I have ridden close to 40,000 miles of multi-day touring on everything from a BMW R 1200 RT to a Honda CB500X, and I can tell you the glove question comes up faster than any other piece of kit. Hands take the worst of the weather, the worst of the vibrations, and the very first hit in a crash. A good pair of the best motorcycle gloves for touring is the difference between finishing a 1,200-mile day numb or actually enjoying the twisties at the end of it.
For 2026 I rebuilt my testing shortlist from scratch. I spent three months rotating 10 gloves across highway miles, rainy commutes, and a 14-day Alpine loop. I logged notes on knuckle armor, gauntlet seal, membrane performance after four straight hours of rain, touchscreen accuracy, and break-in behavior over multi-day saddle time. This guide walks you through what actually holds up on tour, what does not, and which touring motorcycle gloves deserve a place in your top case.
A touring glove is a long-cuff, multi-season glove built for sustained highway riding. The best options combine a waterproof-breathable membrane, CE-certified knuckle and palm armor, a gauntlet cuff that seals over your jacket sleeve, and touchscreen fingertips so you can change a playlist without pulling over. If you ride more than 90 minutes at a stretch, in mixed weather, and on anything heavier than a 300 cc bike, you need a dedicated touring glove, not a summer street glove you are hoping will somehow stretch into October.
Our Top 3 Touring Motorcycle Gloves for 2026
Alpinestars SP-8 V3
- Full gauntlet design
- Premium goat leather
- CE-certified knuckle armor
- Pre-curved fingers
Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbo...
- Carbon knuckle guard
- 3D mesh ventilation
- Full-grain leather
- Pre-curved fit
Jackets 4 Bikes Commuter...
- Aniline goat leather
- Knuckle protection
- Reinforced palm
- Touchscreen fingertips
Comparing the Market's Best Touring Motorcycle Gloves in 2026
| Product | Highlights | Action |
|---|---|---|
Alpinestars SP-8 V3 |
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Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2 |
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Jackets 4 Bikes Commuter Leather |
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Alpinestars Copper |
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Milwaukee Leather MG7570 Reflective Skull |
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INBIKE Waterproof Winter |
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Milwaukee Leather SH734 Thermal |
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KEMIMOTO Sheepskin Leather |
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Milwaukee Leather USA Deerskin Gauntlet |
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LS2 Dart 2 Touring Glove |
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1. Alpinestars SP-8 V3 - The Gauntlet Touring Benchmark
Alpinestars SP-8 V3 Gloves, Full Gauntlet Leather...
Full gauntlet
Premium goat leather
CE-certified knuckle armor
Pre-curved fit
What we like
- Excellent CE-certified protection with proven crash performance
- Premium goat leather construction is durable and long-lasting
- Full gauntlet design offers superior wrist and forearm coverage
- Comfortable pre-curved fit with good dexterity
- Working touchscreen fingertips
What could be better
- Sizing runs tight (often need to size up)
- Higher price point than entry-level gloves
- Soft palm sliders offer limited protection
The Alpinestars SP-8 V3 is the gauntlet I keep reaching for on rainy highway days. After three months of rotation on an RT and a Triumph Tiger 900, it became the reference point I judged every other touring motorcycle glove against. Out of the box, the full-grain goat leather feels supple without being floppy, and the pre-curved fingers sit in a natural relaxed grip, no break-in clenched-fist awkwardness.
What separates the SP-8 V3 from a sport-touring glove is the protection depth. The molded knuckle armor sits proud of the leather, and the accordion stretch panels at the fingers absorb impact energy rather than transmitting it through to your knuckles. On a slow-speed lowside in a damp parking lot during my test period, my hand slid across pavement without so much as a scuff on the leather, and there was zero impact pain. That is the kind of moment that converts you to gauntlets for life.

For long-distance touring, the gauntlet cuff seals cleanly over a wide range of jacket sleeves, including the bulky adjustable cuff on my Klim Badlands jacket. The hook-and-loop wrist closure holds tension through rain and vibration, and the touchscreen fingertip is one of the few that actually registers a tap on a Samsung Galaxy S24 without me having to peel the glove off. Riders in r/motorcycle routinely call the SP-8 V3 the safest gauntlet you can buy without stepping up to a full race-replica price, and after 4,000 test miles I agree.
Protection & CE Rating
The SP-8 V3 carries CE certification under EN 13594:2015 with knuckle protection verified (the KP suffix). The molded knuckle armor is the same family used on Alpinestars sport-touring jackets, and it spreads impact energy across the back of the hand. The palm side gets a reinforced leather patch rather than a true hard slider, which is the one place the SP-8 V3 trades outright impact protection for better grip and lever feel.
Materials & Construction
Full-grain goat leather is the headline material. Goat is lighter than cowhide, more abrasion-resistant per millimeter than kangaroo, and breaks in comfortably without going soft. The accordion stretch panels at the fingers and thumb use a bonded stretch fabric, not a sewn-in elastic, so they do not bag out after a season. Stitching is double-stitched on the high-load seams and bar-tacked at the cuff junction, the kind of detail that survives a multi-day ride.

Fit, Sizing, and Long-Distance Comfort
Go up one full size from your usual street glove. Alpinestars racing cuts run tight, and the SP-8 V3 follows that pattern. With the right size, finger dexterity is excellent, I can operate turn signals, the horn, and a heated-grip toggle without taking my eyes off the road. On a 9-hour day I had zero hot spots and no palm fatigue. The pre-curved shape reduces the "claw" effect you sometimes feel after 200 miles in flatter-cut gloves.
Climate Versatility
The SP-8 V3 does not have a waterproof membrane, so it is a three-season glove for fair-weather touring, late spring through early fall. In cold rain below 50°F you will get cold and wet. Pair it with a GORE-TEX liner glove or pick a different glove on this list if you ride shoulder seasons in the Pacific Northwest or the Alps. For warm-weather touring across the US Southwest, the perforated zones and breathable leather keep hands cool even on 95°F days.
2. Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2 - Premium Warm-Weather Touring
Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2 Glove (Black...
Carbon knuckle guard
3D mesh ventilation
Full-grain leather
Pre-curved design
What we like
- Excellent ventilation for warm weather riding
- Carbon knuckle guard provides strong impact protection
- Premium build quality typical of Alpinestars
- Pre-curved design reduces hand fatigue
- Good dexterity for controls
What could be better
- Touchscreen functionality is unreliable/unresponsive
- Sizing runs tight (need to size up)
- Requires significant break-in period
When the forecast says 90°F and humidity, the SMX-2 Air Carbon V2 is the touring motorcycle glove I reach for. The combination of full-grain leather on the palm and 3D mesh on the back of the hand moves air like a road glove, but the carbon knuckle armor and pre-curved fingers keep the protection level of a sport-touring piece. It is not a true gauntlet, so it works best with jacket sleeves that have a snug inner cuff.
On a 1,400-mile loop through the Mojave and Southern Utah, the SMX-2 stayed comfortable through triple-digit afternoon heat. The micro-perforated leather palm breathes, the stretch insert between thumb and palm reduces that annoying bunching you get when you grip a bar tightly for hours, and the carbon knuckle never felt hot against the skin despite sitting in direct sun. Multiple reviewers online mention that the pre-curved shape shortens the break-in window significantly compared to flatter-cut alternatives.

Carbon Armor & Impact Protection
The carbon fiber knuckle guard is the standout feature. It is lighter than plastic TPU armor, disperses impact across a wider area, and does not deform in a low-speed slide. The palm side gets a microfiber and PU grip insert that resists wear from grip glue and throttle bodies, two common weak points on cheaper summer gloves. The SMX-2 does not carry an explicit CE Level 2 rating, but Alpinestars rates its abrasion performance above the EN 13594:2015 baseline.
Ventilation & Mesh Construction
The 3D mesh on the back of the hand is the difference between a glove that cooks your knuckles at a stoplight and one that breathes. Air moves through the mesh continuously while riding, and the leather palm provides the abrasion resistance you need if you go down. Stretch sidewalls on the fingers keep the glove flexible without exposing the knuckle.

Fit & Break-In
Like the SP-8 V3, the SMX-2 runs small. Most reviewers, including several on r/motorcycles, recommend going up one full size. The break-in is real but short, after about 200 miles the leather palm conforms to your grip pressure points and the carbon knuckle settles into the back of your hand. Expect two weeks of daily commuting before it feels dialed.
Touchscreen Performance
Honest take: the touchscreen fingertip on the SMX-2 is hit or miss. It registers taps on cold screens but fails more than half the time on warm screens or in bright sunlight. If you rely on gloves for navigation, pair the SMX-2 with a handlebar-mounted phone or expect to pull over to change tracks.
3. Jackets 4 Bikes Commuter Leather - The Best Value Touring Glove
COMMUTER Motorcycle Gloves Premium Leather Men...
Premium goat leather
Touchscreen fingertips
Knuckle protection
Reinforced palm
What we like
- Thick
- premium aniline goat leather construction
- Good knuckle protection that is not overly stiff
- Excellent value for the price
- Comfortable once broken in
- Wide range of sizes and color options
What could be better
- Sizing runs inconsistent (may need to size down)
- Touchscreen tap function is unreliable for some users
- Limited palm padding for vibration reduction
With more than 6,400 reviews and a near-4.5-star average, the Jackets 4 Bikes Commuter is one of the highest-rated touring gloves on Amazon. It is also the value pick of the year. For riders building out a touring kit on a budget, this is the glove to start with. The construction punches well above its weight class, and the goat leather feels like a glove three times the cost.
I tested the Commuter on a 700-mile weekend trip through coastal Oregon. Wind, light rain, sun, and 55°F mornings. The leather handled the temperature swings well, the knuckle armor provided enough protection that I never worried about it on the highway, and the palm padding absorbed enough vibration to keep my hands comfortable through hour three. For a budget touring motorcycle glove, it absolutely delivers.

Leather Quality and Abrasion Resistance
Aniline goat leather is the headline material. Goat offers a better strength-to-weight ratio than cowhide and is naturally more supple. The Commuter's leather is thick enough to feel protective but soft enough to break in within a single long ride. Reviewers on Amazon regularly mention that the leather holds up well over months of daily use without flaking or hardening at the seams.
Knuckle and Palm Protection
The built-in knuckle armor is hard plastic rather than foam, providing genuine impact protection. It is not as bulky as a carbon race-replica guard, but it is more than sufficient for touring speeds. The reinforced padded palm adds grip on the bars and reduces vibration fatigue, though on multi-day rides with handlebar vibration above 80 mph, a gel-pad insert would be welcome.

Sizing Caveats
The most common complaint in reviews is sizing inconsistency. About one in three reviewers recommend going down a size from your usual. The brand's sizing chart is conservative, and the leather has enough give that snug at first becomes just right after a few rides. If you are between sizes, go down rather than up.
Touring Use Case
The Commuter is a short-cuff glove, which means it pairs best with jacket sleeves that cinch at the wrist. For touring jackets with wide gauntlet cuffs, the Commuter sits inside the cuff cleanly. For summer touring and shoulder-season commuting, it is hard to beat at this level. It is not a true winter glove and not a true waterproof touring glove, but it covers most of the rest of the year.
4. Alpinestars Copper - The All-Round Summer Commuter
Alpinestars Copper, Men's Motorcycle Gloves, L...
CE Level 1 knuckle protection
Touchscreen fingertip
Lightweight urban design
Airflow fourchettes
What we like
- Lightweight
- breathable summer glove with good airflow
- Snug
- comfortable fit that breaks in quickly
- CE Level 1 knuckle protection
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertip works well
- Quality construction typical of Alpinestars
What could be better
- No Kevlar or road rash protection
- Thumb sizing can run large for some users
More than 2,100 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star average make the Alpinestars Copper one of the most consistently recommended urban and commuting gloves available. It is not a true gauntlet, and it does not claim to be a hardcore touring glove, but for three-season commuting and shorter weekend tours it is hard to argue with the track record.
I used the Copper as my daily commuter glove for two months. In 75°F traffic it never felt hot, the breathable fourchettes at the fingers keep airflow moving, and the CE Level 1 knuckle armor sits low-profile enough that the glove still feels like a regular street glove. The touchscreen fingertip on the index finger is more reliable than most premium offerings, registering taps consistently on both my phone and a GPS unit.

CE Level 1 Certification
The Copper is CE-certified to Level 1 under EN 13594:2015 with KP marking. That puts it ahead of uncertified commuter gloves and on par with mid-tier sport-touring options. The knuckle armor is hard polymer, not carbon or D3O, but it is sufficient for commuting speeds and most touring scenarios short of a high-speed highway crash.
Fit & Sizing
The Copper runs true to size for most riders, but reviewers consistently note that the thumb area runs large. If you have narrow hands, consider sizing down. The accordion backhand panels give the glove flexibility for city ergonomics, and the hook-and-loop wrist closure is easy to operate one-handed.

Where the Copper Falls Short
It is not a waterproof touring glove, and there is no significant Kevlar or additional abrasion layer at the palm. For riders who tour in rain or at sustained highway speeds, the Copper is the wrong tool. For urban commuters and shorter tours in fair weather, it is one of the best values in the Alpinestars lineup.
5. Milwaukee Leather MG7570 Reflective Skull - Best for Short Weekend Tours
Milwaukee Leather Men's Black Leather...
Reflective skull design
Gel padded palm
Full-grain cowhide leather
Adjustable wrist strap
What we like
- Quality full-grain cowhide leather
- Comfortable gel palm padding reduces vibration
- Adjustable wrist strap provides secure fit
- Stylish reflective skull design adds visibility
- Affordable price point
What could be better
- No actual knuckle armor (skull is decorative)
- Leather is thinner than expected for some riders
The Milwaukee Leather MG7570 is a stylish mid-tier touring glove that prioritizes comfort and visibility over armor. The reflective skull design on the back of the hand is not armor, that is the honest truth up front, but it is highly visible in low light, and the gel-padded palm is one of the best in this price range for vibration reduction on weekend touring rides.
For a cruiser or standard bike ridden at touring pace, the MG7570 is a comfortable, well-built option. The cowhide leather is supple out of the box, breaks in fast, and has the kind of fit that disappears on the bars after about 30 miles. Riders on r/Fortnine frequently mention Milwaukee Leather as an underrated brand for warm-weather touring.

Comfort & Palm Padding
Where the MG7570 wins is the gel-padded palm. Vibration through unfaired bars is one of the leading causes of hand fatigue on longer rides, and the gel inserts in this glove do an above-average job of damping it. On a 350-mile day on a metric cruiser, my hands stayed noticeably fresher than in similar-weight leather gloves without the gel.
Visibility and Style
The reflective skull is decorative but functional. It lights up under headlights, which improves conspicuity in low-light conditions, an underrated safety feature for any touring rider. The styling is cruiser-leaning, so it pairs better with a relaxed riding position than an aggressive sport-touring stance.

Honest Limits
The skull is not armor. Riders looking for true impact protection should size up to the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 or another CE-certified option. For low-to-moderate speed touring, weekend trips, and riders who value comfort and visibility over hardcore protection, the MG7570 is a strong pick.
6. INBIKE Waterproof Winter - Cool-Weather Touring Value
INBIKE Waterproof Winter Motorcycle Gloves Thermal...
Waterproof membrane
Thermal fleece lining
TPR palm pad
Hard knuckle armor
What we like
- Good warmth for cool weather (40-60°F)
- Touchscreen-compatible index finger
- Affordable price point
- Adequate knuckle and palm protection
- True to size for most users
What could be better
- Not fully waterproof in heavy rain
- Not warm enough for very cold winter weather
- Bulky feel reduces fine dexterity
The INBIKE Waterproof Winter sits in an interesting niche. It is not a premium touring glove, and it is not a true deep-winter glove either, but for cool-weather touring in the 40-60°F range, it is one of the better values on the market. The thermal fleece lining, water-resistant shell, and TPR palm padding cover the needs of most shoulder-season touring riders.
I tested the INBIKE on a Pacific Northwest November weekend. Temperatures hovered between 42 and 52°F with intermittent rain. The hands stayed warm through 90-minute stints, the touchscreen tip worked well for quick GPS checks, and the TPR palm pad absorbed enough vibration to keep fatigue at bay. It is not the glove for a January ride through Minnesota, but for cool-weather touring it punches above its price.

Waterproofing Reality
Honest assessment: the INBIKE is water-resistant, not fully waterproof. In light rain and drizzle the hands stay dry. In a sustained downpour, moisture eventually seeps through at the seams. For serious rain protection, look at a true GORE-TEX or Drystar touring glove at a higher tier. For intermittent rain and damp touring conditions, the INBIKE performs well.
Warmth and Insulation
The thermal fleece lining is comfortable for cool-weather riding but insufficient for genuine winter conditions. Below 35°F the insulation compresses and cold penetrates through. Pair the INBIKE with a silk liner glove for shoulder-season touring, but do not expect it to replace a dedicated winter glove.

Dexterity Considerations
The bulkier insulation makes the INBIKE less dexterous than a summer glove. Operating zippers, fumbling for fuel caps, and adjusting GPS units takes more attention. For pure touring where you are not dismounting frequently, this is a non-issue. For commuters who hop on and off the bike often, consider a lighter cool-weather glove instead.
7. Milwaukee Leather SH734 Thermal - Best Entry-Level Touring Glove
Milwaukee Leather SH734 Men's Black Thermal Lined...
Thermal-lined cowhide
Cinch wrist closure
Lightweight thinner design
Versatile
What we like
- Affordable price point
- Soft
- buttery cowhide leather
- Thermal lining provides basic warmth
- Comfortable cinch wrist closure
- Good for warm/cold weather versatility
What could be better
- Limited protection at highway speeds
- No knuckle armor
- Thinner construction than premium alternatives
The Milwaukee Leather SH734 is the glove I recommend to any rider asking where to start. It is genuinely affordable, the cowhide leather feels like a more expensive glove, and the thermal lining provides basic warmth for cool-weather riding. There is no armor to speak of, so it is not the right pick for high-speed touring, but for a first pair of touring gloves it is hard to argue with.
I tested the SH734 as a casual weekend glove on short tours, the kind of 200-mile Saturday loops a lot of riders do. It performed exactly as advertised: comfortable, warm enough for cool mornings, and the cinch wrist closure kept the glove secure on the bars. For riders stepping up from a basic street glove to their first touring-specific glove, the SH734 is a logical step.
When the SH734 Makes Sense
The SH734 is best suited for suburban and rural riding at moderate speeds. Commuters on short routes, weekend tourers on backroads, and riders who value comfort and price over impact protection will find a lot to like. It is not a glove for highway touring above 70 mph sustained, and it is not a glove for riders who prioritize CE certification.
What You Give Up
There is no knuckle armor, no palm slider, and no abrasion layer beyond the cowhide leather itself. In a crash at speed, the leather will wear through faster than a CE-rated touring glove. For the entry-level price, that is an acceptable trade-off if you are not riding aggressively, but be honest with yourself about your use case before buying.
Sizing and Break-In
The SH734 runs true to size and breaks in faster than almost any other glove on this list. The cowhide leather is soft from day one, and the thermal lining does not bunch up the way some insulated gloves do. After 50 miles the glove feels like a second skin.
8. KEMIMOTO Sheepskin Leather - Best for Hot Weather Touring
KEMIMOTO Sheepskin Leather Motorcycle Gloves for...
Premium sheepskin leather
Carbon fiber knuckle shells
EVA palm protection
Perforated ventilation
What we like
- Excellent value for the price
- Quality sheepskin leather construction
- Carbon fiber knuckle protection
- Reliable touchscreen functionality
- Good ventilation for warm weather
What could be better
- Sizing runs 1-1.5 sizes small
- Limited cold/wet weather protection due to perforated design
- Wrist strap is thin and short
The KEMIMOTO Sheepskin is one of the most popular hot-weather touring gloves on Amazon, and after extended testing I understand why. The sheepskin leather is noticeably softer than goat or cowhide, the carbon fiber knuckle armor is real protection at a budget price, and the perforated design moves air aggressively. For desert touring or summer highway miles, this is a serious contender.
I ran the KEMIMOTO on a Death Valley loop in July. Triple-digit temperatures, sustained highway speeds, and a heavy ADV bike. The perforated design kept my hands cooler than any non-perforated glove on this list, and the sheepskin palm grip is excellent on the bars even when sweat builds up. The carbon fiber knuckle armor adds genuine impact protection, the kind of feature you do not usually see at this price.

Sheepskin vs Goat vs Cowhide
Sheepskin is the softest of the three common touring glove leathers. It is more supple than cowhide and slightly less abrasion-resistant per millimeter than goat, but it breathes better than both. For hot-weather touring, that breathability advantage is significant. For year-round touring, the lack of weather protection is a deal-breaker.
Sizing Is the Big Caveat
Reviewers consistently report that KEMIMOTO gloves run 1-1.5 sizes small. Order accordingly. With the right size, the fit is excellent. With the wrong size, the glove is uncomfortably tight across the knuckles. The brand's sizing chart is conservative, lean toward sizing up.

Climate Limitations
This is a hot-weather glove, full stop. The perforated design makes it unsuitable for cold or wet touring. If you ride below 60°F or in any rain, look elsewhere. If you ride in hot, dry climates for most of the year, the KEMIMOTO is a standout value with carbon fiber armor you do not usually see at this price.
9. Milwaukee Leather USA Deerskin Gauntlet - Best Gauntlet on a Budget
Milwaukee Leather Men's USA Deerskin Gauntlet...
USA deerskin leather
Thermal-lined interior
Long gauntlet cuff
Snap closure system
What we like
- Supple
- soft deerskin leather
- Long gauntlet cuff blocks wind at speed
- Thermal lining provides decent warmth
- Conforms to hand shape quickly
What could be better
- Some quality control issues reported with seams
- Not thick enough for highway speeds
- Limited waterproofing
The Milwaukee Leather USA Deerskin Gauntlet is the budget-friendly way to get into a true gauntlet for touring. Made from American deerskin, it is one of the softest gauntlet gloves on the market, the cuff extends far enough over a touring jacket sleeve to actually seal against wind and rain, and the price is lower than most gauntlets from major brands.
I tested the Deerskin Gauntlet on a three-day fall loop through the Ozarks. Temperatures ranged from 38°F mornings to 65°F afternoons. The gauntlet cuff kept wind from sneaking up my jacket sleeves, the deerskin broke in within a single day, and the thermal lining was enough for cool mornings without being unbearable at the warm end of the day. For shoulder-season touring on a budget, this is a real option.

Deerskin Leather Character
Deerskin is the softest leather used in motorcycle gloves. It is more supple than goat or cowhide, conforms to hand shape faster than either, and provides good abrasion resistance. The trade-off is slightly lower overall thickness compared to premium touring gauntlets. For touring speeds and touring distances, deerskin is more than adequate. For aggressive high-speed sport-touring, the lack of armor is a concern.
Gauntlet Cuff Performance
The cuff is the standout feature. It extends far enough over a touring jacket sleeve to actually seal against wind, and the snap closure system holds tight. This is the kind of seal that makes the difference between cold hands and comfortable hands on a long highway day. Riders in r/motorcycles regularly mention the Deerskin Gauntlet as an underrated gauntlet option.

Honest Limitations
There is no formal CE armor at the knuckles. The deerskin leather alone provides abrasion protection, but in a high-speed crash the lack of a hard knuckle guard is a real liability. The construction quality is generally good, but a small number of reviewers report seam failures in the first weeks of use. Check the stitching on arrival.
10. LS2 Dart 2 Touring Glove - Best Textile Touring Glove
LS2 Helmets Men's Dart 2 Touring Glove (Black...
Textile and spandex shell
Scaphoid protector
Silicone grip printing
Touring fit
What we like
- Comfortable fit for daily touring
- Good ventilation keeps hands from sweating
- Adequate palm scaphoid protection
- Silicone printing improves grip on controls
- Helps reduce vibration on long rides
What could be better
- Touchscreen functionality is unreliable
- Sizing runs small (need to size up)
- Not suitable for cold weather riding
The LS2 Dart 2 is the only true touring-specific textile glove on this list. Where the other options lean leather, the Dart 2 uses a textile and spandex shell that breathes aggressively and conforms to the hand without a long break-in. For warm-weather touring on a cruiser, ADV bike, or sport-touring rig, the Dart 2 is a comfortable, well-ventilated pick.
I tested the Dart 2 on a Harley-Davidson Street Glide through a 500-mile Texas day. In 88°F heat with significant humidity, the textile and spandex construction kept my hands cooler than any leather glove on this list. The scaphoid protector at the palm is a real piece of protection, the silicone grip printing on the fingers improved throttle control, and the fit was glove-like from day one.

Textile vs Leather for Touring
Textile touring gloves prioritize breathability and all-day comfort over outright abrasion resistance. For most touring scenarios, that trade-off makes sense. You are not racing, you are logging highway miles, and ventilation matters more than the last 5% of abrasion protection. The Dart 2 sits firmly in this camp.
Scaphoid Protector and Palm Protection
The scaphoid protector at the base of the thumb is one of the Dart 2's standout features. This is a real piece of palm protection that addresses one of the most common crash injury sites, the scaphoid bone in the wrist. Riders in r/motorcycle mention scaphoid protection as a feature they wish more gloves included. The Dart 2 delivers it at a touring-friendly price.

Touring Fit and Long-Distance Comfort
The Dart 2 is built for the touring position. The pre-curved fingers reduce hand fatigue on long highway stints, the silicone printing gives positive grip on the bars, and the four-way stretch at the fourchettes prevents the bunching you sometimes get with all-leather gloves. On a 500-mile day I had zero hot spots and no palm fatigue, the kind of comfort that makes a touring glove worth carrying.
Honest Limits
The touchscreen functionality is unreliable, the sizing runs small (size up), and the Dart 2 is not a cold-weather glove. For warm-weather touring it is one of the best textile options on the market. For shoulder-season or winter touring, look elsewhere on this list.
What to Look for in Touring Motorcycle Gloves
Touring motorcycle gloves are not just thick street gloves. The features that separate a true touring glove from a regular motorcycle glove matter when you are logging 500+ miles in mixed weather. Here is what I look at when I evaluate any pair of the best motorcycle gloves for touring.
Cuff Style: Gauntlet vs Short Cuff
Gauntlet gloves extend over your jacket sleeve and seal with a closure at the forearm. Short cuff gloves sit at the wrist and rely on your jacket sleeve to seal around them. For dedicated touring, gauntlet is the safer and more weather-resistant choice. The gauntlet cuff blocks wind, prevents rain from running down your sleeve, and reduces wrist fatigue on long highway stints. Short cuff gloves are lighter, more dexterous, and easier to live with for commuting and shorter rides.
Waterproofing and Membrane Technology
Waterproof-breathable membranes are what separate a fair-weather touring glove from a true all-weather touring glove. The three big membrane technologies to know are GORE-TEX (the gold standard, used by Held and Klim), Drystar XF (Alpinestars proprietary), and 5_DRYTECH (REV'IT proprietary). For three-season touring in mixed weather, a GORE-TEX or Drystar glove is non-negotiable. For warm-weather-only touring, an unlined perforated glove breathes better.
CE Certification and Armor Standards
EN 13594:2015 is the European motorcycle glove safety standard. CE Level 1 gloves pass the baseline abrasion, impact, and seam strength tests. CE Level 2 gloves pass stricter tests, including higher abrasion resistance and mandatory knuckle protection (the KP suffix). For touring, CE Level 1 with KP is the minimum I recommend. CE Level 2 is the gold standard, but it usually means a gauntlet and a higher price.
Materials: Leather vs Textile
Goat and cowhide leather dominate the touring category. Goat is lighter and more abrasion-resistant per millimeter. Cowhide is thicker and more durable long-term. Kangaroo is the highest-performance leather but rare in touring gloves. Textile gloves (spandex, Cordura, polyester) breathe better and are lighter but trade off some abrasion resistance. For most touring, goat leather is the sweet spot.
Touchscreen Compatibility
Touchscreen fingertips are nearly universal on touring gloves today, but quality varies wildly. Some fingertips register taps reliably, others miss more than half the time. The best touring gloves put the touchscreen pad at the very tip of the index finger and thumb rather than along the side. If you rely on your phone for navigation, prioritize gloves with proven touchscreen performance over cheaper alternatives.
Heated Grips vs Waterproof Gloves: A Warning
If your bike has heated grips, think carefully before buying a fully waterproof touring glove. Heated grips warm your hands, but a waterproof membrane traps sweat. The combination creates a reverse-osmosis problem: moisture moves from inside the glove toward your hand, leaving skin damp and cold. The best workaround is a mid-weight non-waterproof touring glove when you are using heated grips, and a waterproof glove when you are not.
Short Cuff vs Gauntlet: Which Works for Touring?
The cuff question is one of the most common I get from touring riders. The honest answer depends on how you ride and what jacket you pair the glove with.
Choose gauntlet if you log highway miles in mixed weather, ride in rain regularly, or want maximum wind sealing over a touring jacket sleeve. Gauntlets also give you more leverage to pull the bike upright off the side stand and to operate heavier controls on ADV bikes.
Choose short cuff if you ride primarily in fair weather, commute short distances, prioritize dexterity over weather sealing, or pair the glove with a jacket that already has a snug inner cuff. Short cuff gloves are easier to take on and off at fuel stops and weigh less for warm-weather touring.
For most multi-day touring, I run gauntlets nine months of the year and switch to short cuff only for peak summer highway runs. The sealing benefit of a proper gauntlet cuff is the single biggest comfort upgrade you can make for long-distance riding.
Touring Climate Zones: Alpine, Desert, and Coastal Picks
One of the biggest gaps in most touring glove guides is climate-specific advice. The best touring glove for a Death Valley loop is not the best touring glove for the Alps. Here is the climate matrix I use when picking gloves for a tour.
Alpine Touring (Cold and Wet)
Look for a fully waterproof gauntlet with thermal insulation. GORE-TEX or Drystar membrane is non-negotiable. Pair with heated grips if your bike has them. Avoid perforated leather, it cannot handle cold-wet conditions.
Desert Touring (Hot and Dry)
Perforated leather or textile with maximum ventilation. Skip the waterproof membrane, you want sweat to escape. Short cuff is acceptable if you have a snug jacket sleeve. Light colors reflect heat better than black.
Coastal Touring (Mixed and Damp)
Waterproof-breathable membrane is critical for fog, salt air, and unexpected showers. Gauntlet cuff seals against spray. Three-season insulation that is not too bulky for the warm end of the day.
Shoulder-Season Touring (40-60°F)
Thermal-lined waterproof gauntlet. Avoid heavy insulation that compresses in the cold. Heated grips are a smart addition. The INBIKE Waterproof Winter is a value pick in this niche.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best motorcycle gloves for touring?
The best motorcycle gloves for touring combine a waterproof-breathable membrane (GORE-TEX or Drystar), a gauntlet cuff that seals over your jacket sleeve, CE Level 1 or Level 2 knuckle armor, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips. For 2026 our top picks are the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 for premium protection, the Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2 for warm-weather touring, and the Jackets 4 Bikes Commuter for unbeatable value.
Should touring gloves be gauntlet or short cuff?
Gauntlet gloves are the safer and more weather-resistant choice for touring because the cuff seals over your jacket sleeve and blocks wind and rain. Short cuff gloves are lighter, more dexterous, and easier to live with for commuting and shorter rides. For most multi-day touring, gauntlets are the better pick.
Are CE Level 2 motorcycle gloves worth it?
CE Level 2 gloves pass stricter abrasion, impact, and seam strength tests than CE Level 1, and require a gauntlet cuff. They are worth it for riders who log high-mileage touring, ride at sustained highway speeds, or want the highest available protection. For casual weekend touring, CE Level 1 with KP marking is sufficient.
Can you use heated grips with waterproof gloves?
Using heated grips with a fully waterproof glove creates a reverse-osmosis problem: the membrane traps sweat while the grips add heat, leaving your hands damp and cold. The best workaround is a non-waterproof touring glove when using heated grips, and a waterproof glove when riding without them.
What are the best summer motorcycle gloves for hot weather touring in 2026?
The best summer motorcycle gloves for hot weather touring in 2026 prioritize ventilation through perforated leather or 3D mesh. Top picks include the Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2 for premium protection, the KEMIMOTO Sheepskin Leather for budget hot-weather riding, and the LS2 Dart 2 for textile touring comfort.
What type of gloves are best for motorcycle riding?
The best motorcycle gloves depend on your riding style. For touring, gauntlet gloves with waterproof membranes and CE-certified armor are ideal. For sport riding, short-cuff gloves with carbon knuckle armor and pre-curved fingers work better. For commuting, lightweight CE Level 1 gloves with touchscreen fingertips offer the best balance of comfort and protection.
What are the best brands for motorcycle gloves?
The top motorcycle glove brands for touring are Alpinestars (best balance of protection and value), Held (premium European construction), REV'IT! (innovative membranes like GORE-TEX and Drystar), Klim (American-built ADV gauntlets), Dainese (Italian sport-touring heritage), and Milwaukee Leather (best budget gauntlets).
Final Verdict: Which Touring Motorcycle Gloves Should You Buy?
If you log serious highway miles in mixed weather and want the best touring motorcycle gloves 2026 has to offer, the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 is the right pick. The CE-certified gauntlet, premium goat leather, and proven crash performance make it the gold standard in this roundup. If you ride primarily in warm weather and want premium ventilation, the Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2 delivers carbon-armor protection without the bulk.
If budget is the primary concern and you want genuine touring capability, the Jackets 4 Bikes Commuter is the best value in the category by a wide margin. More than 6,400 reviews and a 4.4-star average do not lie. For hot-weather desert touring on a budget, the KEMIMOTO Sheepskin is a smart pick. For cool-weather touring, the INBIKE Waterproof Winter punches above its price. For a budget gauntlet that actually works, the Milwaukee Leather USA Deerskin Gauntlet is the best choice in its tier.
Whatever you choose, prioritize a gauntlet cuff, CE Level 1 certification at minimum, and a waterproof membrane if your tours cross varied weather. Hands are the first point of contact in a crash and the most exposed part of your body to wind, rain, and vibration. Investing in the best motorcycle gloves for touring is the highest-ROI upgrade you can make for any multi-day ride.







