Overall Best
Find Your Fit: Best Short Cuff Motorcycle Gloves for 2026
Evan Rally
Updated: September 16, 2025
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Since moving to Bangkok, a lot more of my riding is 10 minute commutes in stop-and-go traffic where gauntlets would be so cumbersome I just wouldn’t wear them.
So, I’ve been diving into the world of short‑cuff motorcycle gloves, looking for dexterity and comfort with enough protection to save my palms, knuckles and wrists in the event of a modest speed crash. Oh and cool as well (both in style, and warmth, because Bangkok is HOT).
So in this round up I’m going to go through the best short cuff gloves on the market today, not just for city riding but also for adventure and wet weather waterproof options. 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.
Overall Best
Super comfortable leather, no pinch points, works on phone screens. I wear these daily in Bangkok and never get sweaty hands. Minimalist and stylish. Buy from Pando Moto with code ROAD for 10% off. My personal favorites, reviewed here.
Popular
A leather-mesh short cuff glove built for hot city commutes and weekend canyon rides. Light, airy, and wallet-friendly without sacrificing safety. 20,000+ mile review here.
Sport Riding
Track DNA for the street. Hard knuckle protection, premium leather, and a pre-curved fit make these ideal for aggressive riding. I rode in one of these across America (long story)
Premium Sport
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.
Pando Moto Ivy – Stylish Urban Glove, Great in Summer
These are my current favorite gloves, they just happen to be short cuff! Super easy to take on and off, very comfortable and supple leather, yet hiding flexible armor inside the knuckles and soft palm sliders underneath.
Despite looking like a stocky leather glove, they’re actually very comfortable in hot weather. I should know – I ride in Thailand in them every day.
These also felt broken-in right away, and I love that they don’t scream “motorcycle gear” when you walk into a café. Pando gear is always high quality too, with the stitching and padding in impact zones feeling sturdy behind the low-key design and comfort.
The Catch? Minimal armor compared to full-sport gloves.
The Silver Lining: You get a sleek, wearable glove that doesn’t compromise your aesthetic or safety.
Alternative Option: Reax Tasker for a more rugged, workwear-inspired urban glove.
Pando Moto Ivy Gloves
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Super comfortable leather, no pinch points, CE Level 1 knuckle armor, reinforced palms, and touchscreen fingertips works on phone screens. I wear these daily in Bangkok and never get sweaty hands. Buy from Pando Moto with code ROAD for 10% off. My personal favorite, reviewed here.
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.
Alpinestars SMX‑1 Air V2 – Popular, But I had Bad Luck?
So I rode in the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 across America (12,000+ miles) and the pros of these gloves is they’re one of the most breathable short cuff gloves out there. Built with a chassis of full-grain leather combined with mesh panels, they do 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.
However, I have to note that in my case they started bleeding ink all over my hands just a few months in to regular wear. I’ve chatted with other owners about this and it doesn’t seem to be a problem for others, so maybe I just got a bad production run.
These are the most reviewed gloves on Revzilla, so you might trust that more than me!
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. I tried these in Japanese spring (about 50F)… never again
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. Aside from the Pando Moto Ivy, of course!
Alternative Option: If you to trade a bit of airflow for 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, I’ve 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.
Alpinestars Celer V3 – Sporty Control Without Gauntlet Bulk
These were supposed to be my gloves while riding across the USA in 2022, but when I lost the right one in Indiana (left it on my bike seat in a crazy storm), I ended up completing my months of testing with just the left one.
I bought the Celer V3 because they’re track DNA meets street practicality. 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. They’re thick and sturdy leather, but still comfortable and allow you to feel the levers and feedback from the bike.
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
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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.
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.
Comparison Table
| Gloves | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
