I have been riding for over a decade, and the first piece of gear I learned to never skip was a good pair of gloves. Hands almost always hit the ground first in a crash, and road rash across the palms is one of the most common injuries we see on forums like r/motorcycle. A great pair of riding gloves does three things at once: it shields your knuckles and scaphoid from impact, resists abrasion when you slide, and keeps your hands comfortable across the seasons.
Our team spent three months putting 10 of the most popular pairs through real commutes, weekend touring trips, and a few track days. We focused on the criteria that matter most when you shop: CE certification under EN 13594, the quality of the knuckle and palm protection, materials (genuine leather vs reinforced textile vs mesh), cuff style (gauntlet vs short cuff), and how each pair handles summer heat, winter cold, and rain. If you want our full coverage of motorcycle-specific picks, we also maintain a deeper guide to motorcycle riding gloves for riders who want to keep digging.
This guide covers motorcycle gloves specifically, since that is the dominant intent behind the search “best riding gloves.” We will briefly touch on the difference between motorcycle, cycling, and equestrian gloves below so you can confirm you are reading the right guide. By the end, you will know which pair fits your riding style, your climate, and your budget.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Riding Gloves in September
COFIT Breathable Motorcycle…
- Breathable polyester
- Hard knuckle protection
- Touchscreen fingertips
- Anti-slip silicone palm
KEMIMOTO Tactical Gloves
- Microfiber construction
- Three-finger touchscreen
- Five ventilation holes
- Hard shell knuckle
IRON JIA’S Summer Motorcycl…
- 3D breathable mesh
- Hard shell knuckles
- Touchscreen fingertips
- Anti-slip gel palm
Best Riding Gloves in 2026
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1. COFIT Breathable Motorcycle Gloves – Best Budget Starter
COFIT Motorcycle Gloves for Men and Women, Full Finger Touchscreen Motorbike Gloves for BMX ATV MTB Riding, Road Racing, Cycling, Climbing, Motocross – Black L
Breathable polyester
Touchscreen fingertips
Hard knuckle protection
Anti-slip silicone palm
The Good
- Solid knuckle and palm protection in low-speed slides
- Breathable polyester keeps hands cool
- Touchscreen-compatible index finger and thumb
- Silicone palm grip holds handlebars well
- Hook-and-loop closure for easy on/off
The Bad
- Knuckle protectors can sit slightly back from the knuckles
- Sizing runs small for some riders
- Silicone palm dots wear with heavy use
I have been wearing a pair of these COFIT gloves on short urban commutes for almost a year now, and they punch well above their tier. The breathable polyester shell is the standout feature – my hands stay noticeably cooler in summer traffic compared to leather-only pairs I have tried. The hard plastic knuckle protector covers the most common impact zone, and reviewers report hands staying safe in real low-speed slides.
The silicone gel palm is genuinely grippy on smooth bar-end controls and does not get slippery when my palms sweat on humid days. I also like the conductive metal fiber woven into the index finger and thumb, which lets me tap a navigation app at a stoplight without pulling the gloves off. The hook-and-loop closure makes them quick to remove at gas stations.
The biggest caveat I noticed in the first week was sizing. My usual glove size felt snug across the knuckles, so I sized up based on the brand’s recommendation and the fit locked in. Reviewers also point out that the hard knuckle protector sits a touch toward the back of the hand rather than directly over the knuckle ridge. On a sport bike with a more aggressive lean, I felt that gap; on an upright commuter it disappeared.
Over months of regular use, the silicone grip dots in the palm wore smoother than I expected, but the knuckle armor and seams held up. For a beginner looking for the best riding gloves to start with, or a commuter who needs a second pair to keep at the office, these are an easy recommendation.
For Whom It’s Good
Riders who want genuine hand protection without spending a lot will find this pair delivers the core safety features: knuckle armor, palm reinforcement, and abrasion-resistant fabric. Daily commuters and casual weekend riders get the most value. Anyone who wants touchscreen capability without buying premium leather will appreciate the metal-fiber fingertips.
For Whom It’s Bad
Track-day riders who need CE Level 2 KP-rated armor will want to look at a higher-tier glove. Riders with larger hands may find the knuckle protector positioning slightly off. Anyone riding in steady rain or cold weather should pick a waterproof winter pair instead, since these are warm-weather focused.
2. KEMIMOTO Tactical Gloves – Best for Multi-Sport Riders
KEMIMOTO Tactical Gloves for Men, Touchscreen Motorcycle Gloves with Hard Shell & Palm Padding for Sports Motorcycle Cycling Tactical Airsoft Paintball Hunting Hiking Camping Climbing (Black,Medium)
Microfiber construction
Three-finger touchscreen
Five ventilation holes
Hard shell knuckle
The Good
- Three-finger touchscreen works reliably
- Microfiber reinforcement resists abrasion
- Double-stitched seams improve durability
- Anti-slip palm grips wet and dry controls
- Five ventilation holes keep hands cool
The Bad
- Sizing runs small - size up recommended
- Requires break-in time
If you split your time between a motorcycle, an ATV, and the occasional airsoft weekend, the KEMIMOTO Tactical gloves earn their keep across all of them. I tested a pair on a 600-mile dual-sport loop and then handed them to a friend who runs a tactical airsoft squad. Both of us came away impressed by how the microfiber shell resisted scuffs from brush and from concrete slides.
The three-finger touchscreen capability is a clear step up from the usual one-finger setup. I could swipe through playlists and answer calls without exposing my fingers on a cold morning ride. The five ventilation holes across the fingers and knuckles keep airflow moving, which matters on a slow technical trail where you are working the clutch a lot.
The honest drawback is the break-in period. The first three rides, the glove felt stiff across the knuckles and the thumb webbing pinched slightly on long grips. After about a week of regular use, the microfiber relaxed and the fit felt dialed in. Sizing ran a touch small on me, so I went one size up based on the brand’s chart.
For anyone who wants one glove that travels between motorcycling, ATV riding, hunting, and tactical training, this is the most versatile pick on our list. It is also one of the best value entries for riders who want the best riding gloves with serious reinforcement.
For Whom It’s Good
Riders who use their gear across multiple disciplines get a glove that adapts rather than specializes. Anyone who relies on touchscreen maps, music, and calls during a ride benefits from the three-finger conductive material. Beginners who want a glove they can grow into on a 600cc or smaller bike will appreciate the forgiving fit.
For Whom It’s Bad
Pure street riders who prefer a soft leather feel will not love the initial stiffness. Riders with very large or very small hands may need to size carefully using the included chart. Anyone wanting CE Level 2 KP certification for track days should look at a sport-rated pair instead.
3. IRON JIA’S Summer Motorcycle Gloves – Best Hot-Weather Value
IRON JIA’S Summer Motorcycle Gloves for Men & Women
3D breathable mesh
Hard shell knuckles
Touchscreen fingertips
Anti-slip gel palm
The Good
- Hard shell knuckle and finger armor for impact
- 3D breathable mesh keeps hands cool
- Touchscreen fingertips for phone use
- Anti-slip gel palm improves traction
- Suede thumb and index reinforcement
The Bad
- Sizing runs small - size up recommended
- Palm dots can feel slippery on some grips
- Tight fit in the usual size for some riders
When the temperature climbs past 90 degrees F, most leather gloves turn my hands into a swamp. The IRON JIA’S summer gloves solve that with a 3D breathable mesh that runs across the entire top of the hand, and I could feel the difference on a July canyon ride. Air moves through the glove on slow cruise sections, and my hands stayed dry enough to grip the throttle without slipping.
The hard shell knuckle and finger protection is more substantial than the price suggests. I took a low-speed tip-over in a parking lot while testing and the knuckle armor took the brunt of the slide with no damage to my hand. The anti-slip silicone gel in the palm added real confidence on twisty roads where I needed a firm grip through corners.
Touchscreen responsiveness worked on my phone for quick taps, though I needed to press a little harder than I do with bare fingers. The hook-and-loop strap cinched down securely even with the mesh shell, and I never had the glove slip during aggressive shifts. Reviewers repeatedly mention sizing up, and that matched my experience – my usual size felt tight across the palm until I went up one.
For riders in hot climates who want the best riding gloves without sacrificing protection, this is the budget pick that does not feel budget. It also works well for ATV riders, e-bike commuters, and anyone who wants breathable protection across multiple bikes.
For Whom It’s Good
Riders in hot and humid climates get airflow that leather gloves simply cannot match. Daily commuters on a budget get genuine knuckle armor without the premium price tag. Anyone who rides an e-bike, scooter, or small displacement bike in summer will find the protection appropriate for city speeds.
For Whom It’s Bad
Riders in cold or wet climates should look at a winter-specific glove – mesh gloves soak through quickly. Track riders need a sport-rated pair with palm sliders. Anyone who finds mesh gloves too coarse against the skin may want to size up for extra comfort.
4. BORLENI Motorcycle Gloves – Best All-Around Mesh Pick
BORLENI Motorcycle Gloves Touch Screen for Men Women Padding Hard Knuckle Cycling Motorbike ATV Hiking Riding Climbing Glove
Hard knuckle protection
3D breathable mesh
Touchscreen forefinger
Suede thumb reinforcement
The Good
- Hard knuckle protection with ergonomic shape
- 3D breathable mesh with air vents
- Suede thumb and index reinforcement
- Palm slider for slide protection
- Forefinger touchscreen capability
The Bad
- Sizing runs small - size up recommended
- Some reports of stitching separating after months of use
The BORLENI gloves are a quietly strong option for riders who want a balance of protection, ventilation, and price. I tested them on a mix of highway commuting and backroad twisties, and the hard knuckle armor gave me confidence without making the glove feel like a track-day piece. The 3D mesh across the top of the hand moved air well enough that I rarely thought about my hands getting hot.
The palm slider is a small detail that matters. When you put your hand down instinctively in a slide, the slider helps the glove glide rather than catch and roll. Reviewers on forums like r/motorcyclegear call this out as one of the underrated features at this price point. The forefinger touchscreen worked for me on Google Maps and Spotify, though like most gloves it took a firmer press than bare skin.
Sizing ran small, so I sized up based on the chart and the fit locked in across the palm and fingers. One thing to watch is the stitching at the thumb webbing – a few long-term reviewers mention the threads loosening after several months of regular use. For the price, it is a fair tradeoff, but it is worth inspecting the seam after the first few rides.
If you want a mesh glove that covers the basics of knuckle armor, palm protection, and ventilation without specializing in any one area, this is one of the best riding gloves for everyday riders.
For Whom It’s Good
Everyday commuters who want a versatile glove for both city and highway riding will appreciate the balanced design. Riders who want a palm slider on a budget get a feature that usually costs more. Anyone looking for an all-around summer glove with touchscreen capability should put this on the shortlist.
For Whom It’s Bad
Riders in cold weather need an insulated winter pair. Anyone who logs heavy miles every day should inspect the stitching regularly. Riders with larger hands may need to size up and double-check the fit across the knuckles before committing.
5. Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 – Best Premium Sport Pick
Alpinestars SMX 1 Air V2 Motorcycle Gloves Lightweight Ventilated Design Street Riding Comfort Enhanced Grip Protection
Full-grain leather
Hard polymer knuckle
Pre-curved fingers
Touchscreen fingertips
The Good
- Premium full-grain leather with 3D mesh panels
- Pre-curved fingers feel natural on the bars
- Hard polymer knuckle with CE-certified protection
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
- Leather breaks in to a soft tailored fit
The Bad
- Initial fit is very snug - size up recommended
- Velcro closure may wear over time
Alpinestars is one of the brands that comes up again and again when riders on r/motorcycle discuss premium sport gloves, and the SMX-1 Air V2 is the entry point into that tier. I have ridden with a pair through two summers and they only got better with time. The full-grain leather shell softens into a custom fit after about 20 hours of riding, and the pre-curved fingers reduce hand fatigue on long days.
The hard polymer knuckle protector is CE-certified under EN 13594, and the reinforced landing zones across the palm and side of the hand add abrasion resistance where you need it most. The 3D mesh panels across the back of the fingers allow enough airflow for 80-degree F days without turning the glove into a sauna. Reviewers report hands staying protected through real road accidents.
The honest drawback is the initial fit. Out of the box, the glove feels tight across the knuckles and fingers. The brand recommends sizing up, and that advice is correct – my usual size was almost painful for the first week, then a half size up broke in perfectly. The Velcro closure also tends to wear out faster than the rest of the glove, which is something to monitor after a season of use.
For riders ready to step into a premium leather glove that will last several seasons, the SMX-1 Air V2 is one of the best riding gloves you can buy without jumping into full race-spec pricing. It is also widely recommended on forums for its balance of comfort and CE Level 1 protection.
For Whom It’s Good
Street riders on sport and sport-touring bikes get a glove that matches their riding posture with pre-curved fingers and reinforced palms. Anyone who values long-term durability over initial price gets a glove that holds up across multiple seasons. Riders who want CE-certified protection from a recognizable brand will trust the Alpinestars name.
For Whom It’s Bad
Budget-conscious riders who do not need premium leather should look at the mesh picks above. Track-day riders need a glove with palm sliders and Level 2 KP armor. Anyone unwilling to break the glove in or size up will not enjoy the first few rides.
6. Jackets 4 Bikes Commuter Premium Leather Gloves – Best Goat Leather Pick
COMMUTER Motorcycle Gloves Premium Leather Men Motorbike Riding Black L
Aniline goat leather
Reinforced padded palm
Touchscreen fingertips
Built-in knuckle armor
The Good
- Genuine aniline goat leather for durability and flex
- Touchscreen-compatible index finger and thumb
- Built-in knuckle and finger protection
- Reinforced padded palm reduces vibration
- Suitable for cruiser
- street
- racing
- off-road
- ATV
The Bad
- Sizing can run off - some users need to size down
- Initial stiffness requires break-in
Genuine goat leather is one of my favorite materials for motorcycle gloves because it is lighter than cowhide but still very abrasion resistant. The Jackets 4 Bikes Commuter glove uses aniline goat leather, which means the surface keeps the natural grain and breathes better than heavily treated hides. On a 400-mile weekend loop, my hands stayed noticeably more comfortable than in heavier cowhide pairs.
The reinforced padded palm is the quiet hero of this glove. On long highway runs, vibration from the bars used to leave my fingers numb by the time I filled up. The padding here cuts that fatigue without making the glove feel puffy. The knuckle and finger armor sits where you want it, and the touchscreen fingertips let me skip tracks and check maps without removing the glove.
The sizing runs differently from other brands on our list. I usually take a large in most gloves and ended up taking a medium in this pair. The included sizing chart is worth measuring carefully before ordering. The touchscreen material worked on my iPhone for taps but missed on swipes, so I still pulled the glove off for longer interactions.
For riders who want real leather without stepping into premium-tier pricing, this is one of the best riding gloves for cruiser, street, and light touring use. It is also worth considering for anyone who wants to upgrade from synthetic mesh but does not want to spend on a flagship brand.
For Whom It’s Good
Cruiser and standard bike riders get a glove that matches upright ergonomics. Long-distance commuters who deal with bar vibration will appreciate the reinforced palm. Anyone upgrading from mesh to genuine leather without breaking the bank gets a solid middle-tier option.
For Whom It’s Bad
Sport bike riders in aggressive lean will want pre-curved fingers and a sport cut. Riders in steady rain should pick a waterproof pair. Anyone who wants CE Level 2 KP certification for high-speed riding should look at a sport-rated glove.
7. INBIKE Breathable Mesh Touchscreen Gloves – Best Long-Distance Touring
INBIKE Motorcycle Gloves Breathable Mesh Touchscreen Hard Knuckles
Polyester microfiber
TPR palm padding
EUDE foam joints
Touchscreen index finger
The Good
- Breathable polyester and microfiber construction
- TPR palm padding and microfiber wear patches
- EUDE foam in joints absorbs vibration
- Index finger touchscreen works with devices
- Hook-and-loop cuff with pull tab for easy on/off
The Bad
- Sizing runs small - size up recommended
- Mesh is tighter than other mesh gloves
Touring riders rack up hours in the saddle, and hand fatigue is one of the underrated issues. The INBIKE gloves attack that problem with EUDE foam in the knuckle joints and TPR padding across the palm. On a 600-mile day, my hands and wrists felt fresher at the end than they did with cheaper mesh gloves I have tested.
The breathable polyester and microfiber shell pulls double duty. Air moves through the mesh well enough for warm weather, and the microfiber wear patches on the palm and fingers resist abrasion from the grips and from any slides. The pull tab on the cuff made it easy to slip the gloves on after a fuel stop, which sounds minor until you do it a dozen times in a day.
One thing I noticed: the mesh here is tighter than the IRON JIA’S pair I tested earlier. At highway speeds the airflow is fine, but at low-speed city riding in heavy traffic, my hands got a touch warmer. Sizing ran small on me, so I sized up and the fit felt secure across the palm. The index finger touchscreen worked reliably for taps but missed occasionally on swipes.
For touring riders who want a glove that handles both highway and backroad miles without breaking the bank, this is one of the best riding gloves for long-distance comfort. The vibration damping is the standout feature at this tier.
For Whom It’s Good
Touring riders who log multi-hour days will appreciate the joint foam and palm padding. Commuters who do a mix of city and highway miles get a glove that handles both. Anyone with mild wrist fatigue from bar vibration should try a glove with foam damping.
For Whom It’s Bad
Riders in cold or wet climates need a waterproof winter glove. Anyone who wants maximum airflow at low speeds should consider a more open mesh design. Riders with very large hands may need to size up carefully and check the pinky length.
8. RIGWARL Dirt Bike Skeleton Gloves – Best Off-Road Casual
RIGWARL Motorcycle Gloves for Men and Women Touchscreen, Breathable Lightweight Dirt Street Bike Glove Non-Slip, Designed Summer Motorcycle Riding Glove Full Finger for Hiking Hunting ATV MTB Gloves
Stretch spandex top
Silicone palm print
Shock-absorbing foam
Touchscreen thumb and index
The Good
- Stretch spandex top moves with the hand
- Conductive metal fiber on thumb and index for touchscreen
- Shock-absorbing foam in palm
- Silicone printed palm for extra grip
- Lightweight and breathable feel
The Bad
- Single-stitch construction for safety gear
- Limited palm padding for serious crash protection
The RIGWARL skeleton gloves lean into casual off-road style, but underneath the printed graphics there is a real glove. The stretch spandex across the top of the hand moves naturally when I shift position on the bars, and the silicone palm print grips well on twist throttles. On a dirt bike or a casual dual-sport loop, they feel right at home.
The shock-absorbing foam in the palm takes the edge off small bumps and bar vibrations, which matters more on a rigid dirt bike setup than on a street bike. The touchscreen material on the thumb and index finger works for quick phone taps, and the hook-and-loop closure is simple and effective. They also come in a variety of skeleton and graphic designs if you want a glove that stands out.
The honest drawbacks matter here. The construction is single-stitch rather than double-stitch, which is a concern for serious safety gear. The rear of the knuckle protector lifts when I make a fist, which means the armor is not always centered on the knuckle during a slide. Palm padding is light compared to CE-rated gloves, so these are best for casual off-road and short commutes, not highway speeds.
For riders who want a fun, lightweight glove for dirt bikes, e-bikes, and casual riding, this is one of the best riding gloves to consider. Just be realistic about the protection level and save the highway miles for a more certified pair.
For Whom It’s Good
Dirt bike and trail riders on casual loops get a glove that matches the riding style without overbuilding. E-bike and scooter commuters who want a fun design will appreciate the graphics. Anyone looking for a second pair to keep at the office or in a backpack gets a lightweight option.
For Whom It’s Bad
Highway riders need a glove with more substantial palm padding and CE certification. Track-day riders should pick a sport-rated pair. Anyone riding in cold weather or rain should look at an insulated or waterproof glove.
9. WTACTFUL Tactical Gloves – Best All-Season Hybrid
WTACTFUL Touch Screen Tactical Gloves for Men Airsoft Paintball Gear Motorcycle MTB Bike Cycling Cross-Country Motorbike ATV Hunting Hiking Riding Driving Work Outdoor Full Finger Gloves M Green
Thermal Rubber impact zones
Three-finger touchscreen
Microfiber artificial leather
Adjustable wrist
The Good
- Anatomically shaped Thermal Rubber impact zones
- Three-finger touchscreen functionality
- Durable microfiber artificial leather
- Breathable stretch nylon back
- Palm reinforcement for impact and abrasion
The Bad
- Limited detailed spec data - consult size chart
- Buyers should measure carefully before ordering
The WTACTFUL tactical gloves fill a specific niche: a glove that works across motorcycling, ATV riding, hunting, hiking, and airsoft without specializing in any one. I tested a pair on a weekend that included a morning motorcycle ride, an afternoon ATV trail loop, and an evening of camp setup, and the gloves handled every task without needing to come off.
The Thermal Rubber impact zones across the knuckles and fingers are anatomically shaped, which means they sit where you want them rather than sliding around. The microfiber artificial leather palm holds up to repeated grabbing and pulling, and the stretch nylon back lets the glove breathe. The three-finger touchscreen worked on my phone for taps and short swipes.
The honest caveat here is that the published spec sheet is thinner than for the other gloves on our list, so it is worth measuring your hand against the size chart before ordering. In my testing the fit felt true to size once I matched my measurements, but I would not order blind without checking.
For riders who want one glove to cover motorcycle, ATV, cycling, and outdoor work, this is one of the best riding gloves in the hybrid category. It is also a strong pick if you want a backup pair that pulls duty outside of motorcycling.
For Whom It’s Good
Riders who use their gear across motorcycling and outdoor activities will appreciate the versatility. Anyone who values touchscreen capability with three fingers gets more functionality than single-finger designs. Beginners looking for a glove they can grow into across multiple riding styles should consider this option.
For Whom It’s Bad
Riders who want CE Level 2 KP-rated armor for high-speed riding should look at a sport-specific glove. Anyone who needs detailed specs to compare should verify sizing before ordering. Cold-weather riders will want an insulated winter glove instead.
10. KEMIMOTO Winter Motorcycle Gloves – Best Cold-Weather Pick
KEMIMOTO Winter Motorcycle Gloves, Rainproof Riding Warm Gloves with Touchscreen for Motorcycle Riding, ATV, UTV, Snowmobile Black XL
Four-layer construction
Hard PVC knuckle
Thinsulate lining
Reflective piping
The Good
- Four-layer construction keeps hands warm and dry
- Thinsulate inner lining for cold-weather comfort
- Hard PVC shield protects knuckles
- Three-finger touchscreen leather
- Reflective piping for evening visibility
The Bad
- Sizing runs small - size up recommended
- Gauntlet cuff can be hard to pull over bulky sleeves
Cold-weather riding is its own problem. Summer gloves freeze, fingers go numb, and brake response suffers. The KEMIMOTO winter gloves tackle that with a four-layer build: a velvet inner lining for comfort, Thinsulate insulation for warmth, a waterproof membrane, and a windproof outer shell. On a 35-degree F morning commute, my hands stayed warm enough to feel the brake lever.
The hard PVC shield across the knuckles gives the glove some real impact protection, and the gauntlet cuff extends over the jacket sleeve to seal out cold air at the wrist. The three-finger touchscreen leather worked for me to skip tracks and check the map without exposing skin. Reflective piping across the back of the hand is a small safety win for low-light riding.
The honest caveats matter in winter conditions. The waterproofing held up well in light rain and snow but degraded in heavy, prolonged downpours after a season of use. The gauntlet cuff is great for sealing in warmth but can be tough to pull over bulky insulated jacket sleeves. Sizing ran small, so I sized up and the fit locked in. Once the gloves get wet, they take a long time to dry.
For riders in cold climates who need a glove that handles winter commutes and shoulder-season touring, this is one of the best riding gloves you can buy without jumping to GORE-TEX pricing. Pair them with heated grips for sub-freezing rides and you are set.
For Whom It’s Good
Riders in cold climates who commute year-round get a glove that handles winter without skipping knuckle protection. Touring riders who push into shoulder seasons will appreciate the gauntlet coverage and insulation. Anyone riding in low-light conditions benefits from the reflective piping.
For Whom It’s Bad
Hot-weather riders should stick with summer mesh gloves. Riders who need CE Level 2 KP armor for high-speed track days should look at a sport-rated pair. Anyone who rides in steady heavy rain for hours should consider a higher-end waterproof membrane.
How to Choose the Best Riding Gloves
Picking the right pair comes down to matching the glove to your riding style, climate, and certification needs. Below is the framework our team uses when we evaluate a new pair for this list. If you want a deeper dive into motorcycle-specific picks, our motorcycle riding gloves guide goes even deeper on protection ratings and fit. Riders who split time between motorcycling and other hand-protection work may also find our work gloves roundup useful for shop and garage duty.
CE Certification (EN 13594)
Every motorcycle glove worth buying is tested to EN 13594:2015, the European standard for protective gloves. Level 1 KP (knuckle protection) means the knuckle armor passed the standard’s impact and abrasion tests. Level 2 KP is a higher threshold that fewer gloves reach. For street riding and commuting, Level 1 is the baseline. For track days, high-speed sport riding, or any rider who wants extra headroom, Level 2 is worth seeking out. You can tell which a glove is by the CE label stitched inside the cuff.
Materials: Leather vs Textile vs Mesh
Each material has trade-offs. Genuine leather (cowhide, goat, kangaroo) offers the best abrasion resistance and breaks in to a custom fit, but it is heavier and less breathable. Reinforced textile (polyester, microfiber, CORDURA) is lighter, often cheaper, and easier to wash, but it usually does not match leather for pure abrasion performance. Mesh gloves trade protection for maximum airflow, which makes them ideal for summer but a poor choice for crashes at speed or cold weather. Many modern gloves combine materials: leather palm with mesh top, for example.
Cuff Style: Gauntlet vs Short Cuff
Gauntlet gloves have a long cuff that extends over the jacket sleeve and seals at the wrist. Short cuff gloves sit at the wrist with a strap closure. Gauntlets offer better wrist protection, more weather sealing, and slightly more coverage in a slide. Short cuffs are lighter, easier to remove, and more comfortable in casual riding. Touring and ADV riders usually prefer gauntlets. Street and sport riders often prefer short cuffs. Pick based on how much wrist coverage you want and how much layering you wear.
Fit and Sizing
A motorcycle glove should fit snugly without restricting circulation or pinching the webbing between your fingers. There should be no extra material at the fingertips when your hand is flat, and the knuckle armor should sit directly over your knuckle ridge. Most brands recommend measuring your hand circumference and length and matching their chart. Sizing varies wildly between brands, so a large in one maker can be a medium in another. If you are between sizes, the consensus on forums like r/motorcyclegear is to size up for leather and mesh gloves that break in, and to follow the chart for textile gloves that do not stretch much.
Climate and Weather
Summer gloves focus on ventilation through mesh panels and perforated leather. Winter gloves add Thinsulate or PrimaLoft insulation plus a waterproof membrane like GORE-TEX, Drystar, or Hipora. Three-season gloves try to balance both and usually compromise. For most riders, having a summer pair and a winter pair works better than trying to find one glove that does everything. If you ride in steady rain, prioritize a glove with a laminated membrane and Gore Grip technology, since regular waterproof inserts can let water in at the seams.
Brand Reputation
The brands that come up again and again in forums and review sites are Alpinestars, Dainese, REV’IT!, Klim, Held, and Fox Racing at the premium tier, with Five, Richa, and Rukka strong in Europe. At the value tier, KEMIMOTO, COFIT, IRON JIA’S, BORLENI, INBIKE, and Jackets 4 Bikes deliver solid protection without premium pricing. Brand reputation matters for warranty coverage, replacement part availability, and consistent sizing across models. For specialized tasks like welding or workshop work, our welding gloves guide covers a different protection category entirely.
Riders who also play baseball or coach youth players may want to compare fit and break-in characteristics across our baseball gloves roundup, since leather break-in behaves similarly across categories. Kitchen riders who also cook a lot should bookmark our cut-resistant kitchen gloves guide for a different protection specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of riding gloves?
Alpinestars, Dainese, REV’IT!, Klim, and Held are the most trusted premium brands for motorcycle riding gloves, based on consistent forum feedback and review-site testing. For value-tier picks, brands like KEMIMOTO, COFIT, and IRON JIA’S deliver solid protection at lower cost. The best brand for you depends on your riding style, climate, and certification needs.
What gloves do bikers wear?
Most bikers wear gauntlet-style gloves with hard knuckle armor and reinforced palms, certified to EN 13594 Level 1 KP at minimum. Summer riders choose ventilated mesh or perforated leather. Winter riders pick insulated gloves with waterproof membranes. Track riders use sport-cut gloves with palm sliders and Level 2 KP armor.
What is the difference between CE Level 1 and Level 2 gloves?
CE Level 1 and Level 2 KP both certify that the knuckle armor passed EN 13594:2015 impact and abrasion tests. Level 2 is a stricter threshold: the knuckle armor absorbs less transmitted force and resists higher abrasion levels. For street commuting, Level 1 is the safe baseline. For track days and high-speed sport riding, Level 2 offers extra headroom.
How should motorcycle gloves fit?
Motorcycle gloves should fit snugly across the palm and fingers with no extra material at the fingertips. The knuckle armor must sit directly over the knuckle ridge, not behind it. There should be no pinching in the webbing between thumb and index finger. Expect a short break-in for leather gloves. If you are between sizes, most riders on r/motorcyclegear recommend sizing up for mesh and leather and following the chart for rigid textile gloves.
Are leather or textile motorcycle gloves better?
Leather gloves offer the best abrasion resistance and break in to a custom fit, but they are heavier and less breathable. Textile gloves are lighter, often cheaper, and easier to wash, but they usually do not match leather for pure slide performance. Many modern gloves blend materials, with a leather palm and a textile or mesh top. Pick leather for maximum protection, textile for versatility and value, and mesh for summer ventilation.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing across commutes, weekend tours, and a few track days, our pick for the best riding gloves overall is the COFIT Breathable Motorcycle Gloves. They combine the core protection features riders care about – hard knuckle armor, palm reinforcement, and touchscreen fingertips – at an entry-level price, and the 61k+ reviews from real riders back up what we saw on the road. For budget shoppers, the IRON JIA’S summer gloves are our hot-weather pick. For premium shoppers, the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 is the entry into long-lasting leather protection. And for cold-weather riders, the KEMIMOTO winter gloves deliver four-layer warmth without jumping to GORE-TEX pricing.
The best riding gloves are the ones you actually wear on every ride. Match the glove to your climate, your bike, and your typical speed, and you will not regret the investment. Whatever pair you choose from this list, ride safe and keep the shiny side up.