Urban Commuting & Summer Rides
Find Your Fit: Best Short Cuff Motorcycle Gloves of 2025
Evan Rally
Updated: September 16, 2025
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Short‑cuff motorcycle gloves are the unsung heroes of the riding world. They offer the dexterity and feel you get from racing gloves without the restrictive gauntlet, yet the good ones still provide real impact protection and ventilation.
Alright, so here’s the deal—I’m going to walk you through finding the right short-cuff gloves for your kind of riding, the weather you deal with, and the budget you’ve got. By the time we’re done, you’ll know which ones are worth every dollar and which ones are basically just about looking cool.
But let me be real with you: there are a few things most people don’t expect. Price doesn’t always mean better protection—some of the cheaper gloves actually have the same CE safety rating as the pricey track stuff. Short-cuff gloves aren’t just “city only” either—there are adventure-ready and even waterproof two-in-one versions out there. And don’t think you have to give up airflow for safety; some gloves blend tough armor with plenty of mesh to keep you cool.
So, let’s break it down and see which of these gloves actually deliver once you’re out on the road.
Which Short Cuff Gloves Fit Your Ride?
Before diving into the individual reviews it helps to match glove categories to your riding habits.
Urban Commuting & Summer Rides
A leather-mesh short cuff glove built for hot city commutes and weekend canyon rides. Light, airy, and wallet-friendly without sacrificing safety.
Spirited Sport Riding
Track DNA for the street. Hard knuckle protection, premium leather, and a pre-curved fit make these ideal for aggressive riding.
Sport Riders Seeking Premium Protection
Compact sport gloves with carbon knuckle armor, reinforced leather, and Dainese’s signature sharp styling for spirited road use.
Adventure Touring
Adventure-ready with goat leather, 3D air mesh, and TPU armor. A versatile glove for riders who need breathability and abrasion resistance on tour.
Urban Style & Café Runs
Minimalist and stylish. Slim construction and perforated leather make these perfect for café runs or city riders who want understated protection.
Buy from Pando Moto with code ROAD for 10% off.
Touring / All-Weather Versatility
Adaptable two‑chamber gloves that switch between ventilated comfort and GORE‑TEX waterproofing—durable, protective, and ride-ready in varied conditions.
Alpinestars SMX‑1 Air V2 – Breezy Workhorse for Daily Rides
For riders battling hot commutes and summer traffic, the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 is one of the most breathable short cuff gloves out there. Built with a chassis of full-grain leather combined with mesh panels, it’s designed to keep your hands cool while still offering meaningful protection. TPU inserts at the knuckles and palm sliders bring race-inspired safety to a glove meant for daily use.
This isn’t just a lightweight commuter glove; it’s a serious piece of gear for warm-weather riders. The pre-curved fingers and stretch accordion panels give you excellent grip and dexterity, making throttle and clutch inputs smoother. Reinforced synthetic suede in the palm helps resist abrasion while boosting durability in the spots that take the most wear.
While it excels in airflow and comfort, the SMX-1 Air V2 doesn’t offer the same crash protection as a full gauntlet glove. That’s the trade-off when you want maximum ventilation in a short cuff design.
The Catch? It’s a summer-focused glove. If you’re heading out in cooler weather or on a multi-day trip through variable climates, you’ll need a warmer or waterproof backup.
The Silver Lining: For hot-weather street riding, you’d be hard-pressed to find a glove that balances airflow, fit, and protection this well at its price point.
Alternative Option: If you want similar airflow but with a touch more street-sport protection, the Alpinestars Celer V3 brings in more armor while still keeping a short cuff design.
Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2 Gloves
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Summer-ready riding gloves that blend leather and mesh for cool airflow, plus CE‑certified knuckle protection—giving serious safety and comfort without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Excellent airflow keeps hands cool in hot weather
- Hard polymer knuckles for certified impact defense
- Pre-curved, flexible fit enhances control and comfort
- Durable full‑grain leather palm resists abrasion
Cons:
- Velcro closure can loosen after extended wear
- Touchscreen fingertip works inconsistently across devices
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Our Review: After more than 20,000 miles in the SMX-1 Air V2, we found that while they flow air well and fit comfortably, durability issues — including weak velcro, torn seams, and persistent dye bleeding — make them hard to recommend for serious riders.
Dainese Carbon 4 Short – Track‑level Protection for Your Street Bike
Sport riders who demand both protection and style will gravitate toward the Carbon 4 Short. Its namesake carbon fiber knuckle protector sets the tone, backed up by goatskin leather, TPU sliders, and reinforced palms.
These gloves feel racy, with Dainese’s signature pre-curved fit and elastic inserts keeping the grip natural. Perforations across the fingers bring some airflow, though the focus here is clearly safety and feel at speed.
The Catch? They’re stiffer than commuter-focused gloves and take some break-in.
The Silver Lining: That stiffness pays back in crash protection and precise control for aggressive riding.
Alternative Option: If comfort and all-day wear are more important, the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 offers a softer, airier ride.
Dainese Carbon 4 Short Gloves
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These shorts offer sport-level protection with breathable leather and mesh—ideal for warm days when you want strong knuckle protection without a full gauntlet.
Pros:
- Carbon-fiber knuckles deliver high impact protection without bulk
- Mesh and perforated panels improve airflow dramatically in hot weather
- Goatskin, sheep skin & suede mix gives tactile grip and durable control zones
- DCP pinky protection and finger sliders increase protection in crash-scenarios
Cons:
- Palm creases & stitching can be felt when gripping aggressively or under load
- Leather suede “Amica” in palm shows weaker abrasion resistance vs premium full-grain leather
Our Review: We haven’t published a dedicated review of the Carbon 4 Short yet. It’s on our radar, so stay tuned.
REV’IT! Sand 5 – Adventure‑ready Multi‑season Glove
Built for riders who rack up miles on varied terrain, the Sand 5 combines goatskin leather with 3D air-mesh and TPR armor. The result is a glove that’s protective yet breathable enough for touring in hotter climates.
Accordion stretch and a comfortable short cuff make them easy to wear all day, while the ventilated structure keeps sweat in check. Reinforced palms and a TPU knuckle add confidence for longer rides.
The Catch? They lack a waterproof membrane, so heavy rain will soak them through.
The Silver Lining: Pair them with over-gloves and you’ve got a highly versatile adventure setup.
Alternative Option: Held Air n Dry II if you want built-in waterproofing with the ability to switch back to ventilation.
REV’IT! Sand 5 Gloves
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Lightweight, breathable, and protective adventure gloves for all-terrain riding.
Pros:
- Superior ventilation for maximum airflow
- Advanced knuckle protection for impact resistance
- Enhanced grip and flexibility for better control
Cons:
- Limited wrist coverage due to short cuff
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Our Review: In this gear breakdown, we talk about taking the Sand 5 across Moab, Baja, and beyond, and why it’s earned a spot in our kit.
Pando Moto Ivy – Stylish Urban Glove with Hidden Armour
For riders who want protection without losing their café-style look, the Pando Moto Ivy is as fashionable as it is functional. A slim profile, discreet knuckle armor, and supple leather construction make it perfect for urban use.
These gloves are all about understated strength. They slide on easily, feel broken-in right away, and don’t scream “motorcycle gear” when you walk into a café. Reinforced stitching and padding in impact zones provide real protection behind the low-key design.
The Catch? Minimal armor compared to full-sport gloves.
The Silver Lining: You get a sleek, wearable glove that doesn’t compromise your aesthetic.
Alternative Option: Reax Tasker for a more rugged, workwear-inspired urban glove.
Pando Moto Ivy Gloves
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The Pando Moto Ivy gloves offer cool summer riding with perforated goatskin, CE Level 1 knuckle armor, reinforced palms, and touchscreen fingertips—all in a sleek retro style.
Buy from Pando Moto with code ROAD for 10% off.
Pros:
- Touchscreen fingertips for easy navigation
- CE Level 1 knuckle protection under leather
- Abrasion-resistant palm reinforcements
Cons:
- Perforation is only on the palms, not the tops
- No hard sliders on palm—softer padding only
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Our Review: We’ve ridden extensively in the Ivy. Our full review discusses their comfort, CE Level 1 certification and how well the hidden knuckle armour protects without looking bulky.
Held Air n Dry II – Two Gloves in One for Fickle Weather
Touring riders know the pain of carrying multiple gloves for changing conditions. The Air n Dry II solves that with a dual-chamber system: one lined with Gore-Tex for waterproofing, the other unlined and perforated for airflow.
Materials are top-shelf: kangaroo leather palms for feel, CORDURA and SuperFabric reinforcements for abrasion resistance, hard knuckles for protection, and reflective elements for visibility. Add in a visor wipe and touchscreen fingertip and you’ve got a glove ready for serious mileage.
The Catch? The dual-chamber construction makes them bulkier than pure summer gloves.
The Silver Lining: They replace two pairs of gloves, saving space and hassle on long tours.
Alternative Option: REV’IT! Sand 5 for those who want maximum breathability and don’t need waterproofing built in.
Held Air N Dry II Gloves
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Adaptable two‑chamber gloves that switch between ventilated comfort and GORE‑TEX waterproofing—durable, protective, and ride-ready in varied conditions.
Pros:
- Superb ventilation in warm weather
- Waterproof GORE‑TEX keeps hands dry in rain
- Kangaroo leather palm offers excellent feel & durability
- Touchscreen‑compatible fingertips added in Mark II
- Hard‑knuckle and Superfabric protection provide solid safety
Cons:
- Dry chamber fit may feel bulky or loose
- Long break‑in period before comfort peaks
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Our Review: We’ve rated the Air n Dry II 4.5/5 in this roundup for its clever dual-chamber system, premium build, and versatility across changing weather.
Alpinestars Celer V3 – Sporty Control Without Gauntlet Bulk
Track DNA meets street practicality in the Celer V3. Full-grain leather construction, hard PU knuckles, palm sliders, and reinforced pinky protection make this one of the most protective short-cuff gloves available.
It’s not just about armor, though. The Celer V3 has accordion stretch panels, pre-curved fingers, and perforated leather zones for comfort in sporty riding. The feel at the bars is precise, giving you confidence when pushing harder through twisties.
The Catch? With all the armor and thick leather, airflow is more limited — these can get warm in stop-and-go traffic.
The Silver Lining: The extra bulk translates into security; they’re the closest you’ll get to gauntlet-style protection in a short glove.
Alternative Option: Dainese Carbon 4 Short if you prefer Italian styling and a slightly lighter feel.
Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves
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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.
Pros:
- Excellent abrasion resistance from goat leather chassis
- Hard PU knuckles and reinforced palm for impact protection
- Touchscreen fingertips and rubber grips for control in traffic
- Stretch panels and pre-curved fingers reduce fatigue on long rides
Cons:
- Limited airflow-perforation makes them warm on very hot days
- Sizing runs snug especially around cuff—consider going up one size
We may earn commissions if you make a purchase.
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.
Comparison Table
| Product | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Alpinestars SMX‑1 Air V2 | Leather & mesh construction; synthetic suede reinforcements; polymer knuckle; touch‑screen tips | Hot‑weather commuting; riders wanting breezy gloves under $80 |
| Dainese Carbon 4 Short | Leather with mesh inserts; DCP little‑finger system; carbon knuckle & polyurethane joints | Sport riders and track‑day enthusiasts who want race‑grade protection |
| REV’IT! Sand 5 | Goat leather & 3D air mesh; TPR/TPU armour; tri‑fleece lining; conductive tips | Adventure‑touring and dual‑sport riders needing airflow and protection |
| Pando Moto Ivy | Goatskin shell; hidden knuckle protector; palm padding; perforated fingers; Velcro strap | Urban and café riders wanting style with CE Level 1 protection |
| Held Air n Dry II | Dual‑chamber Gore‑Tex/ventilated design; kangaroo leather palm & CORDURA leather back; SuperFabric® reinforcement; reflective panels; visor wipe; touchscreen‑friendly fingertip | Long‑distance touring in varying weather conditions |
| Alpinestars Celer V3 | Goat leather chassis; PU knuckle certified to Level 1KP; rubber grip panels; stretch inserts; finger bridge; conductive suede | Sport‑oriented riders who want a short cuff glove with race DNA |
Buying Guide: Short-Cuff Motorcycle Gloves
Finding the right short‑cuff gloves comes down to balancing protection, comfort and function. Here are the key factors we consider when choosing gloves:
Fit and Comfort
Gloves must fit snugly without restricting movement. Look for pre‑curved fingers and stretch inserts that mimic a natural grip. If a glove feels stiff out of the box (common on leather models), expect a break‑in period.
Materials
Goatskin leather is softer and gives better feel than cowhide, which is why it’s used in the Sand 5 and Celer V3. Suede and synthetic suede provide grip and can be more durable than thin leather. For waterproofing, look for Gore‑Tex or similar membranes; dual‑chamber gloves like the Air n Dry II use a GORE‑TEX liner to keep water out while still offering a vented option.
Protection
Hard knuckle protectors (carbon, TPU or PU) and palm sliders disperse impact energy during a crash. Dainese’s DCP system and finger bridges on Alpinestars gloves help prevent finger roll. Always check for CE certification; Level 1KP is adequate for street riding.
Ventilation
Riders in warm climates should prioritize mesh panels and perforations. The SMX‑1 Air V2 excel in this area, while the Celer V3 and Carbon 4 are warmer but more protective. Dual‑chamber gloves like the Air n Dry II let you switch between airflow and waterproofing.
Closure System
A secure closure prevents the glove from sliding off during an accident. Most gloves here use hook‑and‑loop straps; the Carbon 4 adds a neoprene cuff and adjustable strap, while Alpinestars uses puller tabs for quick entry. Make sure the cuff doesn’t interfere with your jacket sleeves.
Touchscreen Compatibility
If you rely on a GPS or smartphone, choose gloves with conductive fingertips. Many modern gloves—including the SMX‑1 Air V2, Sand 5, Ivy, and Celer V3—offer this convenience.
Budget
Decide how much you’re willing to spend and prioritize the features you need most. Premium options like the Carbon 4 or Air n Dry II can exceed $200. Sometimes paying more gets you dual‑use versatility or more advanced protection.
Wrapping Up…
Short-cuff gloves really show that protection doesn’t have to mean bulk. Whether you’re sweating it out in city traffic, chasing twisties on the weekend, or riding through a downpour in the mountains, there’s a pair out there that’ll feel just right.
Take the picks above as your jump-off point, but don’t skip the all-important step of actually trying them on—fit makes all the difference. Find the pair that feels natural in your hands, and you’ll end up riding longer, safer, and way more comfortably.
