HAND PROTECTION
MTB Hand Protection: Gloves & Knuckle Guards by Fox
Hand protection is the part of MTB protective equipment that shields your hands, knuckles and wrists on the trail, from lightweight short-finger gloves for summer rides to long-finger models with hardened knuckle panels and padded palms for enduro and downhill. At Foxracing.si this category gathers Fox hand protection for mountain bikers who want grip and control on the bars plus cover in a crash. It suits cross-country and trail riders, gravity and bike park regulars, and younger riders who need the same protection in smaller sizes.
What you will find in this category
- Long-finger MTB gloves – full finger coverage for trail, enduro and downhill riding, the most common choice for technical terrain and cooler weather.
- Short-finger gloves – maximum airflow and direct brake-lever feel for hot days, cross-country and casual riding.
- Gloves with knuckle protection – moulded or impact-absorbing panels over the knuckles for rocky, rooty trails and bike park laps.
- Gloves with palm padding – extra material in the palm to soften vibration on long descents and rough surfaces.
- Cold and wet weather gloves – insulated or water-resistant constructions for autumn, winter and mud.
How to choose mountain bike hand protection
Fit and sizing
Measure the circumference of your palm just below the knuckles and compare it with the size chart. Gloves should sit snug with no loose fabric in the palm and no pressure on the fingertips, because bunched material causes blisters.
Level of protection
Match protection to riding style: thin, unarmoured gloves for pedalling and racing on smooth trails, knuckle-protected gloves for gravity riding where hands hit rocks, trees and the ground.
Palm material and grip
Single-layer synthetic leather or silicone-printed palms give the cleanest feel on the grips and better brake-lever control. Thicker palms last longer but reduce sensitivity.
Season and ventilation
Perforated or mesh backs keep hands cool in summer; softshell or brushed linings and longer cuffs keep them warm in cold and wet conditions.
Closure and extras
Hook-and-loop wrist closures adjust the fit, while slip-on cuffs are lower in bulk under long sleeves. Touchscreen-compatible fingertips and a soft thumb panel for wiping sweat are practical details for long rides.
Brands
This category is dedicated to Fox, whose glove families cover the full range of mountain biking: Dirtpaw for durable everyday riding, Ranger for trail use in short- and long-finger versions, Defend for enduro and gravity riding, and Flexair for minimal weight and a bare-hand feel.
FAQ
Do I really need gloves for mountain biking?
Gloves improve grip in sweat, rain and mud, reduce vibration and hot spots on long rides, and are the first thing to take the impact when you put a hand down in a crash.
Short-finger or long-finger gloves?
Choose long-finger gloves for technical trails, enduro, downhill and cool weather, and short-finger gloves mainly for hot days and smoother cross-country routes.
What size of MTB glove should I take?
Use your palm circumference below the knuckles and check the manufacturer's size chart; if you are between sizes, the smaller size usually gives a better feel on the grips as gloves relax slightly with use.
Are knuckle protectors necessary?
They are not needed for easy trails, but they are worth it in bike parks and on rocky, wooded descents where knuckles are exposed to rock strikes and branches.
How do I care for cycling gloves?
Wash them gently in cool water, rinse out the sweat and dirt, and air-dry them away from direct heat so the palm materials and closures stay intact.
Browse the hand protection category and find the Fox gloves that match your riding style, trails and season.