Activewear We Tested the Best Padded Bike Gloves—These 7 Will Keep You Comfy As You Ride We love MOREOK’s Cycling Gloves for optimal protection, comfort, and grip By Michelle Parente, CYT Michelle Parente, CYT LinkedIn Twitter Michelle Parente, CYT, is a New York City-based yoga sculpt instructor and lifestyle journalist specializing in health, wellness, and fitness content. As a commerce writer, it's Michelle's mission to provide researched and reliable product recommendations. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 22, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Mikael Hanson Medically reviewed by Mikael Hanson Mikael Hanson is a USA cycling and USA triathlon certified coach with over 25 years of coaching experience. He has worked with athletes of all ages, from beginners to World Champions. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr LinkedIn Twitter Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Fit / Claire Bugos Preparing for a bike ride requires the right gear, from a well-fitted helmet to quality cycling shoes. And what nears the top of the list of biking essentials is a solid pair of padded bike gloves. While standard bike gloves prevent calluses and soreness, the best padded bike gloves add an extra layer of comfort and protection so you can focus on your ride. Padded gloves are designed to reduce pressure, minimize the impact of the handlebars, and absorb shock from the road. They can make all the difference if you are logging a lot of miles on your bike. When choosing the best padded bike gloves for you, look for a pair that is protective, moisture-wicking, and durable. They should also provide adequate cushion, comfort, and support. To find the best padded bike gloves on the market, we tested 14 best-selling pairs from popular cycling gear brands. Our team of fitness editors—which included both seasoned cyclists and beginners—each tested a pair of gloves on their own bikes at home. While taking note of any valuable features, like reflective detailing and touchscreen compatibility, we rated each pair on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for comfort, moisture-wicking, grip, and overall value. We also had a USA Cycling- and USA Triathlon-certified coach from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, what to look for in padded bike gloves, and what benefits they potentially can provide. Our Top Picks Best Overall: MOREOK Cycling Gloves Bike Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Road Cycling: Giro SIV Men’s Road Cycling Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review Best Gel: Specialized Body Geometry Dual-Gel Short Finger Gloves at Specialized.com Jump to Review Best Budget: GEARONIC Shockproof Short Gloves at Amazon Jump to Review Most Breathable: PEARL IZUMI Elite Gel Cycling Glove at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Beginners: PEARL IZUMI Women’s Select Glove at Amazon Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Aero Tech Cycling Gloves at Aerotechdesigns.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks We Also Tested How We Tested What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall MOREOK Cycling Gloves Bike Gloves 5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Value 5/5 Moisture-Wicking 5/5 Grip 5/5 Pros Budget-friendly Easily adjustable Durable Cons Somewhat bulky MOREOK’s Cycling Gloves stand out for their consistent comfort, moisture-wicking capabilities, solid grip, and overall value—we think they’re worth their budget-friendly price and then some. These gloves never let us down when riding—they kept hands protected, dry, and pain-free even after two hours or more of cycling. Featuring shock-proof gel pads, an anti-slip coating, and reinforced micro-fiber cloth, the gloves are durable enough for years of rugged rides to come. We appreciate the adjustable hook and loop closure for a customized fit, as well as the standard fingerless design that makes reaching for your phone, water, or a mid-ride snack even easier. But we do wish this somewhat bulky pair of gloves had a more streamlined look, like Specialized’s Women's Body Geometry Gloves (our best gel pick). However, this pair is a great, affordable option for those who don’t mind some extra bulk for added protection. Price at time of publication: $16 Key Specs: Materials: Spandex | Sizes: S-XXL | Reflective Details: None | Care: Machine wash, air dry Verywell Fit / Courtesy of Awa Dia Best for Road Cycling Giro SIV Men’s Road Cycling Gloves 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Comfort 3.8/5 Value 5/5 Moisture-Wicking 5/5 Grip 5/5 Pros Suitable for warm weather Lightweight and breathable Easily adjustable Cons Not padded enough for mountain biking In order to reap the many benefits of outdoor cycling, you need comfortable and durable gear to keep you in the zone. We love Giro’s SIV Men’s Road Cycling Gloves because they kept us comfortable, secure, and focused during each ride throughout testing. And we specifically recommend this pair for warm weather wear, thanks to its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Unlike our plush best overall pick, these gloves are thin with minimal padding—making them a better pick for hot and sweaty days but not ideal for cold weather or very bumpy rides on rugged terrain. We appreciate the microfiber suede palm that provided a tacky grip, regardless of how much sweat sneaks between your hand and handlebars. This pick will cost you a little bit more than MOREOK’s Cycling Gloves Bike Gloves, but we think it’s well worth it for outdoor cyclists with sweaty hands that need grip and protection without the bulk. Price at time of publication: $25 Key Specs: Materials: Polyester | Sizes: XS-XL | Reflective Details: No | Care: Not listed Verywell Fit / Courtesy of Sheri Wilson Best Gel Specialized Women's Body Geometry Dual-Gel Short Finger Gloves 4.5 Specialized View On Specialized.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Value 4/5 Moisture-Wicking 4/5 Grip 5/5 Pros Easily adjustable Streamlined look Lightweight and breathable Cons May run small When testing, we had total control of our rides in this pair of padded bike gloves, thanks to their advanced anti-slip grip. The pair features a similar level of padding and comfort to MOREOK’s Cycling Gloves (our best overall pick) but with two layers of gel pads for optimal shock absorption and vibration damping. Our only complaint, the Specialized Women's Body Geometry Dual-Gel Short Finger Gloves might run a bit small. While we found them to be super comfortable and protective during our test, one of our testers did complain about feeling a bit constricted and needed to size up for a more freeing fit. This pair is a bit pricer than other options on our list, but we think it’s worth it for frequent cyclists who prefer thick gel padding to get them through tough rides like mountain biking. Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs: Materials: Synthetic suede | Sizes: XS-XL | Reflective Details: Yes | Care: Not listed Verywell Fit / Courtesy of Sophia Heald Best Budget GEARONIC Shockproof Short Gloves 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Value 4/5 Moisture-Wicking 4/5 Grip 5/5 Pros Very solid grip Streamlined look Easily adjustable Cons Not moisture-wicking during longer rides GEARONIC’s Shockproof Short Gloves are, like most other picks on our list, a fingerless padded bike glove that will protect your hands while riding on all types of terrains. But what sets this pair apart is their super budget-friendly price. During test rides, we found the gloves to fit well and provide a really solid grip. And at the start of rides, they felt super breathable, keeping our hands comfortable and dry. But the longer we rode, the more sweat built up inside the gloves—causing the velcro closure to loosen and the gloves to move around. While we still think these are a great option for a 30-minute to hour-long bike ride, if you plan on riding for longer distances, we recommend spending just a little bit more on MOREOK’s Cycling Gloves for longer-lasting sweat-wicking capabilities. Price at time of publication: $11 Key Specs: Materials: Suede | Sizes: M-XXL | Reflective Details: Yes | Care: Machine wash, air dry Verywell Fit / Courtesy of Mike Navarro Most Breathable PEARL IZUMI Elite Gel Cycling Glove 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Value 4/5 Moisture-Wicking 4/5 Grip 4/5 Pros Generous padding Easily adjustable Good for mountain biking Cons Somewhat bulky Whether you ride outside in cool climates or warm weather, PEARL IZUMI’s Elite Gel Cycling Gloves will keep your hands protected, dry, and comfortable. The generously padded palm features a cooling gel and ventilation holes for optimal breathability. We especially appreciate the extra padding on the balls of the hand and at the base of the thumb for added shock absorption when riding on rough terrains. While testing, we completed long and sweaty rides on an indoor cycling bike and had no issues with sweat retention or overheating when wearing these gloves. It’s important to note that because of the additional padding, this pair feels somewhat bulkier than some other options on our list. So if you're going for a more streamlined, versatile look, we recommend opting for our best gel pick, Specialized’s Women's Body Geometry Dual-Gel Short Finger Gloves. Price at time of publication: $38 Key Specs: Materials: Suede, synthetic leather | Sizes: S-XXL | Reflective Details: No | Care: Machine wash, air dry Verywell Fit / Courtesy of Cecily McAndrews Best for Beginners PEARL IZUMI Women’s Select Glove 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Value 4.2/5 Moisture-Wicking 4.2/5 Grip 4.5/5 Pros Streamlined look Versatile Budget-friendly Cons Not padded enough for mountain biking PEARL IZUMI’s Women’s Select Gloves are great for beginners because they provide comfort, protection, and good grip—all at a low-stakes price. We tested this pair outdoors in warm and cool climates and even completed one test ride on an indoor cycling bike. During all of our test rides, these gloves never slipped due to excess moisture retention, thanks to their breathable, sweat-wicking material. Similar to Giro’s SIV Men’s Road Cycling Gloves, this pick features less padding than some other options on our list. The minimal padding gives these gloves a more streamlined look that’s suitable for a variety of activities and great for warm-weather riding. But you may want to opt for something with more padding, like our best overall pick, if you’re planning on biking on off-trail, rugged terrain. We recommend this pick for beginner cyclists, recreational road bikers, commuters, or those who want extra grip on their stationary bike. Price at time of publication: $16 Key Specs: Materials: Polyester, leather | Sizes: S-XL | Reflective Details: Yes | Care: Machine wash, air dry Verywell Fit / Courtesy of Claire Bugos Most Comfortable Aero Tech Cycling Gloves 4.2 Aero Tech View On Aerotechdesigns.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Value 4/5 Moisture-Wicking 3/5 Grip 4.5/5 Pros Great size range Stylish design Easily adjustable Cons Not great for those with sweaty hands Aero Tech’s Cycling Gloves feature thick gel padding on the palm that provides great shock absorption and protection without sacrificing range of motion and comfort. We appreciate that even though this pair is heavily padded, it doesn't feel bulky like other similarly padded options on our list. We found these gloves to be super comfortable and enjoyed their stylish front crochet design. But when it comes to moisture-wicking, there are better options out there. On longer, sweaty rides we did notice that some heat got trapped inside the gloves causing excess sweat to accumulate, especially for those of us with particularly sweaty hands. If you're looking for a more breathable, sweat-wicking option, we recommend PEARL IZUMI’s Elite Gel Cycling Glove (the most breathable option on our list). Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs: Materials: Leather, cotton | Sizes: XS-3XL | Reflective Details: No | Care: Not listed Verywell Fit / Courtesy of Brian Sanford How We Rated the Padded Bike Gloves 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best padded bike gloves we tested. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These padded bike gloves are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great padded bike gloves, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These padded bike gloves are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend padded bike gloves with this rating; you won't find any on our list. We Also Tested In total, we tested 14 padded bike gloves, but we only deemed seven of them worthy enough to be included in our final list of recommendations. While these two didn't make our list of the best pairs, they did have some valuable features worth mentioning. Giro’s Strade Dure SG Men's Road Cycling Gloves feature padding on the palm that should make riding a lot more comfortable. But what made our rides uncomfortable when using these gloves was the lack of moisture-wicking that left our hands sweaty and our minds distracted. With just enough padding in all the right places, Aero Tech’s Gel PADDED Leather and Cotton Crochet Fingerless Gloves would have been a solid pick if it weren't for their bulky fit and lack of grip and moisture-wicking. Instead, we went with the brand’s extra-thick version, which proved to be more comfortable during tests. How We Tested the Padded Bike Gloves We test many products in The Verywell Testing Lab, but some—like padded bike gloves—better lend themselves to long-term, real-world use so that we can get the most accurate results for our readers. Our team of fitness editors—including seasoned cyclists and beginner bikers—tested 14 top-selling padded bike gloves from their own saddles at home, in the streets, and on paths for a minimum of five bike rides with each set of gloves. When the gloves arrived, we first examined them for any initial damage and wear and tear. If everything looked fine, we put the gloves on and noted how well they fit: Did they fit snugly, without constricting movement? Were we able to make a fist? Are the gloves bunchy? The best padded bike gloves should fit snugly without any scrunching to avoid uncomfortable chafing. If the fit felt right, we got onto our indoor cycling bikes or outdoor road bikes for a 15-minute ride wearing the gloves. We completed at least five rides throughout the testing period. As we pedaled, we paid close attention to the comfort, moisture-wicking ability, grip, and overall value of each pair of padded gloves—rating them on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for each of these key categories. Verywell Fit / Courtesy of Sheri Wilson What to Look for in Padded Bike Gloves Comfort Comfort is the most important thing to consider when choosing padded bike gloves since the purpose of the gloves is to make your ride more comfortable. Features that affect the comfort of padded bike gloves include breathability, cushioning, flexibility, and adjustability. A comfortable pair of gloves, like Aero Tech’s Cycling Gloves, can help ward off hand pain and strain on longer rides. Look for gloves with padding on the palms and mesh upper materials to allow airflow. You may also want adjustable wristbands to secure your gloves and prevent slipping. Avoid scratchy materials or seams that can rub on your skin and cause discomfort. And lastly, make sure your gloves fit properly. Grip A pair of padded bike gloves with a grippy surface on the palm can help with preventing slippage and accidents. This is essential for anyone needing to lean or press on their handlebars to stand or change direction. Good grip will also help you position your hands properly while riding, which in turn can help you better grasp the bike’s handlebars and maintain a sturdier position during your ride, says Kristi Mohn, Marketing Manager at Life Time and avid biker. For padded bike gloves with a super solid and secure grip, we recommend GEARONIC’s Shockproof Short Gloves. Verywell Fit / Courtesy of Sophia Heald Moisture-Wicking The purpose of padded bike gloves is to add comfort, making for a more enjoyable and distraction-free riding experience. But if your hands are overheating and becoming sweaty inside the gloves, it defeats the purpose. So make sure to opt for a pair of moisture-wicking gloves, especially if you have particularly sweaty palms, says Mohn. A good pick for optimal breathability is PEARL IZUMI’s Elite Gel Cycling Glove. Price When deciding which padded bike gloves you want to purchase, it’s important to consider both quality and price (and the quality for the price). If you don’t plan on cycling frequently or if you’re a beginner to cycling and aren’t sure you’re ready to commit to the activity long-term, you may want to opt for a budget-friendlier pair of cycling gloves. But if you plan on using your bike gloves multiple times a week and you go for the cheapest option without considering the quality, you may end up with gloves that fall apart or are uncomfortable. Depending on how often you use your gloves, you may wish to invest in a more durable pair that stand up to frequent use. Our best overall pick, MOREOK’s Cycling Gloves Bike Gloves, are super durable while also being budget-friendly at just $17. And our cheapest pair was only $10 when we published this list. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of padded bike gloves? Padded bike gloves can help prevent hand pain and strain. They can also provide a barrier between the handlebars and your skin to prevent calluses and blisters. And if you tend to sweat while you ride, grippy gloves can improve your grasp on the handlebars. Should cycling gloves be tight or loose? The most important thing is comfort—you want to ride freely and without distraction. It’s important to choose a pair of padded bike gloves fitted to your hands without a lot of excess room. But they should also not restrict movement or feel too snug, says Mohn. How do you clean padded bike gloves? To clean bike gloves, use mild soapy water and allow the gloves to air dry. Cleaning them after each use can help prevent bacterial growth that may deteriorate the gloves. Always be sure to wash your gloves according to manufacturer instructions. Why do bikers wear gloves? Bikers wear gloves for comfort and protection. Padded bike gloves add an extra layer of cushion between the hands and handlebars, preventing pain and strain. And a quality pair of gloves will provide good grip to avoid slippage when sweating—they also offer great protection against the sun, says Mohn. Frequent bikers also appreciate that gloves can limit the formation of painful calluses and blisters over time. Verywell Fit / Courtesy of Kim Cheung Why Trust Verywell Fit Michelle Parente is an experienced fitness writer. She is passionate about making reliable product recommendations. As a fitness enthusiast herself, Michelle knows that quality activewear and accessories can level up any workout, providing an extra boost of comfort and confidence. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit