think are best and what qualities you should look out for.
Start with the Weather: Your Riding Environment
Matching your gloves to the winter riding conditions and the expected temperature range is the first and most critical step. A glove suitable for a mild, rainy winter commute is completely different from one needed for sub-zero mountain epics.
- Mild Winter 5°C to 15°C: For mild weather or days that are just a bit chilly, look for thinner, windproof gloves with light insulation (like a fleece lining). Breathability is key here, as you’re likely to generate heat. Basic waterproofing is usually sufficient, and neoprene gloves can work well for wet but mild weather.
- Cold Winter 0°C to 5°C: This is the sweet spot for most dedicated winter gloves. Focus on good insulation combined with wind and water resistance. These gloves are ideal for when it’s more than a bit chilly but not yet freezing.
- Deep Winter Below 0°C: For sub zero temperatures, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Maximum insulation and total weather protection are non-negotiable.
Types of Winter Gloves
Winter cycling gloves are not one-size-fits-all, there’s a perfect pair for every type of ride and weather condition. The main categories to consider are deep winter gloves, lightweight winter cycling gloves, and waterproof cycling gloves.
Deep Winter Gloves
Deep winter cycling gloves are built for the harshest conditions, when temperatures plunge below zero and the wind bites hard. These gloves feature thick insulation and advanced waterproof membranes to keep your hands warm and dry, even on the coldest, wettest days. They’re ideal for deep winter riding, long endurance sessions, or mountain bike adventures where exposure is high and warmth is non-negotiable.
Best Deep Winter Cycling Gloves - Universal Colours Primaloft Deep Winter Gloves
The Universal Colours Deep Winter Gloves are the best choice because they ensure maximum warmth without bulk thanks to PrimaLoft® Gold fabric, while an eVent membrane and Sympatex bag provide waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection against the harshest elements. Usability is further enhanced by their lightweight, packable design, touchscreen-compatible fingers, added silicone grip, and an adjustable extended cuff to seal out bad weather.
Best Winter Cycling Gloves
For those brisk but not freezing days, lightweight winter cycling gloves strike the perfect balance. They offer enough insulation to keep your hands warm without sacrificing dexterity, making them a great choice for fast-paced road rides or commutes in milder winter weather. These gloves are designed to provide protection from wind and a bit of chill, while still allowing you to shift and brake with confidence.
Best Winter Cycling Gloves - Castelli Perfetto RoS Gloves
Castelli Perfetto RoS gloves are considered the best winter gloves because they offer superb all-weather protection, keeping your hands warm and dry, while maintaining comfort with the Castelli Damping System (CDS). They also provide practical features like a secure grip and touchscreen-ready material, allowing full functionality without exposure to the cold. There is a womens specific version of this Castelli winter glove.
Best Waterproof Cycling Gloves
When wet conditions are your main concern, waterproof cycling gloves are essential. These gloves use advanced materials like Gore-Tex or similar waterproof membranes to keep rain and road spray at bay, all while remaining breathable enough to prevent sweaty palms. Whether you’re tackling winter cycling in the UK’s unpredictable weather or heading out for a long ride in persistent drizzle, waterproof cycling gloves ensure your hands stay dry and comfortable.
Best Waterproof Cycling Gloves- Endura Pro SL Primaloft Waterproof Gloves
The Endura Pro SL Primaloft Waterproof Gloves are considered the best waterproof option due to their combination of a seam-sealed, waterproof, breathable membrane and Primaloft® Gold Insulation, offering exceptional protection from rain and cold while preventing overheating. Furthermore, they feature a stretchy skin-close fit and a synthetic leather palm with durable, grippy overlays for maximum control and comfort during winter riding.
Winter Cycling Glove Features
Protection & Performance
A great winter glove is a delicate balance of warmth, feel, and thermal protection. Here are the essential features to evaluate:
1. Insulation (Warmth) The inner lining is what traps heat. Materials like fleece, Merino wool, or synthetic insulation (e.g., PrimaLoft) are common.
The Trade-off: More insulation means more warmth, but also more bulk, which can reduce your feel on the handlebars and make braking/shifting difficult. Look for designs that place more insulation on the back of the hand and less on the palm.
2. Weatherproofing (Water and Wind) Your gloves need to be a shield against the elements.
Windproofing: This is arguably the most important feature. Riding at speed creates a significant windchill effect. A windproof outer layer prevents cold air from penetrating the insulation. Look for membranes like Gore-Tex Infinium (highly windproof).
Water Resistance/Waterproofing: Water-Resistant (DWR): Good for light drizzle or snow, but will soak through in a downpour. Often more breathable. Fully Waterproof: Features a sealed, waterproof/breathable membrane (e.g., Gore-Tex) between the outer shell and the insulation. Essential for riding in heavy rain or wet snow, though breathability may be slightly reduced.
3. Dexterity and Grip You still need to operate your bike controls safely.
Dexterity: The ability to move your fingers and feel the brake and shift levers. Avoid gloves that feel like ski mittens unless you’re riding in extreme cold where control is secondary to survival!
Palm Grip: Look for silicone printing or durable synthetic leather on the palm and fingers to ensure a secure, non-slip grip on the handlebars, especially when wet.
Best Road Cycling Winter Gloves
Universal Colours Mono Thermal Gloves
These gloves are the best for road cyclists due to their two-layer system, which uses brushed Polartec® Alpha® insulation and a windproof, waterproof Polartec® NeoShell® outer to keep hands protected in the harshest winter conditions. Enhanced safety is provided by reflective detailing in low light, while the use of recycled fabrics and ethically audited manufacturing appeals to environmentally and socially conscious riders.
Best Gravel / MTB Winter Gloves
Endura MT500 Freezing Point Waterproof Gloves
The Endura MT500 Freezing Point Waterproof Gloves are ideal for gravel and MTB cyclists thanks to their Primaloft Gold insulation and waterproof internal membrane, ensuring warmth and dry hands on the coldest, wettest rides. The combination of a flexible softshell back and a silicone-print palm offers necessary dexterity and excellent grip, crucial for technical off-road riding.
Winter Gloves Materials & Construction
Selecting winter cycling gloves requires careful consideration of the materials and multi-layer construction, as these factors dictate protection, warmth, and comfort. The essential construction includes a windproof/waterproof outer layer to block the elements, an insulation layer (like Primaloft) to trap heat without bulk, and a wicking inner lining to manage sweat. This layered design, often incorporating a breathable waterproof membrane, ensures hands stay dry and warm from both external moisture and internal perspiration during cold rides.
Palm Materials
When buying winter cycling gloves, the palm material is crucial as it dictates grip, comfort, and durability in cold and wet conditions. Materials like synthetic leather offer a balance of feel and longevity, often enhanced with anti-slip silicone prints for reliable control on wet handlebars. Specialized options like neoprene prioritize superior warmth and water resistance for extreme weather, while integrated padding can be considered to reduce vibration and hand fatigue on long rides.
Fit and Cuff Design
An ill-fitting glove is a cold glove.
- Sizing: Winter gloves should fit with a snug fit—close to the hand but not tight. A snug fit is essential for warmth, dexterity, and comfort, as it prevents restrictions, enhances grip, and ensures your hands stay warm. A glove that’s too small restricts blood flow, leading to cold hands. A glove that’s too big creates pockets of air that your body can’t warm efficiently.
- Cuff: The cuff is vital for sealing out the cold, rain, and snow. Look for a long, snug cuff (often neoprene or with a velcro closure) that can either fit neatly under your jacket sleeve to shed water, or over it to create a complete thermal seal. A velcro closure allows for easy adjustment and a secure fit, helping to keep warmth in and the elements out.
Additional Features of the Best Winter Cycling Gloves
Modern cycling gloves include helpful extras that improve the riding experience:
- Touchscreen Compatibility: Essential for using bike computers, GPS, or a smartphone without removing your gloves. This usually involves a conductive material or touchscreen inserts on the thumbs and index fingers, allowing easy operation while maintaining flexibility and grip.
- Nose Wipe: A soft, absorbent nose wipe (often on the thumb or back of the hand) is useful for wiping away sweat, a runny nose, or rain and grime off glasses, enhancing comfort and practicality in cold weather riding conditions.
- Padding: Some gloves include gel or foam padding in the palm to reduce road vibration, though some dedicated riders prefer minimal padding for maximum bar feel.
- Reflectivity: High-visibility colours or reflective strips are a huge safety bonus for darker winter rides.
Still looking for some inspiration when it comes to keeping your hands warm? Shop our full range of cycling gloves and ensure your cycling this season is not compromised by the conditions.
