Cycling gloves complete a kit, and they do more than that. They improve your grip when your hands sweat, add padding at the palm and protect your hands if you fall.
A 2011 study of 36 cyclists found average peak pressure over the ulnar nerve of 134 to 165 kPa without gloves, and padded gloves reduced it by 10 to 28%.[1] This guide covers the two glove types, what to look for and six pairs for summer and winter.
This article is general information, not medical advice. See a doctor about numb, tingling or weak hands after riding.
Cycling gloves at a glance
- Padded gloves reduced hypothenar pressure by 10 to 28% in a 2011 study of 36 cyclists. Thin foam padding did slightly better than gel padding.[1]
- The pressure at the palm is high enough to damage the ulnar nerve if held for long periods, so changing hand position helps.[1]
- A 1981 review of ulnar neuropathy in cyclists names well-padded gloves among the corrective measures.[2]
- NIOSH says tight clothing reduces circulation, so a winter glove should fit snugly without squeezing.[3]
- Three of the six picks are summer gloves with padding, and three are for cold or wet weather.
Why You Need Good Cycling Gloves
- Grip – Gloves keep your hands from slipping when you sweat, and many have a soft thumb to wipe your face.
- Padding – Palm padding takes pressure off the nerve that passes through the heel of the hand. In the 2011 study, the drops position gave the highest pressure and the most extended wrist, and padded gloves reduced the pressure by 10 to 28%.[1]
- Warmth – Full-finger gloves with a lining keep your hands warmer in cold weather.
- Protection – A glove covers your palm if you fall.
Types of Cycling Gloves
There are two general types: half-finger (fingerless) gloves and full-finger gloves. Half-finger gloves are lighter and breathe better, so they suit warm weather and road riding. Full-finger gloves cover and warm your fingers and suit cold weather and off-road riding.
Each type has its own extras, such as a nose wipe, palm padding, extra grip, pre-curved fingers and a touchscreen-compatible fingertip.
Features of a Good Cycling Glove
- Fit – A cycling glove should be snug and not squeeze. A glove that is too big bunches and causes chafing, and a tight one reduces circulation.[3] Make sure it does not restrict how your fingers move.
- Palm – Racing mitts have the least padding, and gel or foam gloves give more comfort. The pad may sit at the heel of the hand or in the middle of the palm. In the 2011 study, thin foam padding reduced pressure slightly more than gel.[1] Palms are padded genuine or synthetic leather.
- Half or Full Finger – Half-finger gloves are lightweight and breathable, and they are better for touchscreens and dexterity. Full-finger gloves keep your fingers warm in winter.
- Nose Wipe – A thumb in fleece, terry cloth or micro-suede wipes your nose or face.
- Hand Position – The 2011 study found that changing hand position on the bars reduces the size and duration of the load.[1]
How We Chose These Cycling Gloves
These picks come from research. This is desk research. We compared the manufacturer specifications and product descriptions for each pick. We did not test the gloves ourselves, and we did not check stock this time.
We looked at these factors:
- Padding – Gel or foam, and where it sits.
- Season – Summer or winter use.
- Fit – Sizing and closure.
- Extras – Touchscreen palm, nose wipe, reflective trim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cycling Gloves
- Do padded cycling gloves help?
In a study of 36 cyclists, padded gloves reduced pressure over the ulnar nerve by 10 to 28%.[1] Thin foam padding did slightly better than gel padding. - Why do my hands go numb when I ride?
Pressure on the ulnar nerve can cause numbness and weakness in the hand. A review of the condition names well-padded gloves, padded bars, a correct bike fit and frequent changes of hand position as corrective measures.[2] See a doctor if it continues. - Should I buy half-finger or full-finger gloves?
Half-finger gloves suit warm weather and road rides. Full-finger gloves suit cold weather and off-road rides. - How should cycling gloves fit?
Snugly, without squeezing. NIOSH says tight clothing reduces circulation.[3] - Can I use my phone with cycling gloves?
Some have a conductive palm or fingertip. The Fox Defend has a conductive Clarino palm.
Our Picks: Cycling Gloves
Here are 6 cycling gloves for summer and winter.
We hope you love the cycling gloves we recommend!
So that you know, we may earn a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
Sealskinz® Unisex Waterproof Winter Cycling Gloves
Currently unavailable
The Sealskinz Waterproof is a winter and all-weather cycling glove with a stepped stretch Lycra outer shell, a hook-and-loop closure and a Fusion Control grip, and it is 100% waterproof and breathable.
- The inner liner is merino wool.
- The outer shell is abrasion-resistant.
2
Giro Monica® Men's Gel Summer Cycling Gloves
Currently unavailable
The Giro Monica Gel is a fingerless summer glove in thin, durable Pittard leather with Technogel padding in the palm and reflective details for night riding.
- The three-piece palm does not bunch, and the stretchy fit is made to reduce bunching.
- The leather is vented, and the palm grips well.
3
Fox Racing® Women's Defend Cycling Bike Gloves
Currently unavailable
The Fox Defend is a lightweight women’s trail and road glove with a TruFeel design and silicone grips, an absorbent micro-suede thumb and a conductive Clarino palm that works a touchscreen.
- The micro-suede thumb wipes your nose or brow.
- The silicone grips and TruFeel design are made for feel and control.
4
Giro Monica® Women's Gel Summer Cycling Gloves
Currently unavailable
The Giro Monica Gel for women is an open-finger summer road glove in vented Pittard leather, with Technogel padding in the palm and a super fit that reduces bunching.
- The leather breathes and moves moisture away.
- The palm is padded and grips well.
5
Castelli® Unisex Arenberg Gel Summer Cycling Gloves
Currently unavailable
The Castelli Arenberg Gel is a summer glove in nylon, with gel padding, silicone grip on the palms and a hook-and-loop closure.
- The gel padding protects the palm.
- It comes in several colors and sizes.
6
Castelli® Men's Dluvio Winter Cycling Gloves
Currently unavailable
The Castelli Dluvio is a winter glove with closed fingers, made of polyester and neoprene, insulated and fully waterproof.
- The cuff is stretchy, and the glove pulls on and off easily.
- It is made mainly for road cycling.
Index Table: Top Rated Cycling Gloves
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sealskinz Unisex Waterproof - Winter Cycling Gloves |  |
| Sealskinz | - |
| 2 | Giro Monica Men's Gel - Summer Cycling Gloves |  |
| Giro Monica | - |
| 3 | Fox Racing Women's Defend - Cycling Bike Gloves |  |
| Fox Racing | - |
| 4 | Giro Monica Women's Gel - Summer Cycling Gloves |  |
| Giro Monica | - |
| 5 | Castelli Unisex Arenberg Gel - Summer Cycling Gloves |  |
| Castelli | - |
| 6 | Castelli Men's Dluvio - Winter Cycling Gloves |  |
| Castelli | - |
Sources
- Clinical Biomechanics. The influence of glove and hand position on pressure over the ulnar nerve during cycling (2011). Accessed October 27, 2026.
- The Physician and Sportsmedicine. Ulnar Neuropathy in Bicyclists (1981). Accessed October 27, 2026.
- CDC, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Cold Stress. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around a 2011 Clinical Biomechanics study of glove padding and ulnar nerve pressure, a 1981 review of ulnar neuropathy in cyclists and the NIOSH cold stress page, removed the unsupported injury claims, the Instagram trending block and the old score tables, added a short health disclaimer, rewrote all product notes and added Sources
- Apr 2021: Published
