The Best Race Motorcycle Gloves For 2024
We’d Know: We’ve Hands-On Tested 2500+ Pieces Of Riding Gear Since 2000
Our picks are based on gloves that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 2023 by Zach Poole.
About Our Glove Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Race Glove Buyer’s Guide
Motorcycle racing is about pushing yourself, your gear, and your bike to the very edge. And sometimes the only way to determine that edge is to cross the line and take the punishment the pavement hands out.
Wearing quality gear greatly increases your odds of walking away from a slide. Then, it’s just a matter of knowing where the line is and pushing yourself right back to it with confidence in your skills and the reliability of your gear.
When I think of the qualities I look for in a race glove, I can’t help but hear Hold On Loosely by 38 Special. That song sums up all that a race glove needs to allow a rider to do.
First, hold on loosely but don’t let go. And second, if you cling too tightly, you’re gonna lose control.
Good race gloves will provide all the durability, comfort, and protection that you need. Through the use of state of the art materials and innovative design, they’ll enhance your sense of touch instead of dulling it and allow you to hold on to your handlebars just the right amount.
As always, ride safe!
Best Entry Level Motorcycle Race Gloves
Priced under $100.
Alpinestars SP-8 V3
Why?
Getting ready for a track day? The Alpinestars SP-8 V3 glove is constructed from a highly abrasion-resistant mix of full-grain goat leather, synthetic leather, and racing DNA materials.
Enhanced levels of protection are found in features like the extended cuff for greater coverage and MotoGP-derived SP dual-density knuckle protectors. Equally important is control, and the SP-8 V3’s have a pre-shaped finger construction, along with a new anatomically-profiled grip insert on the palm and thumb delivering high levels of movement and comfort.
Key Specs
• Premium, full-grain goat leather and synthetic leather material construction is comfortable, durable and offers excellent abrasion resistance
• Extended cuff for greater coverage with an integrated closure for security and ease of use
• An innovative microfiber and PU grip insert is strategically positioned on the palm and thumb for excellent levels of grip control and durability
• Ergonomic stretch insert between palm and thumb offers improved range of hand movement and greater sensitivity while operating the bike controls
• Incorporates premium quality synthetic suede palm and landing reinforcement for grip, control and durability
• Perforated cuff plus perforated finger sidewalls for superb breathability
• Hook and loop cuff and wrist closure, plus elasticized wrist design for secure, personalized fit
• Pre-shaped, anatomical finger design and half inner/half outer external seams for comfort and exceptional feel
• Touchscreen compatible fingertip on index finger and thumb for use with touchscreen devices
• New construction for reduced seams and enhanced rider comfort
Protection & Safety
• EVA foam provides protection throughout the gloves
• TPU armor added to the protection of the little finger and the knuckles
• TPU hard-shell palm slider for added protection and to eliminate abrasion concerns in a slide
Sedici Chicane
Price: $80
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The “Sub $100 Racing Glove” category is sadly becoming an increasingly small one. Thankfully the likes of Sedici are keeping it alive with products like the Chicane glove - a piece of gear that satisfies safety requirements on the track, while also keeping the toll on the wallet light - a huge upside because as we all know, racing isn’t a cheap hobby.
The Sedici Chicane, which even takes its name from racing, is on the basic side of track gloves, but offers every bit of protection you could need, with features like palm sliders and hard knuckle protection.
Key Specs
• Drum-dyed goatskin leather construction
• Localized perforations at the fourchettes and back of the hand
• Precurved construction to reduce fatigue
• External finger seams for increase tactile feel
• Accordion stretch panels at the fingers and thumb for added flex and superior fit
• Amara suede overlay on the palm with silicone grip
• Double wrist cuff with additional wrist closure
• Touch Tech conductive leather at the index finger and thumb allow you to control your camera or phone
Protection & Safety
• Full floating hard knuckle protector with impact absorbing temperfoam
• Ergonomic palm slider set into double layer of leather for increased slide and abrasion protection
• Leather overlays provide added abrasion protection to the fingers
• Full double layer of leather on the little finger and outseam
Best Mid-Range Motorcycle Race Gloves
Priced $100 - $250.
Dainese X Ride
Why?
The Dainese X-Ride is the glove for riders looking to maintain maximum protection but wanting the movement found from a short cuff glove. Made with goatskin leather, the Ergo-Tek knuckles and nylon-carbon plates allow easy finger movement and excellent protection.
Key Specs
• Drum-dyed goatskin leather super soft palm
• Goatskin Leather
• Reinforcement in goatskin between thumb, index and palm
• Pre-curved finger
• Adjustable cuff strap
• Elastic insert on external thumb
• Microelastic elasticated inserts
• Neoprene cuff
• Smart touch technology
• Soft inserts
Protection & Safety
• DCP system on little finger
• Ergo-Tek knuckles
• Reinforced palm
• Thermoplastic resin inserts on side of little finger
• Gloves certified to CE – Cat. II – EN 13594/2015 Standard cat. II lev. 1
• Inserts in thermoplastic polyurethane on the palm
• One single leather panel to the side of the hand
Alpinestars GP Plus R V2
Why?
The Alpinestars GP Plus R has been debatably one of the best racing motorcycle glove selections in this pricing category. Now the V2 looks to carry on with that title with fully updated ergonomic shaping and design details. It’s everything you have come to expect, just updated.
Key Specs
• Constructed from supple and durable full-grain cow and goat leather
• Localized perforations on palm and backhand
• Ventilated fourchettes keep the hands cool
• Ergonomic engineered leather reinforcements on the palm and outer hand landing zones provide maximum abrasion resistance in key impact zones
• Ergonomic stretch insert on palm
• Pre-curved finger construction reduces rider fatigue
• Alpinestars Dynamic Friction Shield (DFS) knuckle protection system features dual density mold construction for superior resistance to repeated impacts
• Molded knuckle protection air intakes and exhaust ports for improved hand ventilation
• Injected TPU palm and finger slider for superior impact and abrasion resistance
• Protective double cuff closure with TPR logo wraps around wrist and raises the entire profile of the glove to protect wrist bone from impact in a crash
• VELCRO® wrist adjustable closure strap
• Stretch leather accordions on fingers and thumb for superior fit and flexibility
• Internal top surface hand and thumb lining made with DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber fabric
• Internal little finger lining made with DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber fabric
• Alpinestars patented third and fourth finger bridge prevents finger roll separation in the event of a slide
• Palm pad panel combined into palm/thumb/little finger reinforcement
• External finger and palm seams for a close fit and superior feel
• Printed logos
Protection & Safety
• Designed by Alpinestars specifically for the track
• Alpinestars Dynamic Friction Shield is featured on the knuckles for maximum impact resistance
• TPU injected inserts are found all around the palm and fingers for added abrasion resistance
• DuPont™ Kevlar is found throughout the glove for maximum slide resistance
• CE certified to Level 1
Cortech Adrenaline GP
Why?
The Adrenaline GP gloves are the top of the line racing glove made by Cortech, who are known for producing bang-for-your-buck products.
The main body is made of cowhide, with a goat leather palm for bar feel. What impresses about the glove, however, is that the stitching is kevlar, and there is a CE-approved KNOX SPS Scaphoid Protection System on the palm.
Backing up that SPS system is SuperFabric on the thumb, fingers, palm blade, and gauntlet wrist. Lastly, with ventilated TPR knuckle protectors, that venting flows through to a coolmax lining to dissipate heat, preventing the glove from slipping due to sweat.
Key Specs
Fit:
• Runs slightly small, order the larger size if you are between sizes
Features:
• Drum-dyed full cowhide construction
• Goat leather palm
• DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber stitching for increased protection and strength
• CE-approved KNOX® SPS (Scaphoid Protection System) on palm
• Pre-curved fingers for increased comfort
• Vented TPR knuckle protector
• Reversed seam finger construction
• Superfabric® on thumb, fingers, side of palm and gauntlet
• Digital leather overlays on palm, middle and index fingers for added grip
• Additional leather overlays on palm and fourth finger
• 360-degree dual gauntlet hook and loop closure
• Coolmax® insulation to reduce heat
Protection & Safety
• Kevlar stitching to prevent layer separation during possible high-abrasion events
• SuperFabric on all primary sliding points
• TPR armor on the knuckles
• KNOX SPS on palm to prevent ulnar and wrist injuries
Dainese Carbon 4
Why?
One of the “big two” in high-quality motorcycle gear, any list wouldn't be complete without a few entries from Dainese. The Carbon 4 gloves sit firmly within our mid-range category, which honestly, isn't particularly common for this Italian manufacturer.
The Carbon 4 model, which, as Dainese puts it, balances everyday street comfort with features and design from the racetrack, are an excellent choice for street & track riders alike. The fact that they come in just a shade over $200 is also a huge bonus, as the amount of safety (& style) you get for the price is quite literally insane.
Key Specs
• Drum-dyed goatskin leather super soft palm
• Micro sheep leather
• Available in two unique colourways
• Perforation at fourchettes
Protection & Safety
• Reinforcement in goatskin between thumb, index and palm
• Carbon fiber knuckles guards
• DCP system at fourth finger
• Polyurethane slider on the palm and joints of the fingers
• Thermoplastic resin slider on fourth finger
• Gloves certified to CE - Cat. II - EN 13594/2015 Standard Category II Level 1
Best High-End Motorcycle Race Gloves
Priced over $250.
Alpinestars GP Pro R3
Price: $290
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
The Alpinestars GP Pro 3 uses a variety of different materials in strategic locations to provide riders with the ultimate in protection, comfort, and tactile feedback.
Key Specs
• Mix of cow and goat leather with kangaroo leather on the palm
• Outer seam palm construction
• Long cuff
• Hard knuckle
• Knuckle panel perforated gusset for better ventilation
• Print on finger
• Finger bridge
• Double closure system with Cuff DFS protection
• Side reinforcements with palm hard slider
• Accordion panels in leather on fingers thumb and backhand to increase fit and direct comfort
• Thumb and palm reinforcement for a superior grip
• TPU finger protection
• Soft padding protection on fingertips
• Ergonomic stretch insert on palm
• CE certified CAT II Level 2
Protection & Safety
The protection offered by the Bryce Gore-Tex is exactly what riders have come to expect from Alpinestars in safe yet comfortable armor.
• Armored knuckles with a panel of perforations for better ventilation for added grip
• Armor on the gantlet for added abrasion protection in the event of a slide
• Side reinforcements with a palm slider
Dainese Full Metal 6
Why?
The Dainese Full Metal 6 gauntlet gloves are a race quality piece of gear that brings comfort and innovation to every rider who wears them, though a price point over $400, they might not fit into the budgetary constraints of many riders.
The Dainese Full Metal 6 is almost like wearing a full exoskeleton that has been seamlessly integrated into a soft, yet durable, goatskin glove. All of the technology and innovation of the Dainese Full Metal 6 make them one of the best gloves money can buy.
Key Specs
Protection:
• Carbon fiber inserts at the joints of the fingers and the head of the ulna bone
• Composite inserts in carbon fiber and titanium on the knuckles and back
• DCP system on little finger
• External thermoplastic resin inserts on side of little finger
• Gloves certified to CE – Cat. II – PrEN 13594 Standard lev. 1
• One single leather panel to the size of the hand
• Polyurethane insert on the palm
• Quadruple elastication between knuckles and back of the hand
• Reinforced leather palm
• Reinforced preformed cuff construction
Ergonomics and Comfort:
• Aramid fiber stitching
• Drum-dyed goatskin leather super soft palm
• Goatskin Leather
• Internal reinforcements with aramid fiber jersey
•Adjustable cuff strap
• Elasticated inserts
• Micro-injection reinforcement on the palm
• Microelastic elasticated inserts
• Palm Super Touch in goatskin
• Pre-curved fingers
• Precurved wrist
• Tightening strap
Other Features:
• Cover on the tightening strap
• Elasticated cuff inserts
• Soft inserts
Protection & Safety
The protection in Dainese Full Metal 6 sounds like something from a futuristic movie but here it is…
• Carbon fiber inserts at the finger joints and at the head of the ulna bone, (that’s basically the outside bone in your lower arm where it meets your wrist) work as a suit of armor
• Knuckles and back of the hand are covered by carbon fiber and titanium inserts and there is a polyurethane insert to protect the palm
• Little finger is protected by the DCP system and an external thermoplastic resin insert
• Gauntlet cuff is reinforced and pre-curved for added safety
• Overall, these gloves are certified to CE – Cat. II – PrEN 13594 Standard Level 1
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Race Gloves
What makes racing gloves different from street sport gloves?
While there are many similarities between street sport gloves and racing gloves, this style of glove is designed specifically to provide maximum protection, maximum abrasion resistance, and be very well ventilated. All seams are at minimum double stitched, and high stress areas are often triple stitched. Racing gloves are also extremely well armored with hard armors like carbon fiber and TPU, and impact foam is very rare to find here except as backing to the knuckle armor. As well, almost all racing gloves are gauntlet-style to provide the best wrist protection possible.
Can racing gloves be used for street riding?
Certainly! In fact, these gloves are often safer than street sport gloves. They work for all types of riding, but are suited best for sport touring and supersport/superbike riding, due to their track-oriented nature.
What materials are racing gloves commonly made from?
For the majority, powersports-grade full grain leather. The palms and grip areas can either be cowhide, a combination of goathide and cowhide, or use kangaroo hide. Armor is 99% of the time high impact capable TPU, covered or supported by carbon fiber to keep the gloves light while also providing protection.
Are racing gloves worth it compared to sport gloves?
If you are not planning to put in any track time or attend a track day, then the extra expense of racing gloves may not be worth it. If you do plan on hitting the track at any point, having gloves specifically designed to keep your hands safe and injury free during track days is well worth it. It’s better to sacrifice a glove than sacrifice your hands or skin!
A lot of these racing gloves have the little finger and ring finger sewn together. Why is that?
By sheer biology, the human little finger does not have a great amount of support, being a thinner and narrower finger than your other digits. In the case of a crash, your little finger can get dragged away from the others, and sprains, breaks, or worse can happen. By combining the strongly supported ring finger with the little finger, it prevents little finger injuries related to it being twisted or torqued away from the other fingers.
Are there short-cuff racing gloves?
They are very few and far in between, but short-cuff racing gloves do exist. For the most part, they are designed for use with SuperMoto-style bikes and racing, where you need to twist the handlebars into opposite lock positions during slides. Having that extra wrist mobility helps with those types of maneuvers.
What To Look For In Motorcycle Race Gloves
Due to the speeds involved with tracks and racing, most race gloves are gauntlet style and heavily armored.
When you’re looking for a racing glove, there are four major areas to pay attention to: Materials, certification, armoring, and ventilation.
Materials: The majority of racing gloves are made from full-grain leather, mostly cowhide. Palm areas are where you’ll find either microfiber, goatskin, or kangaroo hide leather. It’s quite rare still to find gloves that are completely synthetic leather, but they do exist. It is not uncommon to have the palms of these gloves be double layered except across the base of the knuckles, where the most sensitivity regarding the handlebars and throttle is communicated.
Certification: Racing gloves in specific must be CE EN 13594 Level 1-KP rated at minimum (also sometimes labeled CE Cat. II PrEN 13594). KP is the CE short code for powersports, and is an entire level above CE rated street sport gloves. The best gloves will carry a Level 2-KP rating, with these gloves often being homologated or based on the designs that the top-tier pro riders use in MotoGP, WSBK, and TT racing. For track days, a CE EN 13594 Level 1 or Level 2 rating without the KP will generally get you in, but for racing, you need those extra two letters.
Armoring: You will want to have each finger fully armored on each independent phalange (finger bone) of your hand. Full blade edge and thumb armor is included on 99.9% of gloves, either non-Newtonian foam or hard TPU. Many racing gloves also now have non-Newtonian impact foam in the palm slider area, but some still come with hard TPU there. As long as the glove has achieved a KP rating, it has been tested safe for racing up to the professional level.
Ventilation: As racing will rarely happen in rain except for the lightest of showers, waterproofing is not a concern for these gloves. Instead, you will want to have very good to excellent ventilation. This can come via perforated leather, air intakes between the armor of the knuckles, exhaust vents on the back of the glove, or any combination thereof. Many racing gloves have the fingers quite heavily perforated as those are the parts of the hand most in the wind.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
Other Best Gloves Lists
See all our recommended riding gear.
