The wintery months bring shorter days, stronger winds, and colder waters, so getting out on the water becomes less frequent and there is more pressure on getting a good session in. 

No one wants to sacrifice a session from not being able to feel your fingers, but you definitely don't want to end up with cramps because your gloves are too thick to have any good grip or control of your wing.

So, what are the best gloves for wing foiling?

Before picking gloves, know what you’re trying to balance:

Warmth: Thicker neoprene (3–5mm) traps more heat but reduces feel.

Dexterity: Thin gloves (1–2mm) improve control but sacrifice insulation.

Grip: Smooth-skin or patterned palms help you hold the wing handle securely.

Fit: A snug fit prevents water flushing and fatigue.

The best for dexterity - 

1.5mm O'Neill Psycho Gloves

These gloves are perfect when you want ultimate grip and a long session without cramping in the water. They are thinner at 1.5mm so beware that you will feel some cold, but if you are going out in milder conditions and want to maintain the grippy feel then these are a great windproofing protection as they have a superb 'tacky grip' on the palm.

Using Technobutter 3 neoprene material, these gloves are super easy to get on and not restrictive, the seams are welded (or fluid‐seam welded) and entry cuffs have O-Ring seals or wrist seals to reduce water flushing and cold intrusion. Plus, they have the O'Neill TechnoButter Firewall lining for added insulation so although thinner they are warmer than expected!

Conclusion - If you’re wing foiling in cool to moderately cold conditions, and you want a glove that gives you good grip + mobility + some warmth without sacrificing feel, the Psycho Tech 1.5mm is a strong pick. Just know its trade‐off: less insulation than very thick gloves.

The best for warmth - 

Alder 3mm Matrix Gloves

Although you can go thicker for the ultimate warmth for your hands, there is no point going thicker than 3mm as you simply won't be able to grip the handle of the wing. That is why the 3mm Alder Matrix glove is the best balance of warmth and flexibility. 

At 3mm thickness, these gloves offer good insulation, keeping your hands warmer than very thin gloves without being overly bulky or restrictive as they are made of 100% X-Stretch neoprene making them very flexible, a positive for a wing foiler. Being thicker, the grip factor is very important, in which these gloves also feature a Super Grip palm to help with comfort and control on the wing handle/boom. With no seam around the wrist entry, these gloves are easy to get on and off, essential in cold conditions, and they are Glued and Blindstitched at the seams to further insulate the hands and stop water entering. These gloves are a popular glove in the shop for all sports so will be a good-value purchase for swimmers, wing foilers, windsurfers and surfers too!

Conclusion - The Alder Matrix 3 mm glove is a well-balanced option for wing foilers who want warmth, grip, and flexibility without going into very thick, restrictive gloves. It’s particularly good for cooler but not freezing conditions, and for riders who prioritize control and feel.

The best for grip - 

ION Open Palm Mittens

This unique design for watersports allows you to have no covering on your palm, but a wind protection over the top of your hand that you can hook into your fingers. The open-palm design gives you direct contact with the wing’s handle or boom, less neoprene on the palm side reduces the resistance / drag when gripping, which can make long sessions more comfortable. Some users report less forearm pump, or hand fatigue or cramping.

The 2.5mm neoprene means that you get insulation from the colder winds and water, and the mitt design (vs full-finger glove) keeps the the back of the hands warmer with less surface area exposed to wind.

Conclusion - By keeping your hands warmer and reducing the fatigue that comes from tight full-finger gloves, open-palm mitts let you foil for longer. While they provide warmth, 2.5 mm isn’t enough for very cold water (or freezing conditions). If you’re riding in very cold water (or falling in the water a lot), you may still need thicker mitts or full gloves, but these are the best option for grip on the wing.

Choosing the right wing foiling gloves in winter isn’t just about staying warm — it’s about finding the perfect balance between warmth, grip, and dexterity so you can stay in control and enjoy every session to the max. Whether you prioritise feel on the wing handle, insulation against icy winds, or reducing fatigue during long tacks, there’s a glove option that fits the way you ride.

The O’Neill Psycho 1.5mm delivers unmatched dexterity and grip for milder days, the Alder Matrix 3mm strikes the ideal middle ground for warmth without compromising control, and the ION Open Palm Mittens stand out for riders who want the best possible connection to their wing with minimal hand fatigue.

Ultimately, the 'best wetsuit glove for wing foiling' comes down to your local conditions and your riding style, but with the right pair, cold hands never have to cut a session short again. Gear up, stay warm, and make every winter session count!

Check out the full range of wetsuit gloves here!