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.
ELECTRIC MTB UK THE SHORTLIST
Best MTB gloves: the shortlist
Six quick picks for different riding conditions. Jump to each card for the full comparison and retailer offers.
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 light palm padding, 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 Fox Ranger comes first as our overall pick; other in-stock choices follow in price order. The Giro DND is a supplier-stock alternative at the end. Item prices exclude delivery and can change.
The 100% Brisker is backed by our hands-on review; the other recommendations are researched comparisons of construction, intended conditions and current offers. This guide covers year-round trail use, including cold and wet options.
Shopping for winter kit in the autumn sales? Our Black Friday eMTB and MTB kit guide compares dated offers on gloves, helmets, tyres and pedals. Choose the right warmth, waterproofing and fit first, then compare the delivered price for your size.
The best MTB gloves in detail
Fox Ranger Gloves
A simple, low-bulk trail glove with a thin palm, adjustable cuff and touchscreen fingertips for everyday control.
+ Pros
- Excellent grip and lever feel
- Secure low-profile cuff
- Touchscreen thumb and index finger
− Cons
- Little insulation or knuckle protection
Compare prices
Fox Ranger Gloves; adult; one pair
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-24 07:17 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The Fox Ranger is our overall researched pick for everyday trail riding because its simple construction suits a wide range of rides. The thin palm keeps padding to a minimum, the cuff adjusts securely and the touchscreen fingertips are useful for route checks.
Choose it for mild conditions when grip feel and dexterity matter more than warmth or impact protection. It has neither a waterproof membrane nor the substantial knuckle protection of the Gambit. Riders who need cold-weather warmth should look at the Brisker; for prolonged rain, the Sealskinz Sutton is the more appropriate choice. The Ranger remains the straightforward starting point for a main trail glove.
Key specifications
- Season
- Spring to autumn
- Palm
- Single-layer synthetic palm
- Padding
- None
- Closure
- Hook-and-loop neoprene cuff
- Touchscreen
- Thumb and index finger
Troy Lee Designs Air Gloves
A perforated single-layer palm and airy back prioritise ventilation and direct control for warm-weather trail riding.
At Balfe’s Bikes
Troy Lee Designs Air Gloves; adult; one pair
+ Pros
- Very breathable construction
- Direct, precise bar feel
- Low-profile cuff stays out of the way
− Cons
- Minimal warmth, padding and impact protection
Compare prices
Troy Lee Designs Air Gloves; adult; one pair
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-24 07:16 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The Air is the summer choice for riders who value airflow and a close connection to the grips. A perforated single-layer palm, mesh back and silicone finger print suit warm trail-centre days and technical climbs. The low-profile cuff keeps material away from the wrist.
This is a researched recommendation rather than our own hands-on test. Its light construction offers little insulation or substantial knuckle protection, so choose the Brisker for cold air or the Gambit for more protection. For most warm-weather rides, the Air’s straightforward construction is its appeal.
Key specifications
- Season
- Warm weather
- Palm
- Laser-perforated single layer
- Upper
- Micro-mesh
- Closure
- Compression-moulded cuff
- Grip
- Silicone finger print
Fox Ranger Fire Women’s Gloves
A women’s-fit glove with fleece insulation, an extended cuff and a water-resistant palm for cold, mainly dry rides.
+ 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
Compare prices
Fox Ranger Fire Women’s Gloves; adult; one pair
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-24 07:15 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
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.
Key specifications
- Fit
- women’s
- Palm
- water-resistant AX Suede
- Lining
- brushed fleece
- Cuff
- extended with pull tab
- Grip
- silicone thumb and index finger
100% Brisker Cold Weather Gloves
Light insulation on the back of the hand and a thin Clarino palm suit cool trail rides where brake feel matters. This is the standard, non-waterproof Brisker.
At Tredz
Standard Brisker Cold Weather; adult; one pair
Read our review →+ Pros
- Lightly insulated back for cooler rides
- Single-layer Clarino palm preserves grip feel
- Adjustable wrist closure
− Cons
- Not waterproof
- Less insulation than a dedicated deep-winter glove
Compare prices
Standard Brisker Cold Weather; adult; one pair
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-23 13:41 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Our verdict
Our hands-on Brisker review found a useful balance of warmth, comfort and grip for cool eMTB rides. The lightly insulated back adds protection without a thick palm getting between your hand and the grip. This is the standard Brisker, not the waterproof Hydromatic: choose it for cool, mainly dry riding, and a membrane glove for prolonged rain. It is a practical second pair alongside a lighter summer glove.
Read the full 100% Brisker Cold Weather Gloves review →Key specifications
- Palm
- Single-layer Clarino
- Back
- Lightly insulated softshell
- Closure
- Hook-and-loop wrist
- Touchscreen
- Conductive thread
- Waterproof
- No
Proviz REFLECT360 Waterproof Cycling Gloves
A waterproof Hipora insert, warm lining and reflective outer suit cold, wet rides with road sections before or after the trails.
At Proviz
Proviz REFLECT360 Waterproof Cycling Gloves; adult; one pair
+ 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
Compare prices
Proviz REFLECT360 Waterproof Cycling Gloves; adult; one pair
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-24 07:18 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
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.
Key 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 and silicone fingertips for riders who want more hand coverage on rough or overgrown trails.
At Tredz — supplier stock
Troy Lee Designs Gambit Gloves; adult; one pair
+ 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
Compare prices
Troy Lee Designs Gambit Gloves; adult; one pair
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-24 07:15 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
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.
Key specifications
- Protection
- articulated D3O knuckle panel
- Cuff
- compression moulded
- Grip
- silicone fingertips
- Touchscreen
- thumb and index finger
Sealskinz Sutton Waterproof MTB Gloves
A three-layer waterproof glove with a grippy suede palm and local knuckle padding for cool, persistently wet trail rides.
At Leisure Lakes Bikes
Sealskinz Sutton Waterproof MTB Gloves; adult; one pair
+ Pros
- Proper three-layer waterproof construction
- Useful wet-weather grip
- Light knuckle padding
− Cons
- Warmer, bulkier and less breathable than a normal trail glove
Compare prices
Sealskinz Sutton Waterproof MTB Gloves; adult; one pair
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-24 07:19 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
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.
Key specifications
- Season
- Wet and cool conditions
- Waterproofing
- Aquasealz three-layer construction
- Palm
- PU suede
- Protection
- Local knuckle padding
- Grip
- Silicone thumb and index finger
Giro DND Gloves
A straightforward trail glove with an AX Suede palm, reinforced fingertips and light EVA padding; check the retailer’s current delivery time.
+ Pros
- AX Suede palm and reinforced fingertips
- Light 2mm EVA padding
- Simple slip-on cuff
− Cons
- Not waterproof or insulated
- Checked retailer options involve supplier lead times
Compare prices
Giro DND Gloves; adult; one pair
Prices and availability may change. Prices last checked: 2026-10-24 07:20 UTC. Prices are checked when this guide is updated. Confirm the current price and availability with the retailer.
Why it makes the shortlist
The Giro DND combines a four-way-stretch upper, an AX Suede palm and reinforced fingertips in a simple slip-on glove. The listed 2mm EVA pads add a little cushioning without the bulk of a gel-heavy touring glove. It is a sensible researched option for regular trail riding when durability matters more than insulation.
It is not waterproof and offers little cold-weather warmth. Our checked Tredz options were supplied to order, so confirm the delivery estimate before buying; the Fox Ranger is the more immediate alternative when you need a pair quickly. As with any lightly padded glove, fit and grip shape remain more important than padding thickness.
Key specifications
- Season
- Three-season
- Palm
- Super Fit AX Suede
- Padding
- 2mm EVA crash pads
- Upper
- Four-way stretch mesh
- Closure
- Slip-on cuff
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 padding and knuckle protection serve different purposes. The Giro DND uses light EVA padding 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 Giro DND when you prefer light padding and can wait for supplier stock, 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.