Tested: The Best Work Gloves To Keep Your Hands Protected

Whether performing skilled labor or grunt work, those who work with their hands are abundantly aware of how crucial it is to protect these vital extremities, be it from impacts, cuts, vibrations, abrasions, or cold weather. And when it comes to fortifying your fingers, knuckles, and palms, nothing beats a proper set of work gloves. Having been utilized by countless generations across a host of different industries ranging from heavy-machinery mechanics to ranch hands to dockworkers, there’s a diverse array of different types of work gloves currently on the market, all varying in their intended application and overall quality. So, in a bid to help shine a light on today’s finest pairs, we’ve scoured the market, rounding up the latest and greatest available models in order to deliver this hands-on review of the best work gloves.

Selection & How We Tested

When we first set out to uncover the best work gloves that money can currently buy, we began our search by first compiling a list of criteria and traits that would guide our search. Alongside intended use, this also included reviewing each pair’s material selection, membrane, insulation, and treatments and coatings. As informative as a product’s description and spec sheet can be, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how a pair of work gloves actually performs requires actually using them. So, after generating a shortlist of pairs that we suspected may currently stand as some of the best based on our aforementioned criteria, we then proceeded to source samples of each pair in order to physically put them to them through their paces via a battery of hands-on tests. 

Modern work gloves can be used across such a wide range of applications. So, rather than performing dozens and dozens of tests, we generated a trio of standard trials and field tests that we felt revealed the overall performance and capabilities of each pair. This included pulling, tying, and cutting rope with a knife, chopping wood with an axe (and carrying out log-hauling tests), and performing a simple tire change. Not only did these tests help provide us with a more complete sense of overall performance, but they also helped shine a light on other areas that can’t be gleaned through reading a spec sheet such as build quality, comfort, fitment, and tactile feel and response. We should also point out that, despite performing these tests in the heart of the winter season, all of our testing was carried out in sunny Southern California, which didn’t give us much of a chance to test out how well each pair protected our hands from frigid temperatures — though areas such as insulation and liner still afforded us some sense of how each pair would presumably stack up. 

Following getting hands-on with every pair of gloves from our initial shortlist, we then used our firsthand findings to narrow down our original picks to a hard list of work gloves that our testing revealed to be the best of the best. There were a few pairs that came extremely close to making our final cut — several of which have been included as honorable mentions. So, now that you know how we made our selections and what our testing consisted of, let’s dive into our picks for the best work gloves currently on the market. 

Carhartt Synthetic Suede Safety Cuff Work Glove

Best Light-Use Gloves: Duck fabric has been something of Carhartt’s signature material for more than 120 years. Prized for its combination of durability and flexibility — and ability to ward off the elements — this tried-and-true construction has been used to produce all manner of Carhartt workwear items, including to craft several of its work glove models — like the Carhartt Synthetic Suede Safety Cuff Work Glove that I chose and tested. Sporting a medium cuff design with an elasticized section hugging the wrist, the gloves are made from Carhartt’s signature Duck fabric, which has been paired with a charming retro-inspired striped design at the back of the hands and cuffs, and a rugged synthetic suede construction that comprises the gloves’ knuckles, fingers, palms, and overlaid palm reinforcements. 

Because these gloves feature a more loose-fitting, open-cuff design, they don’t really require any break-in period. In my experience, this did limit their dexterity to some extent, but I also appreciate the fact that this less-tight fit allowed me to comfortably slip a set of wool liners beneath them. What’s more, the safety cuff on these gloves also doubles as oversized pull-tabs and made removing these gloves a breeze. Due to their price point, I wasn’t expecting these gloves to be particularly breathable, but the Synthetic Suede Safety Cuff Work Glove managed to exceed my expectations here, as the combination of a largely Duck fabric construction and a more loose fit kept my hands from getting overly sweaty, even when swinging an axe or turning a tire iron. And while it admittedly has zero impact on performance or durability, I really appreciate the vintage-inspired design of these gloves — and the fact said design has been brought to fruition using both old-school and contemporary materials. 

It probably won’t come as a shock to learn that I did stumble across a few issues and downsides while testing this sub-$20 gloves. While they actually feel pretty solid, the synthetic construction simply does’t perform quite as well as real leather, though at its current price point it’s exceedingly difficult to take issue with this. And, while there are decently-thick suede overlays adorning the palms, I was nonetheless pretty underwhelmed with this pair of gloves’ ability to absorb impacts. As touched on above, the overall dexterity and tactile response offered by these gloves weren’t terrible, but were also nothing to write home about. I do sadly have to report that only weeks after our testing began, Carhartt opted to discontinue this model of glove, though it’s still available through the manufacturer, as well as through a myriad of online retailers. 

Though I generally gave Carhartt’s Synthetic Suede Safety Cuff Work Glove pretty average marks across the board, these gloves become markedly more impressive once you factor their price into the equation, as they are currently being sold by Carhartt for just $13 — and are even cheaper through some retailers. With these gloves lacking features such as reinforced or pre-curved fingers, and an interior membrane or padding, it pretty quickly became clear that Carhartt didn’t design these gloves for professional daily use, and instead set out to deliver a quality pair of more causal use work gloves that offer an unparalleled level of bang for your buck — an objective that the Dearborn brand has absolutely nailed in my opinion. 

Verdict: If you’re looking for an ultra-rugged glove that can stand up to years of hard labor and hard use, these probably aren’t the gloves for you. However, if you happen to the the type that simply needs a decent set of work mitts for occasional chores and wrenching, the Carhartt Synthetic Suede Safety Cuff Work Glove is a pretty unbeatable option considering the pair’s overall quality and almost-suspiciously-low price tag. 

Mechanix Wear Original Work Gloves

Best Mechanics Gloves: Originally developed for use by NASCAR pit crews in the early ‘90s, the Mechanix Wear Original Work Gloves have been the go-to choice of gloves for wrenching under the hood for both amateur and professional mechanics alike. Having said that, a major part of what’s made these gloves so popular is their terrific balance of dexterity and protection, and the immense versatility that stems from those attributes. So much so in fact, that the Original Work Gloves have even been adopted and widely used by elite military forces including the U.S. Navy SEALs. 

The latest version of this flagship glove that I personally tested is crafted from TrekDry — a proprietary construction of Mechanix Wear that’s rugged yet lightweight, form-fitting, and breathable. This proprietary construction has been supplemented via adjustable, Velcro-secured thermoplastic rubber closures, and fingers made from carbon-infused synthetic leather that offers touchscreen compatibility. With that said, Mechanix Wear produces these gloves in a huge number of variants and constructions, including a plethora of ultra-specialized models including cold weather, cut-resistant, and ultra-high-dexterity versions, just to name a few. Achieving an EN 388 rating — Europe’s standardized system used to evaluate mechanical risks for hand protection — these gloves also benefit from reinforced thumbs and index fingers. 

During the time I spent using and testing these gloves, they showed very few signs of wear and tear, though from my own personal experience stemming from the multiple pairs that I’ve owned, I do know that their palms often wear down eventually, leaving the underlying skin exposed. Sure, this model doesn’t offer anywhere near as robust protection as the pricier, leather-shelled work gloves on this list, though what they lack in palm and finger fortification, they more than make up for with their phenomenal tactile response and feel. In fact, it only takes a minute or two of wearing these gloves to start to appreciate just how perfectly dialed-in this balance truly is. And, with how difficult it is to both wash and dry the vast majority of the other gloves I tested, I hugely appreciate the fact that Mechanix Wear’s Original Work Gloves offer a no-fuss cleaning experience thanks to being machine-washable. This allowed me to toss several bags of trash into the dumpster that had accumulated near it in my apartment building without having to worry about them being gross or grimy next time I need to use them, as a single run through the washing machine quickly restores them to their former glory.  

Like many elite operators have discovered over the year, I was pleasantly surprised by just how versatile these gloves revealed themselves to be during my testing period. Aside from the pre-wearing at the palms, these gloves actually did a pretty decent job of standing up to hard-labor use — an area made all the more impressive by the fact they weren’t designed with this application in mind. With a price hovering around the $30 mark, these gloves also offer pretty terrific value as well. What’s more, this price point also makes it super easy to justify adding a pair to your glovebox, tool kit, bug-out bag, or tossing a pair under the seat of your motorcycle. At the end of the day, there’s a multitude of reasons that the Mechanix Wear Original Work Gloves have become the industry standard — rather than simply being the result of a well-thought-out and well-funded marketing campaign over the decades. 

Verdict: Offering something of the perfect balance of dexterity and protection, the Mechanix Wear Original Work Gloves already unequivocally stood as some of the absolute best mechanics gloves that money could buy. However, with an updated construction and new carbon-infused touchscreen-compatible finger tips, these already fantastic gloves have become all the more extraordinary. And, they do all of this while still coming in at a very reasonable price point. 

HESTRA Winter Pro Gloves

Best Value Gloves: The HESTRA Winter Pro Gloves tick just about every box one could possibly hope for in a pair of cold weather work gloves. They’re rugged, well-built, and offer a superb balance of dexterity and protection, plus feature a stellar material selection. Stuffed with 40 grams of moisture-wicking Thinsulate synthetic insulation, these gloves are crafted from goatskin leather and feature elasticized cuffs, an attached brushed polyester micro-fleece lining, reinforced fingertips and knuckles, and an economic pre-curved finger construction. 

Further bolstering the performance of these gloves are padded knuckles and all-external seams. While this construction setup does make for a super comfortable glove, it did make fine-dexterity work a bit more difficult. Even after only a few minutes of use, I was really impressed by just how well this pair managed to balance durability, protection from the elements, and dexterity. Though I only tested them for a few days, I was also pretty blown away by how these gloves showed almost zero signs of wear and tear whatsoever. In fact, the only comparable pair in this regard was the set of $400 Dyneema Vollebak gloves that I tested.

On their own, I was beyond pleased with these gloves and how they feel and perform — and that’s before even considering the phenomenal level of bang for your buck that they offer. I will admit that these gloves didn’t break in very well during my testing period — though this wasn’t a huge issue considering the fact they’re fairly comfortable and well-fitting right out of the box. It’s also probably worth mentioning that this five-finger winter work glove model is also offered in a mitten version (dubbed the “Winter Pro Mitt”). Though the Winter Pro Gloves’ shell has been treated to a (presumably) DWR finish that causes water to bead and roll off the glove, it’s important to point out that these gloves are not waterproof. This is probably my biggest sticking point with these gloves, but I will acknowledge that some corners had to be cut somewhere in order for them to be sold at their wildly accessible price point. 

Combining a traditional appearance with modern materials, this lined pair of winter work gloves were clearly engineered with ample versatility in mind, and afforded the most natural feel when using hand tools out of all the pairs I tested. When using hatchets, machetes, or hammers, I was also impressed with just how well the glove’s padding was able to absorb impacts — without overly compromising tactile feel. Even the build quality, leaves very little to be desired — an element that really stood out to me considering the price point on these gloves. The value of these gloves is only furthered by their impressive levels of versatility, with HESTRA’s Winter Pro Gloves being incredibly conducive to each of the three tests I performed. I’d even consider keeping a pair of these gloves in my backpack as a backup pair of motorcycle gloves for my colder rides home in the evening. 

Verdict: As far as genuinely capable, well-built winter work gloves that provide years of hard use and some of the best bang for your buck of any pair on the market, the HESTRA Winter Pro Gloves are damn-near unbeatable. 

GIVE’R 4 Season Glove w/ Wax Coating

Best Overall Gloves: The Give’r 4 Season Gloves are something of a marvel of work-glove-engineering. Cut from rugged yet subtle cowhide leather, the 4 Season Glove employs a multi-layer construction that includes a Hipora membrane, 40 grams of Thinsulate insulation, a poly-fleece liner, and a ribbed cuff. This calculated combination of constructions not only makes for an incredibly warm yet rugged pair of work gloves, but one that offers a truly unparalleled degree of insulation and protection, as the 4 Season Glove can be used to grab a glowing log off the fire or submerged in icy cold water without its wearer feeling any of these extreme outside temperatures. Exclusively sold through Huckberry, the version of the Give’r 4 Season Glove that I tested is offered in a trio of Huck-exclusive shell color options — all of which have been fortified via an all-natural wax coating. 

The biggest issue that I had with these gloves became apparent literally as soon as I put them on. Despite using the sizing chart on the Give’r website, I was still pretty surprised by just how small/tight-fitting they were. And while uncomfortably tight, the pair I tested did eventually break-in, which ultimately results in a super-snug fit that helps the gloves to maximize dexterity despite their decidedly beefy and robust construction — not unlike many of the pairs of leather motorcycle gloves I’ve owned over the years. And, while I’ll readily acknowledge that these gloves weren’t designed for use in warmer locales like Los Angeles, I still have to take issue with the Hipora membrane’s lack of breathability, as I quickly found my hands sweating after only a few minutes of use. The insanely robust construction that keeps its wearer’s hands protected from external temperatures is also something of a double-edged sword here, as it makes it difficult to dry the gloves once the interior does become moist, damp, or wet. Likewise, the I found that the gloves’ robust construction also mitigated my tactile feel. Not only was this to be expected, but I’d also argue that any strikes against this glove’s dexterity is more than made up for by its legitimately unparalleled insulation. 

It’s abundantly clear that every aspect and inch of these gloves were meticulously considered when being designed. Despite often being mere afterthoughts on other gloves, the 4 Season Glove’s steel D-ring feels solid and secure, and the well-anchored pull tabs are not only heavily reinforced, but they also made it tremendously easier for me to slip them on and off — especially in the earlier stages of my testing before the gloves were fully broken in. In addition to sporting a de-bossed logo, these gloves are also offered with optional custom three-letter monograms, which give them a much more personal feel. Though my personal testing didn’t allow me to glean any firsthand experience, the team at Give’r explained to me that the 4 Season Glove is designed to keep its wearer’s hands warm in temperatures as low as the freezing point — though the company also offers a markedly warmer pair known as the Frontier Mittens that benefit from three-times as much Thinsulate insulation. What’s more, the rib-knit cuffs also did a great job of trapping heat in the glove — though they no doubt exacerbated the hand-sweat situation. 

I also need to take a minute out to discuss these gloves’ manufacturing origin. The 4 Season Glove is made by hand in Pakistan by a master-leather worker before being shipped to Give’r’s Jackson, Wyoming headquarters where the glove is hand-waxed, branded, and quality checked. This manufacturing process ultimately results in a genuinely well-crafted glove, though considering the price point, I do wish they were completely made in America. All in all, Give’r has done a phenomenal job designing these legitimately bar-raising gloves that aren’t merely just compatible with a wide range of uses, but are actually highly conducive to them. Aside from their breathability (and interior drying time) leaving something to be desired, all of the issues I have with the Give’r 4 Season Glove stem from its super robust construction and ample protection — an element that can’t really be altered or removed considering it’s also what affords them their unparalleled insulation, protection, and performance. 

Verdict: With their legitimately unparalleled insulation, sufficient dexterity, and an overall build quality that practically guarantees a lifetime of use, it’s hard to think of a better year-round work glove than the Give’r 4 Season Glove  — assuming you don’t mind working through their extended break-in period. 

Vermont Glove The Vermonter Goatskin Work Gloves

Best USA-Made Gloves: The Vermont Glove The Vermonter Goatskin Work Gloves is the ultimate example of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Made by a boutique brand that dates back four generations — and more than a century — The Vermonter is a classic unlined glove that’s been engineered specifically for taking on years of hard labor. Made by hand in small batches in New England, the glove is cut from rugged goatskin leather that’s hand-sewn using hardwearing heavy-duty nylon threading. Equipped with a 2” leather cuff, The Vermonter features an overbuilt design with external stitching, double-stitched seams, reinforced finger tips, double-walled palms, an additional welt at the glove’s second seam, and a unique thumb construction design — which is exclusive to Vermont Glove — that allows for a natural range of movement. 

Considering how thick the goatskin leather shell is and how well it protects its wearer’s fingers and hands, I was pretty blown away by the level of dexterity that these gloves offered across all three phases of my field-testing. The use of external seams and stitching also hugely bolsters the glove’s overall comfort, eliminating many of the internal hotspots often felt at the base and tips of the fingers. What’s more, simple additions to the glove such as the vein protector located at where the wrist meets the palm ultimately speak volumes about how thoroughly calculated and considered this design is. Additionally, these elements also make it abundantly clear that these work gloves were actually designed by laborers, for laborers. 

The Vermonter Goatskin Work Gloves features a plethora of suede overlays wrapping around the fingertips and adorning the base of where the middle and ring fingers meet the palm. Not unlike the principle behind bestowing a knife with jimping along its handle or spine, these supplementary suede elements actually manage to bolster the glove’s level of grip in a very noticeable way — almost to the point where I was left wondering why all glove manufacturers don’t employ a similar setup or design. And, while my testing period didn’t allow me to fully break-in the gloves, I could feel the unlined leather shell starting to conform to my hands after just a few days of use — an area that no doubt will only improve and get better with more time and use. What’s more, the external seams took me some getting used to at first — especially when performing tasks that required more dexterity. With that said, I was legitimately impressed by how after only a few days, the seams began to soften and roll back, improving their overall tactile feel — another area that I also imagine only gets better with time. 

I will say that I wasn’t particularly impressed with The Vermonter’s overall warmth — though being an unlined glove, it’s hard to fault Vermont Glove for this reality. While on the subject, I should also probably point out that the company sells a warmer version with a woven acrylic cuff and a wool-poly liner called the Tuttle. And, while I also found the sizing on these gloves to run a bit big, I do appreciate the fact that the company sells an optional wool liner that comfortably fits in the glove without feeing like you’re going to lose circulation. And, while they do come unwaxed or oiled, the company does sell an optional Neatsfoot oil-based leather conditioner and a beeswax waterproofing that can be used to fortify the gloves. 

Verdict: Backed by more than a century of experience and tradition, The Vermont Glove The Vermonter Goatskin Work Gloves unequivocally stand as one of the best options for an unlined USA-made work glove that will actually afford years — if not decades — of dependable use. 

Vollebak Indestructible Mitts

Best Work Mitts: Founded by Nick and Steve Tidball, Vollebak has built its name on delivering outdoor and adventure clothing staples that are brought to life using some of the most innovative and advanced materials and construction techniques on the planet. And the British brand’s Indestructible Mitts are no exception, harnessing the unique — and ridiculously hardwearing — properties of Dyneema in order to deliver what just may be the world’s strongest work gloves. Having said that, this pair is far more than a standard pair of work mittens that have had their normal shell construction replaced with Dyneema, as this model’s ultra-durable shell marks just one of several areas that I was blown away by during the time I spent with these gloves. In a nutshell, if one set out to develop the world’s strongest and most advanced work gloves with zero regards for costs, the end result would almost certainly look a whole lot like the Vollebak Indestructible Mitts. 

Practically impervious to abrasions and tears, the glove’s shell doesn’t look or feel all that different from other nylon and synthetic shells I’ve tested, though is made in Belgium and composed of Dyneema Black, which isn’t only some 15-times stronger than steel, but also gets stronger as it’s exposed to colder temperatures — marking just one of a slew of reasons that Dyneema is a stellar choice for a work glove’s shell material. Bonded to the underside of the Dyneema shell is a waterproof membrane that’s constructed with millions of microscopic pores that allow heat and moisture to escape while blocking out wind and water. Vollebak is also the first brand to ever employ a Dyneema-bonded membrane, which cuts down on bulk without skimping on protection. In an effort to provide ample warmth, the Indestructible Mitts have also been bestowed with two different PrimaLoft-developed insulations used in the palms and at the back of the hands — the latter of which employs a special four-way stretch insulation. Being based in Los Angeles, I didn’t have the chance to really put these to the test, though they definitely appeared to be incredibly warm. 

While I was already beyond impressed with this pair’s spec-sheet, its laundry list of highlights doesn’t end with its shell, membrane, or insulation either, as its palms also benefit from a super advanced proprietary construction. Made in Italy, the palms are lined with polyacrylate resin dots that are not only substantially more durable than traditional silicone dots, but they also afford markedly better traction and grip. Secured using heavy-duty Velcro belts with low-profile hooks that help to mitigate wear and tear over time, the entire glove is also lined with an ultra-soft Italian-made biodegradable brushed nylon fleece lining. The liberal use of state-of-the-art materials has also resulted in these gloves tipping the scales at only 6.3oz per pair. 

Unsurprisingly, I was absolutely blown away by the level of durability these gloves offered, and can very much vouch for the fact that the “Indestructible Mitts” monicker is far from hyperbolic. Without individual fingers, however, dexterity and tactile feel are pretty limited, though this pair more than makes up for that with its overall strength, ample warmth, and generally impressive performance. The dot-pattern palms also did a truly outstanding job of providing additional traction and grip — making the glove’s lack of dexterity a lot less of a problem when handling tools or performing other tasks that require a good amount of dexterity. Unlike some of the other gloves that I tested — like the Give’r 4Season Glove — I also found the Indestructible Mitts’ breathability to be outstanding. Same goes for their wind and waterproofing. My biggest gripe regarding these gloves is no doubt the price. Sure, with their state-of-the-art materials and meticulous build quality, it’s not that hard to justify their $395 MSRP — though nearly $400 is still a pretty huge amount to spend on a single pair of work gloves, no matter how nice or advanced. 

Verdict: Despite a somewhat unassuming appearance, Vollebak’s Indestructible Mitts harness the world’s most advanced and cutting-edge constructions in order to deliver unparalleled levels of warmth, durability, and performance. If you’re looking for a mitten-style work glove, it legitimately doesn’t get any better than this — assuming you can stomach the pair’s nearly $400 price tag. 

Work Glove Comparison Chart

What To Consider When Shopping

Though work gloves are admittedly a fairly straight forward product space, it’s still crucial that you’re privy to at least a key few areas when shopping — the most important of which we’ve broken down directly below. 

Materials: Unlike most regular or winter gloves that simply protect your paws from dirt, grime, and cold-weather, work gloves have to be able to perform these feats while simultaneously being able to withstand the rigors of daily use. For this reason, the quality of the materials used in a work glove are of extreme importance, as this is what largely determines their overall lifespan and how well they withstand daily wear and tear. When reviewing a work glove’s materials, you’ll want to pay close attention to the glove’s shell construction, liner, membrane, and any reinforced areas. Leather is the most commonly used material for shells, though there are some pairs that employ more modern proprietary materials like Dyneema. Likewise, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for fortifying treatments or coatings such as DWR finishes or waxed coatings.

Build Quality: It’s not just the materials used that play a major role in a pair of work glove’s overall quality and durability, but also the manner in which those materials were pieced together — i.e. the construction technique used. Consequently, you’ll want to pay special attention to the stitching, welds, or other technique(s) used to craft them.

Work Glove Type & Intended Use: There are numerous types of work gloves, each differing in their intended application. A glove’s application is what determines which amenities and features it has, such as cold-weather gloves that boast insulation and/or weatherproof membranes, or reinforced palms and stitching for repeated daily lifting. 

Warmth: Elements such as a glove’s shell and padding will play major roles in protecting their wearer’s hands from impacts and scrapes, though a glove’s ability to keep their wearer’s hands warm is largely owed to the type of liner and insulation being used. So, if you plan on using your work gloves in a colder climate or season, this is no doubt an area you’ll want to pay close attention to when shopping.

Tactile Feel: While work gloves need to be extremely durable and robust, they can’t overly inhibit tactile feel and dexterity to the point where it becomes difficult to work with your hands and perform your necessary tasks. As such you’ll want to consider a pair of glove’s tactile feel — which can often be compromised by insulation, membranes, and other elements in more robust constructions. 

Protection & Safety Certifications: Certain applications require specific degrees of protection, and while terms like “abrasion-resistant” are helpful, it’s far more useful getting an objective metric such as an EN 388 or ANSI cut, abrasion, or impact rating. These certifications explain the exact strengths and limits of these aforementioned protective areas. 

Extras & Supplementary Features: There are also some modern work gloves that offer supplementary amenities, such as increased grip, or added support/ wrist protection when lifting heavy objects. Because they can bolster a glove’s performance, you’ll very much want to take this area into account whenever applicable.

Price: Another way in which work gloves can hugely differ is in both price and value. While generally speaking, you tend to get what you pay for, with pricier gloves affording better materials and build quality, though there are a few pairs of work gloves that offer excellent bang-for-your-buck — making this another crucial area to consider, especially when shopping on a budget.

Versatility: Versatility is another area that should be taken into consideration when shopping for a work glove. While this purchase should primarily be guided by your intended application, it never hurts to consider a work glove’s potential secondary uses, as the right model will also easily double as a mechanic glove, camping glove, winter hiking glove, or even motorcycle gloves when in a pinch or in need of a second pair for a pillion.

Warranty: Even when armed with a glove’s materials and specs, it can still sometimes be difficult to get an overall sense of how long a work glove will last or how durable it will be. One way to ensure you’re getting a pair of work gloves that will afford a lifetime of use is to opt for a pair that comes protected by a lifetime warranty, as it’s typically only the strongest and most robust pairs that come backed by a warranty of this length.

Dexterity Vs Protection

There’s a major tradeoff to consider when buying work gloves. On one side of the spectrum you have protection — be it from impacts, abrasions, cuts, or the temperature and elements — while at the other you have dexterity and tactile feel. Generally speaking, work gloves that excel in one of these areas will usually be somewhat lacking in the other, as elements such as thick shells, reinforced finger tips, and ample insulation will do a fantastic job of keeping the wearer’s hands protected, but will do so at the cost of tactile feel. On the opposite side of the coin, gloves that offer tremendous dexterity and tactile response will typically be somewhat lackluster in terms of protection. It is worth noting that there are a few outliers in this space that manage to offer something of the best of both worlds, though the vast majority of the time, this tradeoff will apply to most pairs of modern work gloves. 

Honorable Mentions

While there’s no denying that Mechanix Wear is something of the undisputed king of the mechanic’s glove segment, the motorsport-obsessed team at Alpinestars have managed to deliver a close second with its high-quality — and highly-affordable — Engine Gloves. Sporting a short-cuff design, the Alpinestars Engine Gloves offer ample protection from impacts — thanks to strategically-positioned advanced TPR knuckle inserts — while still affording remarkable levels of tactile feel and response. Crafted from stretch mesh and synthetic suede, these gloves also feature 2mm foam finger padding and touchscreen-compatible fingertips. 

Rather than attempting to deliver its own pair of world class work gloves from the ground up, for Danner’s Goatskin Unlined Roper Glove the footwear firm opted to partner with Geier Gloves — a boutique Centralia, Washington-based outfit that’s been handcrafting USA-made gloves since 1927. Cut from premium light-medium-weight goatskin, these unlined gloves feature heavily-reinforced palms and an elastic back that helps to afford a snug fit. 

Combining proven old world materials and craftsmanship with modern insulation, the Red Wing Lined Buckskin Leather Glove offers a fantastic amalgamation of warmth, protection, and tactile feel thanks to a Chrome-tanned deerskin leather construction stuffed with a lightweight Thinsulate lining. Sadly, we ran into issues sourcing a pair of these Red Wing gloves in time for our testing, relegating this admittedly stellar pair to being an honorable mention. 

Benefitting from lessons learned developing and designing its world-class soft-shell technical jackets, the Arc’Teryx Rope Glove is a soft-shell glove engineered for short-roping and rescue applications. Composed of Arc’Teryx’s most rugged soft-shell construction and reinforced with goat leather, these highly-technical work gloves offer ample protection while still affording an incredible amount of tactile feel. Weighing only 2.6oz per pair, these gloves are super breathable and also benefit from Arc’s usual top-notch build quality and craftsmanship. 

The Mechanix Wear Coldwork M-Pact Heated Glove benefits from several cutting-edge elements — and the brand’s usual ample durability and solid construction. Equipped with a set of 3,000-mAh Lithium-ion batteries, these heated gloves offer temperatures of between 68°F and 95°F, plus feature a Durahide Cow hide construction, 133 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation, and 4mm D30 padding and knuckle armor. These gloves also boast touchscreen-compatible fingertips, too.

The Best Men’s Workwear Essentials

Want to check out a wider array of quality garments for use in the shop and on the job-site? Then be sure to head over to our guide to the best men’s workwear essentials for a curated list of threads that can legitimately take a beating.