Blisters. Numbness. Chafing. Sweaty hands. If you have ever gone on a run then you know that one of these is inevitable. The last thing you want to be worrying over on a long ride is how much your hands hurt, especially if you are on a tricky bit of trail on a downhill slope. There is always a risk that on a tight curve of hitting a tree or other foliage and ending up with scrapes, cuts, and bruises because you weren't wearing any protection. Not to mention the inevitable numb hands as the bike shakes and bounces over rough terrain. A good pair of MTB mountain bike gloves have basically become a staple for serious cyclists, but picking the best mountain bike gloves to buy can be complicated.
Why You Should Use MTB Gloves
Avoid Numbness
One of the most important reasons for needing to find the best gloves for mountain biking is numbness. The ulnar nerve is a major nerve in your arm that runs from from the side of your pinkie finger all the way up to the neck and shoulder.
When mountain biking, you bear weight on your hands and arms. A lot of riders report experiencing numbness in their hands and arms after a ride and sometimes the reason can be directly tied to their grip and type of glove they are (or aren't) using.
Long-term ulnar nerve damage can eventually lead to weakness or tenderness in the hand, tingling in the palm and fourth and fifth fingers, sensitivity to cold, and tenderness in the elbow joint. Not exactly good for those who want to keep riding.
Provide Protection
The other major factor for wearing gloves is protection. Having a pair of mountain bike gloves on those palms for the next inevitable tumble will save your hands from scrapes and cuts from the ground.
I once overcompensated on a turn and ended up in a pretty bad accident. Stupidly, I was not wearing a pair of gloves as I thought the trail was easy. I ended up having to ride several miles back to my car with serious gravel rash. Never again.
Even if you don't have a major crash, you still need something that will protect your hands from foliage as you whip past them or knocks against trees and rocks.
Prevent Slipping
Weather is the other big consideration. Even if you feel like it is too hot in the summer to wear MTB gloves, the truth is, gloves keep your sweaty palms from slipping on the handles. This is, in itself a type of protection as you often don't have time on a tricky run to be stopping to wipe your hands off because they are sweaty. Once you start to factor in cold weather, gloves become both protection and an absolute necessity.
There is nothing that will turn a good ride into an absolute miserable experience than freezing hands.
Things to Consider in Mountain Biking Gloves
There are a number of different features and considerations you need to think about before determining what the best mountain bike gloves are for you. We want you to be comfortable while also looking good while going flat out.
Size and Fit
Standard sizing is based on the length, in inches, around the palm of your dominate hand ranging in size from 6 1/2" -12". Most companies simply size small, medium, and large, which means you will need to use their size chart and a tape measurer around your palm to determine your proper size.
Personally, I prefer a glove that feels a little tight as I know it will stretch over time. You want a glove that fits like a second skin. Loose gloves can be uncomfortable, create problems when gripping the handles, and can leave blisters.
Some feature Velcro or snap enclosure at the wrist. Well-fitted gloves should stay put with just an elastic enclosure, although some riders like the added security of Velcro as it cinches down on the wrist. A draw-string enclosure or zipper is used for winter gloves to help keep the cold out. You have to be careful with winter gloves as some are often bulky and end up being just as problematic for grip as a loose glove would be. Summer riding is better with an elastic wrist as it allows you to remove the glove quickly.
Protection
For mountain bike gloves, there are several different levels of protection to take into consideration. It isn't uncommon for those who ride, to have two or even three kinds depending on the type of trail they are tackling.
Level 1
Basic protection, like summer cycling mitts or running gloves will protect your palm in a crash and prevent scratches for foliage.
Level 2
Will include features like reinforced panels in the finger, back of the hand, and/or palm. Material will often be a sturdier synthetic fabric.
Level 3
Protection will have rigid panels on the back of the hand for hard hard impacts along with additional padding in the palm. Synthetic leather fabric will offer additional protection.
Level 4
These are the real heavy duty gloves and include things like double-layering, thick plastic armor over the fingers and top of the hand, additional padding on the sides of the gloves and in the palm.
Conditions/Climate
If you are an all-weather rider, you may be looking for the best mountain bike gloves that includes waterproof membranes that will keep your hands dry in inclement weather. Of course, this same fabric isn't always the best for breathability so there are times where you may have to sacrifice waterproof for summer proof.
For me, what's really important is how easily washable the glove is and how does it withstand dirt, debris, mud, and rain. As long as it can be washed (and not shrink in the wash) then that is the more important factor when it comes to inclement weather.
Materials
Most MTB gloves these days are made out of acrylic, fleece, polypropylene, polyester, synthetic leather, or some mixture of these. Each material has their pros and cons. Polyester, for example, is a very breathable fabric and wicks away moisture, but offers very little wind resistance and has no waterproofing. Synthetic leather on the other hand is more durable and is used to offer more protection.
Fabric that also draws sweat away from your skin and brings it to the surface for evaporation, also called wicking, is very helpful, especially if you're riding in summer or have naturally sweaty hands.
Padding Level
Remember that ulnar nerve? Padding is one of the defences if you find yourself getting numb hands.
Padding comes in a range of thicknesses ranging from 2mm all the way up to 6mm. Some padding is just in the palm of the hand, while others offer padding from wrist to fingertip, with room to move of course. Different types of material are used for padding, although gel padding has become rather popular.
Grip
Most gloves come with some kind of grip to improve your grip on the handlebars. Some include additional silicone grippers or rubber patterns on the fingers for gear shifting and brakes or even silicone fingertips.
How much grip you need in your glove is entirely dependent on how you ride, how your gears are positioned on the bike, and whether you prefer to have a tighter or looser grip on the handlebars.
Ventilation/Breathability
This is when the glove’s fabric (or several different fabrics, as is more likely) allow water vapor to escape. Non-breathable fabrics mean moisture gets trapped next to the skin where on a cold day it becomes clammy and cold, or hot and uncomfortable on summer days.
There are winter and summer weights. Look for winter gloves that still give you dexterity. Summer gloves are designed to keep you cool. Fingerless is an option, although these tend to bunch up between the fingers causing discomfort and even blisters. Summer gloves often use a lightweight vented fabric for breathability. Having fabric that doesn't breathe will only add to your discomfort as you ride.
Comfort
Speaking of discomfort, it is important that a glove be a snug fit, like an extension of your hand. You should be able to forget that it is there. If you have a glove that is causing you pain, creating blisters, is too big, or makes your hands sweaty or uncomfortable, then you need new gloves. Gloves that have two way stretch in their design can also add to the comfortability.
Warmth
While most gloves will provide some additional degree of warmth, the best MTB winter gloves are specifically designed to keep all your digits warm when the thermometer drops.
The unfortunate side effect is that winter gloves designed for cold weather are often a bit heavier and more restrictive. Which is why most runners have gloves for both winter and summer. Some switch to fingerless gloves for the summer so they can have the padding in the hands and some grip, but keep their hands cool as the temperature soars.
Additional Features
There are also some extra features that may be handy to look for.
Touch Screen Compatibility
Being able to use your phone without having to take off your gloves is great and a lot of gloves have this feature. However, fair warning, if your gloves get dirty or you just use them a lot, this feature becomes a bit non-functional.
Pro tip: You can use the tip of your nose to use a touch screen when needed.
Gel Pad Technology
Some, like the The DoctorGel® system was developed in collaboration with active athletes and doctors and were specifically designed to reduce the feeling of pins and needles in the fingers. This technology is constantly developing, but worth a look into if you are wanting to be on the cutting edge of glove tech.
Velcro Closure
Velcro is a wonderful invention and a number of gloves come with Velcro around the wrist. However, it is also the first thing to wear out on a glove. Probably not a big deal if you only ride occasionally, but if you're riding daily, you may want to avoid the Velcro.
Nose Wipes
A must have. Period. I don't buy a glove without this. It's good to keep sweat out of the eyes in the summer. But more importantly, having a built in "snot rag" for the winter is really important.
Top 9 Mountain Bike Glove Reviews
Best Mountain Bike Gloves for Hot Weather
Handup Most Days Mountain Bike MTB Bicycle Enduro Downhill XC Cycling Motocross Full Finger Gloves
These are a super thin summer glove that are appropriately billed as a "glove for most days". Although there aren't as many holes for breathability, the fabric is thin enough that it isn't a big deal. There is no Velcro, which means you won't have to buy a new pair when the Velcro wears out. These are a snug fit, but not uncomfortably so. They also come in a variety of colors and they are always coming up with new designs. My personal favorite are the NASA pair. Good for the weekend warriors or someone who wants to race, and priced appropriately for what it is.
These are the best enduro gloves for the summer time.
Specs: 4-way stretch, lightweight mesh on the back of hand, single-layer Clarino leather palm with no bunching, Silicone printed graphics for extra grip, sweat cloth on thumb
Best Winter Mountain Bike Gloves
CASTELLI Mens Spettacolo ROS Glove
These full-fingered gloves are suitable for even the coldest of months making some of the best mountain bike winter gloves in our opinion. There is a unique zipper design that keeps the gloves tight and you won't have to worry about the velcro wearing out. The shell of the glove is match of two-way stretch water-resistant windproof synthetic material with a warm lining inside. They also feature grippers and aren't so bulky that you can't move in them. Although the padding is thin, but these gloves fulfill their purpose of keeping your fingers warm even when it is literally freezing outside.
Specs: Nylon, stretch water-resistant windproof synthetic, PrimaLoft Gold, zipper closure, 1 year warranty
Best Padded Mountain Bike Gloves
Endura Hummvee Plus Full Finger Cycling Glove
Coming in both men's and women's the Endura Plus gloves take their popular Lite glove and add a ton of padding. The gel padding isn't obtrusive though with just the right amount on the palm. They also feature a terry cloth section along the index and thumb fingers for wiping sweat away, durable material, and firm grips. Breathable enough for summer, but warm enough for cold weather (although not dead winter), these full finger gloves make for a great three-season ride. These gloves do stretch out a bit, so we recommend ordering a bit smaller. These really are the best mountain gloves for numbness.
Specs: Hook and Loop closure, 4-way stretch breathable mesh back, embossed neoprene knuckle protection panels, mesh web between fingers for maximum ventilation, durable synthetic leather palm with Gel padding for comfort, sure fit wrist cuff with Velcro adjuster, sweat cloth.
Best Women's Mountain Bike Gloves
Giro La DND Women's Mountain Cycling Gloves
If you're tired of women's cycling gear that is covered in pink or flowers or butterflies, then these full fingered gloves are the perfect solution. They come in simple black as well or grey, and if you do actually love pink, that color is available as well. There is no padding in the palm, but these mountain bike gloves are made from a breathable lightweight material and will protect you from errant sticks and branches. They will also keep your hands warm in most weather. These are efficient, practical, comfortable gloves that can take a beating and last well past a season. The only drawback is that they are do not have touch screen capability, but for the price point I think that is just fine.
Specs: Synthetic polyester, nylon palm, hook and loop closure
Best Unisex Mountain Bike Gloves
Fox Racing Ranger Mountain Bike Gloves
These versatile Fox gloves are a great all-around glove for short runs. The padding is minimal in the palm, but the just right amount that you need for a quick turn. They look great, are comfortable, and have great ventilation. In fact, they're such a great fit that you can just forget about them once you have them on. There isn't really a break-in period for these gloves. Features include touch screen capability, moisture wicking, and Velcro wrist.
Specs: 100% nylon, pull-on, sweat cloth, Trugel gel palm protection.
Best Full Finger Mountain Bike Gloves
Troy Lee Designs 2020 Air Gloves
I actually wasn't sure which of the Troy lee designs to include here because they have so many great gloves. Air, Revox, Pro, Ace. Ultimately, I landed on the Air, as I feel like these are the best full finger mountain bike gloves out of their collection. Coming in more colors then any other glove on our list, Troy lee designs has created a breathable pair of gloves that not only protect your fingers and palm, but are lightweight and include a Velcro closure, touch screen capability, and wicking capabilities.
Troy Lee makes a very tight fitting glove, so it helps to order a size up.
Specs: Synthetic materials, Velcro strap, 1 year warranty, touchscreen compatible.
Best Fingerless Mountain Bike Gloves
ROTTO Cycling Gloves Half Full Finger Mountain Bike Gloves for Men Women with Gel and SBR Padding
Honestly, it's the padding that moves this one to the top of this list. The gel and SBR rubber padding on the palm efficiently provides shock absorption and reduces the pressure on your hands.
The moisture wicking lycra material on the back keeps your hands cool, which is essential for a summer gloves. There are additional air holes on the palm and fingers. The thumb also feature a microfiber patch to wipe sweat away, something I don't see a lot on fingerless gloves.
Obviously, being fingerless, there's only so much they can do to protect your hands. Ultimately, these really are the best mountain bike gloves if you prefer to run fingerless, but get some padding and coolness during a hot summer run.
Specs: Gel and SBR rubber padding, moisture-wicking lycra, air hols on palms and fingers, sweat cloth, adjustable closure, PU material on palm and fingers, touchscreen capability, one year warranty.
Best Gloves with Useable Features
Pearl iZUMi Women's Ride Men's Divide Gloves
This glove has it all: Sweat pads, slip-on, color choices, touch screen stitching on the index finger, lightweight, and breathable. The design has changed a bit, which means this one isn't made of the same thick durable material of old, but it will still take a beating. It also seems to last a bit longer because there isn't stitching right on the tip of the index and middle fingers. I do wish there was a bit more grip on the bike gloves, but for this price point I think this is a great glove with a lot of great features.
Specs: Synthetic fibers, pull-on closure, machine washable, sweat cloth, touchscreen compatible.
Best Mountain Biking Gloves Overall
Giro Remedy X2 Men's Downhill Cycling Gloves
The Remedy X2 are an exceptionally comfortable glove with a variety of useful and useable features. Well-placed padding on the palm, back of hand, and knuckles? Check. Added protection with durable fabric? Check. Perfect for summer, fall, or winter? Check. The Remedy X2 is also unisex, comes in four colors, has a hook and loop tab for pulling them on, moisture wicking, touch screen technology, and a microfiber thumb wipe. It has everything you need in a good mountain bike glove.
Specs: hook and loop closure, AX Suede synthetic leather, sweat cloth, Poron XRD heel pad, Poon XRD knuckle protection, one year warranty.
Conclusion
These days, mountain bikes gloves have a ton of features and are made for all types of weather, that won't break your wallet and will look good while you are going all out. Deciding on which one works best for you, may be a matter of testing out a few and getting a feel for them.
If you are an active biker, you will find yourself needing several pairs of good mountain bike gloves. Ultimately the best MTB gloves should be comfortable for you while you ride. We highly recommend the Giro Remedy X2 as the best mountain bike gloves all round. They have the perfect amount of padding, are great for all kinds of weather and are also unisex!
See you on the trail!