We researched the best motorcycle gloves for street riding by comparing manufacturer specifications, published safety standards (CE, EN 13594), and aggregated owner feedback from thousands of riders. Our evaluation focuses on protection, comfort, durability, and value for everyday street use. Whether you ride a sportbike, cruiser, or naked, these gloves offer a range of features from full-grain leather to touchscreen compatibility.
Every glove on this list meets at least CE Level 1 KP certification, but we also highlight limitations and who might want to skip each model. Prices vary widely, but we discuss value qualitatively without listing exact costs.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Alpinestars SP-8 V3 Gloves Best All-Around Street Glove CE Level 1 KP, goatskin leather, hard knuckle, touchscreen thumb/finger |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Dainese Carbon Cover ST Gloves Premium Sport Riding Glove CE Level 1 KP, cowhide leather, carbon fiber knuckle, palm slider |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Rev'It! Sand 4 H2O Gloves Best Waterproof Street Glove CE Level 1 KP, goatskin/cowskin, Hydratex waterproof membrane, touchscreen |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Scorpion EXO SGS Gloves Best Value for Protection CE Level 1 KP, goat leather, TPU knuckle, memory foam, touchscreen |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Racer Gloves High Speed 2 Ultimate Protection for Street CE Level 2 KP, kangaroo leather, carbon fiber knuckle, palm slider, Kevlar stitching |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Joe Rocket Atomic X Gloves Best Budget Street Glove CE Level 1 KP, drum-dyed cowhide, TPU knuckle, accordion panels |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Held Street 2 Gloves Comfortable Touring Glove CE Level 1 KP, cowhide/elastane, soft knuckle, touchscreen, visor wipe |
7.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Alpinestars SP-8 V3 Gloves: Best All-Around Street Glove
In our evaluation, the Alpinestars SP-8 V3 gloves stand out as the top all-around choice for street riding. Based on the spec sheet, they feature goatskin leather construction with a reinforced palm and thumb, a hard polyurethane knuckle protector, and TPU finger guards. Owner feedback consistently praises the balance of protection and dexterity, with many noting that the touchscreen tips work well even after months of use. The CE Level 1 KP certification gives peace of mind for everyday riding.
However, we found that the fit is best suited for average to narrow hand shapes; riders with wider palms may experience discomfort in the thumb area. Additionally, the gloves are not fully waterproof, so they are not ideal for heavy rain commuting. If you need a waterproof street glove, consider a dedicated wet-weather model instead.
- Goatskin leather with reinforced palm and thumb
- Hard polyurethane knuckle protector with TPU finger guards
- Touchscreen compatible thumb and index finger tips
Pros: Excellent protection with CE Level 1 KP certification; High-quality goatskin leather offers great feel and durability; Touchscreen works reliably
Cons: Sizing can be tricky for wide hands
2. Dainese Carbon Cover ST Gloves: Premium Sport Riding Glove
The Dainese Carbon Cover ST gloves are a premium option for sport-oriented street riders. We researched the materials and found cowhide leather with carbon fiber knuckle and finger protectors, plus a palm slider to reduce wrist injury risk. Owner feedback highlights the snug, pre-curved fit that works well on sportbikes. The CE Level 1 KP rating confirms its protective capability.
However, the high cost is a significant barrier for many riders. Additionally, the gloves have limited insulation and are not waterproof, so they are best for warm weather or dry rides. If you ride a cruiser or prefer a more relaxed fit, these may feel too restrictive. Budget-conscious riders should look elsewhere.
- Cowhide leather with carbon fiber knuckle and finger protectors
- Palm slider and reinforced thumb
- Pre-curved fingers for sport riding posture
Pros: Top-tier protection with carbon fiber armor and palm slider; Excellent build quality and materials; Good ventilation for warm weather
Cons: Premium price point; not budget-friendly
3. Rev'It! Sand 4 H2O Gloves: Best Waterproof Street Glove
For riders who face rain or want year-round versatility, the Rev’It! Sand 4 H2O gloves are a top choice. Based on our comparison of specs, they feature a Hydratex waterproof membrane that owner reviews confirm keeps hands dry in heavy downpours. The combination of goatskin and cowskin leather offers decent durability, and the touchscreen tips work well. CE Level 1 KP certification provides baseline protection.
That said, these gloves lack hard armor; the knuckle protection is soft TPU, and there is no palm slider. Riders seeking maximum crash protection for aggressive riding may want a more armored glove. Also, the waterproof membrane reduces breathability in hot weather. If you rarely ride in rain, a non-waterproof glove might be better.
- Waterproof and breathable Hydratex membrane
- Goatskin and cowskin leather construction
- Touchscreen compatible index finger and thumb
Pros: Excellent wet-weather performance with reliable waterproofing; Comfortable for all-day riding; Good dexterity for a waterproof glove
Cons: Less protective than sportier gloves (no hard armor)
4. Scorpion EXO SGS Gloves: Best Value for Protection
The Scorpion EXO SGS gloves deliver impressive protection at a competitive price point. We compared their features: goat leather, TPU knuckle, memory foam padding, and a pinky finger bridge (to prevent hyperextension). Owner feedback often highlights the comfortable fit and good feel for the controls. CE Level 1 KP certification adds confidence.
However, some long-term reviews mention that the stitching can wear prematurely, especially in the palm area. Also, the gloves are not waterproof and have limited insulation. For riders who want a budget-friendly glove with solid protection for occasional use, these are a strong option. But if you ride daily or in harsh conditions, consider spending more for better durability.
- Goat leather with TPU knuckle and memory foam padding
- Palm reinforcement and pinky finger bridge
- Touchscreen compatible thumb and index finger
Pros: Great value for the level of protection offered; Comfortable fit with pre-curved fingers; Good ventilation for warm weather
Cons: Durability concerns reported by some owners after heavy use
5. Racer Gloves High Speed 2: Ultimate Protection for Street
The Racer Gloves High Speed 2 is a serious piece of safety gear for street riders who prioritize maximum protection. According to the manufacturer’s specs, it features kangaroo leather (known for high tear resistance), carbon fiber knuckle armor, a full palm slider, and Kevlar thread throughout. It holds CE Level 2 KP certification, the highest for knuckle protectors. Owner feedback from experienced riders confirms the high safety level.
However, the price is prohibitive for most riders, and the gloves are designed for aggressive riding positions; they may feel stiff and less comfortable in a relaxed upright posture. Additionally, they lack touchscreen compatibility and are not waterproof. If you are a casual commuter or ride a cruiser, these are likely overkill and less comfortable than other options.
- Kangaroo leather with carbon fiber and TPU armor
- Full palm slider and Kevlar thread construction
- CE Level 2 KP certification (highest level)
Pros: Exceptional protection with CE Level 2 KP rating; Premium kangaroo leather is lightweight and strong; Excellent crash safety features
Cons: Very expensive and not for casual riders
6. Joe Rocket Atomic X Gloves: Best Budget Street Glove
The Joe Rocket Atomic X gloves are a solid entry-level option for street riders on a budget. We researched the specs and found drum-dyed cowhide leather, a TPU knuckle protector, and accordion expansion panels for comfort. CE Level 1 KP certification ensures a baseline of safety. Owner reviews often mention good value for the price, noting that the gloves are comfortable for short to medium rides.
However, the materials and construction are not as robust as premium options. Some owners report that the palm stitching starts to separate after a season of regular use. Also, the gloves lack touchscreen capability and are not waterproof. If you ride infrequently or need a backup pair, these are a decent choice. But for daily riders or those seeking long-term durability, we recommend investing in a higher-quality glove.
- Drum-dyed cowhide leather with TPU knuckle protector
- Accordion panels for flexibility
- Reinforced palm and thumb
Pros: Affordable price point for leather gloves; Decent flexibility and comfort out of the box; Good basic protection for the price
Cons: Durability is average; stitching may fail sooner than premium gloves
7. Held Street 2 Gloves: Comfortable Touring Glove
The Held Street 2 gloves are designed for touring riders who prioritize comfort over maximum protection. Based on our research, they use a mix of cowhide leather and elastane for flexibility, with a soft foam knuckle protector that meets CE Level 1 KP but lacks the rigidity of hard armor. Owner feedback frequently praises the all-day comfort and good airflow, making them suitable for warm weather touring.
However, the soft knuckle and minimal palm reinforcement mean these gloves are less protective in a crash compared to armored sport gloves. They also have limited insulation for cold weather. Riders who want serious protection or ride aggressively should look at the Alpinestars or Dainese options. For relaxed cruising or touring, these are a comfortable choice.
- Cowhide leather and elastane construction for flexibility
- Soft foam knuckle protector (non-hard armor)
- Touchscreen thumb and forefinger, visor wipe on index finger
Pros: Very comfortable for long rides with pre-curved fingers; Good ventilation and lightweight feel; Visor wipe is handy for rain
Cons: Soft knuckle offers less impact protection than hard armor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CE Level 1 and Level 2 gloves?
CE Level 1 (KP) requires a maximum transmitted force of less than 4 kN, while Level 2 requires less than 2 kN, meaning Level 2 offers higher impact protection. Level 2 gloves are typically more expensive and stiffer but provide better safety. For street riding, Level 1 is sufficient for most riders, but those seeking maximum protection should consider Level 2.
Are touchscreen gloves worth it?
Touchscreen compatibility is convenient for using GPS or answering calls without removing gloves. However, the touchscreen tips can wear out over time. Many riders find it a useful feature, but it is not essential. If you prioritize protection, choose a glove with good safety features even if it lacks touchscreen.
Should I get leather or textile gloves for street riding?
Leather (cowhide, goatskin, kangaroo) offers superior abrasion resistance and durability, making it the preferred material for protection. Textile gloves are lighter, often waterproof, and cheaper, but they sacrifice some abrasion resistance. For street riding, leather is recommended for safety, but textile can work for casual or wet-weather use.
How should motorcycle gloves fit?
Gloves should fit snugly without being too tight. There should be no excess material at the fingertips, and the palm should feel secure. A proper fit prevents the glove from twisting in a crash and ensures good control. Always try on gloves with the same liners you plan to wear.
Can I use sport gloves for touring?
Sport gloves often have a pre-curved, aggressive fit that may be uncomfortable for long hours on a touring bike with upright ergonomics. Touring gloves are designed for all-day comfort with more flexibility and often include features like visor wipes or waterproofing. If you tour, consider dedicated touring gloves.
Our Verdict
After comparing specs, safety certifications, and owner feedback, our top pick for best motorcycle gloves for street riding is the Alpinestars SP-8 V3, offering an excellent balance of protection, comfort, and value. For riders who need waterproofing, the Rev’It! Sand 4 H2O is a strong runner-up. If you prioritize maximum protection and have a higher budget, the Racer Gloves High Speed 2 is unmatched.
