How to Choose Leather Motorcycle Gloves for Track Days
- jamesjordan
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
How to Choose Leather Motorcycle Gloves for Track Days
Track days are the highest-demand scenario for motorcycle glove protection. Here is exactly what that requires.
Why Track Days Demand the Highest Specification
Track day riding combines higher crash probability (operating at equipment limits) with higher crash energy (higher speeds when crashes occur). This double increase — probability and severity — makes track days the scenario where glove protection matters most. The required specification is the best you can buy, not the minimum that will pass.
CE Level 2 Is the Minimum
CE EN 13594 Level 2 is the minimum for track day hands. Beyond that: CE-certified impact protection throughout the palm zone, abrasion coverage throughout the glove, and construction that maintains integrity through a high-energy slide, not just meets certification threshold.
Track day leather motorcycle gloves demand the highest available specification: CE Level 2, premium leather (kangaroo or horsehide for maximum abrasion resistance in minimum thickness), full palm sliders, and reinforced finger zones.
The Track Leather Hierarchy
Kangaroo: maximum strength-to-weight, used in MotoGP; highest abrasion resistance in thinnest construction for maximum lever feel. Horsehide: high abrasion resistance, denser than cowhide, lighter at equivalent thickness. Premium cowhide: most common track glove leather, excellent protection at lower cost than kangaroo.
Track-Specific Construction Features
Full palm sliders extending across the entire palm. CE-certified palm impact protection. Reinforced outer fingers (high-contact zones in slide crashes). Aggressive pre-curved construction for performance riding position. Closure systems designed to stay closed under crash forces.
FAQs
Why do track days require more protection?
Higher crash probability (operating at limits) combined with higher crash energy (higher speeds when crashes occur). Both factors require maximum specification — not minimum adequate.
What CE level for track days?
CE Level 2 minimum. Plus: full palm CE protection, abrasion coverage throughout the glove, construction that maintains integrity under high-energy slide forces.
Best leather for track day gloves?
Kangaroo (MotoGP standard, maximum abrasion resistance in thinnest construction). Horsehide (high abrasion resistance, lighter than cowhide). Premium cowhide (excellent protection, most common, lowest cost).
What makes track gloves different from street gloves?
Full palm sliders, CE palm impact protection, reinforced outer fingers, aggressive pre-curved construction for performance position, closure systems designed to stay closed under crash forces.
Race-Grade for Track Days
Our American-made leather motorcycle gloves are built to track day standards. CE Level 2, quality full-grain leather, construction that holds in a crash. Shop the collection — built for the track, perfect for the street.
