When you think about protective gear for off-road riding, mountain bike gloves may not be the first thing that springs to mind. However, when you head out on the trails with a poor-quality pair on your hands, you'll soon discover that a good pair of gloves can vastly improve your ride. Just like you'd want to wear the best mountain bike shoes, your hands are another key contact point that deserves your attention.
While it's true that some riders choose not to wear them, we're strong advocates of sporting the MTB gloves because they not only protect your hands from sharp foliage and that dreaded gravel rash on your palms should you crash, but they can also improve your grip on the bars and provide warmth when the temperature drops.
So how do you choose the best mountain bike gloves for your needs? Since gloves come in various shapes and sizes, this decision might seem a bit daunting. A great pair of MTB gloves will usually be full-fingered rather than mitts since this offers the best balance between protection, grip, and insulation. Most gloves will feature some form of gripper on the index finger for enhanced brake lever control. Closure will either use velcro or stretch in the materials and the glove should be tight to avoid discomfort and maintain a good bar feel.
Keep reading for the complete list, or if you require some more advice on what to look for, skip to the bottom of this article for our section on how to choose the best mountain bike gloves.
Finally, if you're looking for hand protection for use during the winter months, check out our guide on the best mountain bike winter gloves instead.
The quick list
Best MTB gloves overall
A tough, super-communicative, pull-on glove in a broad range of sizes and designs.
Best budget MTB gloves
Excellent fit, cut and durability with maximum feedback, at a bargain price.
Best lightweight MTB gloves
A super-lightweight glove for warm weather riding, with a great fit.
Best ultra-thin MTB gloves
Superb bar feel and fit paired with ultra-light materials make these feel like you are wearing nothing at all.
Best MTB gloves for enduro/trail
A solidly constructed glove built for enduro riding with plenty of durability.
Best MTB gloves for durability
Great grip and fit in a soft but tough pull-on glove that works for dirt, trail, or gravel.
See the next 2 MTB gloves ↓
Best MTB gloves for bar feel
A great glove for those who want maximum bar feel and trail feedback.
Best MTB gloves for protection
Great gloves with D3O knuckle protection that don't feel cumbersome or bulky.
Best mountain bike gloves
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1. Best overall
100%'s Ridecamp gloves are a great affordable choice that deliver excellent bike feel and feedback, durability and a simple, comfortable cut. They do feel snug, but they're not restrictive, and it's worth sizing up as they tend to come up small. Plus we've found that they do eventually stretch slightly over time, so don't go too baggy on the initial fit. Thankfully they also come in lots of size options, as well as a wealth of colorways so they're great for anyone who likes to color coordinate their cycling wardrobe.
They may look simple, but don't be deceived, they're actually full of some great features. They offer decent touchscreen usage, and the breezy backing fabric makes them ideal for a hot summer ride. The asymmetric neoprene cuff is cut in such a way that there's no bunching up against a watch.
In his testing Guy Kesteven found: "The Clarino fake suede material gives excellent grip whether wet or dry, and the totally unpadded, seam-free palm gives zero distortion to trail surface and bike behavior communication."
There's even more information about them in our 100% Ridecamp review, so be sure to check it out.
2. Best budget
At sub-$20, Giro's Trixter gloves are super affordable, but they definitely don't feel cheap. They're surprisingly tough and have a premium feel, fit and cut, and pack every feature we love about Giro's glove range. The palm is made of a one-piece synthetic AX Suede panel, which is cleverly cut to minimize bunching, while the super-thin fabric is perforated to provide some cooling.
Despite there being no silicone details, grip is excellent in both wet and dry conditions, and we found them to be impressively sweat-free thanks to the mesh fourchettes between the fingers and Giro's 'InstaChill' technology built into the fabric.
Our reviewer Guy Kesteven was also impressed with the Trixters' durability, saying: "Apart from some pulled threads from punching bushes or wiping out, all three Trixter pairs we’ve been running since spring will be well up for another season once it warms up again."
For more details, check out our Giro Trixter gloves review.
3. Best lightweight
Troy Lee Designs has been producing some of our favorite, super-thin gloves for a long time. While the range and naming have changed over the years, Troy Lee Designs has stuck to a simple formula of great fit, light weight and excellent bar feel.
The uppers use a light mesh and the palm is made from a single layer which is perforated for better hot weather ventilation. If you're looking for some added comfort or extra layers of protection, then these aren't the gloves for you though as there is zero cushioning or armoring on the back of the hand. However, it does mean they are super light and offer a superb, distraction-free bar feel that's perfect for everything from XC to trail riding.
Our reviewer David Arthur said: "I love the feel of a lightweight minimalist glove that just disappears into the background when you’re riding, and these deliver that sensation. The fit and sizing are perfect with the fingers neither too long nor too short, and the pull-on design, while trickier to initially get onto your hands, rewards you with a seamless level of comfort."
Check out our full review of the Troy Lee Design Ace 2.0 Solid glove.
4. Best for breathability
The 100% Sling gloves are seriously lightweight; the upper material is incredibly thin and stretchy, helping pull the palm closer to the hand and stop any bunching. With such a thin material between your hand and the bar, it's unsurprising that the bar feel is superb. There are no grippers on the fingers although we didn't miss them and generally don't feel they make much difference when it comes to braking performance.
With all the perforations and laser-cut holes, the Slings are very breathable. If you suffer from sweaty hands or get caught riding in the rain the gloves also have a good wicking and drying ability.
The close fit is comfortable, design and performance are very good, and, other than some fraying elastic strands between the fingers, our test samples are still in good condition. The Slings are at the pricier end of the spectrum but they are a worthwhile investment if you're on the hunt for a great pair of lightweight summer gloves.
Our reviewer Graham Cottingham summed up: "Superb bar feel and fit paired with ultra-light materials means wearing the 100% Sling gloves is as close as you can get to wearing no gloves at all."
For more info, check out our 100% Sling review.
5. Best for enduro/trail
Gloves are made on their fit and POC's Resistance Enduro gloves have nailed it when it comes to sizing. We have been riding these for the last few months and while initially tight they have worn into the perfect fit. Most brands opt for a slip-on design when designing a lightweight glove so if you are looking for a thin palm with an adjustable cuff, these are a great option to go for. POC does offer a slip-on version too, which we have also had great experiences with.
Thin vented palms give a close, comfortable bar feel while avoiding any heat build-up and are paired with moisture-wicking top material. There is a terry cloth on the thumb and a silicon print on the braking fingers. As with the Resistance Pro DH, POC's touchscreen compatible thumbs are ineffective, so if you like to catch quick Insta-clips at the side of the trail a glove will need to be removed.
Our reviewer David Arthur concluded: "They are comfortable gloves that strike a nice balance between being lightweight and breathable but tough and rugged enough for riding that might push your limits."
Check out our POC Resistance Enduro glove review for more information.
6. Best for durability
Giro’s DND glove stands for Down N Dirty and it's a tough pull-on glove designed for exactly that kind of riding, with a soft, highly grippy, all-day comfortable feel.
A snug stretch fit needs a wiggle to pull on, but once on the three-panel ‘Super Fit’ cut genuinely fits like a glove with no bunching or lumpiness to cause friction or interrupt feel, so they’re ideal if you’re all about engagement rather than plump padding. There is a very shallow 2mm crash pad in the heel of the palm just in case though. While it’s stretchy enough to never cause cramps or tight spots, the backing material will shrug off most undergrowth attacks lighter than a serious thorn.
Their already reasonable value is boosted by what’s proved excellent durability too. Our reviewer Guy Kesteven reported: "I’ve had a couple of sets of DNDs on test, and while my original camo pair are looking a bit faded on the leading edges and there are a couple of pulled threads, none of the stitching or materials has given way despite heavy use for about 18 months." The only downside is that, despite Giro's claims, there's a lack of consistent touchscreen connection.
Check out our full Giro DND MTB glove review for more info.
7. Best bar feel
If you want a super minimalist glove that combines killer looks with excellent grip and trail feedback, then the 100% Celium is the glove for you.
Mesh backs are stitched onto perforated synthetic Clarino leather palms with rubberized 100% logos for additional grip. Each thumb has a soft microfiber thumb/eyewear wipe, and an additional 'tech' thread sewn into the thumb and forefinger allows you to use touchscreen devices.
In testing, we found that the Celium's minimalist design gives a superb tactile feel on your brake levers, grips and controls as well as super-direct trail feedback. The Clarino palms enhanced with the rubberized sections are immensely grippy too. If you're looking for a lighweight glove for warmer weather, the Celiums are a top choice.
8. Best protection
While there are definitely more protective gloves available, Fox's Defend D3O give protection where you need it and feel just like regular gloves.
The gloves have D3O's thinnest 'Ghost' level protection over the knuckles. It's flexible and barely noticeable as you ride, but the D3O sections are designed to become resistant to force in an impact and protect your hands should you hit a branch or something similar.
Along with the knuckle protectors, the Defend D3O gloves also have a pad on the heel of each palm section. This gives increased comfort to this key area where your palms can take a battering as trail vibrations are transmitted through the bars and grips.
I've been using the gloves for six months or so in all kinds of conditions and they're ideal for mid-range temperatures from cool to fairly warm. They're still going strong and have been washed many times. The only real sign of wear has been fraying material along the seams, but it's superficial and the seams themselves are still sound. The fit is good and there's a bit of stretch in the upper material, there are loads of size options available too.
Fox's Defend D3O are excellent gloves for trail and light enduro use, and you can be reassured by the extra protection offered without your hands feeling encumbered as they do when wearing bulkier models.
The gloves also come without 3DO protection, for more on them see our Fox Defend gloves review.
How to choose the best mountain bike gloves
- Material - The material used for the glove will have the greatest effect on how a glove performs when riding. Thinner, stretchier materials will give a more direct bar feel and enhance control. Thicker materials will add more warmth and help reduce vibrations through the hands.
- Padding - Most mountain bike gloves won't feature any padding or gel inserts on the palm for an enhanced bar feel. Endurance riders and bikepackers may want some isolation from vibration to help alleviate numbness.
- Grippers - Brake levers can be slippy, particularly in wet conditions, so many gloves feature silicon gripper pads or textured sections to offer a little extra traction.
- Closure - Mountain bike gloves require a tight secure fit, this can be achieved with either an adjustable Velcro cuff or the elasticity of the material to keep them in place. Lighter gloves with a lot of stretch perform well with an elasticated cuff although they can sometimes be a bit harder to get on, while thicker gloves will have Velcro closures to make them easier to get on and to adjust the fit around the wrist.
- Touchscreen compatibility - Modern times require modern features and most gloves these days will feature a touchscreen-friendly section so you don't have to take your gloves off to use your phone. If you like to take mid-ride clips for the 'gram this is a very useful feature, although we have found the effectiveness of touchscreen-compatible gloves varies a lot.
- Protection and armor - Enduro and downhill riders may also want to add a little extra protection and some gloves will feature pads on the knuckles and outside sections of the hands.
Best mountain bike glove FAQs
What is the purpose of mountain bike gloves?
Ultimately there are two reasons to wear mountain bike gloves: for grip on the handlebars and to protect your hands. The best mountain bike gloves come with different levels of padding and protection both around the knuckles and fingers and on the palm.
With everything from wispy mesh-backed gloves, to fully armored mitts, what suits you will largely depend on your style of riding and the climate of the region you call home.
While lightweight mesh gloves breathe well and offer some degree of abrasion resistance, they don’t provide much in the way of impact protection. Gloves shod with knuckle and finger padding help to stave off impacts but are likely to leave you with sweaty palms.
When it comes to what gloves you should wear for specific styles of riding, there are no hard and fast rules; it all comes down to personal preference.
Options can come with a variety of different levels of padding on the palms. If you find yourself with overly sore hands at the bottom of a long descent, it might be worth looking into a pair of gloves with padding along the heel of the hand – this could also stem from a myriad of other variables like your grips, brake lever position or suspension setup, of course.
How tight should mountain bike gloves be?
Just like anything else, the fit and cut of a glove will vary by brand, however, the overall sizing is based on the same basic measurements: the circumference of your hand at the widest point (just below the knuckles) and the length of your middle finger.
From there, it comes down to your personal preferences of snug or loose-fitting glove – everyone is different. We tend to err on the side of tighter gloves, knowing they will stretch out over time.
What type of palm material is best for mountain bike gloves?
The best MTB gloves feature synthetic leather palms because the material efficiently wicks sweat without compromising grip and is resilient against hands-first slides in the dirt.
Many brands add patterns and silicone details to the palms, which may provide a marginal increase in purchase depending on the glove and your chosen handlebar grips. The staying power of the silicone details is also brand-dependent, and quite often these will wear away well before the gloves are ready to be retired.
Most gloves also feature touchscreen-friendly thread sewn into the tip of thumb and index finger which work with varying levels of success.
Pro Tip: if you can’t get your touchscreen to work with your gloves on, lick your finger! It sounds gross, but it works without fail and is considerably more efficient than using the tip of your nose or trying to rip your glove off to answer a call.
Are fingerless gloves good for mountain biking?
Our friend Fat Cyclist put it best when he said fingerless gloves are stupid. When it comes to mountain biking, fingerless gloves tend to bunch up between your fingers which causes discomfort, and even blisters – we would recommend you opt for full finger gloves even in hot weather.
Should mountain biking gloves have Velcro or elastic wrists?
If a glove fits well, an elastic wristband should keep it exactly where it needs to be, however, some riders prefer those with a Velcro closure. We find these straps are more functional on cold weather gloves as they help to keep chilly air from sneaking in through the cuff.
How we test the best mountain bike gloves
All the gloves tested here have been worn over a period of months in various conditions, from hot summer climbs to wet and windy cross-country blasts. We've assessed them for various features including grip and bar feel, fit and comfort, toughness and durability, and their touchscreen compatibility.
Meet the testers
Guy's been testing and writing about mountain bikes since the early nineties and we're betting than he's tested more MTB gloves than anyone else in the UK.
Rich has been riding mountain bikes since the early nineties and testing bikes and kit for over a decade. An experienced trail rider, he knows what makes a top MTB glove and what doesn't.
David has been reporting and reviewing the latest bike tech for most of the biggest cycling publications for more than 15 years.
Graham is all about riding bikes off-road. With almost 20 years of riding experience, he has dabbled in downhill, enduro, and gravel racing.
