Choosing the best Dual Sport gloves for your type of riding, whether trail or adventure riding is important to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your ride.
Whether it’s a weekend trail ride, an enduro, or an adventure touring trip, a small thing like your choice of gloves can make or break your riding experience. If your gloves are doing their job, you shouldn’t even be conscious of them.
I have been riding and racing dirt bikes for over 30 years and have worn out more gear than I care to remember. I have used my experience in my selection of 10 of the Best Dual Sport & Adventure gloves available today, starting with the lightweight MX style, though to the more rugged Dual Sport and Adventure riding gloves.
Don’t treat gloves as an afterthought when purchasing gear. No matter what gloves you choose, they should provide breathability, flexibility, and protection in the event of a spill.
Quick Summary
Here’s a quick summary of 10 of the best Dual Sport gloves reviewed here:
- Fox Head Men’s Bomber – Top Pick Dual Sport Glove
- Klim Mojave Pro
- Fox Racing Dirtpaw – Best Budget MX Glove
- Cortech Men’s DX 2
- Alpinestars SMX-1 Air
- Scorpion Klaw II Leather Gloves
- Alpinestars Highlands Leather Gloves
- Klim Dakar Pro
- Klim Induction Gloves
- Klim Adventure Short Gloves
Top 3 things to consider when choosing your gloves:
- Functionality: Priority number one is to buy the right gloves to suit the type of riding you do most.
Do you spend most of your time off-road, or on-road?
Is most of your riding in cold weather, or in the warmer months?
Do you do a lot of wet weather riding? If you buy waterproof gloves will these be too hot for the rest of your riding? - Durability: If you ride off-road mostly and like to ride aggressively, the lighter-weight breathable MX-style gloves will typically be suited to you. The tradeoff is that they don’t last as long, but are a lot cheaper than the more durable Dual Sport or adventure gloves.
If you ride on the road a lot more to get to the trails, the thought of your hands sliding along the bitumen will make you look at the longer glove with more protection. You lose a bit of breathability, but again that is the tradeoff for the extra protection. - Value for money: As with anything, you have to weigh up what is the best quality product for your budget. So in this Best Dual Sport & Adventure glove list, I have included my top choice for value for money/quality, top-of-the-range gloves, and inexpensive but still quality gloves.
Features to Look for in a Glove:
- Cuff Length: Dirt bike gloves are generally short cuff. They are all about being able to move around. When riding off-road a long cuff can be restricting. For Dual Sport and Adventure riders, it would be a good idea to also carry a long cuff waterproof adventure motorcycle glove in your bag for those long road stretches.
- Abrasion resistance: Lightweight off-road gloves tend to be designed more for comfort and breathability, but if you do a fair bit of riding on the road, the bitumen will make short work of these. Dual Sport and adventure gloves need to be tough enough to protect you during a slide on the pavement, so features like knuckle protection and leather palms are the way to go.
- Flexibility: The Dual Sport glove needs to be the best of both worlds: you need the flexibility and breathability of the dirt bike glove, but also the durability of a street glove. The best Dual Sport gloves will feature stretch materials to allow movement, reinforced leather palms, and some armor for the top of the hand.
- Water Resistance: Off-road gloves are not waterproof. Dual Sport gloves that claim to be waterproof are pretty rare. If you start riding hard off-road in even moderate temperatures, a waterproof membrane will get too warm. Again, it’s a good idea to also carry a long cuff waterproof adventure motorcycle glove in your bag if you do a lot of road riding.
The gloves reviewed include lightweight breathable MX style, heavier duty Dual Sport gloves, through to the higher end Adventure Riding gloves.
1. Fox Head Men’s Bomber Glove
Any dirt bike rider who has ever clipped a tree branch with their hand will appreciate the knuckle protection on these gloves. They are lightweight breathable gloves designed for some aggressive off-road riding, but they also provide all the protection you’ll need for off-road riding.
Because of all the protection on the top of the hand, they may feel a bit too warm for the hottest months, but the breathable stretch fabric around the thumb and between the fingers helps counteract this.
The neoprene rubber wet-suit-type material around the cuff gives good protection to your wrist, which is usually the first place to contact the ground when you drop your bike.
The double-thickness Clarino synthetic suede to the palms is a definite bonus, especially if you are prone to getting blisters on your hands.
The silicone wrapping on the first two fingers helps with that fine brake and clutch level control.
Features
- Pittards perforated leather across the back for ventilation
- Molded Polycarbonate Knuckle pieces for knuckle protection
- Elasticated panels on the back of fingers and hand for flexibility
- Stretch textile between fingers and around the thumb for breathability and comfort
- Double layer Clarino palm with silicone wrapping on middle and index finger for lever control
Pros
- Excellent Knuckle protection
- Double layer leather to palm
- Flexibility and breathability
Cons
- No touch screen ability to fingertips
- Sizing is on the small side. If in doubt, go a size larger
These gloves are really designed for the off-road rider who does lots of woods riding, enduro riders, and Dual Sport riders who need a bit more protection than the average lightweight MX style glove will give.
2. Klim Mojave Pro Glove
The new Klim Mojave Pro has taken a big leap forward over the older Mojave Pro, with a bigger level of investment also, coming in at about $60. It is at the upper end of the price scale but you know with Klim quality is second to none.
The Mojave Pro is a two to three-season off-road glove for warmer weather.
There are numerous upgrades in protection over the old Mojave. The Poron XRD protection goes across the knuckles and on the back of the fingers.
Combine this with the Pittards micro-perforated leather palm, the rolled leather fingertips, and fully ventilated glove chassis and you have one of the toughest ventilated off-road gloves available today.
What is Poron XRD? It’s a dense shock-absorbing foam used in high-impact areas.
Features
- Poron XRD impact protection pads to knuckles and fingers
- Fully ventilated glove chassis for excellent airflow
- Pittards micro-perforated sheepskin to the palms for good grip and resistance to perspiration
- Breathable inner material to sides of fingers for increased ventilation
- Rolled leather fingertips for better durability and to increase dexterity
- Reflective material to the back of the hand for nighttime visibility
- TPU and Velcro closure at the wrist for a secure fit
- Breathable elastic spacer mesh at wrist closure for increased breathability
Pros
- Excellent Knuckle protection
- Heaps of ventilation through perforated construction to the entire glove
- Longer Neoprene cuff for extra wrist protection
Cons
- No touch screen ability to fingertips
- No silicone to the first two fingers
- Finger sizing is on the narrow side. If you have ‘bear claw’ hands, these will not be suitable for you.
Note: The Klim Mojave Pro Glove is currently unavailable on Amazon. The Mojave Pro glove is available at Klim
As with all Klim products, you know you’re buying quality well-designed off-road gear. They have really set the standard in all their off-road products.
3. Fox Racing Dirtpaw Race Glove
The Fox Racing Dirtpaw is a lightweight high-performing MX glove that comes in at the cost-effective end of the price scale. It has been around for years and has been a firm favorite for MX, enduro, and mountain bike riders because of its durability and reliability.
The 2018 Dirtpaw features a padded palm and knuckles and comes with built-in flexibility over the whole glove. It is a warm-weather glove that gives you plenty of breathability and flexibility.
When you sweat through your hands, that is when blisters are likely to start. The padded Clarino to the palm is a moisture-wicking fabric that allows sweat to dry quickly.
It is not the sort of glove to use if you do any dual Sport riding that involves road riding. The short cuff and light construction make it a strictly off-road glove.
It is certainly a glove that gives you ‘bang for your buck’.
Features
- Stretch polyester construction which gives you the maximum flexibility
- Padded single layer Clarino to palms for comfort
- Padded knuckles for extra protection
- Stretch mesh to finger gussets
- Hook and Loop closure at the wrist for a secure fit
- Silicone print on the middle and index finger for lever control
Pros
- Excellent hot weather glove with excellent breathability
- Built-in stretch for flexibility and comfort
- Padded palms to reduce the chance of blisters and improve your grip
- Silicone print on first two fingers
Cons
- Opening to the glove is quite small. Can be difficult for some to get their hand in
- Sizing is on the small side. If in doubt, go a size larger
Fox Racing has been manufacturing off-road gear for years and is a well-known and respected brand, especially in the MX scene.
4. Cortech Men’s DX 2 Glove
The Cortech Men’s DX 2 is another lightweight, breathable warm weather glove in the below $30 price range similar to the Dirtpaw, but offering a little more protection to the wrist with the longer cuff.
The DX 2 glove retains all the elements of the DX gloves from previous years and continues to be a well-built lightweight glove for Dual Sport use.
Although not a glove designed for road use, the extra wrist protection is a bonus if you happen to come off on the road. But for off-road use where speeds are lower and wrist protection is not a top priority, it’s still good to have.
For the price, you will be hard-pressed to find a better Dual Sport glove than the Cortech DX 2. You will have to go up in price if you are looking for more protection.
Features
- Clarino 0.8mm material with internal foam padding which is ergonomically designed for better grip comfort
- Two-way stretch fabric to the thumb, fingers, and on the top of the hand which helps with flexibility and comfort
- Clarino panels located on the thumb to help resist wear from grip flanges
- Neoprene knuckle and wrist panels for flexibility, comfort, and roost protection
- Stretch elastane material between fingers to help with finger dexterity
- TPR (Thermo Plastic Rubber) molded fingers, top of hand panels, and on cuff closures
Pros
- Plenty of stretch for flexibility and comfort
- Longer cuff for wrist protection offering some road riding protection
- Sizing is accurate. They will stretch a bit in time as they wear in
Cons
- Minimal protection to the back of the hand
- No Silicone print to fingertips
The Cortech DX 2 is your entry-level Dirt bike/Dual Sport Glove that still provides the durability, flexibility, and breathability you find in a more expensive glove.
5. Alpinestars SMX-1 Air Men’s Glove
The Alpinestars SMX-1 Air is actually a lightweight street glove. Still, because of the extra protection they have over the average MX glove, and the built-in flexibility and breathability, this makes them excellent for off-road use. They’re really more of a hybrid glove.
The main feature of this glove is the carbon knuckle protection, which is great if you get hit by rocks or branches.
If you are a Dual Sport rider who does a bit of road riding, these are built to withstand a fall on the road, being street gloves.
With this glove, the focus is airflow and comfort, and with the additional reinforcement and protection, you’re getting the best of both worlds: street-bike protection & durability, but with the flexibility and breathability of an off-road glove.
Features
- Molded hard nylon compound knuckle protection
- Heavy Duty goat leather construction with 3D mesh inserts on the top of the hand for airflow and comfort
- Suede reinforcing on the outer hand with foam cushioning for added abrasion resistance
- Stretch inserts between the thumb and index finger, and between the fingers for an improved range of movement
- Thumb and Palm reinforcement gives a greater grip on the controls and better seam protection and durability
Pros
- Carbon knuckle protection with padding on the inside, so you hardly feel them
- Built-in stretch fabric for flexibility
- Touchscreen ability to the index finger
- Extra built-in protection on the palm and side of the hand is great in the event of a fall on the road
Cons
- No silicone wrapping to fingertips
- Velcro stitching on wrist prone to fraying
Alpinestars is a leader in motorcycle gear, both for on-road and off-road use. You can be assured of a good-looking stylish product made to the highest standards.
6. Scorpion Klaw II Leather Gloves
The Scorpion Klaw II is a short cuff leather glove that is suitable for 3 season riding – Spring/Summer/Fall.
This is a great bang for the buck glove in the sub-sixty dollar price range for the Dual Sport or adventure rider who spends most of their time on the road.
It is pre-curved in design which gives you a comfortable handlebar grip and there is a double layer of leather on the palm with an extra Clarino layer for longevity and to give a tactile grip on the controls.
A new upgrade is the generous TPU knuckle protection and there is also TPR protection on the fingers, with stretch expansion panels to the back of the fingers mid-digit.
There are two dense foam pads at the heel of the hand and the base of the thumb where you need it most for impact protection.
A neoprene panel at the wrist gives you flexibility and the closure is velcro with a TPR strap with a snap fixing to connect it to the other glove.
It is available in Black and White.
Features
- Durable goatskin leather construction
- TPU molded knuckle protection
- Pre-curved palm and fingers for grip comfort
- TPR molded finger protectors
- Rib-stretch knuckle expansion panels for flexibility
- Neoprene wrist relief panel
- Hook and loop wrist closure
Pros
- Excellent knuckle protection
- Leather construction
Cons
- Sizes run about one size small
- No silicone print on the first two fingers
7. Alpinestars Highlands Leather Gloves
The Alpinestars Highlands Glove is for riders who spend about an equal amount of time on the road as off-road.
It is a 2 season warm weather short glove that gives you the protection you need on the street and the flexibility you need for off-road riding.
On the back of the hand, you have polymer knuckle protection with 3D mesh for airflow and a full-grain leather palm with strategically positioned abrasion-resistant ‘Aramidic’ fiber reinforcements.
There are stretch panels across the back of the fingers and between the thumb and forefinger for a better range of motion.
So you get breathability as well as comfort and you have the touch screen fingertips so that you can operate your electronic devices without having to take your gloves off.
The Highland glove is ready to tackle the toughest off-road riding, and at equally at home cruising the streets.
It also comes in black if brown isn’t your thing.
Features
- Constructed from durable goat leather with 3D mesh top surface which provides optimized airflow
- An innovative microfiber and PU grip inserts strategically positioned on the palm and thumb for excellent grip control and durability
- Premium full-grain leather palm construction which is durable and offers excellent abrasion resistance
- Ergonomically engineered ‘ARSHIELD’ reinforcements consisting of high abrasion-resistant ‘Aramidic’ fiber and polyamide strategically positioned on the outer hand with padding on landing zones.
- Excellent impact performance is provided by an advanced over-molded polymer knuckle protector.
- Palm and thumb are padded with energy-absorbing EVA foam for additional protection.
- Pre-curved finger construction reduces rider fatigue while offering excellent comfort and fit
- Wrist flap with velcro on the cuff provides a secure closure
- Touchscreen-compatible index fingertip and thumb allow the use of smartphone and GPS systems
Pros
- Touch screen ability to index finger and thumb
- Good Knuckle armor
Cons
- Sizing is on the small size. If in doubt go one size up
- Seams along each thumb are noticeable at first, but just need some breaking in
8. Klim Dakar Pro Glove
The Klim Dakar Pro is the beefed-up big brother to the standard Dakar glove.
It is an armored and ventilated leather glove that is designed to give the most amount of protection possible, without losing the lightweight breathable, flexible feel you get from an MX style glove.
The upgrades on the Dakar Pro are:
Leather construction with reinforcing on the palm, improved breathability thanks to the perforations between the fingers and nylon panels on the back of the hand, Poron XRD padding on the knuckles, backs of fingers, and heel of the palm where you’re most likely to need it in a fall.
With all these features it gives you a level of abrasive resistance and impact protection that you don’t get in a lightweight MX type glove. Top-level protection for the under $100 price range.
Features
- Perforated leather in optimum ventilation zones for breathability
- Corded nylon stretch panel on top of the hand for extra flexibility
- Poron XRD padded knuckles, fingers, and wrist for impact protection
- Lap seam construction on palm side fingers
- 3M Scotchlite reflective material on fingers for nighttime visibility
Pros
- Excellent knuckle and finger protection
- Rubber squeegee on back of left thumb for wiping goggles or visor lens
- Longer cuff for wrist protection
- Pull tab on palm
Cons
- Sizing is on the small side. If in doubt, go a size larger
- No silicone wrapping to fingertips
- No touchscreen ability to fingertip
The Klim Dakar Pro is a highly durable leather adventure glove that is designed to still be flexible and breathable enough to handle some aggressive off-road riding.
9. Klim Induction Glove
The Klim Induction glove is a warm-weather adventure touring glove designed to reduce fatigue by keeping your hands cool and comfortable during a long ride.
They are constructed using premium-grade perforated leather and 1000 Denier Mil-Spec mesh. The Quick-Dry liner provides a wicking capability on the inside to draw sweat away from your hands.
What is Pittards Armortan? It’s a high-end style of cowhide leather. The way that the leather is tanned has a ceramic infusion built into the fibers of the leather. This means that it has better abrasion resistance, better water resistance, and is more durable over time.
What is Poron XRD? It’s a dense shock-absorbing foam that Klim uses in a lot of their higher-end jackets. Great that they’ve used it on the base of the palm of this glove.
This is the short cuff version, but the cuff is still longer than the average short cuff glove, and there is a classic and simple wrist adjuster strap.
Features
- Pittards Armortan ceramic reinforced leather palm which is more durable than plain leather and provides excellent protection and good grip
- Carbon fiber knuckle impact plate and integrated Poron XRD extreme impact protection foam for the back of the hand protection
- Accordion gussets at the base of the finger and back of knuckles for maximum flexibility
- Micro-fine mesh between fingers for extra ventilation
- Moisture-wicking liner material to draw sweat away from your skin
- Foam pad at the base of the thumb which is right where you need it for those long rides
- Kevlar-coated Poron XRD impact protection foam padding at the base of the palm and outer wrist, which is right on the landing zone for a fall on the road.
- Colors: Black, White
Pros
- superior knuckle protection
- Ceramic reinforced leather palm
- Accordion stretch panels on the back of the hand
- excellent ventilation
Cons
- Can slightly feel the extra stitching on the inside of the fingers at mid-knuckle where the reflective panels are located
- No touchscreen ability to fingertip
10. Klim Adventure Short Glove
The Klim Adventure Short is the ultimate all-terrain adventure glove which was the upgrade on the Klim Element glove in 2016.
They took the best off-road features of the Element glove and refined them and put them into the Adventure. It is now a super durable waterproof Gore-Tex glove for warm weather three-season adventure riding in the spring to fall transition months.
Klim has selected premium materials for these gloves. The entire chassis is a durable leather with reinforcement layers to the palm. To maintain dexterity there are gusseted movement panels on the top of the knuckles, at the fingers, and base of the thumb.
The main protection is in the leather itself, with the added protection of Poron XRD impact protection at the fingers and palm heel. The knuckle protection is backed by silicone padding and covered in a rubber-coated ceramic welded material.
What is Gore Grip technology? It is strategically placed grip tape inside the glove material so that the different layers of material in the palm don’t feel like they’re sliding around, and gives you a good firm grip on the bars.
Even in the short glove version (there’s an Adventure Long version) you’re getting a top level of protection and comfort, which makes it one of the best adventure and Dual Sport riding gloves available.
Features
- Gore-Tex and Gore Grip technology
- All leather construction
- Ceramic print knuckle and palm panels
- 3D Silicone knuckle pads
- Accordion stretch panels on the back of the hand
- Poron XRD impact protection foam padding at the base of the palm and fingers
- Moisture-wicking liner material to draw sweat away from your skin
- Visor/goggles wiper on index finger for wet weather riding
- Assist loop to aid easy entry
- Velcro wrist closure
- Colors: All Black, Black/Brown
Pros
- Excellent knuckle and finger protection
- Waterproof due to Goretex construction
- Good flexibility due to stretch panels on the back of the hand
Cons
- May feel a bit hot in warmer summer months due to the Goretex layer
Note: The Klim Adventure Short is unavailable on Amazon. It has been discontinued by Klim and replaced by the Adventure GTX Short Glove. Alternative link to Klim
Final Thoughts:
All of these gloves are excellent. They all excel in their own way for the use they were designed for. They all have overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon. Click the links to read what others say about them.
Top Pick: Fox Head Men’s Bomber Glove. Best lightweight Dual Sport style glove for its protection, breathability, and value for money
Best Budget MX glove: Fox Racing Dirtpaw Glove. A name-brand MX glove for under $30 that has been a popular choice for years.
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Is there a glove you think should be on this list? Have you used any of these gloves? Please feel free to share your thoughts with readers to help them choose the best glove for them.
I like the look of the Klim Induction Short Glove. Can ladies also wear these or are all the gloves on this page for men. I have a good friend who is a biker chic and I thought these might make a great birthday come Christmas present for her.
If not these which gloves would you recommend for a lady. She rides each weekend to a different destination with her club. They ride normal roads and do very little dirt road riding. It is also really hot where we stay, so something with breathability would be great.
Hi Michel. A lot of these gloves would be suitable for men and women. There’s not a lot of difference other than sizing and colors. If your friend does a lot of road riding I would recommend the Alpinestars SMX-1 in my review because it is a lightweight street glove (about $60) with lots of breathability for warmer weather riding. They even have touchscreen ability on the index finger. It also has the excellent knuckle protection, and heaps of 5-star reviews.
Another one suitable for women is the ILM Motorcycle glove, which also has the touchscreen ability and hard knuckle protection, for only $25. It has a wide range of uses, not just motorcycling. I have put a link on the name.
The Klim Induction Short glove would be the ultimate, but the price is about $140. She would be the envy of all her riding buddies. Klim are the top of the line.
If I can be of any more assistance please let me know. Thanks for dropping in.
Greg
Hi and thanks for the detailed review of these sports gloves. You have broken down very well the benefits of having a good pair of gloves on your adventures. I would ask though are there any you would recommend for beginner adventurers? Is there a certain type of sporting activity that requires you to have a more specialist glove? Thanks Kenny
Hi Kenny. For a beginner adventure rider I would recommend the Klim Dakar Pro, or the Klim Mojavi Pro. They are both reasonably priced at about $70 and are the minimum you would need if you intend to ride on the road also, between your off-road excursions.
Most sports have specialist gloves to suit the conditions they have to deal with, whether its cycling, mountain biking, snow mobiles, skiing or snowboarding, all have their unique requirements.
With dirt bikes there is a whole range, from lightweight motocross gloves, through to heavier duty waterproof gloves that offer road protection. I’ve tried to cover the range here in my review.
Thanks for your comments.
Greg
Most people don’t pay attention to what gloves to buy at all. It is really a shame as it is very important to choose the right ones for your style in order not only to feel comfortable but also to provide safety. Nice article with a lot of info and I like that you give a lot of different options to choose from. Nice read, thank you for sharing!
Yes it really is important to chose the right ones for your intended use. The wrong gloves can really ruin a good ride. I’ve tried to cover all bases in my choice of gloves to review. Glad you enjoyed the review. Thanks for stopping in.
Greg
It seems that you have great information about those gloves unfortunately i don’t ride a moto, but i can inform my friends about them.These days many people are getting well how to enjoy life, i wish with my business i will get money and buy my moto to ride during free time so i will need gloves.
thank you
Hi julienne. Some of these lighter gloves like the Fox Dirtpaw get used by cyclists also, not just for motorbikes. I even read a review by one purchaser who was in a wheelchair and used the gloves to save his hands.
Thanks for your comments. All the best in your business.
Greg
I certainly agree that having a pair of protective gloves can have an impact on your experience, whether it be a positive or negative one.
I remember falling off my mountainbike countless times in the past and either scraping the skin off my hands or having cuts all over my fingers. It’s such an unpleasant experience, and even more so when you kinda forget to have a first aid kit on you lol.
The 8 sets of gloves you’ve recommended all look awesome! And it’s definitely important to have the right gloves for the best sporting/adventure experience possible.
Personally, the Cortech DX 2 gloves are appealing, mainly because they offer wrist support and I love the design/colors too. Are they waterproof as well?
Thanks, Neil
Hi Neil. Yes the Cortech DX 2 are an excellent value for money glove. No they’re not waterproof. You have to go up in value to the adventure riding gloves like the Klim Adventure short to get a waterproof glove. Anything that has lots of breathability for warmer weather will not be waterproof.
Thanks for your comments. If I can help you with anything let me know.
Greg