Cycling gloves can be a very personal purchase, as everyone has a different preference on length, style, color as well as thickness and warming materials when the temp turns down. While the best cycling gloves are somewhat subjective depending on your needs, we’ve compiled a variety of options here for everyone, including picks for every season.
From fingerless gloves to hard-core winter riding puffers, we’ve got them all. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a daily commuter, cycling gloves will help protect your hands from the elements, keep your fingers from slipping on hot days when the handlebars become sticky with sweat or from going numb on cold winter rides. Not to mention, if you ride a lot or tend to ride intensely, some gloves have additional gel and padding to prevent long-term nerve damage and to keep your hands more comfortable.
So, what are the best cycling gloves? If you’re riding in warmer weather, something breathable and fingerless with lightweight padding from Giro and Pearl Izumi could do the trick. If you’re riding in colder weather and wondering what are the best cycling gloves for winter, you might consider a fleece-lined or Gore-Tex option from Gore and Castelli. You have to keep the terrain in mind, too, because gravel and dirt require a bit of extra protection that you can get from Fox Racing gloves. And if you’re more of a casual rider, then touchscreen capability might be more essential than extra padding or protection.
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At the end of the day, the best cycling gloves boil down to personal preference and your individual needs as a cyclist. Thankfully, the above brands (and more) all make cycling gloves for every season and need, so check out a few of the best cycling gloves below. If you’re even a semi-regular rider, some of the more budget-friendly gloves will change your life and just might encourage you to hit the streets a little harder and a little more often too.
1. Gore C5 Gore-Tex Thermo Gloves
The Gore C5 Gore-Tex Thermo Gloves were literally made with wet winter weather in mind. These machine-washable gloves are waterproof and windproof, with a Gore-Tex lining that doesn’t detach and a foam-padded palm for shock absorption. At the same time, they’re lightweight, breathable and offer plenty of dexterity so you don’t compromise on control. For cold winter rides or those heavy rainy days, these are definitely the best cycling gloves for your money.
2. Velocio Signature Soft Shell Glove
The Velocio Signature Soft Shell Gloves are the most eco-friendly pair you’ll buy this year, not to mention one of the most comfortable. With a rubberized palm for a sturdy and insulated grip, your hands won’t be going numb anytime soon while out riding in these. The warm fleece-backed softshell fabric will keep you cozy and the microfleece will keep your fingers toasty on a cold day when the wind picks up. Keep your fingers safe and let your ride go smoothly with the correct pair of gloves during the shoulder season when the weather can’t decide if it’s going to be mildly cold or temperate that day.
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3. Castelli Entrata Thermal Glove
The Castelli Entrata Thermal Glove delivers the warmth and comfort you need for those clear but colder days on the road. Featuring a windproof outer layer and a PrimaLoft insulation layer, you won’t ever worry about your fingers stiffening up. Plus, the synthetic suede palm takes some effort out of gripping, and in a super convenient feature, the gloves include touchscreen-friendly index and thumb fingers — because taking your gloves off to mess with your phone is actually the worst.
4. REI Co-op Junction Wind Cycling Gloves
If you just need an all-around solid pair of cycling gloves that will keep your hands warm without breaking the bank, pick up the REI Co-op Junction Wind Cycling Gloves. The Polartec Wind Pro fleece is wind-resistant and water-repellent and includes suede palms, soft fabric on the thumb for nose wiping and touchscreen compatibility on the thumb, index and middle fingers. Buckle them together and throw them in your helmet so you’ll always remember them for your short morning ride.
5. Castelli Men’s Perfetto Winter Gloves
The Castelli Perfetto Winter Gloves deliver warmth without the bulk so you can stay outside and be comfortable for longer than you thought possible. These cycling gloves are made from Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper Stretch Light fabric to keep your hands from going numb. They’re also fleece-lined for extra warmth and include a stretchy neoprene opening on the wrist for easy on, easy off. Plus, the gloves incorporate the Castelli Damping System that helps protect the median nerve, which is responsible for sensation to the palm side of the thumb and most of your fingers. Warm, comfortable and high-quality, you won’t regret putting your trust in these cycling gloves.
6. Pearl Izumi Men’s Select Glove
The Pearl Izumi Men’s Select Glove may not be the luxe racing glove worn by champions but it’s not the cheapest glove on the market either. For the price, it’s a decent summer glove for road rides or commuting, highly breathable, comfortable, and quick to dry. For most rides in most situations, do you even need anything else?
7. Castelli Entrata Gloves
These fingerless gloves are Castelli’s take on the summer glove. The Castelli Entrata Gloves are well-padded but not bulky, and make a great option for commuters looking to keep their hands comfortable and sweat-free. These gloves boast excellent moisture management and, like the Castelli Perfetto gloves, include the same Damping System for less vibration on the road, keeping your commute as smooth as possible. Try these cycling gloves for a spring or summer commute for easy cruising miles.
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8. Giro Monaco II Gel Gloves
The Giro Monaco II Gel Gloves are an excellent option for hot summer rides to protect your hands from slipping. The fingerless design will keep your hands cool while allowing you to maintain control of your handlebars. They’re also stylish and come in a variety of colors for everyone to choose from. If you’re always dealing with sweaty hands and road rash, pick up these cycling gloves for some relief.
9. Handske SIC Lightweight Gloves
Handske has the best designs out there if you’re looking for something funky and colorful and the SIC Lightweight Gloves are a great choice for commuting or more casual riding. With touchscreen compatibility on the fingers, you can easily take photos of those amazing vistas without removing your gloves. The terry cloth thumb is also excellent for wiping away any sweat or grit from your eyes and mouth while riding. If style and convenience are your top priorities, these Handskes could be the best cycling gloves for you.
10. Fox Racing Bomber LT Gloves
What sets the Fox Racing Bomber LT Gloves apart from the rest, and makes them perfect for mountain biking, are the knuckle guards. If you’re cycling on rough trails, the added protection could be the difference between bruises and a broken hand. Besides the extra durability and safety, these gloves are plenty comfortable and convenient too, with a form-fitting stretchy build, a Clarino palm for added control and nylon finger gussets for added airflow and dexterity.
11. Ostroy Short Finger Aero Gloves
If you’re into floral, these Ostroy cycling gloves are lightweight and perfect for summer. Keep your grip while adding style to your cycling kit. With padded palms, your hands will grip the handlebars easily on race day or on a casual ride with friends. These gloves are a great companion for anyone looking to add some flair to their day.