Picking up a pair of the best racing gloves can help bring all the action of Forza Horizon 5 to life. They add an element of realism that's hard to come by through sim peripherals alone.
Moreover, a top set of gloves can also provide a ton of grip, allowing you to stay in control of your best racing wheel, even during extended racing sessions.
So, to help you begin your search, we've compiled a list of our top picks, based on features, reviews, and price, highlighting some of the key differences that make these gloves stand out from the crowd.
What features did we look for? Well, we've selected gloves similar to what you'd find racing drivers wear in real life.
For instance, the Alpinestars Tech 1-K Race V2 gloves are built for karting, so feature a ton of grip to help you maintain control over your wheel as well as lycra fourchettes to improve airflow.
That being said, we also selected gloves based on their materials. For example, the Sparco Rush gloves, arguably some of the best racing gloves around, are made from synthetic leather to increase their lifespan by being more resistant to wear and tear.
With all this in mind, let's take a closer look at our racing gloves selection...
Best racing gloves for Forza Horizon 5
- Alpinestars Tech 1-K Race V2
- Solo Queen Sim Racing Gloves
- Alpinestars F-Lite
- Sparco Rush
- Sim Hound Racing Gloves
1. Alpinestars Tech 1-K Race V2
Best racing gloves for Forza Horizon 5
If you're looking to simulate the true feeling of racing in FH5, then these Alpinestars Tech 1-K Race V2 may be the perfect gloves for you.
As they are made primarily for karting, these gloves should be both grippy and comfortable to wear whilst cruising around the fictionalised Mexican landscape or racing your way into a podium place.
Moreover, the mesh and lycra fourchettes are designed to promote comfort, airflow, and durability which should be ideal during longer FH5 sessions and, therefore, is another reason why we feel these are some of the best all-round gloves for sim racing.
Read More: Best wheels for Forza Horizon 5
2. Solo Queen Sim Racing Gloves
Best budget racing gloves for Forza Horizon 5
While some racing gloves are expensive, these Solo Queen Sim Racing Gloves are marketed on the more inexpensive end of the scale.
Despite the lower price tag, they're still made from premium materials including 40% synthetic leather which should improve their longevity and durability to withstand the test of time.
Moreover, the gloves are said to be incredibly lightweight and comfortable by wrapping tightly around your fingers, and that is why we feel they're worthy of consideration for FH5.
Read More: Best racing seats for Forza Horizon 5
3. Alpinestars F-Lite
Best lightweight racing gloves for Forza Horizon 5
It's not uncommon to feel hot when gaming, especially in the summer, so a pair of lightweight gloves like these Alpinestars F-Lites might be the perfect pair to consider.
Although they are made primarily for cycling, the tactile and grippy palms should be ideal for control over your wheel as you race your way into first place on FH5.
It's also worth mentioning that these gloves are machine washable so, after a long and intense FH5 session, you can throw them in the wash so they're ready for your next race.
Read More: Best monitors for Forza Horizon 5
4. Sparco Rush
Best Alcantara wheel racing gloves for Forza Horizon 5
Sparco is an Italian-based company that specialise in racewear items such as helmets, seats, and these Sparco Rush racing gloves.
These gloves feature Sparcoās ergonomic palm design with reinforced stitching, engineered to hug your hands for added comfort and control over your Alcantara wheel.
Moreover, they're FIA and SFI-approved meaning, if you're looking for an authentic racing experience, then these racing gloves may be your answer.
Read More: Best headsets for Forza Horizon 5
5. Sim Hound Racing Gloves
Best touchscreen racing gloves for Forza Horizon 5
These sim gloves are designed with optimum comfort and performance in mind thanks to their microfibre suede palm, rubberised grip, and breathable fabric on the back.
The wrist section operates via hook and loop so you can adjust the tightness of these gloves to your preference, ensuring you don't feel restricted whilst you game.
What we like most about these gloves, and one of the key reasons they make our list, is the touchscreen-friendly index finger which you can use to navigate your peripheral devices like your phone in-between FH5 races.
Read More: Best controllers for Forza Horizon 5
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When it comes to finding the right racing gloves, people tend to have a few questions, but we're here to answer some of the more common queries.
What to look for in racing gloves for Forza Horizon 5?
We feel the first thing you should look for in racing gloves is whether they'll be comfortable or not.
As you'll likely be indoors gaming, you'll probably be looking for something fairly breathable and lightweight to ensure you're hands don't overheat during your FH5 sessions.
Another important element to consider is the grip as you don't want to find yourself constantly slipping on the wheel as this may detriment your race and cause you to spin out.
A pair of gloves with leather palms, for example, should be extremely grippy, but make sure the leather isn't too thick as this may absorb some of the force feedback from your sim wheel.
How do you know if your racing gloves will fit?
To determine whether your racing gloves will fit, you should first measure your hand size accurately. To do this, take a measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of your hand (usually the knuckles) excluding the thumb, then take note of the measurement.
Compare the measurement with the sizing chart provided by the glove manufacturer. If the measurement falls between two sizes, it's usually best to go for the larger size for a comfortable fit.
We'd recommend trying on gloves before purchasing them if possible, especially if you're unsure about the size.
Additionally, racing gloves are designed to be snug, so they can offer better grip and control. Make sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations on how the gloves should fit for optimal performance.
Can you wash racing gloves?
There isn't one universal cleaning method for racing gloves. Some, like the Alpinestars F-Lites, are machine washable and are therefore easy to clean once you've finished using them.
However, some gloves are made with materials that are not machine washable, so it's worth checking if they come with any cleaning instructions as following the manufacturer's guide is probably your safest bet.
Are racing gloves worth it for Forza Horizon 5?
Ultimately, this will come down to personal preference, however, racing gloves are probably not essential for improving your FH5 ability.
Whilst they may provide a little extra grip on your wheel, their main purpose is to add realism as they replicate what most racing drivers would wear in real life.
Therefore, if you're looking to maximise the authenticity of your sim racing experience, then racing gloves may be your answer.
How long do racing gloves typically last?
The lifespan of sim racing gloves can vary based on multiple factors, including glove quality, frequency of use, and maintenance. With proper care, gloves can last for months or even years in most cases, but this isn't always the case.
To ensure longevity, it is recommended to adhere to the manufacturer's care instructions. This may involve hand washing, where possible, using specific cleaning products, avoiding extreme heat or sunlight exposure, and storing the gloves appropriately when not in use.
Over time, you may notice a gradual decrease in grip and tactile sensitivity, along with visible wear and tear. If these changes become more noticeable, it is advisable to consider purchasing a new pair.
Regularly inspect your racing gloves for signs of wear and tear, such as fraying seams or a significant loss of grip. When they no longer deliver the desired level of performance and comfort, it is a good practice to replace them.