Best motorcycle gloves…..Let’s talk about motorcycle gloves. Or as I now call them: the reason I still have knuckles.
No joke—I used to think gloves were just for style. Like, “Ooooh look at me, I’m leather-clad and mysterious,” which is hilarious because 90% of the time I’m eating gas station burritos in a parking lot, looking like a sweaty, overcooked potato.
But after one dumb slide on gravel (thank you, surprise pothole from hell), I learned that the best motorcycle gloves are not optional. Nope. They’re finger-saving armor with just enough cool factor to pretend you’re a biker ninja.
So let’s get into it. Here are my top 5 picks—tried, tested, and in some cases, scraped up.
1. Alpinestars SP-8 V3 Gloves
Okay, if these gloves were a person, they’d be that friend who’s always prepared but somehow still fun at parties. Like, they pack sunscreen AND tequila.
Why I love ‘em:
- Full-grain leather (real-deal feel)
- Hard knuckle protection
- Touchscreen fingertips (so you can still swipe Bumble at red lights—I mean, Google Maps. Obviously.)
The catch:
- Takes a few rides to break in. First time I wore them I felt like I was wearing medieval gauntlets.
2. Dainese Mig C2 Gloves
Ah, Dainese. Fancy Italian stuff. But not just for looks—these are lightweight, breathable, and solid for summer rides.
What makes them spicy:
- Mesh + leather = breathable but protective
- Minimalist design (kinda feels like driving gloves if driving gloves could survive a slide)
The truth bomb:
- Not great for colder rides. Unless you like having icicle fingers.
Bonus points for looking slick without screaming “I tried too hard.”
3. REV’IT! Sand 4 Gloves
Now THESE are my go-to for longer rides. ADV-style gloves that look like something Mad Max might wear if he shopped at REI.
Perks:
- Goat leather. Yes, goat. It’s soft and tougher than it sounds.
- Knuckle armor that doesn’t feel like a prison shank
- Ventilation that ACTUALLY works. Wild, I know.
Drawbacks:
- Pricey. Like, “please don’t lose one at a rest stop” pricey.
Story time: I left these on my seat once at a gas station. Wind yeeted one across the lot. I chased it like a madman. Someone clapped. It was humbling.
4. Scorpion EXO SGS MK II Gloves
You ever buy something and go, “Why didn’t I get this sooner?” That was me with these.
Why I dig them:
- Kangaroo leather palm. Yes, kangaroo. I didn’t know either, but it’s lightweight and strong.
- Knox knuckle protectors. Fancy, but they work.
- Solid wrist strap that doesn’t flap like a sad shoelace
They’re low-profile but punch way above their weight. If you’re into sportier gloves but don’t wanna feel like Wolverine, these are it.
5. Highway 21 Turbine Mesh Gloves
Budget pick! Because not all of us can drop $150 on gloves and still afford tacos.
What surprised me:
- Mesh keeps things breezy
- Padded knuckles (not armored, but it’s something)
- Fit is decent right outta the box
Great for city commutes, summer rides, or stashing in a saddlebag as backups.
Not for:
- High-speed crashes or bear wrestling. Duh.
Wait, What Should You Even Look For In Gloves?
I mean, they’re just gloves, right? Wrong.
You need:
- Material: Leather = abrasion resistance. Mesh = summer savior. Kevlar = superhero bonus.
- Armor: Knuckle protectors, palm sliders, reinforced stitching.
- Fit: Too tight = blisters. Too loose = might as well wear socks.
- Weather: Waterproof for the rain, insulated for cold, ventilated for heat.
- Wrist closure: If your glove flies off in a crash, it’s just fashion now.
I once wore oversized gloves and they slid halfway off mid-ride. I was adjusting them one-handed going 60 mph. Terrifying. https://bikelovezone.com/motorcycle-pads/.
Honorable Mention: My First Pair (RIP) of best motorcycle gloves
They were no-name Amazon gloves. Cost me $19. Looked kinda tactical. Had zero protection and fell apart in the wash. I wore them for months.
I should probably be embarrassed, but honestly? That’s one of my favorite memories. Because every time I see real gloves now, I remember how far I’ve come from being a clueless newbie.
Final Thoughts about best motorcycle gloves
Look, your hands do everything. Brake. Throttle. Grab nachos. Don’t skimp on gloves.
Even if you’re just riding down the block, wear ‘em. Crashes don’t schedule themselves. I didn’t think I’d eat gravel in a Walgreens parking lot, but here we are.
Get gloves that make you feel confident. Make sure they fit. Check the stitching. Flex those fingers. And please don’t be the guy who wears fingerless gloves and says, “I don’t plan on crashing.”
None of us do.
