The Best Motorcycle Gloves
Whether you ride a cruiser, dirt bike, andventure touring, chopper, street bike, sport bike, sport touring or a scooter, you’re gonna need some gloves.
People always ask me what the best motorcycle gloves are for men or women but they don’t realize how hard that is to answer considering there’s such a vast array of riding styles and conditions.
Even within each riding style there’s going to be certain gloves that are best for specific conditions and so it’s not really fair to say that one pair of gloves is better than another.
To make sure this article makes sense and is useful for everybody I’m going to pick 3 pairs of gloves for each riding style that are getting the best ratings and reviews.
I say “Each riding style” loosely because I guess I won’t hit on every single riding niche that there is. I’ll cover Cruiser, Adventure Touring, Dirt Biking, Sport Bikes and Sport Touring.
If your specific niche isn’t in there you can probably still find some gloves here that will suit you as there is some overlap.
I’ve done a lot of research for this article and I’ve actually tried on most of the gloves here as well.
I’ll be basing these choices on a multitude of factors like comfort, breathability, appearance, protection, versatility, value, durability and weather resistance.
Keep in mind that I’m not just going out and finding the most expensive gloves and calling them the best. I put a lot of weight in the value of the gear I buy and so should you.
It’s for that reason that I’m going to include at least one pair of budget gloves in the top three for each riding style. The budget gloves will be under $50.
I hope you find this article helpful and please don’t be afraid to hit that share button.
Cruiser
The cruiser is probably the most popular style of motorcycle riding in America. These bikes are built for style.
Whether it’s a Harley, Honda or a Victory it’s still a cruiser.
Generally they have wide grip handlebars and low soft seats which makes for a relaxed looking riding position and usually the rider has the option to stretch their legs way out front on the extra highway pegs for a leaned back cruiser look.
Whether it’s comfortable or not isn’t really important because the fact of the matter is that most of the riders are more concerned about image than anything else.
I hope nobody takes this description in a negative way because it’s not meant to be a dis. I love the cruiser style.
As for gloves, when you ride a cruiser you’ll almost always want to wear black leather.
1. Victory Men’s Classic Leather
This pair of gloves will suit just about any cruiser rider’s needs. These are my “Budget” pick because they’re under $50 and they’re really good value.
They’re form fitting but not too tight and they have a velcro wrist strap which will keep them on securely.
They’re made mostly of leather and they have an extra layer of leather in the high impact zones for protection. In addition to the extra layers of leather they also have hidden kevlar for extra safety.
Much like the name, they have a classic look and they’ll go along with just about any cruiser’s style.
2. Victory Leather Graphic Gloves
These gloves are a little more technical but they offer a bit more in terms of safety features. So they might not look as relaxed and cool as the classic gloves but they should still blend in well enough with your cruiser image.
The extra padding and hard knuckle protection along with the reflective panels give these gloves a much more technical look to them but they certainly will protect your hands in the event of a crash.
They’re more form fitting than the Classic gloves but they’re very comfy and more breathable as well. They have ventilation throughout all the fingers so they would be a great hot weather glove.
3. Milwaukee Men’s Premium Leather Perforated Cruiser Gloves
In my opinion these gloves are just the right combination of style, comfort and protection.
They’re technical without looking geeky and they’re fitted without feeling restrictive. A real nice pair of cruiser gloves that cover just about all the bases.
Between these three pairs I would choose these ones for myself. I like the amount of protection they have but I also like that they’re breathable.
So that’s it for cruiser gloves. As you probably noticed I didn’t really include any cold weather gloves in this section. I left them out because I find that most cold weather gloves are more of a specific thing on their own.
Most cold weather gloves are made for all types of riding and I’ve reviewed a ton of cold weather gloves here hence the name of this website.
To shop for these gloves and for other top cruiser gloves click right here.
Adventure Touring
Adventure touring is all about versatility. Also known as enduro riders or duel sport, these riders are looking for a bike and the right gear that will get them through all sorts of different terrain and weather.
Some say that these bikes can handle any terrain but the truth is that most enduro bikes, although capable of every type of terrain are actually below average at everything.
It’s kind of like a compromise. They can do highway, dirt roads and off road but they generally aren’t going to be the best at any of those specific conditions.
The reason people love them is because you can ride these things around the world and whatever terrain comes up, you’ll be prepared for it.
There’s a bit of a cult following with this style of riding and you’ll see them on a wide range of different types of bikes depending on the riders budget.
The most expensive adventure touring bikes are BMW’s and KTM’s and the most budget version of this style is the KLR 650 which is the most grassroots duel sport out there.
When it comes to gear for this style of rider I’d say that they put less value on style/image and more value on practicality and safety.
1. Motorcycle Carbon Fiber Knuckle Original Cowhide Gloves
I chose these gloves because of their versatility and of course their value. They are well under $50 which makes them an amazing bang for your buck.
Enduro riders tend to like a gauntlet glove in case they run into some precipitation and this one has a really good gauntlet size.
You want a gauntlet that is big enough to go over your jacket sleeve but also small enough to fit under it.
These gloves also have a really good velcro wrist strap to keep them snug and prevent them from coming off in a crash.
They’re made mostly of leather which works well in most conditions and provides adequate protection.
In addition to the leather they have extra protection in the form of carbon fiber knuckles which is really nice to see.
All in all these are versatile gloves that come at a reasonable price. The main downfall for these is that they aren’t very breathable so you might get hot on warm days but you’ll won’t get cold hands unless it’s really cold out.
If you find that you ride in colder weather a lot you might want to try heat packs or heated gloves instead.
2. KTM 2015 HQ Adventure Gloves
These are a lot more expensive than the Carbon fiber gloves but you get a hell of a lot more glove with these.
They have all the same features as the Carbon Fiber gloves but they’re breathable and totally water proof. In addition to that I would go out on a limb and say that these are better quality too so they should stand the test of time.
In my opinion these are the best Adventure Touring gloves on the market and they’re worth every penny.
3. REV’IT! Dominator GTX Gloves
Designed for the hardcore Adventurer, the REVIT Dominator Gloves offer high levels of functionality in all weather conditions.
The GORE-TEX lining + Gore grip technology offers weather protection and comfort with along balanced heat transfer and optimum moisture management – even in harsh conditions.
The outer shell is made from various leathers, all chosen for the levels of safety and comfort they provide.
With the ventilated dual comp protector, TPU hard shell protector, PWR yarn stitching and PU injected finger knuckles these gloves are ready for a trip around the world.
The only concern is that they don’t have a gauntlet but that just comes down to preference. Pretty much any Rev’it gloves will be high quality so you can’t go wrong.
Check out this link so see all of my favorite Adventure Touring gloves.
Dirt Bike
This style of riding needs no introduction. We all know what a dirt bike is and I think if you’re on this website you probably know as much if not more than I do about this class of bike.
Who doesn’t like to see a dirt biker flying over a table top at insane heights and sticking the landing to perfection? It’s simply amazing to watch and I’ve always been jealous of those skills. (and balls)
Dirt bike gear is probably the coolest looking in my opinion. Most dirt bike gear looks really technical and colorful almost tactical in some cases.
Dirt bike riders usually wear full body protective gear and they almost look like they could be going into battle. I have to admit, it looks pretty cool.
The dirt bikers style often flows into the riders everyday image as well. Brands like Fox Racing and Husqvarna have become really popular for riders as everyday clothing.
If you ever go to a motorcross race you’ll notice the people in the crowd are completely decked out in these brands.
As for the gloves, they’re a combination of protection, style and dexterity.
For any style of motorcycle gloves you need good dexterity to operate the controls with ease but it might be even more important for dirt bike gloves.
Whether you’re riding through country side trails on a casual weekend or racing for first place in a competitive event, you’ll need to be extremely quick on the clutch, brakes and throttle which means you’re gloves can’t get in the way.
Breathability and versatility are assets for dirt bike gloves but the main focus for them is dexterity, protection and appearance. In that order.
1. Crazystone’s FOX Motorcycle
These are about as good as it gets in terms of comfort and dexterity. They’re quite thin so they’ll be slightly less effective in the protection department but they do have gel pads on the knuckles and some extra material on the palms.
They have the Fox velcro strap that pretty much all of their gloves have which is small and low profile.
They don’t look too tactical. Appearance wise they’re more on the conservative side but they still look great. They also come in blue, red, orange and white.
Pretty much any Fox gloves will be good but I chose these ones because I’ve used them a lot and I know they’re really popular. You can’t go wrong.
2. Tcbunny Pro-biker Carbon Fiber Powersports Gloves
This is my budget pick for the dirt bike category. Although most dirt bike gloves are relatively cheap these ones are even cheaper. At under $10 you are getting these gloves at an absolute bargain.
They won’t give you quite as much dexterity as the Fox CrazyStone’s but they’re still pretty decent in that department.
They’re surprisingly breathable thanks to the ventilation on the knuckles and the porous mesh fabric.
What they really excel at is safety. The knuckle protection is about as good as it gets with any brand of gloves.
The fingers and knuckles are covered with a carbon fiber hard shell that will no doubt keep your hand in tact if you crash.
Underneath the hard shell is a shock-absorbing foam that would soften the blow of a dirt bike falling right on your hand.
The palm has a pretty grippy material that feels good on the throttle.
They also come in blue and black.
The appearance of them isn’t my favorite but they don’t look bad.
3. 2017 Fox Racing Dirtpaw Race Gloves
I have to admit that part of the reason I love these gloves so much is simply the look of them. I love the half white/half black look. I just think it jumps out at you and it makes the Fox logo really stand out too.
Aside from the look of them they’re a great racing glove as well.
Much like the Crazystone gloves they are really thin for ultimate control and movement. One thing you’ll notice is that when you put them on you’ll feel them form to your hand like no other gloves. They really are comfortable.
They have minimal protection but just enough to prevent cuts and scrapes.
I own these gloves and I wear them every chance I get.
To shop for these gloves plus other top motorcross gloves just click right here.
Sport Bike
Sport bike riders often get into this class of riding because they want to go really fast and look cool doing it. If that’s the case for you, then this is where you belong.
With this style of bike you’ll be in a leaned over position that is not built for comfort but with only speed in mind.
These machines are absolutely insane when it comes to speed. It’s crazy to think that any Joe blow out there can walk into a shop and go home with a machine that can go over 200 mph for less than $15,000.
That’s actually really dangerous. A lot of people buy bikes like this with absolutely no experience riding and they pay the ultimate price.
With that being said, let’s focus on the positives. These machines are incredible and absolutely exhilarating.
When an experienced rider gets on one of these and works his/her magic the bike is capable of things you never would have thought are possible.
The key words there are “experienced rider”. A beginner can’t just get on one of these and make magic happen.
It takes years and years of practice and dedication to be able to use one of these to it’s fullest extent. They handle so well that even the slightest wrong movement will send you flying over the handlebars.
Sport bike riders usually wear form fitting leather from head to toe. Since going fast is the main objective here, you want maximum protection with minimal wind drag.
1. Alpinestars SP-2 Road Race Gloves
These gloves are made with protection in mind. They’re made of goat leather, kevlar, carbon fiber and synthetic suede.
These materials are chosen to give the rider maximum protection, comfort and control.
The synthetic suede is used on the palm to give the rider excellent grip even if the conditions become wet. This is a common material used on the palms of motorcycle gloves and the top end riders all seem to agree that it makes for the best grip.
The high impact areas are a combination of kevlar, leather and of course carbon fiber on the knuckles.
These materials combined with the high, tight gauntlet and the form fit make for one of the safest and most comfortable pairs of gloves that look pretty cool too.
They also come in white, red and all black.
2. REV’IT Jerez Pro Gloves
If you’re looking for a pair of budget gloves then you shouldn’t even consider these ones because they’re far from cheap. These are one of the more expensive pairs of motorcycle gloves on the market.
With that being said you really do get what you pay for and you get an incredible pair of gloves when you buy these.
The REV’IT Jerez Pro Gloves are straight MotoGP technology for the unwashed masses.
These technically designed gloves are the peak of hand protection and performance, a new generation based on the original award-winning Jerez gloves.
The Jerez Pro is made of premium-quality kangaroo leather built around the “harmonica” concept, which mimics the natural anatomy of the hand and contributes to comfort and dexterity.
This construction technique creates room for a second TPU-hard part at the upper hand.
The protectors have been perforated for ventilation. The TRYONIC Impact Protection at the palm absorbs vibration and the double palm sliders ensure ultimate abrasion resistance.
In other words, these are sick gloves. They also come in red, black and green.
3. Joe Rocket Speedway Men’s Motorcycle Riding Gloves
Finding a pair of budget gloves was a lot harder for the sport bike category and for good reason. You really shouldn’t cheap out if you’re planning to ride a machine of this caliber.
With that being said, trust Joe Rocket to make a pair of gloves that’s safe enough for riding a sport bike for under $50.
I’ve actually written a full review on these Speedway gloves as they really are a popular pair of gloves.
Although they’re made for sport bike riders a lot of people actually buy these gloves as an all purpose tactical glove.
The first thing you’ll notice with these gloves is that the dexterity isn’t as good as the other two options in this category but that’s to be expected considering the price difference.
They provide good protection of the high impact areas and they have premium leather surrounding the entire hand.
The other draw back is the short cuff which makes me think that they would be more likely to come flying off in the event of a crash but I don’t have any evidence to back this claim up.
All in all these are really good value even if they can’t compete with the other two pairs.
To shop for sport bike gloves just click right here.
Sport Touring
Sport touring is kind of like a more comfortable and practical version of a sport bike. Or maybe a more mature version like if you rode a sport bike throughout your 20’s and 30’s you might switch to a sport touring bike in your 40’s or 50’s.
That makes it sound like a bike for old guys/gals but that’s a little bit misleading because it’s not that at all.
Basically it’s a sport bike that’s willing to sacrifice a little bit of speed for more comfort.
Riders sit in a more upright position which makes it comfortable enough to ride all day long which you’d never want to do on a sport bike.
You also have the option to attach panniers on the side so that you can go on long road trips and ride all across the country if you so desire.
Performance is still incredible, just not quite as incredible as a straight up sport bike.
Sport touring riders want gear that’s a little more versatile. They want to be prepared for any type of weather but they still want to have some of that racing flare that sport riders have.
Wind resistance is still important but maybe not the biggest priority. Comfort, safety and versatility are big factors here but let’s be honest, appearance is still important.
1. Held Tour Guide Gloves
These are a really nice sport touring glove that are comfortable enough to wear all day but still technical and stylish.
One thing I love about these is the fact that they have two cuff straps. One of them is high on the gauntlet and the other one cinches right around the lower wrist.
This allows you to make them form fitting to your hand no matter what size you wear.
They’re made of kangaroo leather and they have carbon fiber and additional leather in the high impact areas for ultimate protection.
They’re also made with perforated fingers for breathability and a handy visor wipe on the index finger.
Although they only come in black they’d be the perfect sport touring gloves especially if you’re looking to eat a lot of miles in one day.
2. Black Brand Perforated Gloves
This is my budget option for the sport touring gloves. Black Brand isn’t a high end brand but they do make some reasonably good products especially considering the price.
What surprised me most was the comfort of these gloves.
The top grain leather construction makes for a really nice form fitting glove that really just gets more comfortable with time.
The protection is more than adequate as they have added knuckle protection and extra leather in all the high impact zones.
They don’t have a big gauntlet but the writs strap is big and holds very strong which almost makes up for it.
3.Held Air N Dry Gloves
These are my favorite gloves in this category by far. They check all the boxes.
Not only are they breathable, comfortable, safe and stylish but they’re also completely waterproof thanks to the fact that they’re Gore-Tex.
They have the same double wrist strap as the Held Tour Guide gloves but they look better and provide more protection.
I was even thinking of putting these gloves in the Adventure Touring category but I thought they were slightly too technical looking for those riders.
Either way, these are awesome gloves.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this article and took some value from it.
I know some of you out there might be disappointed that I didn’t include your specific niche of riding but I figured this article would be long enough and so I had to draw the line somewhere.
If there’s a specific type of motorcycle gloves that you want me to try out and review for you just let me know.
You can use the field below and I’ll see it within a day or two. I always try to respond within one day and I love getting suggestions or recommendations from my readers.
All of the gloves I showcased here can be purchased on Amazon and you can shop for them by clicking right here.
Cheers,
Robert