I’ve seen what actually keeps my hands cool and dry and what turns them black. So whether you’re riding in swampy Florida weather or across the great deserts of the American Southwest, I can help you pick the gloves to keep your hands comfortable and cool. 

Here’s the truth about summer motorcycle gloves, from someone who lives 10/12 months a year in scorching heat:

1. “Breathable” is a fantasy. Focus on ventilation instead. Truly breathable motorcycle gloves don’t exist, but gloves that let the wind through are priceless – look for thin material between the fingers and perforations in the leather. 
2. Protection is non-negotiable, even when it’s hotter than asphalt. Road rash doesn’t take a summer vacation. Don’t sacrifice safety for a fleeting breeze. 

Before we get into the gloves, let’s get one thing straight:

Do Not Buy the Most Rated Motorcycle Gloves on Revzilla 

I bought the most rated gloves on Revzilla – Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves – in 2022 for a ride across the USA. They’re often touted as the summer glove, but for me, they were a blue-handed disaster. I wrote a review after three years of ownership to tell my whole story: Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves Review. 

While these worked well and kept my hands relatively cool for the first summer of use, from then on the ink bled like crazy – and no matter what I tried to stop it, it only got worse. 

So, if the most popular choice is a bust, what should you wear? Let’s explore some real alternatives, gloves that will actually keep you cool and comfortable without turning you into a Smurf.

Choosing the Best Summer Motorcycle Gloves

To find the right summer gloves, think about your riding. City streets? Open highway? Twisty backroads? Each scenario demands slightly different features. Let’s focus on two key categories for hot climates:

• Urban Heatwave Warriors (Maximum Ventilation): These gloves are all about airflow for stop-and-go city riding and sweltering commutes. Mesh, minimal bulk, and maximum breathability are the priorities.
• Highway Heat Beaters (Balanced Ventilation & Protection): For highway riders, these gloves balance ventilation with more robust protection. They’ll have more leather and armor than urban gloves, but still prioritize keeping your hands cool at speed.

Let’s dive into some top picks in each category. And a great budget option are the ones below: the Alpinestars Celer V3 that I wore across the USA in 2022!

Urban Riding

When city riding turns into a slow-motion sauna, and every red light feels like an eternity in a convection oven, you need gloves that feel like a breath of fresh air – or at least, as close to fresh air as motorcycle gloves can get.

Here are two top contenders designed to keep your hands from turning into sweaty, overheated messes:

Klim Mojave Gloves [ADV Style]

The Klim Mojave Gloves aren’t just named “Mojave” for marketing flair; they’re genuinely built for desert-level heat. Imagine strapping tiny, personal air conditioners to your hands – that’s the level of ventilation we’re talking about here. 

The secret weapon is the fully ventilated mesh backhand. It’s not just a small mesh panel; it’s the entire back of the glove, engineered to catch every bit of airflow and channel it directly to your hand. You can actually feel the breeze coursing through these gloves, even at slower speeds.

The palm is crafted from a perforated synthetic leather. This is key – Klim understands you still need abrasion resistance, but they’ve maximized airflow even in the leather sections. You get knuckle protection, a must-have for any motorcycle glove, but it’s a vented and flexible TPU design that doesn’t block airflow. The fingers are also perforated, and the overall construction is incredibly lightweight and flexible. These gloves feel broken-in from day one, conforming to your hand like a second skin. 

And for those urban commutes where you’re constantly consulting your phone’s GPS, the index finger and thumbs on these gloves are touchscreen compatible. And you get a little pull tab to make it easier to pull these on. 

These are summer weight gloves, so don’t go wearing them in the winter unless you’re using heated grips and a thick liner inside. Thankfully they’re so cheap you can afford to buy another pair for colder weather and more serious protection!

Klim Mojave Gloves

Klim Mojave Gloves provide superior control, durability, and ventilation for aggressive riding in hot conditions.

Pros:

• Excellent airflow for hot weather
• Durable synthetic leather palm for longevity
• Touchscreen-compatible for convenience

Cons:

• Limited insulation for colder conditions

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Pando Moto Onyx Gloves [Urban Style]

For riders who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic and want urban ventilation with a dose of modern-retro style, the Pando Moto Onyx Gloves are a seriously cool choice. 

These gloves are all about understated style and clean lines, but don’t mistake their minimalist looks for a lack of performance. They’re cleverly engineered to provide ventilation and protection. 

The Onyx gloves are crafted from fully perforated 0.8mm thick cowhide leather available in black, grey and brown. The “fully perforated” part is crucial here. It’s not just a few tiny holes; the entire leather shell is designed to breathe. This perforation, combined with the supple nature of the cowhide, creates a glove that feels surprisingly airy, especially once you get moving. 

Knuckle and palm protection is subtly integrated, maintaining the clean lines of the glove. You get a flexible TPU knuckle guard that’s discreetly hidden under the leather, providing impact protection without disrupting the glove’s sleek profile. They use a split armor design on the palm, with stiffer plastic on the outer palm (where impact is more likely) and slightly softer armor on the inner palm near the thumb. 

The short cuff design is perfect for urban riding, slipping easily under jacket sleeves and contributing to the glove’s overall minimalist feel. Touchscreen compatibility is built into the thumb and index finger, a practical feature for navigating city streets and managing your devices on the go. The Pando Moto Onyx gloves are a standout option for riders who want a glove that looks as good off the bike as it performs on it, offering a blend of style, ventilation, and urban-appropriate protection.

Pando Moto Onyx Gloves

Pando Moto Onyx Gloves blend protection, comfort, and style for everyday riders.

Pros:

• 0.8mm cowhide leather with perforation for ventilation
• TPU knuckle guard and PU palm slider for impact protection
• Touchscreen-compatible fingertip for easy device access

Cons:

• Short cuff may not suit all riders

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Highway Riding

For highway riding, the demands on summer gloves shift slightly. While ventilation remains crucial to combat heat buildup at speed, you also need a more substantial level of protection for longer rides and potentially higher-speed incidents.

Highway heat beaters aim to strike the balance between airflow and serious protection. Here are two excellent choices that excel in this category:

REV’IT! Sand 5 Gloves

The REV’IT! Sand 5 Gloves are the evolved successor to the popular Sand 4, taking an already excellent summer weight glove and refining it even further. REV’IT! focuses on the below essential attributes in all their gloves.

Like their predecessor, the Sand 5 gloves are designed to be true all-rounders, excelling in a wide range of riding conditions from daily commutes to highway touring and adventure riding. The core construction is with supple goat leather in key abrasion zones and air mesh panels on the tops of the finger and hand for plenty of ventilation. Stretch fabric panels between fingers make these gloves melt away (in a good way). 

Ventilation gets a significant boost in the Sand 5. The ventilated TPR knuckle protector is redesigned for even greater airflow, and ventilation panels are now incorporated into the fingers and thumb. The overall effect is a glove that feels noticeably cooler and more breathable than the Sand 4, especially in stop-and-go traffic or slower riding conditions. 

Protection is still a REV’IT! priority. The Sand 5 gloves retain the robust TPU palm slider and thumb slider, Temperfoam padding, and reinforced areas at key impact points of the Sand 4. Subtle but smart upgrades include a new, more streamlined cuff closure for improved fit and comfort under jacket sleeves, and an updated touchscreen fingertip design that is reported to be even more responsive and reliable.

The Sand 5 gloves continue the Sand series’ legacy of versatility, offering a truly exceptional balance of ventilation, protection, comfort, and all-weather riding performance. They remain an ideal choice for riders who want one pair of gloves that can handle almost any type of riding – as long as it’s hot! – with confidence and comfort.

These are as close to a dirt bike glove as you’re going to get in terms of airflow, but with the protection of a proper adventure glove. 

Plus, they are eligible for REV’IT’s crash replacement program – tear them up in a crash and REV’IT will replace them!

REV'IT! Sand 5 Gloves

Lightweight, breathable, and protective adventure gloves for all-terrain riding.

Pros:

• Superior ventilation for maximum airflow
• Advanced knuckle protection for impact resistance
• Enhanced grip and flexibility for better control

Cons:

• Limited wrist coverage due to short cuff

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Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Gloves

The Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Gloves represent the latest evolution of Alpinestars’ awesome GP Plus R series, and they take the track-inspired protection to an even higher level. 

These gloves are designed for riders who demand top-tier protection, whether for spirited street riding, canyon carving, track days, or sport touring, but still want some airflow going through there. 

Full-grain leather forms the main chassis, providing exceptional abrasion resistance across the entire glove. But Alpinestars has strategically increased the perforation zones on the V3, with larger and more numerous perforations on the top of the hand, fingers, and sidewalls. 

Protection is, as expected, at the forefront with the GP Plus R V3 gloves. You get a newly designed, even more robust TPU knuckle protector, Alpinestars’ signature finger bridge (now on the third and fourth fingers to further minimize finger roll and separation in a crash), a reinforced TPU palm slider, and extensive padding and reinforcements throughout the glove. The V3 now features a double closure system for enhanced security and a more precise, adjustable fit around the wrist and gauntlet cuff. 

Stretch accordion panels on the fingers and thumb are redesigned for improved flexibility and dexterity straight out of the box. The gauntlet cuff offers extended protection and is ergonomically shaped to integrate seamlessly with sport and race suit cuffs. 

While still firmly positioned as a sport/track glove, the Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 gloves offer a surprising degree of warm weather versatility – a great choice if your preferred place to ride is often hot and humid. 

Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Gloves

Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 Gloves deliver top-tier protection, comfort, and control for high-performance racing.

Pros:

• Superior abrasion resistance with full leather construction
• Dual-density knuckle and palm protection for impact safety
• Pre-curved design for optimal ergonomics and gri

Cons:

• Limited ventilation for extremely hot conditions

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There are some tradeoffs that just can’t be solved, and ventilation + protection on the hands is one of them. For riders who want to absolutely maximize both ventilation and top-tier sport-level protection for highway riding, you might just want two pairs of gloves. 

Keep the Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 gloves as your primary choice for spirited riding, canyon roads, or track sessions where maximum protection is paramount. And then carry a second, more aggressively ventilated pair like the REV’IT! Sand 5 gloves or Klim Mojave gloves for longer highway cruises, commutes, or extremely hot conditions where airflow becomes the priority. This dual-glove approach ensures you’re always equipped with the ideal hand protection for the specific riding scenario.

Comparison Table

Buying Guide: Zeroing In On Your Perfect Summer Gloves

With these excellent summer glove options laid out, how do you pinpoint the perfect pair for your specific riding needs and preferences? Let’s break it down with a quick buying guide to help you make the right decision:

1. Deep Dive into Your Riding Style: Seriously analyze your typical riding. Are you primarily an urban commuter battling stop-and-go traffic and city heat islands? Do you spend most of your time carving through twisty mountain roads at speed? Or are you a long-distance highway rider, racking up miles on the open road? Understanding your primary riding style is the first step to choosing the right glove category. If you’re a true hybrid rider, splitting time equally between city and highway, then a more protective glove might be your best all-around choice.
   
2. Ventilation: Make it Your #1 Priority (If You’re Riding in Heat): In hot and humid climates, ventilation isn’t just a “nice-to-have” feature; it’s absolutely essential for comfort, focus, and even safety. When temperatures soar, sweaty hands can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and reduced grip on the controls. Actively seek out gloves designed with maximum airflow in mind. Look for features like extensive mesh panels (especially on the backhand), perforated leather (on fingers and palms), and ventilated protectors. Don’t just rely on marketing buzzwords; read reviews and look closely at the glove’s construction to assess its ventilation potential.
   
3. Protection: Never Compromise, Even in Summer: It’s tempting to prioritize ventilation above all else when the heat is oppressive, but never, ever sacrifice protection. Road rash and injuries don’t care if it’s July. Ensure that your summer gloves still offer a solid baseline of protection. Essential protective elements include knuckle protection (hard or semi-hard armor), palm sliders (to protect the heel of your palm in a slide), and reinforced palms and fingers (typically with extra layers of leather or abrasion-resistant materials). CE certification levels can provide an objective measure of a glove’s protective capabilities.
   
4. Consider the Features that Matter to You: Beyond ventilation and protection, think about the features that will enhance your personal riding experience. Touchscreen compatibility is incredibly convenient for urban riders who rely on GPS navigation or phone apps. Cuff style (short cuff vs. gauntlet) is a matter of personal preference and jacket compatibility. Adjustability features like wrist straps and cuff closures can help you fine-tune the fit and security of the glove. Reflective elements can enhance visibility for nighttime riding. Think about your typical riding scenarios and choose features that will genuinely make your rides more comfortable and convenient.
   
5. Become a Review Detective: Read Widely, But Read Critically: Online reviews are a valuable resource, but approach them with a discerning eye. Read reviews from multiple sources, and pay attention to trends in rider feedback. Are multiple reviewers praising the ventilation of a particular glove in hot weather? Are there consistent comments about sizing or fit issues? Crucially, try to focus on reviews from riders who live and ride in climates similar to yours. A review from someone riding in cool, dry conditions might not be as relevant as a review from a rider battling heat and humidity.
   
6. The “Try-On” Test: If Possible, Experience Them Firsthand: The absolute best way to determine if a glove is right for you is to try it on in person. Visit a local motorcycle gear shop if possible and physically try on different gloves. Pay attention to the initial fit and feel. Is the glove comfortable right away, or does it feel stiff or restrictive? Check the dexterity – can you easily operate controls and manage zippers and buckles while wearing the gloves? If you’re ordering online (which is often necessary for specialized gear), make absolutely sure that the retailer has a clear and easy return policy. Don’t be afraid to order a couple of different sizes or models to try at home, knowing you can return the ones that don’t fit perfectly.
   

Pro Tip for Conquering Extreme Heat: Two Pairs

For riders in truly scorching climates, or for those planning long rides in hot weather, consider adopting the “two-glove” strategy. Carry two pairs of summer gloves with you. 

Midway through your ride, or whenever you feel your gloves starting to get damp with sweat, swap to the fresh, dry pair. This simple act of switching gloves can dramatically improve your comfort and prevent your hands from becoming excessively sweaty and uncomfortable. 

While one pair is on your hands, the other pair can be stashed in a ventilated pocket or pannier, allowing them to air out and dry. This “glove rotation” technique keeps hands high and dry even if you sweat a lot. 

The post Best Summer Motorcycle Gloves: Breathable Protection first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. 

You might think any old pair of gloves will do… I fear for your hands.

Here’s what you’re looking for in a pair of riding gloves:

1. Actual motorcycle-specific gloves are a must. Those leather gloves in the back of your closet are not going to cut it, in so many ways that we’ll get to later.  
2. Gloves are not just for cold weather, and summer gloves DO exist! Instinctually, one of the first things to go down in a crash will probably be your palms. Make sure there’s something between you and asphalt in that case. And good summer gloves will keep you cool and dry!
3. One pair of gloves will never do it all. Just like you wouldn’t wear flip-flops on a track day, you need different gloves for different conditions.

We’ll sort you out with the real deal on what you need to keep your hands safe, comfy, and still able to text back your wife when you pull over. 

Motorcycle gloves aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. The demands of a daily commute are vastly different from the needs of a track day warrior or a long-distance adventurer. That’s why we’ve broken down the best gloves for various riding scenarios, for hot and cold weather. 

First we’ll give you all the picks in a list, then go down into specifics below. 

Top Picks for All Types of Motorcycle Gloves

Best Warm Weather Motorcycle Gloves

Best Cold Weather Motorcycle Gloves

Best Budget Motorcycle Gloves

But whatever you do, do NOT buy the Alpinestars SMX Air v2 gloves! I rode with these for way too long… and they are not worth owning.

Best Commuting Gloves

The daily grind demands a glove that’s comfortable, practical, and can handle whatever the weather throws your way.

REV’IT! Sand 5 Gloves [Summer]

When the temperatures rise, sweaty hands are the enemy. The REV’IT! Sand 5 gloves are built to combat the heat. These gloves feature a combination of goatskin leather, air mesh, and PWR|shell stretch, allowing for maximum airflow to keep your hands cool and dry during your commute.

The inclusion of a TPR palm slider, along with Temperfoam knuckle and finger protectors, provides a solid level of protection without sacrificing flexibility. You’ll appreciate the touchscreen-compatible fingertip for navigating your phone or GPS without having to remove your gloves.

Now, some riders might find the ventilation a bit too good on unexpectedly chilly mornings. The silver lining? That excellent airflow makes them truly exceptional when the mercury climbs. Plus, if you do encounter a sudden downpour, they dry out pretty quickly.

REV'IT! Sand 5 Gloves

Lightweight, breathable, and protective adventure gloves for all-terrain riding.

Pros:

• Superior ventilation for maximum airflow
• Advanced knuckle protection for impact resistance
• Enhanced grip and flexibility for better control

Cons:

• Limited wrist coverage due to short cuff

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Alpinestars WT-4 Gore-Tex Gloves [Cold]

When the weather turns nasty, you need gloves that can handle the cold and wet. The Alpinestars WT-4 Gore-Tex gloves are up to the challenge. Featuring a Gore-Tex membrane, these gloves are completely waterproof and breathable, ensuring your hands stay dry and comfortable even in heavy rain.

The inclusion of thermal insulation keeps your hands warm without being overly bulky, allowing for good control of your bike’s controls. You also get knuckle protection and reinforcements in key areas for added safety. The gauntlet cuff provides extra coverage and seals out the elements effectively.

One potential downside is that extremely cold-weather riders might want even more insulation. The alternative option? Consider a dedicated winter glove with heavier insulation if your commutes regularly involve sub-freezing temperatures. However, for most cold and wet commuting conditions, the WT-4 offers an excellent balance of warmth and dexterity.

Alpinestars WT-4 Gore-Tex Gloves

Premium waterproof and insulated gloves for cold-weather riding.

Pros:

• GORE-TEX construction for top-tier waterproofing and breathability
• PrimaLoft Silver insulation for warmth and moisture resistance
• Touchscreen-compatible fingertips for easy device use

Cons:

• Mid-cuff design may not provide full gauntlet coverage

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Best Sport and Track Gloves

When pushing your limits on the street or carving corners on the track, protection and feel are paramount. These are the best protection you’re going to get, and I don’t care if your hands are hot in the summer. If you’re really concerned about heat, check out our picks for summer motorcycle gloves here. 

Alpinestars GP Pro R4 Gloves

For the serious sport rider, the Alpinestars GP Pro R4 gloves are a top-tier choice. These gloves are packed with features designed for maximum protection and performance. They boast a full gauntlet design with extensive use of premium leather, along with advanced protection like DFS (Dynamic Friction Shield) knuckle protectors and finger sliders.

The inclusion of a race-derived finger bridge helps prevent finger roll in case of a fall. Perforations throughout the glove provide decent ventilation for warmer track days. The pre-curved finger construction and external seams enhance comfort and feel on the controls.

The high level of protection means these gloves can feel a bit stiff initially. The silver lining? This stiffness contributes to their robust protective qualities and will break in over time to provide a more personalized fit.

Alpinestars GP Pro R4 Gloves

Race-grade gloves engineered for maximum protection, comfort, and performance.

Pros:

• Premium leather construction for durability and grip
• Advanced knuckle and cuff protection for impact resistance
• Ventilated design for enhanced airflow and comfort

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to standard riding gloves

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Best Adventure and Touring Gloves

Long days in the saddle and unpredictable weather conditions demand gloves that are both comfortable and versatile.

Held Air N Dry II Gloves [Summer]

The Held Air N Dry II Gloves are a favorite among adventure and touring riders for good reason. These gloves feature a unique dual-chamber design with Gore-Tex 2in1 technology.

One chamber is unlined and perforated for maximum breathability in hot weather, while the other is waterproof and windproof for when the weather turns foul. This versatility makes them ideal for long rides where you might encounter varying conditions. They also boast a kangaroo leather palm for excellent feel and durability, along with SuperFabric reinforcements and hard knuckle protection for safety.

The dual-chamber system can take a little getting used to when switching between modes. The silver lining? This innovative design provides unparalleled adaptability to different weather conditions, making them a true all-in-one solution for summer touring.

Held Air N Dry II Gloves

Held Air N Dry II Gloves offer dual-chamber versatility for all-weather riding.

Pros:

• GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable design
• Kangaroo leather palm for durability and grip
• Hard knuckle protection with SUPERFABRIC reinforcement

Cons:

• Premium price point

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Klim Vanguard GTX Long Gloves [Cold]

For cold-weather adventure and touring, the Klim Vanguard GTX Long Gloves are a top pick. Featuring a Gore-Tex membrane and substantial insulation, these gloves provide exceptional warmth and waterproofing for even the most challenging conditions.

The long gauntlet design ensures a secure seal with your jacket sleeves, preventing cold air and moisture from entering. They also offer good dexterity for operating controls and feature knuckle protection and reinforced palms for safety.

The significant insulation might make them feel a bit bulky for riders who prioritize maximum feel. The alternative option? If you prefer a slimmer profile, consider heated glove liners worn under a less insulated but still waterproof adventure touring glove. However, for ultimate warmth and weather protection on long, cold rides, the Klim Vanguard GTX Long Gloves are hard to beat.

Klim Vanguard GTX Long Gloves

High-performance touring gloves built for cold, wet conditions.

Pros:

• GORE-TEX with Gore-Grip for waterproofing and dexterity
• 3M Thinsulate insulation for warmth without bulk
• Touchscreen-compatible fingertips & visor wiper for convenien

Cons:

• Low-profile gauntlet may not suit riders preferring full wrist coverage

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Best City, Cafe, and Cruiser Gloves

If you’re riding a cafe, cruiser or classic bike I understand style plays a huge role in your choice of kit. Thankfully, you don’t need to overlook protection to nail the look. These picks hit all the marks for style, comfort and safety. 

Pando Moto Onyx Gloves [Summer]

For riders who appreciate a blend of classic style and modern features, the Pando Moto Onyx Gloves are a great choice for summer riding. Made from perforated goatskin leather, they offer good airflow to keep your hands cool.

They also feature a flexible knuckle guard hidden under the leather for impact protection and abrasion-resistant reinforcements on the palm. The touchscreen-compatible fingertip adds a touch of modern convenience. Their understated design complements the aesthetics of cafe racers and classic motorcycles perfectly.

Being primarily focused on style and summer comfort, they might not offer the same level of robust protection as a dedicated sport or track glove. But for city use, they provide a good balance of style, comfort, and essential protection.

Pando Moto Onyx Gloves

Pando Moto Onyx Gloves blend protection, comfort, and style for everyday riders.

Pros:

• 0.8mm cowhide leather with perforation for ventilation
• TPU knuckle guard and PU palm slider for impact protection
• Touchscreen-compatible fingertip for easy device access

Cons:

• Short cuff may not suit all riders

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Merlin Minworth II D30 Heated Gloves [Cold]

When the temperature drops, keeping your hands warm is crucial, even for short city rides. The Merlin Minworth II D30 Heated Gloves offer a stylish and effective solution. These gloves feature a classic design with a waterproof membrane and integrated heating elements powered by a rechargeable battery.

The inclusion of D30 knuckle protection provides a good level of impact absorption without compromising the glove’s sleek look. They offer multiple heat settings to customize your comfort level.

Battery-powered heated gloves like these typically only last a few hours. If you need heat for longer, consider bike-powered gloves (like those below) or heated grips for your motorcycle. However, for the convenience of wireless heating and stylish design, the Merlin Minworth II D30 Heated Gloves are a solid choice for cruiser, cafe and classic bike riders.

Merlin Minworth II D3O Heated Gloves

Merlin Minworth II D3O Heated Gloves keep your hands warm, dry, and protected in cold riding conditions.

Pros:

• Battery-powered heating with three adjustable levels
• Waterproof Hipora membrane and Thinsulate insulation
• D3O knuckle and scaphoid protection for safety

Cons:

• Battery life varies with temperature and wind conditions

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Heated Gloves

For those who refuse to let cold weather keep them off their bikes, heated gloves are a game-changer. Good for any style of bike, we have one pick which plugs in to the bike for power while the other carries its own batteries in the cuffs and requires charging every 4 hours or so. 

Gerbing 12V Vanguard Heated Gloves [Bike Powered]

The Gerbing 12V Vanguard Heated Gloves are a top-performing option for riders who need serious warmth in extremely cold conditions.

Powered directly by your motorcycle’s 12V electrical system, these gloves provide consistent and reliable heat across the entire hand. They feature a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep your hands dry and comfortable, along with knuckle protection for added safety. The long gauntlet design ensures a good seal with your jacket.

Being tethered to your bike’s electrical system means you need to connect them before each ride. But the upside is you get significantly more heat output (12V vs 5 or 7V means 10-20F hotter) and longer-lasting warmth compared to battery-powered options, making them ideal for extended cold-weather rides.

Gerbing 12V Vanguard Heated Gloves

Unmatched warmth and protection for any ride.

Pros:

• Microwire heating system warms every finger
• Waterproof Aquatex membrane & 150g Thinsulate insulation
• Premium cowhide leather with TPU knuckle protection

Cons:

• Heat controller and battery harness sold separately

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Joe Rocket 7V Rocket Burner Leather Heated Gloves [Battery Powered]

For riders who prefer the convenience of battery power, the Joe Rocket 7V Rocket Burner Leather Heated Gloves are a great option. These gloves feature a leather construction with integrated heating elements powered by rechargeable batteries.

They offer multiple heat settings to customize your warmth level and include a waterproof membrane to keep your hands dry. Knuckle protection is also included for added safety. The battery-powered design offers freedom of movement without the need for connecting cables.

You have the same downside with batteries as I explained earlier: you’re only going to get a few hours out of these, and you won’t get nearly the heat output you will from a bike-powered system. If you’re doing a lot of cold weather, long distance riding you should invest in bike-powered gloves or heated grips. 

Joe Rocket 7V Rocket Burner Leather Heated Gloves

Joe Rocket Rocket Burner Leather Heated Gloves provide warmth, protection, and comfort for cold-weather rides.

Pros:

• Rechargeable Li-ion battery-powered heating with three levels
• Waterproof, windproof HiPora liner for all-weather protection
• Touchscreen-compatible fingertips and knuckle armor for safety

Cons:

• Battery life is limited on high heat settings

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Budget-Friendly Options

Good hand protection doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are two solid budget-friendly options for general street and city riding.

REV’IT! Cassini H2O Gloves

The REV’IT! Cassini H2O Gloves offer a great value proposition for riders looking for waterproof protection without spending a fortune. These gloves feature a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep your hands dry in wet conditions.

They also include knuckle protection and a comfortable lining for everyday riding. While not packed with high-end features, they provide reliable protection and weather resistance for a reasonable price.

Being a budget-friendly option, they might not have the same level of premium materials or advanced features as more expensive gloves. The silver lining? They offer excellent basic protection and waterproofing, making them a practical choice for commuting and general street riding on a budget.

REV'IT! Cassini H2O Gloves

Stay warm, dry, and protected in cold-weather rides.

Pros:

• Goatskin leather palm for durability & control
• Hydratex|Z-liner waterproofing with 3M Thinsulate insulation
• TPU hard knuckle & Temperfoam palm slider for impact protection

Cons:

• Runs small—order one size up for best fit

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Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves

The Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves provide a more sport-oriented budget option. These short-cuff gloves feature a leather and synthetic construction with knuckle protection and reinforced palms.

They offer decent ventilation for warmer weather and a comfortable fit for everyday riding. While not waterproof, they provide a good level of protection and comfort for the price.

As a budget sport glove, they lack waterproofing and the advanced protection features of higher-end sport gloves. The alternative option? If waterproofing is a must, consider the REV’IT! Cassini H2O gloves. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable and protective short-cuff glove for warmer weather street riding without breaking the bank, the Celer V3 is a solid choice.

I personally wore the V2 across the USA in 2022 and loved them – solid, strong gloves that can handle hot and cold weather alike, though they are not warm in cold weather!

Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves

I wore these for two years through high heat and humidity, with minimal wear and no tears or broken seams. Slight discolorations, but still strong and supple leather. Super high quality. 

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Our Review: I rode across America with the Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves (for the back half with only 1 glove – long story explained here) but I absolutely loved these gloves. They are protective, highly flexible and the lining is super comfortable. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Motorcycle Gloves

Picking the right motorcycle gloves isn’t just about looks; it’s about making sure they’ll do their job when you need them most. Let’s break down the important stuff.

Material

What your gloves are made of makes a huge difference. Leather is still king for many riders because it’s naturally tough yet flexible, in a combination better than just about any other material humans can make. 

You’ve got options like goatskin, which is strong but still lets you feel the controls, cowhide, which is super durable and won’t break the bank, and kangaroo leather, which is crazy strong for how thin and flexible it is (though it can be a bit pricier). 

Then there’s deerskin, like in Lee Parks Design gloves, which is known for being both tough and comfy. Textile gloves, made from stuff like nylon, polyester, and mesh, are super versatile and can be designed for all sorts of things like keeping you cool, dry, or warm. 

You’ll often see waterproof membranes like DRYTECH, DrystarXF, GORE-TEX, and Hipora in textile gloves, and for cold weather, insulation like PrimaLoft and Thinsulate. Ultimately, it’s about what you need most: top-notch protection, all-day comfort, or the ability to handle any weather.  

Protection

This is where it gets serious. You want gloves that will actually protect your hands if you take a spill. 

Look for knuckle protection made from carbon fiber, TPU, or hard plastic – these are designed to soak up impacts, especially with asphalt. Carbon fiber is light and strong, often found in sport gloves. TPU is tough and flexible, giving you good overall protection. Hard plastic is also impact-resistant and common in touring gloves. 

Some gloves use D3O armor, which is soft and supple until it gets hit – when it hardens up in a split second. The Klim Badlands GTX even uses ceramic-printed Superfabric on the knuckles for incredible abrasion resistance. 

Palm sliders, usually made of TPU or TPR, are super important for preventing your hand from catching on the road if you slide, which can save your wrists from serious injury. Dainese’s Pro-Hand Slider is a good example, designed for both grip and sliding. 

For your fingers, you’ll want armor on the knuckles and padding along the fingers, often using TPU and TPR. Alpinestars has a cool feature called a finger bridge that connects your pinky and ring fingers to help prevent them from separating in a crash. 

And don’t forget to check the CE rating – it’s a European standard that tells you how protective a glove is, with Level 2 being better than Level 1. Knowing what these protective elements are made of and how they’re designed will help you choose gloves that match your riding style and how much risk you’re willing to take.  

Comfort

Let’s face it, if your gloves aren’t comfortable, you’re not gonna want to wear them, and that defeats the whole purpose. 

Ventilation is key for warm weather – look for mesh panels and perforations that let air flow through and keep your hands from getting sweaty. The Five RFX2 Airflow gloves are specifically praised for their great ventilation. 

When it gets cold, insulation is your best friend. Thermal liners made from materials like Thinsulate or PrimaLoft will keep your hands warm and nimble. However, given you’re facing winds at highway speeds, sometimes insulation is just not enough. Plus, more insulation means thicker gloves which means less tactile feel on the controls of your bike. 

This is where heated gloves come in. 

Heated gloves, like the Alpinestars HT-7, are the ideal option for serious cold. These usually plug in to your bike or into a battery pack, and some kit like Gerbing allows your gloves to connect to a heated jacket that is in turn connected to your bike. 

Pre-curved fingers are also a nice touch – they’re designed to fit the natural shape of your hand when you’re gripping the handlebars, which reduces hand fatigue on long rides. 

And of course, the fit is crucial. Your gloves should be snug but not too tight, and your fingers should almost reach the end of the glove fingers without actually touching. Keep in mind that sizing can vary between brands, and leather gloves might stretch a bit over time. More on sizing later. 

Strength and Build Quality

Generally the build quality of a set of gloves will move in tandem with the price; don’t get suckered in to a cheap pair of gloves with a great set of “features” only to find they’re held together by duct tape and a bit of thread. 

Some aspects to check:

• Stitching and Seams: Look for seams that are double (or even triple) stitched for strength, with strong fibers. Seams that are tucked on the inside are also a nice touch, as the seam thread itself is hidden from the asphalt in a crash. 
• Leather Quality: If they’re leather, make sure it’s supple and free of any cracks. Old stock leather gloves that have dried out will lose their strength and elasticity, and therefore all their inherent protection!
• Liner Quality: Especially for winter gloves, look for laminated linings that are completely bonded to the outer glove, not just sewn in at a few points. Especially when your hands get wet/sweaty, pulling them off can take the liner with them and make the glove very annoying to work with as the liner bunches up inside the palm and fingers. 

Cuff Length

You’ve got two main styles here: short cuff and gauntlet. 

Gauntlet gloves have a longer cuff that goes over your wrist and usually over your jacket sleeves. This gives you better weather protection and more protection for your wrist and forearm. They’re often preferred for cold weather and track riding. 

Short cuff gloves stop at or just below your wrist and are worn under your jacket sleeves. They give you more freedom of movement and better airflow, making them popular for warmer weather and commuting. Which one you choose depends on the kind of riding you do and what you prefer.  

Touchscreen Compatibility

In this day and age, being able to use your phone or GPS without taking off your gloves is a huge plus. Lots of modern motorcycle gloves now have special fingertips that work with touchscreens. This is super handy for commuters and touring riders who need to check maps or answer calls on the go. Though in my experience, they’re not great – especially with bulkier gloves. And they usually lose their “touch” after a year or two of wear.

Generally, the thicker the gloves the less effective their touchscreen tips will be. You may want to go ski-style if you’re riding in cold weather, with a thicker outer gloves plus a thin liner that either has cut off or removable fingertips. 

How to Test the Fit of Motorcycle Gloves

Alright, listen up, because getting the right fit is super important. 

While those size charts online can give you a general idea, the best way to know if a glove fits is to actually try it on. Order a pair you think will work for you from Revzilla, Amazon, Fortnine, SportsBikeShop or wherever you can and wear them at home for a half hour. 

When you’re trying on gloves, they should feel snug all around your hand – not too tight that they cut off your circulation, but not so loose that they’re flopping around. Grab your handlebars to see how tight they feel. Pay attention to how they feel across your knuckles and between your fingers in this riding position.  You should have a full range of motion in your fingers and wrists and be able to comfortably work the controls without the gloves feeling bulky or pinching anywhere. 

Ideally, your fingertips should almost reach the end of the glove fingers but not quite touch. You also don’t want any extra material bunching up in your palm or fingers, as that can mess with your grip. 

A quick safety test: I can’t tell you how many well-rated, well-received motorcycle gloves I’ve tried on that have super weak wrist closures to hold them on your hand. An insecure glove (especially if it’s too big for your hand) runs the risk of flying right off your hand in a crash. So to test how secure your gloves are, put one on one of your hands and strap it down as you normally would. Then grab the index and middle fingers of that glove and pull your hands apart as hard as you can. If the glove stays on, that’s a good sign. If it comes off… imagine whether it will come off if you hit pavement at 60mph? 

Keep in mind that leather gloves might stretch a little over time, while textile gloves generally stay the same size. So, when trying on leather gloves, a slightly snug fit is usually good, but with textile gloves, you want them to be comfortable right away. 

The bottom line? Your gloves should feel like a second skin, giving you both protection and the freedom to control your bike.  

The post Finding the Best Motorcycle Gloves for Your Ride first appeared on It's Better On The Road.

On paper, the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2 gloves seem to check all the boxes for a summer glove—lightweight and breathable, constructed of sturdy goat leather with double-stitched seams, sporting an unnecessarily long name, all for a price that’s affordable for the casual rider. 

But having ridden 20,000 miles in these across a variety of climates, including the sweltering summer heat of the USA and the relentless humidity of Thailand, I’m here to tell you that these gloves have major flaws—and they aren’t as easy to overlook as some may suggest.

Watch my full review on these gloves after three years of riding with them:

The Good

These gloves have their strengths – starting with the MSRP price of $70, which for a leather glove from Alpinestars is not a bad deal. 

In my experience riding through the jungles of Thailand and the deserts of the USA (in July, no less) they do flow air well through the mesh on the fingers. You won’t get as much down on your palms as you do with a textile or suede glove, but you also get the protection of leather on that all-important hand. 

I’ve also found that these gloves fit very well. No pain at the base of the thumb, in the fingers or at the hard knuckle guard – at the start of my wear or after 3 years of use. 

The leather is surprisingly durable, though it has a deal-breaking issue that appeared a few months in that I’ll get to in the “Ugly” section. 

The Bad

So here’s where these gloves start to fall apart (literally). First, the velcro. 

The design of these gloves doesn’t give much room for failure, and the velcro barely even tries to hold on anymore. 

The velcro lost its mojo soon after buying these gloves, to the point where they would come undone while I was riding, which does not inspire confidence that these gloves would stay put in a crash. 

The touchscreen compatible fingertips do work, but in my experience the fingertips are just too big to allow easy use of modern smartphone interfaces. So you better enjoy ripping off your gloves every time you need to fuss with your maps. 

All that taking on and off of these gloves led to the next problem: the stitching holding the wrist to the palm on the right glove came loose. It wasn’t just a little fray—it completely tore open.

Maybe the conditions I subjected these gloves to were just too harsh, but then again, a crash is pretty harsh. And protecting against one of those is why you’re buying gloves in the first place, right?

The Ugly

None of the above issues matter that much to me. The most annoying issue is by far that these gloves bleed ink like no other. 

Now you might say this is typical with a pair of leather gloves. And yes, it is typical, for the first few wears. After a couple rain storms or a few good washes, the ink typically sets and your hands no longer change color through a ride. 

The Alpinestars SMX-1 Air gloves were fine for me for the first several months, then they started bleeding ink profusely. And the more I tried to solve the ink issue, the worse it got. 

And I tried everything: hand washing, machine washing, soaking them in Vanish, scrubbing, sun drying, and more. The problem only got worse, to the point where some mild sweat on a 30 minute ride around town turns my hands a creepy purple/black tint, requiring a heavy scrub with a plastic brush to set them back to normal. 

This is my hand after just 30 seconds of wearing the wet glove. 

Maybe this is a problem specifically with the production run of SMX-1 I bought, since I haven’t noticed this issue in other reviews (maybe they didn’t push the gloves hard enough!) and I haven’t noticed any bleeding with other black leather Alpinestars gloves I’ve similarly put through the ringer. 

Which brings me to alternatives…

The Alternatives

I didn’t buy the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air gloves under the best of circumstances… I bought them as a replacement for a missing right side of the Alpinestars Celer Gloves I wore across America in 2022. I accidentally left that pair on my bike in a particularly nasty storm, and when I returned to the bike in the morning the right glove was nowhere to be found. 

I settled for the SMX-1 at a CycleGear store somewhere in the American Midwest. However, for the remainder of that trip, I wore mismatched gloves because I liked the additional protection offered by the Celer.

Alpinestars Celer

The Celer gloves also flow air decently well, especially given the leather feels about twice as thick as the leather on the SMX-1. I haven’t had the problem of knuckle guards digging in that some riders compare about, I actually find them nicely padded and very comfortable – more than the SMX-1.

And I appreciate the white knuckled colorway, which Alpinestars kept (kinda) with their new v3 version, since it makes the hand more visible to headlights at night. You can pick up the v2 (same version I have) while it’s still available here. 

Alpinestars Celer V3 Gloves

I wore these for two years through high heat and humidity, with minimal wear and no tears or broken seams. Slight discolorations, but still strong and supple leather. Super high quality. 

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Sedici Bruno

Another candidate for SMX-1 alternative are the Sedici Bruno gloves, which are a similar leather-mesh hybrid like the Alpinestars SMX-1. I admit I haven’t ridden in these, but they check all the boxes I was looking for with the Alpinestars SMX-1: lightweight, leather palm, and TPU knuckle slider. They also have a nice palm slider. However, I can’t attest to their durability. 

Sedici Bruno Gloves

• Quality supple leather with air-flow mesh fabric
• Air flow mesh fabric throughout
• Lightly pre-curved fingers to reduce bulk
• Unlined for a closer fit

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Alpinestars Phenom

I just picked up the Alpinestars Phenom gloves on a recent trip to Japan because they feel like everything I loved about the SMX-1, but with even more mobility and more velcro holding them on. 

I’m only a few weeks into riding with these, so I’ll create a review when I’ve had a chance to punish them a bit harder. 

Alpinestars Phenom Leather Gloves

Comfortable and flexible, the Phenom are a mix between sport and casual riding glove. Lightweight yet all-leather where you need it, with a palm slider.

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The post Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2 Gloves: What Not to Buy first appeared on It's Better On The Road.