🧤 When to Switch from Gloves to Mittens (and Back Again)
As temperatures drop, every runner wonders the same thing: At what point should I swap my gloves for mittens?
The answer depends on your personal comfort level, pace, and the weather — but there are clear temperature zones that help guide the switch.
Here’s how to know when it’s time to trade dexterity for warmth (and when to go back).
🌡️ Quick Guide: Temperature Ranges for Gloves vs. Mittens
| Temperature | Best Choice | Reason | Example Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50–60°F (10–15°C) | No gloves or thin liners | Hands warm up quickly | 👉 Under Armour Storm Run Liner 2.0 |
| 40–50°F (4–10°C) | Lightweight gloves | Light protection from chill | 👉 TrailHeads Power Stretch Gloves |
| 30–40°F (-1–4°C) | Midweight gloves | Balances warmth + dexterity | 👉 Brooks Carbonite Running Gloves |
| 20–30°F (-6–1°C) | Convertible gloves/mittens | Keep warmth without overheating | 👉 Saucony Solstice Convertible Mitts |
| Below 20°F (-6°C) | Full mittens | Shared heat between fingers | 👉 Sealskinz Waterproof Extreme Cold Mittens |
❄️ Why Mittens Are Warmer
Mittens trap more heat because your fingers share one insulated space.
With gloves, each finger loses heat individually. When it’s below freezing, mittens can feel 10–15°F warmer than gloves.
That’s why elite winter runners often wear glove-mitten hybrids — like TrailHeads Convertible Mittens — that start as gloves and fold over into a mitten shell mid-run.
💨 When to Stick with Gloves
Gloves are still the better choice when:
-
The temperature is above 30°F (especially during tempo or interval runs)
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You need touchscreen control for your watch or phone
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You’re hydrating, fueling, or racing
In these cases, light or midweight gloves like the Brooks Carbonite or Gore Wear Infinium Stretch gloves provide enough protection without overheating.
🔄 When to Switch Back
Once spring arrives and mornings climb above 40°F, it’s time to ditch the mittens.
You’ll avoid sweating, which can chill your hands once moisture builds up.
For transitional weather, keep two pairs handy:
-
One lightweight pair (e.g., Under Armour Storm Liner)
-
One convertible or midweight pair (e.g., Saucony Solstice Convertible Mitts)
Switching between them helps extend the life of both and keeps you comfortable year-round.
💬 Our Verdict
👉 Use gloves for versatility, touchscreen access, and temps above freezing.
👉 Use mittens when your breath fogs instantly and your water bottle ices up.
For most runners, the swap happens around 30°F (–1°C) — but it’s always better to start warm and shed layers than to start cold and regret it.
You May Also Like:
-
Running Mittens vs. Gloves: Which Keep You Warmer?
-
Best Winter Running Gloves for Extreme Cold
-
TrailHeads Convertible Mittens (Editor’s Picks)
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