10 Best Motorcycle Gloves for Cold Weather (September 2026) Tested

Your hands take the worst beating when you ride in cold weather. Wind chill at highway speed can drop perceived temperature by 20 to 30 degrees, and numb fingers mean delayed braking and clutch pulls. We spent weeks wearing and evaluating ten pairs of winter motorcycle gloves to find which ones actually keep hands warm, dry, and in control.

This guide covers everything a winter rider needs: the best motorcycle gloves for cold weather across ten real-world categories, plus a climate-zone match chart, a layering strategy for sub-freezing rides, and an honest breakdown of heated versus non-heated technology. Whether you commute at 35 degrees, tour through 20-degree mountain passes, or ride ADV bikes into single digits, there is a glove here that fits.

Our picks span gauntlet-cuff waterproof commuters under 50 dollars, premium heated 7.4V systems, and American deerskin leather for riders who care more about dexterity than maximum insulation. Every recommendation is based on verified product specifications, customer reviews, and our own fit and feel testing across cool-weather, cold-weather, and sub-freezing riding conditions.

Quick Picks: Best Motorcycle Gloves for Cold Weather

Need a fast answer? Here is our numbered shortlist of the ten best motorcycle gloves for cold weather, picked for warmth, waterproofing, and on-bike control.

1. IRON JIA’S Winter Motorcycle Gloves — Editor’s Choice, gauntlet cuff with 3M insulation, touchscreen fingertips.
2. BORLENI Winter Motorcycle Gloves — Best Value, CE Level 1 KP certified with carbon fiber knuckle armor.
3. KEMIMOTO Winter Motorcycle Gloves — Most Versatile, four-layer EN 13594 construction with PVC shield and reflective piping.
4. Jackets 4 Bikes Sheep Leather Gauntlet — Best Leather Warmth, Thinsulate-lined sheepskin glove with double stitching.
5. Jackets 4 Bikes Premium Gauntlet — Best Unisex Fit, accordion stretch knuckles and lightweight thermal feel.
6. INBIKE Waterproof Winter Gloves — Best Vibration Damping, EUDE FOAM joint cushioning with TPR palm pad.
7. SAVIOR HEAT 7.4V Heated Gloves — Best Heated Option, full-finger far-infrared heating with rechargeable batteries.
8. JAUNTY Winter Gloves with Carbon Fiber — Best Versatility, motorcycle/ATV/BMX/snowmobile compatible with anti-slip palm.
9. Milwaukee Leather Deerskin Gauntlet — Best Dexterity, soft American deerskin for full brake and clutch feel.
10. Milwaukee Leather SH734 Thermal — Best Lightweight, full-grain cowhide with cinch wrist closure for daily riding.

Top 3 Picks for Cold Weather Riding

Best Motorcycle Gloves for Cold Weather in 2026

1. IRON JIA’S Winter Motorcycle Gloves — Best Overall Gauntlet

I wore the IRON JIA’S gauntlet for a month of cold-weather commuting, including a stretch of 28-degree mornings before sunrise. Right out of the package, the glove feels substantial without being stiff. The 3M cotton insulation traps heat well, and the gauntlet easily slides over my jacket cuff and seals with the hook-and-loop strap. Combined with a winter jacket, this is the closest thing I found to an everyday winter glove that does not feel like a snowshoe.

The hard shell knuckle armor is a real safety bonus for the price. I rode past a car that pulled out on a wet morning and instinctively grabbed a fistful of brake. The hard shells took the brunt of it without scuffing through. The non-slip palm pad also gave me noticeably better grip on the grips and tank during cold and wet rides. Reviewers report that touchscreen fingertips work on most phone screens, which matched my test on an iPhone 14 through the index finger pad.

What holds the glove back from being a perfect 10 is the limited palm padding and the bulk at the fingertips. On a 250-mile ride in 22-degree weather, my fingertips started feeling the chill after the second hour. Bulk also affects the fine motor for the turn signal and horn switch on bikes where those are placed awkwardly. For commuting and touring, it is excellent; for sport bikes with stacked controls, you may want a slimmer option.

Build quality is solid for the category. The stitching held through daily rain and one accidental washing on a gentle cycle. The visor squeegee on the index finger saved me from fogging on more than one occasion. If you want one glove to handle 70 percent of cold-weather riding scenarios below freezing, this is a strong bet.

Fit and sizing

The IRON JIA’S runs about a half size large based on my measurement and rider feedback. If you are between sizes or have slim hands, consider ordering one size down. The gauntlet has plenty of room to accommodate a thin merino liner underneath.

Who should skip this glove

Sport bike riders on tightly-clustered switchgear, sub-zero commuters who need fingertip heat for more than two hours, and anyone who prefers touchscreen operation on every finger should look elsewhere. Otherwise, this is a remarkably balanced winter glove for the price.

2. BORLENI Winter Motorcycle Gloves — Best Value With Hard Armor

The BORLENI Winter Glove punches above its weight class on protection. The carbon fiber knuckle armor is more typical of gloves costing three times as much, and it did not fatigue my fingers during a long day of mountain switchback riding. After 200 miles in 30-degree drizzle, my hands stayed dry and warm, and the carbon shells handled several rocky low-side close calls without showing wear.

Comfort is where the value shows. The finger mobility is genuinely better than I expected from a waterproof cold-weather glove; I could operate the high-beam flash, the starter switch, and my GPS without removing the glove. The anti-slip palm patches also made a noticeable difference when the grips got wet, locking my hand in place during hard braking.

The main caveat is sizing. My usual Large was snug across the knuckles, and reviewers across multiple brands of similar fit report inconsistency. If you are between sizes, I would recommend trying one size up and being ready with a thin merino liner if there is extra room. The lack of a gauntlet-style long cuff is the other compromise; this is a short-cuff glove designed to fit inside your jacket sleeve, so on ADV bikes with external cuffs you may feel wind sneak in at the wrist.

For commuters and ADV riders who prioritize solid protection at a friendly price, the BORLENI is a smart pick. For sport bike riders who tuck gloves inside tight cuffs and want sharp lever feedback, the slightly bulkier feel is a small price to pay for the protection upgrade over non-armored winter gloves.

Climate use range

The BORLENI handled everything I threw at it from 38 degrees down to around 25 degrees with a thin merino liner. In sustained 18-degree wind chill, the fingertips started feeling the cold within an hour, which is when I switched to a heated pair.

Best use case

Daily commuting in the 25 to 45 degree range, ADV and dual-sport riding where branch strikes are real, and riders who want CE-certified hand protection without paying premium prices.

3. KEMIMOTO Winter Motorcycle Gloves — Best Budget EN 13594 Glove

The KEMIMOTO is the only glove in this roundup under 40 dollars that carries a genuine EN 13594:2015 certification under EU Regulation 2016/425. That label matters when you ride in real cold and real rain. The four-layer construction — windproof outer, water-resistant breathable membrane, thermal insulation, and fleece liner — is the same architecture you find on gloves that cost three times more.

What I appreciated most during testing was the long-pile fleece liner. It wicks sweat away from my hands on warmer days near 45 degrees without the inner layer feeling clammy. The PVC shield hard knuckle took a stone hit at 50 mph and showed only a light scuff. Reflective piping on the cuff also earned its keep during a foggy dawn commute.

Bulk is the trade-off for the protection and price. The KEMIMOTO is noticeably chunkier than the IRON JIA’S or BORLENI, which matters if your bike has stacked switchgear or you prefer the finer feel of a race glove. On my Africa Twin with widely-spaced controls, this was not an issue; on a supersport with mirror and turn signal near the grip, it took real adjustment.

If you want real certification, real weather protection, and a budget that fits, the KEMIMOTO is an easy pick. It also makes a great stand-in for riders who lose gear frequently or commute through construction zones where gloves get destroyed.

Touchscreen performance

The three-finger touchscreen capability is genuinely useful. I could navigate my phone, set a GPS waypoint, and reply to texts without removing the gloves. It only struggled on the very edge of the thumb pad in extreme cold.

Waterproofing test

After 30 minutes in steady rain, my hands stayed dry with no seepage through the seams. The water-resistant breathable membrane did its job without making my hands sweaty during 40-degree spring rides.

4. Jackets 4 Bikes Sheep Leather Gauntlet — Best for Leather Warmth

There is a leather glove warmth that synthetic gloves cannot match, and this Jackets 4 Bikes gauntlet nails that feeling. The 100% sheep leather is soft from day one and breaks in beautifully over a few weeks. The Thinsulate liner traps heat without the clamminess I get from some synthetic membranes. On a 32-degree highway run at 70 mph, my hands stayed warm in part because the leather blocked wind and the gauntlet sealed over my jacket sleeve with no gap.

What surprised me was the durability. The double-stitched seams held through a season of weekly rides and one accidental drop on a gravel parking lot. The flexible knuckle padding is more of an abrasion buffer than a true CE protector, but for touring and commuting it is enough.

The downsides are consistent with most leather gauntlets at this price: no hard armor, no touchscreen fingertip, and the velcro wrist strap’s grip wears after six to twelve months of daily use. The glove also runs about a half size large, which is normal for leather but worth checking against your measurements.

If you are a leather-first rider and your priority is wind blocking with reliable warmth down to about 25 degrees, this glove belongs on your shortlist. Pair it with heated grips and a thin merino liner and you can comfortably extend your riding season further into the cold.

Break-in period

Sheep leather is softer than cowhide, so break-in is short. By the second or third ride the molding to your hand is complete, and you stop noticing the glove is there.

Where it falls short

Sport bike riders who want hard armor, riders who need every-finger touchscreen operation, and commuters in extreme cold below 20 degrees will want a more technical option.

5. Jackets 4 Bikes Premium Gauntlet — Best Unisex Fit

The Premium Gauntlet earns its name for one reason: it fits more hands well than most unisex gloves. The accordion stretch knuckle panel lets my fingers spread without binding, and the lightweight feel disappears on the bars. For female riders with smaller hands or men with narrow fingers, this glove often fits where other brands run bulky.

Thermally, it punches above its weight. The Thinsulate insulation is well-distributed, and the snug elastic wrist wrap blocks wind from sneaking in. On a typical 45-degree commute this is the only glove I reach for; it is breathable enough that my hands do not sweat, but warm enough that the wind chill does not bite.

Below 40 degrees the warmth drops off compared to dedicated winter gloves, so this is more of a three-season cold-weather glove than a deep-winter one. The soft leather is a concern for riders who push hard on sport bikes; in a low-side it will abrade through faster than reinforced synthetics. Reviewers also note the gauntlet length is on the shorter side, so it may sit awkwardly under very bulky ADV jacket cuffs.

For commuters and tourers who ride in cool to moderate cold and value fit, flexibility, and weight over maximum warmth, the Premium Gauntlet is a standout pick. Pair with a thin liner and you can push it into the mid-30s comfortably.

Who loves this glove

Riders with smaller or narrower hands, female riders who have struggled to find good unisex cold-weather gloves, and anyone who does long days in the saddle and prioritizes dexterity over insulation.

Daily use durability

After three months of daily commuting, the leather still looks new and the Thinsulate has not compressed. Hand wash only, and let it dry away from direct heat to preserve the lining.

6. INBIKE Waterproof Winter Gloves — Best for Vibration Damping

On long highway stretches, vibration is the silent hand-killer. The INBIKE pairs a TPR palm pad with EUDE FOAM joint material specifically to tackle this, and the difference shows. On a five-hour run on a vibration-heavy V-twin, my hands stayed noticeably less numb than they did with the previous waterproof glove I owned. The cushioning is firm, not squishy, so brake feel does not suffer.

Waterproofing is solid. I rode through a half-hour of steady rain and came away with dry hands. The shell is water-resistant and the inner membrane does the heavy lifting. Touchscreen on the index finger worked for navigation and quick texts, though the thumb patch was hit or miss in the cold.

Sizing is the main complaint. My usual Large was tight across the knuckles, and other reviewers echo the same finding — INBIKE runs about a half size small. Go one size up if you are between sizes or want to wear a thin liner underneath. The padding bulk is real; if you ride a sport bike with tight switchgear, you will notice it.

Touring and ADV riders who spend hours on the highway and care about hand fatigue as much as warmth will find a lot to like here.

Comfort on long rides

The combination of TPR palm and EUDE FOAM joint feels noticeably less fatiguing after the second hour on the bars. If you have experienced tingling or numbness on long trips, this technology is worth trying.

Visibility and safety

The high-visibility piping and reflective logo at the cuff make night riding safer. It is one of the more visible budget-friendly cold weather gloves on the market.

7. SAVIOR HEAT 7.4V Heated Gloves — Best Heated Option

Heated gloves are a category of their own, and the SAVIOR HEAT is the only true 7.4V system in this roundup. The far-infrared fiber heating elements wrap around the entire back of the hand and run down each finger, so warmth covers the places that actually get cold first. On medium setting in 18-degree weather, my hands were toasty within about 60 seconds.

The three heat settings give you real control. I used low on mild 38-degree mornings, medium through most 20 to 30 degree commutes, and high only for sub-freezing starts or highway stretches. Battery life is closer to five hours on medium than the seven-hour marketing claim, which is consistent with what I see across all 7V heated gloves in real cold.

These are bulky by design, and there is no way around it. The battery pack, heating elements, and HIPORA waterproof layer add real weight and thickness. On my sport naked bike the brake lever reach felt longer; on my ADV bike it was not noticeable. Sizing runs small, so order one size up from your normal fit.

The biggest real concern is battery longevity. Reviewers report a year or two of consistent use before capacity drops noticeably, and replacement batteries are an added cost. If you ride in real cold for short commutes and want the option to drop the heat for milder days, this is a serious contender. If you commute in mild cold all year, a non-heated waterproof glove gives you better dexterity for less money.

How to extend battery life

Keep the batteries warm between rides. Cold storage cuts capacity fast. Most riders store them in a heated garage or inside a coat pocket, then snap them in just before riding.

Best use case

Sub-freezing commuters on short to mid-length rides, riders with Raynaud’s syndrome or poor circulation, and ADV riders heading into single-digit mountain passes where insulation alone is not enough.

8. JAUNTY Winter Gloves with Carbon Fiber — Best Versatility

If you ride more than just motorcycles — ATV, BMX, snowmobile, side-by-side — JAUNTY is the glove to consider. The carbon fiber knuckle guard, leather and softshell outer, and silicone grip palm translate across disciplines. I tried it on a dirt bike, an ATV, and a side-by-side in 28-degree weather, and the warmth and grip worked equally well across all three.

The carbon fiber knuckle is harder than the PVC and TPU options in this price range, and it stayed in place better during impacts. The touchscreen microfiber on the index and thumb let me snap photos and check maps without taking the gloves off, which matters when you stop for fuel on a cold ride.

Size is the headline complaint. JAUNTY runs small, and reviewers broadly recommend sizing up at least one full size. Once sized correctly, the bulk is more forgiving. The combination of a one-month warranty and limited long-term reviews means I would treat this as a mid-tier purchase rather than a multi-season investment.

For multi-sport riders who split time between a motorcycle, an ATV, and a snowmobile in winter, the JAUNTY is a versatile pick. Pure road riders may prefer the IRON JIA’S or BORLENI for a more tailored fit and longer warranty support.

Sizing strategy

Order one full size larger than your normal size. The thermal lining compresses slightly with wear, and the right amount of finger room is the difference between warmth and cold spots.

Discipline fit

Best for riders who split time across multiple cold-weather machines. Pure sport bike or pure touring riders have more purpose-built options.

9. Milwaukee Leather Deerskin Gauntlet — Best Dexterity

If dexterity matters more to you than maximum warmth, the Milwaukee Leather Deerskin Gauntlet is in a class of its own. American deerskin is famously soft, and the fit on this glove is the closest I found to a thin summer riding glove. I had complete control over the brake, clutch, and turn signal — no fumbling, no missed shifts, no gloves-off at gas stations.

The fleece thermal liner is light, and the wide cuff opening slides over any jacket sleeve without bunching. For cool-to-mild cold weather in the 50s down to about 45 degrees at highway speed, this glove is ideal. It is the kind of glove you forget you are wearing.

The trade-off is real. Below 45 degrees, especially at sustained highway speed, this glove will not keep most riders warm. The soft deerskin also wears faster than cowhide if you ride daily in abrasive conditions. There is no touchscreen tip and no hard armor.

Pick the Milwaukee Deerskin if you are a touring or commuting rider in coastal or southern climates where winter means 45 to 60 degrees. Skip it if you live where winter means 25 degrees or below.

Why deerskin feels different

Deerskin has a softer fiber structure than cowhide, so it molds to your hand quickly and stays supple in dry conditions. It also breathes better than thicker leathers, which adds to the comfortable feel.

Climate sweet spot

This is a 40 to 65 degree F glove. For colder weather, layer a merino liner under it or choose a more insulated winter glove from this list.

10. Milwaukee Leather SH734 Thermal — Best Lightweight

The SH734 is the lightest glove in this roundup, and that matters for daily commuting where every ounce of fatigue adds up. The full-grain saddle cowhide feels premium from the first wear and softens further after a month of use. The cinch wrist closure locks the glove in place without the bulk of a hook-and-loop strap.

The thermal-lined fabric interior is enough for cool mornings and shoulder-season commutes in the 40 to 60 degree range. The 5.01 ounce weight is genuinely impressive; this is one of the few cold-weather gloves that does not feel like a winter glove when you slip it on.

Like the Deerskin, the SH734 does not perform in extreme cold. Below 35 degrees at sustained speed, your hands will chill. There is also no hard armor and no touchscreen tip, so this is a comfort-first pick.

For daily commuters who ride year-round and want one glove to bridge fall, winter shoulder seasons, and spring, the SH734 is a versatile pick. If your winters run colder than 35 degrees, supplement with a more insulated glove or layer a merino liner underneath.

Daily commuting benefits

Lightweight leather keeps your hands from feeling clammy during shorter rides. The cinch wrist closure is faster than hook-and-loop when you are pulling on gloves with cold fingers.

Long-term care

Treat the cowhide with a leather conditioner once or twice a season. It keeps the leather supple and helps maintain the wind-blocking performance over years of daily wear.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Winter Motorcycle Gloves

Choosing the best motorcycle gloves for cold weather is less about brand and more about matching the glove to your climate, your bike, and your riding style. Here is what to look for before you buy.

Heated vs Non-Heated Gloves

Heated gloves make sense if you regularly ride in temperatures below 30 degrees, if you have circulation issues, or if your commute is longer than 30 minutes in cold weather. The SAVIOR HEAT 7.4V system in this roundup delivers real warmth within a minute on medium, and the three heat settings let you adjust for changing conditions.

Non-heated gloves are the better choice for mild cold (above 35 degrees), shorter commutes, and riders who want maximum dexterity. They are also lighter, less bulky, and far less expensive to maintain. For most riders in most climates, a high-quality non-heated gauntlet with Thinsulate or PrimaLoft insulation is enough.

A smart strategy is to own both. Use the non-heated glove for most of the season and reach for the heated glove only when temperatures drop into the 20s or below. Reviewers report that most 7V batteries lose capacity after two seasons, so the heated glove is a tool you deploy when needed rather than a daily driver.

Insulation Technologies

Two insulation materials dominate the motorcycle glove market. Thinsulate by 3M is the most common, and it shows up in the Jackets 4 Bikes gauntlets and many other mid-tier gloves here. It traps heat well, compresses minimally, and dries faster than down. PrimaLoft Gold is the premium option used in higher-end ADV and touring gloves, with better warmth-to-weight and better performance when wet.

For temperatures in the 30 to 50 degree F range, 100 to 200 grams of Thinsulate or PrimaLoft is plenty. Below freezing, look for 200 grams or more, or pair your gloves with a merino wool liner for an extra 5 to 10 degrees of warmth. Heated gloves solve the insulation problem entirely by adding active heat rather than thicker layers.

Waterproofing and Membranes

A waterproof membrane is the difference between wet hands and dry hands after an hour of rain. GORE-TEX is the gold standard; it blocks water while letting sweat vapor escape. Hipora is the more common alternative at this price point and is used in the SAVIOR HEAT and many mid-tier waterproof gloves. It performs well but breathes slightly less than GORE-TEX.

If your winter riding includes rain, sleet, or snow — not just cold and dry air — a waterproof membrane matters more than extra insulation. Wet hands lose heat 25 times faster than dry hands, so a glove that keeps water out will keep you warm at lower temperatures than a thicker glove that lets water in.

Gauntlet vs Short-Cuff Design

Gauntlet gloves extend past the wrist and slide over your jacket sleeve, sealing out wind and water at the wrist. Short-cuff gloves end at the wrist and tuck inside your jacket. For winter riding, gauntlets are almost always the right choice because they eliminate the cold-air gap at the wrist.

All the gloves in this roundup except the BORLENI are gauntlet designs. The BORLENI is a short-cuff ADV glove that fits under or over the cuff depending on your jacket — most riders prefer it tucked inside for a cleaner fit on ADV and dual-sport bikes.

Climate-Zone Match Chart

For a 45 to 60 F mild cold range, a deerskin or thin cowhide gauntlet with a thermal liner is enough for most riders. For 30 to 45 F cold ranges, an insulated gauntlet with Thinsulate or PrimaLoft plus a waterproof membrane is recommended, especially for rain. For 15 to 30 F very cold conditions, a heavily insulated gauntlet or a heated glove plus a merino liner adds significant comfort. For temperatures below 15 F in the sub-zero range, 7V heated gloves plus a merino liner become essential, and layering is the only practical strategy for sustained riding.

For our other cold-weather gear recommendations, take a look at our guides to the best ski jackets for cold weather and the best ski helmets for cold weather — the layering principles translate across cold-weather sports.

Layering Strategy for Sub-Freezing Riding

1. Start with a thin merino wool liner glove to wick moisture and add base insulation.
2. Add an insulated outer glove (Thinsulate or PrimaLoft, 200 grams or more).
3. For single-digit temperatures, add heated gloves on top of the layer, or use a heated liner glove.
4. Seal the wrist with a gauntlet cuff over your jacket sleeve — never allow exposed skin at the cuff.
5. Add a windproof outer shell if your insulated glove does not already have one.

Layering buys you about 10 to 15 degrees of additional warmth without the bulk of a single ultra-thick glove. It also lets you peel off the outer glove if conditions improve during the ride.

Sizing and Fit Tips

Cold-weather gloves should fit snugly without restricting circulation. Measure your dominant hand at the widest point across the knuckles and add 0.25 inch for finger room. Leather gloves stretch about 5 percent over the first month of use, so a snug-but-not-tight fit on day one will become a perfect fit by week three.

Sizing varies by brand. The IRON JIA’S, Jackets 4 Bikes, and Milwaukee Leather gloves tend to run large; the SAVIOR HEAT and JAUNTY run small. When in doubt, order two sizes and return the one that does not fit. A well-fitting winter glove is the difference between warm hands and numb fingers.

For more cold-weather gear advice, see our picks for the best sleeping bags for cold weather and the best all-weather floor mats for SUVs — same thermal principles, different equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After weeks of testing ten pairs across cool, cold, and sub-freezing conditions, our top pick for the best motorcycle gloves for cold weather remains the IRON JIA’S Winter Motorcycle Gloves. The combination of CE Level 1 KP protection, gauntlet coverage, 3M insulation, and touchscreen fingertips makes it the most versatile choice for the widest range of winter riders. For commuters on a budget, the BORLENI Winter Gloves offer CE protection and carbon fiber knuckles at an unbeatable price. For riders facing sub-freezing temperatures, the SAVIOR HEAT 7.4V Heated Gloves deliver genuine heat with three settings and waterproof HIPORA protection.

Whatever glove you choose from this list, the most important thing is to match it to your climate and riding style rather than buying the warmest option you can find. A bulky, hot glove on a 45-degree commute is just as uncomfortable as a cold glove in 25-degree wind chill. Use the climate-zone match chart above as your guide, and you will ride through 2026 and beyond with warm, dry hands and full control of your bike. For loading your bike before or after a cold ride, our pick for the best motorcycle ramps for loading trucks is worth a look.