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.
- 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 |