Are these gloves actually sized for women?

Yes. Wells lists them as a women's glove in sizes 8 and 10, which is a narrower, shorter cut than a men's glove of the same number. If you normally wear a men's medium, size up.

What kind of work are they meant for?

General manual work: gardening, yard cleanup, moving lumber, and light construction and repair tasks. They are not a cut-resistant glove, so keep them away from blades and sharp metal.

Will the leather hold up when it gets wet?

Cowhide handles damp conditions but stiffens as it dries. Let the gloves air-dry away from direct heat and work the leather afterward to soften it again.

Do they have a reinforced palm or a wrist closure?

No. The build is plain leather with no palm patch and no knit wrist or strap. That keeps them flexible but means less protection in high-wear spots.

How should I choose between size 8 and size 10?

Size 8 fits most women with average hands; size 10 suits larger hands or anyone who wants room for a liner. Measure around your palm at the knuckles and match it to the glove size.