Altura Gloves

Fabric Tech & Weather Performance

Altura's approach to weatherproofing is straightforward: keep the rain out, let the sweat out, and don't sacrifice so much dexterity that braking feels like wearing oven mitts. Their Rainguard waterproof membranes do the heavy lifting in the wetter models, blocking sustained rain while remaining breathable enough for commuting pace. A DWR coating on the outer fabric adds a first line of defence - water beads and rolls off before it even reaches the membrane. Worth knowing: DWR does degrade over time with washing and wear, so refreshing it with a dedicated spray every few months keeps performance where it should be.

For riding from October through to March, the thermal models are where Polartec insulation earns its place. It's a lofty, efficient material that traps warmth without the bulk that makes gear changes feel like you're operating through a sleeping bag. On exposed descents - the kind you get dropping off the North York Moors or heading down into a Welsh valley on a clear winter day - a windproof membrane layer makes a tangible difference to how long your fingers stay useful.

The Nightvision reflective detailing is more than a cosmetic addition. Low winter sun and murky pre-dawn conditions are a genuine hazard on UK roads, and having reflective panels on your gloves - particularly on the back of the hand, visible to drivers as you signal - adds a layer of safety that high-vis jackets alone don't cover. If you're commuting through city traffic in the dark, it's worth factoring this in as a functional spec rather than a bonus.

Understanding the Altura Glove Range & Fit

Altura splits the glove range broadly by condition and use case. The Nightvision series is aimed squarely at commuters and touring riders who need waterproofing and visibility in one package - these are the gloves you reach for when the forecast shows rain and you're riding to work regardless. At the other end, lighter windproof options suit road riders who want hand coverage on brisk mornings without the full thermal treatment.

The Amara palm construction used across several models is a synthetic leather that balances durability with tactile feedback - you can still feel the bar and brake lever properly, which cheaper padding materials don't always allow. The ErgoFit palm geometry is designed to reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve - the one that causes that familiar numb-pinky feeling on longer road rides. It's a meaningful design detail if you regularly do two-plus hour rides.

On fit: most Altura gloves size true, but the deeper insulated winter models do run snugger than a spring glove in the same size. The extra internal volume from Polartec padding accounts for that. If you're right on a size boundary or plan to layer a thin liner underneath on the coldest days, go up. Pair these with Altura base layers and Altura jackets and the sizing tends to work as a system - the glove cuffs are cut to sit cleanly under jacket sleeves without creating gaps.

Looking for summer-weight fingerless options? Head over to our dedicated Altura Mitts page for warm-weather riding.

Layering & Care for UK Riding

A glove cuff that sits outside your jacket sleeve is a fast track to cold, wet wrists on a winter ride. Tuck the cuff under the sleeve before you set off - it takes two seconds and stops that dripping channel of cold water finding its way in. It sounds obvious until you forget and spend an hour with damp forearms somewhere outside Skipton in January.

Alongside the Altura overshoes, gloves are often the first bit of kit that gets neglected on care. Waterproof membranes and DWR coatings are sensitive to the wrong wash routine. Machine washing on a gentle cycle with a specialist tech-wash - something like Nikwax Tech Wash - is the safe approach. Avoid standard detergent, and absolutely avoid fabric softener, which clogs the membrane's pores and kills breathability. Don't dry them on a radiator either; the direct heat degrades the membrane over time. Hang them, let them dry naturally, and if the DWR starts letting water soak in rather than bead, a DWR re-proofer spray will bring it back.

If you're running a full winter setup, the gloves work best when the whole system is sealed up - sleeves tucked, overshoes covering ankle gaps, and base layers managing moisture from the inside out. Cold hands are usually a symptom of cold everywhere else, so it's worth checking that nothing else is letting wind in before sizing up to a warmer glove.