Outdoor Research Arete II Gloves
The Arete II balances lightweight insulation and softshell breathability to deliver versatile insulated softshell riding gloves ideal for long days on the saddle where dexterity matters. Compared with the other models on this list it stands out as an all-around performer with an approachable mid-range price, offering better fingertip control than bulkier premium options and more warmth than the thinner commuter gloves. Its combination of reliable weather resistance and nimble fit makes it a strong best-in-class choice for riders who need a single glove for varied conditions.
Warm dexterity
Weatherproof grip
Warm dexterity
Weatherproof grip
Review Summary
"Users generally find the Outdoor Research Arete II Gloves warm, highly dexterous, and comfortable for extended riding in cold, dry conditions; some note they aren't fully waterproof and cuffs can be a bit loose for deep winter storms."
Pocketable charm
Lightweight insulated softshell that balances warmth and breathability for active riding.
Pocketable charm
Lightweight insulated softshell that balances warmth and breathability for active riding.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Arete II balances lightweight insulation and softshell breathability to deliver versatile insulated softshell riding gloves ideal for long days on the saddle where dexterity matters. Compared with the other models on this list it stands out as an all-around performer with an approachable mid-range price, offering better fingertip control than bulkier premium options and more warmth than the thinner commuter gloves. Its combination of reliable weather resistance and nimble fit makes it a strong best-in-class choice for riders who need a single glove for varied conditions.
Warm dexterity
Weatherproof grip
Pocketable charm
Lightweight insulated softshell that balances warmth and breathability for active riding.
Grippy synthetic palm and pre-curved fingers maintain dexterity for controls and levers.
Warm dexterity
Weatherproof grip
Pocketable charm
Lightweight insulated softshell that balances warmth and breathability for active riding.
Grippy synthetic palm and pre-curved fingers maintain dexterity for controls and levers.
$80-140 CAD
Arc'teryx Venta Gloves
The Venta represents the market-leader approach: premium materials, precise fit, and refined construction that prioritize long-term performance for serious riders in cold conditions. Compared with the rest of the list the Venta commands a higher price but delivers superior durability, wind-shedding softshell performance and a tailored fit that preserves maximum dexterity, making it worth the investment for riders who prioritize technical excellence over cost. For insulated softshell riding gloves it is the go-to for those seeking top-tier build quality and consistent protection in demanding use.
Sleek insulation
Precision grip
Sleek insulation
Precision grip
Review Summary
"Buyers praise the Arc'teryx Venta Gloves for premium materials, excellent fit and long-term durability with very good wind and cold protection, though many mention the high price and only moderate water resistance."
Alpine swagger
High-quality softshell face with streamlined, anatomical fit for precise handlebar feel.
Alpine swagger
High-quality softshell face with streamlined, anatomical fit for precise handlebar feel.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Venta represents the market-leader approach: premium materials, precise fit, and refined construction that prioritize long-term performance for serious riders in cold conditions. Compared with the rest of the list the Venta commands a higher price but delivers superior durability, wind-shedding softshell performance and a tailored fit that preserves maximum dexterity, making it worth the investment for riders who prioritize technical excellence over cost. For insulated softshell riding gloves it is the go-to for those seeking top-tier build quality and consistent protection in demanding use.
Sleek insulation
Precision grip
Alpine swagger
High-quality softshell face with streamlined, anatomical fit for precise handlebar feel.
Warm synthetic insulation designed for cold conditions while retaining nimble movement.
Sleek insulation
Precision grip
Alpine swagger
High-quality softshell face with streamlined, anatomical fit for precise handlebar feel.
Warm synthetic insulation designed for cold conditions while retaining nimble movement.
$150-260 CAD
Black Diamond Softshell Gloves
Black Diamond's softshell glove emphasizes rugged durability and grip at a competitive price, tailored to climbers and riders who need reliable palm performance and abrasion resistance. It compares favorably to pricier premium gloves by offering many technical advantages—reinforced contact areas and simple, effective insulation—without the premium markup, making it one of the better value options on this list. For riders focused on grip and longevity in variable conditions, it’s a practical, hard-wearing choice among insulated softshell gloves.
Climb-grade grip
Rope-friendly thumb
Climb-grade grip
Rope-friendly thumb
Review Summary
"The Black Diamond Softshell Gloves are viewed as lightweight, grippy, and nimble for active riding, while reviewers say they can be under-insulated in very cold conditions and show wear sooner on high-abrasion spots."
Trail-ready flair
Stretch softshell shell offers good wind resistance and freedom of movement.
Trail-ready flair
Stretch softshell shell offers good wind resistance and freedom of movement.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Black Diamond's softshell glove emphasizes rugged durability and grip at a competitive price, tailored to climbers and riders who need reliable palm performance and abrasion resistance. It compares favorably to pricier premium gloves by offering many technical advantages—reinforced contact areas and simple, effective insulation—without the premium markup, making it one of the better value options on this list. For riders focused on grip and longevity in variable conditions, it’s a practical, hard-wearing choice among insulated softshell gloves.
Climb-grade grip
Rope-friendly thumb
Trail-ready flair
Stretch softshell shell offers good wind resistance and freedom of movement.
Durable, textured palm provides solid grip and abrasion resistance for long rides.
Climb-grade grip
Rope-friendly thumb
Trail-ready flair
Stretch softshell shell offers good wind resistance and freedom of movement.
Durable, textured palm provides solid grip and abrasion resistance for long rides.
$70-120 CAD
Rab Velocity Guide Gloves
The Velocity Guide is positioned as a technically focused, guide-grade insulated softshell glove, delivering higher warmth-to-weight and reinforced features for alpine-style riding and cold-weather touring. Against the other entries it trades a bit of everyday price sensitivity for specialized performance—strong insulation and secure grip—so riders who need extra thermal protection and confidence on technical descents will see the advantage. It’s a top pick when warmth and rugged, activity-oriented detailing matter more than minimal bulk or the lowest cost.
Guide-tested warmth
Secure control
Guide-tested warmth
Secure control
Review Summary
"Reviewers like the Rab Velocity Guide Gloves for their excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, durable palms, and consistent performance over multiple seasons, with occasional complaints about fit variability and limited touchscreen function."
Stormproof edge
Purpose-built insulated softshell with a focus on warmth-to-weight for alpine rides.
Stormproof edge
Purpose-built insulated softshell with a focus on warmth-to-weight for alpine rides.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Velocity Guide is positioned as a technically focused, guide-grade insulated softshell glove, delivering higher warmth-to-weight and reinforced features for alpine-style riding and cold-weather touring. Against the other entries it trades a bit of everyday price sensitivity for specialized performance—strong insulation and secure grip—so riders who need extra thermal protection and confidence on technical descents will see the advantage. It’s a top pick when warmth and rugged, activity-oriented detailing matter more than minimal bulk or the lowest cost.
Guide-tested warmth
Secure control
Stormproof edge
Purpose-built insulated softshell with a focus on warmth-to-weight for alpine rides.
Extended cuff and secure closure seal out cold and allow layering under gauntlets.
Guide-tested warmth
Secure control
Stormproof edge
Purpose-built insulated softshell with a focus on warmth-to-weight for alpine rides.
Extended cuff and secure closure seal out cold and allow layering under gauntlets.
$140-220 CAD
Sugoi Zap SubZero Gloves
The Zap SubZero offers an affordable, commuter-friendly take on insulated softshell riding gloves with a focus on warmth, touchscreen-friendly controls, and a comfortable fit for daily use. Compared with the premium and guide-focused options here it provides a compelling price-to-warmth ratio for urban riders and budget-conscious cyclists, sacrificing some high-end materials and technical reinforcement for cost savings and accessibility. For riders who want competent insulated softshell performance without premium pricing, this model is a smart economical choice.
Cycling-tailored warmth
Bar-tamer grip
Cycling-tailored warmth
Bar-tamer grip
Review Summary
"The Sugoi Zap SubZero Gloves are widely appreciated by cyclists and riders for windproof warmth, good dexterity, and touchscreen tips, though some users report fit is narrow and long-term durability of the outer fabric can be mixed."
Subzero swagger
Wind-resistant softshell exterior with insulating inner lining tailored for cyclists.
Subzero swagger
Wind-resistant softshell exterior with insulating inner lining tailored for cyclists.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Zap SubZero offers an affordable, commuter-friendly take on insulated softshell riding gloves with a focus on warmth, touchscreen-friendly controls, and a comfortable fit for daily use. Compared with the premium and guide-focused options here it provides a compelling price-to-warmth ratio for urban riders and budget-conscious cyclists, sacrificing some high-end materials and technical reinforcement for cost savings and accessibility. For riders who want competent insulated softshell performance without premium pricing, this model is a smart economical choice.
Cycling-tailored warmth
Bar-tamer grip
Subzero swagger
Wind-resistant softshell exterior with insulating inner lining tailored for cyclists.
Slim profile and flexible construction maintain control and braking precision.
Cycling-tailored warmth
Bar-tamer grip
Subzero swagger
Wind-resistant softshell exterior with insulating inner lining tailored for cyclists.
Slim profile and flexible construction maintain control and braking precision.
$90-160 CAD