Where to Find Decent (Leather) Driving Gloves?

[taz4432]

Hey everyone,

So I just spent a good hour and a half going around the tri-cities looking for a decent pair of leather driving gloves. I went through all of Conestoga, all of Fairview, and Moore's and Parts Source on Weber. It was hard enough to find leather gloves at all but whatever I did find was more the winter style with the 'thinsulate' lining. It wasn't super thick but it was a not a 'driving glove'.

If anyone knows where in the tri-cities I might be able to find a decent pair (I don't have a ton to spend, so let's keep it within reason) of leather driving gloves I'd greatly appreciate it. Anywhere in the GTA/York Region/etc. works as well but seeing as I'm not at home right now the Tri-Cities is preferable.

Thanks!

Edit: Just found this - Leather Driving Gloves (http://leatherdrivinggloves.net/). Not much there but gives a bit of information in case anyone is curious.

[plontoc]

I think I've seen them at Danier, but I could be wrong. Worth a shot if your at the mall. Good luck.

[taz4432]

I think I've seen them at Danier, but I could be wrong. Worth a shot if your at the mall. Good luck.

Went to Danier at Fairview mall. It's a fairly small Danier and the only leather gloves they had were the winter-ish/cold-weather style with the insulation. Whilst there are some steals to be had on all of the leather gloves, I really want true driving gloves as these are too thick and lose the feel, and in the summer my hands will be soaking in sweat.

Also, I am not entirely opposed to buying online but I would much rather prefer to try the gloves on first.

[condor888000]

I wear these in XS (http://www.gforce.com/products/gloves/4100.php) when autocrossing/lapping/karting.

When I'm tooling around town I have a set of Mechanix gloves from CT (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoTools/MechanixGloves/PRDOVR~0257086P/Mechanix%252BFastFit%252BGloves%25252C%252BBlack.j sp) I wear. Cheap, and well built. I have two sets at a time, one for working on the car and one for driving. When I need to replace the set for working on the car I buy a new set to wear when driving. Only problem is that the M's are a bit too big for me and CT doesn't carry the S's. They do have a lot of different styles (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoTools/MechanixGloves.jsp) though, some of which fit looser or tighter.

[taz4432]

I wear these in XS (http://www.gforce.com/products/gloves/4100.php) when autocrossing/lapping/karting.

When I'm tooling around town I have a set of Mechanix gloves from CT (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoTools/MechanixGloves/PRDOVR~0257086P/Mechanix%252BFastFit%252BGloves%25252C%252BBlack.j sp) I wear. Cheap, and well built. I have two sets at a time, one for working on the car and one for driving. When I need to replace the set for working on the car I buy a new set to wear when driving. Only problem is that the M's are a bit too big for me and CT doesn't carry the S's. They do have a lot of different styles (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoTools/MechanixGloves.jsp) though, some of which fit looser or tighter.

Thanks for the input. I'm not really looking for the 'racing gloves' as they aren't really 'everyday' gloves - whether I drive it like a racecar everyday or not is a different story :P Haha. I use those gloves for FSAE/karting. As for the Mechanix gloves...I was at CT today (forgot to mention that up top) and was considering them as driving gloves as some did look like they'd do a decent job but I was really hoping I'd find the 'classic leather driving glove' somewhere.

[condor888000]

Figured, but thought I'd toss the solution I had found out there. Another idea is a set of pilot's gloves. I used to have a set and they were TIGHT fitting with great dexterity and were very grippy. Just wore out over time. Link. (http://www.gibson-barnes.com/index.php?id=18&cat_id=26&prod_id=102) Still not quite what you're looking for, but another option.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

golf gloves also do the trick

[Fobio]

golf gloves also do the trick

+1...I use the Nike black rain gloves with the extra grippy bits...

I did a few days with cheap 2-layer nomex that I think are for drag racing...not much feel...but I'm breaking them in at home on racing games...we'll see.

in the meantime, I might just "downgrade" (HA!) to Mechnix gloves...they're grippy, sweat resistant and durable...and at CDN Tire, sometimes less than 1/2 the price of a pair of golf gloves...like $11.99 for the slip on pair which is less fussy than the ones with velcro...

[condor888000]

They discontinued a pair of the slip on ones that fit tighter than the others. Too bad, they were thinner as well and provided GREAT feel. I have one last pair of them at home and I'm hoping I don't wear them out before I find something new.

[taz4432]

Figured, but thought I'd toss the solution I had found out there. Another idea is a set of pilot's gloves. I used to have a set and they were TIGHT fitting with great dexterity and were very grippy. Just wore out over time. Link. (http://www.gibson-barnes.com/index.php?id=18&cat_id=26&prod_id=102) Still not quite what you're looking for, but another option.

Thanks again for the input. I'd say I definitely want gloves with some sort of strap/buttons/etc. so that I can tighten it closed. The pilot's gloves seem like what I want in a glove - thin so as not to lose feel, tight, and gripp - but again not entirely what I'm looking for although not entirely out of the question either.

And Neil, I never really thought of that but I suppose they could work as well. (And it'd be perfect if I ever decide to pull over and whack a few balls :No Homo Smiley ).

Something like these, as I'm sure you know:

http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00CvAEMDZPMLcF/Leather-Driving-Gloves.jpg
http://wil.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pWIL-1596057dt.jpg
http://www.automotiveinteriors.com/accessories/interior/driving_gloves/wheelskins/gloves_400.jpg

Edit: You guys posted while I was typing this up but yah I'll definitely be looking into golf gloves (I think I may have an extra pair somewhere) and at the Mechanix gloves. I've used gloves similar to the 'Mechanix' ones and I do enjoy the feel while working on stuff although I've yet to try driving with them. Maybe I'll pop back in to CT tomorrow and try on a pair of the 'grippy' ones. =D

[Bouncx5]

Or you can be cool like john cusack in better off dead and wear rubber gloves!! lol
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p257/Bouncx5/better_off_dead.jpg

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Thanks again for the input. I'd say I definitely want gloves with some sort of strap/buttons/etc. so that I can tighten it closed. The pilot's gloves seem like what I want in a glove - thin so as not to lose feel, tight, and gripp - but again not entirely what I'm looking for although not entirely out of the question either.

And Neil, I never really thought of that but I suppose they could work as well. (And it'd be perfect if I ever decide to pull over and whack a few balls :No Homo Smiley ).

Something like these, as I'm sure you know:

Edit: You guys posted while I was typing this up but yah I'll definitely be looking into golf gloves (I think I may have an extra pair somewhere) and at the Mechanix gloves. I've used gloves similar to the 'Mechanix' ones and I do enjoy the feel while working on stuff although I've yet to try driving with them. Maybe I'll pop back in to CT tomorrow and try on a pair of the 'grippy' ones. =D

i have these: (http://www.golfjoy.com/nike/golf-accessories/tech-xtreme-golf-glove.htm)

http://www.golfjoy.com/images/golf-equipment/mfgs/nike/glv10005.jpg

was a b1tch trying to find one for the right hand

[Fobio]

ok...white golf gloves are "soft" compared to black ones...lol...and they get dirty...

and to be honest...the traditional "english" driving glove is even "softer"...hahaha...

[taz4432]

i have these: (http://www.golfjoy.com/nike/golf-accessories/tech-xtreme-golf-glove.htm)

http://www.golfjoy.com/images/golf-equipment/mfgs/nike/glv10005.jpg

was a b1tch trying to find one for the right hand

I golf left (I'm ambidextrous for some things but for sports I'm a lefty, except kicking) so that's what I go through trying to find a glove under normal conditions let alone for driving :P

And Fobio...how much bi...err 'harder' are the black ones? :No Homo Smiley

[Fobio]

welll the white ones are usually real leather...and like majestic says, sometimes, it's hard to find a matching pair...so definitely no one white glove like MJ...and they get dirty, which is actually the biggest con for me...also, you can't wash real leather...

the black ones (or rain gloves) are usually made with synthetic materials now...so you can wash them and when you need to get out and adjust tire pressure, you can keep you gloves on...and then wash them when you get home!

[taz4432]

welll the white ones are usually real leather...and like majestic says, sometimes, it's hard to find a matching pair...so definitely no one white glove like MJ...and they get dirty, which is actually the biggest con for me...also, you can't wash real leather...

the black ones (or rain gloves) are usually made with synthetic materials now...so you can wash them and when you need to get out and adjust tire pressure, you can keep you gloves on...and then wash them when you get home!

Fair enough. I'd get really annoyed by even the slightest 'dirtiness' (although the markings from normal wear is alright...I can just imagine seeing a spec of grease on them). Haha..but yah..black would be good too because it hides dirt as well. Gonna check some out tomorrow if I have some time.

[Ogata]

Are you reffering to when you are tracking or just strictly for winter? I have a pair I bought at Danier when there was a sale and a nice one too I might add. Mine had some cushion cotton felt or some sort inside to keep my warm as oppose to just the flat cotton that you see nowadays. Don't know the name / lost the receipt too..

[taz4432]

Are you reffering to when you are tracking or just strictly for winter? I have a pair I bought at Danier when there was a sale and a nice one too I might add. Mine had some cushion cotton felt or some sort inside to keep my warm as oppose to just the flat cotton that you see nowadays. Don't know the name / lost the receipt too..

I would probably use them for tracking but just for driving in general. I was at Danier today and yes, they have nice leather gloves but they have the insulation (thinsulate mind you but still insulation) and they are too thick. I want 'true' driving gloves like in the pictures above, although the golf/Mechanix glove might be what I end up going with as they're likely more durable and less expensive (and far easier to find). The gloves at Danier (and anywhere else that you can find them) are on sale for great prices because they're winter clearance items but I don't have any money to spend so one pair of gloves is already pushing it.

[Mr. Scruples]

I'm thinking Harry Rosen will have what you're looking for.

You don't need to spend a ton of cash, but buy a good pair there and they'll last you forever if you take reasonable care of the leather.

[condor888000]

Thought of yet another idea. Was talking to a buddy, and mentioned using motorcycle gloves. Not super cheap, but they should be durable as hell and he says he found a pair that gives him excellent feel for the wheel.

[taz4432]

Thought of yet another idea. Was talking to a buddy, and mentioned using motorcycle gloves. Not super cheap, but they should be durable as hell and he says he found a pair that gives him excellent feel for the wheel.

Actually..that occurred to me as I drove by numerous motorcycle/motorsports (ATVs, Snowmobile, Dirtbike, etc.) shops and stores but I figured that generally they're going to be thicker and have more padding but if I can find a pair that still has great feel then I'd definitely pick up a pair (given a reasonable price). Maybe I'll stop by one or two tomorrow if I've got a spare moment.

Thanks!

[Default User]

There's a store in SquareOne in sauga.
I think it's called "Car Buffs" or something like that. Memorabilia and clothing and toys and goodies and toys........
You should look into those guys and give them a call to see if they carry it.

[Gizzmo_jr]

Thought of yet another idea. Was talking to a buddy, and mentioned using motorcycle gloves. Not super cheap, but they should be durable as hell and he says he found a pair that gives him excellent feel for the wheel.

That's what I use, as does Greg. They are quite thin on the bottom side of the glove.

[taz4432]

I'm definitely going to have to be looking into them then. Thanks again guys!

Btw...I did pick up a pair of Mechanix gloves but they're not really the best for driving, not to mention I feel kinda goofy driving around wearing them but they are comfy and I got the blue ones and the blue matches extremely well with my Winning Blue car, so at least I can match while I fiddle around under the hood :P Haha

[Fobio]

I tried bike gloves before...the ones I had have heavy padding on the palm...so that didn't work out.

the Mechanix gloves are colourful...even the black nice ones have white lettering over them, and yeah, it's kinda goofy for driving on the street...lol..
but the slip on ones (cheaper ones) are grey and black with black lettering, and gives a better feel...also, one broken it, they give a nice fauz suede feel.

To be honest...the traditional English driving gloves are way too classy for this car...I'd buy a pair, but only if I'm driving a nice convertible...

[condor888000]

That's what I use, as does Greg. They are quite thin on the bottom side of the glove.

Ya, another couple friends of mine use them. Was talking to Shawn (green BMW had overheating issue at the second Shannonville evening event) and he mentioned thats what he used. I thought Greg had told me he used gloves like that but wasn't sure.

[taz4432]

Hey guys. So as I mentioned I did pick up a pair of 'Mechanix' gloves and will keep those for working on the car.

I just came back from Zdano's Cycles in KW and bought a pair of Icon riding gloves. Obviously I got short-style gloves and not gauntless. They are nice leather gloves and don't have that solid hump over the knuckles which I found to be a little annoying while trying on some gloves. They also have a few of those 'grippy spots' on the bottom of the hand but it is mostly leather. It seems like a quality glove and it was more than I wanted to spend but if it lasts then I will have no qualms.

And yes, the 'traditional English driving gloves' is indeed 'too classy' but since I don't have a Lamborghini Miura SV sitting in my garage this is the next best thing. :P

[Not4you]

bumping this back up ... the movie DRIVE that just came out will be bringing these gloves back into fashion lol!!

the leather vendors at the 400 Flea Market sell them or if you want better quality, go for these bad boys, just like the ones in the movie ...

http://www.leatherglovesonline.com/np/MensGloves-ByStyle-Driving-rs6738.htm#page=details

[Strongjag]

bumping this back up ... the movie DRIVE that just came out will be bringing these gloves back into fashion lol!!

the leather vendors at the 400 Flea Market sell them or if you want better quality, go for these bad boys, just like the ones in the movie ...

http://www.leatherglovesonline.com/np/MensGloves-ByStyle-Driving-rs6738.htm#page=details

I actually bought some of those for my father in law last xmas. Awesome gloves and have some for myself too.

[baymoe]

Tried a pair of these gloves and the tackiness and thickness were terrific. Thinking of grabbing a pair of these. Price is incorrect btw.

http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikegolf/en_CA/products/details?sku=gg0365

[The Wolf]

Can somebody fill me in as to why you'd need to wear driving gloves? Other than to feel like you're driving a 700hp supercar.

[Fobio]

Tried a pair of these gloves and the tackiness and thickness were terrific. Thinking of grabbing a pair of these. Price is incorrect btw.

http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikegolf/en_CA/products/details?sku=gg0365

I was like WTF?! lol $200 for driving gloves?!

The Nike black golf rain gloves I first bought are holding better than I hoped. I should get another pair on sale.

[stevenma188]

I'm not a golfer but I thought golf gloves came as a single?

[yearoftherat]

Can somebody fill me in as to why you'd need to wear driving gloves? Other than to feel like you're driving a 700hp supercar.

b/c its the ricer thing to do...


I'm not a golfer but I thought golf gloves came as a single?

They generally do.

[The Wolf]

b/c its the ricer thing to do...

I'd better grab a pair then.

[stevenma188]

One of the legit reasons to need driving gloves is if you have a weighted metal shift knob. They get uncomfortably hot in the summer, and cold in the winter.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

b/c its the ricer thing to do...



They generally do.

driving on the street (and you're not a getaway driver), then yes, unless the person has some condition that causes abnormal sweating on the palms, driving gloves are for poseurs.

if you do any form of motorsports - auto-x, time attack, lapping - you will realize that gloves are not "the ricer thing to do" whether you have a 700hp car or a 140hp car. Driving at the limits, you want your hands to grip the steering wheel to maintain control at all times. With that said, my Nike football gloves are holding up better than the Nike golf gloves I shredded last year.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

I'm not a golfer but I thought golf gloves came as a single?

they do.....but you quickly figure out that you can buy a Right-handed glove and a Left-handed glove

[The Wolf]

driving on the street (and you're not a getaway driver), then yes, unless the person has some condition that causes abnormal sweating on the palms, driving gloves are for poseurs.

if you do any form of motorsports - auto-x, time attack, lapping - you will realize that gloves are not "the ricer thing to do" whether you have a 700hp car or a 140hp car. Driving at the limits, you want your hands to grip the steering wheel to maintain control at all times. With that said, my Nike football gloves are holding up better than the Nike golf gloves I shredded last year.

Makes sense. Thanks :) it would explain why I see lots of the motorsports guys in here :p

[yearoftherat]

I agree with Majestic that gloves are a necessary if you're doing lapping, auto x, etc. But I'm sure for the most part, a lot of people wear them just b/c it's cool.

[geobur]

http://www.automotiveinteriors.com/accessories/interior/driving_gloves/wheelskins/gloves_400.jpg

not sure if you or anyone else is still looking but I saw on the weekend gloves identical to these same colours too in Danier Leather In Barrie, I am sure they have them at Danier's all over I guess it also depends on the season

[Aitch]

Yep just got a pair from Danier. Thought they stopped carrying them after I got a set for my dad last year but the Eaton Center store has a bunch right now, $40. Wish I'd find the camel ones, those are my favorite (got dark brown)

http://i46.tinypic.com/2eeekvt.jpg