Motorcycling is one of the most exciting, fun, freeing, and energizing activities on the planet. Plus, if you commute on a motorcycle, you’ll get where you want in no time and save a lot of gas.
However, motorcycling has many risks, and no matter how excellent of a biker you are, you can’t control the weather conditions or risky drivers around you. So, you need reliable protective clothing, and more importantly, you need gloves that keep your hands from all kinds of harm.
Yet, many people want to wear motorcycle gloves, but don’t know what the good ones are or what makes a pair good. If you’re one of them, read the article to know the best motorcycle gloves for men and women.
Best Motorcycle Gloves for Men At a Glance:
Preview | Gloves | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Waterproof Choice
|
Cortech Men’s Scarab 2.0 |
Rating: 4.3/5 |
View On Amazon |
Vintage Choice
|
SHIMA Caliber |
Rating: 4.3/5 |
View On Amazon |
Best Fingerless Option
|
Hugger Fingerless Gloves |
Rating: 4.6/5 |
View On Amazon |
Most Affordable
|
Seibertron Dirtpaw |
Rating: 4.6/5 |
View On Amazon |
Best Motorcycle Gloves for Women At a Glance:
Preview | Gloves | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Weatherproof Choice
|
Blok-IT |
Rating: 4.4/5 |
View On Amazon |
Most Protective
|
PTK Premium Leather |
Rating: 4.2/5 |
View On Amazon |
The 4 Best Motorcycle Gloves for Men in 2024
1. Cortech Men’s Scarab 2.0– Best Waterproof Winter Choice
While most motorcycle gloves can offer a minute amount of warmth, not all of them are meant for cold weather. If you need a pair that can withstand the cold and the rain, get the Cortech Men’s Scarab 2.0 winter motorcycle gloves.
One of the best features of Cortech’s gloves is how they look. This black gauntlet pair looks like it belongs in Batman’s closet. Its pre-curved fingers give you freedom in movement, and 3M Scotchlite reflective piping gives you all the visibility that you may need in the dark. Thanks to the dual hook and loop gauntlet cuff, your wrists are properly secured, and the fit is perfect.
A lot of thought went through making these gloves. Goatskin leather is excellent for reasonably-priced gloves that also provide durability and impressive flexibility. Also, goatskin leather is known for being abrasion-resistant, and what more would you ask for in motorcycle gloves?
In addition, these gloves boast a liner made of three layers of HiPora, and despite being waterproof it’s very breathable. So, you’ll be more than okay in the rain, and you won’t be bothered with your own sweat in the heat either. You won’t have to worry about the cold ever again, thanks to the insulation provided by the 100g 3M Thinsulate layer and plush 2mm fleece liner, which is also very comfortable.
If safety is your top priority, and it should, you’ll love these gloves. They have Hitena wrapped PU foam protectors to provide the heels of your hands and your fingers with extra protection. Also, there is an abrasion-resistant Hitena knuckle as well as a wrist guard on the outside.
Of course, there are a few downsides. As you can see, there aren’t any color options, just black. Also, while the manufacturer claims that the gloves have touchscreen-compatible conductive thumbs and index fingers, you’ll soon realize that this isn’t true. So, if you need color options or touchscreen compatibility, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
- Goatskin leather
- Breathable
- Waterproof
- Hitena wrapped PU foam protectors on the fingers and heel
- Abrasion-resistant molded Hitena knuckle and outside wrist guard
- Thinsulate insulation and plush 2mm fleece liner
- Pre-curved
- No color options
- Not really touchscreen compatible
2. SHIMA Caliber– Vintage Choice
A lot of men find themselves feeling a bit nostalgic for anything vintage, which I understand perfectly. So, I went on a hunt for vintage-looking motorcycle gloves that have much more than looks to offer, and I found the SHIMA Caliber Men’s Vintage Leather Motorcycle Gloves.
The first thing that you’ll notice about this pair is the timeless look that reminds you of cool bikers in old Hollywood movies. If you’re looking for gloves that’ll get you a ton of compliments about how elegant they look, look no further. The pre-curved fingers look nice and give you a lot of freedom. Plus, they come in different color options so that they can match your outfits.
In terms of materials, these gloves are high-quality and backed by a 2-year warranty to give you peace of mind at the time of purchase.
The pair is made from soft, supple goatskin leather that also boasts long-lasting durability and abrasion resistance at a reasonable price point. The leather is also perforated and accompanied by ventilation panels for extra breathability on hot summer days.
Your knuckles will be protected by ergonomically profiled, stiff main knuckle protectors made from reinforced synthetic materials and supported by additional Poron XRD impact absorbers. In addition, your wrists will thank you for the reinforced wrist panels with the foam padding. Plus, there are special soft finger protectors because your fingers deserve some protection too.
Besides the pre-curved fingers, the gloves have a specially designed GRIP+ system that ensures that the sides of the gloves are perfectly shaped to conform to the line of the grips.
Also, the pulling straps make the gloves fit snugly and make taking them off a breeze. This system keeps the fingers taut and the back of the hand loose, which increases safety, and comfort.
Sadly, these gloves have their disadvantages. They took their vintage status too seriously by not including any sort of touchscreen compatibility, which can be frustrating because you’ll have to take your gloves off each time you want to use your phone. Also, the size runs small, so you’ll have to go at least a size up for them to fit properly.
- Vintage design
- Different color options
- 2-year Warranty
- Ventilation panels and perforated goatskin leather
- Pre-curved
- Protection for the wrists, knuckles, and fingers
- GRIP+ 3D construction and pulling strap
- No touchscreen compatibility
- Size runs small
3. Hugger Fingerless Gloves – Best Fingerless Option
Some men are just over restricting their fingers while motorcycling, especially in the summer. If you don’t mind the wind touching your fingers, consider the Hugger fingerless black soft leather gloves.
The fingerless design, combined with the black leather, looks cool in every setting. Besides looking cool, the fingerlessness of these incredibly affordable gloves gives you dexterity that full-fingered gloves never will. Plus, it enables you to use your smartphone at any time.
These fingerless gloves are made from high-quality goatskin leather. It is so soft and supple that your hands will feel pampered wearing it. In addition, goatskin leather is highly durable and will last you a very long time, especially since it’s water-resistant.
All bikers know the struggle of having sore palms after hours of dealing with the vibrations from the motorcycle’s grips. So, you’ll appreciate the extra gel-padded palms that highly reduce any stress on your hands. Thanks to the Velcro straps and finger pulls, you can put the gloves on and off in no time.
Unfortunately, these gloves still have their share of downsides. Firstly, there are no color options, only black. Secondly, the size runs small, so you have to order a size up. Finally, as you can see, these gloves don’t provide much protection, so don’t wear them if you’re planning on riding in risky conditions.
- Incredibly affordable
- Extra gel-padded palms
- Finger pulls and velcro straps
- Water-resistant
- High-quality goatskin leather
- No color options
- Size runs small
- Not much protection
4. Seibertron Dirtpaw – Most Affordable
Not all bikers can afford high-end protective clothing all the time, and that’s okay. So, I had to look for an affordable pair that still provides the protection of a high-end one. Let me introduce you to the Seibertron Dirtpaw Racing Gloves.
At first look, these gloves have a sporty, tactical design that stands out, which makes sense because they’re made to be worn on sports occasions. Also, they come in different color options so that they can match your biker outfit.
The construction of this pair is interesting because it uses a blend of synthetic materials such as synthetic leather, polyamide, and neoprene. These synthetic materials achieved the perfect amount of flexibility and breathability.
In terms of protection, this pair got creative by using the direct-inject rubber logos and graphics to protect the back of the hand and finger knuckles from injury. So, you have a flashy look and maximum protection, all in one.
Thanks to the TPR hook and loop wrist closure, it couldn’t be easier to put these gloves on or take them off. Also, there are silicone grippers on all fingers to give you a solid yet comfortable grip on the motorcycle’s grips.
Moreover, the tips of the index fingers are touchscreen compatible so that you can use your smartphone without having to take off your gloves between rides. Plus, the gloves are machine washable, which makes the lives of bikers much easier.
However, there is one big flaw, which is that these gloves don’t really last long; yet, it’s not that much of bad news when they’re so affordable, at least not to me.
- Incredibly affordable
- Different color options
- Protection for the back of the hand, fingers, and knuckles
- Machine washable
- Touchscreen compatible on the index fingertip
- TPR hook and loop wrist closure and rubbery grip
- Not durable at all
The 2 Best Motorcycle Gloves for Women in 2024
1. Blok-IT – Best Weatherproof Choice
If you’re a female biker who loves the freedom of motorcycling even when it’s cold and windy, we’ve got you covered. The Blok-IT Full Leather Motorcycle Gloves are your reliable companions when the weather isn’t.
Biker or not, you probably want to look good. One of the best qualities of these affordable yet elegant gloves is that their classic design will upgrade your outfits, and you can wear them in any setting, whether it’s formal or casual.
These gloves come in different sizes like all the others, but the adjustable hook and loops ensure a custom, snug, and comfortable fit for every size.
Despite the affordable price point, the construction of the gloves looks and feels solid. Their double stitching on all the main seams ties everything together beautifully. Also, the high-quality leather feels soft on the hands, and it keeps you warm despite being relatively thin.
Every biker has been through extreme weather that they weren’t prepared for at some point. Well, there’s no better, and more affordable, preparation than these waterproof gloves.
In addition, their long gauntlet design shields your wrists from the wind and keeps you warm. Also, the 3M Thinsulate insulation provides thermal protection. Yet, the material feels very breathable.
However, there are some aspects of these gloves that I wish were different. As you can see, there are no color options other than black. Also, there isn’t much protection against injury and accidents either. Plus, you won’t be able to use your smartphone with these gloves on.
- Affordable
- Adjustable hook and loop
- Thinsulate insulation
- Waterproof and windproof
- Breathable
- Classic design
- Snug, comfortable fit
- No color options
- Not much protection against injury
- No touchscreen compatibility
2. PTK Premium – Most Protective
Protect The King is a brand that seeks unity through high-quality designer motorcycle leather gloves and gear and wants to expand beyond the three main prejudice lines: gender, racial, and national. So, they made a lot of gear and gloves for female riders that live up to their standards, such as the PTK Premium Leather Motorcycle Gloves.
These budget-friendly gloves are the opposite of the Mad Max ones I was talking about above. They look like they came out of a racing movie, where the female protagonist looks effortlessly cool while having fun. Also, they come in three different colors to choose from.
What about construction? PTK used organically-dyed black leather. Don’t worry about the leather suffocating your hands because these gloves have a breathable technology between the fingers for effective moisture-wicking so that you can enjoy cool and dry palms.
The fingers are pre-curved so that you don’t have to exhaust your hands every time you ride. Also, the gloves come with double-layered padded leather reinforced palms to protect your palms from abrasions and vibrations from the motorcycle. Moreover, this pair has leather-covered knuckle guards to protect your knuckles against impact.
In terms of touchscreen compatibility, these gloves are reported to be “the best touchscreen gloves on the market” by consumers, so you won’t have to take them off to make a few calls.
However, these gloves aren’t without flaws. Firstly, the sizes aren’t 100% accurate; in fact, they run small. Secondly, the gloves are a bit stiff and lack the flexibility that other gloves that I mentioned have.
- Affordable
- Different color options
- Touchscreen compatible
- Pre-curved
- Breathable
- Protection for palm and knuckles
- Size runs small
- A bit stiff
How to Pick Motorcycle Gloves
Maybe you’re an experienced rider who knows what they want, and maybe not. Either way, it never hurts to know what you should look for in a pair of gloves and in this section, I’ll tell you all about the aspects you should keep in mind.
Weather and Conditions
Considering the weather that you’ll ride in is very important because it separates the gloves that are right for you from the ones that aren’t.
Nobody wants their hands to get wet and slippery every time it rains or snows while they’re riding. So, waterproof gloves are a must for safely motorcycling in rainy environments.
Also, extremely cold and/or windy weather will numb your hands, so find insulated textile gloves to keep your warm. What about hot, sunny days? You’ll need breathable, vented gloves that keep your hands cool and sweat-free.
A simpler alternative is to only ride on days where the weather is just right, and you won’t have to look for specialized gloves.
Protection
Protecting your hands from injury is a no-brainer, yet many people don’t give how much gloves protect them much thought. Think about it: if somebody falls off a bike, their first instinct is to catch themselves with their hands so that they don’t fall on their heads or other critical areas. So, hands deserve to be well protected.
Look for gloves that are long enough to protect the wrists; some even have gauntlet protections to ensure that wrists are properly safeguarded.
Also, there are many gloves that offer knuckle armor to protect against impact. Many gloves tend to have gel-padded palms to shield all the small bones in your palms, as well. In addition, joining the ring and pinky fingers is popular in motorcycle gloves to prevent injury.
Grip
The whole point of riding such a fast vehicle like motorcycles depends on you having a strong grip on the motorcycle’s grips; otherwise, all will fail.
Find gloves that have an ergonomic design with skid resistance to give you extra grip so that your hands don’t slip off the grips no matter what. Also, a snug fit offers better performance than a loose one.
Touchscreen Accessibility
In the year 2024, most bikers need to be able to use their smartphones in between riding sessions without having to take their gloves off each time.
Gloves that are touchscreen compatible, especially in the index finger and thumb, are highly useful, especially in emergencies.
Style
Any cool biker that you remember from the movies probably had some cool-looking gloves on. Whatever is “cool” for you depends on your personal preferences and the setting that you’ll ride in.
Maybe you like a gritty style that makes you feel like Mad Max, or a vintage bad boy, black-leather style like Johnny Strabler in The Wild One. On the other hand, if you’re off to the races, chances are you’ll wear bright-colored sporty gloves.
Of course, functionality matters more than style, especially when you’re riding a motorcycle. That being said, it never hurts to look stylish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Should You Wear Gloves When Riding a Motorcycle?
Of course. Besides making you look cool and ready to dominate the road, motorcycle gloves are essential for many reasons.
Firstly, they protect your palms, wrists, and knuckles from injury in case of an accident. Secondly, the grip they give you on the motorcycle’s grips ensures your safety; your bare hands will eventually get tired and will need extra help.
Plus, they’re your best defence against extreme weather; breathable gloves are the best for hot weather, and thick, padded gloves keep your hands and fingers from freezing.
Lastly, it’s much more comfortable to wear gloves than feel the grips vibrate under your bare hands.
Are Motorcycle Gloves Supposed to be Tight?
No, they don’t. What motorcycles need to be is the right fit. If they’re too tight, you won’t have freedom in movements, and you’ll feel incredibly uncomfortable, especially on long and fast rides.
On the other hand, when gloves are too loose, you won’t have much grip on the motorcycle’s grips, and you may slip off the motorcycle very easily on impact.
What are the Best Waterproof Motorcycle Gloves?
Our favorite waterproof motorcycle gloves are the Cortech Men’s Scarab 2.0 Winter Motorcycle Gloves and Blok-IT Full Leather Motorcycle Gloves.
I love the Cortech men’s gloves because they’re waterproof and protective against injury. On the other hand, the Blok-IT gloves are the perfect choice for women because they’re elegant, waterproof, and windproof, as well.
Final Thoughts
While I’ve done a lot of research to come up with a list of the best motorcycle gloves, I believe there are some highlights that you need to pay more attention to.
My top pick for men is the Cortech Men’s Scarab 2.0 winter motorcycle gloves because they’re waterproof, breathable, warm, and protective. Next in line for men, there is the SHIMA Caliber gloves because of their vintage design, excellent protection, and strong grip.
The best pair for women is the Blok-IT because they’re waterproof and windproof, while the PTK Premium gloves are excellent for impact resistance and touchscreen compatibility.