Gear Review: Super Puff Oiselle Mittens
A companion to our winter running post
By, Alison Kotch
Alison trying out her Super Puff Osielle mittens
Photo courtesy of Alison Kotch
Until recently, I've always gravitated towards workout gear that leans a tad masculine: I tend to be a fan of gender neutral items that can be worn season after season, ones that (for better or worse!) played a key part in coaxing out a killer combo of vindictive tomboy/powerful female BDE/she wolf energy on the track and/or race day. Roar, ladies, roar! It might be the year of the tiger now, but I honestly loved every second of years spent roaring through miles/training like a fiery, speed-hungry beast, even if I pushed myself too hard without taking care of myself, as every runner is wont to do at times. Rawwwwr.
Anyway, the mittens. As much as we all know that gloves are a cold-weather training necessity - I have reynaud's, so hand numbness is a huge issue/training deterrent for me in the winter - I've never invested in a pair that will truly keep my hands toasty. I'm not sure if my reason for that was my former tendency to enjoy self-flagellation or a convenient excuse for me to stay indoors, but regardless: The "perform or die trying" attitude is a lot less attractive now that I'm a master's athlete. Plus, stepping up my yoga practice has taught me not to be cruel to myself or others in the name of excellence - which is literally *everything* - and that includes treating myself to items that make my go-to form of exercise more comfortable.
I wore my previous pair of gloves - a grippy pair by Icebreaker that could double as regular apparel (utilitarian stuff is important to me too), until holes appeared in the fingers, then stuffed Hot Hands into a pair of free Jack Rabbit/PPTC Cherry Tree gloves, balling my hands into fists to stay toasty and keep my blood flowing. If I don't do this, my arms go completely numb up to my elbows, and it literally doesn't matter if I've dressed correctly everywhere else...I'll be miserable and go home early.
I've seen Oiselle's gear but was always like ehh...it's too *nice* to run in. And some of it is too feminine for my taste. However, I was sold on these after seeing their cute pattern: Nothing like a splash of color to add some visual interest to an all-black running outfit. The website write up assured me that they'd keep me warm in the most frigid of temps. I hoped they would arrive this weekend for the snowstorm, but alas: Covid shipping delays.
I haven't worn them on a truly cold day yet, but took them for a test run today and my hands were sweating before I even reached the park...no need for hand warmers! A 10/10 purchase, one that makes me feel I could go for miles in the coldest, iciest of temps if needed.
Another great feature: The tight wrist elastic. I have extremely thin wrists, so most larger gloves let cold air in easily. Not so with these: The primaloft lining had my hands feeling like they were in their own personal sleeping bags, snug and protected. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an incredibly warm upgrade to their current pair, one that is decidedly feminine.
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