Why invest in natural leather gloves?

Long-time bikers and novices appreciate leather riding gloves for their classic design and comfortable grip. Different models vary in thickness and fit. For example, summer riding gloves are thinner than any winter hand gear. The price depends on the brand and the thickness of the type of leather. Durability depends on the design and quality of the stitching.

Most importantly, leather gloves have a proven reliability factor - they perfectly combine safety and control on the road.

Plus, you may want to buy leather cycling gloves because they are easier to repair and more comfortable to wear than any textile hand gear.

Pros of leather cycling gloves

• Affordability. Surprisingly, natural leather is cheaper than synthetic fabric with special treatment to resist water ;
• Easy to repair. Like fabric, natural leather can wear out, and holes can appear in the knuckles.
• Leather gloves are easy to repair.
• Soft and ergonomic. Soft natural leather easily adapts and stretches to the size of the riders hand. In this case, these gloves do not lose their protective properties;
• Classic style. Nothing beats black leather cycling gloves when it comes to style ;

Cons of leather cycling gloves

• They are not waterproof. After getting wet, any natural leather material becomes softer and shrinks drying ;
• These gloves can leave nasty stains on the bikers palms;
• They are easily punctured;

Some of the most popular styles of leather cycling gloves are MX, warm/cold, sport, and fingerless. To better understand leather cycling gloves, you can check out the following guide with detailed reviews and comparisons of the most recognized products.

Superbike touch screen leather gloves  

Superbike offers the best all-around gloves for both male and female bikers. The hand gear is made of perforated goat leather. This type of leather is very soft, flexible, durable, and lightweight.

The standard size will better suit large hands with wide palms. The manufacturer allows choosing the suitable pair in the following sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL. There are perforated and non-perforated styles. If you choose the wrong size, the holes may appear near your thumbs.

Double-check the palm-size and finger length before choosing the size. These gloves have a good touch screen option on the index fingers.

User tips: wash these gloves with warm water and a little dishwashing liquid. These gloves are a little tight at first, but after a few times, they loosen up.

Pros

• Made of soft and flexible goatskin
• A loop button to lock two gloves together
• Hard plastic knuckles -
• Touch screen indexes -
• Foam padding on the fingers
• Good fit -
• Ideal for any season -

Cons

• Not completely waterproof
• Touch screen pads are fragile in larger sizes.

The Superbike Perforated cycling Gloves will make your hands cold in the summer and warm in the winter. The manufacturer says this hand gear is excellent to wear year-round.

Milwaukee men’s summer gloves

Milwaukee MG7510 is a popular cycling glove among men who prefer comfortable and breathable hand gear. The main feature is the presence of gel-padded areas and perforations all over the gloves. Such a design allows for a better grip. Along the padded area, the premium leather gloves have strong Velcro straps.

Pros

• Premium breathable material with a soft feel
• Gel padded area for comfortable use
• A velcro wrist strap is suitable for an adjustable fit
• Stylish design
• Durable -
• Comfortable for long trips -

Cons

• Positive is only ideal for spring and summer
• The joints are not adequately protected
• Finger seams are too thick
• May expose you to the chemical phthalate (according to the manufacturer).

The Milwaukee MG7510 may be a good choice if you look for aesthetically pleasing, practical, and comfortable gloves. They can be perfect for heavy-duty and casual riding on hot summer days.

Shaf International Gloves

Shaf International offers stylish buckskin gloves - SH851. This fingerless hand gear is available in different sizes and colors. This model is black, X-large (check the size chart before buying).

The manufacturer claims that the product is made in the USA. Like most high-end leather biker gloves, the Shaf SH851 hand gear was designed for a bikers comfort and style. It features perforations, gel-padded palms, and a Velcro fit.

User tips: The small size fits most sizes. If your average glove size is Medium, consider Large.

Pros

• Sleek fingerless design
• Full surface perforations
• Gel-padded hand palm
• Flexible deerskin -
• Can dampen vibrations -

Cons

• No fingertip protection
• Very thin
• Some gloves had foam instead of gel in the padded areas.

If you need lightweight, fingerless leather cycling gloves, check out the reviews for the Shaf SH851. You may find them a good choice for casual summer riding.

New police gloves for bikers  

Jackets 4 bikes brand has released a line of tactical gloves for police and military. New Biker riding gloves will prevent hands from sweating. The pair is made of premium aniline leather.

The critically acclaimed feature is the ventilation over the entire surface of the gloves. Also, this hand gear is unlined, so you can safely wear it in high temperatures.

Pros

• Breathable natural leather
• Palms wont sweat
• Double stitching for better grip
• No lining for better ventilation
• Convenient wrist closure -
• Unisex design -

Cons

• Suitable only for warm weather
• The joints are not protected
• This leather can stretch a lot

This pair can be a perfect fit if you need to buy high-end tactical gloves made of breathable leather. The excellent ventilation can help you ride a police cycling with a firm grip, even on hot summer days.

Harley-Davidson Commute Gloves  

The most favorable cycling brand has also entered this list. The favorite manufacturer offers comfortable and stylish Commute Gloves for male bikers.

They are just the right size and feature padded areas for a casual, heavy-duty ride.

The official Harley-Davidson cycling gloves are made of high-quality goat leather. This hand gear features a knit lining to keep hands warm,

Pros

• Padded comfort zones
• Rugged styling
• Partial knit lining
• Solid stitching -
• Subtle goat leather -
• 30º pre-curved fingers
• Elastic wrist strap -
• Embroidered logo -
• The positive for hot and cold days -

Cons

• High price
• Limited warranty (only 90 days)
• Can leave marks on the palms (if you wear them for a long time)

These cycling gloves are made of subtle goat leather that offers a perfect fit and an excellent grip.

Buying Guide

Types of leather riding gloves

Gauntlets are perfect for occasional or intensive use. They are well fitted. Usually, they have special knuckle armor and finger guards with palm guards. They are positive when it comes to protecting an entire hand from injury. Plus, they offer excellent mobility;

Mountain bike gloves, also dirt bikes, do not have wrist protection. But instead, they can offer a very intense grip. Generally, these units are lightweight. Finger and joint protection is an essential feature in this case;

Racing gloves are explicitly designed for extreme riding (think high-speed racing). Ventilation and padding in various parts provide first-class protection and extreme comfort;
Short or fingerless cycling gloves can be a great accessory on hot summer days. They do not protect the wrists or fingers. But usually, the areas around the palms and knuckles are armored with a thick lining or gel;

Hiking gloves are suitable for riding in any weather. Think of them as the hand gear of adventure. Usually, they are made of very strong, even bulky natural leather. The extra weight offers better protection;

Weather resistance

Seasons come and go. But the weather can change instantly. Thats why you may want to invest in weather-resistant cycling gloves with ventilation around the riders hands. Thin, breathable leather can provide such ventilation inside the gloves. Your hands wont get slippery or cold inside such gloves.

Protection

Safety comes first when you ride heavy cycling. Perfect leather gloves should have enough padding areas and armor for the joints. If youre planning a long-distance ride, consider investing in gloves covering all the delicate areas - fingertips, knuckles, wrists. Check if the gloves you choose have joint protection, palm sliders/padding, and carbon fiber/plastic reinforcement.

Fit

One of the main Cons of leather gloves is that they shrink or stretch under certain external factors. The pair should fit snugly, but the gloves should not impede blood flow. Otherwise, your hands will quickly numb, and you will lose control on the road. Ill-fitting gloves will also be a poor choice. They wont provide the required security. Double-check the size chart before you buy.

Price

The price factor is also essential. If you ride daily, investing in heavy-duty leather gloves makes sense. Such pairs will cost around $60-100. However, it is also possible to find top-notch gloves on a modest budget. Compare styles and features. Then decide how many gloves you need per year and how much you can afford to spend on them.

Some factors to look for in leather cycling gloves.

• A smart touch option is a must these days. Most gloves have a touch screen on the index fingers;
• Extended cuffs offer extra security, but they can make your hands sweat;
• Flexibility - you need to be able to move your fingers inside the gloves without any effort.
• High flexibility around the knuckles is essential;
• The inner padding and lining offer additional comfort. The lining material should be soft to fit the palm instead of compressing it. Also, the style of stitching can affect the comfortable fit;

Tips for leather cycling glove buyers

• Choose the pair according to the season of the year. Winter gloves should be thicker, with long, elasticated cuffs. Summer gloves should be breathable and thin;
• If possible, test the new gloves before any long hike. They should not make your hands slippery or be highly tight to wear. You cant stand these Cons - a cyclist needs to be able to reach the road quickly;
• Clean leather gloves regularly. Usually, it is sufficient to rinse the leather pair with warm water. This way, they will retain their size and shape longer. Never put leather gloves in the washing machine!