Every skier must be well prepared for the winter season. Ski gloves are a vital factor that every skier needs. When your body is cold, blood flows out of your extremities to prevent your internal organs and mind from shutting down. You need to protect your fingers and toes at all costs when skiing or snowboarding. And that’s where a good pair of leather ski gloves can come in handy.
5 reasons to invest in leather ski gloves:
- High-quality leather gloves are always impervious to wax or synthetic materials;
- Quick break-in for a few hours – they won’t stiffen up;
- Durable and tough to withstand all accidents;
- Dense enough to keep even your fingertips warm throughout the cold day;
- Touchscreen option – you’ll be able to use your smartphone without removing the gloves;
If you’ve ever wondered what the distinction is between different styles of ski gloves, or if you want to understand better the waterproofing and practical structure of a good pair of ski gloves, you’ve come to the right place.
The following guide will show you how to choose the best and safest leather ski glove. Don’t forget to check the size chart before you buy. The comparison chart can also be helpful at this point. Any gloves mentioned in the comparison chart can be an excellent option for any skier, regardless of stage. Not only do they have the quality structure required to withstand the most challenging conditions, but they also have several other valuable features that are ideal for any mountain.
Tough Outdoors Slugger Ski and Snowboard Gloves
Slugger Ski and Snowboard GloveTough Outdoors is a recognized manufacturer of outdoor sports equipment. The Slugger from Tough Outdoors is a tough, durable ski and snowboard glove. They have a wrist hanger and jacket to hold snow, and high-quality seams ensure that heat stays in, and moisture stays out. They also have a rubber washer on the outer thumbs to keep snow off the goggles.
The protective shell, faux leather layer, and overall dense construction ensure that your hands stay warm and dry when you wear these gloves for hours. They even have adjustable straps, so you don’t lose them when you’re not wearing them, a great option when you’re on a ski lift.
These gloves are recommended for snowboarding and skiing. They also make a great unisex gift for adult men and women.
Pros
- Unisex fit for adults;
- Reasonable Price;
- Cold weather ready;
- Completely waterproof thanks to the nylon outer shell; The palms are protected by synthetic leather; The back of the hand is covered with a leather lining;
- Palms are protected by synthetic leather; they are easy to care for
- Easy to care for;
- Pocket on the back of gloves to keep credit cards or IDs safe; Adjustable wrist straps and adjustable shoulder straps;
- Wrist straps are adjustable and removable ;
Cons
- Won’t do well for challenging activities like climbing;
- Seams could be better;
- Fingers inside get sweaty; Finger parts are short; Fingers are too long;
- Finger parts are short;
You can get a very high-quality pair of gloves for a small price, with all the features of a more expensive or high-tech pair. They are perfect for a budget consumer always looking for better consistency and utility.
MCTi Winter Waterproof Ski Gloves
MCTi Winter Waterproof Ski GlovesMCTi work gloves are the perfect winter gloves for cold weather. They’re compact but have all the insulation you need to make it impossible to work in freezing temperatures or spend an entire day on the mountain.
They are very dense, but they offer the dexterity you might need to drive or maneuver your gear. They’re also versatile, so you’ll enjoy them for years. The Fan-Tex TPU membrane prevents moisture from getting inside the glove.
Pros
- Lightweight – under 8.8 ounces;
- Nice gauntlet length;
- Suitable for Heavy Duty;
- 3M Thinsulate PU Leather;
- Unisex;
- True to size;
- Windproof and waterproof;
- Adjustable wrist loops;
- Curved fingers;
- Affordable;
Cons
- The touchscreen option could be better;
- Seams aren’t very strong
These MCTi Ski winter gloves are specifically designed to capture heat to keep hands warm in extremely cold conditions, such as snowfall. A pair of gloves can be a good investment for motorcycle and snowboard enthusiasts.
OZERO winter ski gloves
OZERO Mitten Windproof Winter Ski GlovesMany things to love about the design of Ozero winter ski gloves. For example, it has a 5-inch sleeve that offers extra protection against frigid temperatures. Its drawstring is sure to secure or relax your hand. The 3mm insulation inserts provide superior warmth and relaxation in cold temperatures as low as 40F.
This insulation doesn’t just make your hands unusable: you get a cowhide palm lining to maintain decent mobility on your ski poles and in various sizes.
Pros
- Extra thermal lining;
- Keeps hands warm even in extremely cold weather;
- Water-resistant;
- Long gauntlet design (5 inches extra long);
- Unisex;
- Tight fit for a variety of sizes;
- Protects against windburn;
Disadvantages
- Natural leather odor at first;
- Not fully waterproof;
This Ozero glove can be recommended for skiing, climbing, ice fishing, shoveling, daily wear in very cold weather, and all long winter outdoor activities.
Hestra Leather Fall Line short glove
Hestra Men’s Ski Fall Line Winter Cold Weather Leather GloveThe Hestra Leather Fall Line is a nice “under the sleeve” glove promising excellent quality and versatility. The lining is as easy and seamless as it gets.
They have strong dexterity and are pretty comfortable to wear with outside temperatures around 0-10F.
Pros
- Comfortable style;
- Made of cowhide leather;
- Professional design;
- Durable;
- Fiberglass Insulation;
- Has external seams for dexterity;
- Easy to put on;
Disadvantages
- Men’s Only;
- Average waterproof properties;
- Short fingers and cuffs;
Professional free-riders, ski instructors, and mountain guides may recommend these Hestra leather drop line gloves. They also have a comfortable fleece lining that helps wet hands dry easily and fit wonderfully.
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves
Hestra Army Heli Leather Ski Gloves for Cold Weather PowderThe Hestra Army Heli Gloves are a longer cuffed style for those who frequently ski in powder and need warm, rugged mountain gloves.
Multiple liner compatibility makes the Heli series extraordinarily flexible and rugged. The value is evident as soon as you put them on; the material is very soft and supple.
Pros
- G-loft insulation;
- Comfortable 5-Finger Design;
- Highest dexterity in the U.S. market;
- Good fit;
- Elastic straps with velcro closure;
- Good Insulation;
- Made of durable army goat leather; Durable;
- Breathable ;
Disadvantages
- Men’s Only;
- Requires regular maintenance;
Professional ski instructors, mountain guides, and free riders usually choose army leather ski gloves. Hestra Heli is one of the warmest leather ski gloves. It is much more expensive than other gloves in this series, but it is also much more comfortable and cooler.
Buyer’s Guide
Fit and Size
Your hand size should match the fit of your ski gloves. Some gloves are available in different sizes to accommodate different hand sizes. These available sizes are standard, meaning they are small (S), medium (M), large and extra-large (XL and XXL). If you don’t know your hand size, you should try to determine it before purchasing a pair of gloves.
Warmth and Insulation
The primary purpose of your ski gloves is to provide warmth to your fingers and hands. This insulation comes from several factors, such as the thickness of the gloves. The thickness of the gloves depends on the materials chosen for their construction. An easy way to check if gloves are warm without testing them in the snow is to analyze their look and feel.
Thinner gloves will provide less warmth, and thicker gloves will provide more – it’s that simple. As with a jacket or other sports equipment, the more material a ski glove/mittens has, the warmer it will be.
Gloves or mittens?
The most significant selling point of gloves is finger insulation. Some people prefer their fingers to be individually insulated or don’t like to touch their fingers. It’s all about having full dexterity in all five fingers for most. While it’s nearly impossible to hang on to strings while wearing mittens, gloves allow the string to move through each finger, making knots easier. With all five fingers moving, it’s infinitely easier to buckle ski boots, zip-up jackets, and pick up the ski pass that fell out of your pocket.
All the mitten lovers we’ve talked about choose these classic hand warmers for one major reason: warmth. Putting your hand together in the mitten cocoon allows your body heat to spread and warm the rest of your fingers. Plus, many skiers appreciate the convenience of not struggling with individual fingers when wearing hand warmers.
Gauntlet or underglove length?
A gauntlet-style glove runs further down your arm, adding more protection from frost and snow in your gloves. It can be especially useful for inexperienced skiers who seem to slip more often and are more likely to get snow on their hands. They provide an extra level of warmth. If the decision is made, there is no downside to using this type of glove.
How to wash leather ski gloves
We are often asked the question: how to wash my gloves? In fact, can I wash them? If so, what detergent should I use? In this review, we’ll explain what you need to pay attention to. Never wash leather gloves or gloves with leather parts.
You can use a specific cream for leather and a spray for the gloves inside. You can wash gloves without leather parts, but there are a few things to remember. Always use a specific detergent. Regular detergents can damage the coating, and they can also affect breathability and repellency. Make sure the washing machine has no detergent or fabric softener residue. We recommend running the empty washer on one cycle first so you know the inside is clean.
You can wash your gloves or use the machine, but place them in the mesh bag first. Do not turn them inside out. Wash them at 30 degrees maximum and on the gentle cycle. Once washed, hang them with your fingertips or place them upright on a tower and dryer to dry. This way, water doesn’t collect on the inside of your fingers. If you regularly wash a glass, you should also re-soak them.
Conclusion
I hope this guide can be useful to amateurs, athletes, and instructors who need top-of-the-line leather ski gloves. A good pair can last you many years. If you want to recommend your favorite brand and model of genuine leather ski gloves, leave your thoughts in the comments.