After a new pair of winter motorcycle gloves? You're spoilt for choice! Here are 10 of the best you can buy!
The number one tip we would give riders who plan to brave winter on two wheels would be to layer up - and that goes for your hands.
Unlike when you're driving, when you ride at 50-70mph, you feel the full force of the cold - called 'Wind Chill' - and as your hands are positioned the furthest away from your body in a riding position, they are most at risk of numbing and freezing over!
To prevent this, you need a good pair of warm and waterproof winter gloves. It’s likely to make a massive difference to your winter riding and provide additional comfort – especially if you’re commuting on a motorcycle during the coldest times of the day.
To thin out the herd, we’ve highlighted 10 of the best gloves that are perfect for seeing you through to Spring - or at least until the sun comes out again! Your hands will thank us later...
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1. Keis Heated G701 Touring Gloves | 2. Richa Arctic Gloves |
3. Rukka ThermoG+ Gore-Tex Gloves | 4. Spada Oslo Waterproof Gloves |
5. Halvarssons Ljusdal Waterproof Gloves | 6. Alpinestars HT-7 Heated Gloves |
7. Bering Hercule Gore-Tex Gloves | 8. REV'IT! Fusion 3 Gore-Tex Gloves |
9. Furygan Heat X Kevlar Gloves | 10. Spada Junction Gloves |
1. Keis Heated G701 Touring Gloves
£195 RRP
If the strategy for most of the gloves on this list is to retain body heat, Keis gloves are highly effective at generating heat!
As the UK’s number 1 heated clothing brand, Keis garments are the perfect antidote for brisk winter mornings through the use of dual-powered heating.
The jewel in their crown, the G701 touring gloves, are made from water-repellent and durable Ballistic Nylon outer, bonded with Spandex for maximum flexibility and control paired with a Hipora waterproof and breathable membrane.
The gloves feature a Micro Carbon Fibre heating system that distributes thermal heat across your palm and fingers, controlled by a heat controller on the back of the wrist, and powered by either your bike battery (12V minimum) or a portable battery pack that fits seamlessly into the cuff (sold separately). Combined with the 3M Thinsulate thermal interior, they feel incredibly comfortable even without power!
The CE-approved hard knuckle shield and scaphoid slider provide the bulk of the glove's protection, with additional reinforcements positioned at critical points of the hand.
The palms are lined with synthetic leather for additional grip, a visor wipe is positioned on the left index finger, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips are on the index fingers and thumb - Keis has pulled no strings with the G701.
The gloves are also available in a short-cuff version, the G701S Premium Touring gloves.
£99.99 RRP
Awarded a Best Buy award from the monthly motorcycle magazine, RiDE, the Richa Arctic Gloves are a sure contender for best winter gloves under £100.
Made from a mixture of abrasion-resistant goatskin and cowhide leather with SuperFabric and Keprotec reinforcements, these touring gloves are exceptionally durable whilst maintaining a high level of dexterity.
Richa has integrated the gloves with a Hipora waterproof lining that repels water away whilst allowing built-up interior moisture to pass through. Inside the gloves is a plush interior lining that keeps your hands warm, whilst the TPU knuckle shield with leather overlay and padded inserts protect your hands to CE Level 1 standard.
The gloves also feature reflective panels on the back of the hand and a hook-and-loop adjustable wrist strap that keeps the gloves in place.
All of these elements combine for an excellent everyday glove during the coldest months of the year. For an additional £35, you can upgrade your gloves to the Gore-Tex version, for a higher level of water resistance.
3. Rukka ThermoG+ Gore-Tex Gloves
£175 RRP
When it comes to winter motorcycle gear, no brand is better equipped than Rukka. After all, alongside motorcycle apparel, Rukka also produce snowmobile and ski jackets!
Striking a perfect balance of defence and comfort, the ThermoG+ is a fully waterproof and windproof touring glove that more than stands up to the coldest winter rides. Thanks to the Gore-Tex Grip Plus membrane, the gloves are completely resistant to the effects of wind chill whilst also releasing built-up humid air.
The gloves themselves are made from abrasion-resistant textile, with a leather palm for improved dexterity and sensitivity over the bike's controls. Inside, the gloves are lined with a generous 200g Thinsulate insulation to retain your body heat throughout your ride, and the benefit of a second interior cuff allows you to tuck the gloves both inside and over the cuffs of your jacket for better heat retention.
For protection, Rukka has equipped the gloves with scaphoid armour, individual finger inserts and an embedded knuckle shield should you hit the asphalt.
With a convenient visor wipe on the left index finger, velcro adjustable cuffs and touchscreen-compatible fingertips; winter gloves don’t get much better than these!
4. Spada Oslo Waterproof Gloves
£47.99 RRP
Spada are the masters of affordable motorcycle gear, and their Oslo gloves are the ideal lightweight winter option for protecting your hands without breaking the bank.
Made from a combination of abrasion-resistant goatskin leather and softshell textile, the Oslo's are comfortable, tactile and CE-approved for riding. Featuring a breathable waterproof membrane and windproof outer, these gloves protect you from the effects of wind chill, and thanks to the interior thermal lining, provide a comfortable layer of insulation to keep your digits warm.
The multi-layered leather palm provides an additional layer of abrasion resistance, and the knuckles are protected with thermoplastic polyurethane moulds.
Additionally, the gloves have a handy visor on the index finger and are fastened by a hook and loop strap for adjustable wrists and cuffs.
5. Halvarssons Ljusdal Waterproof Gloves
£124 RRP
Scandanavian manufacturer Halvarssons has established itself as a trusted brand for rugged motorcycle gear, and the Ljusdal gloves are the perfect example of that.
Made from water-resistant goat leather and high-tenacity PE flex, these cold-weather gloves feature an ergonomic fit and tactile feel, in addition to being abrasion-resistant for winter riding. The gloves are laminated with a Dryway+ functional membrane that provides essential waterproof and windproof performance while allowing warm air to pass through.
Inside the gloves is a plush 60g Innoborne insulative lining that not only retains your body heat during the coldest rides but incorporates Skin Fit technology to keep the lining in place after frequent wear.
These CE-certified gloves are protected with an ergonomically formed knuckle shield and a HI-ART-reinforced palm.
The cuffs are equipped with innovative WindWire adjustment technology for a micro-manageable, secure fit around your wrist, NUDUD tech fingertips for optimal touchscreen control and a nifty visor wiper on the index finger.
6. Alpinestars HT-7 Heat Tech Drystar Gloves
£369.99 RRP
Given their start out as manufacturers of skiing and hiking boots in the 1960s, it should come as no surprise that Alpinestars are a dab hand at designing winter gloves.
With almost a hundred Alpinestars gloves on our website, we have no shortage of options to choose from for this list, but we reckon their latest HT-7 Heat Tech Drystar gloves are up there with their best!
These gloves are waterproof, breathable and heated, providing complete rider comfort and protection for the coldest months of the year. They're made from a blend of textile and leather for increased sensitivity on the bike's controls, and superior protection from abrasion.
They're lined with Alpinestars' 100% waterproof/breathable Drystar membrane for weather resistance, 80g Primaloft insulation on the inside, and covered with both dual-density TPU knuckle protection and a palm slider for protection against impacts.
But the main selling point of the HT-7 is the Alpinestars Heat Tech System embedded in the glove. Each glove features a system of copper-nickel heated fibres that runs down either side of each finger and on the back of the hand to provide an even distribution of thermal energy, powered by the glove's 7.4-volt battery, which is stored in each glove, and rechargeable via USB.
Uniquely, the gloves are activated automatically simply by wearing them, and a handy, one-touch button on each cuff allows you to switch between the 3 heat modes for optimal comfort: cool, warm and hot.
The rolled fingertips provide better heat retention and reduced cold air penetration, and the gloves are secured with a velcro cuff - these Alpinestars gloves are an excellent cold-season glove that does it all!
7. Bering Hercule Gore-Tex Gloves
£104.99 RRP
If you’re after a reasonably priced winter glove that will protect your hands for both short and long-distance riding, the Bering Hercule gloves will be just up your street.
Pronounced "Her-cuul", these CE-approved touring gloves are designed to shrug off the chilliest and frostiest weather, thanks to the impregnable Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable membrane for effective weather resistance, as well as 110g thermal interior padding for effective heat retention.
Constructed from softshell textile with a durable goatskin palm, these Bering gloves are incredibly tactile and durable for long-distance wear. The knuckles are covered by CE-approved protection with padding underneath and an Amara reinforcement on the palm provides plenty of protection.
The additional suede on the palm improves your grip over the handlebars, and the long cuffs let you tuck the gloves into your jacket sleeves. All in all, the Hercule GTX is a brilliant winter glove for the price.
8. REV'IT! Fusion 3 Gore-Tex Gloves
£149.99 RRP
REV’IT! is the perfect example of a motorcycle brand that mixes up the style of motorsports and urban riding, to form the ideal everyday riding glove.
For winter riding, the REV’IT! Livengood GTX or the Taurus GTX gloves are shoe-ins, but we’d give our recommendation to the REV’IT! Fusion 3’s: a waterproof winter glove with a unique insulative design.
Constructed from high-performance and stretchable PWR textile with an abrasion-resistant Goatskin leather palm, these gloves are bonded with an impermeable Gore-Tex membrane that allows excess heat to escape.
The inside of the gloves are lined with synthetic fur that traps warmth and engineered with Thermolite Plus for superior warmth without the bulk.
Additionally, the gloves are uniquely designed with Exkin Platinum insulative technology; a lightweight, metalised fabric designed to reflect radiant heat loss to the wearer, preventing convective heat loss between your hand and your bike grips. The gloves work symbiotically with heated grips (assuming you can fit these to your bike), increasing the efficiency of heat transferred from the grips to your hands.
Finished with a visor wiper, grip palm, a touchscreen-compatible index fingertip and a single-motion wrist adjustment system; the REV’IT! Fusion 3 gloves are the complete cold weather glove!
9. Furygan Heat X Kevlar Gloves
£279.99 RRP
The Furygan Heat x Kevlar is a dual-powered heated glove with a waterproof and breathable membrane and a D3O knuckle shield.
Made from a combination of goat leather and durable polyester, these city cruiser gloves are highly protective and dextrous for winter riding. The gloves feature a unique heating system developed by Kevlar engineers.
This heated element consists of a dual wire heating system, embedded in an aramid fibre weave and infused with a touch of Carbon for increased thermal conductivity, to conduct, channel and homogenise heat diffusion across the back of your hands to the ends of your fingers. Powered by two rechargeable 7.4V 2200 mAh batteries and working alongside the moisture-wicking 37.5 insulative lining, these Furygan gloves are designed to pass on and retain heat as close to the skin as possible, while preventing sweat build-up, and automatically regulate your ideal temperature.
Both gloves can be activated by a “1click” single button press on the right cuff or via the “My Fury Connect” smartphone app to switch between three standard heating modes. The gloves are charged via USB or a Furgan Super Boost cable to connect to your 12V motorcycle battery.
The gloves are protected by D3O CE level 1 at the knuckles. The double wrist adjustments ensure a secure, comfortable fit and the touchscreen-sensitive fingertips make sure you can operate your smartphone without taking the gloves off.
£41.99 RRP
The Spada Junction is an excellent, budget-friendly touring glove for winter riding.
Constructed from a combination of leather and textile, these CE-certified Spada gloves are likewise durable and comfortable to wear, with a 100% waterproof lining to prevent rain from seeping in and a thermal interior lining to keep you warm.
The gloves incorporate an integral density knuckle shield and reflective piping for increased night visibility. The palm is lined with an anti-slip silicone print for added grip.
The gloves' stretch panels assist flexibility, and the hook and loop wrist adjustment provides a custom fit.
If you're after a winter glove that doesn't break the bank, the Spada Junction's are a great option to see you through until Spring!
Final Thoughts...
Those are our recommendations for the best motorcycle gloves for winter!
As can be seen from the above, there are lots of reasons why it’s sensible to invest in the best winter motorcycle gloves you can afford. It’s likely to make a massive difference to your winter riding and provide additional comfort – especially if you’re commuting on a motorcycle during the coldest times of the day.
If you've gotten this far, might I recommend reading our best winter motorcycle boots article?
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This article was written by Jonah Son.