The Best Waterproof Gloves, Tested and Reviewed

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Whether you’re working a winter construction job or snowboarding, protecting your hands from wet weather is essential. Keep them clean and safe with the best waterproof gloves.

Like a rain jacket for your hands, waterproof gloves are essential accessories for those working—or playing—outdoors in cold or inclement weather. For outdoor sports enthusiasts, they keep hands dry and protect against frostbite. For those who work outdoors, they offer protection from grease, mud, and other wet messes.

We searched out a diverse collection of waterproof gloves for a wide variety of tasks in all seasons. Then we tested their ability to keep hands dry and comfortable in tough conditions. If you’re on the hunt for the best waterproof gloves, use this guide to learn more.

1. BEST OVERALL FOR MEN: Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Glove
2. BEST OVERALL FOR WOMEN: MCTi Ski Gloves for Women
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wells Lamont Latex Waterproof Coated Gloves
4. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Ozero Autumn and Winter Gloves
5. BEST LEATHER: Youngstown FR Waterproof Leather Utility Gloves
6. BEST FOR WINTER: Carhartt Men’s Cold Snap Insulated Work Glove
7. BEST TOUCH SCREEN: Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Knitted Gloves
8. BEST FOR HIKING: Outdoor Research Alti Gloves
9. BEST FOR SKIING: Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger Gloves
10. BEST FOR WORK: Hestra Job Titan Flex Gloves

How We Tested the Best Waterproof Gloves

We selected and tested a diverse assortment of waterproof gloves designed for a variety of uses in different seasons. For all of them, our key testing consideration was whether the gloves were truly waterproof. To find out, we used three testing methods and allowed the gloves to thoroughly dry between tests. All comments about sizing are subjective, based on sizing guides provided by the manufacturers and perceived comfort by the tester. On those gloves not listed as unisex, women tested women’s gloves, and men tested men’s gloves.

First, we simulated storm conditions with a rain-wand attachment on a garden hose. The testers wore each pair of gloves beneath a steady 2-minute shower, flexing their hands and turning them over to expose all parts of the gloves to the stream. In the second test, we immersed our gloved hands into a bucket of water, again flexing and rotating to ensure that they were completely wet. Finally, we tested them for wet-gripping ability while handling smooth wet stones. To merit inclusion in this guide, each pair of gloves passed all three tests with minimal water intrusion to the inside of the glove.

Our Top Picks

We initially selected the following gloves based on the quality of their construction, their durability, and the other features outlined previously. Then we tested them to discover how they held up under wet, slippery conditions. Find out how they performed in the reviews ahead.

Best Overall for Men

Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Glove

Men looking for a long-lasting pair of gloves to keep their hands dry and warm may find what they’re looking for in Carhartt’s waterproof insulated gloves. From the shell to the liner to the palm pad, these gloves are made of 100 percent polyester. They provide a warm, durable, and waterproof barrier between the skin and the elements.

A liner made with Carhartt’s FastDry moisture-wicking technology prevents sweat from collecting inside the gloves, and a waterproof insert provides an extra layer of protection from the elements. Adjustable hook-and-loop closures and elastic cuffs keep hands snug while keeping out cold air and elements.

In our tests, these Carhartt waterproof work gloves were as comfortable as they were waterproof. They performed perfectly on all three of our waterproof tests. They stayed dry under the shower and when immersed in water while providing excellent holding ability thanks to the textured grip area. Three-dimensional construction lets the hand rest in a natural position and delivers good dexterity for gripping and holding. Although we didn’t test specifically for winter warmth, these gloves are deeply insulated for cold-weather work. However, the bulky profile takes away the ability to pick up small or thin items from a flat surface or to reach into a pants pocket. We selected them “Best Overall” because they are not only toasty and affordable, but they also make an excellent choice for winter chores while not looking like “work gloves.”

Product Specs

• Type: Winter work gloves
• Material: Polyester
• Touch-screen compatible: No

Pros

• Breathable moisture-wicking lining
• Insulated for winter weather
• Straps at wrist and cuff
• Budget-friendly price

Cons

• Snug fit at the wrist makes them difficult to slide on and off
• Not touch-screen compatible

Get the Carhartt waterproof gloves at Tractor Supply Co. or Zappos.

Best Overall for Women

MCTi Ski Gloves for Women

Women

on the hunt for warm, waterproof gloves may want to look at MCTi’s ski gloves. They pair a polyurethane outer shell with a faux leather palm and thumb-grip area for holding ski poles or other slippery objects. On the gloves’ interior, a waterproof liner helps keep moisture from reaching the skin.

MCTi’s gloves also contain 120 grams of Thinsulate insulation that keeps hands warm in temperatures as cold as -10 degrees Fahrenheit without adding much bulk. Handy elastic wrist leashes make keeping track of the gloves easier if the wearer removes them, and sensitive touch-screen pads on three fingers allow the wearer to answer a phone or send a text without having to take off the gloves.

In our tests, these ski gloves by MCTi seemed more like general-use winter gloves. The waterproof feature is on point, with zero water intrusion during testing and a capable grip in wet conditions. Not only that, but the insulation was less puffy than some of the other gloves we tested, which improved dexterity and flexibility for gripping and handling small items. The touch-screen fingertips worked well. Moreover, they’re available in an assortment of accent colors: gray, red, white, rose, and yellow.

Product Specs

• Type: Outdoor recreation
• Material: Polyester/polyurethane
• Touch-screen compatible: Yes

Pros

• Touch-screen compatible
• Warm, dry, and flexible in cold, wet conditions
• Moisture-wicking lining
• Fabric dries quickly

Cons

• Sizing runs small
• No removable liner

Get the MCTi waterproof gloves at Amazon, Ibspot, MCTi, or RidgeDepot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Wells Lamont Latex Waterproof Coated Gloves

Wells Lamont’s Latex Waterproof Coated Gloves have a polyester shell dipped in a double layer of nitrile latex coating—one coating for the whole hand, and the other across the palm and fingers—for maximum grip and durability. This method of waterproofing also makes them resistant to punctures and tears.

Although the gloves’ cuffs are not coated in latex and therefore are not waterproof, the cuffs are very stretchy and form a snug seal around the wrist. The gloves are not insulated, so they’re not suitable for winter use. The latex coating means the gloves don’t breathe particularly well, but their competitive price may compensate for these drawbacks.

During testing, water did not intrude these waterproof work gloves, although we were very careful not to wet them past the coated parts. The synthetic latex coating provided a textured hold that gripped better than any of the other gloves tested. The gloves offered excellent flexibility, making them easy to put on and remove, and although they are not breathable, we could turn them inside out to let the fabric dry. These gloves make an excellent low-cost choice for wet or muddy tasks in the spring, summer, or fall.

Product Specs

• Type: Spring/summer/fall work gloves
• Material: Polyester fabric with nitrile latex coating
• Touch-screen compatible: No

Pros

• Double-dipped coating with textured grip
• Flexible coating for better range of motion
• Dirt rinses off easily
• Budget-friendly price

Cons

• Only the coated portion is waterproof (not the cuff)
• Limited durability

Get Wells Lamont waterproof gloves at Amazon, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, or Theisen’s.

Best Lightweight

Ozero Autumn and Winter Gloves

Men looking for lightweight protection from the weather may want to consider Ozero’s men’s thermal gloves, which provide warmth and weather resistance without a lot of bulk. These gloves feature a water-resistant and windproof polyester construction that keeps the wearer’s hands dry and warm in inclement weather (most of the shell fabric is indeed waterproof, but the seams and touch-screen pads on two fingers are not, hence the “water-resistant” designation). This pair is a good choice for cycling, running, walking, or other outdoor pursuits.

These gloves may not be well suited to subzero temperatures, but they’re suitable for regular winter wear and have some nice features. The gloves’ thumbs and index fingers contain sensors that are touch-screen compatible, and the palms are covered in grippy silica gel pods to help users maintain a good grip on phones and other belongings. Elastic cuffs keep out the elements. These gloves fit snugly; the manufacturer suggests sizing up for a more relaxed fit.

These mid-weight lifestyle gloves are built for everyday travel and tasks in frosty weather, but not in pouring rain. Our rain simulation and immersion tests revealed numerous water entry points. Water resistance was good in our aggressive rain simulation for about a minute before leaks developed, so we believe the gloves could keep hands mostly or completely dry during an average rainstorm. They provided excellent grip for wet items. The touch-screen feature worked well, and the snug, low-profile fit allowed us to pick up a key that was lying flat on a countertop. Also note that these gloves cost less than most of the others we tested. Moreover, they are slim and flexible and easily fit into jacket pockets.

Product Specs

• Type: Fall/winter/spring casual
• Material: Polyester, polyurethane
• Touch-screen compatible: Yes

Pros

• Windproof and water-resistant
• Touch-screen capable
• Reinforced grip
• Budget-friendly price

Cons

• Not fully waterproof
• Fit a little tight in the hands but loose in the wrist
• Lining does not wick away moisture

Get the Ozero waterproof gloves on Amazon or at Walmart.

Best Leather

Youngstown FR Waterproof Leather Utility Gloves

Leather work gloves are a necessity when working near hot surfaces and sparks in addition to protecting the hands from abrasion, cuts, and punctures. Youngstown Glove Company’s FR Waterproof Leather Utility gloves incorporate both leather and Kevlar, a synthetic fabric commonly used for protection, along with a waterproof, windproof, breathable polyurethane barrier. These gloves, which have earned American National Standards Institute (ANSI) compliance for welding, provide Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-approved protection for a wide range of tasks. However, they don’t provide adequate protection for electrical work.

Youngstown’s waterproof utility work gloves delivered good waterproof and wet-grip performances in our three wet tests. Although we got the leather so thoroughly wet that the gloves became heavy, the waterproof barrier prevented water intrusion to the skin. Wet grip was not a problem. We were pleasantly surprised by the dexterity that these bulky gloves provided, thanks to their three-dimensional construction and a naturally relaxed hand posture. Overall, we would not recommend these gloves for extended use in a watery environment because those conditions would cause the leather to degrade quickly. However, those who need a sturdy and comfortable insulated glove for working in the elements may want to look at these.

Product Specs

• Type: Winter utility work gloves
• Material: Leather, Kevlar
• Touch-screen compatible: No

Pros

• Extra heavy-duty utility work glove
• Waterproof, windproof, fire-resistant, cut-resistant
• OSHA-certified work glove
• ANSI-compliant welding glove

Cons

• Premium price point
• Not as flexible as synthetic material

Get the Youngstown waterproof gloves on JB Tools or Youngstown Glove Company.

Best for Winter

Carhartt Men’s Cold Snap Insulated Work Glove

Carhartt’s Cold Snap insulated work gloves offer both cold-weather protection and long-lasting construction that’s tough enough for the jobsite. With warm insulation on the outer shell and a reinforced palm, these polyester gloves are reinforced with leather for extra durability. They’re waterproof and have a nose wipe on the thumb, making them a good choice for working in rough weather.

Cold Snap gloves feature some of Carhartt’s proprietary materials, including a FastDry lining for wicking moisture and Storm Defender waterproofing treatment. They have a thick cuff with an adjustable drawstring for improved weather protection. A small section of goatskin around the finger and thumb area provides added grip.

Our second pair of Carhartt waterproof work gloves performed nearly as well as the first. It provided excellent waterproof and wet-grip performance along with excellent dexterity, considering the lofty insulation. The polyester and leather exterior sheds water very well instead of becoming saturated and heavy. We liked the drawcord cuff on these gloves a little less than we liked the hook-and-loop strap closure on our “Best Overall” selection because the barrel-cord tightener is harder to manipulate with gloved hands. Nevertheless, pairing outstanding waterproofing, warmth, and comfort with a great look is the winning recipe for an all-around great pair of gloves.

Product Specs

• Type: Winter work
• Material: Polyester, leather trim
• Touch-screen compatible: No

Pros

• Roomy, with good dexterity
• Moisture-wicking lining
• Fast-drying materials
• Warm and waterproof

Cons

• Slightly small wrist opening
• Not touch-screen compatible

Get the Carhartt Cold Snap waterproof gloves on Amazon, Zappos, or ConstructionGear.com.

Best Touch Screen

Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Knitted Gloves

No more freezing hands when you try to take a pic or return an important text. These low-profile knitted Sealskinz gloves offer triple-layer insulated waterproof, windproof protection from the elements with touch-screen-capable fingertips and outstanding range of motion. The nylon and elastane outer layer offers excellent durability with silicone-printed grips on the palm and fingers for a secure grip. A mid-layer windproof, waterproof, breathable membrane keeps the warmth in and the elements out. The lining is made of merino wool, nylon, and elastane for added warmth and breathability.

These Sealskinz gloves offered a lot of things we really liked but a few things we didn’t. We appreciated that they were truly 100 percent waterproof, both in our simulated rain test and when immersed in water. They also offer outstanding wet-grip capability, with touch-perfect touch-screen functionality. The low-profile design, moderate amount of insulation, and superior wet performance are perfect for getting outside on those miserable raw days when it’s 30 degrees Fahrenheit with freezing rain. But we didn’t love the semi-absorbent exterior because it holds on to more than its share of water, even though the water never reached our hands. It makes these otherwise excellent gloves feel heavy and a little bit squelchy. However, these may be the best gloves when wet weather threatens.

Product Specs

• Type: Fall/winter/spring outdoor recreation
• Material: Nylon, elastane, merino wool
• Touch-screen compatible: Yes

Pros

• Close, flexible fit
• Touch-screen capable
• Midweight for 3-season use
• Dense, triple-layer construction

Cons

• Extra-long fingers
• Somewhat loose in the palm

Get the Sealskinz waterproof gloves on Amazon, The Warming Store, or Sealskinz USA.