Finding the Best Motorcycle Gloves for Your Ride
Evan Rally
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Let’s be honest, going down without hand protection is gonna leave you with some serious road rash – think cheese grater meets your palms.
We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
You might think any old pair of gloves will do… I fear for your hands.
Here’s what you’re looking for in a pair of riding gloves:
- Actual motorcycle-specific gloves are a must. Those leather gloves in the back of your closet are not going to cut it, in so many ways that we’ll get to later.
- Gloves are not just for cold weather, and summer gloves DO exist! Instinctually, one of the first things to go down in a crash will probably be your palms. Make sure there’s something between you and asphalt in that case. And good summer gloves will keep you cool and dry!
- One pair of gloves will never do it all. Just like you wouldn’t wear flip-flops on a track day, you need different gloves for different conditions.
We’ll sort you out with the real deal on what you need to keep your hands safe, comfy, and still able to text back your wife when you pull over.
Motorcycle gloves aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. The demands of a daily commute are vastly different from the needs of a track day warrior or a long-distance adventurer. That’s why we’ve broken down the best gloves for various riding scenarios, for hot and cold weather.
First we’ll give you all the picks in a list, then go down into specifics below.
Top Picks for All Types of Motorcycle Gloves
Best Warm Weather Motorcycle Gloves
| Commuting | REV’IT! Sand 5 Gloves |
| Sport/Track | Alpinestars GP Pro R4 Gloves |
| Adventure/Touring | Held Air N Dry II Gloves |
| Cafe/Classic | Pando Moto Onyx Gloves |
| Budget-Friendly | Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves |
Best Cold Weather Motorcycle Gloves
| Commuting | Alpinestars WT-4 Gore-Tex Gloves |
| Adventure/Touring | Klim Vanguard GTX Long Gloves (2022) |
| Cafe/Classic | Merlin Minworth II D30 Heated Gloves |
| Heated (Bike-Powered) | Gerbing 12V Vanguard Heated Gloves |
| Heated (Battery-Powered) | Joe Rocket 7V Rocket Burner Leather Gloves |
Best Budget Motorcycle Gloves
| Waterproof | REV’IT! Cassini H2O Gloves |
| Summer | Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves |
Best Commuting Gloves
The daily grind demands a glove that’s comfortable, practical, and can handle whatever the weather throws your way.
REV’IT! Sand 5 Gloves [Summer]
When the temperatures rise, sweaty hands are the enemy. The REV’IT! Sand 5 gloves are built to combat the heat. These gloves feature a combination of goatskin leather, air mesh, and PWR|shell stretch, allowing for maximum airflow to keep your hands cool and dry during your commute.
The inclusion of a TPR palm slider, along with Temperfoam knuckle and finger protectors, provides a solid level of protection without sacrificing flexibility. You’ll appreciate the touchscreen-compatible fingertip for navigating your phone or GPS without having to remove your gloves.
Now, some riders might find the ventilation a bit too good on unexpectedly chilly mornings. The silver lining? That excellent airflow makes them truly exceptional when the mercury climbs. Plus, if you do encounter a sudden downpour, they dry out pretty quickly.
Lightweight, breathable, and protective adventure gloves for all-terrain riding.
- Superior ventilation for maximum airflow
- Advanced knuckle protection for impact resistance
- Enhanced grip and flexibility for better control
- Limited wrist coverage due to short cuff
Alpinestars WT-4 Gore-Tex Gloves [Cold]
When the weather turns nasty, you need gloves that can handle the cold and wet. The Alpinestars WT-4 Gore-Tex gloves are up to the challenge. Featuring a Gore-Tex membrane, these gloves are completely waterproof and breathable, ensuring your hands stay dry and comfortable even in heavy rain.
The inclusion of thermal insulation keeps your hands warm without being overly bulky, allowing for good control of your bike’s controls. You also get knuckle protection and reinforcements in key areas for added safety. The gauntlet cuff provides extra coverage and seals out the elements effectively.
One potential downside is that extremely cold-weather riders might want even more insulation. The alternative option? Consider a dedicated winter glove with heavier insulation if your commutes regularly involve sub-freezing temperatures. However, for most cold and wet commuting conditions, the WT-4 offers an excellent balance of warmth and dexterity.
Premium waterproof and insulated gloves for cold-weather riding.
- GORE-TEX construction for top-tier waterproofing and breathability
- PrimaLoft Silver insulation for warmth and moisture resistance
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips for easy device use
- Mid-cuff design may not provide full gauntlet coverage
Best Sport and Track Gloves
When pushing your limits on the street or carving corners on the track, protection and feel are paramount. These are the best protection you’re going to get, and I don’t care if your hands are hot in the summer. If you’re really concerned about heat, check out our picks for summer motorcycle gloves here.
Alpinestars GP Pro R4 Gloves
For the serious sport rider, the Alpinestars GP Pro R4 gloves are a top-tier choice. These gloves are packed with features designed for maximum protection and performance. They boast a full gauntlet design with extensive use of premium leather, along with advanced protection like DFS (Dynamic Friction Shield) knuckle protectors and finger sliders.
The inclusion of a race-derived finger bridge helps prevent finger roll in case of a fall. Perforations throughout the glove provide decent ventilation for warmer track days. The pre-curved finger construction and external seams enhance comfort and feel on the controls.
The high level of protection means these gloves can feel a bit stiff initially. The silver lining? This stiffness contributes to their robust protective qualities and will break in over time to provide a more personalized fit.
Race-grade gloves engineered for maximum protection, comfort, and performance.
- Premium leather construction for durability and grip
- Advanced knuckle and cuff protection for impact resistance
- Ventilated design for enhanced airflow and comfort
- Higher price point compared to standard riding gloves
Best Adventure and Touring Gloves
Long days in the saddle and unpredictable weather conditions demand gloves that are both comfortable and versatile.
Held Air N Dry II Gloves [Summer]
The Held Air N Dry II Gloves are a favorite among adventure and touring riders for good reason. These gloves feature a unique dual-chamber design with Gore-Tex 2in1 technology.
One chamber is unlined and perforated for maximum breathability in hot weather, while the other is waterproof and windproof for when the weather turns foul. This versatility makes them ideal for long rides where you might encounter varying conditions. They also boast a kangaroo leather palm for excellent feel and durability, along with SuperFabric reinforcements and hard knuckle protection for safety.
The dual-chamber system can take a little getting used to when switching between modes. The silver lining? This innovative design provides unparalleled adaptability to different weather conditions, making them a true all-in-one solution for summer touring.
Held Air N Dry II Gloves offer dual-chamber versatility for all-weather riding.
- GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable design
- Kangaroo leather palm for durability and grip
- Hard knuckle protection with SUPERFABRIC reinforcement
- Premium price point
Klim Vanguard GTX Long Gloves [Cold]
For cold-weather adventure and touring, the Klim Vanguard GTX Long Gloves are a top pick. Featuring a Gore-Tex membrane and substantial insulation, these gloves provide exceptional warmth and waterproofing for even the most challenging conditions.
The long gauntlet design ensures a secure seal with your jacket sleeves, preventing cold air and moisture from entering. They also offer good dexterity for operating controls and feature knuckle protection and reinforced palms for safety.
The significant insulation might make them feel a bit bulky for riders who prioritize maximum feel. The alternative option? If you prefer a slimmer profile, consider heated glove liners worn under a less insulated but still waterproof adventure touring glove. However, for ultimate warmth and weather protection on long, cold rides, the Klim Vanguard GTX Long Gloves are hard to beat.
High-performance touring gloves built for cold, wet conditions.
- GORE-TEX with Gore-Grip for waterproofing and dexterity
- 3M Thinsulate insulation for warmth without bulk
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips & visor wiper for convenien
- Low-profile gauntlet may not suit riders preferring full wrist coverage
Best City, Cafe, and Cruiser Gloves
If you’re riding a cafe, cruiser or classic bike I understand style plays a huge role in your choice of kit. Thankfully, you don’t need to overlook protection to nail the look. These picks hit all the marks for style, comfort and safety.
Pando Moto Onyx Gloves [Summer]
For riders who appreciate a blend of classic style and modern features, the Pando Moto Onyx Gloves are a great choice for summer riding. Made from perforated goatskin leather, they offer good airflow to keep your hands cool.
They also feature a flexible knuckle guard hidden under the leather for impact protection and abrasion-resistant reinforcements on the palm. The touchscreen-compatible fingertip adds a touch of modern convenience. Their understated design complements the aesthetics of cafe racers and classic motorcycles perfectly.
Being primarily focused on style and summer comfort, they might not offer the same level of robust protection as a dedicated sport or track glove. But for city use, they provide a good balance of style, comfort, and essential protection.
Pando Moto Onyx Gloves blend protection, comfort, and style for everyday riders.
- 0.8mm cowhide leather with perforation for ventilation
- TPU knuckle guard and PU palm slider for impact protection
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertip for easy device access
- Short cuff may not suit all riders
Merlin Minworth II D30 Heated Gloves [Cold]
When the temperature drops, keeping your hands warm is crucial, even for short city rides. The Merlin Minworth II D30 Heated Gloves offer a stylish and effective solution. These gloves feature a classic design with a waterproof membrane and integrated heating elements powered by a rechargeable battery.
The inclusion of D30 knuckle protection provides a good level of impact absorption without compromising the glove’s sleek look. They offer multiple heat settings to customize your comfort level.
Battery-powered heated gloves like these typically only last a few hours. If you need heat for longer, consider bike-powered gloves (like those below) or heated grips for your motorcycle. However, for the convenience of wireless heating and stylish design, the Merlin Minworth II D30 Heated Gloves are a solid choice for cruiser, cafe and classic bike riders.
Merlin Minworth II D3O Heated Gloves keep your hands warm, dry, and protected in cold riding conditions.
- Battery-powered heating with three adjustable levels
- Waterproof Hipora membrane and Thinsulate insulation
- D3O knuckle and scaphoid protection for safety
- Battery life varies with temperature and wind conditions
Heated Gloves
For those who refuse to let cold weather keep them off their bikes, heated gloves are a game-changer. Good for any style of bike, we have one pick which plugs in to the bike for power while the other carries its own batteries in the cuffs and requires charging every 4 hours or so.
Gerbing 12V Vanguard Heated Gloves [Bike Powered]
The Gerbing 12V Vanguard Heated Gloves are a top-performing option for riders who need serious warmth in extremely cold conditions.
Powered directly by your motorcycle’s 12V electrical system, these gloves provide consistent and reliable heat across the entire hand. They feature a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep your hands dry and comfortable, along with knuckle protection for added safety. The long gauntlet design ensures a good seal with your jacket.
Being tethered to your bike’s electrical system means you need to connect them before each ride. But the upside is you get significantly more heat output (12V vs 5 or 7V means 10-20F hotter) and longer-lasting warmth compared to battery-powered options, making them ideal for extended cold-weather rides.
Unmatched warmth and protection for any ride.
- Microwire heating system warms every finger
- Waterproof Aquatex membrane & 150g Thinsulate insulation
- Premium cowhide leather with TPU knuckle protection
- Heat controller and battery harness sold separately
Joe Rocket 7V Rocket Burner Leather Heated Gloves [Battery Powered]
For riders who prefer the convenience of battery power, the Joe Rocket 7V Rocket Burner Leather Heated Gloves are a great option. These gloves feature a leather construction with integrated heating elements powered by rechargeable batteries.
They offer multiple heat settings to customize your warmth level and include a waterproof membrane to keep your hands dry. Knuckle protection is also included for added safety. The battery-powered design offers freedom of movement without the need for connecting cables.
You have the same downside with batteries as I explained earlier: you’re only going to get a few hours out of these, and you won’t get nearly the heat output you will from a bike-powered system. If you’re doing a lot of cold weather, long distance riding you should invest in bike-powered gloves or heated grips.
Joe Rocket Rocket Burner Leather Heated Gloves provide warmth, protection, and comfort for cold-weather rides.
- Rechargeable Li-ion battery-powered heating with three levels
- Waterproof, windproof HiPora liner for all-weather protection
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips and knuckle armor for safety
- Battery life is limited on high heat settings
Budget-Friendly Options
Good hand protection doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are two solid budget-friendly options for general street and city riding.
REV’IT! Cassini H2O Gloves
The REV’IT! Cassini H2O Gloves offer a great value proposition for riders looking for waterproof protection without spending a fortune. These gloves feature a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep your hands dry in wet conditions.
They also include knuckle protection and a comfortable lining for everyday riding. While not packed with high-end features, they provide reliable protection and weather resistance for a reasonable price.
Being a budget-friendly option, they might not have the same level of premium materials or advanced features as more expensive gloves. The silver lining? They offer excellent basic protection and waterproofing, making them a practical choice for commuting and general street riding on a budget.
Stay warm, dry, and protected in cold-weather rides.
- Goatskin leather palm for durability & control
- Hydratex|Z-liner waterproofing with 3M Thinsulate insulation
- TPU hard knuckle & Temperfoam palm slider for impact protection
- Runs small—order one size up for best fit
Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves
The Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves provide a more sport-oriented budget option. These short-cuff gloves feature a leather and synthetic construction with knuckle protection and reinforced palms.
They offer decent ventilation for warmer weather and a comfortable fit for everyday riding. While not waterproof, they provide a good level of protection and comfort for the price.
As a budget sport glove, they lack waterproofing and the advanced protection features of higher-end sport gloves. The alternative option? If waterproofing is a must, consider the REV’IT! Cassini H2O gloves. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable and protective short-cuff glove for warmer weather street riding without breaking the bank, the Celer V3 is a solid choice.
I personally wore the V2 across the USA in 2022 and loved them – solid, strong gloves that can handle hot and cold weather alike, though they are not warm in cold weather!
I wore these for two years through high heat and humidity, with minimal wear and no tears or broken seams. Slight discolorations, but still strong and supple leather. Super high quality.
Our Review: I rode across America with the Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves (for the back half with only 1 glove – long story explained here) but I absolutely loved these gloves. They are protective, highly flexible and the lining is super comfortable.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Motorcycle Gloves
Picking the right motorcycle gloves isn’t just about looks; it’s about making sure they’ll do their job when you need them most. Let’s break down the important stuff.
Material
What your gloves are made of makes a huge difference. Leather is still king for many riders because it’s naturally tough yet flexible, in a combination better than just about any other material humans can make.
You’ve got options like goatskin, which is strong but still lets you feel the controls, cowhide, which is super durable and won’t break the bank, and kangaroo leather, which is crazy strong for how thin and flexible it is (though it can be a bit pricier).
Then there’s deerskin, like in Lee Parks Design gloves, which is known for being both tough and comfy. Textile gloves, made from stuff like nylon, polyester, and mesh, are super versatile and can be designed for all sorts of things like keeping you cool, dry, or warm.
You’ll often see waterproof membranes like DRYTECH, DrystarXF, GORE-TEX, and Hipora in textile gloves, and for cold weather, insulation like PrimaLoft and Thinsulate. Ultimately, it’s about what you need most: top-notch protection, all-day comfort, or the ability to handle any weather.
Protection
This is where it gets serious. You want gloves that will actually protect your hands if you take a spill.
Look for knuckle protection made from carbon fiber, TPU, or hard plastic – these are designed to soak up impacts, especially with asphalt. Carbon fiber is light and strong, often found in sport gloves. TPU is tough and flexible, giving you good overall protection. Hard plastic is also impact-resistant and common in touring gloves.
Some gloves use D3O armor, which is soft and supple until it gets hit – when it hardens up in a split second. The Klim Badlands GTX even uses ceramic-printed Superfabric on the knuckles for incredible abrasion resistance.
Palm sliders, usually made of TPU or TPR, are super important for preventing your hand from catching on the road if you slide, which can save your wrists from serious injury. Dainese’s Pro-Hand Slider is a good example, designed for both grip and sliding.
For your fingers, you’ll want armor on the knuckles and padding along the fingers, often using TPU and TPR. Alpinestars has a cool feature called a finger bridge that connects your pinky and ring fingers to help prevent them from separating in a crash.
And don’t forget to check the CE rating – it’s a European standard that tells you how protective a glove is, with Level 2 being better than Level 1. Knowing what these protective elements are made of and how they’re designed will help you choose gloves that match your riding style and how much risk you’re willing to take.
Comfort
Let’s face it, if your gloves aren’t comfortable, you’re not gonna want to wear them, and that defeats the whole purpose.
Ventilation is key for warm weather – look for mesh panels and perforations that let air flow through and keep your hands from getting sweaty. The Five RFX2 Airflow gloves are specifically praised for their great ventilation.
When it gets cold, insulation is your best friend. Thermal liners made from materials like Thinsulate or PrimaLoft will keep your hands warm and nimble. However, given you’re facing winds at highway speeds, sometimes insulation is just not enough. Plus, more insulation means thicker gloves which means less tactile feel on the controls of your bike.
This is where heated gloves come in.
Heated gloves, like the Alpinestars HT-7, are the ideal option for serious cold. These usually plug in to your bike or into a battery pack, and some kit like Gerbing allows your gloves to connect to a heated jacket that is in turn connected to your bike.
Pre-curved fingers are also a nice touch – they’re designed to fit the natural shape of your hand when you’re gripping the handlebars, which reduces hand fatigue on long rides.
And of course, the fit is crucial. Your gloves should be snug but not too tight, and your fingers should almost reach the end of the glove fingers without actually touching. Keep in mind that sizing can vary between brands, and leather gloves might stretch a bit over time. More on sizing later.
Strength and Build Quality
Generally the build quality of a set of gloves will move in tandem with the price; don’t get suckered in to a cheap pair of gloves with a great set of “features” only to find they’re held together by duct tape and a bit of thread.
Some aspects to check:
- Stitching and Seams: Look for seams that are double (or even triple) stitched for strength, with strong fibers. Seams that are tucked on the inside are also a nice touch, as the seam thread itself is hidden from the asphalt in a crash.
- Leather Quality: If they’re leather, make sure it’s supple and free of any cracks. Old stock leather gloves that have dried out will lose their strength and elasticity, and therefore all their inherent protection!
- Liner Quality: Especially for winter gloves, look for laminated linings that are completely bonded to the outer glove, not just sewn in at a few points. Especially when your hands get wet/sweaty, pulling them off can take the liner with them and make the glove very annoying to work with as the liner bunches up inside the palm and fingers.
Cuff Length
You’ve got two main styles here: short cuff and gauntlet.
Gauntlet gloves have a longer cuff that goes over your wrist and usually over your jacket sleeves. This gives you better weather protection and more protection for your wrist and forearm. They’re often preferred for cold weather and track riding.
Short cuff gloves stop at or just below your wrist and are worn under your jacket sleeves. They give you more freedom of movement and better airflow, making them popular for warmer weather and commuting. Which one you choose depends on the kind of riding you do and what you prefer.
Touchscreen Compatibility
In this day and age, being able to use your phone or GPS without taking off your gloves is a huge plus. Lots of modern motorcycle gloves now have special fingertips that work with touchscreens. This is super handy for commuters and touring riders who need to check maps or answer calls on the go. Though in my experience, they’re not great – especially with bulkier gloves. And they usually lose their “touch” after a year or two of wear.
Generally, the thicker the gloves the less effective their touchscreen tips will be. You may want to go ski-style if you’re riding in cold weather, with a thicker outer gloves plus a thin liner that either has cut off or removable fingertips.
How to Test the Fit of Motorcycle Gloves
Alright, listen up, because getting the right fit is super important.
While those size charts online can give you a general idea, the best way to know if a glove fits is to actually try it on. Order a pair you think will work for you from Revzilla, Amazon, Fortnine, SportsBikeShop or wherever you can and wear them at home for a half hour.
When you’re trying on gloves, they should feel snug all around your hand – not too tight that they cut off your circulation, but not so loose that they’re flopping around. Grab your handlebars to see how tight they feel. Pay attention to how they feel across your knuckles and between your fingers in this riding position. You should have a full range of motion in your fingers and wrists and be able to comfortably work the controls without the gloves feeling bulky or pinching anywhere.
Ideally, your fingertips should almost reach the end of the glove fingers but not quite touch. You also don’t want any extra material bunching up in your palm or fingers, as that can mess with your grip.
A quick safety test: I can’t tell you how many well-rated, well-received motorcycle gloves I’ve tried on that have super weak wrist closures to hold them on your hand. An insecure glove (especially if it’s too big for your hand) runs the risk of flying right off your hand in a crash. So to test how secure your gloves are, put one on one of your hands and strap it down as you normally would. Then grab the index and middle fingers of that glove and pull your hands apart as hard as you can. If the glove stays on, that’s a good sign. If it comes off… imagine whether it will come off if you hit pavement at 60mph?
Keep in mind that leather gloves might stretch a little over time, while textile gloves generally stay the same size. So, when trying on leather gloves, a slightly snug fit is usually good, but with textile gloves, you want them to be comfortable right away.
The bottom line? Your gloves should feel like a second skin, giving you both protection and the freedom to control your bike.