Mountain Hardwear Momentum running glove

Gloves are worth spending some money on or you’ll pay the price in misery and frostbite. You know that throw-away cotton pair you got for free at your last expo? They’re free for a reason; you get what you pay for.

My first choice for really cold runs would be a mitten, but Mountain Hardwear’s Momentum running glove takes a close second. The polyester top layer provides a great barrier between my freezing fingers and the wind, and a palm-side fleece layer (89% polyester, 11% elastane) makes for great breathability. Run in the rain or snow and you’re hands will stay reasonably dry.

The fingers are pliable and thin enough to allow for simple tasks, like unzipping packs and tying shoes. The smarty designers at Mountain Hardwear even added what they call the “index finger trap door,” which I never would have seen on my own. I suppose this is necessary for use with touch screen electronics, so iPhone-toting runners listen up. There is also a bunch of super-reflective hexagons printed on the glove’s back that may help you avoid getting hit by a car.

Added bonus: the super-soft fleece patch between the index finger and thumb makes for a great snot rag. Gross, but necessary; frozen fingers are somewhat tolerable, frozen snot is not.

I’ve found these gloves are best for days below 30 degrees or if it’s wet. Anything warmer, and they were too hot. Crazy enough to go out when it’s below 15 degrees? Try adding a single-use hand warmer, these gloves are just insulated enough to keep it hot for a couple hours.

Look for the Momentums in men’s and women’s versions this spring for $35 MSRP.

Sara Davidson is an ultramarathoner and our resident women’s running gear destroyer.