To make sure you stay stuck to the bars and your hands are protected after a long day of riding, you need a pair of the best gloves. They can provide warmth on those colder days and comfort during the summer months, and because your hands are the only things that aren’t moving as you’re riding, a good pair doubles as a personal shield.
As long as there has been cycling, riders have always worn gloves. They remain as popular as ever, and you will find riders new and old wearing them whether they’re racing on the road or tearing through the trails, as gloves will give them that extra edge to perform at their best.
Types Of Cycling Gloves
In order to choose the best gloves for you, you need to know which kind of ride you are going for and you’ll also have to take into account other factors such as the weather. Many brands will have your classic, fingerless gloves that are small and ideal for road cycling as they offer a better feel for the brakes and protection over the palms.
Another type of glove you will come across, that gives you certain benefits for when the weather is cold, are the winter gloves. These always insulated, cover the entire hand and come in different shapes, such as the mitts which are much bulkier but provide the warmest protection.
Features Of The Best Gloves For Cycling
As you search for the right fitting glove, you’ll come across a lot of materials and technologies. While it does depend largely on your type of ride, there are features that are common across all types of gloves, including fabrics that increase breathability (which is essential! Especially for summer).
Padding is another essential feature that is a sign of a good glove and they serve two functions. One, they help you to grip the bars and promote a comfortable feel. Two, some gloves feature gel padding that absorbs vibration and distributes pressure for a much smoother ride.
We’ve curated the very best cycling gloves to ensure you have the most comfortable rides and stay safe on the bars, so take a look below.
Santini
1/23
Price: From $17
Sizes: S-L
With all of their products handmade in Italy, Santini have been dedicated to creating cycling apparel and accessories since 1965. Founded by Pietro Santini, after taking over a knitwear factory, they were one of the first brands to dedicate themselves to creating clothing and they are responsible for many innovations, including the use of lycra fabric in bib shorts, which has now become a standard today.
Santini makes some of the best gloves around, and their range includes gloves that will offer handlebar control and protection from the weather, no matter if it’s a hot summer day or rain covers the road. With incredible comfort thanks to fleece-lined fabric, finger or fingerless options and elastic palms, there is a pair that will fit every kind of ride. Check out the ‘Weatherproof Performance’ for the very best defence against the weather.
Assos
2/23
Price: From $45
Sizes: XXS-XL
Founded in 1976 by Tony Maier-Moussa, Assos remains a family business based in Switzerland and driven by the desire to create cycling apparel that will help the rider perform. To do this, they test all of their apparel and accessories the same they would a bike, in a wind tunnel with engineers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, so they will have you riding with confidence.
If design is important to you, then Assos gloves are for you. They benefit from hardcore testing, with a sleek, minimalist look that also enhances the aerodynamics. The best of these gloves comes in the ‘Aero FF’, which mimics the shape of the rider’s hands with its 3D structure, the Breezer Tex technological fabric for breathability and perforated synthetic leather for grip.
Bontrager
3/23
Price: From $26
Sizes: XS-XXL
Taking its name from its founder, Keith Bontrager, the brand was acquired in 1995 by cycling giant Trek, where they have been designing apparel, accessories and components. Keith is regarded as a pioneer of mountain bike riding and has been involved with the business of cycling since 1978, so there is a guarantee of experience that comes with the range of gloves.
Bontrager’s gloves are for both road cyclists and mountain bike riders tearing it up through the trees. With fingerless gloves perfect to use with your road bike, versatile full-finger gloves that are padded with silicone gel and even bulkier gloves for weather protection. They have mitts for every kind of ride and the bar is set with the ‘Circuit Twin Gel’ glove that features breathable mesh inserts and dual-density gel padding.
Endura
4/23
Price: From $30
Sizes: XS-XXL
Founded in Scotland in 1993, Endura have gone from local Scottish heroes to market leaders for cycling apparel and accessories. While their R & D developed clothing has helped athletes on the UCI World Tour and competitive triathlons, they pride themselves on maintaining that level of performance for every kind of rider.
If you are more of a road rider, then their range of gloves will support your hands during and after a long day on the bike. The ‘FS260-Pro Aerogel glove will keep your hands comfy and cool with their Aerogel padding, moisture-wicking fabric and a hook-and-loop close for easy removal.
Alé
5/23
Price: From $22
Sizes: XS-XXL
So much cycling has come out of Europe and some of the best brands have come out of Italy, Ale being one of them. With a production facility based in the city of Verona, they have absolute control over the production of their apparel and accessories, making sure they always match the quality that the history of cycling in Italy demands.
Alé gloves are some of the best on the market, thanks to their bold designs and performance fabrics. Among them are multi-layered padded winter gloves with thermal material and fingerless gloves that are perfect for summer. The ‘Fango Long’ glove offers polyamide construction that is perfect for mountain bike riding and allows you to even use your smartphone without having to take them off.
Sportful
6/23
Price: From $44
Sizes: XS-XXXL
The Sportful story begins in 1972 when founder Giordano Cremonese took an interest in a ski race that was happening near his home town. This became an interest of his and after seeing that the skiers had inadequate clothing, he decide to fill that gap using his father’s manufacturing warehouse in the Dolomite hills. Eventually, the brand expanded from skiing to cycling as the sport grew in popularity.
Making use of some of the best materials around today, Sportful’s range of gloves contain Gore-Tex fabrics and even synthetic palms to give you that extra layer of grip on the bars. The ‘Fiandre’ gloves are among the top gloves for multi-purpose use, being light enough for summer and wind/waterproof for when the weather turns against you.
Giordana
7/23
Price: From $25
Sizes: S-XL
Founded in 1971 by Giorgio Andretta, an elite cyclist in his own right, Giordana has become an exclusive cycling apparel specialist. Originally known as Gito Sporting Goods, the name was changed following the birth of his first daughter, Giordana Andretta and changed the logo to a Sagittarius to match her birth month.
Over the decades they have supplied apparel and accessories to some of the highest level athletes, gloves are among the best in what they offer. To perform like the pro’s, the ‘Aerolyte’ gloves include micro-ventilated fabric, memory foam padding, and a slip-on pull tab that are perfect for road cycling.
Northwave
8/23
Price: From $24
Sizes: S-XXL
Starting out as a shoe manufacturer in the early 1980’s, Northwave was exclusively manufacturing for snowboarding and skiing. Due to their success in the action sports industry, they began their first line of cycling shoes in 1993 and eventually grew to include all manner of cycling apparel including gloves.
Their range of gloves sport a futuristic look that can be seen in the ‘Extreme’ line of gloves. Featuring noticeable but not bulky padding on the palms that has been thermo-welded to maintain their durability after a long time of use. They haven’t sacrificed the comfort, however, with an ergonomic cuff and a microfibre sweat wiper along the back of the thumb.
Giro
9/23
Price: From $20
Sizes: S-XXL
Founded more than 30 years ago by Jim Gentes, Giro is reflective of his desire to serve enthusiast riders like himself with the very best apparel and accessories. Their slogan is, ‘We’ll stop when you stop’ and that defines how they approach the design of their products because as cycling evolves at a rapid rate, they aim to keep delivering and improving on quality and innovation.
Giro makes cycling gloves for the colder months, with pairs that perfectly double as a pair of mitts. The ‘100 Proof 2.0’ glove has an extra-warm, split-finger design that is insulated without being bulky and uncomfortable against the bars thanks to a durable suede palm.
Spiuk
10/23
Price: From $27
Sizes: XS-XXL
A team that has been creating cycling apparel for over 20 years, Spiuk have provided clothing to athletes on the Tour de France, XC World Cup and the Olympic Games. This resume proves that their products are one of the most demanded for cyclists at the highest level, but they also provide for enthusiasts at an affordable price.
They have gloves for every ride, every season and every level of rider as well. If you are heading out for a ride in the heat, the ‘Profit Summer’ gloves include viscoelastic panels that relegate vibrations and impacts you experience on the road or on the trails, and the patented ‘Coldblack’ fabric provides protection from UV rays.
Massi
11/23
Price: From $8
Sizes: XS-XXL
If the mountain bike is your ride of choice, then Massi have great gloves for you. The ‘Comp Expert Carbon’ glove is the definition of a heavy duty glove that looks the way it sounds. Featuring a bulky back hand that includes a carbon knuckle plate to protect you from any excess gravel that might graze across your handlebars.
Nalini
12/23
Price: From $29
Sizes: S-XL
Founded by brothers Vincenzo and Claudio Mantovani in the early 60’s, Nalini began as a craft workshop which was ahead of its time thanks to using the very best manufacturing technology. They were the first and only to use deerskin pads in their shorts and gloves, and it is this kind of out of the box approach to design that has set the bar high.
They have a great range of gloves tailor-made for road biking that are fingerless and breathable. They also feature anatomic gripping on the palms for extra stick and light padding on the handlebar contact points. If you are looking for their best, the ‘Total Direct Energy’ glove includes soft microfibres and a sporty design.
Gore Wear
13/23
Price: From $30
Sizes: S-XXL
Founded by Bill Gore, Gore Wear have been revolutionary in sportswear thanks to the revolution that is their Gore-Tex fabric. It is the premier fabric for protection against any weather condition and is made from an expanded material known as Teflon that is able to repel water but allows for vapour to pass through.
This material is ideally suited for cycling of any kind, which means Gore Wear’s cycling gloves are some of the best to keep your hands gripped to the bars no matter if it’s drizzle or heavy rain. The ‘C-5’ glove offers a stretchy and comfortable shell made from polyamide and elastane, reinforced by Gore-Tex.
Bianchi
14/23
Price: From $45
Sizes: S-XXL
Started in Milan in 1880 by Edoardo Bianchi, there is a heritage of over 130 years and a history full of innovation and contribution to the sport. Their aim is to always meet the standards of the most professional of riders to the most casual.
If you are looking for functional cycling gloves that grip the handlebars with no fuss, Bianchi’s range of cycling gloves are the best for you. The ‘Anapo’ gloves are among the best on offer and include a back hand made of elastic lycra and a palm reinforced with shock-absorbing microfibres.
Louis Garneau
15/23
Price: From $20
Sizes: S-XXL
Taking their name from retired competitive cyclist, Louis Garneau, who in 1978 was the Canadian champion in individual pursuit competitions. It wasn’t until 1983, that he started his own company which began simply as Louis Garneau Sports, which specialises in accessories and apparel for the competitive rider.
Whether you are charging down the roads or trailing down the mountain, Louis Garneau makes gloves to keep you stable and your hands protected. They have many choices available, from split finger mitts to the ‘Mondo Gel’ glove that features gel padding and a mix of mesh and spandex materials.
Oakley
16/23
Price: From $40
Sizes: S-XL
Founded in 1975 by James Jannard, who started manufacturing clothes out of his garage and with an initial investment of $300, Oakley has since grown into one of the most well-regarded sports accessory companies today.
In the search for the right cycling glove, Oakley is the kind of company that offers something special with every pair. Within the Oakley ‘Mitt/Gloves 2.0’ you’ll get the best of both worlds, a fingerless glove that doubles as a winter-proof mitt. Add in velcro closure and pull tabs under the fingers for quick removal and you have a pair of the gloves to perform in all scenarios.
Craft
17/23
Price: From $35
Sizes: S-XL
Built off of the success of their very first product, a pair of underwear, which was tested personally by the founder, Swedish inventor Anders Bengtsson. That was 1973 and what resulted was a company that loves and lives the sports they provide for.
Split-finger, fingerless, no matter which cycling gloves you choose, you’ll get the best in quality and performance. In the ‘Shield 2.0’, you’ll find a water-resistant shell and a silicone print inside the palm for enhanced grip.
Pearl Izumi
18/23
Price: From $28
Sizes: S-XXL
Founded in a small village in Japan in 1955, Pearl Izumi had humble beginnings. The founder, Kinji Shimuzu, would design and manufacture his own clothes, then travel almost 40 miles to the neighbouring village in order to make a profit. He did, and now they are one of the biggest with a customer base that includes some of the very best athletes.
They have gloves that will have you riding in top form, no matter the shape or size. ‘The P.R.O Gel Vent’ will help your hands feel cool with the 360-degree ventilation meaning its a great addition for those hot days.
Pedal Ed
19/23
Price: From $36
Sizes: S-XL
In 2007, Japanese fashion designer Hideto Suzuki left his 15-year career in the fashion industry to found Pedal Ed, often stylised as ‘PEdALED’. Seeking to combine fabrics he was familiar with, such as corduroy and tweed with technical fabrics like Gore-Tex, the range of gloves go beyond aesthetics.
The core belief at the heart of these products is that they should improve function and performance without sacrificing the look. If you are more of an endurance cyclist, then the ‘Odyssey Long Distance’ cycling gloves are graet, with a laser-perforated palm centre that lets your hands breathe easy and ergonomic padding complete with stylish, fashionable designs not commonly seen in most gloves.
Mavic
20/23
Price: From $39
Sizes: S-XL
Founded in 1889 by French brothers Leon and Laurent Vielle, Mavic began by manufacturing and selling spare bike parts. They continued this method well into the first half of the 20th century until they ventured into creating bikes for competition races, which marked an evolution into one of Europe’s top bike companies.
Their gloves will improve your grip on the handlebars for starters, while the strapless design makes putting them on and taking them off a seamless affair. With the ‘Mistral Long’ gloves, you’ll find a thermal inner layering and a Gore-Tex fabric shell.
POC
21/23
Price: From $40
Sizes: S-XL
A manufacturer of protective apparel and accessories, POC were founded in 2005 and are based in Sweden. Their goal with all of their products is to reduce the consequences of accidents for every kind of rider and with their state of the art R&D facilities, POC Lab and the WATTS Lab, their cycling gloves will help you stay out of the emergency room.
To achieve such a feat, POC creates their gloves from the inside out, making sure they are not bulky but packed with enough padding to allow for more grip on the bars. With the ‘Essential Road Softshell’ cycling glove, you’ll get windproof fabric and silicone pads over the brake fingers, so accidents are low and dexterity is high.
Specialized
22/23
Price: From $25
Sizes: XS-XXL
Made by riders, for riders, that’s the slogan Specialized lives by and they believe in the communal power of riding. Founded in 1974, their products are made to serve every kind of customer, no matter what they ride.
An affordable price and high-quality performance is a good sign of a good range of cycling gloves and stays true to their guiding principles in serving riders as a community. The ‘HyperViz Grail’ cycling glove will support your mitts on a long ride with padding in the palm that equalises pressure in the hand and a special reflective shell that is ideal for night rides.
RH+
23/23
Price: From $13
Sizes: XS-XXXL
For over 15 years, RH+ have been producing high-performance sportswear and accessories. Their products aim to combine style and performance, bringing with them designs that will make you stand out on the road, the trail and anywhere you choose to pedal.
The range includes cycling gloves for any special circumstances you might come across like waterproof fabrics for bad weather. In the ‘Zero Evo’ gloves, you’ll find a back hand made from elastic Lycra and an interior lined with a soft fleece.