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
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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.

Why The Heat Company?

Military-grade quality meets outdoor adventure – our gloves are designed for performance in extreme cold.
Tried and tested in harsh environments, from the peaks of Mount Everest to the icy expanses of the South Pole.
Our innovative three-layer system offers exceptional warmth, dexterity, and comfort in the harshest climates.
Crafted with premium materials like merino wool, goat leather, and Primaloft for unmatched warmth and insulation.
Versatile and Ready for Action: Ideal for photography, hunting, outdoor sports, military & law enforcement, drone operation, and more.
Windproof and water-resistant, our gloves offer durable protection against severe weather.
Top-Tier Customer Support: Our team of outdoor experts is available to answer any questions you may have.

Chas Glatzer

Chas Glatzer is the senior editor at The Heat Company USA. When not behind the camera or computer, Chas can be found on the river fly fishing near his home in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.