Finding a pair of the best racing gloves will not only give you more grip but can also increase realism to take your sim setup to the next level.
However, it can be difficult at times to figure out how much you should spend, and what sort of features you need to optimise your engagement and stay in control over your racing wheel.
Fortunately, we've compiled this list of the best gloves available based on their features, prices, and reviews, to help you find the perfect pair for your sim setup. 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 V2s are built for karting. Therefore, they feature a ton of grip to help you stay in control, plus lycra fourchettes to improve airflow during longer sessions.
We've also picked out gloves based on the materials used to make them. For example, the Alpinestars F-Lites are made from perforated polyester to keep their weight to a minimum and, once again, improve airflow.
So, when it comes to picking up a top set of racing gloves, our list has you covered. Let's dive in...
Best racing gloves
1. Alpinestars Tech 1-K Race V2
Best racing gloves overall
Crafted primarily for the world of go-karting, the Alpinestars Tech 1-K gloves are the ultimate choice when it comes to achieving the perfect blend of grip and comfort. These gloves are expertly designed with mesh and lycra fourchettes, ensuring an exceptional balance of comfort, enhanced airflow, and remarkable durability.
What sets these gloves apart though is their comfortable fit. They're equipped with pre-curved fingers and palm support, reducing any material bunching and ensuring an impeccable fit during usage. To enhance your freedom of movement and overall comfort, they also feature a 180-degree opening. And for those who appreciate a touch of personal style, they are available in a wide array of colours to match your unique taste.
If your goal is to authentically replicate the sensation of real-life racing, then the Alpinestars gloves are undoubtedly the ideal choice for you.
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2. Fly Racing Lite Gloves
Best racing gloves for beginners
Consider the Fly Racing Lite Gloves if you're on the hunt for a budget-friendly option to kickstart your racing adventure.
These gloves boast a single-layer perforated palm and Spandex mesh sidewalls, crafted to enhance airflow, a crucial factor during extended racing sessions. Additionally, they feature silicone finger grips that ensure you maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, allowing you to effortlessly nail every apex.
As a result, these gloves offer an ideal means of elevating your immersion in your beloved racing video game, going beyond the realistic feedback delivered by a top wheel base.
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3. Alpinestars F-Lite
Best lightweight racing gloves
During the summer season, wearing heavier racing gloves can be uncomfortable. That's where the lightweight and breathable Alpinestars F-Lite gloves come in, making them a great option to consider for your setup.
Although designed mainly for cycling, these gloves boast tactile and grippy palms, making them ideal for maintaining control as you compete in racing games like Forza, aiming for that coveted first place.
Another noteworthy feature is that these gloves are machine washable. So, after a long and intense gaming session, you can simply toss them into the wash and have them fresh and ready for your next race. So, with all this in mind, we'd say they're definitely a top pick.
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4. Sparco Rush
Best Alcantara wheel racing gloves
Sparco, an Italian-based company, specialises in racewear products, including helmets, seats, and the renowned Sparco Rush racing gloves.
These gloves have earned both FIA and SFI approval, making them a top choice for those seeking an authentic racing experience. They're designed with a focus on comfort and control, featuring an ergonomic palm design with reinforced stitching that fits snugly around your hands, particularly ideal for handling Alcantara wheels.
When it comes to grip and comfort, it's hard to find many racing gloves that can match their quality. Although they're only hand-washable, it still doesn't take away from the fact that these are an excellent pair of racing gloves.
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5. K1 Race Gear RS1
Best pro racing gloves
To maximise realism, you may find karting gloves like these K1 Race Gear RS1s to be most beneficial, especially as they are made from premium materials like padded leather on the palms for additional grip and comfort.
Moreover, the rest of the glove is manufactured out of an abrasion-resistant fabric that is reversed stitched together to further improve comfort which you'll most likely notice to be advantageous during longer races.
You won't have to worry about getting too hot in these gloves though, as K1 boasts its gloves come with vented fingers to improve breathability, and that is another reason why we think they're a good option to consider.
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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?
We feel the first thing you should look for in racing gloves is whether they'll be comfortable or not as you'll most likely be wearing them for at least an hour whilst playing your favourite sim titles.
You'll probably also be indoors whilst gaming which is why, we feel, you need a fairly breathable and lightweight pair of gloves to ensure you're hands don't overheat.
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.
Can you wash racing gloves?
The answer to this question will vary depending on the manufacturer and materials used.
Some gloves, like the Alpinestars F-Lite's, are machine washable and are therefore easy to clean once you've finished using them.
By contrast, 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.
How do I know if the racing gloves will fit?
The best way to make sure you get a glove that fits well is to measure your hand and compare it to a size chart/guide.
The size of racing gloves is typically standardised so, if you measure your hand correctly, you should be able to buy with confidence knowing the gloves you order will fit properly.
Some gloves come with closure mechanisms like Velcro so you can adjust the tightness to your preference.
Are racing gloves worth it?
Ultimately, this will come down to personal preference, however, racing gloves are not essential to your gaming experience.
Whilst they may provide a little extra grip on your wheel, they probably won't improve your in-game performance.
What racing gloves do offer though is added 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.