Road gloves are the first thing between your hands and the tarmac in a slide. This range covers leather, textile and mesh builds from Macna, Merlin, Five, Motodry, Oxford, Leatt and LS2, spanning short summer cuffs to full gauntlet, waterproof and winter designs for everyday road riding right through the seasons.
MOTODRY FINGERLESS GLOVE BLACK
Choose road gloves by season and protection level
Glove construction decides how much skin you keep in a crash. Leather offers the highest natural abrasion resistance, textile and mesh trade some protection for airflow, and waterproof membranes keep hands dry without losing dexterity. Match the cuff length and armour to your riding before you buy.
| Type | Best for | Cuff | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather | Sport and all-season road | Short or gauntlet | Highest abrasion resistance |
| Mesh / summer | Hot weather above 25C | Short | Maximum airflow |
| Textile waterproof | Commuting and rain | Gauntlet | Waterproof membrane |
| Winter | Cold below 10C | Gauntlet | Thermal insulation |
Armour and certification matter most
Knuckle armour is non-negotiable on the road. Gloves carry their own standard, EN 13594, which grades to Level 1 or Level 2 with a KP mark for tested knuckle protection, and the same CE Level 1 and Level 2 logic used in EN 17092 jackets applies to the armour you wear above them. Hard-shell knuckle protectors and palm sliders spread impact across a wider area. Gauntlet cuffs add roughly 50mm of forearm coverage over short cuffs and seal out wind chill. Look for double-layer leather of 1.0mm to 1.4mm thickness across the palm, pre-curved fingers for grip with no bunching, and a secure wrist strap plus cuff closure so the glove stays on during a 100km/h slide. For winter riding, insulated liners hold warmth down to single-digit temperatures below 10C while waterproof membranes block water at the seams. Sizes typically run from 7 inch (XS) to 12 inch (3XL) palm circumference. Get the fit snug with about 5mm of room at the fingertips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between short and gauntlet road gloves?
Short gloves end at the wrist and slip easily under a jacket cuff, which suits warm-weather and city riding. Gauntlet gloves extend roughly 50mm up the forearm and seal over the jacket to block wind and water, making them the better pick for touring, winter and wet conditions.
Are leather or textile road gloves more protective?
Leather gives the highest natural abrasion resistance and is the standard for sport and high-speed road riding. Textile and mesh gloves trade some abrasion protection for airflow and lighter weight, so they work best in hot weather. Either way, choose gloves with hard knuckle armour and CE certification to EN 13594.
How should road gloves fit?
Road gloves should fit snug with no loose material across the palm and about 5mm of space at the fingertips. Pre-curved fingers should sit naturally on the bars without bunching. A glove that is too loose can twist or come off in a slide, so prioritise a secure wrist strap and cuff closure.