We have tested over 50 of the best women’s motorcycle gloves and marked them as best for the Summer and winter and waterproof gloves.
| Position | Brand | Best For | Best Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | BILT Tempest | Waterproof | Check Prices |
| #2 | Icon Twenty-Niner | Summer | Check Prices |
| #3 | Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2 | Summer | Check Prices |
| #4 | Dainese Blackjack | Retro Style | Check Prices |
| #5 | Scorpion EXO Gripster | Summer | Check Prices |
| #6 | Held Touch | Summer | Check Prices |
#1. BILT Tempest Waterproof Motorcycle Gloves
BILT Tempest
Key Takeaways
- Good value for the price
- Waterproofing works great
- Keeps my fingers warm
I came across a cheap pair of winter gloves by the brand BILT called the Tempest.
Priced at around $20, I was skeptical that they could actually keep my fingers warm and dry while riding in lower temperatures and rainy weather. But I decided to take a chance and test them out myself.
I rode for several hours in temperatures around 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit in steady heavy rainfall, purposely going through deep puddles.
To my surprise, the BILT performed incredibly well. The waterproofing kept my fingers completely dry despite the non-stop precipitation.
Even after submerging them multiple times, not a single drop made its way inside. The insulating fleece liner also maintained exceptional warmth in my hands without overheating.
The dexterity and feel offered by the snug fit also surprised me. Thanks to the pre-curved fingers and good tactile feedback from the leather. I was able to get a better grip and operate the controls better.
For less than $20, I was amazed at how impressive they were. Do they compare to high-end race gear? Of course not.
But for casual riding and basic cold weather needs, they deliver outstanding comfort, dryness, warmth, and value.
All things considered, I’d recommend any woman give these affordable BILT serious consideration for winter riding.
They allowed me to ride comfortably and affordably during rainy conditions.
Pro & Con’s
Pros:
- Good value for the low $20 price point
- They give you impressive waterproofing even in heavy rain
- Fleece lining keeps fingers reasonably warm down to around 30°F
- Snug fit gives good flexibility and dexterity
- Pre-curved fingers allow precise control operation
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertip pads
Cons:
- Durability questionable after multiple crashes
- Velcro wrist straps loosen more easily than buckles
- Bulky insulation reduces feel slightly compared to summer gloves
- Not suitable for extreme sub-freezing temperatures
- Probably not ideal for extended multi-week cold-temperature touring
Read our full BILT Tempest review here
#2. Icon Twenty-Niner For The Summer
Icon Twenty-Niner
Key Takeaways
- Woman-specific great fit
- Ventilated and protective
- Durable materials withstand heat
As an avid female motorcyclist, proper summer gloves are essential to my riding and safety. I decided to test out the Icon Twenty-Niner, marketed specifically for women, to see if they live up to their promises. I was particularly interested in their breathability, flexibility, and shielding level.
After thoroughly evaluating and testing them myself, I found the durable nylon construction, along with perforated leather glove, provided exceptional airflow to protect hands from overheating, even on hot summer rides.
The Thermal Plastic Rubber (TPR) armor over the knuckles also supplied collision shielding without limiting flexibility.
I was pleased to discover the Amara palm material reinforced the high abrasion zones while enabling full touchscreen operation so I could easily use my devices on the go. The adjustable wrist closure and stretch Lycra gussets guarantee a customized, fit as well.
Based on my first-hand experience, I can confirm the Icon Twenty-Niner delivers stellar ventilation and flexibility combined with ample impact defenses to meet the needs of female motorcycle enthusiasts for summer touring.
I would confidently recommend them to any females looking for maximum comfort alongside durability when the mercury rises.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent ventilation from nylon construction and perforations keeps hands cool
- TPR armor gives you collision shielding without limiting flexibility
- Durable Amara palm material protects high-wear areas and enables touchscreen use
- Customizable fit with wrist closure and gussets for comfort
- Designed specifically for women
- Goatskin textile leather withstands abrasion in case of a slide
Cons:
- Not suitable for cold temperatures
- Nylon and perforations gives you good airflow but are not rain-resistant
- Only available in three sizes rather than more size options
- Higher price point than some others
- Fingertip seams may irritate some wearers initially
Read our full Icon Twenty-Niner Review
#3 Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2
Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon V2
At first, I was skeptical whether these circa $100 mitts could truly provide adequate airflow while still being durable.
But after extensively evaluating them on blistering rides this summer, I’m happy to report they exceeded expectations. The mesh and microfiber construction kept my fingers cool even at temps above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
What sets them apart is the ventilation doesn’t compromise collision defenses. The knuckle, fingertips, and other key areas have molded carbon protectors backed by protective foam.
Despite the armor, they maintain great flexibility thanks to the elasticity between the fingers and on the thumb. The improved leather is also more abrasion-resistant compared to the previous model.
Regarding price, the Alpinestars riding gloves offer fantastic value considering the cooling performance and shielding level.
Upgrading to premium brands with similar features could cost over $150. These versatile summer gloves allow me to wear them on both street rides and light track days.
Pro & Cons
Here is a pros and cons list for the Alpinestars Air Carbon
Pros
- Superb ventilation from extensive mesh keeps hands cool in summer heat
- Injected carbon armor provides collision shielding that holds up crashes
- Goatskin leather resists abrasion damage better than any previous edition
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertip useful for operating devices on the go
- Stretch panels promote flexibility, so they move naturally
- Lightweight feel reduces fatigue compared to heavier winter mitts
- An Array of color options is available to match different gear
- Costs significantly less than premium summer glove options
Cons
- Lack of insulation makes them unsuitable for lower temperatures
- No Gor-Tex membranes to limit usefulness in wet conditions
- Minimal shielding on outer fingers
- Not as durable as adventure touring mitts for off-road riding
Read our Alpinestars Stella SMX-2 Air Carbon v2 review
#4 Dainese Blackjack (Retro Style)
Dainese Blackjack
When I first came across the Dainese Blackjack, I was immediately drawn in by their eye-catching vintage look.
The supple black goatskin leather construction looked fantastic and felt great on my hands, with a comfortable, flexible fit right off the bat.
However, as I examined them further and compared them to others I’ve tested, it became clear that the minimal padding and lack of serious collision protections hinted that they prioritized design over safety.
Don’t get me wrong – the Blackjacks performed great for short, relaxed rides around town. Their retro design garnered plenty of compliments and envious looks, too.
Unfortunately, when I imagined myself wearing them while hurtling along the highway at 70 mph, I just couldn’t trust that the thin padding could properly protect my fingers in a crash.
Maybe I’ve been spoiled by track and racing mitts with hardcore carbon fiber armor, but for higher speeds, the Blackjacks seemed better matched for looking cool at the cafe rather than surviving a slide along the asphalt.
So, in the end, while I loved the aesthetic design and feel of the Dainese Blackjacks, I would hesitate to trust them fully as my dedicated pair.
For casual fairweather urban cruising, they excel, but dedicated riders focused on hardcore protective performance should probably look elsewhere.
Pro & Con’s
Here is a pros and cons list for the Dainese Blackjacks:
Pros:
- Stylish retro cafe racer aesthetic
- Made from supple, durable goatskin leather
- They mold comfortably and protect my hands
- A short cuff design is great for warm temperatures
- Touchscreen compatible fingertips
- Affordable price point under $100
Cons:es for racing or accidents
Read our full Dainese Blackjack Review
#5. Scorpion EXO Gripster
Scorpion EXO Gripster
Key Takeaways
- Retro cruiser designes
- Perforated goatskin leather
- Stretch panels across the knuckles
As an avid biker, I’m always searching for high-quality yet budget-friendly riding gear. My fingers take a beating from wind and vibration, so finding a sturdy pair of mitts is a must.
I recently came upon the Scorpion EXO Gripster, which caught my eye. For the budget price, I wondered if these affordable goatskin leather mitts could really provide ample shielding.
I decided to test out the Gripsters myself to see if they measured up. Right away, I noticed the classic café racer styling that would appeal for cruiser bikes.
The perforated goat hide leather strikes a nice balance between abrasion resistance and breathability. While not as airy as mesh, they should still allow decent airflow to keep my fingers less sweaty.
Trying on the Gripsters, I found the XL size fits my hands well with a snug initial feel. The extremely short cuff may bother some bikers, but it works for those seeking that classic biker jacket look. A single velcro strap makes them easy to take off and on.
In examining safety features, the Gripsters deliver more than expected for such a budget-friendly glove. Foam pads and padded palms, they offer protection without restricting movement.
They would likely not hold up to hardcore track conditions but are suitable for typical street hazards. Although not rain-resistant, the perforations do provide ventilation to reduce overheating.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of these sub-$60 leather mitts. They lack heavyweight insulation or Gor-Tex membranes but give excelentabrasion resistance and armor for dry temperatures.
While not replacing my high-performance track mitts, the Gripsters earned a permanent spot as stylish shielding for my cruiser.
Pro & Con’s
Pros:
- Affordable pricing at just $55
- Perforated goatskin leather offers good abrasion resistance
- Stretch panels on knuckles improve flexibility
- Foam padding over for collision protection
- Reinforced with an extra leather layer
- Airflow from perforations keeps my fingers cooler
- The short cuff fits well with cruiser jacket sleeves
- Subtle branding doesn’t stand out much
Cons:
- Lack of insulation for cold temperatures
- Not rain resistant for wet conditions
- Short gauntlet cuff may expose skin
- No conductive fingertips for touchscreens
- Only come in black color option
- Snug fit required for maximum shielding
- Not suitable for high-speed track riding
Check out our Scorpion EXO Gripster review
#6 Held Touch
Held Touch
Key Takeaways
- Goatskin breathes very well overall
- Superfabric boosts palm slide time
- Perforations enhance ventral airflow
I recently came across Held’s Touch aimed at women riders and was intrigued by their combination of ventilation, protection, and value.
In my experience, it’s difficult to find an affordable pair optimized for warmer temperatures that doesn’t sacrifice key collision defenses.
After analyzing the Held Touch construction, I found the perforated kangaroo leather palm gives exceptional abrasion resistance while allowing superb airflow.
The lightweight Superfabric sliders offer extreme tear and burst shielding across high-collision zones in the absence of restricting flexibility.
Additionally, the molecular SAS-TEC gives best-in-class impact dispersion by flexing naturally.
I took the Held Touch on several long distances in 85+ degrees Fahrenheit heat. Thanks to the strategic palm perforations and mesh-like materials used throughout, they are some of the most breezy and moisture-wicking riding gloves available.
I stayed cooler wearing these versus most non-ventilated leather mitts. Overall, the Held Touch achieves an ideal balance of ventilation and critical safety reinforcements.
Based on my first-hand testing, I believe the Held Touch delivers exactly what women riders need for hot temparatures.
They provide cooling on par with lightweight summer mitts paired with the slide protection and robust armor of premium racing gauntlets.
So, for those seeking airflow without compromising key collision defenses, the Held Touch is a superb choice at their intermediate price point.
Pro & Con’s
Pros:
- Perforated kangaroo leather palm gives excellent abrasion shielding while allowing great ventilation
- Superfabric reinforcements on the palm and sides drastically increase tear and slide resistance
- Molecular SAS-TEC offers superior impact dispersion by flexing ergonomically
- Mesh panels and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPR) construction maximize airflow
- Retain important safety components like sliders and armor despite the focus on breathability
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips for using devices without losing feel
- Competitively priced for the technology and materials used
Cons:
- Lack of perf along the fingers prevents maximum ventilation
- Visor wiper could be more rigid for positive contact with helmets
- Only available in black colorway currently
- Not fully rain-resistant in heavy rain
- Maybe excess airflow for those wanting more insulation
Overall, the exceptional balance of cooling and key impact protections makes the Held Touch a standout summer riding glove choice for most bikers.
See Our Full Held Touch Women’s Review
Most Important Features For Women
When looking for women’s mitts, there are several important features to consider:
- Material: The material will affect their durability and level of shielding. Leather is a popular choice due to its durability. However, a textile or hybrid (a combination of leather and textile can also be an excellent choice, especially for specific weather conditions.
- Fit: Proper fit is essential for comfort and safety. They should fit snugly but allow for a full range of motion and dexterity. Your fingers should fill out the fingertips of the glove, and there shouldn’t be excessively loose material.
- Protection: The best motorcycle gloves for women have armored fingers and knuckles for added shielding. Some of them also offer reinforcements on the palms, wrists, and finger knuckles.
- Weather and Riding Conditions: For colder temparatures, choose insulated leather mitts or even heated ones. For warmer temperatures, opt for breathable fabric or ventilated. If you are riding in the rain, go for rain-resistant textile ladies gloves.
- Styles: There are many different designs available, from full-fingered to fingerless gauntlet to racing mitts. Your personal design preferences and the riding you’ll be doing should inform your choice.
- Budget: The cost is also a factor to consider. There are many different options available, from inexpensive to luxurious options, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your budget and needs.
- Additional Features: Some come with additional features like touchscreen compatibility, adjustable wrist straps, and ventilation.
Remember, the best are the ones that fit well, offer adequate palm protection, and are comfortable for the rider. Always try the fitment before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
What Are The Best Brands
Several brands stand out for their quality and shielding. Here are some of the best brands we have tested:
- BILT: Known for their rain-resistant ladies gloves, BILT offers a range that prioritizes protection and designs.
- Icon: This brand is appreciated for its overall quality and affordability.
- Alpinestars: Alpinestars is a popular brand that offers a variety of options focused on shielding and functionality.
- Dainese: Dainese is another well-known brand that is recognized for its quality and style.
- Rev’It: Rev’It is a top choice for women, offering a range of options focused on functionality.
- Furygan: Furygan is a brand that offers ladies gloves with a focus on shielding and style.
- Richa: Richa is a popular brand offering a range of options with a focus on shielding and functionality.
- RST: RST is a brand that offers gloves with a focus on protection and styles.
- Spada: Spada is a brand that offers women’s bike gloves with a focus on shielding and
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