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Oct 15, 2024

Best Winter Work Gloves, Tested by Tradespeople | Family Handyman

By Sheri Kaz Updated on Aug. 21, 2024 Finally! A glove that will keep you warm and protected this winter. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your

By Sheri Kaz

Updated on Aug. 21, 2024

Finally! A glove that will keep you warm and protected this winter.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.

A pair of warm winter gloves is important for anyone who spends time outdoors. In my quest for the best winter work gloves, we put a bevy of options to the test. I looked for dexterity, warmth, waterproof ability and wind resistance, as well as breathability, dry time and any special features. Finally, I assessed the construction and value of each pair of gloves.

My hands get cold quickly, especially my fingertips. I’m pretty sure I suffered frostbite in my early years and as I get older, my hands get colder. So, I was especially excited to test out these popular work gloves.

“As someone who lives in the Upper Midwest and spends a significant amount of time outdoors, winter work gloves are a necessity. The tricky thing about winter work gloves is that they must have the essential traits of a quality work glove—comfort, durability and dexterity—with added warmth and waterproofness,” says Family Handyman Senior Editor Ethan O’Donnell, who chimed in on our quest for the best winter work gloves.

Ethan offers this discovery, “When it comes to winter work gloves, I have always preferred leather work gloves. Recently, however, I have become a convert to latex-coated gloves for three reasons. First, nylon-coated work gloves provide a firmer grip. Furthermore, they are less expensive and can be substantially thinner while still being waterproof, which improves dexterity. The downside, of course, is that leather work gloves are much nicer looking.”

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When I first slipped on the VGO Winter Mechanic glove, I felt like I was a character in Transformer vs Terminator. These are serious gloves. The top of the glove is outfitted with 5 mm thermoplastic rubber treads to protect your knuckles and fingers from impact, which reminds me of the sole of a tennis shoe. Built to reduce vibration and impact, the glove’s palm side is reinforced with a grippy Amortex fabric, plus a layer of anti-shock neoprene padding on top of the cowhide leather palm. The leather also covers the back of the glove, while the sides of the fingers are a stretchy waterproof fabric for greater dexterity.

These waterproof gloves have surprisingly good dexterity considering their rugged and protective design. The bulky design may not be for everyone, but these gloves perform. With top scores in every testing category, these gloves are shockingly waterproof, warm, agile and impact/vibration/abrasion-resistant. Perfect for snowmobiling, motorcycle riding, jackhammering or rugged construction work, these gloves make you feel like a superhero.

If you’re looking for warmth, the VGO Winter Work Leather Mechanic glove is the warmest option I tested and designed for temperatures of minus 4 degrees. Like my warmest ski gloves, these gloves are made of supple leather with a soft layer of 3M Thinsulate, surrounded by waterproof thermoplastic rubber. The elastic cuff is adjustable with a rubber-backed hook and loop system to keep the wind out and allow for easy on and off.

For optimal fit and dexterity, VGO has six sizes to choose from and a variety of colors. Be sure to check out the sizing chart and measure your hand before ordering. We ordered the size seven small. Since my middle finger is three inches long, I should have ordered the size six extra small. As a result, I would have even more dexterity with the proper fit.

For the hardest-working glove of the bunch, choose the VGO for all the comfort, protection, features, dexterity and warmth you’ll need.

Pros

Cons

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O’Donnell, our resident cold-weather warrior, highly recommends these gloves and adds the G&F Waterproof glove to our best-tested winter work glove round-up.

“The winter work gloves I have been using, and loving recently are the G&F 1628,” O’Donnell explains. “They’re warm, durable, and inexpensive. Because they are waterproof and covered in a durable, grippy latex coating they are perfect for any cold-weather job that might be wet or sharp. They are my go-to winter gloves. I use them for everything. From repairing a broken snowblower to cleaning my gutters in the fall, to sorting materials in the lumber yard, and the normal tasks any Minnesotan must perform during the winter months.”

At an affordable price, these gloves might be your go-to. The double coating makes them windproof and waterproof, and they’re built for extremely cold temperatures down to minus 58 degrees. These best winter work gloves give you the protection you need against the elements as well as abrasion. Rated as an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) abrasion 3, ANSI cut level A3 and ANSI puncture 2, you’ll feel safe working in these gloves. The ergonomic grip and dexterity provide outstanding performance for all of your detailed tasks. Outfitted with a soft acrylic lining, these keep you cozy in frigid temperatures and are machine washable.

The G&F 1628 earned a top spot on on list for performance and affordability. Since these gloves lack breathability, your hands might sweat, leaving them damp inside. We suggest getting the three-pair pack (available in four sizes) so you have a fresh, dry pair on hand at all times.

Pros

Cons

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Wow, I am impressed with the Dulfine 100% Waterproof Winter Work Glove. The dexterity of this glove was superior to every glove I tested. I tested these gloves by scrubbing down a piece of furniture I picked up at a thrift store. Armed with a bucket of soapy water and the Dulfine gloves, I worked on the dresser in 35-degree weather for about an hour and a half. My hands were in the water, wringing out the rag multiple times, and I never got cold or wet. I could feel through the tips and could use my fingernail to dig into the crevices of the furniture. The sense of touch these gloves provided was outstanding. I was able to pick up an old paper clip left in the drawer and detect nailheads in the frame of the old dresser. The exterior is abrasion-resistant and didn’t puncture the glove when I ran across sharp edges or protruding nailheads.

The warm insulated fleece lining wasn’t too thick or cumbersome but still warm enough to accomplish my job. These gloves gave me better protection than any latex or rubber glove I’ve ever used. When I was done for the evening, I dipped my hands in the water without the gloves, wrung out the rag, and it was a matter of seconds before my hands were frigid.

One notable thing is that the spongy exterior of the glove retains moisture, leaving damp fingerprints on dry surfaces. I didn’t find this to be problematic, just surprising.

When I tested these insulated gloves for warmth on my daily dog walks, my fingertips got a little chilly. But then again, I love the outstanding dexterity and sense of touch these waterproof gloves provide. So while these may not be the overall warmest gloves I tested, they are the best for dexterity and keeping your hands completely dry while submerged in water.

Don’t hesitate to hand over your wet jobs to the Dulfine waterproof winter work gloves. And the best part about these gloves is the price: you get two pairs for under $20. That’s a deal!

Pros

Cons

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Need an abrasion-resistant glove that keeps your hands warm, too? Check out the MRC Safety Ninja Ice abrasion level 3 insulated glove. This glove meets the ANSI abrasion level 3, cut level A3 and puncture level 2 standards. The seamless design and tough materials are ideal for safety, dexterity and comfort.

I hate handling chicken wire, but if I wanted to save my newly planted bushes from the bunnies over the winter, it was necessary. I procrastinated until the cold weather set in, but luckily, the Ninja Ice glove came to the rescue. Handling the pokey wire and operating the wire cutters was a piece of cake. With the right protective gear, this project was easier and more enjoyable than ever. Aside from the stellar abrasion resistance, I love the dexterity and ease of movement with this glove.

You’ll appreciate the warm, insulated terry lining inside this seamless glove. And because there are no seams, the gloves fit like a dream. The abrasion-resistant palm and fingertips are waterproof, while the back of the hand is a stretchy 15-gauge nylon fabric. The Ninja Ice resisted a quick dunk in the water but couldn’t withstand the 15-second dunk test without completely soaking through the backside of the glove. Likewise, wind resistance was not as good as others I tested, and dry time took more than 12 hours (the longest in the group). So grab a boot dryer or at least a backup pair of gloves if you’ll be working around water.

These gloves kept the chill off while working, but my fingertips were cold on long blustery dog walks (what’s new, right?). The Ninja Ice is one of my top choices for its comfort, abrasion resistance and high dexterity score of five out of five. Amazingly, these warm safety gloves are affordable, too. Once you slip your hardworking hand inside this winter work glove, you’ll never look back.

Pros

Cons

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I needed to install a valve cover in the frosty ground and chose to test the Ironclad Cold Condition Waterproof Gloves. The outdoor temperature was a cloudy 37 degrees with a “feels like” temperature of 32. Unfortunately, the fingers were an inch too long for me with the size 7 small, but I gave them a try because I loved how comfortable and flexible they were. The Ironclad Waterproof glove proved to have a high level of dexterity and when they became caked with damp soil, these waterproof gloves were easy to clean.

The Ironclad gloves are waterproof, wind resistant and rated to 20 degrees. They’re lined with 3M Thinsulate and the reinforced palm is a flexible faux leather, providing a steady grip. I especially like the long, soft and stretchy neoprene cuff to keep dirt and moisture out. Plus, the contoured rubbery pull tab makes putting on and removing the gloves easy. If you’re looking for a work partner, this rugged glove will keep you warm and dry with the comfort and dexterity you need to get the job done.

Pros

Cons

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The Flurry Sensor gloves are a great fit for using touch screens, driving and general use. Constructed of wool and fleece, these stylish gloves go from the office to the job site without missing a beat. Wool naturally wicks and stays warm, plus it’s a sustainable material.

Although these gloves aren’t waterproof, water beads up and rolls off the surface easily. I wouldn’t count on these gloves for heavy-duty work or extremely cold temperatures, but if you’re the person with the iPad on the job site, these gloves offer great dexterity (with the right fit).

The forefinger and thumb are touchscreen compatible, while the palm and other fingertips have a grippy surface built in for added dexterity. If you have long, thin fingers, you’ll love these gloves. The fingers were a tad long for me, and the touchscreen feature worked best using my thumb.

While these attractive gloves aren’t a workhorse, they’ll easily fold up to fit in a pocket when you need them most. Plus, they snap together and have a generous pull loop to attach to a jacket so they won’t go missing. Now, you can look the part and stay warm without the bulk.

Pros

Cons

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I love the cozy warmth the Carhartt Waterproof Insulated glove provided. These waterproof gloves keep your hands dry no matter what Mother Nature has in store. If you’re working up a sweat, these gloves might even be too toasty for you. The long fleece cuff adds a layer of protection from snow getting inside, and the palm has a grippy surface. They are lightweight, flexible and a warm addition to include in your winter survival hacks.

While these gloves fit me pretty well, I was expecting better dexterity. The thumb was wonky for me, and the thick insulated fingers weren’t great for detailed tasks. It’s like wearing a puffer jacket on your fingers. It was impossible to zip my coat or pick up small objects. However, these gloves should keep you warm if you spend a lot of time standing around the job site or watching a game at Lambeau Field. I know these winter work gloves will be my go-to for blowing the snow, making snow angels or hitting the slopes.

Pros

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When I received these HydraHyde (3250M) gloves, they looked like the simple garden variety that I would use when doing summer yard work. Much to my surprise, these gloves scored high for water resistance, wind resistance, dexterity and breathability. The leather palm is supple for ease of movement and padded for extra comfort. I’ll get plenty of use out of these gloves when dealing with thorny bushes and other cold-weather yard work, thanks to the durable leather palm and fingertips.

I wouldn’t consider these gloves true winter work gloves, but I would recommend them for milder temperatures. They’re warmer than my summer work gloves but lack insulation. I’m a wimp when it comes to cold hands, and the HydraHyde was warm enough for working outdoors in 40-degree temps but felt too chilly for me at 30 degrees. Although not the warmest of the bunch, they repelled water quite well and dried quicker than expected (in less than eight hours) after being fully submerged in water.

Pros

Cons

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If you’re looking for a breathable glove with outstanding dexterity, take a look at the Milwaukee Demolition Gloves. The moisture-wicking liner keeps your hands dry and warm. The padded palms and knuckle protection pad help protect your hands from impact, and you won’t give up dexterity with these gloves. If you need to use touchscreens on the job, the Smartswipe Knuckle is an added convenience built into the Milwaukee Demolition Glove.

“If I need to repair something outside in February that requires a lot of small screws and bolts, I will opt for a pair of good quality work gloves, such as the Milwaukee Demolition Gloves that I have worn for years. In these types of situations, being able to handle the smaller components of my project outweighs the warmth and waterproofing of a winter work glove, but only for a short time,” O’Donnell says.

These may not be the warmest gloves on the market because the back is a breathable mesh. But when your nose starts dripping or you need to wipe the sweat away, the glove has a soft terry cloth sweat wipe on the side of the thumb. This glove has reinforced thumbs and fingers for durability and a hook and loop cuff closure for a secure fit. With five sizes to choose from, you’re sure to find the right fit.

Pros

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Choosing the right work gear for the winter depends on your job needs and local temperatures.

O’Donnell says, “I would never purchase winter work gloves that are not waterproof. Even if you’re not working directly in a wet situation, tasks like throwing around 2x4s with a little snow on them are enough to saturate a regular pair of non-waterproof winter work gloves in no time. Having wet and cold hands slows down the process, and often the completion of the project is less than ideal because you are in a hurry to get back inside and warm up.”

Often the trade-off for warmth is dexterity. Thickly insulated gloves are clumsy, while other waterproof gloves might not be as warm. O’Donnell adds, “In terms of touch screen capabilities, it’s always nice to have a feature like this, but unless I am wearing these gloves 40 hours a week, this is not a deciding factor for the average DIYer. Moreover, I have owned many gloves advertised to work with a touch screen only to find that navigating with them on is more cumbersome and difficult than removing them every 45 minutes to make a phone call or switch podcasts.”

Whether it’s raking the roof, shoveling or stacking wood, I can tell you the never-ending list of projects never takes a winter break. As a skier, I’ve learned that enjoying the great outdoors in the winter depends on the performance of the cold-weather clothing you choose to wear. Admittedly, I’ve bought things, especially gloves, that I thought would be great and in the end were a waste of money. I hope this article saves you from that pain. In the search for the best winter work gloves, I reached out to Ethan O’Donnell, Family Handyman Senior Editor and all-around handy guy living in the Northern woods for input.

When it comes to gloves, the proper fit can make all the difference. Fit aside, we looked for gloves with high customer satisfaction ratings, read user reviews and sought out features and fabrics that could work for a variety of cold-weather work and recreation. We sourced eight pairs of gloves to test, and seven of them made the cut once I rated them on dexterity, warmth, water and wind resistance as well as breathability and dry time. Additionally, I accessed the potential long-term durability and construction as well as the fabrics.

I used all of these gloves outdoors for my late fall projects as well as daily dog walks. The temperatures were generally in the mid-30s.

Every day I would try a new set of gloves while walking my dog. I noted whether the gloves were nimble enough to zip a jacket, unlock the door, clean up after my dog, hold the leash and check the mail. I jotted down the actual temperature, the wind speed and the “feels like” temperature. On these daily walks, I accessed the gloves’ warmth, wind resistance, basic fit and dexterity.

I found that high-dexterity gloves lacked some of the warmth of thicker gloves. Again, my fingers freeze when the temperature drops below 45 degrees. I used all of these gloves in temperatures in the 30s or lower. I also held ice, before and after getting them wet.

In addition to the daily dog walks, the next test was to hold my hand in ice for five minutes. Then, I dunked the gloved hand in a bucket of water and noted the water resistance. Next, I submerged the gloved hand for 15 seconds and for good measure, I held the ice for another two minutes. This gave me a good indicator if I could build a snowman and still keep my hands warm and dry.

As a skier, I learned to test the wind resistance of a garment by blowing through the outer fabric. If the breath or moisture penetrates the skin on the other side, I’d look elsewhere. Sales clerks will give you a sideways look, but in my experience, it’s a reliable indicator to test the windbreak ability of a garment without actually being in the elements. In addition to the daily dog walks, I performed the rudimentary blow test on the back as well as the palm of each glove I tested and scored them accordingly.

After the waterproof test, I checked in on the gloves periodically to see how quickly they dried. Since I didn’t have a boot warmer or glove dryer in-house, I laid them out on a wool rug away from a heat vent. After four hours, the saturated gloves were still wet. Twelve hours later, all but the Ninja Ice were dry. It’s worth noting that the waterproof gloves lacked some of the breathability of water-resistant gloves, as a result, these gloves may make your hands sweat and become smelly with daily use. Having two pairs to let the gloves air out between wearings is the best defense against odor.

Although I haven’t tested these gloves with a few years of hard labor, I noted the general construction and durability of the materials, while keeping user reviews in mind.

Several of the gloves had touchscreen compatibility, so I swiped, scrolled and tested these features to the best of my ability. If the fingers were too long, the touchscreen features were challenging to use, so be sure to get a glove that fits well. Other special features noted are abrasion and impact resistance.

Depending on your job, dexterity may be your most important criterion in choosing a glove. Working with tools, small buttons or parts will require precision, so your gloves may need to be thinner and fit perfectly. Be sure to measure your hand for the best fit.

No doubt you’ll have to deal with wind, rain, snow or ice when working outside, so having a waterproof or water-resistant glove will keep you dryer and warmer longer. Ideally, you want insulation for warmth. In my opinion, Thinsulate and neoprene are ideal insulators because they are less bulky than other fillers. Natural materials such as wool, silk and down will also keep you toasty.

When working outdoors for long periods in frigid temperatures have an extra pair in your truck, throw in some hand warmers or take a break with a pair of heated gloves to keep the frostbite at bay.