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Whether it’s a high side, low side, or minor slip, your natural instincts are to put your hands out and brace for impact, and motorcycle gloves will be your first line of defense. Of course, protection is our top concern when talking about motorcycle gear, but gloves do much more than protect you in the event of a crash. Motorcycle gloves can keep you cool on a hot summer’s day or dry and toasty when commuting in harsh weather. And if you’re looking for style points, the right pair of gloves go a long way in completing the perfect riding aesthetic.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Alpinestars SP-8 V3
- Value: Joe Rocket Super Moto Gloves
- Honorable Mention: Alpinestars GP Pro R3
- Best Summer: Alpinestars SMX-1 V2
- Most Stylish: Dainese Blackjack Gloves
- Best Winter: Highway 21 7V Radiant Heated Gloves
Our Methodology
To choose the best motorcycle gloves on the market, I employed The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology and evaluated dozens of gloves before choosing the top contenders. Although I haven’t personally tested these products, my selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and my institutional knowledge of the automotive industry. I visited the Motorcycle subreddit to get a more informed opinion of what motorcyclists felt about the products on the market, and RevZilla to see what the experts had to say after their hands-on tests.
Best Motorcycle Gloves Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Alpinestars SP-8 V3
Pros
- Great value
- CE-certified Level 1
- Touchscreen compatible
- Gauntlet style
- Good for sport riding
Cons
- Not suitable for winter riding
- Not CE-certified Level 2
Specs
- Brand Alpinestars
- Model SP-8 V3
- CE Certification Level 1
Best Value
Joe Rocket Super Moto Gloves
Pros
- Fantastic value
- Breathable and plenty of stretch
- TPU palm slider
- PVC knuckle protector
Cons
- Not suitable for cold weather
- Not CE certified
Specs
- Brand Joe Rocket
- Model Super Moto Gloves
- CE Certification None
Honorable Mention
Alpinestars GP Pro R3
Pros
- Great rider feedback
- Plenty of stretch accordion
- Good all-round protection
- Ventilation gussets
- Good value relative to the competition
Cons
- Not many high-end features
- No touchscreen technology
Specs
- Brand Alpinestars
- Model GP Pro R3
- CE Certification Level 2
Best Summer Gloves
Alpinestars SMX-1 V2
Pros
- Well-ventilated
- Comfortable with plenty of stretch
- Lightweight and breathable
- Touchscreen compatible fingertip
- CE-certified Level 1
Cons
- Not for cold-weather riding
- Not as much protection
Specs
- Brand Alpinestars
- Model SMX-1 V2
- CE Certification Level 1
Most Style
Dainese Blackjack Gloves
Pros
- Retro style
- Ventilated and lightweight
- Goatskin leather provides good feedback
Cons
- Minimal protection
Specs
- Brand Dainese
- Model Blackjack Gloves
- CE Certification None
Best Winter Gloves
Highway 21 7V Radiant Heated Gloves
Pros
- Battery heating system
- Hipora liner is waterproof and windproof
- 100 grams of Thinsulate insulation
- Touchscreen compatible fingertips
Cons
- No CE certification
- No palm protection
Specs
- Brand Highway 21
- Model 7V Radiant Heated Gloves
- CE Certification None
Our Verdict on the Best Motorcycle Gloves
I’ve chosen the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 as the best overall motorcycle gloves. These are some of the most versatile gloves available, offer good protection, and are good value for money. If you’re working off a tight budget, check out my value pick, the Joe Rocket Super Moto Gloves.
What to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Gloves
There are gloves on the market for every type of rider and every style of riding. Although this near-endless selection of options isn’t something to complain about, it also makes it difficult to know what gloves are best for you. This buying guide explains the features to look out for before making your decision and what you can expect to find at various price points. If you still have questions, check out the FAQs section or leave a comment.
Motorcycle Gloves Key Features
Protection
Protection should be the first thing you consider when choosing riding gloves. Look for a pair of gloves that are CE certified, which is the European Union standard of relevant safety protection. CE certification is used as an indication of protection in many parts of the world, including the U.S. The most protective gloves will be CE-certified Level 2, which is a must for anyone who does track days. CE-certified Level 1 gloves also offer good protection and suit commuters and weekend warriors.
The main areas to look for protective features are at the knuckles, along the front of the fingers, along the side of the fourth finger, outside of the palm, inside of the palm, the heel, and the ball of your thumb.
Weather Protection
Anyone who rides year-round already knows how important weather protection is. If you ride in wet conditions and your budget allows, try to get Gore-Tex gloves, as they’ll stay dry and breathable. If you’re working off a tight budget, look for gloves with an alternative waterproof membrane or an interior waterproof liner. If you ride in cold conditions, you should look for gloves that have extra insulation.
Manufacturers often state how many grams of insulation are in a certain model, so check this before making your decision. If you want to take things a step further, heated gloves provide the ultimate form of protection from cold temperatures.
Ventilation
Anyone who rides in warm conditions or on a track needs well-ventilated gloves. Mesh gloves are generally the most breathable on the market but can lack the protection provided by gloves made entirely from leather. If you opt for leather gloves, make sure they’re perforated and preferably have gussets at the back of the hand for ventilation.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: The best way to make sure you buy the correct size is to go to a local motorcycle gear store and try on the glove you want. You can also use a soft tape to measure the width of your palm and the length of your hand from wrist to fingertip, then compare it to the manufacturer’s size guide. It also helps to read reviews from other buyers to get a better idea of the fit and the accuracy of the sizing chart.
A: The best way to wash gloves depends on their style and the material they’re made from. Typically, textile gloves can go through your washing machine. However, leather gloves should always be cleaned by hand. Some gloves with built-in armor should be spot cleaned with soapy water and rinsed afterward.
A: Gloves typically come in designs for either men or women, as the proportions of the fingers and palms are different. Some gloves are unisex, and these gloves usually come in a much wider variety of sizes.
A: Yes, all gloves have a break-in period, and they’ll naturally break in as you ride. But, if you want to expedite the process, you can soak your gloves in warm water and go for a ride until they’re dry.
A: Generally speaking, a leather glove will offer more abrasion resistance than its textile counterpart. But, the armor in a pair of gloves is the main determining factor when it comes to protection.
