Mountain Bike Gloves might be one of those things that you pay little attention to unless you get a lousy pair on your hands and wish you could have a better one. Some riders even choose to bike bare hands.
However, the best mountain bike gloves can significantly improve your biking experience by providing a stronger grip and protection against sharp plants or branches. They also make your ride way more comfortable by protecting your fingers from frostbite in winters.
On the other hand, a second-rate pair of gloves can cause blisters by rubbing and pinching, and bothering you all the time. Therefore, it is important to invest in a good pair after doing a decent amount of research. We have put together a list of the best mountain biking gloves available in the market to save you time.
Top 15 Best Mountain Biking Gloves 2023
1. Giro Dnd
The Giro DND is widely popular as a major product of Giro?s mountain bike glove line-up. The traditional glove features a relatively unchanged design as compared to the previous versions. It has a comfortable blend of a 4-way stretch breathable mesh at the rear part of the hand and the palm covered with AX Suede synthetic leather.
The 4-way stretch mesh enhances the fit of these gloves. The additional ?Super-Fit? engineered three-panel construction of the palm improves the bar-feel by reducing the bunching of the material. They feel instantly comfortable, as soon as you put them on, and are proved to be the best suited for warmer temperatures (60 degrees and above).
The design is minimalistic without any extra padding for the back of the hand or the knuckles. However, the thumb on them does have a large piece of soft chammy that is helpful to wipe off sweat or runny noses. The tips of the index finger, middle finger, and thumb have two wide silicone strips for stronger grips for shifter paddles and brake levers.
The glove also has conduction threads stitched into the tip of the index finger and the thumb. This helps in better compatibility with touchscreens so that you don?t miss out on any selfies and shred shots while out on the trail. It stood up to a couple of full speed washouts with minimal signs of wear.
The men?s DND comes in 5 sizes, from small to XXL, and in 11 different colorways, whereas the women?s version, known as the LA DND is currently available in sizes S-XL and four different colors.
Key Features
- Well-refined fit
- Good breathability
- Compatible with touchscreen
- Minimal protection
2. Moreok Half Finger Biking Gloves
Made with knitted mesh fabric and breathable high elastic LYCRA, MOREOK is extremely comfortable to wear. It has a hook and loop closure, a special elastic fabric patch and widened velcro at the wrist. The anti-slip suede on the palm lets your hands be completely relaxed and comfortable while biking.
The palm also has extra thick 5 mm gel padding with a non-slip silicone surface that is great for relieving pain and fatigue. It also offers super shock absorption and reduced numbness from fatigue on the biking road. The part outside the thumb has a highly absorbent TERRY CLOTH that can wipe sweat easily.
The functional and durable microsuede on the palm helps to provide the perfect fit and an enhanced grip, and keeps your hands dry and cool with the moisture-wicking mesh. The velcro on the wrist is adjustable through the tab on the finger. They wrap tightly around your wrist allowing increased dexterity and movement without any stiff or bulky feeling. Ideal for hiking, cycling, motorcycle driving, camping, and climbing, it is perfect for both men and women.
It can be machine-washed and comes with 30-day no hassle returns, a 12-month warranty, and customer service for a lifetime.
Key Features
- 5 mm gel padding for comfort
- Velcro adjustment on the wrist
- Anti-slip suede on the palm
- Good for warmer temperatures
3. Seibertron Dirtpaw Unisex Full Finger Gloves
The Seibertron Dirtpaw is made of 30% Polyamide, 30% Synthetic leather, 15% Polyvinyl, 15% Neoprene, and 10% Polyurethane. They can be used for protection while BMX Biking, Mountain Biking, Downhill biking, or any sport with chances of crashes or falls. They are quite versatile and are designed to protect you in any situation with a handful of protective features.
It has direct-inject rubber graphics and logos on the backsidewhich also serve to protect the finger knuckles from any injury or impact from an accident. The gloves are lightly padded with Lycra finger Gusset and Silicone Gripper on every finger. The wrist has a hook-and-loop-closure.
It has touch recognition enabled on the tip of the index finger rather than on the finger?s belly. The style provides maximum performance at an affordable price. It has a full-refund promise within 30 days of the purchase in case you are unsatisfied for any reason. After a month, you can claim a full replacement warranty in case of manufacturing defects within a year after the purchase.
Key Features
- Direct-inject rubber logo for protection
- Affordable price
- Silicone grip on every finger
4. Gearonic Cycling Shockproof Short Gloves
This Shockproof glove by GEARONIC is made of the highest-quality heavy duty material. With super-durable abrasion palm material and foam pad, it is designed to provide the utmost support and comfortable compression to the palm and fingers.
Featuring breathable mesh and elasticized microfiber on the back, it is extremely comfortable for MTB, gym, casual or professional cycling, and a wide range of other sports activities. The anti-shock slip padding combined with the fingerless open thumb design makes it one of the best mountain biking gloves at its price range. Available in various sizes for both men and women, it can be maintained easily by machine wash.
Key Features
- Made with heavy-duty materials for more durability
- Fingerless design
- Affordable price
5. LuxoBike Cycling Gloves
LuxoBike Gloves are great to relieve hand fatigue with their 4-zone shock-absorbing pads placed strategically throughout the palm. They also help in dampening road vibrations and minimizing numbness.
The backside is made of stretchable Lycra that lets your hand cool off and breathe. It is secured with an adjustable hook-and-loop-closure that helps in enhancing the flexibility of your wrist. Microsuede on the palm is supple and durable, and provides maximum grip and the perfect fit. The gloves feature no-slip half fingers for maximum contact with the handlebars. It also has a soft absorbent towel cloth on the thumbs to make it easier to wipe the sweat off.
The smart finger loops on it are easy to take off without having to turn them inside out. They confidently claim to be comfortable enough to make you forget you are even wearing gloves by the end of your ride.
Key Features
- Shock-absorbing pads on the palm
- No-slip half fingers
- Microsuede on the palm
- Hook and loop closure
6. Inbike Men Cycling Gloves
Wherever you go for a long ride on your bike without good gloves, it is bound to come with a hand ache. Even if you are an excellent cyclist, accidents can happen regardless. You need a pair of professional gloves for either of the aforementioned situations and INBIKE gloves are one of the best mountain bike gloves for the purpose.
It has 5 mm gel pads throughout the palm at the bearing positions. They act as a buffer layer that help to ease any fatigue in your palm while riding. If you meet with an accident and fall off, it is your hands that subconsciously support your body and therefore get hurt the most. Gloves with thick palm-pads are perfect to avoid this problem.
At the same time, the superfine fabric on the palm offers durability and anti-slip properties. The mesh cloth cools off your sweating hands. Designed for maximum convenience, these gloves feature some thoughtful designs.
A big hook-and-loop-fastener is not just stylish but also lets you wear and remove the gloves easily. The thumb terry cloth makes it easier to wipe off sweat and the pull-tabs make it easier to take the gloves off. Overall, it has a trustworthy and high-quality performance.
Key Features
- Exceptional protection in case of accidents
- Anti-slip fabric on the palm
- Hook and loop closure
7. Htzploo Half Finger Bike Gloves
HTZPLOO bike gloves are one of the most reliable pairs to strengthen your athletic prowess by allowing you the confidence and courage to accept any challenge. They provide comprehensive protection with three major features: stability, controllability, and comfort.
The pair has non-slip silicone gel covering the entire palm for a stronger grip on the bar and avoiding injuries. The palm area is also designed for sensitive and accurate control over the handlebar in situations where you are racing at a high speed or have to face complex road conditions. Shock-absorbent padding also helps to relieve hand fatigues and reduce road vibrations.
The smooth and elastic cloth on the backside enhances the flexibility of your hand letting you focus on your riding. These gloves are also suitable for casual riding with their lightweight design to reduce the burden on hands and two tiny finger loops to pull the gloves off easily. They are primarily made of Lycra that conforms to the shape of your hand giving it a skin-like feel. The thumb has a towel cloth of microfiber to wipe sweat.
Key Features
- Non-slip silicone gel
- Shock absorbent padding
- Lightweight design
- Skin-like feel
8. Fox Racing Ranger
The Fox Racing Ranger is probably the best mountain biking gloves in terms of looks. It has a minimalistic and sleek design along with a versatile fit, quality construction, and all-day comfort. The new re-designed look contributes to their longstanding reputation for durability and quality. The 4-way stretch polyester construction complemented by a small velcro wrist strap ensures a snug fit for several hand sizes and shapes.
The index finger, middle finger, and thumb have three large strips of silicone on their tips for extra grip on brake and shift levers. According to customer reviews, the gloves are quite easy to put on and remove. Even after rigorous riding, the exceptional construction quality did not let a single thread out of place, which is impressive for a glove at this price.
Though the material feels quite soft and comfortable, some reviews also claim that the seams on the fingertips are mediocre. Every glove has four panels of materials combining at the tips that create a small bulge in the interior. This irritates the skin a bit and is a common problem with a lot of gloves. However, the new design of Rangers has well-constructed seams with reduced discomfort.
Similar to any other minimalist glove, it isn?t ideal to be used in temperatures lower than 60 degrees. There are versions of Fox Ranger available for men, in four colors and five size options, and for women in three colors and four size options.
Key Features
- Minimal and sleek design
- Velcro wrist wrap
- Very durable
- Not ideal for cold temperatures
9. Grebarley Cycling Gloves
These gloves by Grebarley are made of highly elastic microfiber that makes them soft, breathable, anti-abrasive, lightweight, and extremely comfortable to wear. Three pieces of gel padding of different shapes are distributed on the palm to provide adequate shock absorption, reduced hand fatigue, and road vibrations.
The palm along with the back also has an air-venting system that makes it permeable to perspiration and air. It also helps to avoid puffiness of the palm even during vigorous exercise. The thumb and index fingers have small touch-sensitive pads so that you can use any touchscreen devices even without having to remove the gloves.
If you are unsatisfied with the product for any reason, you can return it with a full refund within a month. Otherwise, you get a 12-month warranty and lifetime customer service. So go ahead, there is no harm in trying it out.
Key Features
- Breathable and lightweight
- Soft high-elastic microfiber
- Air-venting system to avoid puffiness
10. Firelion Cycling Gloves
Made with 65% Nylon, 14% Polyurethane, 9% Elastane, 6% Chloroprene, 5% Spandex and 1% Polyester, the FIRELION is extremely comfortable. Gel foam padding is used across the pressure zones of the palm to absorb shock and provide coverage and relief from hand fatigue. The palm also contains synthetic leather which is supple and durable, and reduces hand numbness.
The surface made of lycra, spandex, terry cloth, and mesh makes it breathable, keeping your hands cool even on a hot day, and fits snugly on the hand without feeling too tight. Additionally, the soft absorbent microfiber on the thumb is helpful in wiping off sweat. You can also use touchscreen devices with the gloves on. It is safe for machine wash and is ideal for mountain biking, road cycling, exercising, BMX, etc.
Key Features
- Gel foam padding
- Synthetic leather on the surface
- Breathable
- Snug fit
11. 100% Cognito D30 Gloves
Cognito is one of the best mountain bike gloves for protection as it offers all of the necessary features of a good mountain bike glove. They have abrasion-resistant material, touchscreen capability, and silicone fingertip patches.
The finger knuckles are protected with a row of D30 pads that are super impact absorbent securing your precious digits from the harshest of impacts. Unlike a lot of padded gloves out there, this one doesn?t feel stiff or chunky on your hand while allowing the same range of motion and action as any non-padded glove. The fit is almost always true to size.
The knuckle protection is exceptional and provides extra confidence on any difficult trail. Even on hotter days and longer climbs, the ventilation is pleasantly surprising so you can also climb in a heavy protective glove. Cognito D30 is available in five sizes and colors.
Key Features
- D30 knuckle pads
- Highly breathable
- Comfortable fit
- No nose wipe
12. Dakine Covert Cycling Glove
Quite an all-rounder, Dakine Covert is a mid-weight construction that feels easy and comfortable even on rocky downhill tracks. It doesn?t have a velcro wrist strap but the stretchy nylon shell pulls smoothly on the back of your hand. The synthetic suede pad on the palm provides a comfortable buffer between the bar and your hand.
The suede palm material covers each finger going seamlessly over the fingertips. Silicone strips are placed on the thumb and index finger for better grip. The fit of the gloves is quite versatile with sufficient stretching potential for larger hands too. With sensible proportions, the gloves have a sleek, contour-hugging fit once you wear them.
The back of the hand is kept reasonably cool by breathable material on hot days and kept warm by decent insulation on cold days. The touchscreen compatibility is quite efficient. You might want to go for a more protective glove if you mostly ride fast downhills but this one is perfect for casual, daily rides on mixed terrain. They come in three color options with sizes XS-XXL for men and XS-XL for women.
Key Features
- Super comfortable
- Highly breathable
- Reasonably priced
- Not the most protective
13. Giro Blaze 2.0 Unisex Winter Cycling Gloves
Anytime you find yourself in the cold with a temperature below 50 degrees, Giro Blaze 2.0 is what you want. They claim to be best suited for a range of 40-50 degrees. Polartec Windbloc fabric with a lining of microfleece covers the back of the hand and does a great job of completely blocking any wind.
Whether you are on a trail ride or just cruising down for some beer from the market, Blaze 2.0 is extremely helpful in preventing your fingertips from turning white and waiting in pain for the circulation to regain. It fits snugly and comfortably. The Windbloc fabric is not stretchy and has some excess material on the back of the hand in contrast to a warm-weather riding glove.
It has a thin layer of AX Suede Echo material that gives unmatched dexterity and bar feel. There is a soft fleece chammy running from the tip of the index to the wrist cuff which is great for runny noses on cold rides. Touchscreen compatibility is enabled by the conduction threads stitched onto the tips of the thumb and index finger.
However, the fingers are a little too bulky for rather more complicated tasks like texting. All in all, Blaze 2.0 is one of the best mountain biking gloves for when the mercury dips towards the freezing mark. It comes in five sizes and two color options for men with a women?s version that is called Inferna.
Key Features
- Windproof
- Ideal for cool weather
- Extremely comfortable
- Somewhat bulky
14. Gore-Tex Infinium
Gore Wear Infinium is one of the best choices for muddy, sloppy rides on cold rainy days. It keeps your hands nice and cozy even when the rain has soaked everything else. The outer shell is water-repellent, win-proof, and sturdy with an extremely comfortable interior crafted from a cloud-like polyester lining.
It is also breathable enough for any heating up during a climb with a terry cloth patch behind the thumb to wipe runny noses or fogged lenses. There is a silicone strip at the base of every finger for a stronger grip on the handlebar when it gets wet. The fit allows maximum dexterity and is not at all bulky for such a warm glove. It is available in seven sizes and two colors.
However, we also need to keep in mind some seemingly disadvantageous features of the gloves as well. Though they are water repellant, they are not entirely waterproof, which means they are perfect for damp weather or a drizzle but not for a heavy downpour or a dip in a puddle if you drop something. Apart from that, the touchscreen feature is sometimes slightly finicky.
Key Features
- Water repellent material ideal for damp days
- Soft liner material
- Slightly expensive
15. Pearl iZumi Softshell Gel Gloves
The Pearl Izumi provides remarkable insulation from cold winter. It is one of the warmest gloves you can find to tackle temperatures that drop below the freezing point. It has Primaloft insulation and fleece lining on the inside. The palm has gel pads that allow a comfortable interface with the handlebars and the fingers have silicone on the tips to establish a secure link between the brake levers and fingers.
There is surprisingly no loss of dexterity combined with a sleek fit considering the warmth the gloves provide from the insulation. The touchscreen compatibility on the thumb and index finger is quite responsive. You can even add or remove any layer of clothing or open a packet of energy bar without having to remove the gloves.
As they are designed specifically for freezing and frosty weather, it doesn?t breathe very well in slightly warmer temperatures. Pearl Izumi is available in four sizes and only black for women and in five sizes and in colors black and screaming yellow for men.
Key Features
- Fleece liner interior
- Well-insulated for freezing weather
- Gel palm pads
- Slightly bulky
- Not very breathable
Factors To Consider Before Buying Best Mountain Bike Gloves
1. Fit
One of the most crucial things to look for in a new pair of gloves is their fit. It plays an important role in performance and comfort. Looking for the correct size is obviously the first step, but there are some other factors as well.
You should also look into the length, shape, stretch of materials, articulation of fingers, ease of getting them on or off, and if customers have observed any unwanted bunching. The reviews are also helpful to know if the particular model runs true to size–smaller or larger as it varies from brand to brand.
2. Comfort
Though comfort is somewhat subjective, there are several objective factors influencing how comfortable a mountain bike glove is. The first determinant is the material used in its construction. It determines the breathability to keep your hands cool on warmer days, and the insulation necessary to keep the blood flowing in the winter.
Comfort is also affected by the stretch in the material. Almost all gloves that aim for a precise fit use stretchy polyester fabrics. Secondly, a glove?s construction plays a vital role in its comfort. The interior seams of most gloves run along the sides of the fingers and palm. The comfort gap between a bulky, sloppy glove and a sleek, well-seamed glove is huge.
Moreover, poor placement of seams can cause hotspots or blisters on the hand over time. The most comfortable gloves are those that cleverly avoid seams in the palm area and fingertips.
3. Features
There are several features that distinguish every glove model. The most common ones include silicone fingertips, touchscreen compatibility, ventilation, moisture-wicking capability, and padding. It is not just the presence of these features but also how effective they are according to each brand?s claim and customer reviews.
It is always tempting to take out your phone and click pictures in the lap of Mother Nature on those beautiful trails. Therefore, it is painful and irritating to pull your gloves off every time you want to take a picture. Touchscreen compatibility has become an essential feature in mountain bike gloves and is pretty much present in every model by default.
4. Protection
There is no doubt that a gloved hand is better than a bare one but not all gloves are designed to offer equal safety and protection to your fingers. Some gloves are created in a more minimalistic design and provide only a thin layer of coverage to the knuckles, the palm, and the back of your hand. These gloves do a decent job of keeping your hands scuff-free in the event of a brush encounter or a quick dirt slide but nothing more severe than that.
The other type of models are created for the purpose of providing protection using materials like gel pads, foam, or rubber distributed throughout the palm, back of the hands, and knuckles to help out in the event of an accident. There are also gloves with insulation and waterproof materials that are intended to provide protection from the weather during winters or monsoons.
5. Durability
Mountain biking gloves get subjected to some serious abuse. Amidst close encounters with trees, prickers, and bushes, taking the brunt impact when you hit the deck and constant contact with your grips, they will not last forever.
However, if you don?t meet with any serious accident or crash, you can comfortably get a full season of riding out of any pair. The durability of a glove is determined by the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and of course, the intensity and type of abuse you put them through.
Best Mountain Bike Gloves – Conclusion
It must be obvious by now that a good pair of mountain biking gloves are worth spending your money on. They will enhance your performance and make the entire experience more enjoyable. We hope this review helped you decide the perfect pair for you according to your riding style, the weather you encounter the most and your overall needs.