Best Motorcycle Gloves: Get a Grip on Your Ride

When you twist the wrist, these are the gloves you want.

byRobert Bacon|
Alpinestars SP-V2 Gloves
Alpinestars SP-V2 Gloves.

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BYRobert Bacon/ LAST UPDATED ON May 10, 2023

Whether it’s a high side, low side, or minor slip, your natural instincts are to put your hands out and brace for impact, and motorcycle gloves will be your first line of defense. Of course, protection is our top concern when talking about motorcycle gear, but gloves do much more than protect you in the event of a crash. Motorcycle gloves can keep you cool on a hot summer’s day or dry and toasty when commuting in harsh weather. And if you're looking for style points, the right pair of gloves go a long way in completing the perfect riding aesthetic.

Best Overall
Alpinestars SP-8 V3

Alpinestars SP-8 V3

Summary
Gauntlet gloves that are at home on twisty roads, a track, and tackling your daily commute. The quality is great, and the price is even better.
Pros
  • Great value
  • CE-certified Level 1
  • Touchscreen compatible
  • Gauntlet style
  • Good for sport riding
Cons
  • Not suitable for winter riding
  • Not CE-certified Level 2
Best Value

Joe Rocket Super Moto Gloves

Summary
If you’re on a tight budget and need something to wrap your mitts in a hurry, you won’t find much better than these. Unfortunately, they have no CE certification.
Pros
  • Fantastic value
  • Breathable and plenty of stretch
  • TPU palm slider
  • PVC knuckle protector
Cons
  • Not suitable for cold weather
  • Not CE certified
Honorable Mention

Alpinestars GP Pro R3

Summary
These gloves offer top-tier protection and feedback thanks to the multiple types of leather used in their construction. Weekend warriors and track day fiends, you've found your gloves.
Pros
  • CE-certified Level 2
  • Palm and side slider
  • Mix of cow, goat, and kangaroo leather
  • Double closure system
Cons
  • One of the pricier gloves on the list

Summary List

Our Methodology

To choose the best motorcycle gloves on the market, I employed The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology and evaluated dozens of gloves before choosing the top contenders. Although I haven’t personally tested these products, my selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and my institutional knowledge of the automotive industry. I visited the Motorcycle subreddit to get a more informed opinion of what motorcyclists felt about the products on the market, and RevZilla to see what the experts had to say after their hands-on tests.

Best Motorcycle Gloves Reviews & Recommendations

Motorcycle gloves are as diverse as the riders who use them, so picking one model as the ruler of the roost isn’t easy, but the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 takes my pick. These gauntlet gloves aren’t the best in any one area but rather hit many marks well and are a fantastic value. The gauntlet style offers more protection than short cuff gloves, and these are CE-certified Level 1 and feature MotoGP-derived dual-density knuckle protectors. In the event of a spill, you’ll be thankful for the palm sliders, although it would be great to have better protection here, a reinforced fabric is the best you can hope for at this price.


These gloves are geared toward sport riding and commuting thanks to their pre-shaped finger construction and touchscreen-compatible index and thumb fingers. There’s enough ventilation for a warm summer ride but provide enough warmth for a cool autumn spin, making these great three-season gloves. There’s a lot of full-grain goat leather used in the construction, which gives the SP-8 V3’s a premium feel and good tactile feedback. Keeping everything snug is a hook and loop cuff and wrist closure that works with an elasticized wrist. The only gripe some people have is that the fingers can be a bit long. Those with shorter fingers should consider the Alpinestars Stella SP-8 V3 gloves for a better fit.


As for the previous iteration of the Alpinestars SP-8 V2, managing editor Jonathon Klein owns them and bought them with his hard-earned money. He chose the V2s because of his history with the brand as well as the full gauntlet fit, the protection afforded, the relatively modest price, and the fact they fit his big hands well. These gloves are warm enough for cool autumn rides but have enough venting for a sweltering August day.

Specs

  • Make: Alpinestars
  • Model: SP-8 V3
  • Glove type: Gauntlet

Pros

  • CE level 1
  • Fantastic value
  • Good tactile feedback
  • Touchscreen compatible

Cons

  • Fingers are too long for some

Specs

  • Brand: Alpinestars
  • Model: SP-8 V3
  • CE Certification: Level 1

Pros

Great value

CE-certified Level 1

Touchscreen compatible

Gauntlet style

Good for sport riding

Cons

Not suitable for winter riding

Not CE-certified Level 2

If you’re on a tight budget and need to wrap your mitts in a hurry, it’s hard to look past the Joe Rocket Super Moto Gloves. This model works particularly well in warm weather thanks to the mixture of stretch spandex and goatskin used in its construction, resulting in good ventilation. There’s relatively good tactile feedback via the drum-dyed goatskin that covers the palm and some of the top of the glove. The stretch Spandex isn’t just breathable, it also makes these gloves comfortable as they stretch easily. Increasing comfort is the Lycra positioned between the fingers, which makes it easier to reach for the brake and clutch levers.


Keeping you protected in the event of a crash is a hard PVC knuckle protector and TPU palm slider. It’s great to see the inclusion of a palm slider on such an inexpensive glove, but it would be even better to see added protection on the outseam. This model’s biggest downfall is that it doesn’t have CE certification, which is an important feature for anyone who rides at relatively high speeds. This model will suit commuters particularly well thanks to the touch technology, which is located on the flat side of the finger rather than the tip, making it a tad difficult to use at times. Females should consider the Joe Rocket Super Moto Women’s Gloves for a better fit.

Specs

  • Make: Joe Rocket
  • Model: Super Moto Gloves
  • Glove type: Gauntlet

Pros

  • Fantastic value
  • Breathable and plenty of stretch
  • TPU palm slider
  • PVC knuckle protector

Cons

  • Not suitable for cold weather
  • Not CE certified

Specs

  • Brand: Joe Rocket
  • Model: Super Moto Gloves
  • CE Certification: None

Pros

Fantastic value

Breathable and plenty of stretch

TPU palm slider

PVC knuckle protector

Cons

Not suitable for cold weather

Not CE certified

Comfort, feedback, and protection are the primary features I look for in a sport riding gloves, and the Alpinestars GP Pro R3 has them in spades. These gloves take my honorable mention pick, but they're also what I'd choose as the best sport-riding gloves. This model is constructed from a mix of cow and goat leather, and it uses kangaroo leather on the palm. The kangaroo leather is strategically placed to give you better feedback from the handlebars. The cow and goat leather provide good durability and abrasion resistance in the event of a fall. You can ride with confidence knowing your hands are wrapped in the top level of protection available, since this model is CE-certified Level 2. If you need to brace for impact, you’ll be thankful for the hard palm sliders and reinforced material that runs along the outer seams.


Alpinestars made improvements to this model over the previous iteration in terms of comfort. Ensuring you have good dexterity when pushing your bike on the track are accordion stretch panels on the thumb, fingers, and back of the hand. Riding hard is sweaty work, but these gloves have perforated gussets that open as you clench your fist and cool your hands. There’s no touch technology at the fingertips, but that’s to be expected on gloves that are so track focused. There are other models that offer even more track-focused features, but when you take price into consideration, these are the gloves I’d choose.

Specs

  • Make: Alpinestars
  • Model: GP Pro R3
  • Glove type: Gauntlet

Pros

  • CE Level 2
  • Palm and side slider
  • Mix of cow, goat, and kangaroo leather
  • Double closure system

Cons

  • One of the pricier gloves on the list

Specs

  • Brand: Alpinestars
  • Model: GP Pro R3
  • CE Certification: Level 2

Pros

Great rider feedback

Plenty of stretch accordion

Good all-round protection

Ventilation gussets

Good value relative to the competition

Cons

Not many high-end features

No touchscreen technology

Best Summer Gloves

Alpinestars SMX-1 V2

See It

Tackling some twisties on a hot summer’s day is one the best feelings on a motorcycle, but you'll need suitably ventilated gloves to enjoy it, like the Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2. These short cuff gloves are mainly constructed from air-mesh and leather, allowing plenty of air to pass through and keep your hands cool and dry. A lightweight, breathable construction sometimes comes at the cost of protection, but not in this case. These gloves are CE-certified Level 1, which is even more impressive when you consider how inexpensive they are. There are poly-blend reinforcements with foam padding on the thumb and palm, synthetic suede reinforcements on the outseams, and a layer of hard-polymer that runs along the knuckles.


The mesh construction and stretch materials along the fingers and back of the hand make these gloves extremely comfortable. There’s also an ergonomic stretch insert between the palm and thumb, so you’ll have minimal resistance when operating the brake and clutch levers. All this comfort mixed with the addition of a touchscreen compatible fingertip make these gloves excellent options for anyone who commutes in warm weather.

Specs

  • Make: Alpinestars
  • Model: SMX-1 V2
  • Glove type: Short cuff

Pros

  • CE Level 1
  • Well-ventilated
  • Comfortable with plenty of stretch
  • Touchscreen compatible fingertip

Cons

  • Protection could be better

Specs

  • Brand: Alpinestars
  • Model: SMX-1 V2
  • CE Certification: Level 1

Pros

Well-ventilated

Comfortable with plenty of stretch

Lightweight and breathable

Touchscreen compatible fingertip

CE-certified Level 1

Cons

Not for cold-weather riding

Not as much protection

If style is important to you, then consider getting the Dainese Blackjack Gloves. These gloves are made from perforated goatskin leather and have a retro style with a modern twist. Warm-weather riders will appreciate the perforation and lightweight construction, which helps to keep your hands relatively well ventilated. These gloves aren’t only about style, as their goatskin construction provides plenty of tactile feedback to the rider. The pre-curved design and elastication on the two control fingers mean you can wear these comfortably all day. It’s worth noting that some riders might need to go up a size when compared to other brands.


Protection comes in the form of double leather reinforcement on the palms, padding across the knuckles, and double reinforced leather at the knuckles and edges of the fingers. Unfortunately, this protection is very limited, and the gloves aren’t CE rated. If safety is your priority, these aren’t the gloves for you. But, if you want to complete your retro riding gear with a modern glove at an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with this model.

Specs

  • Make: Dainese
  • Model: Blackjack Gloves
  • Glove type: Short cuff

Pros

  • Retro style
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable thanks to pre-curved design

Cons

  • Not CE rated
  • Don't offer much protection

Specs

  • Brand: Dainese
  • Model: Blackjack Gloves
  • CE Certification: None

Pros

Retro style

Ventilated and lightweight

Goatskin leather provides good feedback

Cons

Minimal protection

All-season riders, especially ones who ride in cold weather, need to invest in a pair of suitable gloves like the Highway 21 7V Radiant Heated Gloves. These gloves are heated and powered by a lithium battery, which lasts for four hours on low, three hours on medium, and two and a half hours on high heat. The heat settings are easily changeable via a control switch on the cuff, but if you run out of power, the 100 grams of Thinsulate insulation should still keep your mitts toasty.


Cold fingers aren't the only problem you face throughout winter, as there’s always a chance that the heavens will open up. Thankfully, these gloves have an interior waterproof liner that is both windproof and breathable. These features, along with the glove’s pre-curved fingers, help to keep you comfortable on long commutes. Protection comes in the form of armored knuckles and a durable leather construction, but that’s all that’s on offer unfortunately. Since these are one of the higher-priced models on the list it would be great to see CE certification or at least reinforced outer seams. If you need to use your phone for navigation you won’t need to brave the elements, as the 7V Radiant Heated Gloves feature touchscreen compatible fingertips.

Specs

  • Make: Highway 21
  • Model: 7V Radiant Heated Gloves
  • Glove type: Gauntlet

Pros

  • Battery heating system
  • Hipora liner is waterproof and windproof
  • 100 grams of Thinsulate insulation
  • Touchscreen compatible fingertips

Cons

  • No CE certification
  • No palm protection

Specs

  • Brand: Highway 21
  • Model: 7V Radiant Heated Gloves
  • CE Certification: None

Pros

Battery heating system

Hipora liner is waterproof and windproof

100 grams of Thinsulate insulation

Touchscreen compatible fingertips

Cons

No CE certification

No palm protection

Our Verdict on the Best Motorcycle Gloves

I’ve chosen the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 as the best overall motorcycle gloves. These are some of the most versatile gloves available, offer good protection, and are good value for money. If you’re working off a tight budget, check out my value pick, the Joe Rocket Super Moto Gloves.

What to Consider When Buying Motorcycle Gloves

There are gloves on the market for every type of rider and every style of riding. Although this near-endless selection of options isn't something to complain about, it also makes it difficult to know what gloves are best for you. This buying guide explains the features to look out for before making your decision and what you can expect to find at various price points. If you still have questions, check out the FAQs section or leave a comment.

Motorcycle Gloves Key Features

Protection

Protection should be the first thing you consider when choosing riding gloves. Look for a pair of gloves that are CE certified, which is the European Union standard of relevant safety protection. CE certification is used as an indication of protection in many parts of the world, including the U.S. The most protective gloves will be CE-certified Level 2, which is a must for anyone who does track days. CE-certified Level 1 gloves also offer good protection and suit commuters and weekend warriors.

The main areas to look for protective features are at the knuckles, along the front of the fingers, along the side of the fourth finger, outside of the palm, inside of the palm, the heel, and the ball of your thumb.  

Weather Protection

Anyone who rides year-round already knows how important weather protection is. If you ride in wet conditions and your budget allows, try to get Gore-Tex gloves, as they’ll stay dry and breathable. If you’re working off a tight budget, look for gloves with an alternative waterproof membrane or an interior waterproof liner. If you ride in cold conditions, you should look for gloves that have extra insulation. 

Manufacturers often state how many grams of insulation are in a certain model, so check this before making your decision. If you want to take things a step further, heated gloves provide the ultimate form of protection from cold temperatures.

Ventilation

Anyone who rides in warm conditions or on a track needs well-ventilated gloves. Mesh gloves are generally the most breathable on the market but can lack the protection provided by gloves made entirely from leather. If you opt for leather gloves, make sure they’re perforated and preferably have gussets at the back of the hand for ventilation. 

FAQs 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

Q: How can I be sure a glove fits comfortably before buying it?

A: The best way to make sure you buy the correct size is to go to a local motorcycle gear store and try on the glove you want. You can also use a soft tape to measure the width of your palm and the length of your hand from wrist to fingertip, then compare it to the manufacturer’s size guide. It also helps to read reviews from other buyers to get a better idea of the fit and the accuracy of the sizing chart.

Q: How do I wash motorcycle gloves?

A: The best way to wash gloves depends on their style and the material they're made from. Typically, textile gloves can go through your washing machine. However, leather gloves should always be cleaned by hand. Some gloves with built-in armor should be spot cleaned with soapy water and rinsed afterward.

Q: Are motorcycle gloves unisex?

A: Gloves typically come in designs for either men or women, as the proportions of the fingers and palms are different. Some gloves are unisex, and these gloves usually come in a much wider variety of sizes.

Q: Do you need to break in motorcycle gloves?

A: Yes, all gloves have a break-in period, and they’ll naturally break in as you ride. But, if you want to expedite the process, you can soak your gloves in warm water and go for a ride until they’re dry.

Q: Do textile or leather gloves offer more protection?

A: Generally speaking, a leather glove will offer more abrasion resistance than its textile counterpart. But, the armor in a pair of gloves is the main determining factor when it comes to protection.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

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