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best race motorcycle gloves

The Best Race Motorcycle Gloves For 2026

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 December 2025 by Devan Martel

Entry-Level

Priced under $125.

Mid-Range

Priced $125 - $275.

Dainese X Ride

High-End

Priced $275+.

Rev’It Dominator GTX Gloves

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 $125.

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 V3s 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

Cortech Scarab V3 Gloves

Why?

The Scarab V3 is a top pick for budget-conscious riders looking for cold-weather gear. The gloves feature a Primaloft insulation that keeps your hands warm, while the Superfabric enhances its abrasion resistance for maximum protection.

Key Specs

• 120G of Primaloft Silver Insulation on the backhand

• 60G of Primaloft Gold Eco with grip control insulation on the palm

• Silicone anti-slip throttle guard on the palm

• Hook and loop gauntlet cuff with outside wrist protection

• Pre-curved fingers

• Touchscreen compatible

Protection & Safety

• Superfabric protection on the knuckle, finger and thumb

• TPU knuckle protector

• Leather palm and pinky overlays

Best Mid-Range Motorcycle Race Gloves

Priced $125 - $275.

REV'IT! Quantum 3

Why?

The newest addition to the beloved Quantum line, the Quantum 3 gloves have all the same, much-adored features of the Quantum 2s, but in a refreshed look. Many of the specs are the same, such as the cowhide and goatskin outer shell, while boasting new TPU hard components that its predecessor didn't have.

Key Specs

• Outer shell: Cowhide | drum-dyed stay soft goatskin | PU-coated fabric

• E-touch microfiber and connect fingertip leather for device compatibility

• 3D air mesh ventilation

• Wrist and cuff adjustment system

• Textured grip and control panel

Protection & Safety

• TPU hard-shell knuckle, finger knuckles, palm slider and thumb protector

• Temperfoam underneath knuckle protector

• SEESOFT at palm

• Little finger protection bridge

• TPU cuff protector

• CE Level 1 knuckle protection

Alpinestars GP Plus R V3

Why?

The Alpinestars GP Plus R has been debatably one of the best racing motorcycle glove selections in this pricing category. Now the V3 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

• A goatskin, gauntlet-length track/race glove with aramid reinforcement, generous stretch, and surprising comfort right out of the box

• Full leather palm and top hand

• Aramid stretch fabric cuff

• Redesigned closure system uses sublimated leather hook and loop upper closure, lower retention strap, and is overlapped by palm leather

• Semi-external seams on finger pads for comfort and bar feel

• Strategically positioned perforations

• Pre-curved design

• Hybrid seam construction

• Cuff adjusters for a customized fit

• Suede PU leather pull tab enhances ease of use

• Touchscreen-compatible index finger

Protection & Safety

• CE certified Level 1 knuckle protection

• TPU dual-density knuckle protection, palm slider, finger sliders

• TPR wrist reinforcement

• Soft cuff impact protection

• Impact foam reinforcement on top hand, cuff, palm, and fingers

• Padded palm and thumb patch absorbs impact forces while providing additional comfort

• Extensive foam reinforcement on the top hand, cuff, palm, and fingers provides additional impact absorption and structural support

• Alpinestars DFS (Dynamic Friction Shield) technology enhances comfort and protection by minimizing friction and abrasion in critical areas

• Race-derived finger bridge

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

Sedici Corsa 2 Gloves

Why?

Whether you're on the track or on the street, the Corsa 2 Gloves are a top contender for a mid-range race glove. Protection matters most on the track, and the Corsa 2 Gloves have got you covered with a full carbon knuckle protector, backed with impact-absorbing AXIAL AVP material.

In addition, the Corsa 2 Gloves have TPU sliders on the fingers, full double layer of leather with aramid backing on the pinky finger, and a KNOX SP404 scaphoid protector.

For under $150, it doesn't get much better than this.

Key Specs

• Race-bred glove that handles track days as well as street use

• Drum dyed goatskin leather

• Perforated palm and back of hand for warm weather riding

• Precurved ergonomic construction to reduce fatigue

• Silicone printed grip

• AX® Connect VN Plus touch tech at the finger and thumb

• Accordion stretch panels at the fingers and thumb

• Vented base of carbon fiber knuckle protector

• Perforation at the palm and back of hand for warm weather comfort

• Ergonomic tapered wrist with VELCRO® brand closure at the wrist

Protection & Safety

• Full carbon knuckle protector backed with impact absorbing AXIAL AVP material

• KNOX® SP404 scaphoid protector

• Double layer of leather backed with aramid for maximum slide and abrasion protection

• TPU sliders on fingers for added slide protection

• Full double layer of leather with aramid backing on the little finger and outseam

• Aramid panel covering the full back of the hand, fingers/thumb, and gauntlet

Best High-End Motorcycle Race Gloves

Priced over $275.

Alpinestars GP Pro RS4 Gloves

Price: $299.95

Where to Buy: RevZilla

Why?

It can be hard to justify spending close to $300 on gloves when there are so many good options for less, but the GP Pro RS4s are a no-brainer.

These high-performance gloves are the newest edition to an overwhelming favorite pick in the gauntlet glove category. The Pro RS4s have been designed to provide riders with an optimal fit, comfort, and most importantly, protection.

Key Specs

• Blend of bovine and goat leather on the backhand, goat leather on the palm and fingers

• Inner seam palm construction for superior level of comfort

• DFS race cuff for abrasion-resistance

• Dual closure system on the wrist and cuff

• Perforated knuckle panel for enhanced ventilation

• Accordion leather on the fingers, thumb and backhand for improved fit and comfort

• Little finger bridge

Protection & Safety

• Dual density DFS race knuckle protector

• Aramidic lining on the back hand and landing zones

• Side reinforcements on the palm hard slider and finger sliders

• TPU finger protection

• CE certified level K2

Dainese Full Metal 7

Why?

The Full Metal 7 gloves were created to guarantee riders with the maximum amount of protection and performance possible in a riding glove. Dainese went all out on the Full Metal 7's with premium features such as titanium inserts on the knuckles, aramid fiber inserts on the palm, fingers, and back of hand, as well as reinforcement on the little finger.

If you want a pair of gloves that'll outperform you, the Dainese Full Metal 7 gloves should be your top pick.

Key Specs

• Track-level full gauntlet glove with titanium reinforcements

• Safety and design elements from MotoGP

• Fully encompassed in aramid

• Drum-dyed goatskin leather

• Super soft, tactile palm panel

• Perforation on the finger backs, fourchettes and wrist

• TPR grip system at the center of the palm

• Adjustable cuff strap

• Pre-curved fingers

Protection & Safety

• Full goat skin construction

• Race length

• Aramid fiber liner paired directly to goat hide that covers the entire hand

• Titanium Pro-Tek sliders

• TPU Pro-Hand sliders

• DCP system on the little finger

• CE Level 2 EN 13594 rater

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.

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