There is nothing worse or potentially more dangerous than having numb or cold hands out on the bike. Sure, the discomfort can become a bit of a sufferfest, but being unable to operate the gears and brakes can make for a rather unpleasant experience, which is why the best winter cycling gloves are essential.
Like many other cycling clothing categories in 2026, the best winter cycling gloves are benefiting from advances in fabrics, synthetic insulation, and more environmentally friendly treatments. In our testing this year, we have discovered they are becoming more efficient, offering greater dexterity and, overall, better performance across all seasons, removing the need for multiple pairs.
The quick list
Giro’s Xnetic H2O gloves combine a good fit, warmth, waterproofing and dexterity into an incredible value and ultimately winning package.
Don't be deterred by the Sportful Deep Winter’s lack of bulk; they provide excellent warmth and the best touchscreen compatibility I have experienced in any cycling gloves.
The Ornot Alphas are the surprise of this winter, offering genuine warmth, possibly at times a little too much warmth, all without the bulk.
The Q36.5 is one of those garments that is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. That, however, shouldn’t take away from how brilliant it is across a broad range of conditions.
At just 40 grams, the Summit Alpha from Pearl Izumi punch well above its weight. Light, versatile, and ideal for those who like to push the tempo even in winter.
While not fully waterproof, like most neoprene gloves, the Assos P1 Rain Gloves are highly effective at managing temperature when they do get wet.
Best winter cycling gloves 2026: expert-tested & rated
Best overall winter cycling gloves
Warm, lightweight, breathable and waterproof, the Xnetic gloves are adaptable across a range of winter riding conditions
I have to admit something, I have a problem! Over the last few years, I have accumulated more pairs of cycling and ski gloves than I care to admit to. Why? Largely, as conditions rarely mean that one pair of gloves can handle everything, you end up with one lightweight, one deep winter, and one midweight, and before you know it, you have a dozen pairs of gloves. The irony is that for most things, I have been using a single pair of midweight Ski gloves. I was intrigued when a glove of such basic construction as the Giro Xnetic H2O arrived. How was it going to keep my hands warm, dry and comfortable?
Thats where Giro gets you, though, from the outside it looks like a simple glove, but once you get the glove on, which is a ‘snug’ fit, it's clear there is more at play. The Xnetic H20 is a complex, 3-layered glove that is noticeable when you move your hand.
Out on the road, I was surprised by the warmth they generated. On my first ride, my Wahoo suggested a temperature of -1°C/30.2F, and I was fine for the full 90 minutes. Buoyed by this success, up next were a couple of 100km gravel rides in -6°/21.2F and -3°/26.6F. While there, I got chilly tips a couple of times; they quickly warmed on climbs as the effort increased slightly.
They are certainly waterproof, which is impressive for a knitted construction; however, the wool retained water, and the temperature drops quickly inside them as a result. I'd hazard a guess that this is why Giro rates them only to 5°C/41°F. Overall, the Giro’s excel in cold, dry conditions; value is excellent, and wet-weather performance isn’t bad at all.
- Read our full Giro Xnetic H20 winter cycling gloves review
Best winter gloves for touchscreen compatibility
I am a Raynard’s sufferer, so I need winter cycling gloves to be just right; otherwise it can ruin a ride and leave me in a fair amount of pain. Which is why my go-to for the last few years has been a thick leather, heated glove. So, when I received the Sportful Deep Winter gloves, I almost immediately wrote them off as too thin. However, the good writer I am, armed with my bulky gloves in my back pocket just in case, set out on the road.
At the core of the gloves is Primaloft insulation, which Sportful rates for temperatures between -5°C and +5°C (23°F to 41°F). I was immediately impressed on my first ride. With snow and ice, I headed for gritted roads, which meant I pushed the gloves into sub-zero conditions, likely around -9°C / 15°F with wind chill. This set the tone for the rest of my testing: no cold hands out of the gate.
There is really nothing radical about the Deep Winter gloves; that's what's even more impressive. Grip is good; touchscreen compatibility is possibly the best I have ever experienced; and the extra dexterity is very welcome after a few years with my Sealskins. The fit is also generous enough for thin liner gloves, which increases their versatility and operating window.
During testing, I decided not to push through some local flooding and a couple of big storms for my own safety. However, Sportful don’t rate these gloves as fully waterproof; they didn’t seem to be affected by spray or mist, which bodes well for when I decide to ride in the rain.
- Read our full Sportful Deep Winter Gloves Review
Best for warmth without the bulk
Removing bulk without sacrificing warmth is the name of the game in winter cycling apparel these days, and the Ornot Alpha Winter Gloves are a perfect example. At their core, like the Sportfuls, Ornot employs a synthetic insulation. Ornot has chosen to use Polartec® Alpha™ high-loft over the more commonly found Primaloft, as used by European brands.
The small Size I tested weighed just 68g/2.3oz, which is only a couple of gels, and pack down nicely into a pocket. The articulation is great, and overall, the fit appears to be on the snug side, but I think many would appreciate a slightly broader size range.
On the bike, Ornot have nailed the brief. The Alpha Winter Gloves are undeniably warm. In fact, throughout my testing, which was largely at around 37-45°F (2-7°C), they were a bit too warm, particularly when the effort increased on a climb or while hanging on a buddy's wheel. For easy spins and truly cold days, though, this is a gift.
This winter in the Pacific Northwest has been rather mild, which means I haven’t needed to reach for a deep winter glove. However, the Ornot’s got me thinking, with materials like Polartec® Alpha™, are the days of Lobster mitts and my Bar Mitts numbered? The increased dexterity, bar feel is very welcome, and actually, the Alphas are pretty reasonably priced compared to the more bulky alternatives. They are proper winter cycling gloves and ones that have earned a permanent place in my wardrobe.
- Read our full Ornot Alpha Winter Glove Review
Most versatile winter cycling gloves
The Q36.5 Winter Rain Gloves actually performed better in the rain than the Assos P1 Rain Gloves in my opinion, which might be a surprise to some, given the Q36.5 are of knitted construction and the Assos neoprene-like material. To say they are just a rain glove, though, would be underselling the Q36.5’s versatility, and honestly, when they did get wet out, the Assos operates better at much lower temperatures.
Unlike many of the garments from Q36.5 that the other CW writers and I have tested in the last year, these are the only garments the brand produces that are not produced in Italy. Instead, they have chosen a unique fabric from a Taiwanese factory. Which shouldn’t deter anyone, as we all know how good the Taiwanese are at making things, particularly for the bicycle industry.
The woven finish immediately makes the dexterity great, and the fit, despite having quite large hands and thin wrists, was good, which I can’t say for many. Touchscreen compatibility wasn’t bad, but it certainly could be better.
However, we are here for how warm they are and how they handle the elements. Well, in short, impressively. Even when soaked, they hold the heat well, and it was only after 90 minutes or more of steady rain that I could feel them becoming saturated. Q36.5 gives a temperature range of 0-18˚C/32-65˚F, and while this is fairly accurate, it needs caveting. In rainy conditions, 18˚C/65˚F would be manageable, possibly a bit warm, while 0˚C/32˚F would be practical only if there is no rain. A more realistic usable range for me would be 4-14˚C.
The Q36.5 Winter Rain Gloves overall are brilliantly versatile and effective across a broad range of temperatures and conditions. While they will eventually saturate, this will have only a very limited effect on hand temperature.
- Read our full Q36.5 Winter Rain Gloves review
Best gloves for shoulder seasons
It's not hard to test winter garments in the PNW; on a single ride, I can experience the full spectrum of weather and a temperature swing of 10˚C/18˚F. Which can make selecting the right one a bit tricky, or you end up carrying several different layers. However, I will always look for something that means I don’t have to do that. So, when presented with the Summit Alpha from Pearl Izumi, I was intrigued.
Like the Ornot Alphas, I also tested on this page, the Summits also use Polartec synthetic insulation; it is, however, immediately obvious that there is a significant difference between the two. The Summits are only 40 grams and considerably thinner. This is because Ornot use the ‘standard’ Alpha high-loft insulation, whereas Pearl Izumi opts for the Alpha Active. The Alpha Active does not require a liner to back the insulation, making the garment lighter and more breathable. I think you can see where I am going with this.
For the sake of testing, I’d deliberately brought only the Summit Alpha glove as I rolled out early one morning into a wall of PNW fog. The Summits are very simple gloves for winter use; they lack neoprene, serious insulation, or fleece. That said, keep moving and keep your heart rate elevated; the Polatec Active insulation does a very good job of keeping you warm. However, start cruising or go out on a chill group ride, and thats when you quickly realise these are shoulder-season gloves.
The Summit Alphas are good, and they offer a versatility that many struggle to match, making them a solid pair of gloves to have in your arsenal. They'll keep your hands protected across a broad range of conditions and temperatures, from roughly 35°F to spring weather at 55°F (2 to 13°C). The added dexterity is fantastic for off-road riding, and they are decent value as well.
- Read our full Pearl Izumi Summit Alpha Glove Review
Best for wet weather winter cycling
Advertises as a 2/3 fon Assos’ Clima Code weather conditions system, with 1 being summer, 3 being winter, and 2, I believe Assos is underselling them P1 Rain Gloves a bit. Let me explain.
The Assos Rain Gloves P1 are, in essence, very similar to a neoprene glove, using Assos’ 3-layer NeoWet material, like a wetsuit; they don’t try to prevent water ingress, but instead embrace it and make the best use of it, helping to store heat. There is also a large amount of palm grip, and the wrist extends nicely, so it can be covered by one of the best winter jackets.
While I used the P1 Rain gloves to go effectively in much lower temperatures than Assos advertise, they are not without flaws. The very design of letting the water in, works in reverse of what a more breathable garment would, holding in moisture and eventually ‘pruning’ your hand, the difference is your hand does stay warm when this happens, thankfully.
They also don’t represent the best value, which isn’t unusual for Assos, of course. If you need a glove dedicated to riding in the rain, the P1 is certainly one of the better neoprene-style gloves I have tested, and the effort Assos have put into improving the dexterity is noted.
- Read our full Assos Rain Gloves P1 review
Honourable Mention
It is worth mentioning that there are alternatives to the best winter gloves; they are by no means flawless or a silver bullet, but for those who are willing to try something else, these are worth considering.
How we test the best winter cycling gloves
Testing the best winter cycling gloves inevitably means the Cycling Weekly team of expert testers has to get a bit chilly. Which is not too much of a hardship, given that many team members prefer to be out grinding out the miles in pursuit of finding the best cycling products, rather than staring at a blank wall watching an avatar do yet another lap of Watopia.
Regarding how we test the best winter gloves, it is simple. Much of which involves verifying manufacturers' claims and identifying areas where a particular glove excels or falls short. Our focus as testers is on a glove's ability to keep your hands warm and dry (if that is claimed). While this is largely subjective and depends on your tolerance, we occasionally use a thermometer to verify our statements.
Given how also the subjective nature of fit, our testers will tend to focus more on the dexterity of a glove and how it functions in day-to-day use. This will include using screens and simple tests, such as putting on and taking off gloves when they are dry and wet.
For more information on how the Cycling Weekly team puts all the best cycling products to the test, visit our How We Test guide.
Meet our testers
Living in the Pacific Northwest, it is hard to ride outside and not experience a number of conditions in one day. From thick fog and wind by the coast, to hail and snow in the mountains, with just about everything in between. That is why, amongst the Cycling Weekly team, Rook, who rarely goes a day without turning some pedals, is one of the best placed to put any cycling kit through just about any condition.
Hannah is a Raynards sufferer and can quickly tell whether a cycling glove is good or not, just by a few minutes on a bike. It is certainly the extreme when it comes to what people need from a cycling glove, and something an estimated 10% of people suffer from in certain populations, which means Hannah is not alone. Given also her placement in the North of England, there are a few harsher places to test winter gear, with heavy rain, snow, and, of course, heavy gritting and potholes commonplace.
Andy's business and work don't stop when the clocks change, and the weather turns. As a qualified coach, aerodynamacist, and racer himself, he is a year-round outdoor rider and, with the right kit, doesn't mind it. As well as being a prolific mile cruncher, he is certainly best placed to be putting all sorts of kit to the test.
How to choose the best winter cycling gloves
Does owning a pair of winter cycling gloves make a difference?
Let's start with the need for a winter glove, and in short, yes, it makes a tremendous difference.
You could decide to just ride in a pair of general winter gloves when it gets cold, but you'll find that they lack several cycling-specific details. Unlike ski gloves, for example, the best winter cycling gloves cannot depend on super-thick padding because we need to retain sensitivity so that brakes, shifters or any electronic road bike groupsets can be operated efficiently.
Instead, they use a blend of fabrics that keep the weight down while maintaining dexterity and still offer protection against the elements. Keeping out the wind is crucial: fabrics such as Gore Windstopper and similar materials will do this, and feature on the best winter cycling gloves, while also offering water repellency and breathability. The inner padding and/or membrane vary from glove to glove, depending on the intended temperature of the glove, whether it is for deep winter or a chilly and wet environment.
With more cyclists using one of the best cycling computers, or even just one of the best cycling apps, the best cycling winter gloves will also have touch screen sensitivity integrated into the fingers, preventing you from having to remove one to swipe the screen or navigate controls.
What makes a winter cycling glove windproof?
The main layer of protection on the best winter cycling gloves should be an impermeable windproof layer designed, as you can guess from the name, to keep cold air and wind away from your hands.
One of the most popular fabrics for this is Gore's Windstopper fabric, or Infinium as it's also known as. It's used in lots of the best winter cycling gloves across many brands aside from Gore itself. There are other options made by different manufactures too that can work just as well.
Regardless of the brand, the fabrics should work to keep the elements out while still being breathable enough to prevent your hands from overheating and getting sweaty.
Capo winter gloves
How do winter cycling gloves retain heat?
The second line of protection in the best winter cycling gloves is a thermal layer designed not only to keep the cold air away from your skin but also to make sure that any warm air generated by your hands is trapped and not allowed to escape.
What's important with the thermal layer is that, unlike with skiing gloves for example, it can't be too thick, as you need to maintain your dexterity to be able to feel which lever your finger is on to change gear and to be able to manipulate the brake lever.
You'll want gloves with a good layer of thermal protection to keep warm air in
Do I need my winter gloves to be waterproof?
Not many people enjoy riding in the rain, but if you're going to keep your training up through the winter, then you're going to want the best winter cycling glove to handle even the wettest weather.
In milder weather, it's not vital to have completely waterproof gloves. Your skin is waterproof after all, so as long as you have gloves that keep your hands warm, they don't necessarily need to keep you dry. Options such as a wet weather neoprene glove can work well in cool (but not cold) conditions. They're often basic in style, with no padding or additional features, such as cuff adjustment.
However when the temperature drops further still, and the rain (and even snow) begins to fall, then you're going to want some more serious winter cycling gloves with an outer layer that will keep the precipitation at bay.
Like any windproof outer layer, a waterproof layer on the best winter cycling gloves should be impermeable to the outside elements to keep your hands dry, but should also be breathable to prevent your hands overheating, particularly over the course of long rides.
It's also important not to forget about your extremities at the other end by prioritizing a pair of the best cycling overshoes to protect your feet against the elements too.
Neoprene gloves, such as these GripGrab ones, are good options for wet but mild weather
What makes for a good cuff on a winter cycling glove?
If you're heading out in breezy conditions, the best winter cycling gloves will have long cuffs to help keep that chilly northeasterly out of your sleeves.
However, it's not always just a case of the longer the better. Your gloves, and the cuffs attached, need to work well in unison with your choice of jersey or jacket. Sealing in the heat, and keeping out the drafts, is crucial if you're going to stay nice and cosy while putting in those long winter miles.
This means you've got a decision to make as to whether you wear the cuff of the gloves over the top or underneath the cuff of your jacket.
If your jacket has loose sleeves then it's worth getting a pair of gloves with a tight cuff, over which you can pull the sleeves of your jacket. This is also the case when it's raining. If your jacket is waterproof, then the rain beads off the arms and will end up filling the gloves from the top like a bucket. Velcro straps or zips will help mitigate this slightly, but tucking in is the best form of rain defense.
When the weather is dry, then running cuffs over the sleeves is by far an easier option, especially if you have to remove your gloves to use a touchscreen.
If you do find yourself running hot in the middle of a winter club run, pulling down cuffs can be a good way to cool off. Your blood runs so close to the skin at the wrist, this can be an excellent place to control your body temperature.
What are the best palm materials for a winter cycling glove?
Riding on wet or even icy roads can be treacherous, so being completely in control of your bike is more essential than ever. Even holding on to the handlebars in the wet can be difficult, particularly if you're using smooth bar tape.
With this in mind, the best winter cycling gloves will have a slightly tacky surface on the palms to make sure you can maintain a secure grip on both the bars and the brake levers. These can vary from silicone grippers applied directly to the palm or additional textured material.
If you feel the need to upload a gritty Instagram selfie to show your mates just how hard you are for heading out when it's blowing a gale and hammering it down with rain, then you're going to need to be able to prod away at your smartphone screen. Luckily, some of the best winter cycling gloves now come with fingertips specially designed to be used with touchscreens.
What's a nose wipe and do I need one?
A nose wipe is an absorbent patch, usually located on the thumb with which to wipe a running nose. Most of the best winter gloves for cycling will have one. However, they aren't all created equal. If you suffer from a runny nose when cycling in cold weather it's worth looking for a glove with a generously sized wipe. It's also vital that it's made using a soft material, such as a fleece-like material that feels pleasant against the skin. This area is also useful for wiping rain and road grime off your cycling glasses, but maybe not straight after mopping up some snot...
Frequently asked questions about winter cycling gloves
What are the warmest winter cycling gloves?
According to our testers, the best deep winter gloves for keeping your hands warm are 'hands-down' (pun intended) the Giro Proof Gloves. We found that Giro's smart use of technical fabrics kept the bulk to a minimum while performing at much lower temperatures than any other gloves we have tested. For a five-finger design, their performance is truly impressive.
How to keep hands warm when cycling in winter?
We have a comprehensive guide on how to beat cold hands and feet during the winter, especially for those who suffer from Raynaud's. Here are some top tips from that guide to get you thinking:
- Try 'Lobster' gloves - the theory behind these funny-looking gloves is that they allow heat to radiate between your fingers better and minimise the surface area exposed to the elements. However, for cycling, they don't allow for the best dexterity, especially for those with electronic shifting.
- Heat pads or even heated gloves (yes, they do exist) - while these two items are ideal for Raynaud's sufferers specifically, they tend only to heat one area, typically the palm or wrist.
- Layer up - While most gloves won't allow for this, this solution is ideal for racers, as it upholds dexterity by enabling you to layer a couple of thinner gloves or even a rubber or latex glove; however, this can make it a bit 'bin baggy'.
What are lobster gloves and should I consider them?
As I mentioned above, 'Lobster' style mitts are gaining popularity, especially among those who suffer from Raynaud's. The science behind them is simple, really, but they don't work for everyone.
Popular amongst alpinists and mountaineers ,the idea behind a mitt or 'lobster claw' mitt is to allow the body to radiate its heat between the extremities naturally. Thus, it also reduces the surface area exposed to the elements and, of course, the amount of seams and stitching through which heat can escape.
There is a significant draw to riding mitts, and that is dexterity. Controlling the bike, especially those equipped with electronic shifting, does become tricky. However, if you can make them work, they can be a game-changer.
There are alternatives. CW North American Editor Rook is a big fan of Pogies. The aptly named Bar Mitts effectively put the bulk on your bar rather than on your hands, allowing you to wear a thinner glove, maintaining dexterity but also increasing your warmth. They are, however, not the most attractive bike accessory, and changing hand position becomes a bit tricky, and they don't work on the drops.
Do neoprene cycling gloves work?
While neoprene gloves are very popular amongst watersports enthusiasts specifically, their use in cycling has dwindled over the years. The magical, predominantly black material is designed not to be waterproof; instead, it uses tiny pockets of trapped air warmed by your body to insulate you.
Two issues in cycling are firstly, fit. Wetsuits and the like can be almost compressive as they have far fewer contours to navigate, allowing much more air to be trapped. Whereas a glove is tricky to get a good fit, especially one that works for cycling.
The second is thickness; not just any old neoprene is good. Depending on the quality and where you are using it, the thickness varies.
It's also worth mentioning the environmental impact of neoprene production. Its a Petroleum based product which makes it non-biodegradable, meaning it contributes to microplastic pollution.