The Held Steve glove has been an icon in the motorcycle touring glove segment for over a decade. This unlined 3-season glove balances flexibility, ventilation, and serious slide protection thanks to premium materials. But is the latest iteration with SuperFabric reinforcements worth the investment?
In this Held Steve Classic Motorcycle Gloves detailed review, I analyze whether the upgrades justify the cost for hardcore riders who log thousands of miles each year.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves with armor for you? Let’s find out!
Held Steve Classic Gloves Review
What Makes The Steve Glove Special?
Riders wear Held gloves (1) in all seasons because they stand up to real motorcycle use. The Steve balances protection, flexibility, and comfort whether commuting to work or crossing the country.
Here are some standout features that make the Steve a versatile, rider-focused touring glove:
- SuperFabric – Tiny ceramic plates welded onto the leather provide 14x more abrasion resistance. This new material massively upgrades slide protection.
- hair of a cow. It retains the original coloring of the animal. Cowhides are a product of the food industry from cattle. 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This type of leather is favored for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and lightweight compared to traditional leathers like cowhide. Kangaroo leather stands out due to its remarkable properties, making it a sought-after material for items that require durability and suppleness.<br/><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->The use of kangaroo leather has sparked debates surrounding animal welfare and conservation efforts. While some argue that kangaroo leather provides a sustainable alternative due to the controlled culling of kangaroos in Australia, others raise concerns about the ethics of using this material. Activists have campaigned against the commercial hunting of kangaroos for their skins, emphasizing the need for humane treatment of these iconic Australian animals.<br/><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->In the realm of sports, kangaroo leather has been a popular choice for football boots due to its softness, strength, and ability to mold to the foot. Major sports brands like Adidas have incorporated kangaroo leather into their products, although there has been a decline in its use over the years as ethical considerations come into play. The controversy surrounding the use of kangaroo leather in sports equipment has led to shifts in consumer preferences and industry practices.<br/><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->From an environmental perspective, the impact of using kangaroo leather raises questions about sustainability and conservation. While proponents argue that kangaroos are abundant in Australia and their controlled harvesting can be environmentally friendly, opponents highlight concerns about the broader ecological implications and ethical considerations associated with using animal-derived materials.<br/><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->In recent years, there have been efforts to explore alternative materials such as synthetic leathers made from fungi or mushroom-based sources as more sustainable options. These innovations aim to address environmental concerns while providing viable alternatives to traditional animal-derived leathers like kangaroo leather.<br/><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->Overall, the discussion surrounding kangaroo leather encapsulates a complex interplay between tradition, innovation, ethics, and sustainability. As consumer awareness grows and demands for ethical sourcing increase, the future of materials like kangaroo leather remains subject to evolving standards in animal welfare and environmental responsibility. Balancing tradition with modern values will continue to shape the narrative around the use of kangaroo leather in various industries and spark ongoing dialogues on responsible sourcing practices.<br/><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><!-- wp:list-item -->https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo_leather<br>Kangaroo leather is a strong, lightweight leather derived from the hide of the kangaroo. Kangaroos are harvested, and both the meat and the hides are sold. The leather is used in a wide variety of shoes, motorbike leathers, car upholstery, military, football, American football boots, and fashion accessories. Kangaroo leather is the material of choice for making whips, as the strips can be cut thin to keep the whip flexible, without sacrificing durability.<br/><!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather<br>Leather is a durable and flexible material created by tanning animal rawhide and skin, often cattle hide. Kangaroo leather is used to make items that must be strong and flexible, such as bullwhips, soccer footwear, and boxing speed bags.<br/><!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo_industry<br>The kangaroo industry in Australia is based on the regulated harvesting of species of kangaroos. Kangaroo leather is a strong, light leather that is commonly used for shoes, motorcycle suits, handbags, wallets, and whips. Of the 48 species of macropods (kangaroos) in Australia, only six abundant species are allowed to be used commercially. The kangaroo industry calls the shooting of kangaroos "commercial kangaroo harvest" and advocates applying under-regulated quotas for the limitation of kangaroo populations because they can overgraze, which can lead to both a loss of biodiversity and conflicts with farmers.<br/><!-- /wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item --><br/><!-- /wp:list-item --><br/><!-- /wp:list --><!-- wp:shortcode -->[glossary_wikipedia]<!-- /wp:shortcode --><!-- wp:shortcode --><!-- /wp:shortcode --><!-- wp:shortcode --><!-- /wp:shortcode --> <div class=mw-wikipedia-container><div class=glossary_mw_wikipedia><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo_leather" target="_blank">Kangaroo_leather</a> (Wikipedia)</div><p> <b>Kangaroo leather</b> is a strong, lightweight <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather" title="Leather">leather</a> derived from the hide of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo" title="Kangaroo">kangaroo</a>. </p><div class=break></div></div></div>" data-mobile-support="0" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]' tabindex="0" role="link">Kangaroo Leather – Supple kangaroo hide offers excellent abrasion resistance in the palm without sacrificing feel.
- Short + Long Sizes – Held understands that some riders need smaller or larger gloves. The Steve comes in special sizing beyond the standard fit.
- Suepretech Foam – Padding on the fingers and other zones absorbs impacts while remaining flexible and comfortable.
By focusing on real-world protection for hardcore riders, Held has a loyal following of customers in the ADV and touring community. The Steve balances this protection with long-distance comfort across many miles.
Breaking Down The Construction
Held doesn’t cut corners in designing their bike gloves. They choose the right materials that provide protection for aggressive riding while retaining flexibility for operating controls.
Palm
- Kangaroo leather – Supple, abrasion-resistant hide
- SuperFabric panel – 14x more abrasion protection
- Suepretech foam – Padding absorbs impacts
- Control patch – Reinforced leather zone
Backhand
- Hair Sheep leather – Protective and water-resistant
- Knuckle patch – Pre-curved suede for flexibility
- SuperFabric – Enhances slide protection
- Stretch panels – Lycra increases flexibility
You can clearly see Held selected the Steve materials based on real experience. Hair Sheep leather sheds moisture, and the stretch panels ensure a great feel.
Meanwhile, SuperFabric has taken glove protection to the next level.
Fingers
- SuperFabric panels – Slide protection
- Suepretech foam – Shock absorption
Cuffs + Other
- Micro-elasticated wrist – Custom fit
- Gauntlet – Coverage when jacket rides up
- Visor wipe – Built into left thumb
SuperFabric Sets The Steve Apart
The big change with the Steve Classic glove is the new SuperFabric reinforcement. This unique material provides a staggering 14 times more abrasion resistance compared to leather.
Here’s what the addition of SuperFabric means:
- Better Slide Protection – The tiny ceramic plates embedded in the material allow you to slide significantly farther in a crash without exposing your skin.
- Upgraded Safety – With reinforcements on the fingers, knuckles, and ulna bone, the Steve offers next-level protection.
Comparison To Other Motorcycle Gloves
| Reax Tasker Leather Gloves | Alpinestars SP8 V3 Gloves | Scorpion EXO Claw 2 Gloves |
|---|---|---|
| Full leather construction for abrasion protection | Kangaroo and goatskin leather construction | Goatskin and air mesh for ventilation |
| Perforated panels for airflow | TPR and poly-fabric for flexibility | Molded knuckle protection |
| Pre-curved design | Dual wrist closure system | Touchscreen compatible fingertip |
| The Tasker gloves offer serious abrasion protection thanks to full leather construction, but lack the ventilation and flexibility of the other gloves. | The Alpinestars SP8 gloves provide premium protection and comfort via tactical material choices and strategic perforations. | With molded knuckles and goatskin leather, the Scorpion EXO Claw 2 gloves deliver crucial impact zones while maximizing airflow. |
The Held Steve Classic gloves stand out with the added SuperFabric panels that dramatically increase abrasion resistance for aggressive riding. By comparison, the other gloves rely solely on standard leather or textile materials without next-generation reinforcements. However, the Steve glove lacks the compatibility with touchscreens that some of the others provide. Ultimately, choosing the right glove depends on your specific needs and riding style.
Why Choose The Steve Classic Gloves?
The Steve isn’t designed for track riding. It shines as a versatile touring glove ready for commuting, sport touring, or even adventure riding thanks to these advantages:
All-Season Use
- Materials adapt to spring, summer, and fall riding
- Gauntlets help seal out wind when needed
Long-Distance Comfort
- Kangaroo leather retains its feel even when damp
- Unlined backhand breathes well on hot days
Upgraded Protection
- SuperFabric slides 14x farther than leather
- Suepretech foam absorbs heavy impacts
Proven Design
- Iconic style refined over 10+ years
- Short + long sizes accommodate more riders
If you want serious protection with miles-eating comfort, the Steve Classic gloves are delivered. The addition of SuperFabric makes these updated gloves stand out from the previous version.
Riders report putting 25,000+ miles on their Steves thanks to their durability and comfort. They better withstand impacts and abrasion compared to comparable summer touring gloves on the market.
While not fully waterproof, the Steve Classics handle light rain and dry fast afterward. Apply waterproofing spray if riding for extended periods in precipitation.
Steve Classic Glove Highlights:
- CE Certified – Tested protection from an independent agency
- SuperFabric – Next-level abrasion resistance material
- Goatskin + Kangaroo Leather – Supple, durable hide
- Suepretech Foam – Padding absorbs heavy impacts
- 10+ Year History – Iconic style perfected over time
- Short + Long Sizes – Accommodate smaller/larger hands
Key Specs:
- Unlined perforated leather touring glove
- Non-waterproof/breathable
- Innovative SuperFabric reinforcements
- PRE-CURVED fingers
- Kangaroo leather palm
- Hair Sheep leather backhand
- Gauntlet sleeve
FAQs
How does the venting compare to older generations?
The perforated leather provides airflow equal to previous models. The unlined leather construction sheds heat better than most summer gloves.
What kind of weather protection do the Steves offer?
They handle light rain and sweat well thanks to the hair sheep leather backhand but lack waterproof membranes for heavy rain. Apply aftermarket sprays to boost water resistance.
How long does the SuperFabric last when dragged on asphalt?
Extensive sliding will eventually wear through the tiny ceramic bits bonded to the material. However, during most crashes, the gloves will remain intact for continued use unless heavily damaged otherwise.
Would these complement Aerostich riding suits?
Absolutely. The gauntlet coverage and overall style match Aerostich gear. The Steves deliver serious protection for all-day rides using Roadcrafter and Darien jackets.
Can I get replacement palms or fingers?
Yes. Held offers replaceable palm sliders and replacement parts to extend the life of most models. This allows you to repair heavy wear areas.
And Finally…
The iconic Held Steve receives a major upgrade with the addition of SuperFabric this year. This revolutionary material ramps up abrasion resistance dramatically compared to standard leather.
Combined with flexible kangaroo leather palms and proven protectors, the Steve Classic gloves live up to expectations.
For riders who log thousands of miles, these gloves provide an excellent feel for long days of riding. The addition of SuperFabric panels takes protection against slides to the next level while retaining comfort. CE certification further demonstrates real-world impact resistance.
While not inexpensive, the cost per mile decreases the more you ride, thanks to long-term durability from premium materials.
Ultimately, the Steve Classic gloves deliver iconic Held style with next-generation safety. Riders searching for the ultimate balance of flexibility, ventilation, and abrasion resistance should take a close look at these revamped classics.
What do you think about the upgrades in the new Held Steve Classic gloves? Share your questions or feedback below!
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Sources: Protective clothing: (1)