10 Best Motorcycle Gloves 2026 in the United States

The Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 gloves are a solid choice for riders looking for summer-specific motorcycle gloves that balance protection and comfort. Made from a combination of full-grain leather and mesh, they offer good abrasion resistance while allowing airflow to keep your hands cool during warm weather rides. The short cuff design and pre-curved fingers make the gloves feel natural and help with dexterity, which is important for controlling your bike safely.

In terms of protection, they feature a hard polymer knuckle guard and reinforced areas in key impact zones, meeting CE safety standards—this means they provide reliable defense without feeling bulky. The gloves also have touchscreen-compatible fingertips, so you can use your phone or GPS without taking them off, which adds practical convenience. Their hook-and-loop closure ensures a secure fit, helping the gloves stay in place during riding.

These gloves excel in ventilation and fit for summer use but are not designed for colder or wet conditions, as the mesh compromises weather resistance against rain or cold temperatures. Hand washing is recommended for care, requiring a bit more attention than machine-washable gloves. They are well suited for street riders and sport riders who want breathable, protective gear for warm days, while riders needing all-weather or winter gloves might want to consider other options.

The KEMIMOTO Tactical Gloves are designed with microfiber material that offers good impact resistance, helping protect your hands from scratches and abrasions while riding or during outdoor activities. The gloves include palm padding made of double-layer synthetic leather, which provides a solid grip and extra protection. They also feature a breathable design with ventilation holes at the finger joints to keep your hands cool, which is helpful for longer rides or warm weather. A useful feature is the touchscreen-capable fingertips on the thumb, index, and middle fingers, allowing you to use your phone or GPS without removing the gloves. The gloves fit securely with an adjustable hook and loop strap, accommodating various hand sizes including X-Large.

While the microfiber and padding provide durability and protection, the gloves are not heavily insulated or waterproof, so they may not be ideal in very cold or wet conditions. Additionally, some riders looking for more specialized motorcycle gloves might find the protection less extensive compared to gloves with reinforced knuckle guards or more advanced abrasion resistance.

These gloves serve well as a versatile, comfortable option for casual motorcycle riding and other outdoor sports, especially in mild to warm weather. However, they may not meet the needs of riders seeking heavy-duty weatherproofing or maximum impact protection.

The Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 gloves are a solid choice for riders looking for summer-specific motorcycle gloves with good protection and breathability. Made from a combination of full-grain leather and 3D mesh, these gloves provide strong abrasion resistance while allowing airflow to keep your hands cooler on warm days. They feature a hard polymer knuckle protector and reinforced zones on impact areas, meeting CE safety standards, so they offer reliable protection in case of a fall.

The short cuff design and pre-curved fingers with stretch panels help create a natural, comfortable fit that doesn't restrict movement or dexterity, which is important for controlling your bike. The gloves also include touchscreen-compatible fingertips and a secure hook-and-loop closure, adding convenience. However, since these gloves focus on summer riding, they may not be the best choice in cold or wet weather due to less insulation and water resistance.

Ventilation is a strong point here, making these gloves well suited for sport and street riders who want breathable, protective gear for warm weather rides with a good grip and comfort. If you often ride in rainy or cooler conditions, gloves with better weatherproofing might be more appropriate.