How to choose gloves for cross-country skiing

Choose your cross-country ski gloves with regard to the expected intensity of your sporting activity and the weather in which you intend to play the sport. Select the cut, design and degree of insulation of the gloves accordingly. However, do not forget to take into account other important details such as the quality of the palm, the connection system with ski poles (Leki Trigger), the presence of a microfibre insert for wiping ski goggles, or the ability to operate the touchscreen display of a phone in the gloves. The key, of course, is to choose the right glove size.

If you don't know what to do even then, remember that we're not just an e-shop. We will be happy to welcome you directly in our brick-and-mortar store, where our ski specialists will help you choose the right model of cross-country gloves.

Design, cut and insulation

Cross-country gloves are made as finger gloves, mittens or special so-called claws or three-finger gloves, which have a separate thumb, index finger and the other three fingers. In general in terms of insulation, mittens are the best and finger gloves the worst. Claws are somewhere between these two fits. Cross-country mittens used to have a thinner finger glove inside, which does improve the grip capabilities.

The degree of insulation of gloves is of course also influenced by the weight and type of thermal insulation material used. The best thermal insulation properties while maintaining low volume and weight are currently provided by modern man-made fibres Thinsulate and Primaloft.

- PrimaLoft is breathable, waterproof and quick drying. Its properties are similar to the finest down.

- Thinsulate has up to twice the warmth of duck down and also resists water better.

Choose the level of insulation and the design according to the expected weather and outside temperature and, of course, the level of physical activity. Racers who require a perfect grip with a feel for the sticks and bounce will definitely reach for thin gloves that will last for the duration of the race.

The recreational cross-country skier on a day trip should opt for a warmer version of cross-country gloves. The ideal then, of course, is to be equipped with two pairs of gloves with different levels of insulation, or even different designs, such as finger gloves and mittens.

Waterproof, windproof and breathable

As water and wind can significantly impair the sensation of cold, it is very important that running gloves are:

• waterproof,
• windproof
• breathable.

Waterproofing and breathability are ensured by a membrane or special coating. The membrane is more expensive, but its properties do not deteriorate with time, unlike the cheaper coating. Also, breathability is always at a higher level with membrane gloves.

Wind protection is then provided by special windstopper membranes.

Palm part

The quality of the palm, which is extremely stressed in the case of running gloves during individual bounces, significantly affects your comfort and the durability of the gloves. Therefore, pay special attention to it when choosing your glove.

Leki Trigger System

If you have ski poles with the Leki Trigger system, it is advisable to reach for gloves that have a special loop between the thumb and index finger for attaching ski poles.

With the Trigger system, there is no risk of losing your poles, for example, if you get stuck in deeper snow, and the Trigger has a safety function - in case of a really strong jerk - for example, if you fall - the gloves are released from the poles. This often prevents injuries to the hand.

Other functional details

Cross-country ski gloves can offer you a whole host of other practical details that you'll appreciate on the trail.

These might include a practical cuff to prevent snow from entering the glove, a drawstring at the wrist area, or a microfibre insert on the back of the glove for wiping goggles.

Nowadays, it's definitely a pleasure if the gloves allow you to control the touch screen of your phone.

The use of stretch materials such as Spandex adds to the comfort of the gloves when wearing them, as well as when putting them on and taking them off. The ergonomically pre-shaped fingers, which you will find on luxury models, also add to the feel of the grip.

Choosing the right size

Of course, the comfort and functionality of gloves depends on the right size. The gloves should fit snugly on the hand, but should not press or restrict finger movement (mittens will, of course, restrict the fingers somewhat). The gloves should not fall off when you shake your hands, and the palm should not bulge from excess fabric when you wiggle your fingers.

Manufacturers usually specify the glove size as the circumference of the widest point of the palm. Our tables for each product will help you choose the appropriate size.