Sports Handwear Price Comparison 2026
Compare 521 sports handwear products from Alpinestars, Venum, Giro and more — find the best price across dozens of UK retailers.
One brand dominates this category to an unusual degree: Alpinestars accounts for the vast majority of the 521 products listed here, with an average price sitting around 63 £. That's not a coincidence — the Italian brand has built a near-monopoly in performance sports gloves, particularly for motorcycling and motorsport. But the category is broader than it first appears, with Venum covering combat sports, Giro serving cyclists, and Nathan Sports catering to runners who need lightweight hand protection in cold conditions.
What strikes us most when looking at the price spread is how wide it is. Entry-level options start at just 13 £, while the top end stretches to 119 £ — a gap that reflects genuinely different levels of protection, materials, and certification. A glove at the lower end of the range might offer basic palm padding and a velcro strap; one at the upper end will feature articulated knuckle armour, Alcantara palm inserts, and CE certification. These are not interchangeable products, and choosing the wrong tier for your sport can have real consequences.
The sweet spot for most buyers sits between 52 £ and 59 £, where you'll find Alpinestars models with reinforced synthetic palms, EVA knuckle protection, and decent ventilation — solid all-rounders for road cycling, trail riding, or gym work. If you're shopping during Black Friday or the January sales, this mid-range is where the biggest discounts tend to land, with retailers like Amazon.co.uk and Currys occasionally cutting prices significantly on the more popular size variants.
For those involved in sports shirts and tops or building out a full kit, pairing the right glove with compatible sports outerwear matters more than many buyers realise — particularly when wrist coverage and sleeve overlap are part of the protection equation. And if you're kitting out for colder conditions, don't overlook the thermal and waterproofing specs, which vary considerably even within the same brand's range. We've compared the offers across merchants so you don't have to.
How to Choose Sports Handwear: What Actually Matters
With Alpinestars alone offering hundreds of variants, picking the right pair of sports gloves can feel overwhelming. The honest truth is that most buyers over-focus on brand and under-focus on two things that genuinely affect performance: palm material and knuckle protection system. Here's what our analysis of the market tells us you should actually be looking at.
Palm material and abrasion resistance
This is the single most important factor for anyone using gloves in high-impact or high-friction sports. Goatskin leather offers the best combination of grip and durability, but high-grade synthetic materials (such as Clarino or reinforced microfibre) have closed the gap considerably and tend to hold up better in wet conditions. Standard cowhide is cheaper but stiffens with use. If your gloves will see repeated contact with handlebars, bars, or ground — prioritise palm quality above everything else. Cheap palms delaminate within months.
Knuckle and articulation protection
Not all padding is equal. Basic EVA foam absorbs some impact but compresses permanently after a hard knock. Viscoelastic gel systems (used in higher-end Alpinestars models) redistribute energy more effectively and recover their shape. Rigid armour inserts offer the strongest protection but reduce dexterity — a real trade-off for sports requiring fine motor control. For casual gym or cycling use, EVA is fine. For motorsport or mountain biking, look for CE-certified articulated protection. Don't be misled by thick-looking gloves that use low-density foam.
Fit and closure system
A glove that shifts during activity is worse than no glove at all — it creates pressure points and reduces grip. Adjustable velcro wraps are the most common closure and work well when the strap is wide and positioned correctly at the wrist. Progressive lacing systems (seen on some premium models) give a more precise fit but add bulk. The key test: with the glove fastened, can you rotate it on your hand? If yes, it's too loose. Sizing varies significantly between brands — Alpinestars runs slightly large compared to Venum, so always check the brand-specific size chart rather than assuming your usual size.
Ventilation and moisture management
Sweaty palms reduce grip and accelerate material degradation. Perforated panels on the back of the hand are the most effective ventilation method, but the quality of the perforation matters — small, widely spaced holes do very little. Mesh inserts are better for breathability but sacrifice some abrasion resistance. If you train indoors or in warm climates, prioritise ventilation. If you're riding in British autumn conditions, a closed construction with a moisture-wicking lining is more practical. Very few gloves in this price range do both well simultaneously.
Touchscreen compatibility
An increasingly relevant feature, particularly for cyclists and runners who use GPS devices or need to operate a phone without removing their gloves. Conductive fingertip materials work reasonably well on capacitive screens, though sensitivity varies. Worth checking if you rely on navigation — it's a small detail that becomes genuinely irritating to be without. Most Alpinestars models in the 59 £+ range include this; budget options below 52 £ rarely do.
Safety certification
CE certification (specifically EN 13594 for motorcycle gloves) is the benchmark to look for if protection is a priority. It means the gloves have been independently tested for impact absorption and abrasion resistance — not just designed to look protective. FIA certification applies to motorsport competition gloves. For gym, cycling, or running gloves, formal certification is less critical, but it's a useful proxy for build quality. If a glove claims protection but carries no certification mark, treat that claim with scepticism.
- Budget picks (From 13 £ to 52 £) : Reebok, Gray Nicolls, and Giro sit in this bracket — lightweight running gloves, basic batting gloves, and entry cycling mitts. Minimal protection, simple construction. Fine for low-impact use or occasional wear, but don't expect durability under regular stress.
- The sweet spot (From 52 £ to 59 £) : Where most Alpinestars mid-range models land, alongside Reusch and some Venum options. You get reinforced synthetic palms, basic knuckle padding, and adjustable closures. This is the right tier for most recreational cyclists, gym-goers, and casual riders.
- Performance tier (From 59 £ to 79 £) : Alpinestars' more technical models dominate here — better palm materials, improved ventilation, and more sophisticated protection systems. Venum's training gloves also feature. Worth the step up if you train regularly or need reliable protection over time.
- Premium and specialist (Over 79 £) : CE-certified motorsport and competition gloves with articulated armour, Alcantara inserts, and advanced closure systems. Alpinestars' top-tier range sits here. Only justified if you're riding at speed or competing — overkill for the gym or casual cycling.
Top products
- Alpinestars 3567717-10-XL sports handwear (Alpinestars) : One of the most widely stocked models in the category — 6 merchants competing on price keeps it honest. A solid mid-range choice for regular riders, though the XL sizing means it's not for everyone.
- Alpinestars 3570518-155-S sports handwear (Alpinestars) : The colourway (155) sets this apart visually from the all-black variants. Priced slightly lower than the 3567717 series — better value if the fit works for you. Good entry point into Alpinestars' mid-range.
- Alpinestars 3558321-1100-XL sports handwear (Alpinestars) : Noticeably pricier than the 3570518 series — you're paying for a step up in protection specification. Worth it if you ride regularly; harder to justify for occasional use when cheaper Alpinestars models cover the basics.
- Alpinestars 3566118-1100-L sports handwear (Alpinestars) : The lowest-priced model among the top-stocked listings — a genuine bargain within the Alpinestars range. The L size is the most versatile. Our pick for buyers who want the brand without paying the premium.
- Alpinestars 3558517-10-XXL sports handwear (Alpinestars) : The XXL variant of a different model line — useful if larger sizes are hard to find elsewhere. Mid-price positioning makes it a reasonable option, but confirm the model spec matches your protection needs before buying.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between sports gloves and motorcycle gloves in this category?
The majority of products here are motorcycle or motorsport gloves from Alpinestars, which are engineered for impact protection and abrasion resistance at speed. Sports gloves for gym, cycling, or running (from brands like Giro, Venum, or Nathan Sports) are also listed but represent a smaller portion of the catalogue. The key difference is certification and construction: motorcycle gloves are CE-tested for crash protection, while gym or cycling gloves prioritise grip, ventilation, and dexterity. Don't use a lightweight cycling mitt for motorcycling — the protection levels are not comparable.
Are Alpinestars gloves worth the price compared to cheaper alternatives?
For motorsport and serious riding, yes — the premium is justified by CE certification, superior palm materials, and construction quality that holds up over time. For casual gym use or light cycling, cheaper alternatives from Giro or Reebok (available from 13 £) offer adequate performance at a fraction of the cost. The honest answer is that Alpinestars' mid-range models around 59 £ represent genuinely good value; their entry-level variants are less compelling against the competition.
How do I know which size to order without trying them on?
Measure the circumference of your dominant hand around the knuckles (excluding the thumb) and compare against the brand's size chart — don't rely on S/M/L alone, as sizing varies significantly between brands. Alpinestars tends to run slightly large; Venum runs true to size. If you're between sizes, size down for a snug protective fit, or size up if comfort and dexterity are the priority. Most UK retailers including Amazon.co.uk offer free returns, so ordering two sizes to compare is a practical option.
Should I avoid gloves without CE certification for riding?
Yes, if you're motorcycling or mountain biking at speed. CE certification (EN 13594 for motorcycle gloves) means the product has been independently tested — it's not a marketing claim. Uncertified gloves may look protective but offer no verified impact absorption. For low-risk activities like gym training or light cycling, certification is less critical, but it remains a useful indicator of overall build quality. Several products in this category carry no certification mark; check the product listing carefully before purchasing.
Do sports gloves in this price range work with touchscreens?
It depends on the model and price point. Touchscreen-compatible fingertips (using conductive materials) are common in Alpinestars models priced above 59 £, but rare below 52 £. Sensitivity varies — most work adequately for accepting a call or checking a map, but fine input like typing is unreliable. If GPS navigation or phone use is important to your activity, check the product specification explicitly rather than assuming compatibility.
What's the best way to find the cheapest price on a specific Alpinestars model?
Because Alpinestars products are stocked by multiple UK retailers simultaneously, prices for the same model can vary by a meaningful margin depending on the merchant. Using a price comparison tool like MagicPrices lets you see all available offers side by side and track price history — useful for timing a purchase around Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day, when sports equipment discounts are common. The same glove listed at full price on one retailer may be discounted on another on the same day.
Are there any pitfalls to watch out for when buying sports handwear online?
The biggest trap is buying by appearance rather than specification. Many gloves look protective but use low-density foam padding that compresses permanently after one impact. A second common mistake is ignoring palm material — a glove with a cheap synthetic palm will degrade quickly under regular use, regardless of how good the knuckle protection is. Finally, watch out for size variants listed as separate products: several top-15 listings here are the same glove model in different sizes, so compare model numbers carefully to avoid paying more for an identical product in a different size variant.