We tested top-rated options to find the best kids’ bike gloves on the market. These picks earned approval from both our young testers and safety-conscious parents.
Your child will love looking like a pro cyclist. You will love knowing their hands are safe while they cruise the neighborhood.
- Incredible durability, yet ultra-soft
- Allows room for ventilation
- Includes anti-slip foam pads
- Breathable material keeps hands dry
- Touch-screen design
- Thick padding on palm
- Includes shock-absorbing materials
- Ergonomically designed
- Breathable material
How to Choose Kids Bike Gloves
We always tell our children to wear their helmet while riding. Many of us even insist on elbow and knee pads. However, gloves are often overlooked despite being essential for protection during a fall. Here is what you need to consider before buying.
Size
Most manufacturers list sizes as small, medium, or large with a corresponding age range. However, age is just a number. We highly recommend measuring your child’s palm width and comparing it to the brand’s specific sizing chart before purchasing.
Half Finger or Full?
You can choose between fingerless (half-finger) or full-coverage gloves.
Full-finger gloves: Best for older kids, trail riding, or cooler weather. They offer maximum protection against scrapes and brush. They also provide better grip for aggressive riders. However, sizing can be tricky if your child has long or short fingers.
Half-finger gloves: These are usually better for toddlers learning to ride their first bike. They are much easier to put on wiggly hands. Plus, they keep hands cooler in the summer heat while still protecting the palms.
Closure Style
For toddlers and preschoolers, look for a simple hook-and-loop (Velcro style) closure. It opens wide to let the hand slide in easily. It also allows your child to tighten the strap independently.
Older kids might prefer slip-on gloves with elastic cuffs. These look more professional and streamlined but require a precise fit to stay secure.
Product Reviews
We found the top five pairs that combine safety, comfort, and style.
ZippyRooz Toddler & Little Kids’ Bike Gloves
Best Overall
ZippyRooz gloves are a hit with parents and kids alike because they mix fun designs with serious functionality. The prints range from unicorns to geometric shapes, so there is something for every style.
The half-finger design is perfect for warm weather. It prevents overheating while the padded palm protects against road vibrations and scrapes. We love the finger loops, which make pulling the gloves off much easier for small hands.
The thumb features a soft, absorbent material meant for wiping noses or brows. It is a gross but necessary feature for active kids.
These gloves fit children ages 1 to 8. They are great for toddlers on balance bikes who tend to use their hands to stop themselves. The blend of polyester and nylon is durable and machine washable.
Pros
- Fun prints encourage kids to wear them.
- Ample palm padding absorbs shock.
- Finger loops help with removal.
- Wide opening makes them easy to put on.
Cons
- Sizes run slightly large.
- Grip can be slippery on smooth handlebars.
Product Specs
| Style | Half-finger |
| Sizes available for ages | 1 to 8 years |
| Material | Nylon and polyester |
| Machine washable | Yes |
Our Ratings
Giro DND Jr II Youth Mountain Cycling Gloves
Best Full-Finger Gloves
If your child wants “real” mountain biking gear, the Giro DND Jr II is the way to go. These look and feel just like the adult version. They provide full-finger coverage, which is essential for trail riding where branches and thorns are a risk.
The fit is snug but comfortable thanks to the four-way stretch breathable mesh. This material hugs the hand without restricting movement. The wide hook-and-loop opening makes getting them on relatively painless, though full fingers always take a bit more effort than fingerless options.
Giro uses high-quality EVA padding in the palm to cushion falls. The “Super Fit” engineering ensures the material doesn’t bunch up, giving your child a confident grip on the bars.
Tech-savvy kids will appreciate the touch-screen compatible fingertips. They can check a map or change a song on a device without exposing their hands.
Pros
- Professional “big-kid” aesthetic.
- Moisture-wicking mesh keeps hands cool.
- Touch-screen compatible fingertips.
- Excellent crash protection.
- Durable construction.
Cons
- Sizing tends to run small.
Product Specs
| Style | Full-finger |
| Sizes available for ages | Not stated |
| Material | Faux leather, suede |
| Machine washable | Not stated |
Our Ratings
Finger Ten Kids’ Junior Cycling Gloves
Best for Active Kids
These junior gloves from Finger Ten are built for sports like BMX and mountain biking. Parents consistently praise the balance of durability and flexibility.
The back of the hand features a specialized mesh that maximizes airflow. This ventilation prevents hands from getting sweaty and slippery during intense rides.
The palm utilizes anti-slip gripper foam. This helps young riders maintain control over the bike, even on rough terrain. The Lycra material is soft and stretchy, ensuring the gloves move with the hand rather than against it.
Like other top models, these include a microfiber thumb patch. It is perfect for wiping away sweat or tears after a tough tumble. You can grab these in bright colors like blue, pink, or green.
Pros
- Highly durable yet flexible.
- Ventilated mesh prevents sweaty palms.
- Anti-slip foam improves handle grip.
- Useful terry cloth thumb wipe.
Cons
- Sizing runs small; check the chart carefully.
Product Specs
| Style | Half-finger |
| Sizes available for ages | 2 to 10 years |
| Material | Lycra and microfiber |
| Machine washable | N/A |
Our Ratings
Finger Ten Cycling Gloves
Best Touch-Screen Gloves
Modern kids use apps like Strava or maps while they ride. These Finger Ten gloves feature a touch-screen friendly design that actually works with smartphones and smartwatches.
Beyond the tech features, they are solid cycling gloves. The breathable fabric keeps moisture at bay, ensuring hands stay dry. The palm features thick non-slip padding. This reduces road vibration, making them a great choice for longer cross-country rides where hand fatigue can set in.
They come in four sizes with adjustable wrist straps to dial in the fit. With six different designs available, your child can choose a style that matches their bike or helmet.
Pros
- Responsive touch-screen fingertips.
- Thick palm padding reduces vibration.
- Double leather reinforcement on thumb/index.
- Breathable for all-day comfort.
Cons
- Sizing is often smaller than expected.
- Material is too thin for winter riding.
Product Specs
| Style | Full-finger |
| Sizes available for ages | 2 to 11 years |
| Material | Silicone |
| Machine washable | N/A |
Our Ratings
Nature Ann Children’s Fingerless Glove
Best Urban Street-Cred Gloves
These half-finger gloves bring a bit of edge to your kid’s gear collection. With designs like army green camouflage and wolf prints, they are popular for biking, skateboarding, and roller skating.
The palm area features thick, shock-absorbing material to cushion falls on pavement. The ergonomic cut follows the natural curve of the hand, which increases flexibility.
They are made from a blend of spandex and microfiber. This combination allows for great airflow and quick drying if they get wet. However, note that these require hand washing to maintain their shape.
Sizing is limited. They generally fit palms measuring 1.97 to 2.79 inches across, which typically suits kids in the 8 to 10-year-old range.
Pros
- Cool designs appeal to older kids.
- Thick shock-absorbing palm pad.
- Ergonomic fit for better dexterity.
- Fast-drying material.
Cons
- Palm rubber can feel stiff initially.
- Limited one-size option.
Product Specs
| Style | Half-finger |
| Sizes | One size for 1.97 to 2.79-inch palms |
| Material | Spandex and microfiber |
| Machine washable | No |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Style | Sizes available for ages | Material | Machine washable |
| ZippyRooz Bike Gloves | Overall | Half-finger | 1 – 8 yrs | Nylon & polyester | Yes |
| Giro DND Jr II Youth | Full-Finger Gloves | Full-finger | No | Faux leather, suede | N/A |
| Finger Ten Cycling Gloves | Active Kids | Half-finger | 2 – 10 yrs | Lycra & microfiber | N/A |
| Finger Ten Cycling Gloves | Touch Screen | Full-finger | 2 – 11 yrs | Silicone | N/A |
| Nature Ann Fingerless Glove | Urban Street-Cred | Half-finger | 1 size (1.97″ – 2.79″) | Spandex & microfiber | No |
FAQs
Should Cycling Gloves Be Tight or Loose?
Cycling gloves should fit snugly like a second skin without restricting movement. If they are too loose, the fabric will bunch up and cause blisters. If they are too tight, they can cut off circulation and cause numbness.
How Do I Keep My Toddler’s Gloves On His Hands?
Look for gloves with strong hook-and-loop (Velcro) wrist closures that you can cinch down. Ensure the glove is the correct size; if it is too big, it will slide right off.
How Do You Not Lose Kids’ Gloves?
Designate a specific pocket in their riding bag or helmet for gloves immediately after a ride. You can also clip them together or attach them to the handlebars with a carabiner when the bike is parked.
Should Cycling Gloves Be Padded or Not?
Padding is generally better for kids. It absorbs vibrations from the road and offers essential protection for their palms if they fall. Unpadded gloves offer a better “feel” of the bike but less protection.
How Do I Measure My Child’s Hand for Gloves?
Use a soft measuring tape to measure the circumference of your child’s dominant hand just below the knuckles (excluding the thumb). Compare this number, usually in inches or centimeters, to the specific manufacturer’s sizing chart.
Are Kids’ Bike Gloves Machine Washable?
Most synthetic bike gloves can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water. However, you should air dry them to prevent shrinking or damaging the padding. Always check the care label first.
