Best Cycling Gloves 2026

Why You Should Trust This Guide

As a Colorado native, I ride year-round through scorching summer climbs and freezing winter commutes. I've tested dozens of cycling gloves over thousands of miles, from short criteriums to century rides across varying terrain and weather.

This guide focuses on gloves that deliver real comfort benefits—strategic gel placement that prevents numbness, weather protection that actually works, and durability that survives seasons of hard use. Every recommendation is based on extensive testing for fit, padding effectiveness, and long-term performance.

Understanding Cycling Glove Technology

Gel padding is strategically placed in cycling gloves to protect the ulnar and median nerves in your palms. These nerves run close to the skin surface and are compressed during riding, causing numbness, tingling, and pain on long rides.

Premium gloves like the Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 use dual-density gel pads that distribute pressure evenly while maintaining bar feel. The gel absorbs vibrations from rough roads and reduces peak pressure points that cause nerve compression.

Best Overall: Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 Glove

The Castelli Arenberg Gel 2 is named after the legendary Arenberg Forest—a brutal cobblestone section of Paris-Roubaix that destroys hands and equipment. Castelli designed these gloves specifically to survive those conditions, resulting in exceptional protection for everyday riders.

The gel padding uses Castelli's dual-density design: firmer gel under the heel of the palm for support, softer gel under the fingers for vibration damping. This combination maintains excellent bar feel while preventing the numbness that ruins long rides.

The synthetic suede palm provides outstanding grip in both dry and sweaty conditions. The pull-off tabs between fingers make removal easy even when the gloves are soaked with sweat. After hundreds of miles of testing, these remain my go-to gloves for any ride over an hour.

Best Winter Glove: Giro 100 Proof 2.0

The Giro 100 Proof 2.0 is the glove that makes winter training possible. Its waterproof membrane keeps hands dry in rain and snow, while Primaloft insulation provides warmth without excessive bulk that restricts brake lever access.

What sets the 100 Proof apart is its balance of warmth and dexterity. I can comfortably ride down to freezing temperatures while maintaining full brake and shift lever control. The touchscreen-compatible fingertips let you check your bike computer or phone without removing gloves.

The long cuff extends over jacket sleeves to seal out cold air. Reflective details improve visibility during dark winter mornings. While not cheap at $99.95, these gloves eliminate the need for multiple pairs of winter gloves and last season after season.

Best Short Finger: Giro Strade Dure Supergel

The Giro Strade Dure Supergel takes its name from the Italian "strade bianche"—the white gravel roads made famous by the classic Tuscan race. These gloves were designed specifically for the punishing vibration and long hours of endurance gravel riding.

Giro's SuperGel padding is thicker and more extensive than standard gel gloves, with coverage extending further up the palm. This extra protection excels on rough roads, gravel, and century rides where hand fatigue becomes a limiting factor.

The breathable mesh back panel keeps hands cool during long summer rides. Synthetic leather palm provides excellent grip. At $31.99, these deliver premium-level comfort at a mid-tier price—an outstanding value for serious riders.

Best Rain Glove: Castelli Diluvio C

The Castelli Diluvio C is purpose-built for rain protection. Its neoprene construction provides warmth and waterproofing for spring and fall rain rides when temperatures hover between 45-60°F.

The silicone grip pattern on the palm works exceptionally well on wet handlebars and brake levers. The gloves use a single-piece construction with minimal seams to prevent water intrusion. Perfect for rainy commutes and wet training rides.

Best Women's: Castelli Dolcissima 2

The Castelli Dolcissima 2 ("sweetest" in Italian) offers women's specific fit and proportions at a remarkable price. The gel padding is strategically placed for smaller hands, and the palm is narrower than unisex gloves for a better fit.

At just $18, these deliver surprising quality—breathable mesh back, durable synthetic suede palm, and effective gel padding. The fit is refined and comfortable without the bunching common in unisex gloves worn by women. An exceptional value for everyday riding.

Best Cool Weather: Giro Ambient II

The Giro Ambient II fills the gap between summer and winter gloves. Light Primaloft insulation and a windproof membrane provide just enough warmth for crisp fall mornings and cool spring rides without the bulk of full winter gloves.

Touchscreen compatible fingertips and reflective details add practical features. The fit maintains excellent dexterity for shifting and braking. This is the glove for shoulder season riding when conditions are too cold for summer gloves but too warm for the 100 Proof.

Best Value: Castelli Entrata V

The Castelli Entrata V is Castelli's entry-level glove, offering brand quality and basic gel padding at an affordable price. While the padding is less extensive than the Arenberg Gel 2, it's sufficient for rides under 2 hours and provides protection for new cyclists.

At $26, these are perfect for riders building their first kit or as backup gloves. The construction quality and fit reflect Castelli's Italian heritage—a step above generic budget gloves while remaining affordable.

Best Budget: Giro DND

The Giro DND proves you don't need to spend much for basic hand protection. At $13.72, these are perfect for casual riders, bike commuters, or anyone building their first cycling kit on a budget.

The foam padding is less effective than gel for long rides, but for commutes and rides under an hour, it provides adequate comfort. The synthetic palm offers decent grip, and the construction is surprisingly durable for the price. An excellent entry point into cycling gloves.

How to Choose the Right Gloves

Frequently Asked Questions