6 Speed Skating Gloves For Cold Weather That Balance Warmth & Dexterity

You watch your child step off the ice, pulling off their helmet and shaking their hands vigorously. Their fingers are bright red and stiff, and you know that "my hands are freezing" is about to become the main topic of the car ride home. More than just a complaint, cold hands can cut a practice short and make it hard for a young skater to focus on their technique.

Choosing Gloves for Cold Weather Speed Skating

When your child first starts, it’s tempting to send them out in their puffy ski mittens. They’re warm, right? But soon you notice they can’t grip anything, and if they put a hand down on the ice, they slide awkwardly. This is the central challenge of choosing skating gloves: finding the perfect balance between warmth and dexterity.

A speed skater needs to feel the ice, especially in turns where a hand is used for balance. A bulky glove removes that connection, almost like trying to write with a crayon instead of a pencil. On the other hand, a thin liner glove might offer great feel, but it provides zero protection against the biting cold of an ice rink or a windy outdoor oval.

Your decision should be guided by your child’s specific situation. A five-year-old in a "Learn to Skate" class primarily needs to stay warm to stay happy. A 13-year-old training for short track competitions has entirely different needs, where safety and feel become paramount. The right glove is the one that removes a barrier to their learning and enjoyment.

Think about three key factors beyond just warmth: wind protection, grip, and cut resistance. Wind protection is crucial for outdoor ovals or colder indoor rinks. A good grip helps with balance and pushing off from a fall, while cut resistance is an essential safety feature for anyone skating in a group.

Bont Pro Racing Glove for All-Around Performance

You’ve made it through the first season or two. Your skater has moved beyond the basics and is now working on crossovers and maintaining a proper low stance. This is the stage where their equipment starts to either help or hinder their progress, and a generic winter glove becomes a liability.

A glove like the Bont Pro Racing model is designed for this developing athlete. It typically features a windproof material on the back of the hand to fight the chill, paired with a thin but durable palm made of synthetic leather or a similar grippy material. This combination allows them to feel the ice when they put a hand down without their fingers going numb from the cold.

This is a smart investment for the skater aged 10-14 who is committed to their club and training multiple times a week. It offers the technical features they need to advance their skills without being an overly specialized, high-end piece of gear. It’s a workhorse glove that signals a step up in their dedication to the sport.

Sealskinz All Weather Glove for Maximum Warmth

Remember those early years? When the biggest obstacle to a good practice wasn’t technique, but tears caused by icy fingers. For some kids, especially in the 5- to 9-year-old range, if they aren’t warm and comfortable, nothing else matters.

For these skaters, or for any athlete who is particularly sensitive to cold, a glove focused on maximum warmth is the answer. Brands like Sealskinz specialize in all-weather gear, often incorporating a three-layer construction with a waterproof, windproof membrane. This technology provides a powerful barrier against the elements, which is especially important during long practices on an outdoor oval.

While thicker than a racing-specific glove, the best models in this category are designed for activity, meaning they aren’t as bulky as ski gloves. Prioritizing warmth and comfort can be the single most important factor in keeping a young child engaged and excited about coming to the rink. Think of it as an investment in their long-term enjoyment of the sport.

EHS Cut-Resistant Gloves for Safety on the Ice

The moment your child starts skating in a pack is the moment your perspective on equipment shifts from comfort to safety. Whether it’s short track practice or a crowded public skate, the risk of a fall involving another skater’s blades becomes very real. This is when cut-resistant gloves become essential.

These gloves are not about warmth; they are a critical piece of protective equipment. They are made from high-performance yarns like Dyneema or Kevlar, materials engineered to resist being sliced by a sharp skate blade. The protection covers the fingers, palm, and wrist—the areas most likely to make contact with a blade during a fall.

For any skater participating in short track, this is non-negotiable safety gear. Many clubs and almost all competitions mandate their use. When choosing a pair, look for a certified cut level (like ANSI or EN388 ratings) to ensure you are getting proven protection. It’s the equivalent of a helmet for their hands.

CadoMotus Alpha-3 Gloves for a Second-Skin Fit

As a skater becomes more advanced, their relationship with the ice changes. They are no longer just trying to stay upright; they are trying to feel the texture of the surface and use it to generate speed. For this athlete, tactile feedback is everything.

A high-performance glove is designed to feel like it isn’t even there. It uses thin, durable materials and a pre-curved design that mimics the natural shape of the hand in a skating position. The focus is entirely on dexterity and grip, allowing the skater to place their hand on the ice with precision and confidence through a turn.

Be aware, this type of glove offers minimal insulation. It’s built for the competitive skater who is generating so much body heat during a workout that a warm glove would quickly become sweaty and uncomfortable. This is a specialized tool for a dedicated athlete who needs their equipment to provide a competitive edge.

Craft Hybrid Weather Glove for Cross-Training

Your speed skater is more than just a skater. They are an athlete who runs, bikes, and does dryland workouts to build strength and endurance. As a parent, you know the challenge of buying specialized gear for every single activity.

This is where a versatile, multi-sport glove shines. A hybrid or weather glove, often from a brand known for Nordic skiing or running like Craft, can be a brilliant and budget-conscious solution. These gloves typically feature a wind-resistant shell on the back of the hand and a breathable, grippy palm, making them perfect for a cold-weather run, a bike ride, or a day on the outdoor oval.

For the family with a multi-sport athlete, this is a smart way to get more value from a single purchase. It may not have the specific cut-resistance for short track or the ultra-thin feel of a pure racing glove, but it provides excellent protection for a wide range of winter training activities. It’s the practical choice for the well-rounded young athlete.

Viking Cut Proof Gloves for Classic Protection

Some brands are synonymous with a sport, and in the speed skating world, Viking is one of them. For decades, these gloves have been a common sight at rinks around the world, trusted by beginners and Olympians alike. They represent a classic, time-tested approach to protection and performance.

This style of glove typically combines a durable leather palm with a cut-resistant liner. The leather offers an excellent, long-lasting grip and a traditional feel that many skaters prefer. Paired with modern cut-proof materials, it creates a glove that is both safe and highly functional for the demands of pack skating.

This is an outstanding all-around choice for the dedicated club skater, whether they focus on short track or long track. It provides the essential safety features required for racing while being durable enough to stand up to season after season of hard training. It’s a true workhorse that balances modern protection with a classic design.

Proper Sizing and Care for Skating Gloves

You could buy the most technically advanced glove in the world, but if it doesn’t fit, it won’t work. A glove that is too large will bunch up in the palm, eliminating the dexterity your child needs. One that’s too small will be difficult to get on and can restrict blood flow, making their hands feel even colder.

Before you buy, take a moment to measure your child’s hand according to the manufacturer’s size chart. These can vary significantly between brands, so never assume a "medium" is the same everywhere. If your child is between sizes, it’s tempting to size up for growth, but avoid a fit that is so loose it compromises their grip and safety on the ice.

Finally, teach your child to care for their gear. After a sweaty practice, gloves should be taken out of the gear bag and allowed to air dry completely to prevent bacteria and odor. Following the washing instructions will not only make them last longer but will also preserve their resale or hand-me-down value for a younger sibling down the road.

Choosing the right glove isn’t about finding the most expensive or professional option. It’s about matching the gear to your child’s current stage of development. By focusing on their needs for warmth, dexterity, and safety, you can make a confident choice that keeps them comfortable, protected, and free to enjoy the feeling of gliding on the ice.