Best Cycling Gloves UK: Padded, Summer and Winter Gloves
The best cycling gloves for UK riding depend on the season and how long you ride: breathable, padded gloves or mitts for spring and summer, and insulated, water-resistant gloves for the cold, wet months. For most riders, two pairs cover the whole year. Within each type, look for padding that eases pressure on your palms, a grip that works in the wet, a snug fit and touchscreen fingertips if you use a phone or bike computer at stops.
Why wear cycling gloves at all?
- Comfort. Your hands carry part of your weight, especially on a road bike. Padding spreads that pressure and soaks up some of the vibration from rough British tarmac.
- Grip. Sweat in summer and rain the rest of the year make bars slippery. A textured palm keeps you in control on the brakes.
- Protection. In a fall, most people put their hands out. A layer between your palms and the road can save a lot of skin.
- Warmth. Cold hands lose dexterity quickly, which makes braking and changing gear harder in winter.
Types of cycling gloves
| Type | When to use them | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerless mitts | Warm days from late spring to early autumn | Breathable back, padded palm, easy pull-off tabs |
| Lightweight full-finger gloves | Cool mornings, spring and autumn, off-road riding | Thin, breathable fabric, grippy palm, touchscreen fingertips |
| Padded long-ride gloves | Sportives, touring and long road rides all year | Gel padding placed under the heel of the hand, secure grip |
| Insulated winter gloves | Cold, wet rides from late autumn to early spring | Thermal lining, water-resistant outer, reinforced palm |
Mitts are what many riders search for in summer: they keep palms padded and fingers free for maximum feel. Full-finger gloves give more protection and suit riders who want one pair for most of the year except the coldest weeks.
Padded cycling gloves: gel, foam or none?
Padding is the main difference between a cycling glove and a general-purpose glove. Gel padding spreads pressure and absorbs vibration, which many riders find more comfortable on rides of more than an hour or two. Thinner gloves with little or no padding give better feel on the bars and suit short rides or mountain biking, where you grip harder and move your hands more.
Where the padding sits matters as much as how thick it is. It should cushion the heel of your palm and the outer edge of your hand without bunching between your fingers. Too much padding in the wrong place can actually add pressure.
Gloves and numb hands
Tingling or numb fingers on long rides are common. Padded gloves can reduce pressure on the palm, but hand position and bike setup matter too: change your grip regularly, keep your wrists fairly straight and avoid leaning heavily on the bars. If numbness carries on after rides or keeps coming back, see your GP or a physiotherapist, and consider a professional bike fit.
Our pick: for road riders, commuters and long-distance riders, the CycloGrip™ gloves (£39.95, sizes S to 2XL) have 5 mm gel padding to absorb shocks, perforated fabric for airflow, anti-slip microfibres in the palm for control in rain or sweat, and touchscreen-ready thumb and index fingers. If you want something lighter for warm-weather rides, the CycloFit™ gloves (£34.95, sizes S to 2XL) combine 5D gel padding with breathable mesh that keeps hands cool and dry, plus a non-slip palm grip.
Summer gloves: breathability first
On a hot day, sweaty hands slip and gloves start to feel clammy. For summer riding, look for:
- mesh or perforated fabric on the back of the hand;
- a palm material that grips when damp;
- a towelling patch on the thumb if you like to wipe your brow;
- quick-drying fabric, so gloves are ready for the next ride.
Comfort on long summer rides is about more than your hands. If you're building up to longer distances, our guide to the best saddle for long rides looks at the other main contact point.
Winter gloves for UK weather
A British winter is usually more wet and raw than extremely cold, so water resistance and a lining that traps warmth matter more than bulk. You still need to work the brakes and gears, so avoid gloves so thick that you lose feel. Bright colours also help drivers notice your hand signals on dark evenings.
Our pick: the CycloWint™ winter gloves (£19.95, sizes S to 2XL) have an inner thermal lining that traps body heat, a water-resistant outer shell that repels rain and snow, reinforced palms for a strong hold on wet bars, and touchscreen compatibility so you can use your phone or GPS at a stop without taking them off. They come in Black, Grey, Orange, Blue and Purple. For more on layering and keeping your hands warm, read our guide to winter cycling gloves.
How to get the right size
- Measure around your hand at the widest point of the palm, just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb.
- Measure from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
- Compare both with the sizing information for the glove you're buying.
- Choose a snug fit: fingers should reach the end without pressing, and there shouldn't be loose fabric across the palm.
If you're between sizes, many riders go for the smaller size in summer gloves, which should fit closely, and the larger in winter gloves, so there's a little room for warm air.
Quick checklist before you buy
- When will you wear them: summer, winter, or most of the year?
- How long are your rides, and do you want gel padding?
- Do you need touchscreen fingertips?
- Does the palm grip in the wet?
- Will a bright colour help you be seen when signalling?
You can compare every pair in our cycling gloves collection. Delivery is free on every order, with tracking, and usually takes 7–10 business days. Unused gloves can be returned within 30 days, with return postage paid by the customer. If you carry spare gloves on long winter rides, a handlebar bag keeps them dry and within reach.
Looking after your gloves
Wash gloves regularly, as sweat breaks down fabric and padding over time. Fasten any straps before washing, use a cool cycle or hand wash, follow the care label and let them air dry away from direct heat. Drying winter gloves on a radiator can damage the lining.
Frequently asked questions
Are padded cycling gloves worth it?
For rides longer than an hour, most riders find them more comfortable. Gel padding spreads pressure across the palm and absorbs some road vibration. On short rides or technical trails, a thinner glove with more bar feel may suit you better.
Should I choose fingerless or full-finger cycling gloves?
Fingerless mitts are cooler and give more feel on warm days. Full-finger gloves protect your hands better in a fall and suit cooler weather. Many UK riders own one pair of each.
What are the best cycling gloves for a UK winter?
Look for a thermal lining, a water-resistant outer and a grippy palm that still works when wet. Avoid gloves so bulky that you can't feel the brakes. Touchscreen fingertips save you taking them off at stops.
How should cycling gloves fit?
Snugly, with no loose fabric in the palm and fingertips that reach the end without pressing. Padding should line up with the heel of your hand. Gloves that are too big can bunch and cause pressure points.
Do cycling gloves help with numb hands?
Padded gloves can reduce pressure on your palms, which may help. Changing hand position often and checking your bike setup matter too. If numbness persists, see your GP or a physiotherapist.
