Set of leather gloves in various colors on a snowy ground with trees and mountains in the background.

Best Cold Weather Gloves

Cold weather is where leather earns its reputation. Every glove and mitt here is built for real winter: deerskin and elkskin shells that stay soft below zero, Heatlok and Thinsulate linings that trap heat without bulk, and sherpa lined mitts for the worst days on the calendar. Made in Minnesota for people who work outside in Minnesota winters. Not sure whether you want gloves or mittens? The guide below sorts it out.

55 products

How to choose cold weather gloves that actually keep you warm

Are mittens warmer than gloves?

Yes, and it is not close. Mittens keep your fingers together so they share heat instead of each one fighting the cold alone. A deerskin chopper mitt will out-warm a glove of the same weight every time. The tradeoff is dexterity. If you need to handle keys, tools or a phone, go with a glove, or with a flip top mitten that frees your fingers when you need them.

Does the leather matter?

It does. Deerskin is the softest and most flexible leather we use, and it stays soft in the cold instead of stiffening up. Elkskin is heavier and more abrasion resistant, better suited to work than to dress. Cowhide is the toughest and the least expensive, and it breaks in over time rather than starting soft. Goatskin sits in between, with natural water resistance from its lanolin content. deerskin and cowhide compared

What about linings?

Unlined leather gives you the most feel and is right for driving or moderate cold. Thinsulate adds warmth without much bulk. Heatlok is warmer again. Sherpa lining is the warmest option in this collection and the right pick for standing still outdoors: watching a game, ice fishing, or clearing a driveway at fifteen below.

Getting the fit right

Leather stretches and molds to your hand, so a glove that feels snug on day one will feel right by week two. Too loose is worse than too tight, because air gaps let heat escape. Measure around your palm at the widest point, not including the thumb, and match that number to a size. our sizing chart

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the warmest gloves for extreme cold?

For standing still in deep cold, a sherpa or pile lined deerskin mitten is the warmest option. Mittens beat gloves on warmth, and the heavier pile linings hold more air than fleece does.

What is the warmest glove lining?

For everyday cold, fleece. For active cold where you are generating heat, Thinsulate, because it insulates without bulk. For standing still in severe cold, sherpa or 450g pile.

Is deerskin good for cold weather?

Deerskin is the most comfortable and flexible leather for winter and it blocks wind well. For warmth it needs a lining, so look for a deerskin pair with fleece, Thinsulate or sherpa inside.

Can I wear leather gloves in snow?
Yes for short exposure. For hours in wet snow, choose a pair with a waterproof bladder or waterproof treatment, otherwise the leather will eventually soak through and lose its insulating value.
How do I care for leather winter gloves?
Air dry away from direct heat, never on a radiator or in a dryer, which stiffens and cracks the leather. Condition once a season with a leather conditioner to keep them soft.