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The best motorcycle gloves depend on how you ride, but for most street riders the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 hits the sweet spot of protection, feel and price. Sport and track riders should step up to a full gauntlet like the Alpinestars GP Plus R V3, and if you ride through wet weather, a Gore-Tex glove like the Klim Badlands GTX is worth every cent.
Quick picks
-
Best overall
- Type
- Short-cuff leather
- Waterproof
- No
- Price
- $$
-
Best sport/track gauntlet
- Type
- Leather gauntlet
- Waterproof
- No
- Price
- $259.95
-
Best short-cuff leather
- Type
- Short-cuff leather
- Waterproof
- No
- Price
- $149
-
Best budget sport glove
- Type
- Leather sport
- Waterproof
- No
- Price
- $109.95
- Best adventure/waterproof: Klim Badlands GTX
- Best short waterproof: Klim Vanguard GTX Short
- Best winter glove: Alpinestars WT-8 Gore-Tex Insulated
- Best budget waterproof: Dainese Tempest 2 D-Dry
- Best summer glove: Klim Baja S4
- Best budget summer glove: Dainese Ermex
We’ve rebuilt this guide around gloves that are on sale now, using the brands’ published details and current listings. Your hands are usually the first thing to hit the ground in a crash, so whatever you buy, look for a CE label to the motorcycle glove standard EN 13594.
Best motorcycle gloves compared
| Glove | Type | Waterproof | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpinestars SP-8 V3 | Short-cuff leather | No | Everyday street riding | $$ |
| Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 | Leather gauntlet | No | Sport riding, track days | $259.95 |
| Dainese Reacto Carbon Short | Short-cuff leather | No | Sporty street riding | $149 |
| Alpinestars SP-3 | Leather sport | No | Budget sport riding | $109.95 |
| Klim Badlands GTX | Adventure gauntlet | Gore-Tex | ADV and touring | $269.99 (long) |
| Klim Vanguard GTX Short | Short-cuff touring | Gore-Tex | Wet commuting | $169.99 |
| Alpinestars WT-8 Gore-Tex Insulated | Insulated gauntlet | Gore-Tex | Cold-weather riding | $229.95 |
| Dainese Tempest 2 D-Dry | Textile | D-Dry membrane | Budget wet weather | $ |
| Klim Baja S4 | Vented textile/leather | No | Hot-weather riding | $99.99 |
| Dainese Ermex | Summer textile | No | Budget summer riding | $74 |
Prices are the brands’ own list prices where published (Alpinestars, Dainese, Klim); otherwise we show a price tier. Check the current price before you buy.
The best motorcycle gloves, reviewed
1. Alpinestars SP-8 V3: best overall
The SP-8 is one of the most popular street gloves for good reason. It’s a short-cuff leather glove with hard knuckle protection and a sporty, pre-curved fit that still feels comfortable on a long commute. It gives you most of the protection of a race glove without the bulk of a gauntlet. A women’s version, the Stella SP-8 V3, is cut for smaller hands.
Pros: comfortable out of the box; good protection for a short glove; women’s version available.
Cons: short cuff leaves the wrist less covered than a gauntlet; not waterproof.
2. Alpinestars GP Plus R V3: best sport and track gauntlet
If you ride fast or do track days, a full leather gauntlet is the right tool. The GP Plus R V3 is Alpinestars’ race-derived gauntlet at a more approachable price than its top racing gloves, with a long cuff that tucks over your jacket sleeve to keep the glove on in a slide.
Pros: long gauntlet cuff; race-derived design; premium leather.
Cons: warm in summer traffic; overkill for short commutes.
3. Dainese Reacto Carbon Short: best short-cuff leather
Dainese’s Reacto Carbon Short is a sporty leather glove for riders who want a short cuff with a race feel. It’s a good pick for naked bikes and sport-tourers in mild weather. There’s also a long gauntlet version if you want more coverage.
Pros: sporty feel; long version available; strong brand reputation.
Cons: not waterproof; short cuff.
4. Alpinestars SP-3: best budget sport glove
The SP-3 brings Alpinestars’ sport styling down to just over $100. It’s a leather sport glove that’s far better than a generic no-name glove. It’s a smart first pair if you’re just starting out (see our beginner gear guide).
Pros: affordable; proper motorcycle-specific construction.
Cons: fewer premium features than the SP-8.
5. Klim Badlands GTX: best adventure and waterproof glove
Klim’s Badlands GTX is built for adventure riders who ride all day in changing weather. It uses a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your hands dry, and Klim lists the long version as CE certified. If you tour or ride ADV, this is a glove you only buy once. Pair it with the right jacket for full weather protection.
Pros: Gore-Tex waterproofing; CE certified (long version); built for long days.
Cons: expensive; bulkier than a sport glove.
6. Klim Vanguard GTX Short: best short waterproof glove
Not everyone wants a big gauntlet. The Vanguard GTX Short gives you Gore-Tex waterproofing in a short-cuff glove that slips under your jacket sleeve, ideal for wet commutes. A long version is also available.
Pros: Gore-Tex in a short cuff; easy on and off.
Cons: less wrist coverage than a gauntlet.
7. Alpinestars WT-8 Gore-Tex Insulated: best winter glove
For cold-weather riding, insulation matters as much as waterproofing. The WT-8 combines a Gore-Tex membrane with insulation in a gauntlet cut that seals over your sleeve. If you ride through winter, also read our guide to heated motorcycle gloves.
Pros: insulated and waterproof; gauntlet seals out wind.
Cons: bulky; too warm above about 15°C.
8. Dainese Tempest 2 D-Dry: best budget waterproof glove
The Tempest 2 uses Dainese’s own D-Dry waterproof membrane to keep rain out for a lot less than Gore-Tex. It’s a sensible all-season commuting glove, and there’s a long-cuff version too. For more wet-weather tips, see riding a motorcycle in the rain.
Pros: waterproof for less; short and long versions.
Cons: less feel than leather sport gloves.
9. Klim Baja S4: best summer glove
When it’s hot, sweaty hands mean poor grip and poor control. The Baja S4 is a vented glove designed for heat and off-road use, with enough protection for the street. It’s at its best on ADV and dual-sport bikes in summer.
Pros: excellent airflow; light and flexible.
Cons: less protection than leather gauntlets.
10. Dainese Ermex: best budget summer glove
If you just want something cool and protective for summer rides, the Ermex is a lightweight summer glove at a low price. It’s a good second pair for hot days.
Pros: affordable; cool in summer.
Cons: basic protection.
Best motorcycle gloves by riding style
There’s no single best motorcycle glove for every rider, so here’s the short answer for each kind of riding:
| If you ride… | Best glove type | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Street and commuting, mild weather | Short-cuff leather with knuckle armor | Alpinestars SP-8 V3 |
| Sportbike, fast road, track days | Full leather gauntlet | Alpinestars GP Plus R V3 |
| Adventure and long-distance touring | Waterproof gauntlet | Klim Badlands GTX |
| Wet commutes | Short waterproof glove | Klim Vanguard GTX Short |
| Winter | Insulated, waterproof gauntlet | Alpinestars WT-8 Gore-Tex Insulated |
| Hot weather | Vented textile/leather | Klim Baja S4 |
| First pair on a budget | Leather sport glove | Alpinestars SP-3 |
Many riders end up with two pairs: a vented or short glove for summer and a waterproof gauntlet for cold, wet days.
How to choose motorcycle gloves
Protection and CE rating
Look for CE certification to EN 13594, the European standard for motorcycle gloves. Level 1 is the basic standard; Level 2 passes tougher abrasion and impact tests. Knuckle armour, palm sliders and reinforced seams matter most because your palms and knuckles hit first. Gloves are part of a full kit: our helmet guide and boot guide cover the rest.
Gauntlet or short cuff?
Gauntlet gloves extend over your jacket sleeve and protect the wrist in a slide. They’re best for sport, touring and cold weather. Short-cuff gloves are cooler and easier to take on and off, so they suit commuting and summer riding. We compare them in detail in short cuff vs gauntlet gloves.
Material and weather
Leather gives the best abrasion resistance and feel. Textile and mesh gloves are cooler and often waterproof, but less durable in a crash. If you ride in the rain, choose a membrane glove (Gore-Tex or D-Dry). Race gloves soak through in sustained rain. For a deeper look at materials, see textile vs mesh vs leather.
Fit
Gloves should be snug, with your fingertips just reaching the ends, and no loose material that bunches when you grip the bars. Leather, especially kangaroo, stretches a little as it breaks in, so a slightly tight new glove is fine.
FAQ
What are the best motorcycle gloves overall?
For most street riders, the Alpinestars SP-8 V3: a short-cuff leather glove with hard knuckle protection that is comfortable enough for daily use. If you ride fast, in the rain or in winter, a gauntlet like the GP Plus R V3, Klim Badlands GTX or WT-8 is the better buy.
What is the most protective type of motorcycle glove?
A leather gauntlet with hard knuckle armor, palm sliders and CE Level 2 certification to EN 13594. The long cuff overlaps your jacket sleeve and helps keep the glove on in a slide.
What does CE Level 1 vs Level 2 mean for gloves?
Both are CE certified under EN 13594. Level 2 gloves pass tougher abrasion, tear and impact tests than Level 1. Many sport and race gloves reach Level 2.
Are gauntlet gloves safer than short gloves?
Gauntlets protect more of your wrist and are less likely to come off in a slide, so they’re safer at speed. Short-cuff gloves are fine for urban riding and hot weather.
How should motorcycle gloves fit?
Snug, with fingertips reaching the ends and no extra material in the palm. Leather stretches slightly, so buy them a little tight rather than loose.
Do I need waterproof motorcycle gloves?
If you commute or tour in changing weather, yes. A Gore-Tex or D-Dry membrane keeps your hands dry and warm. Race gloves will eventually soak through in heavy rain.
Can I use touchscreen gloves on my phone?
Many modern gloves have touchscreen-compatible fingertips, which helps with GPS and phone mounts. Check each glove’s product details.
Our verdict
For most riders, the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 is the best motorcycle glove: protective, comfortable and fairly priced. Go for the GP Plus R V3 if you ride hard, the Klim Badlands GTX if you ride in all weather, and the WT-8 if you ride through winter. Want more comparisons? Read our women’s motorcycle gloves guide and heated gloves guide.
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