Best Winter Motorcycle Gloves for UK Riders

Focus: Choosing waterproof, insulated and heated gloves that keep your hands warm, dry and responsive on cold UK roads.

Why winter gloves matter in the UK

Even moderate UK winter temperatures (around 0°C to 7°C) quickly become miserable when wind, rain and long exposure chill fingers. Cold hands reduce dexterity and reaction time – that's why the right gloves are both a comfort and a safety item.

What to look for in the Best Winter Motorcycle Gloves for UK Riders

• Waterproof membrane (Gore-Tex, Hipora, D-Dry) to keep rain out.
• Thermal insulation (Thinsulate, PrimaLoft, fibrefill) for trapped heat without added bulk.
• Windproof construction so windchill doesn't strip heat away at speed.
• Good grip and dexterity – you must still operate levers and switches safely.
• CE protection – knuckle armour and palm reinforcement for safety in a slide.
• Heated option if you ride daily in very cold temperatures.

Heated vs insulated (non-heated) gloves – a quick primer

Insulated gloves use passive warmth (thicker liners) and work well for moderate cold and short rides. Heated gloves add active heating (battery or wired power) and are best for very cold commutes, long tours or riders with cold-sensitive hands. As part of a complete winter setup, heated grips are often used alongside heated motorcycle clothing for all-day comfort.

Featured picks from RaceLeathers (Click the product name to view the item)

Below are glove picks from your store covering heated and high-quality non-heated winter gloves. Each item links directly to the RaceLeathers product page.

How to choose between these options

Daily commuter in freezing conditions: choose a heated glove such as the Weise Ion or Richa/Gerbing Inferno V12 for maximum warmth.

Occasional winter rider or shorter trips: pick an insulated & waterproof non-heated glove such as the Alpinestars Andes V3 or Dainese Trento D-Dry.

Practical buying checklist

• Waterproof membrane (Gore-Tex, D-Dry, Hipora etc)
• CE knuckle/palm protection
• Battery or 12V capability for heated gloves
• Touchscreen compatibility
• Gauntlet cuff for waterproof overlap with jacket

Tips for using heated gloves in the UK

• Charge batteries fully before commuting.
• If using 12V wired gloves, ensure proper fused connection to the bike.
• Start at low/medium heat and increase only if necessary.
• Always remove batteries before drying or cleaning the gloves.

Care & maintenance

Leather gloves should be cleaned with leather-safe products. Textile and membrane gloves should be washed with specialist detergents to avoid blocking waterproof pores. Heated gloves must have batteries removed prior to any cleaning.

FAQs – Best Winter Motorcycle Gloves for UK Riders

Are heated gloves safe in the rain?

Most heated gloves are water-resistant or waterproof and designed for wet UK conditions. Always check the product page to confirm waterproof rating.

How long do heated glove batteries last?

Typical runtime ranges from 2 to 8 hours depending on battery capacity and heat setting.

Can I use heated gloves with heated grips?

Yes. Heated grips warm your palms while heated gloves warm fingers and knuckles. Combining both can be useful in extreme cold.

Should I size up for winter gloves?

No – only choose a slightly larger fit if you intend to wear thin liners. Gloves should not be loose.

Are wired 12V gloves better?

For long rides, wired 12V gloves are advantageous because they provide continuous heat while the bike is running. Battery gloves are more flexible and untethered. 12v systems offer greater heat output than 7.4v systems

Where can I buy these gloves?

All products mentioned above are available on RaceLeathers. Click the bolded product names to visit the relevant product pages.

Final words – pick the glove that fits your rides

For UK riders, heated gloves are ideal for long or extremely cold commutes and touring, while insulated waterproof gloves suit short journeys and general winter riding. RaceLeathers offers options in both categories with dependable build quality and winter-ready performance.