Nothing ruins a ride quite like cold hands and numb fingers - and, if you're not wearing the right winter motorcycle gloves, that's like what you'll end up with.
Sure, you could just suck it up and wear your summer gloves throughout the colder months but if you're venturing out onto the open road, you'll want to be sufficiently protected from the elements.
The best winter motorcycle gloves are both waterproof and windproof. You don’t want your hands to get wet or chilled by the rain, snow or wind. Or, if you're driving in the UK, possibly all of the above. Waterproof gloves usually have a membrane layer that keeps the moisture out, like Gore-Tex or Dry-Tech. These essential accessories tend to also have a tight weave or a coating that blocks the airflow, which summer gloves may not feature.
As well as being sufficiently thick, you need to look for gloves that are warm and comfortable. You'll want your hands to stay cosy and flexible, not stiff and frozen. Warm gloves usually have some insulation or multiple interior layers, like Thinsulate or fleece, as well as a soft lining. If you're riding long distances, look for features like stretch panels, velcro closures and touchscreen capability too.
The last thing to look out for? Gloves that are protective and durable. You want your hands to be safe and secure in case of an accident or a fall. Protective gloves have hard materials or padding on the knuckles, palms and wrists to ensure just that. Hard-wearing designs mean they'll last not just this winter, but for years to come.
We've rounded up all of the best winter motorcycle gloves.
Southery Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Gauntlet Gloves
Southery’s Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Gauntlet Gloves were designed with freezing temperatures in mind, just as their name suggests. Crafted from a heavy-duty, waterproof gauntlet designed to provide high levels of insulation for use in extremely cold conditions, these rugged, 100 per cent waterproof and insulated gloves will keep you warm, dry and protected from the elements.
Buy now £68.99, Merlin Cycles
Alpinestars SP-8 V3 Gloves
Alpinestars is known for creating a great array of motorcycle gloves and the brand’s SP-8 V3 Gloves are a brilliant choice for winter. Constructed from highly abrasion-resistant, full-grain goat leather and synthetic leather material, they deliver high levels of protection thanks to their advanced MotoGP-derived SP dual-density knuckle.
With a pre-shaped finger construction, a hook and loop cuff closure and a new anatomically profiled grip insert on the palm and thumb, this glove affords a secure and personalised fit and high levels of movement and comfort.
Buy now £104.49, Get Geared
Nembo Gore-Tex gloves+gore grip technology
These Nembo Gore-Tex gloves come complete with specialised grip technology, making them all the more secure when you’re riding. The Nembo gloves are the top of the Dainese range for touring and their use of the innovative GORE-TEX technology allows complete welding of each layer of the glove to prevent micro-movements of the fabric. This material also provides complete weather protection whenever you ride, making these gloves a great shout for colder weather.
Buy now £96.00, Dainese
Canada Goose HyBridge Glove
While some Canada Goose pieces may be a little too bulky for riding, these HyBridge Gloves are designed to keep you warm without adding bulk. They’re lightweight, water-resistant and touch-screen compatible, without waving goodbye to that down filling that keeps your digits cosy and warm. If you’re looking for something a little more luxe, these are the gloves to opt for.
Buy now £175.00, Canada Goose
Hesketh motorcycle gloves
The Hesketh gloves give you the best of both worlds. Crafted from soft, sheepskin leather with a comfort-led lining, they also come complete with hard knuckle protection. Throw in the smartphone-friendly, touch-sensitive index finger and you have a set of gloves that can stay firmly on and tightly protected no matter what comes your way.
Buy now £135.00, Belstaff
Held Cold Champ Gore-Tex Motorcycle Gloves
These Held Cold Champ Gore-Tex options are considered some of the most comfortable when it comes to winter-friendly motorcycle gloves. While they initially feel thick, they’re thin enough to ensure you have full control over your fingers and the bike but dense enough to ensure you don’t feel the cold. One thing to keep in mind: you may want to size up when buying these ones.
Buy now £99.00, Amazon
DXR Brookite Waterproof Leather Gloves
Looking for something a little different? These DXR Brookite Waterproof Leather Gloves are made from goat leather (chosen for its flexibility and resistance) and come with a waterproof membrane, fixed lining and visor wipe. Known for being impressively well-built and excellent value for money, these motorcycle gloves come with leather-coated PU protective shells on the fingers and knuckles and stitching detail for extra throttle grip.
Buy now £99.00, Sports Bike Shop
Richa Ladies Street Touring Gore-Tex Gloves
While gloves don’t always come gendered, these Richa Ladies Street Touring Gore-Tex Gloves were designed with smaller hands in mind, making them a top choice for the rider who may struggle with typically larger-sized options. Both waterproof and breathable, these Gore-Tex urban gloves feature hard knuckle impact protection and come complete with night-time visible 3M reflective material.
Buy now £99.00, Sports Bike Shop
Keis Heated Motorcycle Gloves - G701S 'Shorty' Bonded-Textile
Using the latest technology in both heat generation and all-weather comfort, these G701S ‘Shorty’ Heated Motorcycle Gloves have a Ballistic Spandex outer shell with a semi-bonded Hipora waterproof, breathable membrane for outstanding comfort and performance in all conditions.
Designed to suit the motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys riding throughout the cold winter months, whatever the conditions, they feature a thick layer of 3M Thinsulate to keep good warmth distribution throughout the glove, especially across the back of the hand and the fingers.
Buy now £190.00, Keisapparel
Spidi TX-T Lady CE Gloves Black
Waterproof, windproof and breathable, these Spidi TX-T Lady CE Gloves come thermal insulated for tours and expeditions on two wheels when the weather’s doing its best to deter you. With touchscreen capabilities and a protective covering, they tick all the boxes to keep your hands dry and fresh while you’re navigating the open roads.
Buy now £99.00, MandP
Verdict
Mid-priced and perfect for chilly weather, the Southery waterproof extreme cold weather gauntlet gloves were designed to keep you warm, dry, and protected from the elements.
