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The importance of summer motorcycle gloves can’t be understated. They might be the difference between you keeping your digits or not. Even a minor spill could leave you with road rash without the right pair of mitts, and if you’ve ever tried to pick something up or even type with road rash on your hands, you know the value of good gloves.
But protecting your hands from making friends with the asphalt only tells half the story of what motorcycle gloves do. Summer gloves stop your hands from turning to prunes on sweaty canyon runs or cross-country adventures in the height of summer. Trust me, I recently rode 300 miles in 98-degree Fahrenheit weather, and my summer gloves were imperative to ensure I completed that trip.
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.
Best Summer Motorcycle Gloves Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Alpinestars Morph Sport
Best Value: Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2 Gloves
Honorable Mention: Dainese Air Maze
Best Style: Dainese Blackjack Gloves
Best Adventure: Klim Induction
Best Track/Race: Alpinestars GP Tech v2 S
Best Overall
Alpinestars Morph Sport
Pros
- CE Level 2
- MorphTech Weave
- Palm padding
- RideKnit material
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Remains to be seen how durable new materials are
- Run slightly large
Best Value
Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2
Pros
- CE Level 1
- Ergonomic stretch inserts
- Synthetic suede construction
- Polymer knuckle protection
- Touchscreen compatible
Cons
- Lack durability
Honorable Mention
Dainese Air Maze
Pros
- Low-profile design
- CE Level 1
- Extremely breathable
- Made from stretch materials
Cons
- Protection isn’t great
Best Style
Dainese Blackjack
Pros
- Retro style
- Low profile
- Good tactile feedback
- Comfortable
Cons
- Minimal protection
- Hole on backhand creates a weird suntan
Best Adventure
Klim Induction
Pros
- Easy to get on and off
- Comfortable thanks to external stitching
- Good touchscreen capability
- Decent knuckle protection
- Aramid-reinforced Schoeller fabric palm
Cons
- Run slightly tight
- Only CE Level 1
Best Track/Race
Alpinestars GP Tech v2 S
Pros
- CE Level 2
- Fantastic protection
- Breathable DuPont Kevlar stretch
- Dual closure cuff
- Dual-density cuff protection
Cons
- Thumb and third finger run long
Our Verdict Summer Motorcycle Gloves
My top pick for the best summer motorcycle gloves is the Alpinestars Morph Sport. These are the gloves I personally use the most and have the best mixture of breathability and protection. For a more affordable alternative, the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2 Gloves are breathable, comfortable, and come with a CE Level 1 rating for an exceptionally low price point.
Things to Consider Before Buying Summer Motorcycle Gloves
Stitching Design
The glove’s construction dramatically affects the durability and comfort of the gloves. For example, internal stitching can create rough points inside the glove that irritate your skin. External stitching eliminates this but exposes the stitching to greater wear and tear. Double, triple, covered, and reinforced stitching will give the gloves greater durability. The stitching strength must match the construction textile strength, or it will pull through the material. External stitching can also make the glove look and feel clunky with a less sleek or streamlined design.
Climate Features
Your warm weather riding gloves should suit the type of summer climate you ride in. For example, these waterproof motorcycle gloves could work well in a wet climate such as Florida with daily afternoon storms. Consider the glove’s breathability, waterproofing, drying speed, and ventilation.
Riding Style
Your riding style is about the level of risk to injury that you take on, the positioning and movement of your hands, and the type of riding conditions you encounter. For example, commuters do not need off-roading or track-level protection because they will typically sit in rush-hour traffic. Sport-bike riders planning to hit curves want extra abrasion resistance moisture wicking qualities to maintain grip. Dirt and adventure riders are more exposed to the elements and at greater risk of impacts, so more aggressive armor is beneficial.
Pricing
You can find great short-cuff motorcycle gloves for $50 to $100. Anything less expensive will lack quality and safety features. When you fall, putting your hands down is a natural reaction, so it is worth the extra investment for hand protection. There are higher-end gloves go for $100 to $200. These gloves will have better quality leather, more protective features, and a nicer construction design.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Are leather gloves good for summer?
A: Leather is protective, so it is a good choice for gloves. However, it lacks breathability, so look for perforations. These holes increase airflow, making the leather more comfortable during summer. However, be careful, as too much perforation can weaken the leather’s integrity, making it less protective.
Q: Can I get a touchscreen-compatible pair of motorcycle gloves?
A: Yes, several manufacturers claim their gloves are touchscreen compatible. However, the gloves have varying levels of success. Look for densely packed conductive stitching to have a better screen response. You can also use graphite dry lube spray to turn any glove with textile fingertips into touchscreen-compatible gloves. Soak the fingertip so the graphite goes through the fabric to complete the circuit between your finger and the phone.
Q: Are all summer motorcycle gloves waterproof?
A: No. Leather is naturally waterproof, but the gloves can leak at the seams. Textile gloves are only waterproof if they have a Gore-Tex or similar liner. Gloves with welded seam construction also are better at blocking water.
Q: If my motorcycle gloves are too small, will they stretch out over time?
A: Textile gloves won’t stretch out over time. Leather gloves will stretch, but it is only about a 10 percent change. Do not buy leather gloves that are too small and expect them to stretch out enough to fit. Your new gloves should have a gentle, snug feel with no loose material or pinched tight spots. Cow leather has better stretch than goat leather.
Q: Do summer gloves help?
A: Wearing summer gloves is helpful because they protect you while keeping your hands comfortable. They give you a better grip on the palm, wick and dry sweat, and prevent injury in the event of a fall.
Q: How do I choose a pair of gloves?
A: Look for gloves that are breathable or have perforation. They should be the right size and have protection on your palm, knuckles, and outside side. The gloves should feel flexible and comfortable to help you maintain dexterity while riding. The ability to quickly dry is also nice.
