Best Waterproof Cycling Gloves: 5 Options by Conditions

The best waterproof cycling gloves depend less on a brand ranking than on the conditions you actually ride in. A thin waterproof knit can work well in cool rain but may be inadequate near freezing. A heavily insulated glove can protect you in winter yet become clammy during a hard ride. The right choice balances rain protection, warmth, bar control, and fit.

We checked current manufacturer specifications and availability in August 2026. We have not presented these gloves as personally road-tested. Instead, the recommendations below match documented construction to specific riding conditions, with the important limitations made clear.

Best waterproof cycling gloves by use

Use Option to compare Why it fits Main tradeoff
Cool, wet road or commute Showers Pass Cross Point Sport Three-layer waterproof knit construction with a flexible feel Less insulation than a deep-winter glove
Cool rain with added warmth Showers Pass Cross Point Pro Wool Waterproof knit construction with a wool-blend liner A membrane glove can still feel damp from sweat
Cold, wet road riding GOREWEAR GORE-TEX Insulated Gloves Waterproof membrane, insulation, five-finger control More bulk and warmth than a shoulder-season glove
Deep-winter rain GOREWEAR GORE-TEX Insulated Trigger Gloves Three-finger layout retains more warmth while preserving lever access Less independent finger movement
Cold, wet MTB 100% Hydromatic Brisker Waterproof insert, light insulation, silicone palm, extended cuff MTB-focused fit and relatively low-profile insulation

If you ride in persistent rain, prioritize a genuinely waterproof membrane or construction. If your usual ride involves brief showers, a water-resistant and highly breathable glove may feel better. “Water-resistant” and “waterproof” are not interchangeable.

1. Showers Pass Cross Point Sport: flexible protection for cool rain

The Showers Pass Cross Point Sport is the starting point for riders who want a close-fitting waterproof glove without deep-winter bulk. Showers Pass describes its Cross Point products as a three-layer construction: a durable knit outer, a waterproof-breathable membrane, and an inner liner.

That knit format should preserve more finger movement than a thick insulated shell. It makes the Sport most logical for cool rain, commuting, and mixed-weather rides where brake and shift feel matter. It is not the strongest match for long rides near or below freezing unless your hands naturally run warm.

Choose it for: cool rain, dexterity, and a less bulky feel.
Skip it for: deep winter or riders who regularly suffer cold fingers.

2. Showers Pass Cross Point Pro Wool: a warmer waterproof knit

The Cross Point Pro Wool uses the same general waterproof-knit idea but adds a wool-blend interior. It fills the gap between a thin rain glove and a bulky winter model. The liner can offer a warmer next-to-skin feel, while the membrane addresses sustained rain more directly than a simple durable water-repellent finish.

Waterproof knit gloves have a characteristic that buyers should understand: the outer can absorb water even while the membrane prevents it from reaching the hand. The glove may feel wet and become heavier without having leaked. Sweat can also accumulate during hard efforts because no membrane releases moisture as quickly as an open, non-waterproof fabric.

Choose it for: cool-to-cold wet rides when you still value a flexible knit.
Skip it for: high-output riding in mild rain, where overheating is likely.

3. GOREWEAR GORE-TEX Insulated Gloves: five-finger winter control

GOREWEAR’s current GORE-TEX Insulated Gloves combine a waterproof and windproof membrane with insulation and a five-finger format. The manufacturer lists a pre-shaped grip, tactile palm treatment, and touchscreen compatibility.

This format is the better choice when you need independent finger movement for road brake levers, shift paddles, lights, and zippers. The tradeoff is thermal efficiency: separate fingers generally lose heat faster than fingers grouped in a mitten or trigger design. Insulation also reduces fine control compared with a thin glove.

Choose it for: cold rain when conventional five-finger control is important.
Skip it for: mild weather or the coldest conditions if your fingers chill easily.

4. GOREWEAR GORE-TEX Insulated Trigger Gloves: deepest-winter option

The GORE-TEX Insulated Trigger Gloves group fingers while leaving the index-finger and thumb arrangement usable for controls. GOREWEAR specifies a waterproof GORE-TEX ePE liner, PrimaLoft insulation, a pre-shaped fit, silicone grip details, and a conductive palm.

A trigger glove is a practical compromise between a mitten and a five-finger glove. Grouped fingers share warmth, but you sacrifice some independent movement. Before buying, confirm that the finger grouping works with your particular brake and shifter setup. Riders using controls that demand two independent braking fingers may prefer the five-finger model.

Choose it for: deep-winter wet riding and warmth-first priorities.
Skip it for: maximum dexterity or controls incompatible with the grouping.

5. 100% Hydromatic Brisker: cold and wet mountain biking

The 100% Hydromatic Brisker is designed around MTB and moto-style control. Current specifications include a waterproof-breathable insert secured to the outer layer, a lightly insulated softshell back, a single-layer polyurethane palm, silicone grip print, conductive fingertips, and an extended neoprene cuff.

Its low-profile palm is relevant for mountain bikers who want direct contact with the grip, while the extended cuff helps cover the wrist. Light insulation makes it more versatile than a heavily padded glove, but riders seeking maximum road-winter warmth may be better served by a fully insulated GORE-TEX model.

Choose it for: wet MTB rides, grip feel, and moderate cold.
Skip it for: warmth-first road riding in severe winter weather.

Waterproof vs water-resistant cycling gloves

A waterproof glove normally uses a membrane, waterproof insert, or sealed construction intended to prevent liquid water from passing through. A water-resistant glove slows light rain but may eventually wet through. A durable water-repellent treatment helps droplets bead on the surface, but that finish alone does not make a glove waterproof.

Wind protection is another separate property. A windproof, water-resistant glove may be excellent in dry cold and brief showers yet fail in sustained rain. Read the manufacturer’s exact terminology:

  • Waterproof: the best starting point for persistent rain.
  • Water-resistant: appropriate for drizzle, road spray, or short exposure.
  • Windproof: reduces wind chill but does not necessarily stop rain.
  • Breathable: allows some water vapor to escape; it does not guarantee sweat-free hands.

How warm should rain gloves be?

Temperature ratings are difficult to standardize because circulation, ride intensity, wind, and duration change the result. Use a conditions-based approach:

  • Mild, wet weather: choose minimal insulation and prioritize breathability.
  • Cool rain: use a waterproof knit or lightly insulated shell.
  • Cold rain: choose a waterproof membrane plus meaningful insulation.
  • Near freezing: consider a trigger glove or lobster-style construction, especially if your hands run cold.

Do not compensate for a tight glove by adding a thick liner. Compression reduces the insulating air layer and can restrict circulation, making fingers colder. If you plan to use liners, verify fit with them installed.

Fit checks before you ride

  1. Measure around the widest part of the hand and compare it with the brand-specific chart.
  2. Leave enough fingertip room to avoid compression, but not so much that fabric bunches at controls.
  3. Make a fist and simulate braking. The glove should not pull tightly across the knuckles.
  4. Confirm the palm cannot rotate around the hand when wet.
  5. Test the cuff with your rain-jacket sleeve. Overlap matters more than touchscreen performance in heavy rain.
  6. Operate every brake, shifter, and button on your bike before committing to a long ride.

Why “waterproof” gloves can still feel wet

Moisture inside a glove does not always mean rain passed through the membrane. Sweat, water entering through the cuff, and a saturated outer fabric can all create a wet sensation. Long cuffs and correct jacket overlap reduce entry at the wrist. Managing effort and choosing only as much insulation as necessary reduces sweat.

After a wet ride, follow the care label. Air-dry the gloves thoroughly and avoid direct high heat unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it. Heat can damage membranes, adhesives, and synthetic palms. If a water-repellent outer stops beading, use only a treatment approved for that garment.

Which waterproof cycling glove should you choose?

For cool rain and good dexterity, compare the Showers Pass Cross Point Sport. Choose the Pro Wool when you want a warmer knit. For cold, wet road rides, compare GOREWEAR’s five-finger Insulated Gloves; move to the Trigger version when retaining heat matters more than independent finger movement. For cold and wet MTB riding, the 100% Hydromatic Brisker offers a low-profile palm and bike-control-focused design.

Availability, colors, and prices can change. Check the current size chart and return policy on the manufacturer’s page, then choose based on your temperature range, ride duration, controls, and sensitivity to cold—not on a universal “best” label.

Sources

Chris Reynolds

Chris Reynolds

Author & Expert

Jason Michael is the editor of Cycle Train Central. Articles on the site are researched, fact-checked, and reviewed by the editorial team before publication. Read our editorial standards or send a correction at the editorial policy page.

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