When it’s cold outside the last thing you probably feel like doing is moving from your place beside the fire, but sometimes there’s no choice. However, we’re here to save you from the peril of freezing cold hands and numb thumbs. We said thumbs…these are gloves we’re talking about, not pants.

If you’ve always made do with a cheap pair from the dollar-store you won’t have had the opportunity to appreciate the difference a decent pair of gloves can make. A high-quality glove won’t end up wet and soggy within a matter of seconds and will keep your fingers feeling toasty even when you’re surrounded by snow.

There are lots of reasons to brave icy temperatures, such as working in construction or in freezers and other cold conditions. Cold weather can be fun too though – the joy of flinging a snowball at an unsuspecting friend is hard to beat! Whether you’re preparing for cold weather to arrive in your state or you’re jetting off on a skiing vacation in the Rockies, a pair of good gloves is an essential every man should have.

If gloves aren’t something you’ve ever considered, you might find the market a bit of a minefield with all kinds of designs and features clamoring for attention. Never fear, as always Mens Gear is here to help you narrow down the field. We’ve put together a list of the top 12 winter gloves plus a few helpful pointers on gloves in general too.

TOP WINTER GLOVES FOR MEN 

1Carhartt Waterproof Men’s W.P Insulated Black Gloves

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We’re kicking off the list with a magnificent pair of gloves from Carhartt which have an impressive array of features. Starting with the outside you’ll find a tough polyurethane exterior which is coupled with a waterproof lining and a soft, 100% polyester lining. This lining includes special FastDry technology which has been designed to wick away sweat. There’s not much worse than a pair of sweaty hands stuck inside of a pair of heavy gloves so this is a feature which we’re giving the thumbs up.

These gloves are fairly warm but they’re pretty bulky too. This means although they’re fine for hiking, they don’t make fine handling movements particularly easy. The fleece cuff provides a comfortable fit, preventing unwanted breezes while a loop cuff clip ensures the gloves are snug.

There’s one extra feature we haven’t mentioned until now – the nose-wipe. Yes, you heard that right. We’ve all been there though… hands all gloved up, runny nose, what’s a guy to do? Trying to prevent a long line of snot covering your face isn’t easy. Enter the nose-wipe. This is a strip of material on the thumb that acts just like a tissue and will step in on those awkward occasions. The jury’s still out on whether we think this is a genius or revolting invention but we can’t deny that it’s clever.

Pros

  • checkSmart nose-wipe feature
  • checkSnug cuff and clip fit
  • checkAvailable from small to XXL
  • checkBreathable fabric that wicks away sweat

Cons

  • cross-altFine motor movements are difficult
  • cross-altNot as warm as other brands

Specs

  • Brand Carhartt
  • Main material Polyurethane exterior, polyester lining
  • Color Black
2

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If you’re wrestling with the dilemma of being able to use your iPhone and the desire to keep your hands warm, worry no more! Timberland has the solution with these nifty knit gloves that come with touchscreen technology. While the gloves look just like a regular pair of knit gloves, if you peer more closely at the fingertips you’ll see some clever patches. These allow accurate operation of your iPhone without exposing the rest of your hand to freezing temperatures.

Aside from the touchscreen fingertips, the rest of the glove is stylish – as you might expect from a prestigious brand such as Timberland. Made from a charcoal knit, it’s warm and snug with a textured palm which provides excellent grip. The only slight gripe is that there’s no way to adjust the size of the cuff and without any ribbing, it doesn’t always fit close to your wrist. However, the finger and palm fit beautifully and it’s a small grumble about what is otherwise a cleverly-designed set of gloves.

Pros

  • checkFingertip touchscreen technology
  • checkExtra grip on palm
  • checkComfortable knit fabric
  • checkStylish appearance

Cons

  • cross-altNo way to adjust cuff
  • cross-altRestricted range of sizes

Specs

  • Brand Timberland
  • Main material Polyester 63%/Wool 23%
  • Color Charcoal
3Wells Lamont 7760L Insulated Black Winter Gloves

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Well, it turns out that it’s not just Timberland who offer touchscreen technology as here come Wells Lamont offering exactly the same feature! However, these gloves are very different from the Timberland style and are designed to provide far more warmth in colder weather while still offering the touchscreen function. It’s just the thumb and the first finger which provide this facility but let’s face it, that’s all you’re going to need whether you’re WhatsApping the guys or scrolling through Twitter.

These gloves are ideal for keeping your hands warm while you’re working, and are suitable for a range of activities. DIY projects, landscaping, construction and using power tools are all possible with these winter gloves, and they’re perfect for wear in cold working environments too. With a Spandex back for stretch and a synthetic leather palm, these gloves have an 80g Thinsulate fleece lining so you’re almost guaranteed to stay warm.

As these gloves are intended for active use, the fit is snug and you won’t find oodles of fabric slopping around. This not only helps the touchscreen function but also makes it easy to use your hands as normal. A strap around the wrist allows you to adjust the cuff size as well as securing the gloves firmly in position. They’re only available in Large to XXL so if you’re a dude with small hands you’re out of luck.

Pros

  • checkTouchscreen technology
  • checkWarm fleece Thinsulate lining
  • checkGood fit all over
  • checkSnug wrist strap

Cons

  • cross-altLimited range of sizes
  • cross-altNeed to press hard for touchscreen functions to work

Specs

  • Brand Wells Lamont
  • Main material Synthetic leather and Spandex
  • Color Black
4

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Do you struggle with your armor chafing your hands? Do your fingers get cold when you strap on your suit of armor? The good news for all knights is that Under Armour have created a line of gloves just for you. In case you’re not a knight and just a regular guy, never fear – you can wear these gloves too. A lightweight but surprisingly snug pair of gloves, these can either be worn as a liner under heavier gloves or on their own when you just need a bit of extra warmth.

Although this pair is gray, these gloves are also available in black, dark green and a navy blue so if you’re wearing them on their own, there’s a pleasing array of colors. No-one says you can’t color-match if you’re wearing them as a liner too so if you like everything to coordinate, Under Armour offer the perfect option. These gloves are made from polyester and Elastane so not only will you find them lightweight, they’ve also got a great stretch. This helps them to mold to the shape of your hand snugly, delivering a flawless fit.

Under Armour are a brand that specializes in sportswear, and while it’s true athletes wear these gloves they’re also suitable for a range of other uses too. Whether you need sun protection for sensitive skin, extra warmth for hands that are always cold or as an extra layer in freezing conditions, these gloves do the job. Just like our previous two entries, if you wear them on their own they offer touchscreen technology on the fingertips while the breathable fabric helps to repel rain and snow. As an extra layer they provide a soft lining and smooth exterior for comfort without your hands feeling sweaty.

Pros

  • checkVersatile enough to be worn solo or layered up
  • checkTouchscreen technology
  • checkStretchy design for comfort
  • checkRibbed cuffs for snug wrist fit

Cons

  • cross-altProminent logo won’t be liked by all
  • cross-altWon’t keep your hands warm in very cold weather

Specs

  • Brand Under Armour
  • Main material 87% polyester
  • Color Graphite Gray
5Mountain Made Multi-Purpose Outdoor Gloves

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Mountain Made specialize in designing sportswear which combines warmth and performance and with this pair of multi-purpose outdoor gloves, we think they’ve hit the mark. Warm and snug on our hands, they’ve also got a touch of Spandex and a dab of PVC rubber to provide stretch and grip. You’ll particularly notice this on the palms which provide great dexterity without diminishing sensation, with a multi-directional stretch. This allows you to wear these gloves while enjoying a range of activities including cycling, riding, driving and shooting, as well as also being suitable for general everyday use.

These are another pair of gloves which offer touchscreen technology – we’re beginning to think it’s everywhere now! – but they’re also lightweight and easy to wear. Heat-preserving technology helps to keep your hands warm while an anti-bacterial treatment ensures they never get stinky. If you decide to give them a swift wash the absorbent lining is quick-drying which also helps to keep odors away.

The unusual vertically-placed zip on the top of the gloves is one of the most striking features but it’s not just there to look good. Although it makes the gloves look smart yet sporty, the strong zipper helps to hold your gloves firmly in position and ensures a snug fit. Mountain Made provide a variety of dimensions for each size including finger length and palm circumference so you can check before ordering, which is handy. However, it’s worth knowing that the gloves tend to come up very snug so if in doubt, you might want to size up.

Pros

  • checkSoft finish for comfort
  • checkGreat palm grip
  • checkExcellent manual dexterity
  • checkFingertip touchscreen technology

Cons

  • cross-altNot designed for very cold temperatures
  • cross-altSizing can be tight

Specs

  • Brand Mountain Made
  • Main material 88% polyester
  • Color Black
6Carhartt Cold Weather Insulated Men’s Work Gloves

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Carhartt are back again with another pair of gloves which will keep the cold out. With a polyester shell, these gauntlet-style gloves protect the hand and the wrist from the worst of the weather. Well-insulated and padded, the gloves are thick and insulated to provide a soft and comfortable fit while keeping hands and fingers warm when the temperatures plunge.

These gloves are intended to be multi-purpose so whether you’re shoveling snow, hiking in chilly temperatures or working in cold conditions, your hands will stay snug. Unlike some other designs, your hands won’t overheat thanks to the Fast Dry technology on the lining which wicks away any moisture and sweat. The exterior of the gloves is made from a combination of wear-resistant goatskin leather and polyester, providing durability and excellent grip. The controversial nose-wipe feature also makes a return – love it or hate it, you can’t deny it’s useful!

The wrists on these gloves are wide so they’re simple to slip on, no matter what you’re wearing. You won’t have to put up with any gaping though as they also feature a barrel-lock cinching closure. This enables you to pull the wrist as tightly closed as you like, keeping out any chilly air. Some reviewers said that the insulation at the tips of the fingers could be better but even so, it took a considerable length of time for any cold to start to creep in. With these gloves, there’s no excuse not to get out on the drive and start clearing away the snow!

Pros

  • checkNose-wipe feature
  • checkExcellent grip on palms
  • checkWrist-cinching closure
  • checkMoisture-wicking lining
  • checkComfortable gauntlet-style

Cons

  • cross-altMore expensive than some other gloves
  • cross-altFingertip insulation could be better

Specs

  • Brand Carhartt
  • Main material Polyester shell
  • Color Black
7

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If ever there were a pair of gloves to make you look twice, this design from Metog fits the bill. Are they fingerless? Or perhaps they’re mittens? They can’t seem to make up their mind. That’s OK by us as we think it’s pretty handy – excuse the pun! – to have a pair of gloves that ticks both boxes. Whether you’re planning on wiping out the opposition in a no-holds-barred snowball fight or just working in the yard, you can pick the style of glove you prefer.

Let’s start with the fingerless design. We love fingerless gloves as they keep our hands warm without taking away any of the manual dexterity. If you’ve ever tried a spot of DIY wearing big gloves, you’ll know exactly what we mean – trying to hold a nail wearing big gauntlets is a task we dare anyone to try! With fingerless gloves you can do all the fiddly work you need and of course, there’s no problem fitting in a bit of downtime with your phone either. No pesky glove fingers getting in the way!

Sadly, as much as we love our fingerless gloves, quite often they’re just not warm enough. While we love the convenience we’re also quite keen on avoiding frostbite in our fingertips too. When the temperatures plunge, or when you start to lose feeling in your fingers, it’s time to wrap those babies up by flapping over the mitten attachment. Your fingers will instantly bask in the warmth that only a mitten can bring. Have you ever tried doing up buttons with cold fingers? Our friends at Metog understand so they’ve opted for a Velcro attachment instead. Phew.

Aside from the funky fingerless/mitten carousel, there are some other great features on these gloves too. Inside you’ll discover a cozy Thinsulate lining that feels soft to the touch and adds real warmth. The design of the gloves is striking as a deer-leather palm complements the wool tweed. This isn’t just for good looks however as the leather is breathable and wear-resistant and offers great adhesion, providing an excellent grip. An elastic cuff completes the design, keeping out gusts of air and nasty cold breezes. Brrrrr!

Pros

  • checkGood value for money
  • checkClever convertible design
  • checkWarm Thinsulate lining
  • checkPalm leather offers great grip

Cons

  • cross-altWool exterior can leave gaps
  • cross-altSizing can be variable

Specs

  • Brand Metog
  • Main material 50% polyester/50% wool exterior
  • Color Brown Tweed
8

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If you love gadgets but you don’t like having cold hands, North Face have a solution that’s been tailor-made for you – their Etip Gloves. Designed as a winter glove the Etip is surprisingly sleek, not bulky like some of the others on our list. When you discover that it’s been designed with the use of smart-phones and other tech in mind, it all becomes clear. The slimline style allows you to retain full manual dexterity while still providing protection from the worst of the weather.

You’ll notice instantly that the gloves have an area of raised silicon bumps around the thumb and forefinger area. The reason for this is twofold – it helps you to grip your phone without dropping it, and also makes it easier to use your device accurately. Here at Mens Gear we know only too well the pain of fumbling with your phone in big gloves so we send our heartfelt thanks to the inventors over at North Face! Of course, these grippy areas also help you to hold onto ski-poles or ice-axes too.

However, there’s more to these gloves than just a few rubber bumps. A four-way stretch ensures that you’ll get a snug fit that’s comfortable too, also helped by what North Face call Radiametric Articulation™. We hadn’t heard of it either – it just means that your hands are held in a relaxed, natural position. Inside the gloves special Heatseeker™ insulation will keep those fingers toasty while on the outside a soft shell keeps out the wind and rain. Although not as chunky as some other gloves, the Etip are very warm but if you’re heading off to somewhere that’s really cold, they’re also suitable for layering up with a bulkier glove on top.

Pros

  • checkClever five-finger touchscreen compatibility
  • checkInsulated lining
  • checkProtective exterior
  • checkCuff tab for easy removal
  • checkSilicon grip area

Cons

  • cross-altMore expensive than other gloves
  • cross-altMay not be warm enough in freezing temperatures

Specs

  • Brand North Face
  • Main material Stretch fleece
  • Color Black
9Columbia Long Gauntlet Catalyst Winter Glove

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If you’re planning on heading off to the ski slopes, you’ll want to pack this pair of winter gloves along with your salopettes. Ideal for keeping your hands and fingers in full working order during sub-zero temperatures, these gloves are a long gauntlet-style that won’t leave any breezy gaps. Made from a polyester and Elastane shell with a berber fleece lining, these gloves feature Columbia’s special Omni-Heat™ technology to keep you feeling warm.

These gloves have been created to cope with the very worst of weather conditions, together with freezing temperatures and they do a great job of protecting your hands. A pre-curved fit makes them comfortable to wear while a breathable construction means you won’t end up unpleasantly sweaty. Waterproof and with a thermal reflective design, with these gloves you can face the worst of what the mountain has to offer. Sadly the gloves won’t improve your skiing or snowboarding techniques – they’re not that clever!

Pros

  • checkLong gauntlet-style for maximum protection
  • checkWarm and insulated design
  • checkOmni-Heat™ technology
  • checkWaterproof and windproof

Cons

  • cross-altLarge and bulky
  • cross-altMore expensive than other gloves

Specs

  • Brand Columbia
  • Main material 90% polyester
  • Color Black/light gray
10Under Armour Survivor Fleece Men’s Gloves

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Our favorite non-knights in shining armor are back again with another pair of freaking awesome gloves. Part of their ColdGear range, these gloves are designed to be worn when the weather is really cold – in contrast to their AllSeason Gear for weather that’s in between. Beautifully slimline, you won’t feel like you’re holding a haystack at the end of each arm but you’ll still stay nice and cozy. This is thanks to the thermo-conductive coating on the fleece lining that retains all the heat you need.

On the outside there are some nifty touches too such as the AirVent panel which sits over the knuckles, increasing the stretch and ventilation as well as making the gloves more durable. The suede panel on the palm adds extra grip while the extended cuff provides greater protection. The gadget-lovers are well looked-after again here as there’s Tech Touch print on the fingers and thumb which allow phones and tablets to be used without exposing your digits to the cold. That’s what we call a true digital design! Groan…

Pros

  • checkTouchscreen compatibility on fingertips
  • checkFleece lining
  • checkLightweight design
  • checkHigh-grip palm

Cons

  • cross-altWrist cuff could be fitted more closely
  • cross-altMay need to be layered up in colder weather

Specs

  • Brand Under Armour
  • Main material 100% polyester
  • Color Black/graphite
11North Face Denali Etip Men’s Gloves

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For our penultimate entry, North Face are back with a variant on the previous design – this time they’re bringing the Denali Etip. A synthetic glove that’s made from a combination of materials, the Denali Tip offers both comfort and functionality. Fleece provides a warm and comforting fit while over the knuckles and backs of the fingers there are nylon panels which increase durability and toughness. A five-dimensional fit ensures that the sizing is consistent and the gloves feel good once they’re on your hands.

Just like the other Etip design, North Face have included tech for gadget-lovers on the exterior of these gloves. A UR-powered palm and five-finger touchscreen compatibility mean you can use your phone or tablet without taking the glove off. The synthetic grip on the palm will help you to hang on to your device without dropping it, as well as being useful for holding onto ski-poles and other sports equipment.

Pros

  • checkWarm fleece material
  • checkFive-dimensional fit
  • checkTouchscreen compatibility
  • checkPalm grip

Cons

  • cross-altMay not be as warm as other gloves
  • cross-altCuff isn’t fitted snugly

Specs

  • Brand North Face
  • Main material Fleece
  • Color Black
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The last entry on our list is a soft and snug pair of gloves from Columbia again. Made from polyester, these soft-shell gloves are lightweight and comfortable to the touch. Just one glance and you’ll start to feel your fingers flexing with excitement at the chance to slide into such a cozy-looking glove! We’ll be honest, these aren’t the biggest, warmest or most extensive gloves you’ll ever find but when the weather is cold but not sub-zero, these are perfect.

Despite the soft style, the exterior of these gloves repels water even if they aren’t completely waterproof. However, the wind will be kept out very well and your hands will feel well-protected. The elastic wrist and Omni-Shield™ technology help to provide maximum resistance to the cold. There’s added extras too as these gloves offer touchscreen compatibility for the thumb and first finger.

Pros

  • checkTouchscreen compatibility
  • checkSoft and lightweight
  • checkComfortable to wear
  • checkWrist elastic

Cons

  • cross-altMore expensive than other gloves
  • cross-altWater-resistant rather than waterproof

Specs

  • Brand Columbia
  • Main material Polyester
  • Color Black

BUYING GUIDE & FAQ’S

What are the main things to consider when buying winter gloves?

 Buying winter gloves means balancing up several factors including the way the gloves feel, their appearance and the various qualities that you need.  Winter gloves need to protect your hands while still feeling comfortable – but exactly what things should you be considering?

Dexterity

If you’re planning on hurtling down a ski slope you probably don’t need to worry too much about whether your gloves are too bulky for fine motor tasks. However, if you need gloves to keep your hands warm while you work outside, dexterity and the ability to carry out fine motor activities will be a big consideration. Some gloves which are very warm are bulky too, so choose a design that offers the dexterity you need for your planned use.

Insulation

Winter gloves are made from many different materials and have differing degrees of insulation and linings. Mittens will tend to be warmer than gloves naturally, the type of insulation used in the glove can also be very significant. Polyester gloves coupled with a fleece lining tend to be among the most practical and warm gloves around.

Size

We’re not talking about the size of the fingers here, but how far the gloves extend down your arm. In general, winter gloves tend to be longer because simply stopping abruptly at the wrist would expose bare skin – that’s making us cold just thinking about it! If you’re going to be in extremely cold conditions or carrying out an activity which involves lots of moving around, consider getting gauntlet-style gloves. These extend down the arm and make sure that no bare skin is left exposed to the elements.

What’s the difference between winter gloves and regular gloves?

 If you’ve already got a pair of gloves in your closet, you might be wondering whether there’s any point in purchasing an extra pair just for winter. Surely one pair of gloves is as good as another, right? Wrong. Winter gloves do more than just cover your hands – as you can see from the question above, there’s a long list of features that they might include.

In their most basic form, gloves simply cover the hand and it’s entirely possible that you might need gloves during the summer too. Whether it’s for added grip, to protect your skin from the sun or keep out a light breeze, it’s not just during the winter months that you might want to whip out your handwear. As you might expect though, the type of gloves that you might wear in the summer would be very different from a pair of winter gloves.

Regular gloves may just offer minimal protection but winter gloves go above and beyond. They insulate against the cold, offer warmth and are usually padded to provide an extra degree of protection. On the outside, winter gloves have to be waterproof as well as being resistant to the wind too. There’s no point wearing a pair of gloves in the snow, only for them to be dripping wet within a matter of minutes!

What are the main materials used in winter gloves?

 Although it might sound easy, this is an almost impossible question to answer due to the vast array of gloves on the market today. Cast your eyes over our list below and you’ll soon see that there’s a wide variety of materials used in the manufacture of winter gloves. All of the materials have different qualities, and different price-points too. The gloves you choose will depend on your budget, as well as the intended use for your gloves.

Some of the most common materials used include:

  • Extremely durable and long-lasting, leather is a premium material that’s tough and strong.
  • Wool blend. Wool or knit gloves provide a lightweight and soft glove that’s easy to wear and economical too. A classic material, they’re often used with other materials to provide better insulation and waterproofing.
  • Deerskin leather. A very specific type of leather often used for gloves, deerskin leather is soft to the touch as well as being excellent at keeping the cold out. Deerskin is very comfortable and often used to accent other materials within a glove.
  • Polar fleece. A great alternative to leather, fleece is snug and warm and will give cold hands a real treat. Often used as a lining for gloves, when used on its own the gloves tend to be lighter in weight but surprisingly warm.
  • A type of material which isn’t just breathable and resists moisture, it’s also warm, comfortable and machine-washable too. It’s designed to trap air more effectively than other materials, boosting its warmth and insulation. Often paired with a polyester or synthetic exterior, Thinsulate is a material to look out for.
  • Although it’s not a natural fiber, polyester is an excellent choice for winter gloves because of its ability to repel water and keep wind out. Lightweight and economical, polyester exteriors are often paired with cozy linings to create gloves which are as comfortable as they are practical.

How to wash and dry winter gloves

 If you want to make sure your winter gloves stay in prime condition, you’ll need to take good care of them. This means giving them a wash and dry from time to time. This isn’t as easy as it sounds as winter gloves are made from a variety of different materials so you’ll need to check the instructions closely to make sure they stay looking as good as new.

Although you should always go with what the instructions tell you, we can give you a few hints on the best ways to wash some of the most common materials:

  • Saddle-soap or other oil-based soaps can be used to clean the exterior of leather gloves. Use a microfiber cloth to polish them up once they’re dry and you’ll be impressed at how good they look.
  • Hand-wash the gloves gently in cool or warm water – you can use a small amount of dish soap. Don’t be tempted to wring out your gloves or stretch them as you’ll very easily pull them out of shape. Place the gloves flat and leave them to dry.
  • Cotton blends. Use a washing machine on the cool cycle – do not tumble-dry.
  • Waterproof polyester gloves. Use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on the exterior – spray liberally all over. On the inside, baking soda can help to eliminate any unwanted odors.
  • Suede or specialist materials. Either rub with a damp cloth or if permitted, take to a dry cleaner.

Now you’re up to speed in what to look for in your perfect winter gloves, we think it’s time we introduced you to a few pairs. Without further delay, here’s the Mens Gear list of what we think are the top 12 winter gloves for men in 2018.

Time to fall in glove!

 Well, that’s about it – our list of 12 top winter gloves has come and gone and it’s time for you to choose the glove you want to love. Whether you just want to stay warm while you’re at work and for when the time comes for shoveling snow, or whether you have a winter vacation planned, these gloves will do the trick. We think there are a great range of styles and options so whatever you want, there’s a glove to suit your budget and needs.

From long gauntlet gloves to snug fleece designs, we’re big fans of all these winter glove styles. If only there was a glove that could actually shovel the snow too without us having to lift a finger, our life would be complete…