The 6 Best Padded Bike Gloves of 2021

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Preparing for a bike ride requires the right gear, from a well-fitted helmet to sunglasses. And what nears the top of the list of essentials is a solid pair of padded bike gloves. While standard bike gloves prevent calluses and soreness, padded gloves add another layer of comfort and protection, so you can stay focused on the ride.

Designed to reduce pressure, minimize the impact of the handlebars, and absorb shock from the road, padded gloves can make all the difference as you log miles.

Ahead are the best padded bike gloves on the market, suitable for beginners, spin class, and long rides alike.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

GEARONIC Shockproof Short Gloves at Amazon

High-quality, durable materials, lightweight but ultra-padded biking gloves.

Best for Beginners:

INBIKE Cycling Gloves at Amazon

Inexpensive and comfortable, with soft gel padding all across the palm.

Best for Long Rides:

PEARL IZUMI Elite Gel Glove at Amazon

Perfect fit that minimizes palm bunching and provides superior grip and slip resistance.

Best for Women:

PEARL IZUMI Ride Select Gloves at Amazon

Fit and padding placement are designed with their hand size in mind.

Best for Men:

Giro Strade Dure SG Road Cycling Gloves at Amazon

Breathable, moisture-wicking mesh, and a durable suede palm, protect and keep from overheating.

Best for Spinning:

Cool Change Cycling Gloves at Amazon

Provide excellent grip and comfort that indoor cycling aficionados will appreciate.

With such an inexpensive price tag, some cyclists might be skeptical of these gloves, but their excellent value, quality, fit, and performance make them our top overall pick.

Made of high-quality, durable materials, these lightweight but ultra-padded biking gloves are an excellent choice for any cyclist. The foam pads on the palms are placed to soften the impact of the handlebars, reducing your risk of pain, soreness, and hand numbness. They also feature a breathable mesh back (so your hands don’t get too sweaty) and elasticized microfiber for additional comfort. The lightweight material and the fingerless open thumb design make these a perfect glove for warm weather or indoor cycling.

Users love the gloves’ excellent grip, cool design and, of course, inexpensive price tag. They’re available in several sizes for men and women, so you can get the fit that’s right for you.

If you’re new to cycling or spinning and aren’t quite sure if you’re ready to make a long-term commitment, you probably don’t want to spend a ton of money on bike gloves. These gloves from Inbike are the perfect pair for beginners: they’re inexpensive and they’ll keep you comfortable while you’re riding. With soft gel padding all across the palm, they provide the comfort and shock absorption that cyclists of all levels need. They also offer excellent protection in case you fall from your bike. Perfect for spring, summer, or fall riding, they’re made of a lightweight, breathable Lycra and mesh fabric.

The gloves feature terrycloth fabric on the inside, which you can use to wipe sweat or a runny nose. They come in several different sizes and have a low-profile Velcro closure at the wrist, so you can adjust for a custom fit. And if you decide to give up on cycling, these versatile gloves can also be used for weight lifting and other gym exercises.

Cyclists who log lots of miles need extremely comfortably gloves to avoid the hand pain and fatigue that can happen during long rides. A category leader in quality biking accessories, Pearl iZUMi certainly doesn’t disappoint with their Elite Gel Gloves. You’ll ride in comfort, even during very high mileage treks, thanks to the gel padding and soft and durable synthetic leather on the palm.

Users rave about the gloves’ perfect fit that minimizes palm bunching and provides superior grip and slip resistance. Other cool features are the soft wiping surface on the thumb and the removal tabs that make taking them off a cinch. You’ll pay a bit more for these gloves, but they’ll last a lot longer than some less expensive ones.

Another quality product from Pearl iZUMi, these gloves are made specifically for women, so the fit and padding placement are designed with their hand size in mind. The gel-foam padding relieves pressure on sensitive nerves to reduce hand numbness and improve overall comfort while riding. The gloves feature a synthetic, smooth, and durable leather on the palm and soft terrycloth on the thumb that’s perfect for wiping your brow or nose. To remove any sweat stench or stains, you can just wash them in mild soap and they’ll look and perform like new. The gloves are available in a few different colors and sizes, and you can use the Velcro closure on the bottom for a more custom fit.

Giro Strade Dure SG Men's Road Cycling Gloves

A trusted brand in biking gear, Giro definitely delivers with these men’s gloves. They offer an exceptional fit and outstanding performance, with just the right amount of gel padding to provide comfort for all your high-mileage rides. With a breathable, moisture-wicking mesh, and a durable suede palm, these gloves will protect your hands but also keep them from overheating. They also feature an absorbent microfiber surface for wiping sweat or your nose, as well as a secure Velcro closure. Users love the gloves’ quality, durability, and comfort, as well as their stylish look.

Padded gloves aren’t as crucial for Spin^TM class as they are for long outdoor rides, but these gloves from Cool Change provide excellent grip and comfort that indoor cycling aficionados will appreciate. Made of a breathable synthetic leather, they are soft but durable. The padding is placed in the right spots to help prevent hand discomfort, fatigue, and numbness at the end of a long class. If your hands swell while riding, you can easily loosen the gloves with the Velcro strap.

Users love the pull loops at the ends of the middle fingers, which make them a cinch to remove. These versatile, multi-use gloves are also great for weight-lifting, mountain biking, and outdoor cycling. They come in several different sizes but run small, so be sure to order a size up.

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