There’s nothing worse than finishing a rainy bike ride with hands so cold and wet you can barely feel your brake levers. I’ve been there—shivering with numb fingers, wondering why my ‘waterproof’ gloves failed me yet again.
After testing countless pairs over the years, I’ve learned that not all rain gloves are created equal. Some keep water out but sacrifice dexterity, while others feel great initially but soak through in a downpour. Here’s what actually works when the skies open up.
Best Bike Gloves for Rain – 2025 Reviews
GripGrab Ride Windproof Deep Winter Lobster Gloves – Ultimate Cold Rain Protection
These premium lobster gloves are built for serious cyclists who ride in cold, wet conditions. The windproof softshell and water-repellent treatment provide excellent protection against rain and spray. The unique 3-finger design maintains crucial dexterity for braking and shifting while keeping fingers warm together.
FanVince Winter Thermal Gloves – Budget-Friendly Water Resistance
These gloves deliver surprising performance for their price point, featuring water-resistant construction and reliable touchscreen compatibility. The thermal insulation provides decent warmth for cooler rainy rides, while the anti-slip palm design ensures solid grip even when wet. They’re versatile enough for cycling, running, or everyday use.
ihuan Waterproof Ski Gloves – Reliable Rain and Cold Defense
These versatile gloves bridge the gap between performance and affordability with genuine waterproof protection and practical features. The waterproof outer shell combined with soft fleece lining keeps hands dry and comfortable in rainy conditions. Touchscreen compatibility and anti-skid palm design make them practical for modern cycling needs.
GripGrab Waterproof Knitted Gloves – All-Weather Performance
These performance-oriented gloves feature a knitted construction with integrated waterproof and windproof membranes for comprehensive weather protection. The close-fitting design provides excellent insulation without restricting movement, while reflective elements enhance visibility in low-light rainy conditions. Perfect for road, gravel, or mountain biking in wet weather.
Souke Sports Winter Cycling Gloves – Balanced Comfort and Protection
These gloves strike an excellent balance between water resistance, comfort, and practical features for everyday cycling. The water-resistant shell and thermal insulation provide reliable protection in wet conditions, while the ergonomic palm design and shock-absorbing padding ensure comfort on longer rides. Touchscreen compatibility adds modern convenience.
ihuan Winter Warm Gloves – Affordable Waterproof Option
These budget-friendly gloves offer solid waterproof protection through an innovative full-palm waterproof pouch design. The thermal materials provide adequate warmth for cooler rainy rides, while the anti-skid silicone palm ensures secure grip on handlebars. Touchscreen compatibility makes them practical for modern cycling needs.
HKXY Waterproof Gloves – Basic Rain Protection
These entry-level gloves provide basic water resistance and wind protection for occasional rainy rides. The slightly waterproof construction handles light precipitation well, while the adjustable wrist design ensures a secure fit. Touchscreen compatibility on multiple fingers adds practical functionality for modern cyclists.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
When most cycling gear reviews just repeat manufacturer specs, we actually test how gloves perform when you’re miles from home and the rain starts pouring. We evaluated 7 different models specifically for rainy conditions, scoring them 70% on real-world performance and 30% on innovative features that provide competitive advantages.
Our scoring system prioritizes how well each glove handles wet conditions—not just waterproof claims, but how water beads and rolls off the surface, whether seams leak under pressure, and if grip deteriorates when the gloves get wet. We also consider user feedback on durability and overall value for money.
For instance, our top-rated GripGrab Lobster Gloves scored 9.4 for their exceptional balance of protection and control, while the budget FanVince Gloves at 8.8 offer surprising water resistance for their price point.
We’re transparent about trade-offs: sometimes paying more gets you better materials and construction, but there are solid budget options that perform well in light rain. Our ratings reflect what actually works when you need reliable hand protection in wet conditions.
Ultimately, we believe in giving you the straight story on what keeps your hands dry and functional when the weather turns against you.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Bike Gloves for Rain Protection
1. Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: Understanding the Difference
Waterproof gloves use membranes or coatings that prevent water from penetrating entirely, ideal for heavy rain. Water-resistant gloves can handle light precipitation but may soak through in downpours. For commuting or regular rainy rides, true waterproofing is worth the investment.
2. Breathability: Why It Matters in Rain Gloves
Quality rain gloves balance waterproofing with breathability to prevent sweat buildup inside. Look for membranes that allow moisture vapor to escape while blocking external water. Without proper breathability, you’ll end up with wet hands from condensation rather than rain.
3. Grip and Control Features for Wet Conditions
Non-slip silicone patterns on palms and fingers are crucial for maintaining control on wet handlebars. Test how the grip feels when slightly damp—some materials become slippery when wet, while others improve traction. Padded palms also help absorb vibration on rough wet roads.
4. Dexterity and Touchscreen Compatibility
Being able to operate brake levers, shifters, and smartphone screens without removing gloves is essential. Look for gloves with precise finger construction and reliable touchscreen conductive material on fingertips. Some designs sacrifice dexterity for warmth—find your balance based on riding style.
5. Fit and Sizing for Optimal Performance
Rain gloves should fit snugly without restricting movement. Too loose, and water can enter; too tight, and circulation suffers. Measure your palm circumference accurately and consider trying multiple sizes. Adjustable wrist closures help seal out elements while providing comfort.
6. Additional Features: Reflectivity and Durability
Reflective elements improve visibility to motorists in rainy, low-light conditions. Look for reinforced seams and quality materials that withstand frequent use and washing. Terry cloth thumbs for wiping glasses or sweat add practical convenience during rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular winter gloves for cycling in the rain?
While regular winter gloves might provide warmth, they often lack the specific features needed for cycling in rain. Proper cycling rain gloves have waterproof construction, enhanced grip patterns for wet handlebars, and breathable materials to handle exertion. Regular gloves may soak through quickly and become dangerously slippery.
2. How do I know if gloves are truly waterproof?
Look for specific waterproof ratings or technologies like Gore-Tex or similar membranes. True waterproof gloves will have sealed seams and often mention water column ratings. Water-resistant gloves might work for light drizzle but will fail in sustained rain. Check user reviews specifically mentioning performance in heavy precipitation.
3. Do I need touchscreen compatibility on cycling gloves?
While not essential, touchscreen capability is incredibly practical for modern cycling. It allows you to operate bike computers, smartphones, or navigation devices without exposing your hands to the elements. For commuting or longer rides where you might need to check maps or take calls, it’s a valuable feature worth considering.
4. How should I care for and maintain my rain gloves?
Proper care extends the life of your rain gloves significantly. Always follow manufacturer cleaning instructions—some require special treatment to maintain waterproof coatings. Avoid machine drying unless specified, and periodically reapply waterproofing treatments if recommended. Store them flat or rolled rather than crumpled to preserve seams and materials.
5. What temperature range are these gloves suitable for?
Most rain gloves discussed here work well in temperatures from about 20°F to 50°F (-7°C to 10°C), but it depends on the specific insulation. Consider your local climate and riding intensity—you might need heavier insulation for colder conditions or lighter gloves if you generate significant body heat through effort.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and evaluation, the truth about rain gloves is clear: you don’t have to choose between dry hands and functional control. Whether you opt for the premium protection of the GripGrab Lobster Gloves, the surprising value of the FanVince option, or the reliable performance of the ihuan models, there’s a solid choice for every rider and budget. The key is matching the glove’s capabilities to your typical riding conditions—invest in true waterproofing if you regularly face heavy rain, or save with water-resistant options for occasional drizzle. Whatever you choose, proper rain gloves transform wet rides from miserable adventures into comfortable, controlled experiences.