The 10 Best Riding Gloves
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Whether you're new to motorcycling or you're a seasoned veteran, you've most definitely been warned (or have learned from experience) how important it is to wear protective gloves. Our list includes options suitable for all types of riders, including casual weekend cruisers, long-distance tourers, off-roaders and competitive racers. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Knox Armor Handroid
2. Alpinestars GP Tech
3. Dainese 4 Stroke Evo
Editor's Notes
February 18, 2019:
Many riding gloves on the market exist at a dangerous price point: below $50. While our #10 pick is guilty of existing in this range, it's the exception to the rule. Generally, though, it's pretty obvious that when it comes to quality protective gear that can save you from lifelong physical damage, you get what you pay for. It would be downright irresponsible to recommend cheap riding gloves explicitly marketed to save you a buck. As tactical gloves, the Mechanix Wear M-Pact3 are unique in that their true primary function is to protect, not to look good, and not even necessarily to be comfortable. While we acknowledge that not everybody on this list is necessarily a motorcyclist (we see you, dirt bikers!) our focus remains on road safety at high speeds, and for proof, look to our top pick: the Knox Armor Handroid. It isn't the most comfortable, and it's true that comfort is important—after all, discomfort that distracts can be even more perilous than having skimpy padding and not crashing—but it's sure to offer you serious protection, should you end up in a wreck. Many of our other top picks have similar qualities, most having full wrist protection, pinky protection, finger bridges, and high-quality slide protectors.
4. Held Air Stream 2
5. Alpinestars Sp-2
6. Alpinestars SP-8 V2
7. Shima Caliper Vintage
8. Dainese MIG C2
9. Indie Ridge Cafe Racer
10. Mechanix Wear M-Pact 3
Daniel is a writer, musician, and frequent traveler with a bachelor’s in creative writing from the State University of New York. In recent years, his writing chops have developed alongside his musical skills, thanks to a rich double life. During the day, he apprenticed with “Rolling Stone” journalist and critic Will Hermes, and when the sun set, he and his NYC-based, four-piece band gigged at high-end venues across the northeastern United States. His affinity for sharing things he's passionate about has culminated in nine years of experience as a music teacher at elementary schools, where he honed his ability to simplify and elucidate concepts to the uninitiated. All considered, he feels most at home writing about instruments, audio electronics and backpacking gear.