The Best Summer Motorcycle Gloves for a Cool and Comfy Grip

Your hands can get very hot and sweaty when riding in warmer weather. We recommend using summer motorcycle gloves to ensure airflow and protect your hands against wind exposure. Summer gloves usually feature lightweight material, so feeling the bike’s controls should be easy. 

Here is a list of the best summer motorcycle gloves available for purchase. These gloves are very light and will not compromise your safety.

The Best Summer Motorcycle Gloves Are

1. Alpinestars Men’s SMX-1 Air Motorcycle Gloves — Best Overall

These lightweight summer motorcycle gloves have soft full-grain leather construction and foam cushioning. They come with advanced polyester blend reinforcements for comfort and durability. On top of that, there is synthetic suede with very high tensile and heat strength along the vulnerable outer seam.

The Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2 Gloves have perforated leather and mesh for better airflow and breathability. They’ll work well for city riders and commuters looking for the best hand protection and ventilation.

These gloves’ knuckle protectors may feel stiff but deliver reliable protection where needed. The knuckles have a carbon fiber strip, with leather in the key abrasion and landing zones, to provide exceptional security in case of a fall. Also, each glove has a sleeve closure with a hook and loop to make them fit under jacket cuffs easily.

Key Features

• Improved comfort: Cushioning is integrated into the fingers to make the gloves fit comfortably. They also stay secure due to their loop and ring grip wrist closures; you won’t have to worry about them flying off.
• Offers flexibility: Ergonomic stretch insert between palm and thumb offers improved hand movements.
• Non-slip grip: The evolved style design ensures greater sensitivity in controls and increased grip.
• Screen touch capability: The gloves have a convenient touch coating on the thumb, index finger and middle finger. You can operate GPS systems and cell phones with ease.

VERDICT: The Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2 Gloves will offer superior impact and abrasion resistance. They also ensure a greater range of motion of the hand due to their elastic zone on the palm and fingers.

2. Dainese Blackjack Gloves – Best Adjustable Motorcycle Gloves

Dainese Blackjack Gloves provide touring enthusiasts with maximum performance and comfort. They have goatskin leather which is thin and flexible and features elastic inserts on their thumb. Each glove also has pre-curved fingers and a wrist that is adjustable to provide a short break-in time.

These gloves have a rugged and classic retro feel with a synthetic suede palm reinforced for extra protection. The reinforcement also makes them very durable and abrasion-resistant.

Important Features

• Adjustable strap: The strap on the glove cuff ensures it does not fall off even in an accident. It also keeps the glove in the right position in all situations.
• Comfortable and safe: It has an aramid fiber with high tensile, shear, break, and heat strength. The soft fiber has low electrical conductivity and great chemical resistance, making it safe and comfy.
• Lightweight: Its material is a composition of carbon filaments immersed in resin to make a very lightweight fiber.
• Breathable: Dianese patent allows drilling in only the aeratable areas, away from the seams. This provides the required air for a comfortable ride.
• Elastic inserts: It has elastic inserts to enhance its ability to change shape depending on hand movement during rides.

VERDICT: These gloves are CE-Cat. II certified due to their soft inserts and reinforced palms. They are also pure with premium leather to give you the desired protection during summer.

3. Klim Induction Gloves – Best Ventilation

This is a pair of street-focused leather gloves specially designed for hot weather. The gloves have high-quality goat leather construction, making them sturdy and durable. There is also a carbon fiber knuckle protector, low-profile palm seams, and an outer finger seam for abrasion protection.

These leather gloves are perfectly ventilated, thanks to mapped perforations and finger mesh created to ensure more airflow. There is also 3M Scotchlite carbon fiber Velcro and leather palm reinforcement for added protection. 

You’ll get flexibility with their accordion stretch on the back of the hand, which makes them fit nicely on any hand size. 

Important Features

• Breathable: Klim Induction Gloves are breathable with mapped perforations for better ventilation.
• Touchscreen function: It allows you to operate touchscreen devices without the gloves off, thanks to the mult-E touch smart device functionality.
• Comfortable fit: It has an outer finger seam, palm pads, and leather palm reinforcement that is comfortable for the palm and fingers.
• Protective features: On the palm pads and knuckles is a 0.197” XRD impact protection foam for added protection.

VERDICT: Klim Induction Summer Motorcycle Gloves offer comfort and quality performance. These gloves combine the best hand protection technology with breathable leather to keep your hands feeling cool and dry.

4. Scorpion EXO SGS MK II Gloves – Best Hand Protection

The EXO SGS MK II are bike gloves made of premium goat leather to offer maximum dexterity protection. The gloves allow ample airflow to keep your hands dry even while touring in temperatures exceeding 115 F.

The pinky finger features foam paddings across its outer side, while all other four finger joints have TPU padding. Each glove is also constructed with a floating-knuckle leather panel reinforced with a sturdy blend of carbon fiber. All of these protect the finger and palm in case of a motorcycle crash.

This pair of gloves will offer the best hand protection, unlike any other glove on this list. They come with two Knox SPS sliders positioned at the base of each palm to keep your hand safe and secure. The sliders will reduce the chances of breaking the scaphoid bone or any surrounding bones in case of an accident.

Important Features

• Comfortable to Wear: The gloves have hook-and-loop wrist strap Velcro closure that holds the gloves in place. When tightly closed, they prevent the gloves from flying off your hand in a tumble.
• Perforated leather construction: They have a perforated leather construction for better ventilation and performance.
• Quality material: Designed with quality goat skin leather reinforcements for better protection.
• Protection against injury: Two SPS Knox sliders are at each side of your palm’s base to protect your hands against impacts.
• Safe and secure: The pair has hard TPU finger protectors and Carbon fiber-reinforced TPU knuckle guards for hand safety.

VERDICT: The SGS MK II gloves have three primary features that immediately stand out. Two Knox SPS palm sliders, many reinforced sections in the glove’s chassis and a goat leather construction. There are also additional leather overlays at the palm and fingers for better grip.

5. Kemimoto Upgraded Motorcycle Summer Gloves – Best Unisex Motorcycle Gloves

Kemimoto Upgraded Motorcycle Summer Gloves make cruising and enjoying your summer ride easy. They have a unique unisex design that is very reliable and easy to navigate. The fingers and knuckles of the gloves are specifically made using a super breathable and porous material.

Also, these gloves feature a Knuckle protective shell that enhances their cushioning effect. They will prevent abrasions and protect the palms better, making riding safer.

The Kemimoto Upgraded Gloves make operating any touchscreen gadget and device very easy. This is due to the unique sensitive touchscreen fiber added to their thumb and fingertips.

Important Features

• Non-slip design: The palm of the glove has a shockproof SBR foam with a super non-slip material. This improves your hand grip to hold the bike more stably.
• Breathable: Super breathable material and a net ventilation design lets air flow over the palm and fingers.
• Touchscreen support: The forefinger and thumb of the glove have a sensitive touchscreen fiber. This makes it flexible and easier to use your phone and other navigation.
• Adjustable: An adjustable velcro ensures the glove is more accommodating without being too tight.

VERDICT: Kemimoto Motorcycle gloves are designed to protect your hands and keep them always dry. It also has shockproof SBR foam and non-slip material for improved hand grip.

6. Alpinestars SP X Air Carbon V2 – Best Motorcycle Control Grip

Alpinestars SP X Air Carbon V2 is a light CE-certified glove built to beat the heat. These gloves have a mesh leather body and localized perforations on the back and palm for great ventilation. It also has carbon and polymer protection that optimizes it for riding in hot weather.

These gloves have a touchscreen-compatible fingertip for operating smartphones and GPS systems. The stretchy textile and the synthetic suede material on the palm provide a superior grip while resisting abrasion. Also, they have hard knuckle padding and a slim wrist that allows you to tuck the gloves onto the cuffs of the riding jacket.

Important Features

• Touchscreen support: It has a sensitive fiber on both the index and thumb fingertips. You can easily use your GPS and touchscreen devices.
• Abrasion resistant: They have reinforcements with hard palm sliders to provide abrasion resistance.
• Safe and comfortable: The gloves have pads on the back, palm, and fingers to ensure comfort. There is also energy-absorbing EVA foam to provide additional protection.
• Adjustable strap: The hook and loop strap on the cuff is adjustable to ensure you can easily put it on and off and provide a secure fit.
• Breathable: It has TPR air intakes on the knuckles and fingers to cool the hands during your ride.

VERDICT: These lightweight gloves have spandex stretches to provide a comfortable riding experience. They feature a mesh leather chassis for achieving maximum ventilation in warm weather.

Want to look at more gloves? Check out our roundup of the very best.

How to Choose the Best Summer Motorcycle Gloves

You can’t wear your winter motorcycle gloves in the summer lest your hands get cooked. The industry is currently flooded with numerous gardening gloves passing as motorcycle gloves. And without the right information, it’s very easy to fall prey to widespread unethical advertising and lies. These gloves can never keep you safe when driving; therefore, you need the right summer gloves for riding under the hot summer heat.

But with the numerous options available, selecting the right pair can be quite challenging. After all, there are numerous factors you have to consider before settling on a specific pair of gloves. Some of these factors include:

Proper Ventilation

The summers tend to be very hot, with the temperature ever-rising; therefore, you need the right glove that can help keep your hands dry. Plus, riding with sweaty hands can be quite challenging and can affect your response and driving experience. So make sure the glove’s fingers are well-ventilated, and the back of the glove must be well-perforated. With proper ventilation, your hands can remain dry and comfortable while you enjoy your trip.

Protection

Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean that you have to wear gloves with less protection. Remember, an accident can happen anywhere, and at any time, so it’s always ideal to be on the safe side. So make sure the gloves you purchase have more than enough knuckle and finger protection. And the palms should also be well protected.

Flexibility

No glove should ever sacrifice flexibility for protection and comfort; after all, your safety will depend on your quick reflexes. So make sure your new riding gloves allow you more than enough flexibility for you to easily access the controls.

Durability

Riding a motorcycle is a lifetime experience; after all, most veterans have ridden their bikes for over a decade. Therefore, you need a high-quality pair of gloves that can serve you for a very long time. So make sure you look for a durable pair that can survive a fall and protect you at the same time.

Final Thoughts

Motorcycle gloves are mandatory when riding a motorcycle; in fact, it is part of the gear designed to protect you. So make sure you choose the right pair that fits you properly. After all, riding using a tight glove can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, as it would impede your ability to control your bike. They should allow enough movement for your fingers to move freely and snug enough to be secure.

The summer motorcycle gloves that can never disappoint you are the Richa Rock Gloves. These gloves are comfortable, flexible, and well-ventilated. Therefore you will never have to worry about sweaty hands when using this pair.