Review of the Shimano Gore-Tex Grip Primaloft Gloves: Stay (Really) Warm This Winter

Although everyone’s tolerance for harsh weather conditions varies, it’s worth noting that some glove models perform better than others. The Shimano Gore-Tex Grip Primaloft gloves are highly effective thermal and waterproof gloves that we highly recommend for those who frequently ride in temperatures ranging from 0 to 5°C.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr At first glance, the Shimano Gore-Tex Grip Primaloft gloves aren’t very stylish. They feel less flexible to handle than some other long-fingered glove models. They don’t hug the contours of the hand perfectly. They come up high on the wrist (which is an advantage in real-world conditions, as we’ll see later). They don’t have a soft patch on the top of the thumb for gently wiping your nose. They feature a drawcord at the wrist that makes them look like ski gloves. Finally, they’re all black (no other colors are available) and don’t enhance visibility, despite a discreet Gore-Tex logo on each glove.

But it’s when you take a closer look at the technical specifications that they really stand out. These gloves feature a windproof, waterproof, and highly breathable Gore-Tex mid-layer membrane. Inside, there’s Primaloft Gold 200 insulation to retain heat. On the palm, a grippy synthetic leather surface is reinforced with Poron XRD padding to dampen vibrations. Finally, the tips of the thumb and index finger are designed to allow for touchscreen use while keeping the gloves on.

Finally, the craftsmanship is excellent, suggesting very good durability—a must for gloves with a retail price of over €80.

Proven Performance These high-end gloves have the advantage of being able to handle various challenges you’re likely to encounter on the road in winter. These can include dry cold and/or wet conditions. That’s good news, because the Shimano Gore-Tex Grip Primaloft gloves are designed for just that—whether it’s dry cold, damp cold, or even heavy rain. I haven’t had the chance to test them in freezing conditions, at sub-zero temperatures. However, I’ve ridden with them in the rain—and in cold rain, specifically—on rides lasting 3 to 3.5 hours with a temperature of 2°C. I found them very effective in these conditions—even more effective than most of the gloves I’ve used so far. However, it’s not the feeling of warmth that stands out when you put these gloves on. I was more struck by how soft the inner lining is, though it isn’t particularly thick or plush. The neutral feel they provide can even be a little concerning when heading out on a ride that’s expected to be very wet. The gloves are also a bit stiff when moving your fingers, even though I’m used to choosing winter gloves one size larger than my summer gloves.

Despite a handlebar area that quickly became soaked and caked with mud, I quickly noticed the excellent grip on the palms of the gloves. That reassurance is welcome whenever you need to ride with extreme caution, whether on slippery asphalt or through the woods. Despite the slight stiffness I felt at first on the back of my hand, the gloves’ relatively thin material is great for a firm grip on the handlebars. The Shimano Gore-Tex Grip Primaloft gloves are actually less uncomfortable than thicker gloves—and far more so than mittens or lobster gloves, which are known for retaining heat.

And while the Gore-Tex Grip Primaloft gloves never actually made me “hot,” they did protect me from the cold. In that sense, they do exactly what they’re supposed to do. After more than three hours in the cold rain, even though water eventually seeped in everywhere—from my feet all the way up to my upper body—my hands were still (almost) dry. I say “almost” because I did eventually feel a slight dampness, but my hands weren’t soaked. I can confirm this by running the gloves under tap water. At first, the glove’s outer layer is water-repellent, but I get the impression that moisture gradually seeps in through the seams. It’s a very subtle sensation, like a slight dampness. But I’m not soaking in water, as is the case with most gloves. On the Shimano Gore-Tex Grip Primaloft gloves, the high cuff—which can be tightened with a drawstring—also helps prevent water from getting in. To do this, you need to tuck the gloves under the bottom of your winter jacket sleeves so that water runs over them. I’ve had the chance to test many solutions for dealing with cold, damp conditions on my hands. From neoprene gloves that let water through to form a layer of moisture around the hands—which is supposed to keep them warm—to very thick ski gloves that weigh nearly 500 g once soaked, as well as dishwashing gloves that promote sweating and offer no protection from the cold. But none of them protected me from these specific conditions quite like the Gore-Tex Grip Primaloft. So it’s true that they aren’t the most comfortable gloves for riding in fluctuating temperatures, or as soon as the temperature rises above 6 or 7°C or drops below 0°C. But in cold rain, they’re the best gloves I’ve ridden with in over 35 years.

The SHIMANO GORE-TEX GRIP PRIMALOFT gloves at a glance…

Pros: protection against cold and moisture, wind resistance, soft inner lining, quality finish Cons: price

Temperature range: 0°C to 5°C – GORE-TEX membrane – PrimaLoft® Gold 200 insulated lining PORON® XRD™ palm padding, high cuff, drawstring, palm: synthetic leather, back of hand: 84% polyamide, 10% elastane, 6% polyester – Lining: 100% polyester – Padding: 100% expanded polytetrafluoroethylene – Sizes: S to XXL – Retail price: €84.99 Contact: bike.shimano.com