8 Best Waterproof Motorcycle Gloves for Summer Riding

I’ve ridden through more surprise downpours than I care to admit, and every single time it happens, my hands are the first thing to suffer. Cold, soggy fingers on a summer ride is a special kind of miserable because you’re not even dressed for bad weather.

That’s exactly why I started hunting for gloves that could handle a sudden cloudburst without turning my hands into swamp creatures for the rest of the ride. Waterproof doesn’t have to mean sweaty and stiff, even in July.

Over the past few seasons, I’ve tested a stack of gloves from brands I trust, riding everything from twisty backroads to interstate slabs in weather that changed its mind three times before lunch.

I put together a much deeper breakdown of construction, membranes, and fit in my Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Gloves, but this list is my no-fluff roundup of the best waterproof options specifically built for summer riding.

1. REV’IT! Dirt 2 H2O — Best Overall Waterproof Summer Glove

This is the glove I reach for most often when the sky looks moody but I still need my hands to breathe. The REV’IT! Dirt 2 H2O uses a waterproof, breathable membrane tucked between a goatskin leather palm and a textile/mesh upper, so it dumps heat better than most rain-ready gloves I’ve tried.

The palm has a solid amount of pre-curved shape to it, which cuts down on hand fatigue during long stints on the throttle. I also appreciate the TPU knuckle protector — it’s not race-glove stiff, but it gives real peace of mind on a low-speed tip-over.

Pricing usually lands in the $90-$110 range, which feels fair for what you get. If you want one glove that covers “probably dry, occasionally soaked” summer riding, this is my top pick.

Why it works for summer

The perforated sections on the back of the hand keep air moving even with the membrane sealed underneath. It’s not as airy as a fully vented glove, but it’s noticeably cooler than a straight touring gauntlet.

2. Alpinestars WR-1 Drystar Gloves — Best for Sport-Touring

Alpinestars’ Drystar membrane has been around long enough to prove itself, and the WR-1 Drystar Gloves put it to good use in a glove built for sport-touring riders who log serious mileage. The construction mixes leather and stretch textile panels for a glove-like fit that doesn’t feel bulky.

What stood out to me was how quickly my hands adjusted to the fit — no break-in period, no weird pressure points on the palm. The gauntlet cinches down nicely over jacket cuffs, which matters a lot once rain starts finding its way up your sleeve.

Expect to pay somewhere around $120-$140. It’s not the cheapest option here, but the fit and finish justify it if you’re doing real distance on a sport-touring bike.

Fit and dexterity

I could still work my phone screen and adjust my GoPro mount without pulling the gloves off, which is rarer than it should be in a waterproof glove.

3. Held Rain II Gore-Tex Over-Gloves — Best Emergency Rain Layer

The Held Rain II isn’t a standalone glove — it’s a Gore-Tex over-glove designed to pull on over whatever you’re already wearing the second rain hits. I keep a pair stuffed in my tank bag for exactly that reason, and it’s saved more than one summer ride.

Because it’s not trying to be your everyday glove, it stays thin, packable, and genuinely waterproof thanks to the Gore-Tex shell. You lose some dexterity while it’s on, but that’s a fair trade for staying dry in a five-minute cloudburst.

At around $50-$60, it’s one of the smartest cheap insurance policies I’ve bought for riding gear. Pair it with your favorite lightweight summer glove and you’re covered for almost any weather swing.

4. Rukka Virium Gore-Tex Gloves — Best Premium Adventure Pick

Rukka doesn’t cut corners, and the Virium Gore-Tex Gloves prove it with a Gore-Tex membrane, kangaroo leather palm, and a fit that feels genuinely tailored rather than generic. This is the glove I’d grab for a multi-day summer trip where I know I’ll hit rain somewhere along the route.

The kangaroo leather palm is thinner and more supple than cowhide, which means better feel for the controls without sacrificing abrasion resistance. Rukka also nails the wrist adjustment — it seals tight without cutting off circulation on hot days.

Pricing sits at the premium end, usually $180-$220. It’s an investment, but if you ride long distances through unpredictable summer weather, I think it earns its keep.

Who should buy this

Adventure and touring riders who want one glove for the whole trip, rain or shine, rather than swapping gear at every rest stop.

5. Dainese Livigno Gore-Tex Gloves — Best All-Day Touring Comfort

The Dainese Livigno Gore-Tex Gloves are built with comfort as the priority, and it shows the moment you put them on. Soft goat leather, a Gore-Tex insert, and a foam-padded palm make these feel more like a well-broken-in glove straight out of the box.

I noticed less hand fatigue on longer rides compared to stiffer touring gauntlets, which matters when you’re doing six-plus hours in the saddle. The pre-curved fingers also reduce that “fighting the glove” feeling when gripping the bars.

They typically run $130-$150. If comfort and dryness matter more to you than aggressive protection, the Livigno is a smart summer touring choice.

6. Spidi Rain Warrior H2Out Gloves — Best Budget Waterproof

Not everyone wants to spend $150 on gloves they might only need a handful of rainy days each summer, and that’s where the Spidi Rain Warrior H2Out Gloves come in. Spidi’s H2Out membrane keeps water out reliably, and the price tag usually stays under $70.

The construction leans textile-heavy with reinforced palm panels, so it’s not as premium-feeling as leather options, but it gets the job done for commuting and weekend rides. I found the cuff closure a little basic compared to pricier gloves, though it still sealed fine in steady rain.

If you’re building out your gear collection and want a solid waterproof option without blowing the budget, this pairs nicely with other picks in my best cheap motorcycle gloves for summer roundup.

7. Klim Adventure GTX Long Gloves — Best for Adventure Riders

Adventure riders deal with the widest range of conditions in a single ride, and the Klim Adventure GTX Long Gloves are built specifically for that chaos. The Gore-Tex membrane handles rain and river crossings, while the long gauntlet seals tight over ADV jacket cuffs.

I liked the reinforced palm and fingers here — Klim clearly built this with off-road spills in mind, not just street riding. It’s bulkier than the street-focused gloves on this list, but that bulk buys you real durability.

Pricing lands around $150-$170. If your summer rides involve gravel, dirt, and genuinely remote routes, this is the glove I’d trust most.

A note on breathability

Like most Gore-Tex adventure gloves, it runs warmer than a mesh street glove. On hot, dry days I’ll swap to something lighter and save this one for rain-forecast rides.

8. Five RS-WP Gloves — Best Short-Cuff Waterproof Option

Short-cuff gloves matter for riders who don’t want bulk at the wrist, especially on naked bikes and cruisers where a big gauntlet just gets in the way. The Five RS-WP Gloves pack a waterproof membrane into a trim, short-cuff design that still keeps rain out.

The fit is snug and sporty, with a soft leather palm that broke in fast during my first few rides. It’s not going to out-perform a full gauntlet in a downpour, but for quick summer showers it holds up well.

Expect pricing around $70-$90. If you ride a cruiser or naked bike and want something closer to what I cover in my guide to the best gloves for summer cruiser motorcycle riding, this short-cuff option is worth a look, and it overlaps nicely with my picks for best short cuff motorcycle gloves for the summer.

How I actually choose a waterproof summer glove

I don’t just look at the membrane brand name and call it a day. Fit, palm material, and cuff length all decide whether a “waterproof” glove actually keeps you dry once water is running down your sleeve.

Membrane quality

Gore-Tex, Drystar, and H2Out are the three membranes I trust most after years of riding through unpredictable weather. They all work similarly — a thin, breathable layer sandwiched between the outer shell and the lining — but application and stitching quality make the real difference.

Palm material and grip

Leather palms generally give better feel and durability, while textile palms keep costs down and dry out faster after a soaking. I lean leather for anything I’ll wear regularly.

Cuff length and seal

Short cuffs breathe better and suit cruiser or naked-bike riding positions. Gauntlet cuffs seal tighter against jacket sleeves, which I prefer for touring and adventure riding where rain exposure is longer.

A quick note for women riders

Most of the gloves above run in unisex or men’s sizing, which can leave a gap in the wrist and palm fit for smaller hands. If that’s been your experience, I’d point you toward my dedicated list of the best summer leather motorcycle gloves for women, several of which now offer waterproof versions too.

My final take

If I had to grab just one pair for the season, it’d be the REV’IT! Dirt 2 H2O — it strikes the best balance between staying dry and not roasting my hands on the sunny stretches between showers. For backup, I never ride without a packable pair like the Held Rain II tucked in my bag.

Waterproof gloves aren’t going to feel as airy as pure mesh summer gloves, and that’s fine — that’s not their job. Their job is to keep you comfortable and in control when the forecast lies to you, which, let’s be honest, happens more often than any of us would like.

Whatever you pick from this list, make sure it actually fits snugly through the palm and fingers. A loose waterproof glove traps more heat and moisture than a properly fitted one, no matter how good the membrane is on paper.

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