These Leather Motorcycle Gloves Could Save Your Hands
Evan Rally
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Drop your bike at 20 mph and put your hand down, your palm hits with over 200 pounds of force. That’s all it takes to shred skin, snap fingers, or crush a wrist.
Most riders learn that lesson once. The smart ones wear gloves every ride after (and before!)
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Not all gloves are built the same. Leather gives you the edge: better slide resistance, better feedback, and better odds when the road turns against you. No melted seams, no hot spots, just gear that does the job and gets out of the way.
These picks are for riders who need gloves that work, rain or shine, slow or fast, day after day. If you’re tired of gear that looks right but folds under pressure, you’re in the right place.
Time to gear up right and keep your hands in one piece.
The Top Picks for Leather Motorcycle Gloves
You don’t need to guess when it comes to protecting your hands. These are the leather gloves that consistently earn top marks for their construction, protective features, and rider-focused design.
Best Overall 
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Best Race/Sport Gauntlet 
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Best Short Cuff 
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Designed for committed all-weather riders, the Livengood 2 combines goatskin leather with a Gore-Tex Gore Grip membrane. You get waterproofing without sacrificing bar feel. Great for long-distance touring, commuting, or unpredictable conditions where comfort and control matter most. | Built for aggressive riders who want track-grade protection on the street. Multi-panel leather, hard knuckle armor, and a secure gauntlet closure deliver confidence at high speeds. The Honda co-branding adds standout style points. | Ideal for everyday street riders who want solid protection without breaking the bank. You get a supple goatskin palm, cowhide upper, and TPU knuckle armor. The comfortable, pre-curved design is ready right out of the box. |
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Designed for committed all-weather riders, the Livengood 2 combines goatskin leather with a Gore-Tex Gore Grip membrane. You get waterproofing without sacrificing bar feel. Great for long-distance touring, commuting, or unpredictable conditions where comfort and control matter most.
- Gore-Tex waterproofing with great grip
- Warm but not bulky
- Strong protection with CE rating
- Too warm for hot weather
- Fingers may fit long for some
- On the pricey side
Built for aggressive riders who want track-grade protection on the street. Multi-panel leather, hard knuckle armor, and a secure gauntlet closure deliver confidence at high speeds. The Honda co-branding adds standout style points.
- Advanced knuckle and palm protection
- Flexible and ergonomic fit
- Good ventilation for warm rides
- May run small—consider sizing up
- Not fully touchscreen compatible
- Higher price than basic sport gloves
Ideal for everyday street riders who want solid protection without breaking the bank. You get a supple goatskin palm, cowhide upper, and TPU knuckle armor. The comfortable, pre-curved design is ready right out of the box.
- Durable leather with knuckle protection
- Comfortable pre-curved fit
- Breathable with perforated panels
- Fingers may fit unevenly
- Not touchscreen compatible
- Needs break-in time
If your style leans more vintage, there’s one more glove worth calling out.
Classic looks meet modern function with supple goatskin, Pittards® palm leather, and subtle protection. Perforated for airflow and styled to match cruisers, café racers, and heritage gear without compromising safety.
- High-quality leather with great grip
- Excellent ventilation for warm weather
- Solid knuckle and palm protection
- Not waterproof
- Less wrist coverage (short cuff)
- Needs a brief break-in period
Before You Glove Up: Myths About Leather Gloves
You’ve probably heard a few of these chestnuts about leather gloves. Let’s set the record straight.
- “All leather is pretty much the same.” Absolutely not. Full-grain, top-grain, split leather, cowhide, goatskin, kangaroo, deerskin – each has different properties in terms of abrasion resistance, suppleness, thickness, and durability. Quality tanning and construction make a huge difference.
- “Leather gloves are way too hot for summer riding.” Can be, if they’re thick, unperforated race gauntlets. But many manufacturers make excellent perforated leather gloves designed specifically for hot weather, offering great airflow without sacrificing much protection.
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- “Leather gloves take forever to break in and are super stiff.” Some heavy-duty race gloves do require a break-in period, but many modern leather gloves, especially those made with goatskin or pre-curved fingers, are surprisingly comfortable right out of the package. Quality leather molds to your hand over time, creating a custom fit.
- “Short cuff leather gloves don’t offer real protection.” While a full gauntlet offers more wrist and forearm coverage (crucial for track and high-speed riding), a well-constructed short cuff leather glove with good knuckle protection, palm sliders, and secure closure can still offer excellent protection for street riding and commuting. It’s about matching the glove to the riding style.
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- “You can’t get waterproof leather gloves.” While leather itself isn’t inherently waterproof like some synthetic textiles, many brands offer leather gloves with effective waterproof and breathable membranes (like Gore-Tex or proprietary liners) bonded or inserted, giving you the best of both worlds, as you’ll see with some of our picks.
Which Leather Glove Fits Your Ride?
Finding the right leather motorcycle glove means understanding your primary riding environment and needs.
- Sport/Track Riding: Maximum protection is key. Look for full gauntlet designs with extensive hard armor (knuckles, fingers, cuff), palm sliders, reinforced outseams, and often finger bridges. Materials like kangaroo leather are common for their superior abrasion resistance and feel.
- Street/Commuting (3-Season): A balance of protection, comfort, and versatility. A reliable pair of gloves paired with the right motorcycle boots for commuting gives you solid coverage at two of the most impact-prone contact points. Look for good knuckle protection, some palm padding or sliders, and secure wrist closure. Perforations help in warmer weather.
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- Touring (All-Weather/Cold): Comfort over long distances is paramount, along with weather protection. Touring gloves pair best with a high-quality motorcycle jacket built for wind, rain, and fatigue-free fit. Leather touring gloves often feature waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex, some insulation, heated elements, and comfort features like pre-curved fingers and softer linings.
- Cruiser/Vintage: Style often plays a bigger role, but protection shouldn’t be ignored. Look for classic designs in quality leather (often cowhide or deerskin) with at least reinforced palms and some knuckle protection, even if it’s internally padded.
- Summer Riding: Perforated leather is your friend. Look for gloves with extensive perforation panels for airflow, while still retaining key protective elements like knuckle armor. Our Picks for Summer Motorcycle Gloves covers these well.
Best Leather Motorcycle Gloves
Need a quick answer? These are some of the best leather motorcycle gloves we’ve carefully selected for their fit, protection, feel, and proven performance, featuring the latest options. For a broader look including textile and multi-season options, check our Best Motorcycle Gloves article.
REV’IT! Livengood 2 GTX Gloves
The REV’IT! Livengood 2 GTX gloves offer a sophisticated, somewhat understated look while packing serious all-weather touring capability. Constructed from a combination of goatskin and water-resistant textile elements integrated into the leather chassis, these gloves incorporate a Gore-Tex membrane with Gore Grip technology. This technology bonds the layers together for better tactility and feel on the controls, a common challenge with waterproof gloves, impressively addressed here.
Protection comes from a hard-shell knuckle covered in leather, Temperfoam® padding, and PWR|shield knit at the palm for abrasion resistance. The design is sleek enough for daily commuting but robust enough for long tours. Features like a visor wiper and touchscreen compatible fingertips add to their practicality, making them a highly versatile option.
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The Catch? While offering a good feel for a GTX glove, they won’t be as thin or tactile as a dedicated summer race glove. The style is more classic/touring, less aggressive sport.
The Silver Lining: Excellent waterproofing and breathability with Gore-Tex Gore Grip for superior feel. Comfortable, stylish, and well-suited for 3-4 season touring and commuting, making them a fantastic all-arounder.
Alternative Option: The Held Air N Dry 2 Gloves use a smart dual-chamber system for venting or waterproofing on demand. You lose some insulation compared to the Livengood, but gain versatility for touring in mixed conditions. A sharp choice if your rides swing between hot and wet.
The REV'IT! Livengood 2 GTX Gloves are insulated, waterproof touring gloves built for cold and wet rides, offering top-tier comfort and protection.
- Gore-Tex waterproofing with great grip
- Warm but not bulky
- Strong protection with CE rating
- Too warm for hot weather
- Fingers may fit long for some
- On the pricey side
Our Rating 4.4/5: The Livengood 2 GTX nails the balance between weather protection, comfort, and control. Gore-Tex keeps water out without cooking your hands, and the insulation stays slim enough for good lever feel. Fit is secure without being stiff, and build quality is solid. Not the warmest glove out there, but for all-season commuting and touring, it’s a dependable choice.
Alpinestars Honda GP Plus R V2 Gloves
The Alpinestars GP Plus R V2, especially in this slick Honda co-branded version, is a full-gauntlet sport glove that brings serious track-level protection to the street. Constructed from full-grain leather with perforated zones for airflow, it features Alpinestars’ Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) knuckle protection system and polymer cuff slider. The attention to detail for safety is evident with the patented third and fourth finger bridge to prevent finger roll and separation in a slide.
Ergonomically shaped with stretch inserts, these gloves offer excellent flexibility and feel for precise control inputs. The dual hook-and-loop wrist closure ensures a secure fit, keeping the glove firmly in place. It’s a glove designed for riders who demand high performance and protection, whether on spirited street rides or occasional track days.
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The Catch? As a high-performance sport gauntlet, they command a premium price and can feel a bit stiff until properly broken in. Overkill for very casual city riding.
The Silver Lining: Top-tier protection features derived from Alpinestars’ racing program, excellent material quality, and a secure, confidence-inspiring fit. The Honda branding is a nice touch for fans.
Alternative Option: The REV’IT! Quantum 3 Gloves offer a similarly aggressive style and protection level, with a different ergonomic feel that some riders might prefer.
The Alpinestars Honda GP Plus R V2 Gloves offer track-ready protection and comfort with premium leather construction and sport-focused design.
- Advanced knuckle and palm protection
- Flexible and ergonomic fit
- Good ventilation for warm rides
- May run small—consider sizing up
- Not fully touchscreen compatible
- Higher price than basic sport gloves
Our Rating 4.7/5: The Alpinestars Honda GP Plus R V2 is a superb sport gauntlet offering excellent protection, quality, and Honda-specific style for performance-oriented riders.
Scorpion EXO Klaw II Gloves
The Scorpion EXO Klaw II gloves offer an impressive package of protection, comfort, and style at a price point that represents excellent value. These short-cuff gloves feature a durable goatskin leather palm for great feel and abrasion resistance, paired with a cowhide backhand. A hard TPU knuckle protector is complemented by padded reinforcements on the fingers and palm.
Pre-curved fingers and stretch accordion panels enhance flexibility and reduce fatigue. The Klaw II also includes touchscreen compatible fingertips and a secure hook-and-loop wrist closure. For street riders looking for a dependable leather glove with good protective features without emptying their wallet, the Klaw II is a very strong contender.
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The Catch? As a budget-friendlier option, it may not have the ultra-premium materials or most advanced slider technology of top-tier gloves. Primarily designed for 3-season street use in fair weather.
The Silver Lining: Great balance of protection, comfort, and features for the price. The goatskin palm offers good feedback, and the overall construction feels solid.
Alternative Option: If you ride in unpredictable weather and want short-cuff gloves with waterproofing and clean urban styling, the REV’IT! Cassini H2O Gloves are worth a look. You trade some armor for weatherproof comfort, but for city riders, that’s a smart swap.
The Scorpion Klaw II Gloves are tough goatskin leather gloves built for sport and street riders, offering solid protection and all-day comfort.
- Durable leather with knuckle protection
- Comfortable pre-curved fit
- Breathable with perforated panels
- Fingers may fit unevenly
- Not touchscreen compatible
- Needs break-in time
Our Rating 4.3/5: The Scorpion Klaw II Gloves deliver standout value in the short-cuff leather category. The combination of a goatskin palm, hard knuckle armor, and pre-curved fit offers serious everyday protection without sacrificing flexibility or comfort.
REV’IT! Quantum 3 Gloves
The REV’IT! Quantum 3 gloves are designed for the sport rider who wants a bold look combined with serious protection and comfort. These gauntlet gloves feature a durable cowhide construction mixed with goatskin on the palm for enhanced feel and flexibility. Ventilated dual comp protectors at the knuckle and TPU hard-shell sliders at the palm and cuff offer significant impact and abrasion resistance.
REV’IT! has focused on ergonomics with the Quantum 3, incorporating stretch panels and an outside-stitched finger construction to reduce bulk and improve comfort. Perforated areas provide airflow, making them suitable for warmer weather sport riding. The dual cuff closure system ensures a secure fit over or under your jacket sleeve.
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The Catch? The aggressive styling might not appeal to everyone. Like many race-spec gloves, they can require a short break-in period to achieve maximum comfort.
The Silver Lining: A great combination of high-level protection, comfortable ergonomics, and striking design. The use of different leathers and TPU protectors offers a well-rounded safety package.
Alternative Option: The Alpinestars Honda GP Plus R V2 Gloves provide a similar level of gauntlet protection with a slightly different fit profile and brand aesthetic.
The REV'IT! Quantum 3 Gloves are full-gauntlet sport gloves built with premium leather, impact protection, and track-level performance features.
- Hard knuckles, sliders, and pinky bridge
- Flexible fit with stretch panels
- Touchscreen compatible fingertips
- Stiff at first—needs break-in
- Runs a bit small
- Limited airflow at low speeds
Our Rating 4.6/5: The REV’IT! Quantum 3 gloves are a strong contender for sport and track riders, delivering robust protection, good airflow, and a comfortable, articulated fit.
Merlin Minworth II D3O Heated Gloves
For riders who refuse to let cold weather end their season, the Merlin Minworth II D3O Heated Gloves offer a fantastic blend of classic leather style, modern heating technology, and certified protection. Constructed from supple cowhide leather with a Hipora waterproof and breathable membrane, these gloves are designed to keep you warm and dry.
The heating element covers the top of the hand and fingers, powered by included rechargeable batteries that tuck into the cuff. D3O knuckle protectors provide discreet yet effective impact absorption. Features like touchscreen-compatible fingertips and a visor wipe add practicality. These are for the dedicated rider who needs warmth without sacrificing the feel and protection of leather.
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The Catch? Battery life for heated gear is always a consideration (typically 2-4 hours depending on setting). The added bulk of heating elements and batteries means they won’t be as sleek as unheated gloves. Premium price for heated tech.
The Silver Lining: Extends your riding season significantly in comfort. Quality leather construction combined with D3O protection and effective heating.
Alternative Option: If battery power is a concern, consider pairing unheated waterproof gloves like the REV’IT! Livengood 2 GTX Gloves with heated grips on your motorcycle.
The Merlin Minworth II D3O Heated Gloves offer classic style, battery-powered warmth, and D3O protection—ideal for cold-weather riding.
- 3-level heated system
- Waterproof and breathable
- Includes D3O impact protection
- Shorter battery life on high setting
- Long charge time
- Slightly bulky feel
Our Rating 4.5/5: The updated Minworth II is Merlin’s cleanest heated glove yet. Full leather, D3O impact protection, and low-profile heat that actually holds up in the cold. The new version fixes past issues, better battery pocket, better fit, better feel. Touchscreen use still needs work, but if you ride year-round, this is a strong contender for your next cold-weather setup.
Knox Coniston Gloves
Knox has a well-earned reputation for innovative protection, and the Coniston gloves exemplify this with their focus on all-weather performance and signature safety features. These robust leather touring gloves are equipped with a bonded eVent waterproof membrane, providing excellent weather protection while preventing water pickup by sealing the outer shell.
Standout features include Knox’s proprietary safety systems: the SPS (Scaphoid Protection System) on the palm, which helps prevent hyperextension and scaphoid injury by allowing the hand to slide on impact, and discreet yet effective low-profile knuckle armor. The Coniston is designed for touring and commuting comfort with serious underlying safety tech. Expect a quality leather construction and a fit geared towards long days in the saddle.
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The Catch? Knox gloves, with their specialized protection, can be at the higher end of the price spectrum. The unique feel of the SPS palm sliders might take some getting used to for riders new to the system.
The Silver Lining: Cutting-edge scaphoid protection and excellent overall safety features. High-quality materials and construction designed for serious touring in varied conditions.
Alternative Option: If you don’t need waterproofing and want max protection in a short-cuff design, the Knox Handroid Pod MK5 brings serious armor, scaphoid sliders, exo knuckles, and race-grade feel. Built for dry, aggressive riding where control and impact protection matter most.
The Knox Coniston Gloves are waterproof leather gloves with Micro-Lock protection, a BOA closure, and 3-season comfort for touring and street riders.
- Excellent waterproofing
- Strong impact protection
- Secure BOA closure system
- Tight at first—needs break-in
- On the pricey side
- Not ideal for very cold weather
Our Rating 4.5/5: The Knox Coniston Gloves offer excellent waterproofing, thanks to the eVent membrane, and a secure, dialed-in fit with the BOA system. Micro-Lock armor adds solid protection without bulk. They break in quickly and hold up well in wet weather.
REV’IT! Monster 3 Gloves
The REV’IT! Monster 3 gloves are a stylish and highly functional short-cuff option for riders who appreciate a classic look with modern performance. Crafted from a blend of three different types of drum-dyed goatskin leather, including Pittards® Planette sheepskin for enhanced grip on the palms and thumbs, these gloves offer a premium feel and excellent dexterity.
Designed for summer riding, the Monster 3 features perforated leather panels for optimal airflow. Protection is well-integrated, with a hard-shell knuckle, Temperfoam® at the finger knuckles and palm slider, and PWR|Shield knit at the palm for superior abrasion resistance. The overall aesthetic is clean and sophisticated, making them a great match for a wide range of bikes and riding attire.
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The Catch? Being a perforated summer glove, they offer minimal protection against cold or wet weather. The classic styling might not appeal to riders looking for a more aggressive, modern sport look.
The Silver Lining: Exceptional comfort and feel due to the quality goatskin construction. Good airflow for summer riding, combined with solid CE Level 1 protection and a timeless, stylish design.
Alternative Option: The Scorpion EXO Klaw II Gloves offer a sportier short-cuff alternative at a very competitive price point, though perhaps with a less premium leather feel.
Classic looks meet modern function with supple goatskin, Pittards® palm leather, and subtle protection. Perforated for airflow and styled to match cruisers, café racers, and heritage gear without compromising safety.
- High-quality leather with great grip
- Excellent ventilation for warm weather
- Solid knuckle and palm protection
- Not waterproof
- Less wrist coverage (short cuff)
- Needs a brief break-in period
Our Rating 4.3/5: The REV’IT! Monster 3 Gloves strike a solid balance for warm-weather riders, premium leather feel, good airflow, and street-ready protection in a clean short-cuff design. Sizing runs snug and there’s no waterproofing, but for summer street duty, they deliver.
Comparison Table
| Feature | AStars Honda GP Plus R V2 | REV’IT! Quantum 3 | Scorpion EXO Klaw II | Merlin Minworth II D3O Heated | REV’IT! Livengood 2 GTX | Knox Coniston | REV’IT! Monster 3 |
| Best For | Sport/Track | Sport/Track | Value Street/Sport | Touring/Cold Weather | Touring/ All-Weather | Touring/Commuting | Urban/Summer |
| Primary Mat. | Full-Grain Leather | Cowhide, Goatskin | Goatskin | Goat Nappa Leather | Goatskin, Textile | Cowhide leather | Goatskin, Sheepskin |
| Cuff Style | Full Gauntlet | Full Gauntlet | Short Cuff | Mid-Gauntlet | Mid-Gauntlet | Full Gauntlet | Short Cuff |
| Knuckle Armor | DFS Hard Protector | TPU Hard-shell protector | TPU molded protector | D3O Pre Curved | Hard-Shell Protector | Knox Micro-Lock Protector | TPR hard protector, Temperfoam underneath knuckles |
| Palm Slider | Polymer sliders on palm and fingers | TPU Palm Slider | No | No | Temperfoam palm slider | Knox Scaphoid Protection System | PWR shield |
| Waterproof | No | No | No | Yes (Hipora membrane) | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Yes (eVent waterproof membrane) | No |
| Price Ind. | $$$ | $$$ | $ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ |
| Get One | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Leather Motorcycle Gloves
The right gloves protect your hands, preserve control, and hold up when things go sideways. Here’s how to spot the ones that actually perform.
What Sets the Good Ones Apart?
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Leather Type & Quality
- Cowhide offers solid abrasion resistance and durability, but takes time to break in.
- Goatskin is thinner, more supple, and provides excellent dexterity while still being highly abrasion resistant.
- Kangaroo is extremely abrasion resistant for its thinness and offers top-tier feel, often used in race gloves but comes at a premium.
- Deerskin is soft and comfortable, but generally less protective unless thick or specially treated.
- Look for full-grain or top-grain leather for the best quality and long-term durability.
Stitching & Construction
- Seams are stress points, double or triple stitching is ideal.
- External finger seams improve comfort by keeping them away from your skin.
Armor & Protection
- Knuckle protection should be CE-rated (KP1 or KP2) and may be hard (TPU, carbon fiber) or soft (D3O, SAS-TEC).
- Palm sliders reduce wrist injuries by helping your hand slide instead of catching during a fall.
- Finger protection includes extra leather, hard inserts, or finger bridges to prevent overextension.
- Cuff protection matters most in gauntlet gloves, look for armor over the ulna (outer wrist).
Fit & Sizing
- Gloves should fit snugly without restricting movement or cutting circulation.
- Fingers should reach the ends but not be cramped, leather will stretch slightly.
- Check brand-specific sizing charts and reviews for accuracy.
Cuff Length & Closure
- Short cuff gloves are cooler, easier to wear with different jackets, but offer less wrist protection.
- Gauntlet gloves cover the wrist and jacket cuff for full protection—ideal for touring or sport.
- Closures (Velcro, buckles) should be glove-friendly and include a secure wrist strap.
Comfort Features
- Pre-curved fingers reduce fatigue on longer rides.
- Perforations improve airflow in hot conditions.
- Linings (silk, fleece, moisture-wicking) enhance comfort.
- Some gloves include heating elements or touchscreen-capable fingers for convenience.
Certifications
- Look for CE certification under EN 13594:2015.
- Level 1 KP offers basic impact protection, while Level 2 KP meets a higher threshold.
What Riders Ask About Leather Gloves
How long does it take to break in leather motorcycle gloves?
It varies. Supple goatskin gloves might feel great immediately. Thicker cowhide or kangaroo race gloves can take several hours of riding. You can speed it up slightly by wearing them around the house or using leather conditioner, but good old ride time is best.
How do I care for leather motorcycle gloves?
Keep them clean with a damp cloth. Use a quality leather cleaner and conditioner periodically to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. Let them air dry naturally if they get wet; never use direct heat. For waterproof leather gloves with membranes, follow specific manufacturer care instructions.
Are leather gloves better than textile for protection?
For pure abrasion resistance, high-quality leather is generally superior to most standard textiles (excluding specialized materials like Dyneema or Kevlar weaves). However, textile gloves often offer better waterproofing integrated into the shell material or better extreme-condition insulation.
My hands get sweaty in leather gloves. What can I do?
Look for perforated leather gloves for better airflow if riding in warm/hot dry conditions. For waterproof gloves like Gore-Tex, the breathability of the membrane helps. Consider moisture-wicking liners. Ensure your gloves aren’t too tight.
What’s the difference between men’s and women’s leather gloves?
Women-specific gloves are typically designed with a narrower palm, longer fingers, and a smaller overall volume to better fit the general anatomical differences in women’s hands, offering a more precise and comfortable fit. Simply sizing down a men’s glove often doesn’t work as well.
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Wrapping Up…
Your hands are your primary interface with your motorcycle, and arguably one of the first things to hit the pavement in a fall. Investing in a quality pair of leather motorcycle gloves isn’t just about looking the part; it’s a critical safety decision that also enhances your riding comfort and control.
Whether you opt for track-ready gauntlets, comfortable heated gloves for cold rides, or sophisticated waterproof touring options, the right leather gloves feel like an extension of yourself – strong, dependable, and ready for the road ahead.
Choose wisely, care for them well, and they’ll serve you faithfully for many miles to come.
Looking for more gear picks?
Check out our full lineup of tested recommendations for helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, and more. Everything we’d actually ride in.
