Street & Steel Scrambler Gloves Review: Style Over Safety?

I’m always on the lookout for stylish vintage motorcycle gloves that can keep my hands safe while complementing my bike’s retro aesthetics.

That’s why I was eager to check out the new Street & Steel Scrambler gloves, which promise premium old-school styling along with decent motor functionality.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best motorcycle gloves for protection for you? Let’s find out!

The Verdict? Style Over Substance in Most Regards

If aesthetically pleasing vintage race gloves (1) with modest protective abilities are your jam, the Street & Steel Scramblers admirably fit the bill.

They’ll complement any heritage motorcycle rig flawlessly with supple leather construction and eye-catching detailing throughout.

Just don’t expect hardcore performance on par with track-focused race gloves from Alpinestars or Rev’It. Cold weather insulation and ventilation are also pretty meager.

But sometimes, the form takes precedence over the hardcore function. And for under $100, these handsome motorcycle gloves deliver decent safety specs in an incredibly stylish package.

Premium Vintage Styling with Modest Protective Features

Straight out of the box, it’s clear the Scrambler gloves are gorgeously crafted using soft, supple, full-grain leather in vintage hues. The detailed stitching and rough-looking accents also enhance that rugged retro vibe.

But there are some notable omissions in the protective technology department:

• No Kevlar fabric or durable overlays guarding high abrasion zones
• Minimal insulation and breathability for extensive cold/hot weather riding
• No touchscreen-compatible fingertips for using devices on the go

The gloves do incorporate a foam-padded knuckle protector panel. However, it’s not a rigid shield capable of dispersing serious impact force.

So, while the scramblers showcase impeccable old-school style, they seem better suited for fair-weather urban cruising rather than hardcore ADV touring.

Snug Fingers and Quirky Fastener System

I tried on a size large, which felt pallidly snug in the fingers. The pre-curved shape and internal stitching pressed against my fingertips – likely bothersome during long rides.

Externally stitched seams would alleviate this pressure point issue. But the vintage aesthetic relies on clean, minimalist lines.

While width-wise, the fingers fit my hands perfectly, the stitch termination sits well short of my nail beds, making for an odd truncated sensation. Riders with shorter digits likely won’t notice this discrepancy.

The Scramblers forego the usual wrist