Seeking the best cycling gloves?
In more than 3 years, I’ve tested over 50 pairs to finally come up with this complete review list 2021, along with a buying guide and some FAQs you might be wondering. All are concluded from my experience as well as some other experts in this field.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Top 17 Best Cycling Gloves Reviews In 2021
QEPAE Cycling Gloves
QEPAE Cycling Gloves is one of the cheapest options here, priced around $10 BUT its quality surprised me.
While we commonly find gel padding in mid-tier to high-end cycling gloves, this pair features it along with breathable mesh to keep the palms always stay clean and dry. Materials are pretty soft as well.
There is ultra-fiber padding and SBR mat in the palm area for impact reduction and shock absorption so during long rides or over harsh terrain, your hands will thank you for that. To get rid of sweat during the summer, it is added with composite velvet on the inside and besides, it acts as an insulation layer during cold weather.
On the finger areas, there is silicon printing to give the user better grips as well as wear resistance.
If you’re wondering about the fitting, in my humble opinion, it fits true to size just like the other 74% of the customers’ reviews on Amazon. The secret lies in a buckle around the wrists for cuff adjustment.
Pros
- Ideal for tight-budget buyers – priced around $10
- Impact reduction and shock absorption – ultra-fiber padding and SBR mat in the palm area
- Well-insulated in the winter & cool in the summer – composite velvet on the inside
- Good grips and wear resistance properties – silicon printed fingers
Cons
- A bit unaesthetic – the label on the back opposite of the thumb is too big
Product Specs
| Outer material | Gel Pad and Breathable Mesh |
| Inner material | soft and warm inner material. |
| Size | Size: M: 7cm–8cm (2.76in.–3.15in.)
L: 8cm-9cm (3.15in.–3.54in.) XL: 9cm-10cm (3.54in.–3.94in.) |
| Highlight Features | ultra-fiber padding and SBR mat in the palm area; composite velvet on the inside; silicon printed fingers |
See also:
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- Top 11 Best Cruiser Bikes Reviews In 2021
- Top 20 Best Bike Cell Phone Holders and Mounts In 2021
- Top 25 Best Hybrid Bikes Under $500 In 2021: January Update!
- Top 15 Best Hitch Bike Racks Reviews In 2021
Endura FS260-Pro Cycling Gloves
One of the biggest challenges of cycling glove manufacturers is to compromise between bar grip (and dexterity) and insulated padding to keep their riders feel the most comfort during winter biking trips.
But when it comes to the Women’s Endura FS260-Pro, feel like there’s nothing can beat it.
The gloves are made with a silicone palm print while the lining is moderately thick with soft terry fabric for extra comfort and it doesn’t lose your handlebar feel.
What I like the most about this pair of gloves is its welded construction for ultra-waterproof ability, therefore, during rainy or snowy weather, you can rest assured that it doesn’t soak water inside.
They are also safe to be used for night riding thanks to the high visibility of reflective trims.
Pros
- Good insulation – soft terry fabric lining
- Bar grip – a silicone palm print
- Waterproof – welded construction
- Ideal for night riding – high visibility reflective trims
Cons
- The size chart is a bit narrow
Product Specs
| Outer material | Superstretch neoprene outer |
| Inner material | Wicking terry inner |
| Size | XS and XXL |
| Highlight Features | soft terry fabric lining; a silicone palm print; welded construction; high visibility reflective trims |
Castelli Arenberg Gel Top Designed Cycling Gloves
If you’re looking for high-quality gloves for road cycling and path riding that can last for a lifetime, don’t overlook this pair.
It is appreciated for the protection level to your hands no matter the weather, riding, riding type. The reason is it’s made of Arenberg forest material – considered one of the toughest stretch of cobbles at Paris-Roubaix.
Regardless, the girl’s glove has breathable micromesh on the back for better air ventilation as well as AX suede palm with gel padding to soften your ride.
Fitting is another big bonus I’d like to talk about. As featuring adjustable wrist closure, it doesn’t chafe or cause friction to your hands during movement whereas not be too tight to make you feel discomfort. It’s also easy to adjust.
Pros
- Provide superb protection to the hands – Arenberg forest material
- Very soft and comfortable – AX suede palm with gel padding
- Well-fitted – adjustable wrist closure
Cons
- Not breathable enough for summer rides
Product Specs
| Outer material | AX Suede palm |
| Inner material | gel padding & Micromesh back |
| Size | Small & Medium |
| Highlight Features | Arenberg forest material; AX suede palm with gel padding; adjustable wrist closure |
GORE WEAR Cycling Gloves
Another good half-finger cycling gloves that I love introducing to you is this pair.
It features EVA foam-reinforced palm made of 25% polyurethane and 75% polyester, meshes inserts on the backhand with 15%, 85% polyamide for maximum airflow. In other words, the glove prevents moisture and numbness feeling pretty well.
The cuff is lycra material with a pull-on loop, and they’ also loops between fingers so that you can easily remove it when in need.
Just like other gloves here, it has a reflective logo on the front for safer night riding.
With careful consideration, I would suggest it for ambitious mountain bike riders and racing cyclists who need extra-breathable half-finger gloves for advanced athletic activities.
Pros
- Avoid numbness feeling – EVA foam-reinforced palm made of 25% polyurethane and 75% polyester
- Good moisture prevention and breathability – mesh inserts on the backhand with 15% elastane and 85% polyamide
- Easy to remove – loops between fingers & lycra cuff with a pull-on loop
Cons
- Tight size chart
Product Specs
| Outer material | 85% Polyamide/15% ELASTANE |
| Inner material | 75% Polyester/25% Polyurethane |
| Size | L |
| Highlight Features | EVA foam-reinforced palm; mesh inserts on the backhand; loops between fingers & lycra cuff with a pull-on loop |
Sportful Bodyfit Pro Cycling Gloves
For those whose budget is around $45, I greatly suggest the Sportful Bodyfit Pro Cycling Gloves for path riding.
They give a noticeable difference compared to the lower-end products. It highlights ultra-suede material at the pointer finger and thumb for nose-wiping and soft synthetic suede palm with extra padding for superior shock absorption.
Don’t worry, such padding layers are added reasonably to not compromise your handlebar feel.
Not to say that there is a silicon dot pattern for better grips.
Pros
- Superior shock absorption – soft synthetic suede palm with extra padding
- Nose wiping – ultra-suede material at the pointer finger and thumb
Cons
- Costly
Product Specs
| Outer material | Silicone dot pattern & Soft synthetic suede palm |
| Inner material | variable padding |
| Size | Small & Large |
| Highlight Features | soft synthetic suede palm with extra padding; ultra-suede material at the pointer finger and thumb |
Giro Monaco II Cycling Gloves
When it comes to leather cycling gloves, the Giro Monaco II never disappoints me.
The palm area is crafted from Pittards vented leather with double-stitched seams and three-panel design for super-fit.
Meanwhile, its upper construction is designed from a highly absorbent microfiber wiping surface combined with well-ventilated mesh and moisture-wicking 4-waystretch material. There are also reflective highlights and low-profile Velcro closure for extra fit and safety during the ride.
The padding utilized in this glove has 3mm thickness, which is reasonable for fatigue prevention while riding but not sacrificing the handlebar feel of yours.
Compared to ordinary cycling gloves, it features 30% better impact absorption and pressure distribution. From that point, I find nothing else to be as the potential for long-term performance as the Giro Monaco II.
Pros
- Super-fit – Pittards vented leather with double-stitched seams and three-panel design
- Good moisture-wicking, breathability, and durability – well-ventilated mesh and moisture-wicking 4-waystretch upper construction with highly absorbent microfiber wiping surface
- Feature 30% better impact absorption and pressure distribution – 3mm technogel padding
Cons
- The Velcro strap is small so it’s hard to unhook
Product Specs
| Outer material | Leather |
| Inner material | Technogel padding |
| Size | S to XXL |
| Highlight Features | Pittards vented leather with double-stitched seams and three-panel design; well-ventilated mesh and moisture-wicking 4-waystretch upper construction with highly absorbent microfiber wiping surface; 3mm technogel padding |
GripGrab – ProGel Cycling Gloves
This is one of the most comfortable half-finger cycling gloves on the market at the current with an emphasis on 4mm DoctorGel padding.
Its materials are a combination of elastane, polyurethane, nylon, and polyester, the biggest strength of which is flexibility and lightness to give the user maximum freedom of movements.
Take a closer look at the palm area, you’ll see a layer of Lycra along with grippy Serino fabric for extra grip and fit.
The air ventilation system of this glove is a bit different from others. Instead of absorbing moisture or being waterproof, it wipes sweat so if your hands are heavily sweated, this is worth considering.
Pros
- High flexibility and lightness – made of elastane, polyurethane, nylon, and polyester
- Provide extra grip and fit – grippy Serino fabric & Lycra palm
- Good at wicking moisture – Sweat Wiper system
Cons
- The thumb seam could be higher quality
Product Specs
| Outer material | Flexible Lycra Back |
| Inner material | DoctorGel 4 mm Padding |
| Size | M & XL |
| Highlight Features | made of elastane, polyurethane, nylon, and polyester; grippy Serino fabric & Lycra palm; Sweat Wiper system |
Louis Garneau Cycling Gloves
Whether it’s a ride on scorching hot days or you’re a heavy-sweated person, the GripGrab – ProGel Cycling Gloves are guaranteed to keep you feel the most breathable.
Want to know the secret?
It all lies in the X-shaped vent mesh palm combined with the Air Gel layer. They together help to evacuate sweat and ventilate air to prevent your hands from sweating and slipping because of wetness.
Additionally, the thumb area is added with a soft microfiber patch for sweat wiping, and there are finger pullers as well as loop fastener and hook so that you can easily take it off.
For maximum comfort and stretching of the gloves, GripGrab adds to it a flawless combo of spandex and lightweight mesh. The last bonus is for its handlebar feel brought to the user, all thanks to the Biogel padding.
Pros
- Decent breathability – X-shaped vent mesh palm combined with Air Gel layer
- Easy to wipe sweat – a soft microfiber patch on the thumb area
- Quick to take off/put on – finger pullers, loop, and hook
- Good handlebar feeling – Biogel padding
Cons
- Wish there were more size choices
Product Specs
| Outer material | The light mesh and spandex combination |
| Inner material | Biogel padding |
| Size | Small |
| Highlight Features | X-shaped vent mesh palm combined with Air Gel layer; a soft microfiber patch on the thumb area; finger pullers, loop fastener and hook; Biogel padding |
PEARL IZUMI Cycling Gloves
Finding a chafe-free fitting cycling glove? Look no further.
The PEARL IZUMI features minimum seams by bonding the padding onto the palm, therefore, it is very comfortable with no chafing or friction while you use it.
The glove, on the other hand, is praised for its breathability due to the mesh fabric on the back and ventilated gel padding. About the palm, it is made from high-grade Clarino synthetic leather, known for long-term reliability, durability, and soft feeling.
Like most of the other gloves here, it also has a soft low-profile wiping surface for moisture-wicking.
Last but not least, the loop and hook closure is adjustable for ease of fitting. In a nutshell, these are spot-on for bicycle riders to simply ride with no worries and forget about ulnar nerve issues.
Pros
- Chafe-free – bonding the padding onto the palm to minimize seams
- Breathability – mesh fabric on the back and ventilated gel padding
- Offer long-term reliability, durability, and soft feeling – high-grade Clarino synthetic leather
Cons
- The removal mechanism is a bit awkward
Product Specs
| Outer material | Soft low-profile wiping surface |
| Inner material | Clarino synthetic leather palm |
| Size | Small to XX-Large |
| Highlight Features | bonding the padding onto the palm to minimize seams; mesh fabric on the back and ventilated gel padding; high-grade Clarino synthetic leather |
Bontrager Cycling Gloves
For male cyclers, the Bontrager Gloves are a perfect choice.
Aside from the cool-looking, it feels comfy, lightweight yet durable and especially, wicks moisture phenomenally well.
While the backing fiber is made from elastane, polyamide, and polyester, the palm area is a combination of elastane, polyurethane, and polyamide. It highlights exceptional air ventilation for summer day comfort, and the pieced construction is for a no-bunch fit.
To reduce pressure and impact on the ulnar nerve, it is added with inForm design with memory foam and gel padding. In other words, it eliminates numbness where it matters the most. Of course, loop closure and hook are also included for greater fitting.
All-in-all, for durable comfort, this versatile, every-day glove is a wonderful option.
Pros
- Feel comfy and lightweight – made from elastane, polyamide, polyester, and polyurethane
- Give a no-bunch fit – the pieced construction
- Eliminate pressure, numbness, and impact well – inForm design with memory foam and gel padding
Cons
- Expensive
Product Specs
| Outer material | Gel |
| Inner material | memory foam |
| Highlight Features | made from elastane, polyamide, polyester, and polyurethane; the pieced construction; inForm design with memory foam and gel padding |
Louis Garneau Biogel RX-V Cycling Gloves
While many people think that cycling gloves must be annoyingly stuffy and hot because of its ultra-thick padding, the Louis Garneau Biogel RX-V is here to prove them wrong.
It is outstanding for featuring a perfect combo of a Power Mesh stretchable upper hand, patented Ergo Air® concept, and X-shaped ventilation.
While padded with thick cushion for shock absorption, it doesn’t lose handlebar feel, thanks to the biogel padding. This layer is 3mm to 5mm thickness, which I find to be moderate to ride with comfort.
Regardless, the upper hand is made from spandex and power mesh for superior airflow and stretching to others.
It, in my humble opinion, fits great and during the test, my wrists don’t have any issue with numbness. For the price point, these are a good glove.
Pros
- Cool and good at air ventilation – X-shaped ventilation, patented Ergo Air® concept, & a Power Mesh stretchable upper hand
- Exceptional comfort and shock absorption without losing handlebar feel – 3mm/5mm Biogel® padding
- Superior airflow and stretching – spandex and power mesh
Cons
- Nothing to complaint
Product Specs
| Outer material | Power Mesh and spandex |
| Inner material | Perforated leather-like material |
| Size | XS to XXL |
| Highlight Features | X-shaped ventilation, patented Ergo Air® concept, & a Power Mesh stretchable upper hand; 3mm/5mm Biogel® padding; spandex and power mesh |
Giro Bravo Gel LF Cycling Gloves
If you’re new to cycling gloves, this is a nice option for your very first try as it’s backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
While its size chart is quite various, it receives lots of compliments for its comfort, lightness, and durability.
The secret lies in its mixed materials, comprising of 10% oxidizing agent, 10% bentonite, and 80% rubber in the padding, and 6% spandex with 94% polyester in the palm.
About the upper hand, it’s crafted from 20% polyester and 80% nylon for better moisture wicking and flexibility. In addition to the added hook and loop closure, the glove is very easy and quick to take off or pull on.
Not just commuting, I found this product is also suitable for gravel, cyclocross, and cross-country riding.
Pros
- Reliable – backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty
- Versatile, ideal for commuting, gravel, cyclocross, and cross-country riding – feature high-quality mixed materials for good ventilation, comfort, lightness, and durability
Cons
- The Velcro keeps sticking to the glove itself
Product Specs
| Outer material | [upper] 80% nylon, 20% polyester, [palm] 94% polyester, 6% spandex, |
| Inner material | 80% rubber, 10% bentonite, 10% oxidizing agent |
| Size | S to XXL |
| Highlight Features | backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty; feature high-quality mixed materials for good ventilation, comfort, lightness, and durability |
Trideer Padded Cycling Gloves
The Trideer is a nicely fitting glove for all purposes, such as exercise, bodybuilding, general workouts, driving, cycling, BMX, and more.
It meets all of my requirements in terms of durability, softness, shock absorption, and protection.
Wrapped around on the outside is a layer of high-quality microfiber material, padded inside (especially on the palm) is a special silica gel with road vibration absorption and pressure distribution properties. The pull tabs and wrist adjustment, on the other hand, give you a perfect fit and ease of pulling gloves off/on.
The best part is its touch recognition for easy usage in touching your tablets or any kinds of touchable control electronic devices.
Regardless, this glove is praised for its superior workmanship, due to the double-stitched design.
Pros
- Great road vibration absorption and pressure distribution – a special silica gel
- Allow you to use your touchable control electronic devices without removing the gloves – touch recognition
- Superior workmanship – double-stitched design
Cons
- Wish the Velcro strap were better
Product Specs
| Outer material | The special silica gel palm & microfiber |
| Inner material | 5mm palm pad cushion |
| Size | S to XL |
| Highlight Features | a special silica gel; touch recognition; double stitched design |
POC Essential Road Bike Cycling Gloves
The POC Essential Road Light Cycling Gloves are my favorite choice for road riding as it gives a perfect balance of comfort and performance while riding.
That’s a big thank you to the 4-way stretch mesh fabric on the backside of the hand, giving extra protection during the ride.
Another feature that I really like is the silicon print across the palms which provides far better traction and improved grips. Combined with thin padding and fingerless design, it gives you a superior handlebar feel, which is a big plus for long-term rides.
Some other highlight features are adjustable pull tab, Terry cloth nose wipe, and ventilated palms.
Pros
- Offer a perfect balance of comfort and performance – 4-way stretch mesh fabric on the back
- Excellent handlebar feeling – silicon print across the palms, thin padding and fingerless design
Cons
- Pricey
Product Specs
| Outer material | Breathable 4-way stretch mesh fabric & Silicone print |
| Inner material | Terry cloth nose wipe |
| Size | XS-XL |
| Highlight Features | 4-way stretch mesh fabric on the back; silicon print across the palms, thin, and fingerless design |
Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 Cycling Gloves
I really didn’t expect that the Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 would win me over as the best cycling gloves for cyclocross. It is made of micro mesh back, silicone grip, and gel padding – much like other counterparts here.
But the more I wore it, the more capable I realized it is.
The added microsuede thumb and lightweight construction make it endurable and comfortable enough for tough rides.
Fora better fit, there also comes with hook and loop closure. The size is perfect – measured by 6” wide and 2” high, and besides, there are up to six size options to choose from.
Pros
- Versatile – microsuede thumb, gel padding, and micromesh back
- Good grips – silicone grip
Cons
- The stitching could be stronger
Product Specs
| Outer material | Nylon, Micromesh & Microsuede |
| Inner material | gel |
| Size | XS to XXL |
| Highlight Features | microsuede thumb, gel padding, and micromesh back; silicone grip |
Chrome Cycling Gloves
If you want more full-finger cycling glove options, this is another pair worth considering. It is created with imitation leather for extra protection and Lycra mesh on the back to keep your hands cooler during summer rides.
All the materials are specifically picked to be lightweight, soft, and skin-friendly to not cause unwanted pressure points, itchiness, or annoying feeling to the user.
Combined with the adjustable wrist strap for secure fitting.
What I like the most is you can feel free to use your touchable control electronic devices with no need to remove it. But take note that only the pointer finger and thumb are touchscreen-friendly.
As a big bonus, there comes with a reflective chrome strip and logo for safe night riding.
Pros
- Provide extra protection – imitation leather
- Breathable, ideal for summer rides – Lycra mesh on the back
- Touchscreen-friendly design
Cons
- Not many size options
Product Specs
| Outer material | polyester lycra mesh & imitation leather |
| Size | XS to XL |
| Highlight Features | imitation leather; Lycra mesh on the back; Touchscreen-friendly design |
INBIKE Cycling Gloves
This cycling glove will save you from wrist pain and palm sore commonly caused by long-term rides.
It is very comfortable and the gel pad is thick, which absolutely helps when you fall off your bike. The size, meanwhile, is big enough to fit without binding. The glove is easy to put on but taking it off is a different story.
A good addition is the reflective trim, especially for those riders who occasionally rides home from work when it starts to get a little darker earlier in the fall.
It also has a place to wipe your nose. Overall, I highly recommend the INBIKE Cycling Gloves for spring to fall riding.
Pros
- Easy to wear – V-shaped design & Low-profile hook and loop fastener closure
- Comfortable and protective – the gel pad & thicken EVA foam
- Safe to ride at night – reflective trim
Cons
- The huge Velcro closure is unattractive
Product Specs
| Outer material | Polyester |
| Inner material | Polyester |
| Size | M to XXL |
| Highlight Features | shaped design & Low-profile hook and loop fastener closure; the gel pad & thicken EVA foam; reflective trim |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Cycling Gloves In 2021
Padding levels
Padding is key to absorb all road shock and impact during the ride. It also distributes the pressure, keeping your hands from fatigue and sore, especially after long-term riding.
However, too much padding will give you a side effect, which is cumbersomeness around your hand, making it feel unnatural and lack of handlebar feel.
In other words, the thinner the padding, the better the handlebar feel and meanwhile, the lesser the hand protection against impact and vibration.
While choosing cycling gloves, you’ll usually see the term “zero padding”. It means the glove has no padding at all.
This is a preference issue.
Aside from the shell materials, padding is another feature affecting a glove’s price tag. at the current, there are three different padding materials:
- Gel: The softest and squishiest material on the market now for the highest comfort and protection levels. At the same time, it’s the most expensive, commonly found in mid-tier to high-end gloves.
- EVA: A bit cheaper is EVA padding, also known as ethyl vinyl acetate which you might usually see in running shoe cushioning. It’s moderately comfortable and supportive.
- Foam: The cheapest type out of a bunch and also the least protective, which I only recommend for beginners or tight-budget riders.
Size & Fit
Proper sizing plays a huge role in choosing cycling gloves as it not only affects how they fit your hands but also the protection against common issues, such as chafing.
Too big gloves will make your fingers wiggle inside, which is hard to grip the handlebars securely and properly. Meanwhile, too small gloves cause discomfort and chafing, especially when they dig deeply between your fingers.
How to choose the right size of cycling gloves for your hands?
Great question!
Glove size is actually the hand’s circumference measurement at the widest point below your knuckles. Besides, I recommend you to measure your hand’s length (from the wrist to the middle finger).
The longer indicator is your go-to glove size.
To give you a better idea of which one to choose, take a look at the following table:
| US | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 |
| EU | 2XS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
| HAND
(inches) |
5.7 – 6.2 | 6.2-6.7 | 6.7-7.2 | 7.2-7.7 | 7.7-8.2 | 8.2-8.7 | 8.7-9.2 | 9.2-9.7 |
| HAND
(centimeters) |
15-16 | 16.-17 | 17.-18 | 18-19 | 19-20 | 20-21 | 21-22 | 22-23 |
Design
There are two common types of cycling glove designs. They are the full-finger and the half-finger (or fingerless), specifically designed for specific uses.
The first one is, of course, the most protective and secure because of more coverage area, which is why it’s a good choice for off-road riding.
The half-finger gloves, on the other hand, is cooler and gives more handlebar feel than its counterparts despite the less protection level. It is highly recommended for road and path riding.
If your choice is the full-finger gloves, aside from its quality and performance, don’t forget to consider how touchscreen-friendly its fingers are.
Otherwise, you will have to take off the glove whenever wanting to use your smartphone or any touchable control electronic devices.
FAQs
What are the best gloves for cycling?
My recommendations are:
- QEPAE Cycling Gloves
- Endura FS260-Pro Cycling Gloves
- Castelli Arenberg Gel Cycling Gloves
- GORE WEAR Cycling Gloves
- Sportful Bodyfit Pro Cycling Gloves
Do cycling gloves make a difference?
Yes, they do. Compared to ordinary gloves, they are added with more padding at the palms for superior protection against handlebars as well as fatigue during hours of riding.
What should I look for in cycling gloves?
There are three solid things you should keep in mind when looking for cycling gloves:
- Padding levels
- Size & fit
- Design
For more information, find my complete buying guide as written above.
What are the best cycling gloves for winter?
I highly recommend:
- QEPAE Cycling Gloves
- Endura FS260-Pro Cycling Gloves
How do I keep my hands warm when cycling?
Here are some effective tips to keep your hands warm when cycling:
- Keep your core warm
- Wear well-insulated cycling gloves
- Shake your hands (one by one) to promote better blood flow
Conclusion
There are many good cycling gloves available these days, utilizing new technology and material blends to make them lighter with no compromise of quality, protection, and performance.
But with an avalanche of options on the market, choosing the best cycling gloves can be challenging.
I hope I have helped you narrow down your choices and find the right pair for your next trips. Thanks a lot for reading!