MCN's guide to choosing the best motorcycle gloves for you whatever the season or how you ride
One of the most vulnerable areas of the body when riding a motorcycle are your hands, which is why a proper pair of motorcycle gloves is a must, whatever kind of bike you ride.
- Are you in America? Find the best gloves in the USA here
Your hands are stuck out in front of you, exposed to the elements – and if the worst happens, they are likely to be the first thing that hits the ground. With that in mind, a decent pair of motorcycle gloves should be considered essential kit in the same way as a motorcycle helmet.
The Best Motorcycle Gloves at a Glance:
- Best sport gloves: RST Tractech Evo 4 Gloves – View on Amazon UK
- Best summer gloves: Goldtop Predator Gloves- View on Amazon UK
- Best winter gloves: DXR Winter Carbon Gloves – View on Sportsbikeshop
How to choose the right pair of motorcycle gloves for you
As with many areas of bike kit, gloves are designed with a specific type of riding in mind. The temperature and conditions, the type of bike you’re on and where you’re riding it should all factor into your buying decision.
Leather is the toughest material you can choose and if you’re serious about safety and looking for a sporty track glove then look for reinforcement in the palm, TPU sliders or similar and proper knuckle protection. You will also want a cuff that covers your wrist entirely. A KP2 CE-rating indicates that higher testing threshold has been met.
But if you’re riding in hot conditions off-road or touring through winter then a pair of track gloves will be uncomfortable at best and dangerously distracting at worst. A ventilated textile pair in the case of the former and a lined or even heated pair for the latter are much better-suited.
We’ve provided a selection of some our the gloves that impressed us from each category, along with some helpful advice on what to look for, plus links to specific MCN buyer’s guides and expert in-depth reviews.
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Winter gloves that kept the weather out
Winter gloves will have thermal linings such as Thinsulate and tend to have waterproof membranes to keep the weather out.
Some have a leather construction while others are textile and some prioritise warmth while others are more about protection. If you plan on riding in seriously cold conditions regularly then a set of heated gloves might be more appropriate – but you’d be surprised how far a decent set of winter gloves will get you (especially if you have heated grips).
"These are keenly-priced, at under £50, and are ideal for cooler rides. With a leather outer, they have a Thinsulate thermal liner and a membrane, that's both waterproof and breathable."
"I've ridden in cold and damp conditions and they've been comfortable and kept my hands dry. And, unlike some winter gloves, they are not too bulky."
"They are approved to CE Level 1 and have hard knuckle and finger armour, plus extra protection on the palm. I'm a cuff-over-sleeve kind of girl and I do have a couple of criticisms - the cuff is slightly too short, leaving a small draught around the wrist; my other slight moan is that I'd prefer the left thumb visor wipe to be on the forefinger."
Pros
- They are genuinely waterproof
- They are not too bulky
Cons
- the cuff could do with being a little longer
| Construction | Calfskin leather and thinsulate |
| Type | Winter / waterproof |
| CE Rating | Level 1 |
| Armour | Fingers and knuckles |
- Internal waterproof and breathable membrane
- Carbon fibre knuckle ad finger protection
- Integrated visor wipe
"If these are like the other Halvarsson products I’ve worn, they will last for years. So far, they show no signs of wear and tear, even though they’ve been used in some deluges. Velcro wrist and cuff fasteners are as good today, as they were on the first wear. Touchscreen fingertip, on the right index finger, works and little touches like the special Skinfit TXR liner, to keep the lining in place, is a great feature."
"If you are in the market for a pair of touring gloves, that offer warmth without bulk, a decent level of protection and are a fair price, these could be the ones for you. Investigate Halvarrson, if you haven’t before, I can guarantee you will be impressed by the quality of the products they offer."
Pros
- Comfortable from the get-go
- Touchscreen fingers
Cons
- Cuff could be slightly longer
| Construction | Leather and textile mix |
| Type | Touring |
| CE Rating | Level 1 |
| Armour | Hard knuckle armour |
- Waterproof and breathable membrane
- Touch screen finger
- Reinforced palm
Heated gloves that kept hands toasty
Heated gloves have been a game changer for a lot of commuter riders who are exposed to the extremes of weather. Keeping you warm on the backs of your hands and fingertips where heated grips may not be enough.
Some can be wired into your bike while others rely on batteries and there are options that can be powered either way. Batteries can be bulky on your wrists and obviously weigh more but can be a convenient solution if you only ride for shorter periods in the cold.
If you want to go for a wired version then think about how the cable will run both in the bike and through your kit and get all the extenders and connectors you’ll need at the same time.
"I’d struggle to ride in winter without heated gloves, and the Richa Inferno set are the warmest I’ve ever sampled, making them perfect for those really cold days in the saddle. Sure, there are a few niggles such as unlocking the hottest setting, the bulky batteries and the cost, but I have to admit that it’s forgiven when the heat is turned up to the max. Without batteries the Infernos fit nice and snug and feel secure when on, and they offer a reasonable amount of protection too, thanks to D30 armour, Cordura 600D textile and goatskin reinforcement."
Read the full Richa Inferno review
Pros
- Completely waterproof
- Heat settings offer lots of warmth
- They have a good tight closure
Cons
- Not cheap
- Bulky with external batteries
- Batteries are an additional cost
- Have to hold down the hottest setting, which is frustrating
| Construction | Cordura 600D textile |
| Type | Heated Gloves |
| CE Rating | Level 1 |
| Armour | D3O knuckle protector and temperfoam palm slider |
- AquaShell LTZ waterproof and breathable membrane
- Superfabric re-enforcement on palm/scaphoid
- 3 level temperature regulation via single easy to use button
- Status LED shows blue, orange or red depending on selection
- Compatible with optional battery kit
"If you’re after the very best gloves for winter riding and your switchgear will accommodate them, the HG Prime fulfils the brief brilliantly. They’re well-appointed, comfortable, weatherproof, built extremely well and aren’t too heavy either."
"Their major drawback is their price: even some of the firm’s other gloves appear to be better value. Plus they’re still only KP1 rated for safety because of their design. It’s for these reasons I’m not rating them five stars, but be under no illusions here, they’re a quality bit of kit and in many ways I’m a big fan."
Read the full Five HG Heated Glove review
Pros
- Beautifully built
- Easy to use
- Clever design
Cons
- Slightly bulky
- We'd like a visor wipe and a UK plug
| Construction | Softshell and goat leather |
| Type | Heated Uni-sex |
| CE Rating | KP 1 |
| Armour | Hard knuckles |
- Touchscreen enabled
- Heated
- Gore-tex waterproofing
- PrimaLoft Gold 200g thermal insulation on topside and 60g insulation on palm
Our favourite sports gloves
Sports gloves usually offer the best level of protection with armoured knuckles, reinforced palms are long gauntlet style cuffs but should also offer a good feel for the controls too.
Sporty gloves are suitable for road or track riding and there are perforated models that make good summer gloves, too. If you’re new to riding, you’ll be surprised how quickly sporty leather gloves let your hands get seriously cold in lower temperatures (anything from around 10°C and below is painful).
"These Oxford Nexus 1.0 gloves are a pretty perfect balance - thin in the right areas, and sturdy in others, at a price where rivals are offering lowlier Level 1 protection. A waterproof membrane would open them up to an extended riding season, while those of you with hotter hands might want more ventilation on the warmest days of the year. Otherwise I don’t have a bad word to say about them."
Pros
- CE Level 2 protection
- Comfortable
- Great value for money
Cons
- Not weatherproof
| Construction | 100% Aniline leather |
| Type | Sports |
| CE rating | Level 2 KP |
| Armour | TPU Knuckle protection |
- Aramid reinforcement
- Touchscreen compatible
"They feel lovely on the hands, are cooling and work superbly with the bike’s controls and the highest rating for protection, combined with their obvious protective qualities, is enormously reassuring. And at less than £70 a pair, you can’t really go wrong."
Read our full LS2 Swift review.
Pros
- Highest protective rating for gloves
- Excellent value
- Comfortable and great feel
Cons
- Thumbs a bit awkward on indicators
| Construction | Leather |
| Type | Sports |
| CE Rating | 2KP |
| Armour | Hard knuckle and finger |
- Goatskin palm
- Perforated cowhide thumb
- Vented knuckle armour
- Superfabric reinforcements
- Finger bridge
- Visor wipe
- Silicone palm grip
- Touch screen friendly finger tips
"So far I’ve done around 1100 miles on the road in these RSTs, plus two days on track and I’ve been impressed. There’s CE Level 2 carbon knuckles, fused outer fingers to help prevent injury in a slide, Kevlar lining throughout and they are warm enough on rides above 10°C which makes them perfect for those first early morning trackday sessions."
"They’re all-day comfortable despite their sporting nature and the double fastening system and long cuff allows you to secure them comfortably and tightly over leathers. I’ve also managed to squeeze them inside the sleeves of my textile jacket. Overall, I’m more than happy, that said, the stitching around the palm could be neater, with plenty of untidy loose threads protruding out and spoiling the overall appearance. What’s more, when your hands sweat, the inside of the glove can leave your mitts covered in a black residue – a bit like when you wear a new pair of jeans. It’s easy to wash off but isn’t ideal."
Pros
- They're comfortable
- Good level of protection
- They are fairly warm
Cons
- Your hands get stained
- They get loose threads with wear
| Construction | Aramid lined leather |
| Type | Race / sport |
| CE Rating | Level 1 |
| Armour | Knuckles, fingers, palm and wrist |
- Double layer leather palm
- Motion panels to allow for movement
- Conjoined little fingers to reduce the risk of breaks
- Elasticated cuffs
Retro gloves that we loved
Retro gloves are likely to have slightly less protection than a full on race glove, and as with most retro kit, will have a more vintage style with details like studs and quilted leather. These are likely to be spring/summer options (depending on your climate).
But style doesn’t have to come at the expense of function. Check for all the same safety features as with any other glove (knuckle protectors, reinforced areas, double stitching etc.).
"The Easyriders are made from a robust cowhide leather so they are supple and adapt to the shape of my hand. The inner lining is a breathable polyester fabric that feels soft but never sweaty. Mesh sections are strategically placed so the wind passes through to cool the hand - crucial for a summer bike glove."
"The Roadskin Easyrider gloves combine great looks with confidence-inspiring feel and performance. Their remarkable history and thoughtful design make them both practical and protective, especially when it matters most. After sorting out the initial sizing issue, they now fit me like a second skin. Plus, they offer genuine value for money, which is not so common these days. In essence, the Easyriders convey a strong, silent statement that speaks volumes."
Read Robin's full Roadskin Easyrider glove review
Pros
- Ventilation is good - the mesh sections are thoughtfully placed so even on hot days my hands don’t sweat
- The tips of the index fingers on both hands are designed to be touch screen friendly
- The grip is very secure on the handlebars due to the specially designed overlays on the palm
- The knuckle armour is tough as nails which adds to peace of mind
- The landing zone on the palm is protected by military-grade materials as a first line of defence
Cons
- Sizing was difficult - my size is Large but the fingers were way too long so I settled for a Medium, which is a bit snug
- They're water resistant, not waterproof, but they did dry out quickly when I got caught in an unexpected downpour
| Materials | Cowhide, Maximite and Kevlar |
| Lining | Polyester |
| CE Rating | Level 1 KP |
| Armour | D30 knuckle protector with aramid palm slider |
- An official PPE motorcycle glove having passed EN13594: Level 1 KP - (EU) 2016/425
- A super-tough, lightweight, and breathable glove
- Will last at least 60,000 miles if treated with leather conditioner and a water repellant solution
- Military-grade aramid abrasion- and cut-resistant palm pad for extra protection in a fall
- Leather reinforcement on the palms is designed for a secure grip on the motorcycle's handlebars
"Every once in a while, I test a product that immediately becomes my go-to option and that has certainly been the case with these Predator gloves from British firm Goldtop. So called because they feature a triangle pattern similar to the one used by the antagonist from the 1980s action films of the same name, the retro-styling is a perfect match for my long-term test bike this year."
"The perforations mean my hands stay cool in hot conditions – even in 32-degree temperatures during a trip to Europe – and they’re just about warm enough for early morning rides before the sun has come out for the day. As Goldtop gloves were back in the day, these are silk-lined and this makes them extremely comfortable. Clever floating knuckle armour (top-spec Knox Microlock) allows some airflow to hard-to-reach areas, too."
"The palm is unlined cowhide and gives excellent feel on the controls but there’s a second small patch of Knox armour on the ‘landing zone’. With five-strand cotton thread stitching and no-split fingers, these CE-certified gloves should do the job in a slide as-well-as posing at the local bike night. After 4000 miles, these fit my hand like a second skin and haven’t worn at all. They won’t be much good in winter, but for the rest of the year, they’re spot on."
Pros
- Well ventilated so great fro summer riding
- Silk lining makes them very comfortable
- They look amazing
Cons
- I can't think of any
| Construction | 1.0 mm premium drum-dyed Aniline cowhide leather |
| Armour | Floating Knox Microlock knuckle armour, Knox Microlock lower palm and double reinforced palm sections |
| Type | Retro leather gloves |
| Ce Rating | CE Level 1 EN13594:2015 |
- Single hide palm and perforated rear styling and no split fingers
- Hybrid unlined palm with a 100% silk lined upper section
- Silk lined
- Ribbed velcro fastening finished with Goldtop motif rivet
- 5 strand cotton thread stitching throughout
The summer gloves that kept us cool
Summer gloves are exactly what you would expect, a lightweight glove that prioritises airflow and cooling for riding in hot weather.
Summer motorcycle gloves range all the way from motocross-style fabric options that offer almost no protection on the road through to perforated versions of race gloves that give maximum crash protection with ventilation holes added to leather panels.
Sportier gloves tend to perform better in the hot than the cold anyway, so many riders opt for track-focused designs in summer, but even these can get uncomfortable when the temperatures really soar.
Cuff length is also a big factor for warm weather gloves. Options without a cuff (that stop at the wrist) are cooler than those with. Many firms that make track or sports gloves also do a version with short or no cuffs for the summer but these are only for the road and won’t get you on a trackday.
"Made from vented cloth and an Alcantara-type material, shortie summer gloves like these aren’t designed to be waterproof, or offer the last word in high-speed crash protection. But they’re EN 13594:2015 CE certified, have an armoured knuckle with a leather surround, a plastic palm protector, an extra layer of padding around the bottom of the fingers where you hold the handlebar and rubbery strips on the fingers to grip levers.
"I’ve been wearing them way more than I expected over the past year: on two UK riding holidays and general tearing about on test bikes when the weather’s nice. The best thing about them is how comfortable they are - cool in hot weather, but thin enough to feel the full effect of heated grips in a chill. They’re also light and easy to take on and off. Best of all they’re affordable and have stood up to the miles perfectly with no signs of wear to the seams or structure."
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Durable over many miles
Cons
- Not the most protective
| Construction | Sythentic suede and 3D aero mesh |
| CE Rating | en 13594:2015 |
| Armour | Soft approved cps protection on knuckles |
- Silicone prints on fingers to increase grip
- Flexible micro abrasion resistant rubber insert
- 3D aero mesh back with genuine goat leather inserts
- Soft approved cps protection on knuckles
- Touch screen compatibility
"If hot hands are a problem for you, these gloves are the answer. They’re extremely lightweight, as comfy as motocross gloves and use a scooped knuckle protector design to channel cooling air straight onto the backs of your hands.
"Add to that areas of breathable spandex and perforated leather and you have gloves that are as comfortable in hot weather as riding with bare hands. Five have used single or double-layer goat leather in all the places you’re likely to need it should you crash plus a hard palm slider and the aforementioned knuckle protector.
"It’s a smart bit of design work that mean I’d be confident in a low-speed crash but I’d be reluctant to test the protection in a full-speed slide down the road. Better than purely off-road gloves by a country mile, though, and infinitely preferable to ditching the gloves altogether.
"The touchscreen system on the forefinger and thumb is also the best I’ve ever used and makes sat nav or phone adjustments a cinch."
Pros
- As comfortable as bare hands
- Supremely cool in hot weather
- Touchscreen-friendly forefinger and thumb
Cons
- Only CE rated to KP-1
- Feel on the lightweight side for full speed riding
| Construction | Perforated goat leather and Spandex topside |
| Type | Summer glove |
| CE rating | KP-1 |
| Waterproof? | No |
| Touchscreen-compatible? | Yes |
- AirgoProtech ventilated metacarpal-knuckle protector, with air duct
- ERGO PROTECH honeycombed palm slider
- TPR finger protection with air intake
- Ultra-tough stretch Nylon fourchettes between the fingers
Gloves reviewed by the ladies on the team
Ladies gloves tend to be fitted slightly differently to mens as they generally have smaller hands, other than that there aren’t too many differences between them.
"Whereas many winter gloves can be a total compromise – warm but lacking feel, comfy but lacking protection – the RST Pro Series Paragon 6 prove that you can have a bad weather glove that does it all. It’s clear that they’ve been very thoughtfully designed, with features such as zoned leather in key areas, silicone grips on the palms, pre-curved fingers, and visor wipes, too."
"Combined with the reliable Sinaqua membrane, the drawstring cuff system offers flexibility, allowing hands to remain dry regardless of whether you wear your gloves on the inside or outside of your sleeves. Meanwhile the Thinsulate thermal lining does a perfect job of giving the right amount of warmth for typical British winter conditions without being overly bulky. Plus, the feeling of protection that the Paragon 6 offer is very reassuring too."
Pros
- Warm
- Waterproof
- Some thoughtful features
Cons
- The main chassis of the glove feels a little floppy
| Construction | HTC and full-grain leather outer. Internal lining brushed polyester with Sinaqua waterproof/breathable membrane |
| Type | Winter/touring |
| CE rating | EN13594:2015 1KP |
| Armour | Hard external knuckle protection with memory foam inner |
- Drawstring cuff
- Hook-and-loop wrist
- Visor wiper
- Smart-touch leather
"Made from a hard-wearing textile outer, with a soft leather palm and touch screen sensitive fingertip, they are the quality you’d expect from Alpinestars but without the hefty price tag. After being ridden in all manner of conditions, they are showing no signs of wear and tear."
"They come with a Thinsulate liner and with a breathable and waterproof Drystar membrane. I have found that they have kept my hands dry but not always the warmest. I’ve worn these gloves through winter and into spring, they’ve been waterproof, comfortable, they lack warmth on the coldest days but are badged as three-season, so a little hard to criticise in that department.
Cuffs could do with being slightly longer, they are not quite long enough to go over the sleeve of a jacket. They have padded knuckles and palms and are rated CE Level 1. I have rather large hands and sometimes have issues with finger length, I opted for size XL and they fit perfectly. "
Pros
- Good value, comfortable from the off
Cons
- Could do with being slightly warmer
| Construction | Polyamide textile outer with synthetic leather palm and thumb. Breathable/waterproof Drystar membrane. Thinsulate lined. |
| Type | Waterproof, three-season gloves |
| CE rating garment | CE Level 1 EN13594:2015 |
| Armour | Padded knuckle and palm |
- Waterproof, breathable, thermal lined with elasticated wrist and adjustable velcro closure.
- Padded knuckle and palm. Touchscreen compatible fingertips.
What to look for when buying gloves
From perforated summer gloves and lightweight trail items to track-ready armour, the level of protection you need is up to you and should always be balanced with comfort. The weather is another factor to consider, and waterproof and thermal or even heated winter gloves will keep you able to use your hand controls through January commutes. There is a huge range catering to just about every motorcycling application imaginable.
CE Certification
The CE standard for motorcycle gloves is EN 13594:2015, with Level 1 being awarded for a basic pass and Level 2 for items offering additional protection. There are several elements to the test, briefly described as follows.
Impact abrasion resistance:
The natural reaction during a fall is to brace for impact with outstretched hands, palms down. This test measures for the level of protection provided during such a situation, both in terms of the initial impact and potential ensuing slide.
Knuckle impact protection:
This is an optional test for Level 1 gloves and is rated at either 1 or 2 KP. All Level 2 gloves will have achieved 2KP in order to pass.
Cut resistance:
The main difference between Level 1 and 2 here is that only the palm of Level 1 gloves is tested for cut resistance, whereas all materials present in a Level 2 glove have to pass to achieve certification.
Tear strength:
Three separate pieces of the protective layer are subjected to a tear test, with the lowest score dictating whether a pass has been achieved.
Seam strength:
Each type of seam is tested at three individual points to ensure that the overall structural integrity of the glove reaches the required standard.
Restraint:
A glove can only do its job if correctly fastened, so this test measures the force required to pull it off whilst being worn. 25N dictates a Level 1 pass and 50N for Level 2.
Sizing and cuff length:
The difference between levels here is basically that of short and long gloves. Level 1 requires a cuff length of at least 5mm (measured from the line of the wrist), and Level 2 50mm. Sizing must comply with the European standard of EN420.
Innocuousness:
As gloves are worn in close contact with the skin, tests are carried out to ensure that none of the construction materials contains restricted or harmful substances. This includes measuring pH values and checking for potentially harmful elements, such as azo colourants, chromium VI and pentachlorophenol.
Ergonomic requirements:
Gloves must allow the wearer to maintain a certain amount of dexterity in order to operate switchgear, visor catches and so on, so this ensures that there is no significant restriction in movement.
FAQ
If i’m between sizes should I size up or down?
If you are buying a leather glove it is worth bearing in mind that leather will give and stretch a little over time. With this in mind it is advised not to size up to prevent to gloves from ending up too loose. Your gloves should feel comfortable and allow good movement and feel without there being long gaps at the end of your fingers.
Are motorcycle gloves worn inside or outside of your sleeve?
This will depend on your preference and which type of glove you go for, a gauntlet style glove will usually be worn outside of the sleeve but a short cuff will sit under the end of you sleeve.
Should I wash my gloves?
The label that comes with the gloves should include care instruction, it is best to read and retain this information to know what is best for your particular gloves.
Are fingerless gloves OK on a motorcycle?
Fingerless gloves are more for the look than protection as they only offer any protection to your palm and the back of your hand. Fingers are still left exposed to the elements, bugs and the tarmac should you have an off. Full gloves are advised but there is no law in UK regarding gloves to be worn on a motorbike.
How MCN tests gloves
At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.
Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.
That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on. To make it onto this list, these gloves must have been worn for thousands of miles by our team of experienced testers, show no major flaws, and meet modern safety standards as well as offering decent value for money.
Each of our expert reviewers tests their gloves for a variety of things, both subjective and objective, and these are no exception. Factors assessed include how comfortable they are from the off, what knuckle protection gloves have, are they breathable, and if they include details such as waterproofing or perforations.
However, we also assess how they fit, their perceived build quality and how comfortable the gloves are during daily use.
We’ve worn each of the tested gloves in this page while we’ve been covering miles on test bikes in all the appropriate conditions for the product.
If you can’t see a review against a pair of gloves on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.
To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.
Our scores explained
When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:
- 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
- 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
- 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
- 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
- 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.
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