Few things make as much of a difference in running as the right Kids Fingerless Cycling Gloves. Too hot is uncomfortable and too cold spoils the trip. However, the right gloves can improve any type of riding. As a commuter and road, and mountain biker, I have 5 pairs of gloves throughout the year that I choose based on the expected weather conditions. My picks are:
Kids Fingerless Cycling Gloves for summer riding
For temperatures of 18°C (64°F) or higher, use Kids Fingerless Cycling Gloves. While it’s tempting to leave your gloves at home on really hot days, fingerless gloves are very protective against shocks and scratches in the event of an accident. This is an important safety tool for me when I use my hands at work.
When buying fingerless gloves, the main selection criteria for me are velcro, is it in the glove, and can the material fold over the back of the glove? It’s good to have super soft air gloves in case the built-in velcro fasteners ruin the wash (or shorts).
These weren’t the prettiest gloves I’ve ever seen, but they’re durable, padded in all the right places, and the high-vis yellow color is perfect for nighttime walks. $24 for competitive riders, and $32 for MEC, also available on Amazon.
Kids Fingerless Cycling Gloves for autumn, spring, and cool summer days
In the UK, good kids’ cycling gloves are essential on cold days. I use lightweight, windproof gloves with some insulation between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius (46-54°F). This provides warmth but prevents it from getting too wet with sweat.
In this temperature range, even when it’s raining, I find it important to keep fully waterproof gloves because I can’t breathe enough to handle the heat and sweat I generate.
UK kids cycling gloves for cold days
When the temperature drops from 8°C to 2°C (36-45°F), I use a lighter weight glove with more protection.
They do a great job blocking wind and light rain and keeping the temperature just right for colder rides. In these temperatures, I prefer breathable waterproof gloves over waterproof ones. $35 at Competitive Cyclist, $43 at Amazon or $55 at Sugoi.
Very wet or very cold gloves
Some days along the Pacific Northwest coast can be very wet and very cold. When the temperature drops below 4°C (39°F) for rain that soaks everything in seconds, these gloves look like nothing more than superheroes.
I find them unbearably hot in weather above 4 degrees. But when it’s cold and rainy, these gloves are like an oasis of unparalleled comfort.
When it comes to waterproof gloves, it is very important to get gloves with very little protection. Even with the best tech fabrics, waterproofing comes at the expense of breathability. When the outer fabric is saturated, it doesn’t matter how good the waterproofing layer is; hot and humid water vapor will not pass through and therefore waterproof gloves will be too warm. The Gore Xenon Gore-Text glove solves this problem by providing very little protection. The result is a fantastic glove for those very cold and wet days.
Other factors affecting the choice of gloves
I need less protection when I’m mountain biking than when I’m on the road because it generates more heat in my upper body and less wind chill.
If it rains constantly, I need more protection or waterproof gloves (but not both).
For rainy day travel, I opt for lighter gloves but keep a second heavier set in my bag. This can make for a fun day out with cold hands, or if the weather is particularly bad, it might be a good idea to wear warm, dry running gloves.
In warmer climates, such as 30°C (86°F) or higher, indoor cooling gloves can help.
Start
Kids Fingerless Cycling Gloves can be a little intimidating when you need 5 different pairs of gloves to find the right fit. I recommend starting with just two pairs, choosing summer and fall/spring gloves. As you move to different climates, others come naturally. Read more: Blog.