Cold hands make everything harder. Your first touch gets heavier, your phone won't unlock and you spend the warm-up thinking about your fingers instead of your session. The right pair of gloves fixes that, but "winter gloves" covers everything from thin running liners to thick insulated pairs. Here's how to choose.
1. Start with what you'll be doing
Running and fast training: you'll warm up quickly, so bulky gloves get sweaty. Look for a light, stretchy running glove or liner that fits close to the hand. The Karrimor Women's Running Gloves and Under Armour Men's Storm Run Liner Gloves are built for this.
Football training and coaching: you'll be standing still between drills, handling cones and balls, and checking your phone. A glove with grip on the palm and touchscreen fingertips is the most practical option, such as the Nike Knit Grip Gloves.
Walking, commuting and watching from the sidelines: warmth matters more than dexterity. A thermal or fleece glove like the Karrimor Thermal Gloves or Under Armour Storm Liner Fleece Gloves is a better fit.
2. Liner or standalone glove?
Liner gloves are thin and form-fitting. On a cool day they're enough on their own, and when it gets properly cold you can wear them under a heavier glove. If you only want one pair for the whole winter, a liner plus a thicker outer glove gives you the most flexibility.
3. Check the features that actually matter
- Touchscreen fingertips: essential if you track runs or use your phone to time sessions.
- Grip: silicone patterns on the palm help when you're carrying equipment or holding a ball.
- Water resistance: useful in British weather. Under Armour's Storm technology is designed to repel water while staying breathable.
- Cuff length: a longer cuff closes the gap between glove and sleeve, which is where cold air gets in.
4. Get the fit right
Running and liner gloves should fit snugly without restricting movement; if they're loose, you'll lose dexterity. Thicker gloves can be slightly roomier. Where a product lists measurements, such as the Karrimor running gloves (XS/S 22.6cm, M/L 23.4cm), compare them with a glove you already own.
5. Build a simple winter kit
Gloves work best as part of a layering system: a long sleeve base layer under your training top, gloves on your hands and a snood or Therma-FIT hood for your neck and head.
Shop all gloves and accessories or browse the full Winter range.