Year-round motorcyclists understand the importance of keeping hands warm when riding on the chilliest of winter days. Cold numb hands are not only painful, but can also limit dexterity – a dangerous situation. Wearing a pair of the best cold weather motorcycle gloves will keep hands warm and protected, and keep you riding safe.
But what may be the best cold weather motorcycle gloves for one rider may not be for another. It really depends on your personal situation. You want to consider things: like how long you typically ride, whether it’s wet or windy in addition to being cold, and whether you have heated motorcycle grips on your handlebars.
Below are the best motorcycle gloves for winter based on the top ratings and reviews from actual riders. Choose the ones that best meet your individual needs and situation, including the conditions you ride in, the way you ride, and of course, your budget, and you’ll never again have to cut your riding short due to freezing hands.
Joe Rocket Sub-Zero Cold Weather Motorcycle Gloves
These cold weather riding gloves from Joe Rocket are not only great for keeping hands warm, but they also protection from the rain.
Lined with 100g Thinsulate insulation, they also are built with a shell that is both windproof and waterproof, with a waterproof DryTech sandwich layer that provides additional protection from the elements.
Flexible finger gusset design enables full mobility, while a slip resistant palm and padded knuckles provide added safety. Extra length up the forearm helps them stay tucked under jacket cuffs, so cold air won’t sneak in.
Available in 6 unisex sizes ranging from Small through XXX-Large. At approximately $35, these mid-priced gloves are an excellent choice for riding in chilly or wet conditions.
Alpinestars Polar Gore-Tex Motorcycle Glove
Alpinestars has long had a reputation of delivering high quality, innovative protective gear for fast action sports such as auto racing and motorcycling. These polar Gore-tex motorcycle gloves are no exception, and easily earn a top position of best motorcycle gloves for winter.
Compact and sporty, they boast a powerful combination with a layer of Thinsulate insulation and a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, providing the ultimate protection against frigid and wet conditions.
Additional protective features include reinforced palms and thumbs for an enhanced grip, fabric molded hard knuckle protector provides abrasion protection, and an Alpinestars patented technology of a 3rd and 4th finger bridge that prevents rolling and separation of fingers during impact.
These gloves also feature a pre-curved finger build designed to reduce hand fatigue. And the touch screen compatible fingertips of the index fingers enable using touch screen devices without having to remove a glove.
Choose from Small all the way through XXX-Large. At about $150, you’ll pay a bit more for these premium gloves than you would for most others on our list, but the rich features and thoughtful design make them well worth it.
Jackets 4 Bikes Insulated Motorcycle Gloves
These motorcycle gloves from Jackets 4 Bikes are constructed of a soft leather exterior and lined with a thin yet high density layer of Thinsulate insulation for added warmth, making these ideal for dry cold days above 32 degrees.
An elastic wrist makes them easy to pull on and off, and the longer cuff keeps cold from seeping in at the wrist.
Available in 5 unisex sizes from Small through XX-Large. At under $20, they are a great value.
Jackets 4 Bikes Winter Leather Bike Gloves
Here’s another top pick offering from Jackets 4 Bikes. Like those above, these are made of soft sheep leather and are designed to provide warmth. They also offer water resistance on damp days.
Dynatek on the knuckles provides added protection to these vulnerable areas. An adjustable strap with a velcro closure ensures a secure fit, and the long gauntlet design protects the wrist from exposure.
Choose from sizes from Small through XX-Large. Also offered at under $20, they make a sound, economical pick.
Mechanix Wear Waterproof Winter Impact Pro Gloves
Mechanix Wear delivers another winner in its broad line of high performance outdoor gloves, with the Waterproof Winter Impact Pro. While not designed exclusively for motorcycles, we’ve included these in our list of the best cold weather motorcycle gloves because they offer a versatility that make them optimal sports gloves for a multitude of different activities, including winter riding. You’ll be glad you have a pair handy when the weather gets cold or wet.
An optimal combination of nylon, synthetic, and spandex provide high mobility and comfort. A layer of C40 3M Thinsulate insulation traps warm air in, helping to regulate body temperature, and a Hipora waterproof liner keeps hands dry in rain or snow.
Armortex knuckle guards provide a rugged layer upon 5mm EVA foam padding. And these gloves have touch screen compatibility in the thumbs and index fingers. Perhaps best of all, they are machine washable for simple maintenance.
Sizes range from Small – XX-Large. For under $20 at this writing, these gloves offer a superior option for riding in cold or wet conditions.
Blok-IT Thermal Motorcycle Gloves
These thermal motorcycle gloves from Blok-It deliver comfort and warmth in temperatures into the 30’s. A layer of Thinsulate is fused between the 100% genuine leather exterior and a soft lining.
The long-cuffed gauntlet design, together with an adjustable wrist strap, ensure a good secure fit, Stylishly designed, these gloves offer great protection at the moderate price of under $30.
Choose from Sm, Med, Lg, or X-Lg.
Heated Motorcycle Gloves
For the ultimate in warmth, consider one of the top brands of heated motorcycle gloves. These types of glove include batteries that charge integrated heating elements within the gloves, generating heat at the push of a button. Each manufacturer has their own unique design, but some of the main characteristics to look for include:
- Location of heat elements: The best heated motorcycle gloves will have them along the backs, palms, and full length of fingers fro maximum warmth.
- Multiple heat settings: 3-4 settings allow for ultimate control in the amount of heat you need, and the amount of battery being used
- Duration of single charge: Look for gloves that can generate heat for 4 or more hours straight using the the lowest setting.
Of course, whichever heated gloves you choose, you want them to be long lasting and comfortable for wearing even when you don’t need to turn the heat elements on. These don’t come cheap – expect to pay between $75-$200 for a good pair of battery operated motorcycle gloves – but they can offer unparalleled warmth that most other gloves can’t.