The best MTB gloves give you reliable contact with the grips without distracting you from the trail. That might mean a thin, unpadded palm for summer riding, a warmer back for cold descents or a waterproof membrane for hours of rain. Fit comes before any of those details: a glove that bunches under the hand or pulls across the fingertips will be frustrating however impressive its specification.
Fox’s Ranger remains our overall choice for the balance of control, uncomplicated construction and price. The other options cover different jobs, from a women’s cold-weather fit to gel cushioning, reflective road approaches and D3O knuckle protection. The best MTB gloves for an eMTB follow the same principles as those for an unassisted bike, although repeated descents make a stable palm and comfortable seams especially valuable.
Gloves work as part of your contact-point setup. If your hands are uncomfortable, compare the shapes in our MTB grips guide as well as the padding in your gloves. For the rest of your riding kit, see our guide to MTB clothing.
The best MTB gloves shortlisted
Overall winner: Fox Ranger Gloves — £24.00
Fox Ranger Fire Women’s Gloves — £18.99
Troy Lee Designs Air Gloves — £19.99
100% Brisker Gloves — £21.99
Endura Hummvee Plus Gloves — £25.00
Giro DND Gloves — £26.99
Proviz REFLECT360 Waterproof Cycling Gloves — £39.99
Troy Lee Designs Gambit Gloves — £44.99
Rapha Trail Finale Gloves — £45.00
Sealskinz Sutton Waterproof MTB Gloves — £60.00
The best MTB gloves in detail
Fox Ranger Gloves
Best MTB gloves overall
£24.00
Fox Ranger gloves make a strong default choice for UK trail riding because they keep the construction simple. The slim, single-layer palm gives direct contact with the grip and brake lever, while the four-way stretch upper follows the hand without bunching. There is no thick gel pad to create pressure points on a long descent, and the low-profile neoprene cuff closes securely without feeling as bulky as a winter glove.
They work best from mild spring days through early autumn, although fast eMTB laps can make them useful in cooler conditions than the fabric suggests. Touchscreen material on the thumb and index finger is handy for maps and photos, and the microsuede thumb deals with sweat. The trade-off is limited insulation and almost no impact protection. Riders wanting more cushioning should choose the Endura, while cold or persistent rain points towards the 100% Brisker or Sealskinz Sutton. For most riders who simply want dependable control and a sensible price, however, the Ranger is the balanced all-rounder.
Pros
Excellent grip and lever feel
Secure low-profile cuff
Touchscreen thumb and index finger
Cons
Little insulation or knuckle protection
Specifications
Season: Spring to autumn
Palm: Single-layer synthetic palm
Padding: None
Closure: Hook-and-loop neoprene cuff
Touchscreen: Thumb and index finger
Fox Ranger Fire Women’s Gloves
Women’s fit for cold, changeable rides
£18.99
The women’s Ranger Fire adds a cold-weather option with a longer cuff and a brushed fleece lining. It is a different proposition from the standard Ranger: the emphasis shifts towards covering the wrist and taking the edge off chilly descents, while a water-resistant AX Suede palm helps when the grips are damp. Silicone on the thumb and index finger adds purchase at the controls, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips are useful when you need to check a route.
This is a practical choice for riders who find the fit of a men’s winter glove too roomy. Check the women’s size chart and try the glove with your hand wrapped around the bar, because insulation cannot compensate for a restrictive fit. The extended cuff also needs to sit comfortably with your jacket sleeve. It is water-resistant rather than waterproof, so persistent rain still favours a membrane glove such as the Sutton. For cold, mostly dry rides or occasional spray, it offers a useful alternative to the Brisker without asking you to pay for weather protection you do not need.
Pros
Women’s fit and extended cuff
Brushed fleece lining
Water-resistant AX Suede palm
Touchscreen-compatible fingertips
Cons
Not waterproof
Warmer than a normal trail glove on sustained climbs
Specifications
Fit: women’s
Featured price: Ash, M
Palm: water-resistant AX Suede
Lining: brushed fleece
Cuff: extended with pull tab
Grip: silicone thumb and index finger
Troy Lee Designs Air Gloves
Best MTB gloves for hot weather
£19.99
Troy Lee Designs Air gloves prioritise ventilation and precision. Their single-layer palm is laser perforated, the back uses light micro-mesh and the compression-moulded cuff sits close to the wrist. That creates the barely-there feel many riders want for summer bike-park laps, dry trail-centre days and technical climbs where small changes in grip pressure matter. Silicone on the fingers also keeps the brake lever consistent when the pace rises.
A thin glove will always make compromises. The Air offers little warmth, minimal cushioning and only modest protection from branches, so it is not the pair to keep in a winter riding bag. The close fit can also feel unforgiving if you are between sizes, making the size chart worth checking rather than automatically buying your usual casual-glove size. In the right conditions, though, the Air feels less clammy than the thicker options here and gives excellent feedback from the grips. It is the choice for riders who would rather solve hand discomfort through grip shape and position than with palm padding.
Pros
Very breathable construction
Direct, precise bar feel
Low-profile cuff stays out of the way
Cons
Minimal warmth, padding and impact protection
Specifications
Season: Warm weather
Palm: Laser-perforated single layer
Upper: Micro-mesh
Closure: Compression-moulded cuff
Grip: Silicone finger print
100% Brisker Gloves
Best cold-weather MTB gloves
£21.99
The Brisker is a familiar UK winter choice because it adds warmth where it is needed without putting a thick pad between hand and grip. An insulated softshell covers the back of the hand, while the single-layer synthetic-suede palm remains comparatively thin and uses silicone print for braking control. The lightly insulated interior takes the sting out of cold starts and fast eMTB descents, when wind chill can make a normal trail glove feel inadequate.
It is important to treat the Brisker as a cold-weather glove rather than a waterproof one. Persistent rain will eventually work through, and a wet insulated back takes longer to dry than summer mesh. It can also become warm on long climbs once temperatures rise into double figures. For crisp mornings, exposed moorland and trail-centre laps in cold weather, however, the balance is excellent: fingers retain more dexterity than they do in a ski-style glove and the palm still feels connected to the bar. Keep a waterproof pair for prolonged rain, but reach for the Brisker when cold air is the main problem.
Pros
Good warmth without a bulky palm
Secure grip and brake-lever feel
Excellent value for cold, dry rides
Cons
Water-resistant rather than fully waterproof
Specifications
Season: Cold weather
Upper: Insulated softshell
Palm: Single-layer synthetic suede
Waterproofing: Water-resistant only
Grip: Silicone palm and fingers
Endura Hummvee Plus Gloves
Best padded all-round MTB gloves
£25.00
The Hummvee Plus sits between a thin race glove and a heavily padded touring design. Endura uses its Palmistry layout with gel sections positioned around the main pressure zones, helping riders who find that a firm grip and long eMTB descents leave the heel of the hand aching. The microfibre palm also carries silicone print for control, while the open-weave back keeps more air moving than its protected appearance suggests.
Neoprene over the knuckles adds a useful buffer against branches and light trail knocks without pretending to be armour. A Velcro cuff gives a secure fit, but the added palm structure means the Hummvee Plus does not disappear on the hand like the Troy Lee Designs Air or Rapha Trail Finale. Some riders will also find gel padding reduces the sharpest sense of the grip. If comfort matters more than absolute bar feel, the combination makes this a useful glove for trail centres, all-day rides and rough hardtail miles.
Pros
Well-placed gel padding for long rides
Useful light knuckle protection
Good ventilation for a padded glove
Cons
Less direct bar feel than an unpadded palm
Specifications
Season: Three-season
Palm: Microfibre with Palmistry gel
Protection: Neoprene knuckle panels
Closure: Velcro cuff
Grip: Silicone palm print
Giro DND Gloves
Best durable trail MTB gloves
£26.99
Giro designed the DND around everyday trail abuse rather than one headline feature. The four-way stretch mesh upper moves easily, while the AX Suede palm and reinforced fingertips are built to survive repeated washing, damp grips and the occasional brush with the ground. Small 2mm EVA crash pads add protection without turning the glove into a stiff motocross design, and the slip-on cuff keeps the wrist area clean.
That combination suits riders who want one inexpensive pair for natural trails, skills sessions and regular eMTB use. The palm is still thin enough for good control, although the reinforcement makes it feel slightly less supple than the Fox Ranger when new. It is not waterproof, and there is too little insulation for a genuinely cold ride, but the DND dries faster than a bulky winter glove and can live in a riding bag as a dependable spare. At the current price it is particularly good value for riders who are hard on kit and do not want delicate fabric around the fingertips.
Pros
Tough palm and reinforced fingertips
Light crash padding without excess bulk
Strong value at the current price
Cons
Not warm or weatherproof enough for winter
Specifications
Season: Three-season
Palm: Super Fit AX Suede
Padding: 2mm EVA crash pads
Upper: Four-way stretch mesh
Closure: Slip-on cuff
Featured price: Black, XL
Proviz REFLECT360 Waterproof Cycling Gloves
Best reflective wet-weather gloves
£39.99
Proviz’s REFLECT360 gloves add a visibility angle that the trail-specific options do not. The reflective outer is useful for riders who pedal lanes to reach the woods or finish winter rides after dark, while a waterproof construction, micro-fleece lining and adjustable cuff deal with cold spray. Silicone web grip and palm padding help maintain control when the grips and controls are damp, and the index finger works with a touchscreen.
They are cycling gloves rather than a minimalist gravity design. The padding and warm lining reduce bar feel compared with the Fox Ranger, and they will run hot during sustained climbing in mild weather. Reflective material also cannot replace a legal, correctly positioned light when riding on the road. Used for cold, wet mixed-surface rides, however, the combination is useful and the current price undercuts the Sealskinz. Choose the Proviz when road visibility and warmth are part of the brief; choose the Sutton for a more MTB-specific waterproof fit and lighter construction.
Pros
Waterproof, warm construction
Highly reflective outer for road approaches
Padded palm and touchscreen finger
Cons
Bulkier and less direct at the bar than a trail glove
Specifications
Season: Cold and wet conditions
Waterproofing: Hipora waterproof and windproof insert
Lining: Brushed micro-fleece
Palm: Padded with silicone web grip
Closure: Adjustable hook-and-loop cuff
Troy Lee Designs Gambit Gloves
D3O knuckle protection for rough trails
£44.99
The Gambit brings a more deliberate approach to knuckle protection than the thin trail gloves here. An articulated D3O panel covers the knuckles, adding a buffer against trail debris, abrasions and the branches that can crowd narrow woodland lines. The compression-moulded cuff secures the wrist, while silicone at the fingertips helps maintain purchase on the brake levers. Conductive thumb and index-finger panels let you use a touchscreen without removing the glove.
That makes it a useful option for riders who want hand protection without moving to a bulky motocross glove. It is still important to judge the fit with a finger resting on the brake: protective material should not pull the hand out of its natural position or make it harder to release the lever. D3O does not make the hand injury-proof, and the additional structure is unnecessary for riders who mainly want maximum airflow. Choose the Gambit for rough or overgrown routes; the lighter Air remains the better starting point for hot-weather ventilation.
Pros
Articulated D3O knuckle panel
Secure compression-moulded cuff
Silicone fingertip grip
Touchscreen thumb and index finger
Cons
More structure than a minimalist summer glove
Protection cannot prevent every hand injury
Specifications
Featured price: Black, M
Protection: articulated D3O knuckle panel
Cuff: compression moulded
Grip: silicone fingertips
Touchscreen: thumb and index finger
Rapha Trail Finale Gloves
Best premium trail MTB gloves
£45.00
Rapha’s Trail Finale gloves use an AX suede palm to give clean contact with the grip, backed by Cordura across the hand for more abrasion resistance than an ultra-light summer glove. Mesh between the fingers and moisture-wicking fabric manage heat, while the slip-on cuff keeps the wrist uncluttered. The result feels thin at the bar but has enough structure for regular trail and enduro use.
They are aimed at cool-to-warm riding rather than extremes. The Cordura upper is tougher but not as airy as the Troy Lee Designs Air in midsummer, and there is no impact insert across the knuckles. At £45 they also sit well above the Fox and Giro on price. What you gain is a precise fit, a durable back and a straightforward palm construction. The Trail Finale is the premium choice for riders who want a refined, low-bulk glove, but it is not the value winner.
Pros
Thin AX suede palm
Abrasion-resistant Cordura back
Low-bulk fit with useful ventilation
Cons
Less airy than a mesh summer glove; no knuckle impact insert
Specifications
Season: Cool to warm conditions
Palm: AX suede
Upper: Lightweight Cordura
Ventilation: Mesh between the fingers
Sealskinz Sutton Waterproof MTB Gloves
Best waterproof MTB gloves
£60.00
Sealskinz Sutton gloves are for rides where rain and standing water matter more than minimum weight. Their three-layer Aquasealz construction combines an outer fabric, waterproof membrane and moisture-managing inner, giving far more dependable wet-weather protection than a coated softshell glove. A PU suede palm supplies grip, silicone on the thumb and index finger helps with controls, and local padding over the knuckles adds some reassurance on overgrown routes.
Waterproof gloves need a careful fit. Too tight and the lining can pull against the fingers or reduce circulation; too loose and the palm can crease around the grip. They are also warmer and less breathable than a Fox Ranger or TLD Air, so they make most sense for cool, persistently wet days rather than a muggy summer shower. Water can still enter through the cuff if a jacket sleeve funnels rain inside, which is why sleeve overlap matters. For riders who continue through a British winter, the Sutton offers the strongest barrier here while retaining enough dexterity for dropper and brake controls.
Pros
Proper three-layer waterproof construction
Useful wet-weather grip
Light knuckle padding
Cons
Warmer, bulkier and less breathable than a normal trail glove
Specifications
Season: Wet and cool conditions
Waterproofing: Aquasealz three-layer construction
Palm: PU suede
Protection: Local knuckle padding
Grip: Silicone thumb and index finger
How to choose the best MTB gloves
Try gloves with your fingers curved around a grip rather than with your hand held flat. The palm should remain smooth, the thumb should move freely and the fingertips should not pull against the seams. There should be room to brake without the cuff drawing tight across your wrist. Fit can differ substantially between brands, so compare their size charts rather than relying on the letter inside your current pair.
The best MTB gloves for precise control usually have a relatively thin palm. Extra padding is a preference, not an automatic upgrade: it can relieve pressure in one area but create a lump elsewhere. If you have persistent discomfort, consider grip diameter, bar shape, lever position and overall bike fit alongside the glove.
Cold weather and waterproofing are different jobs
A warm glove does not necessarily keep rain out. The Brisker and Ranger Fire address cold conditions with insulation and weather-resistant materials, while the Proviz and Sealskinz use waterproof constructions. A membrane can help in persistent rain but adds material between the hand and the outside air, so it is often less comfortable on warm, strenuous climbs.
For year-round UK riding, a light trail pair and a second pair for winter can work better than one heavily insulated glove worn in every season. The best MTB gloves for a frosty start can become too warm as the day changes. On a long wet ride, a dry spare pair also gives you an option if water enters at the cuff or you need to stop for repairs.
Padding, protection and wrist coverage
Palm gel and knuckle protection serve different purposes. Endura’s Hummvee Plus puts cushioning at the contact point, while the Gambit adds an articulated D3O panel over the knuckles. Neither feature should interfere with braking or create tight spots as the hand moves. Fabric gloves and flexible inserts cannot prevent every injury, so replace damaged protective kit after a crash.
A longer cuff can help close the gap to a jacket sleeve, but check the overlap while reaching forwards on the bike. A sleeve that funnels water into the glove can defeat otherwise useful waterproofing. For cold riding, choose sufficient room for circulation and movement rather than squeezing into a smaller size to make the glove feel more precise.
Caring for your MTB gloves
Follow the care label for the exact pair. Close hook-and-loop tabs before washing so they do not catch softer fabric, and avoid aggressive heat when drying. Turn the gloves into their natural shape and allow them to dry fully before storing them in a riding bag. Waterproof constructions may have different care requirements from a simple mesh glove.
Inspect the palm and finger seams regularly. A glove that has stretched, polished smooth or opened at a seam can move against the grip even if its upper still looks tidy. The best MTB gloves are only useful while they fit securely and give you predictable control.
Best MTB gloves: common questions
Should MTB gloves be tight?
Close-fitting is useful; restrictive is not. The palm should not fold beneath the grip, but your fingertips should not be pressed into the seams. Check the fit in a riding position and make sure you can operate the brake and dropper lever freely.
Are padded gloves better for hand numbness?
Padding may help if pressure is concentrated in a particular place, but more gel is not a universal solution. Grip diameter, bar position and bike fit can also contribute. Persistent or recurrent numbness deserves attention beyond simply buying thicker gloves.
Do women need women-specific gloves?
The best fit matters more than the label. A women-specific cut can help when another glove is too wide or has the wrong finger proportions, but hands vary and some riders fit a unisex model better. Compare measurements and test the glove with your hand curved around a bar.
Can waterproof gloves be used in summer?
They can, but a waterproof membrane and extra lining can feel hot when you are working hard. For short summer showers, some riders prefer a light glove that dries readily. For prolonged cold rain, the additional barrier is much more useful.
Verdict: the best MTB gloves for UK riding
The Fox Ranger remains our overall winner for everyday trail control. Choose the Air when airflow is the priority, the Hummvee Plus when you prefer gel cushioning, and the Gambit when you want a knuckle insert. The Brisker and women’s Ranger Fire cover colder rides, while the Sutton and REFLECT360 address persistent wet weather. The best MTB gloves are the pair that fit your hands and conditions without making the controls harder to use.