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 |