Sealskinz Waterproof Cycling Gloves

Sealskinz has a reputation in British and Dutch cycling circles for doing what it promises: genuinely waterproof gloves, not 'water-repellent'. The Waterproof Cycling Gloves target commuting in November, when Dutch temperatures sit between 0 and 10°C and rain is more rule than exception. With 200+ rain days a year, cold wet hands on the bike are one of the fastest ways to quit cycling — these gloves solve that problem. The three-layer build — DWR-coated stretch outer, hydrophilic membrane, soft liner — delivers 10,000 mm water column and 8,000 g/m²/24h breathability. In practice: hours in the rain without leaks, yet no clammy hands during a thirty-minute commute. The silicone print on palm and fingers matters more than it looks; wet brake levers and wet bars are more dangerous than rain itself, and the grip stops your hand slipping on pressed aluminium. Touchscreen thumb and index finger work even with water on the screen, which matters for phone navigation.

Versus GripGrab Ride Waterproof, Sealskinz offers a higher water column and better grip, while GripGrab fits small hands better. Against the Gore Tex Infinium line, Sealskinz costs less and is more clearly waterproof, while Gore breathes better under hard effort. The Specialized Element is a direct rival but lacks silicone grip. Mountain bikers should note these aren't built for trail riding — too little crash protection.

Honest limits: below 0°C the membrane stiffens and dexterity drops — a liner becomes necessary. Drying is slow due to the membrane; two consecutive rain commutes demand a backup pair. The fit runs narrow, so broad-handed riders should size up. For the daily city cyclist and e-biker wanting dry hands from October to March, these are the pragmatic sub-€50 pick.