Winter riding can be exhilarating, but it presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to motorcycle gear. Keeping your hands warm and protected is essential. The right pair of winter motorcycle gloves will shield your hands from cold temperatures, wind, and moisture while maintaining dexterity and comfort.
The Best Winter Motorcycle Gloves
Here’s a closer look at my top picks for the best winter motorcycle gloves.
1. Cortech Scarab V3 Gloves
The Cortech Scarab V3 Gloves are built to handle the harshest winter riding conditions. These gloves feature a durable goatskin leather construction combined with a Hipora® waterproof and breathable membrane to ensure your hands stay dry. The insulated design, incorporating Thinsulate® insulation, provides exceptional warmth without bulk. These gloves are perfect for riders who want a combination of protection and comfort in cold weather.
In terms of protection, the Cortech Scarab V3 offers hard knuckle armor, palm sliders, and reinforced palm and finger areas for extra durability and impact resistance. Reflective accents enhance visibility in low-light conditions, and the pre-curved fingers ensure excellent grip and control. These gloves also come equipped with an adjustable gauntlet closure for a snug, secure fit that keeps cold air from seeping in.
Whether you’re commuting or taking on long-distance rides, the Cortech Scarab V3 gloves offer a well-balanced mix of warmth, protection, and flexibility for winter rides.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
2. Rukka Imatra 3.0 GTX Gloves
The Rukka Imatra 3.0 GTX Gloves are the ultimate choice for riders seeking premium protection against cold and wet conditions. Featuring a Gore-Tex® membrane, these gloves provide superior waterproofing and breathability, keeping your hands dry and comfortable even in heavy rain. The windproof properties of these gloves ensure that icy wind doesn’t penetrate, while the thermal insulation delivers warmth during chilly rides.
Constructed from abrasion-resistant leather, the Rukka Imatra 3.0 GTX Gloves are equipped with hard knuckle protectors and scaphoid protection, making them highly protective in the event of a crash. The gloves also boast a soft fleece lining for enhanced comfort, allowing you to ride for hours without discomfort.
What sets the Rukka Imatra 3.0 GTX Gloves apart is their ergonomic fit and flexible construction, which gives riders excellent control over their handlebars and controls, even with gloves on. These gloves are an investment in long-term durability and weather protection, making them a top pick for serious winter riders who refuse to compromise on performance.
Check it out at Revzilla
3. Joe Rocket Windchill Gloves
The Joe Rocket Windchill Gloves are designed with winter comfort in mind. Made from durable drum-dyed leather, these gloves feature a waterproof and windproof liner that ensures your hands stay warm and dry throughout the ride. The high-density insulation effectively traps heat, making these gloves ideal for colder climates.
These gloves provide solid protection thanks to integrated knuckle armor and padded palm reinforcements. Riders will appreciate the pre-curved design, which reduces hand fatigue and enhances grip on the handlebars. The Joe Rocket Windchill Gloves also come with an adjustable cuff and wrist strap, providing a snug fit that keeps out the cold air.
Reflective piping enhances visibility in low-light riding conditions, while the visor wiper on the index finger is a handy feature for clearing rain or snow off your helmet visor. With a focus on warmth, protection, and functionality, the Joe Rocket Windchill Gloves are a versatile option for riders who face various winter weather conditions.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
4. FXR Fuel Gloves
For riders who need rugged performance in extreme cold, the FXR Fuel Gloves are a standout choice. These gloves are built with a waterproof Hipora® membrane that ensures complete protection from water and wind, while the heavy-duty Thinsulate® insulation keeps your hands warm even in sub-zero temperatures. The FXR Fuel Gloves are designed for riders who regularly face extreme winter conditions, offering both warmth and waterproofing in one package.
In terms of protection, the FXR Fuel Gloves provide a durable, abrasion-resistant outer shell with reinforced palm and finger areas. The adjustable gauntlet cuff allows for a tight seal against your jacket, preventing cold air from seeping in. A fleece-lined interior ensures that your hands stay comfortable, while the pre-curved fit promotes better grip and control of the motorcycle’s handlebars.
These gloves also feature reflective accents for increased visibility in low-light or snowy conditions. If you’re looking for gloves that can handle the harshest winter environments, the FXR Fuel Gloves are a reliable and durable option for serious winter riders.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
5. Alpinestars Denali Aerogel Drystar Gloves
The Alpinestars Denali Aerogel Drystar Gloves are designed to offer superior warmth and protection for winter riding. The highlight of these gloves is the innovative Primaloft® Aerogel insulation, which provides excellent thermal performance while maintaining a slim profile. This allows for greater dexterity and control, even in freezing temperatures.
These gloves feature a Drystar® waterproof and breathable membrane that keeps moisture out while allowing your hands to stay dry and comfortable. For protection, the Denali Aerogel Gloves include a reinforced palm, padded knuckle area, and an advanced polymer slider for impact protection. The gloves also have touchscreen-compatible fingertips, allowing you to use your smartphone or GPS without removing them.
The Alpinestars Denali Aerogel Drystar Gloves are engineered for comfort and versatility, with a soft fleece lining and adjustable wrist closure for a secure fit. These gloves offer the perfect blend of warmth, protection, and flexibility, making them an excellent choice for winter rides in various weather conditions.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Find the Right Winter Motorcycle Gloves for You
When it comes to winter motorcycle gloves, staying warm and protected is essential for enjoying your rides.
Whether you’re looking for advanced insulation, waterproofing, or impact protection, these five gloves—Cortech Scarab V3, Rukka Imatra 3.0 GTX, Joe Rocket Windchill, FXR Fuel, and Alpinestars Denali Aerogel Drystar—offer a range of features to meet the demands of cold-weather riding.
Choose the pair that best suits your riding style and the conditions you face, and keep your hands comfortable on every winter journey. If you need something that goes a step further, consider checking out some heated motorcycle gloves.
Read all my motorcycle gloves articles.