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
click to enlarge1. Alpinestars Tech 1-K Race V2
Best all-round racing gloves
Primarily built for go-karting, these Alpinestars Tech 1-K gloves should be the ideal set for grip and comfort thanks to mesh and lycra fourchettes designed to promote comfort, airflow, and durability.
Moreover, Alpinestars boasts its gloves feature pre-curved finger and palm aids to improve the fit by reducing material bunching whilst in use.
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Also, they come with a 180-degree opening to keep you unrestricted and comfortable, plus they come in a range of colours to suit your style.
Ultimately, if you're looking to truly simulate the feeling of racing in real life, then these Alpinestar gloves could be for you.
click to enlarge2. Fly Racing Lite Gloves
Best racing gloves for beginners
We feel these Fly Racing Lite Gloves could be worth considering if you're looking for a relatively inexpensive pair of gloves to start your racing journey with.
They feature a single-layer perforated palm and Spandex mesh sidewalls, both of which are designed to improve airflow, which is key, particularly during extended racing sessions.
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Furthermore, they come with silicone finger grips which should help you maintain control over your steering wheel so you can hit every apex with ease.
All in all, theses gloves should be the perfect way of increasing immersion in your favourite racing title beyond wheel bases adding realistic feedback.
click to enlarge3. Alpinestars F-Lite
Best lightweight racing gloves
In Summer, you may find wearing heavier racing gloves to be uncomfortable which is why, we feel, these lightweight and breathable Alpinestars F-Lite's are well worth considering.
Although they are made primarily for cycling, the tactile and grippy palms should be ideal for helping you maintain control as you race your way into first place on games like Forza.
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It's also worth mentioning that these gloves are machine washable so, after a long and intense session, you can throw them straight into the wash so they're ready for your next race.
click to enlarge4. Sparco Rush
Best Alcantara wheel racing gloves
Sparco is an Italian-based company that specialise in racewear items such as helmets, seats, and these Sparco Rush racing gloves.
They are both FIA and SFI approved meaning if you're looking for an authentic racing experience, then these Sparco Rush gloves may be your answer.
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Additionally, they feature Sparco’s ergonomic palm design with reinforced stitching, engineered to hug your hands for added comfort and control over Alcantara wheels in particular.
Ultimately, we feel you won't find many better racing gloves for grip and comfort when using an Alcantara wheel, which is why we also featured them in our list of the best gloves for FH5.
click to enlarge5. 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.
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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 is another reason why we think they're a good option to consider.
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.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Hardware page.