The right motorcycle gloves do more than keep your hands comfortable. They protect your palms, knuckles and fingers, help you maintain a secure grip on the controls, and make every ride more enjoyable.
But the best motorcycle gloves for a sportsbike rider may be completely wrong for a daily commuter or adventure rider. Your riding style, weather conditions and the level of protection you need should all influence your choice.
In this guide, we explain how to choose the right motorcycle gloves for road riding, track days, commuting, inner city riding and adventure touring.
Why Motorcycle Gloves Matter
When a rider falls, the natural reaction is to put their hands out. That makes the palms, knuckles, fingers and wrists especially vulnerable.
Purpose built motorcycle gloves can provide:
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Abrasion resistant leather or textile construction
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Knuckle, finger and palm protection
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Reinforced impact zones
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Better grip and control feel
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Weather protection
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A secure wrist closure to help keep the glove in place
Ordinary fashion or work gloves are not designed for motorcycle crashes. Look for proper motorcycle gloves from established brands such as Five, Dainese, Alpinestars, Macna, Dririder and Ixon, and check the product details for the protection, materials and intended use.
How Should Motorcycle Gloves Fit?
Motorcycle gloves should fit snugly without cutting off circulation or restricting movement. A loose glove can bunch around the palm, reduce control feel and potentially shift during a fall. A glove that is too tight can create pressure points and make your hands go numb.
When trying on gloves, check that:
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Your fingertips sit close to the ends without pressing hard against them
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The glove does not pull excessively across your knuckles when you make a fist
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You can comfortably operate the throttle, brake, clutch and switches
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The palm does not bunch when you wrap your hand around a grip
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The wrist closure feels secure
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The glove cannot easily be pulled off when fastened
Leather gloves usually soften and shape to your hands with use, but they should not be painfully tight when new. Textile gloves generally change less over time, so the initial fit is especially important.
Always use the individual brand's size chart. A medium in Five may not fit exactly the same as a medium in Alpinestars, Dainese, Ixon, Macna or Dririder.
Best Gloves for Sportsbike and Track Riders
Sportsbike and track riders should place protection and secure fit at the top of the list. Higher speeds, aggressive riding positions and the possibility of a long slide make full gauntlet leather gloves the preferred option.
Look for:
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Full gauntlet wrist coverage
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Strong leather construction
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Hard knuckle protection
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Reinforced palms and impact zones
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Palm sliders to help reduce grabbing during a slide
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Extra protection around the fingers and outer wrist
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A secure double closure system
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Pre curved fingers for a natural grip on the bars
Some race focused gloves also use joined finger sections or additional little finger protection to reduce twisting and separation injuries.
Glove example: The Five RFX-2 EVO Racing Gloves are a strong option for sportsbike riders looking for a protective, race-inspired full-gauntlet glove for spirited road riding and track days.
For road riders who want a lighter short-cuff option, the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air Carbon V2 Gloves are better suited to warm-weather sports and street riding than dedicated track use.
For regular road riding on a sportsbike, a shorter leather sports glove may feel lighter and cooler. For track use, however, check the organiser's requirements before attending, as full gauntlet leather gloves are commonly required.
Best Gloves for Daily Commuters
Commuters need gloves that are easy to live with every day. Protection still matters, but comfort, weather resistance and convenience become equally important.
A good commuter glove should offer:
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Reliable knuckle and palm protection
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Comfortable all day fit
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A secure but simple wrist closure
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Useful control feel in stop start traffic
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Weather protection suited to the season
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Touchscreen compatibility, if required
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Reflective details for low light riding
For warmer months, ventilated short cuff textile or leather gloves are convenient and easy to store. During a Melbourne winter, waterproof insulated gloves or heated gloves can make the commute far more comfortable.
Glove examples: The Alpinestars SMX-1 Air Carbon V2 Gloves suit warm-weather commuting and road riding, while the Dririder Assen 3 CE Certified Leather Touring Gloves provide a more substantial leather option for commuters and touring riders wanting greater coverage.
If you commute throughout the year, one pair rarely does everything well. A ventilated summer pair and a separate waterproof winter pair will usually provide better comfort than trying to use one glove in every condition.
Best Gloves for Adventure Riders
Adventure riders often encounter changing weather, long days, dirt, corrugations and frequent standing on the pegs. The right glove depends on whether your riding is mainly sealed road touring, technical off-road riding or a combination of both.
For mixed adventure riding, look for:
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Strong knuckle and palm protection
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Flexible construction for good lever control
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Reinforcement in high wear areas
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Breathable materials
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Secure wrist retention
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A visor wiper for wet weather use
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Waterproofing if you regularly tour in rain
Lightweight adventure gloves offer better ventilation and feel for dirt riding, while waterproof touring gloves provide more weather protection on long road sections. Heavily insulated gloves may be comfortable in cold conditions but can reduce feedback and feel bulky during technical riding.
Glove example: The Dririder Adventure 2 Gloves are designed for riders wanting a versatile adventure style glove for mixed road and touring use. Consider the expected weather and trip length when deciding whether to pair them with a separate waterproof or winter glove.
For major trips, carrying two pairs is often the best solution: a breathable glove for warm or technical riding and a waterproof pair for rain and cold conditions.
Best Gloves for Inner City Riders
Inner city riding involves frequent braking, clutch use and low speed manoeuvring. Riders often want a glove that is protective without feeling heavy or inconvenient once they reach their destination.
Look for:
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A short cuff that fits easily under or over a jacket sleeve
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Lightweight knuckle protection
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Reinforced palms
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Good airflow for summer traffic
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Flexible fingers and strong control feel
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Touchscreen compatible fingertips
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A clean, understated design
Urban motorcycle gloves can be made from leather, textile or a combination of both. Leather usually offers excellent abrasion resistance and a premium feel, while modern textile gloves can be lighter, more breathable and quicker to dry.
Glove examples: The Dainese Metrax Air Summer Textile Motorcycle Gloves and Alpinestars SMX-1 Air Carbon V2 Gloves are well suited to warm weather city riding. Riders wanting a more understated heritage look may prefer the Merlin Legacy D3O Leather Gloves in Dark Brown.
Do not choose a glove based on appearance alone. Even for short trips, make sure it has motorcycle specific protection and a secure wrist closure.
Summer, Winter or Waterproof Gloves?
Summer motorcycle gloves
Summer gloves use perforated leather, mesh panels or ventilated protectors to increase airflow. They are ideal for hot weather, but the lightest gloves may provide less weather protection and insulation.
Choose summer gloves if you ride mainly in warm, dry conditions or spend plenty of time in slow moving traffic.
Winter motorcycle gloves
Winter gloves use insulation, wind-resistant layers and longer cuffs to keep cold air out. Some also include waterproof membranes. They should still allow you to comfortably operate the controls without excessive bulk.
For very cold commutes or touring, heated motorcycle gloves can provide more consistent warmth than simply adding thicker insulation.
Waterproof motorcycle gloves
Waterproof gloves are a smart choice for year-round commuters and touring riders. A waterproof membrane helps prevent rain from reaching your hands, while a long cuff can improve coverage around the jacket sleeve.
Remember that waterproof and warm are not the same thing. Some waterproof gloves are lightly lined for mild weather, while others are designed specifically for winter riding.
Leather vs Textile Motorcycle Gloves
Leather gloves
Leather is widely used in motorcycle gloves because it offers strong abrasion resistance and moulds to the rider's hand over time. It is especially common in sports and race gloves.
Leather gloves can require more care, may take longer to dry and are not automatically waterproof unless specifically designed and labelled as such.
Textile gloves
Textile gloves can be lighter, more breathable and better suited to waterproof or insulated designs. They are popular for commuting, urban riding and adventure touring.
Many gloves combine textile and leather, using flexible fabric for comfort and leather reinforcement in areas more likely to contact the road.
The best material depends on the job. Construction quality, protection, fit and retention matter more than choosing leather or textile based on one feature alone.
Short Cuff vs Long Cuff Gloves
Short cuff gloves are convenient, lightweight and popular for commuting, urban riding and summer use. They are easy to put on and usually allow plenty of wrist movement.
Long cuff or gauntlet gloves provide additional wrist coverage and can seal more effectively against wind and rain. They are commonly chosen for track riding, sports riding, touring and colder conditions.
Whichever style you choose, the glove should work properly with your jacket sleeve and remain secure when fastened.
What Protection Should You Look For?
Protective features vary between gloves, so compare more than just the styling. Useful features include:
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CE-certified motorcycle protection
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Hard or soft knuckle armour
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Reinforced or double-layer palms
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Palm sliders
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Finger and thumb reinforcement
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Outer hand and wrist protection
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Strong seams in impact prone areas
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Secure wrist and cuff closures
More armour is not always better if the glove fits poorly or prevents comfortable control use. The goal is the best balance of protection, fit and function for your riding.
Which Motorcycle Glove Is Right for You?
| Riding style | Recommended glove type | Priorities |
|---|---|---|
| Sportsbike or track | Full-gauntlet leather sports glove | Maximum protection, palm sliders, secure closure |
| Daily commuting | Short or mid-cuff road glove | Comfort, convenience, seasonal weather protection |
| Adventure riding | Flexible adventure or touring glove | Control feel, durability, ventilation or waterproofing |
| Inner-city riding | Lightweight short-cuff urban glove | Mobility, airflow, touchscreen use, easy on and off |
| Wet-weather touring | Waterproof long-cuff glove | Waterproofing, secure jacket overlap, visor wiper |
| Winter riding | Insulated or heated glove | Warmth, wind protection, waterproofing |
Motorcycle Glove Examples by Riding Style
| Glove | Best suited to | Why consider it |
| Five RFX-2 EVO Racing Gloves | Sportsbike and track riding | Race-inspired full-gauntlet coverage for riders prioritising protection |
| Alpinestars SMX-1 Air Carbon V2 Gloves | Sports and summer road riding | Short-cuff design suited to warm-weather street use |
| Dainese Metrax Air Summer Textile Motorcycle Gloves | Inner-city and summer commuting | Lightweight textile option for warm urban riding |
| Merlin Legacy D3O Leather Gloves | Urban and casual road riding | Classic leather styling for riders wanting a less aggressive appearance |
| Dririder Adventure 2 Gloves | Adventure and touring | Versatile adventure-focused option for mixed road use |
| Dririder Assen 3 CE Certified Leather Touring Gloves | Commuting and touring | Leather touring option offering more coverage than a lightweight city glove |
These examples are a starting point rather than a strict rule. Always compare the glove's fit, protection, cuff length and weather suitability before choosing.
Shop Motorcycle Gloves at MotoHeaven
There is no single best motorcycle glove for every rider. A track rider needs maximum coverage and slide protection, while an inner city commuter may prioritise ventilation, flexibility and convenience. Adventure and touring riders often need to prepare for several conditions in the same day.
Start with your type of riding, then consider the weather, fit and protection level you need. MotoHeaven stocks motorcycle gloves from leading brands including Five, Dainese, Alpinestars, Macna, Dririder and Ixon, with options for road, track, commuting, adventure and touring riders.
Shop motorcycle gloves and find the right pair for your next ride.
