6 Best Figure Skating Gloves For Cold Rinks That Balance Warmth & Grip

You drop your skater off at the rink, and ten minutes into practice, they’re at the boards, pulling off their fuzzy winter mittens. They complain their hands are still cold, or that they can’t "feel the ice" when they push themselves up after a fall. This tiny moment highlights a common challenge: finding gloves that are warm enough for a cold rink but thin enough for a young skater to actually use their hands. It’s a small piece of gear, but the right pair can make a huge difference in your child’s comfort, confidence, and focus on the ice.

Why Grip and Warmth Matter for Young Skaters

For our youngest skaters, especially those in the 5-to-8-year-old range, comfort is everything. Cold hands are distracting and painful, and they can be the reason a lesson ends in tears instead of smiles. The primary job of any glove is to keep those little fingers from freezing, allowing your child to focus on their balance and basic skills without the nagging discomfort of the cold.

But warmth alone isn’t enough. As skaters learn to march, glide, and inevitably fall, they need to be able to push themselves back up. Bulky snow mittens slide right across the ice, making this simple act frustrating and difficult. Figure skating gloves have built-in grip on the palms, usually in the form of tiny silicone dots, which gives them the traction they need to stand up safely and confidently.

This combination is what makes skating-specific gloves a smart investment. They solve the core problem of providing warmth without sacrificing the function a skater needs. This isn’t just about performance; it’s about removing a barrier to learning and building your child’s independence on the ice.

Edea Skating Gloves for a Technical Feel

You may have seen the Edea brand on the boots of more advanced skaters. Their gloves follow the same philosophy of precision and technical function. These are not the warmest gloves on the list, but they offer an exceptional "feel" for the ice.

Made from a thin, high-tech fabric, Edea gloves fit like a second skin. This allows a skater to be more aware of their hand and arm placement, which becomes increasingly important as they move beyond basic skills and into spins, jumps, and choreographed programs. The grip is subtle but effective, providing traction without any bulk.

Consider these for skaters who are becoming more serious about their sport, typically around ages 9 to 13, and are working with a coach on the finer points of their posture and lines. They are an excellent choice for competitions or test sessions where every detail matters, but they might not be the best pick for a child who gets cold easily during a long, chilly practice.

Mondor Fleece-Lined Gloves for Extra Warmth

Now, let’s talk about the opposite end of the spectrum: the rink that feels like a polar vortex. If your child is constantly complaining about cold hands, or if they’re just starting out in a "Learn to Skate" program, Mondor’s fleece-lined gloves are a fantastic solution.

As a brand known for comfortable and durable skating apparel, Mondor prioritizes warmth in these gloves. The soft fleece lining provides excellent insulation, keeping fingers toasty and morale high. This makes them perfect for younger skaters (ages 5-9) who may spend more time sitting on or near the ice as they learn.

While thicker than a technical glove, they still feature a grippy palm for safe push-ups and a good fit that doesn’t feel clumsy. Think of these as the perfect first "real" pair of skating gloves. They provide the warmth of a winter mitten with the essential grip of athletic equipment, making them a practical and comforting choice for beginners.

Chloe Noel Crystal Gloves for Style and Grip

Sometimes, a little bit of sparkle is all it takes to ignite a passion. If your skater loves the performance aspect of the sport—the costumes, the music, the expression—then Chloe Noel’s crystal-adorned gloves can be a huge motivator. They beautifully blend function with the flair that makes skating so magical for many kids.

Underneath the shimmer, these are solid, well-made skating gloves. They offer a reliable balance of warmth and grip, putting them on par with other standard options. The palm is covered in the necessary silicone dots for traction, so you aren’t sacrificing safety for style.

This is a wonderful choice for a skater who is developing their on-ice personality, often in the 7-to-11 age range. Getting a pair can be a great reward for passing a new level or preparing for their first exhibition. It’s a way to validate their interest and let them express themselves while still providing them with the proper equipment they need to succeed.

Jackson Ultima Gloves: A Reliable All-Rounder

Many skaters take their first glides in a pair of Jackson boots, and for good reason. The brand is a cornerstone of the skating world, known for producing reliable, high-quality equipment for every level. Their gloves are no different, offering a fantastic balance of all the essential features without any unnecessary frills.

Jackson gloves are the workhorses of the rink. They provide good warmth, excellent grip, and a durable construction that can stand up to frequent practices. They aren’t the absolute warmest or the most high-tech, but they deliver consistent, dependable performance for a wide range of skaters.

This is the go-to glove for the dedicated skater in the intermediate stages. If your child is on the ice two or more times a week and is progressing steadily, this is a smart, no-fuss investment. They are built to last, making them a great candidate for sibling hand-me-downs or for resale at your club’s annual swap.

Riedell Polar Fleece Gloves for Cold Rinks

If your primary battle is against a consistently frigid rink, Riedell’s polar fleece gloves are a top contender. While some gloves have a fleece lining, these are often constructed entirely from thick, insulating polar fleece, making them one of the warmest options available.

These gloves prioritize thermal comfort above all else. The soft, plush material traps heat effectively, making them ideal for long practice sessions where the cold can really set in. The grip is typically a solid patch of suede or silicone on the palm, providing a large surface area for pushing up from the ice.

Because of their thickness, they offer less technical feel than a brand like Edea. This makes them best suited for foundational skill-building in very cold environments. For the young skater who is just trying to stay warm enough to master their swizzles and one-foot glides, the comfort and insulation these gloves provide can be the key to a productive lesson.

CRS Cross Gel-Palm Gloves for Secure Grips

As your skater’s skills advance, their equipment needs may become more specific. For those entering the world of pairs, ice dance, or synchronized skating, the security of their grip becomes a critical safety component. This is where a specialized glove, like one with a gel palm, comes into play.

CRS Cross and other similar brands offer gloves with a tacky, gel-based palm pattern. This provides a significantly stronger and more secure grip than standard silicone dots. When a skater needs to hold onto a partner’s hand through a lift or a blade during a pairs spin, this enhanced traction provides an essential layer of confidence and safety.

This is not a glove for a beginner. It is a specific tool for an intermediate or advanced skater whose discipline demands it. If your child’s coach mentions the need for a better grip for pairs or synchro elements, this is the type of glove they are referring to. It’s an investment in safety as their skills reach a new level.

Sizing and Care for Your Skater’s New Gloves

Once you’ve chosen a style, getting the right fit is the most important step. Gloves that are too big will bunch up, rendering the grip useless and frustrating your skater. If they are too tight, they can restrict circulation and actually make hands feel colder. Always measure your child’s hand and consult the specific brand’s sizing chart, as a "Child Medium" can vary significantly from one company to the next.

Remember that these are athletic equipment, not just winter wear. To make them last, wash them on a gentle, cold cycle and always let them air dry. High heat from a dryer can damage the grip dots and cause the fabric to lose its shape. Having two pairs to rotate is a great strategy, ensuring one is always clean, dry, and ready for the next practice.

Finally, yes, your child will eventually outgrow them. But unlike cheap winter mittens, quality skating gloves hold their value. A well-cared-for pair can easily be sold at a club consignment sale or passed down to a younger sibling or fellow skater, making the initial investment a much more practical decision in the long run.

Ultimately, choosing the right gloves is about removing a small obstacle so your child can focus on the joy of skating. It’s not about the brand name or the price tag, but about finding the pair that keeps your skater warm, safe, and confident on the ice. By matching the glove to their current needs and the environment they skate in, you’re giving them a small but powerful tool to help them succeed.