10 Best Mountain Bike Gloves in 2021 – Review And Buying Guide

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Hitting the trails should always come with the right type of protection so you’re safe from the elements, and of course, untoward accidents. And, this doesn’t only mean wearing a helmet, but other biking gear as well, including mountain bike gloves.

These will protect your hands from a lot of different things, such as scrapes and scratches, and will also give you a better grip on your bike handles so you can maneuver your bike easier. And, they also come in various designs and styles so you can easily pick one that suits your needs and preferences.

If you want to find the best mountain bike gloves, check out this mountain bike gloves review and buying guide. We’ve done all the heavy research to find the absolute best and most reliable gloves that you can wear on even the most treacherous trails.

Contents

Our Favorite Mountain Bike Gloves

The best cycling gloves are ones that fit you just right, are made with adequate padding material, have a strong protective layer, and give you that firm and reliable grip that you need. Here are the top ten gloves we’ve found that meet all these requirements, and more:

HTZPLOO Bike Gloves for Men and Women

Mountain Bike Gloves Top 1

Our first pick when it comes to the best mtb gloves are the HTZPLOO bike gloves for men and women, which assures you of reliability as you cycle your way through the world and back. These gloves promise to help you unleash your athleticism and full potential, so you can have the confidence and courage to tackle on any challenge.

Now, all these may seem like a lot, but sure enough, these gloves offer comprehensive protection that’s necessary for high strain activities such as racing. For one thing, these gloves are designed with effective palms that give you accurate and sensitive controls of your handlebars, perfect for facing complex road conditions.

Moreover, there are also non-slip silicone gels on the palm area to further enhance your grip and prevent injury, plus a smooth and stretchable back cloth that allow for as much flexibility as you need during your ride. And, everything is lightweight, too.

  • Available in 4 sizes and 7 colors
  • Made of lycra and microfiber
  • Shock absorbing padding
  • Anti slip silicone gel on the palms
  • Towel cloth thumb for wiping sweat
  • Easy off finger loops

Fox Racing 2020 Dirtpaw Gloves

Mountain Bike Gloves Top 2

Second best on our list are the Fox Racing 2020 dirtpaw gloves, which are high perming gloves that come at an affordable price tag. These gloves are packed with all the top features you’d come to expect from high quality gloves, such as armored knuckles and padded Clarino palms, to name a few.

They also offer superior flex-point comfort, which makes them ideal even for inexperienced entry-level riders. Plus, there are hook and loop closures that offer a secure fit, while the built-in stretch allows for maximum dexterity.

What’s more is that these Fox mountain bike gloves feature touchscreen compatible fingertips, a high quality stretch polyester construction, a stretch mesh for finger gussets that allow for mobility, and a unique design that makes for trail-ready coverage.you’ll also get lever grip and compression molded neoprene, so all in all, these are an absolute must have.

  • Available in 9 sizes and 8 colors
  • Made with stretch polyester
  • With Clarino padding
  • Hook and loop closure
  • Suitable for trail and cross country rides
  • 1 year manufacturer’s warranty

INBIKE Cycling Gloves Men

Mountain Bike Gloves Top 3

Running third are the INBIKE cycling gloves for men, which guarantee zero hand aches even when riding for long periods of time and over tough and rough terrains. Surely, these are professional cycling gloves that protect your hands from accidents and other riding related issues.

These are short fingered bike gloves made of highly elastic lycra along with a knitted mesh fabric, making them really comfortable and breathable. There’s also an extra padding made with a thick gel located at the palm part for extra protection and comfort.

Plus, with the non-slip silicone, you can get superior shock absorption while eliminating pain and fatigue so your riding experience becomes easier and more relaxed. The finger parts are also made with terry cloth to absorb sweat. All in all, these are highly durable and functional bike gloves that you may want to try.

  • Available in 4 sizes and 2 colors
  • Made with polyester, lycra, mesh, and terry cloth
  • With non-slip silicone gel padding
  • Anti slip breathable padding
  • Low profile velcro closure
  • Suitable for use during spring and summer

LuxoBike Cycling Gloves

Mountain Bike Gloves Top 4

Running third are the INBIKE cycling gloves for men, which guarantee zero hand aches even when riding for long periods of time and over tough and rough terrains. Surely, these are professional cycling gloves that protect your hands from accidents and other riding related issues.

These are short fingered bike gloves made of highly elastic lycra along with a knitted mesh fabric, making them really comfortable and breathable. There’s also an extra padding made with a thick gel located at the palm part for extra protection and comfort.

Plus, with the non-slip silicone, you can get superior shock absorption while eliminating pain and fatigue so your riding experience becomes easier and more relaxed. The finger parts are also made with terry cloth to absorb sweat. All in all, these are highly durable and functional bike gloves that you may want to try.

  • Available in 4 sizes and 2 colors
  • Made with polyester, lycra, mesh, and terry cloth
  • With non-slip silicone gel padding
  • Anti slip breathable padding
  • Low profile velcro closure
  • Suitable for use during spring and summer

GEARONIC Cycling Shockproof Foam Padded Gloves

Mountain Bike Gloves Top 5

Taking the fifth spot are the GEARONIC cycling shockproof foam padded gloves, which are made with 100% brand new and superior quality materials that are heavy duty and breathable, all while giving you that comfort and versatility that you need.

For example, there are super durable and abrasion resistant foam padding materials to protect your hands from injury and give you added handlebar grip.. The back sides are also made with elasticized microfiber and breathable mesh to give you a more comfortable fit.

And, these gloves come in a fingerless, open thumb design to suit a wide variety of sports activities such as casual and professional cycling and going to the gym. You can also use them as road bike gloves. And, even with the open design, these gloves are also suitable for winter sports, making them a good choice for winter mountain bike gloves.

  • Available in 4 sizes and 3 colors
  • Comes in full and half finger designs
  • Made of microfiber and mesh
  • Separate friction foam padding
  • Abrasion resistant foam
  • Suitable for summer and winter activities

Seibertron Dirtpaw Unisex Cycling Gloves

Mountain Bike Gloves Top 6

In sixth place are the Seibertron dirtpaw unisex cycling gloves, which are designed with directly injected rubber logos and graphics that don’t only make the gloves look awesome, but also double as added protection from impact and injury.

These dirt bike gloves are strategically designed to give you the maximum performance at a fraction of the cost of most top quality gloves, since these come with all the right features such as lightly padded lycra finger gussets, silicone grippers on all fingers, touch recognition on the index finger top, and so much more.

There are also hook and loop wrist closures that give you the best fit, and the gloves themselves are incredibly versatile and can be used during a variety of riding styles and environments. And, these are also particularly great as women’s mountain bike gloves due to the superior design and construction.

  • Amazon best seller
  • Available in youth and adult sizes, 3 colors
  • Made with synthetic leather and neoprene
  • Touch recognition
  • Hook and loop wrist closure
  • 30 day free return, 1 year replacement warranty

FIRELION Cycling Gloves

Mountain Bike Gloves Top 7

Another great option you may want to consider are the FIRELION cycling gloves, which are highly breathable and multifunctional gloves that are suitable for mountain biking, road cycling, BMX riding, exercising, and so on.

These bmx gloves are made with nylon and other imported materials to keep your hands cool and comfortable while ensuring a snug fit. They also come with durable, soft, and supple gel palms that are equipped with superior shock absorption and anti-slip properties, so you don’t have to worry about hand fatigue, stuffiness, pain, and vibration.

Furthermore, you can also enjoy touch recognition on the fingers so you can use your mobile devices with ease without having to remove the gloves. There are also adjustable straps that give you the best degree of tightness while stabilizing the gloves and securing the wrists. Plus, the microfiber thumb is super soft and absorbent.

  • Available in 4 sizes and 3 colors
  • Made with nylon and microfiber
  • With adjustable straps and wrist secure
  • Touch recognition for convenience
  • 30 day free return, 12 month replacement warranty

BOODUN Cycling Gloves with Shock-absorbing Foam

Mountain Bike Gloves Top 8

Next up are the BOODUN cycling gloves with shock-absorbing foam, which are perfect for riders who like to put in a lot of saddle time. These padded gloves are equipped with ultra thick 8 millimeter foam padding that work with your hand structure and offer unbeatable comfort.

The padding is also highly elastic and works great in absorbing shock and vibration to keep your hands comfortable and safe while you ride. Plus, the entirety of the gloves are made with the highest quality materials, including breathable and stretchable micro suede.

What’s more, these gloves also come with a towel cloth on the thumb to help you wipe sweat so you can remain comfortable even when riding under the blistering sun. all in all, these gloves are definitely breathable, light, and soft, and offer a comfortably natural fit.

  • Available in 5 sizes and 10 colors
  • Made with nylon and polyester
  • Offers a natural and comfortable fit
  • True to size fit
  • Shock absorbing foam

Giro DND Men’s Mountain Cycling Gloves

Mountain Bike Gloves Top 9

You should also check out the Giro DND men’s mountain cycling gloves, which are yet another amazing mtb gloves that come with all the best features, such as a four way stretch upper mesh construction, synthetic Clarino palms, and so much more.

One thing we really like about these gloves is that the fabric is made with moisture wicking properties, so your hands can stay cool and dry no matter how you ride. The mesh is also highly breathable and allows for adequate ventilation.

Plus, the gloves are engineered with a super fit three panel design so they stay snug yet comfortable the entire time you’re wearing them. They also feature highly absorbent microfibers on the surface, reinforced silicone fingertip prints, touchscreen technology, and knuckle flex zones.

  • Available in 6 sizes and 16 colors
  • With 2mm EVA crash pads
  • Touchscreen technology
  • 3 panel design
  • Pull on closure

NICEWIN Cycling Gloves

Mountain Bike Gloves Top 10

Last but not the least are the NICEWIN cycling gloves, which are made of elastic suede on the front and breathable spandex on the back, so they are really comfortable to wear and guarantee that your hands stay cool, fresh, and dry throughout your ride.

There are also polar fleeces on the thumb parts that let you wipe away sweat easily, as well as lengthened wrists with velcro closures and hook and loop fasteners that are not only stylish but are also ridiculously easy to put on and remove.

Plus, this design helps keep your hands warm during the winter. To top it all off, there are also built-in reflective caution strips that give you added night visibility, as well as special palm pads that offer superior shock absorption while reducing hand numbness and palm fatigue. And, the thumbs and forefingers also come with microfibers designed with touch screen recognition.

  • Available in 4 sizes and 7 colors
  • Touch screen design
  • Non slip cushion
  • Reflective caution
  • Velcro closure

Mountain Bike Gloves 101: Types Of Mountain Bike Gloves

mountain bike gloves in forest

You’ve seen our top ten cycling gloves review, but the real question is, how do you go about in finding the best gloves for you? After all, your bike grips are not enough, and you’ll need the right pair of biking gloves to help you easily and safely tackle any trails.

To help you out, here’s a quick yet comprehensive guide on what makes a good pair of cycling gloves, as well as how to find the right one to suit your needs and preferences. Let’s start with talking about the two different types of mountain bike gloves:

Full Finger vs Fingerless

Generally speaking, there are two types of mountain bike gloves, with one being fully formed or full finger gloves that, as the name suggests, cover your entire hands from fingertips to wrists. These gloves are best for mountainous trails and riding around the countryside, since they come with extra padding to keep your hands comfortable and protected.

If the terrain is particularly difficult, or you are somehow prone to getting into bike riding accidents, or if you just generally like to ride during cold weathers, long finger gloves are your best bet to protect you against all these things.

And then there are fingerless gloves which cut off at the joints in order to free your fingers and let you move them around more easily, especially since there’s no stiffness nor physical barrier. And, because of this, they arguably allow for more gripping power.

Plus, they are better for warmer weather since these gloves are made with more breathable materials, and often come with moisture wicking properties or super absorbent sweat wiping cloths.

How To Choose The Best Mountain Bike Gloves

mountain bike at sunset

If you really want to find the best gloves for mountain biking, it’s important to know all the important things you need to take into account, rather than settling on the first and cheapest pair you come across.

After all, this can spell the difference between actually protecting your hands and keeping them comfortable, to wearing a flimsy piece of cloth that ruins your ride and is just a waste of money.

So, to find the right gloves for you, you need to factor in the level of protection you need, the kind of style you prefer, the level of comfort you want, and of course, the way the gloves fit your hands. We’ll elaborate on each of these factors below:

Protection

The amount of protection a bicycle rider needs generally depends on the kind of riding they usually engage in. While it may be nice to always gear up for the worst possible scenario, this can often be uncomfortable, and just generally unnecessary.

For example, if you ride slowly on smoothly paved streets, you’ll need much less protection than someone who rides at the edge of a mountain. When it comes to rough terrains, adequate padding on the palm region are important in order to not only protect you from scrapes, scratches, and untoward injuries, but also offer a couple added benefits, such as:

  • Absorbing shock and vibration from road bumps, and
  • Relieving hand fatigue, numbness, and wrist pain

The type of padding used also matters. There are cheap foam paddings that can feel really comfortable, although they wear out faster and don’t offer as much protection as silicone gels, which are ideal, although can be slightly more expensive and uncomfortable at first.

Style

While wearing biking gloves is mainly for your protection and comfort, that doesn’t mean you can’t look nice wearing them. As such, you should also definitely take into account the style and color of the gloves you’re looking at.

Besides, there are some amazing gloves wherein the design doubles as protection, such as by using injected rubber on the graphics for additional padding, or by adding linings of reflective material around the gloves.

One thing you need to remember is that you also need to take into account the type of climate or weather under which you usually ride your bike, as this will affect how comfortable the gloves will be while you ride.

For example, fingerless gloves are generally more suited for warmer climates, whereas full finger gloves are better for colder weather.

Comfort and fit

It’s also a must to factor in your level of comfort, so that you can truly enjoy your riding experience without getting distracted by uncomfortable and ill fitting gloves. This means looking for gloves that are made with soft and breathable materials, are well padded, and offer a snug fit.

In terms of fit, first of all, you need to find gloves that are made in the right size for your hand. Now, don’t just base on the available sizes, but make the effort to check the manufacturer’s sizing guide so you can be 100% sure the gloves will fit you well.

The type of closure used is also important, not just in terms of fit and security, but also when it comes to convenience. After all, you don’t want gloves that are too difficult to put on and remove, do you?

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a good grip on your handlebars is important in order to stay in control and successfully maneuver your ride throughout any terrain or riding condition, and even with the best bike grips, there’s still the issue of sweat, rain, and other elements, not to mention the risk of accidents, which your bike grips won’t protect you from.

As such, wearing the best mountain bike gloves is important. However, the “best one” really depends on your specific needs and preferences, such as the road and weather condition where you ride. To help you make the right decision, we’ve reviewed all our best finds for different kinds of bike gloves suited for just about any purpose, activity, and riding style. Feel free to also use the buying guide we’ve provided so you can confidently pick the right gloves for you. Happy shopping!