Shell Full Leather vs. Shell Full Leather Pro: A Detailed Comparison to Help You Choose the Best Cold Weather Gloves
When facing the cold, The Heat Company knows that every detail matters, especially in your choice of gloves.
Our Shell Full Leather and Shell Full Leather Pro models are top-tier options for extreme cold weather, but understanding their differences will help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
This article breaks down the key differences between these two models, focusing on 5 essential categories.
Let’s dive in.

1. Material Composition
Understanding the materials used in your gloves is crucial for determining their flexibility, durability, and overall performance in cold weather.
Shell Full Leather
The Shell Full Leather gloves are crafted from 100% premium goatskin leather, perfectly balancing flexibility and toughness.
The natural leather material provides excellent dexterity, allowing you to handle tools and equipment with precision.
As Jean Eichenlaub mentions in our reviews section, “The Shell is excellent. It keeps the hands dry and fits overcast on the hand, keeping the hand warm without any other glove under the shell.”
Shell Full Leather Pro
The Shell Full Leather Pro takes material quality to the next level.
While it also features goatskin leather, it’s enhanced with even more PrimaLoft Gold insulation, a top-of-the-line synthetic material known for its superior warmth-to-weight ratio.
This combination makes the Pro model an excellent choice for those needing extra insulation, just like Dave McGee claims:
“Temps here can dip to -20F for several weeks at a time with daytime highs not exceeding -10F. Found this to be very comfortable and warm.”

2. Insulation and Warmth
The level of insulation in gloves directly impacts how well they can keep your hands warm in varying cold conditions.
Shell Full Leather
The Shell Full Leather gloves offer excellent warmth, featuring adaptable thumb and mitten functionality for enhanced functionality in frigid weather.
These gloves are designed to keep your hands warm during cold conditions, making them ideal for tasks requiring warmth and ventilation.
Shell Full Leather Pro
The Shell Full Leather Pro gloves are designed for extreme cold. Their PrimaLoft Gold insulation and enclosed thumb provide superior thermal efficiency.
These gloves are perfect for those who work in the harshest winter conditions, where warmth is a top priority.

Shell Full Leather
3. Design and Fit
The design and fit of gloves play a key role in ensuring comfort, dexterity, and protection during outdoor activities.
Shell Full Leather
The Shell Full Leather gloves have a snug fit and closed thumb design, offering excellent control and a secure grip.
The adjustable wrist strap ensures that the gloves stay in place, making them suitable for activities that demand precision.
Shell Full Leather Pro
The Pro model builds on the original design with added features for enhanced performance.
- In addition to the adjustable wrist strap, it includes a longer cuff for better coverage and reinforced stitching for added durability.
These enhancements make the Pro model more robust and better suited for prolonged use in challenging conditions.

Shell Full Leather Pro
4. Durability and Protection
Durability and protection are essential when selecting gloves for consistent and long-term use in challenging environments.
Shell Full Leather
The natural goatskin leather in the Shell Full Leather gloves is inherently durable, protecting against abrasions and wear.
These gloves are designed for longevity, making them reliable for consistent, everyday use.
Shell Full Leather Pro
The Shell Full Leather Pro is built for those who push their gear to the limits.
- Its reinforced construction enhances durability and provides additional protection against the elements.
- Whether you’re handling heavy-duty tasks or hunting, the Pro model is engineered to withstand the toughest challenges.

5. Intended Use and Versatility
Identifying your gloves' intended use and versatility will help you choose the best pair for your specific activities and conditions.
Shell Full Leather
The Shell Full Leather gloves are versatile, making them a solid choice for various cold-weather activities such as:
- hunting,
- hiking,
- photography,
- skiing.
Pro tip: They include elastic bands for more versatility, as Jeff S. points out: “I love the fact that they have the elastic bands and can just hang off when not needed.”
Shell Full Leather Pro
The Shell Full Leather Pro gloves are tailored for more demanding environments, ideal for professionals who work in extreme cold conditions:
- construction workers,
- ski patrollers,
- drone operators,
- cold storage personnel.
The Pro model’s versatility shines in its ability to handle challenging tasks while keeping your hands warm and protected.
Full Leather vs Full Leather Pro: Which Cold-Weather Gloves Are Best for You?
Choosing between the Shell Full Leather and Shell Full Leather Pro models depends on your specific needs and the conditions you’ll be facing.
We have designed this table to help you choose:
Shell Full Leather |
Shell Full Leather Pro |
|
Material |
100% premium goatskin leather |
100% premium goatskin leather + PrimaLoft Gold insulation |
Insulation & warmth |
For moderate cold |
For extreme cold |
Design |
Closed thumb design + wrist straps |
Closed thumb design + wrist straps + a longer cuff for better coverage |
Durability |
Designed for longevity |
Designed for longevity + harsh element protection |
Intended use |
Hunting, hiking, photography, skiing |
Hunting, hiking, photography, skiing + Professional use |
Picture |
![]() |
![]() |
Find Your Ideal Winter Gloves
If you’re looking for reliable gloves that offer an outstanding balance of warmth, flexibility, and durability, the Shell Full Leather gloves are a solid choice.
However, the Shell Full Leather Pro gloves are the winner if you need maximum insulation, reinforced protection, and enhanced durability for extremely cold environments.
Ready to get your pair of premium gloves? Explore our collection to find the perfect fit for your needs, or contact us for personalized recommendations.