10 Best Waterproof Gloves for Motorcycle Riding You Can Actually Trust in a Downpour

I’ve ridden through enough surprise downpours to know one thing for certain: cold, soaked hands can ruin an otherwise great ride faster than almost anything else. Your grip suffers, your fingers go numb, and your reaction time on the brake lever takes a real hit.

Over the years I’ve tested dozens of pairs of gloves in everything from light drizzle to full-on monsoon commutes, and I’ve narrowed my list down to the ones that genuinely earn the “waterproof” label. If you want the full breakdown on membranes, cuff styles, and fit, I go deep into all of that in my Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Gloves.

Below are my top picks, based on real hours in the saddle, not just spec sheets.

1. Alpinestars WR-1 Gore-Tex Gloves — Best Overall Waterproof Glove

The Alpinestars WR-1 Gore-Tex Gloves are what I reach for whenever I know rain is a real possibility. They use a genuine Gore-Tex membrane, not a cheaper knockoff waterproof liner, and it shows every time I ride through standing water on the highway.

The outer shell combines full-grain leather with stretch textile panels, so they flex naturally around your knuckles. Alpinestars also added a soft microfiber thumb panel for wiping down a fogged visor, which is a small touch I genuinely appreciate mid-ride.

Priced around $200-230, they’re not cheap, but I’ve had mine for multiple riding seasons without a single leak. If you only buy one pair of waterproof gloves this year, this is my top recommendation.

Why I rate them so highly

Beyond the waterproofing, the WR-1 has a PU-injected knuckle protector and hard-shell finger reinforcements. That means you’re not sacrificing crash protection to stay dry, which isn’t always the case with touring-style gloves.

2. REV’IT! Fusion 3 H2O Gloves — Best All-Season Touring Pick

I’ve put a lot of miles on the REV’IT! Fusion 3 H2O Gloves, and they’ve become my go-to for long-distance touring where weather can change three times in one afternoon. The H2O membrane is fully sealed and it’s held up impressively in prolonged rain.

What sets these apart for me is the balance between warmth and breathability. There’s a removable thermal liner, so I can run them thinner in mild weather and add insulation once temperatures drop.

They run about $150-170, which feels fair given the versatility. If you’re deciding between a dedicated summer glove and a winter one, the Fusion 3 H2O genuinely splits the difference well.

3. Klim Badlands Aero Pro Gloves — Best for Adventure Riding

Adventure riders need gloves that survive gravel, mud, and rain in the same afternoon, and the Klim Badlands Aero Pro Gloves handle all three without complaint. They use a Gore-Tex insert combined with a rugged goat leather palm that’s held up on every dual-sport trip I’ve taken.

The gauntlet-style cuff seals tightly over your jacket sleeve, which matters a lot when you’re riding through a downpour at highway speed. Water simply doesn’t find its way in through the wrist.

At roughly $220-250, they’re an investment, but for serious ADV riders I think they’re worth every dollar. The reinforced palm and finger bridges also add real abrasion resistance if things go sideways off-road.

4. Held Wave Gore-Tex Gloves — Best Short-Cuff Waterproof Option

Not everyone wants a long gauntlet cuff, especially commuters layering gloves under jacket sleeves. The Held Wave Gore-Tex Gloves solve that with a short-cuff design that still manages to stay completely dry in city rain.

Held is a brand I trust for build quality, and the Wave’s combination of goatskin leather and a Gore-Tex membrane feels premium without being bulky. I find them noticeably more nimble on the clutch than most waterproof gauntlets.

They sit around $180-200. If you’re commuting daily and want something you can slip on and off quickly without a huge cuff getting in the way, this is my pick.

5. Dainese X-Tourer D-Dry Gloves — Best for Sport Touring

The Dainese X-Tourer D-Dry Gloves use Dainese’s proprietary D-Dry waterproof membrane, and honestly, it performs right alongside Gore-Tex in my experience. These are built with sport-touring riders in mind, so the fit is snugger and more performance-oriented.

Pre-curved fingers make a real difference here. I noticed less hand fatigue on longer rides because the glove isn’t fighting my natural grip position on the bars.

Expect to pay around $160-180. There’s a knuckle protector and palm slider built in too, so you’re getting genuine protection alongside the waterproofing, not just a rain shell with padding glued on.

6. Rukka Virium Gloves — Best Premium Pick

Rukka doesn’t get talked about as much in the US as Alpinestars or Dainese, but this Finnish brand knows a thing or two about brutal weather. The Rukka Virium Gloves are, in my experience, some of the most weatherproof gloves you can buy, period.

They use a Gore-Tex membrane paired with Outlast lining technology, which actually helps regulate hand temperature rather than just trapping heat. I noticed this most on rides where temperatures swung 15-20 degrees over a few hours.

At $250+, they’re firmly in premium territory. But if you ride year-round in unpredictable climates, I think the Virium justifies its price tag better than almost anything else on this list.

7. Tour Master Horizon Line WP Gloves — Best Budget Waterproof Glove

Not everyone wants to spend $200 on gloves, and that’s fair. The Tour Master Horizon Line WP Gloves deliver genuinely reliable waterproofing for under $80, which is hard to find elsewhere.

They use a waterproof, breathable insert along with a textile and leather shell. I wouldn’t call them luxurious, but for commuting through unpredictable weather, they’ve never let me down when I actually needed them dry.

If you’re newer to riding and building out your gear collection, I’d also point you toward my guide on the Best Beginner Gloves for Motorcycle riders, since fit and confidence matter just as much as waterproofing when you’re starting out.

8. Firstgear Contour WP Gloves — Best Value for Everyday Commuting

The Firstgear Contour WP Gloves have quietly become one of my favorite recommendations for daily riders who just need dependable, no-fuss protection from the rain. They’re priced around $90-100 and include a Hipora waterproof liner that holds up well over time.

What I like most is the simple, low-profile cuff. It’s easy to tuck under a jacket sleeve, which keeps water from running down into the glove during a real storm.

They’re not the flashiest gloves on this list, but for pure practicality on a daily commute, they punch well above their price point.

9. Oxford Bone Dry Gloves — Best Simple Rain Solution

Sometimes you don’t need a full waterproof glove system, you just need something reliable when the forecast turns ugly. The Oxford Bone Dry Gloves are designed exactly for that scenario, with a fully waterproof and windproof membrane at a genuinely affordable price point, usually under $60.

I keep a pair of these stashed in my tank bag for unexpected weather changes. They’re not meant to replace your primary gloves, but as a dedicated rain layer, they do the job well.

If rain is your main concern rather than cold or abrasion resistance, it’s worth comparing these against my full roundup of the best motorcycle gloves for rain to see which style fits your riding pattern best.

10. BMW Rallye GTX Gloves — Best for Touring and Adventure Riders on BMWs

I know not everyone rides a BMW, but if you do, the BMW Rallye GTX Gloves are worth serious consideration. They use a genuine Gore-Tex membrane along with a robust leather and textile construction built specifically for long-haul touring in changeable weather.

Priced around $200, they’re aimed squarely at adventure and touring riders who spend entire days in the saddle. The fit is roomy enough to layer a thin glove liner underneath on especially cold mornings.

I’ve found the wrist closure system particularly effective at sealing out water compared to some competitors, which matters a lot once you’re several hours into a wet ride.

How I actually test waterproof gloves

I don’t just trust manufacturer claims. My testing usually involves riding through real rain for at least 45-60 minutes, then checking my fingertips and palm area for moisture.

I also test dexterity by adjusting mirrors, working the clutch, and unzipping my jacket while wearing each pair. A glove that keeps you dry but leaves your hands feeling like oven mitts isn’t actually doing its job.

What actually makes a glove waterproof

The single biggest factor is a sealed membrane, like Gore-Tex, D-Dry, or Hipora, sandwiched between the outer shell and inner lining. Coatings and treated leather alone rarely hold up beyond light drizzle.

Seam construction matters too. Gloves with taped or welded seams around the fingers keep water from wicking in, even during extended exposure.

Seasonal considerations worth thinking about

Waterproofing and warmth aren’t the same thing, and I’ve made this mistake myself early on. If you’re riding through genuinely cold conditions rather than just wet ones, it’s worth checking my dedicated list of the best gloves for motorcycle riding in winter instead.

On the flip side, if you’re riding in a hot, humid climate where rain showers are brief but temperatures stay high, a heavily insulated waterproof glove can feel miserable. In those cases I sometimes lean toward lighter options, and even browse styles like the best summer leather motorcycle gloves for women for riding partners who want breathability first and rain protection second.

And if budget is genuinely tight and you mostly ride in dry heat with the occasional shower, it doesn’t hurt to look at my picks for the best cheap motorcycle gloves for summer as a starting point before investing in a dedicated waterproof pair.

My final take

If I had to pick just one pair for most riders, I’d go with the Alpinestars WR-1 Gore-Tex Gloves. They balance genuine waterproofing, protection, and comfort better than anything else I’ve tested at a similar price.

But your riding style matters more than any single “best” pick. Adventure riders should lean toward the Klim Badlands Aero Pro, commuters will love the simplicity of the Held Wave, and anyone watching their budget can still stay completely dry with the Tour Master Horizon Line WP.

Whatever you choose, don’t skip on a genuine waterproof membrane. I’ve learned the hard way that “water-resistant” and “waterproof” are two very different promises once you’re thirty minutes into a real storm.

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