Have you experienced hand or wrist numbness or pain while cycling? This could be due to carpal tunnel syndrome (CPS). CPS is an overuse injury, where the median nerve on the inside of the wrist becomes enflamed. While it is typically caused by repetitive motions performed in your typical day such as working at the computer for hours on end, it is often intensified by your posture, position, and pressure while bike riding. Wearing a pair of the best cycling gloves for carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as adjusting some riding habits, can significantly help minimize this pain while on the road or trail.
If you ride for long periods of time, it is critical to stretch your hands and wrists periodically and to change hand positions often. While each person needs to identify the best cycling gloves for carpal tunnel syndrome to suit their personal needs, most people find that well padded gloves with padding in the right place, together with solid palm grips, deliver the greatest relief.
Pearl Izumi Select Gloves for Men
Pearl Izumi is known globally for their top quality cycling gear, and their Select Glove for Men are no exception. These fingerless gloves are durably made, with special attention to the needs of riders who go for longer distances and longer durations.
The feature rich Pearl Izumi Select Gloves have gel-foam padding that this strategically placed so that it maximizes relief to the sensitive median and ulnar nerves, minimizing numbness and carpal tunnel symptoms.
A synthetic leather suede palm is soft, long-wearing and grippy. The fingers and palms are well vented to allow air to circulate freely, leaving hands cool and dry. The soft thumb material creates a comfortable wiping surface for handling sweat or drips. The Velcro wrist closure offers adjustable comfort and is simple to operate.
Colors: 8 different options to choose from.
Sizes: Men’s S, M, L, XL, XXL
Pearl Izumi Select Gloves for Women
The Select Gloves for women from Pearl Izumi are sized to better fit the anatomy of the typical woman’s hands. They are slightly narrower across the palm and have narrower finger channels than the men’s sizes, making for a superior fit for many women. Fingerless design makes these ideal for everyday riding in warm to moderate climates.
Other than this sizing difference, these popular top quality gloves share the same great features as the Select Gloves for Men reviewed above. This includes the optimally positioned 1:1 gel-foam padding that provides relief to those vulnerable nerves that can generate carpal tunnel pain. Also included is the soft suede palm, low profile wiping surface on the thumbs, and nice breathable ventilation for added comfort.
Colors: 9 different options to choose from.
Sizes: Women’s S, M, L, XL
Firelion Half Finger Biking Gloves – Unisex
For thickly padded gloves that are ideally suited for long distance road cyclists and moderate mountain bikers, check out these half-finger biking gloves from Firelion. These ultra durable gloves are constructed with a strategically placed 2-way split palm padding at key zones on the insides of the hands to minimize hand fatigue and rubbing that can lead to callouses, as well as relieve pressure on those critical nerves.
The backing is made of a nylon/spandex blend that is stretchable for a close no-bunch fit, and is highly breathable for added comfort. The palm has a soft microfiber construction, and the thumbs have built-in extra absorbent wiping power.
Velcro handcuffs mean an adjustable fit for ultimate wrist mobility. And these gloves have the added benefit of being machine washable for easy maintenance.
Note that the unisex sizes available in these gloves range from Medium to XX-Large, so those with smaller hands may prefer to look at some of the other options.
Colors: Black, Green/Black, Red/Black
Sizes: Unisex M, L, XL, XXL
FIRELION Touch Screen Full Finger Cycling Gloves – Unisex
If you are looking for full finger gloves, these full finger cycling gloves from Firelion deliver the same rich features as their half finger gloves reviewed above, but with complete finger coverage. And they provide the added benefit of touch screen compatibility, meaning you won’t have to take them off to take a selfie or make a call.
These thickly padded gloves are especially ideal for mountain and off road biking. The padding is optimally placed at the most vulnerable areas on the insides of the hands, relieving fatigue and nerve pressure that can result in carpal tunnel pain or hand and finger numbness.
As with the half finger version of these gloves, the smallest size they come in is unisex medium. This means that they may not be the best choice for men or women with small hands.
Colors: Black, Green/Black, Red/Black
Sizes: Unisex M, L, XL, XXL
Trideer Anti-Slip Shock Cycling Gloves – Half Finger & Full Finger
Maximize shock absorption to provide maximum relief to your hands with these anti-slip cycling gloves from Trideer. Available in both half finger and full finger styles, these gloves are constructed with all of the characteristics you’re looking for in a road cycling or mountain biking glove.
The reason they are highly rated among best bike gloves for carpal tunnel is that they provide two key features. First, they have a powerful and strategic anti-slip silica gel palm that provides a strong anti-slip grip with minimal pressure. With these there is no need to create a super tight fist for hours on end, so there is no more sore, tired arms and hands from the muscle fatigue of that tight grip.
In addition, these gloves have optimally placed padding that reduces the shock of road vibration, minimizing the jarring impact and minimizing the injuries that this can create. A lightweight microfiber mesh backing is breathable and helps keep hands cool and comfortable.
Finally, in addition to adjustable velcro wrist straps, the half finger gloves are equipped with convenient pull tabs on the fingers, making them easy to pull off.
Colors: Black, White, Blue, Green
Sizes: Unisex S, M, L, XL, XXL
Giro Monaco Gloves – Unisex
Giro has long been known for delivering exceptional cycling gear with precision construction. And these Giro Monaco Gloves are among the highest performing gloves among all of their offerings. Specifically designed for top performance and high mileage riders, these half finger gloves offer lightweight breathable comfort on even the warmest riding days.
The 3 paneled palm delivers 3mm techno gel padding in just the right touch points for superior distribution of pressure, proving relief, support, and comfort. Breathable construction creates excellent ventilation. And a 4-way stretch mesh delivers a secure tailored fit without inhibiting mobility.
These are a great choice for those who do not like thick padding, but want the benefit of pressure distribution and shock protection in an optimal lightweight glove.
Colors: Black/White, White/Black, Blue/Black, Red/Black
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Giro Women’s Tessa Gloves
The Women’s Tessa Gloves are another top performer from Giro that earns a spot on our list of best cycling gloves for carpal tunnel syndrome. These gloves offer a classic style with a close and comfortable fit. They are constructed with optimal ergonomics in mind, and with a sizing that is specific to the anatomy of women’s hands.
These traditionally padded gloves have a three panel gel design for moderate protection to all the key pressure points. The palm is made of synthetic leather, and the backing provides a 4-way stretch that enables a close secure fit while being breathable and moisture wicking for comfort.
The thumbs feature a highly absorbent microfiber wiping surface. Velcro closures together with a sonic-welded pull tab make these easy to put on and take off.
These are an ideal choice for recreational riders as well as longer distance riders who prefer the feel of a more traditionally padded glove, and are perfect for those who appreciate the narrower build for smaller hands.
Colors: Black/Berry, Black/Turquoise, Black/Grey, Highlight Yellow, Turquoise/White, White/Milky Blue, White/Titanium
Sizes: Women’s S, M, L
Inbike Gel Pad Cycling Gloves – Half Finger & Full Finger
For a moderate level of padding that isn’t super bulky but is more protective than the 3mm of standard gloves, these 5mm Gel Pad Cycling Gloves from Inbike are a great option. Available in both full finger and half finger designs, they are made of a highly elastic lycra combined with a knitted mesh, creating a secure fit that is breathable and comfortable.
The extra gel 5mm padding is well located at the key palm pressure bearing areas. This techno gel is ultra shock absorbing, positioned to provide superior relief of pressure that leads to carpal tunnel syndrome pain and overall fatigue.
It also creates a non-slip grip in all weather conditions, letting you ride without the constant tension of over gripping the handlebars.
Standard Velcro closures, terry cloth nose wipe at the thumb, and a reflective stripe for added low light safety are additional useful features of these popular gloves for both men and women.
Colors: Various color choices including Blue, Turquoise, Red, Green, and White
Sizes: Unisex M, L, XL, XXL