I’ve worked through many pairs of welding gloves in my 12-year welding career, and some gloves don’t hold up well compared to others.
The best welding gloves are typically made from durable materials such as leather or Kevlar. They incorporate reinforced stitching, extended cuffs, inner liners, extra padding, and heavy reinforcement for added protection.
While super cheap welding gloves hold up against sparks and spatter fine, I’ve found they can’t cope with the wear and tear of being in a workshop over time.
My conclusion is with such a low-cost item; you’re better off avoiding the super-cheap gloves and investing a little more to get a pair that actually lasts.
I’ve tried to compile these types of gloves below. I’ve also tried to include mid-range gloves and more premium ones so you can choose depending on your budget.
A Quick Look At The Best Welding Gloves
- Best welding gloves overall: Revco GM1611 – Versatile gloves offer the best combination of quality and price that’s perfect for MIG & flux core.
- Best value welding gloves: Lincoln Electric Traditional Gloves – If you’re a DIYer who doesn’t weld that often, then these gloves offer the best value for money.
- Best stick welding gloves: RAPICCA Welding Gloves – If you’re a casual stick welder, these high-heat gloves offer excellent value.
- Best premium welding gloves: Lincoln Electric Premium Leather Welding Gloves – Premium construction and worth the investment if you do a lot of MIG/Stick welding.
- Best heavy-duty welding gloves: Miller Electric MIG/Stick Welding Gloves – These gloves are the toughest in terms of construction. Ideal for those who do a lot of stick welding in industrial settings.
- Best heat-resistant welding gloves: YESWELDER Leather Forge MIG Welding Gloves – Great value high heat-resistant gloves that perform well.
- Best general-purpose welding gloves: WZQH Leather Forge – High heat protection for general welding as well as other general-purpose jobs that require heat protection.
What To Look For When Buying Welding Gloves
Learning what makes good and bad welding gloves took me some time.
In short, here’s what to look out for when comparing gloves:
- Type of Welding: Different gloves suit TIG, MIG, or Stick welding due to varying heat and spatter levels.
- Skin Material: Gloves are made from a range of leathers with different benefits:
- Cowhide: Durable with balanced durability, dexterity, and comfort, suitable for high-temperature welding and popular with MIG welding.
- Elk Skin: Superior for stick welding, offering heat, flame, and abrasion resistance.
- Deerskin: Offers a comfortable fit and dexterity with good high-temperature resistance.
- Pigskin: Provides oil and weather resistance, though less heat resistant.
- Goatskin: Preferred for TIG welding due to its comfort, lightness, and flexibility.
- Glove Length: Longer gloves offer more protection against spatter, particularly beneficial for stick welding that has more spatter.
- Flexibility: Important for control and movement, varying with material and glove construction.
- Heat Resistance: Essential for protecting hands from high temperatures.
- Stitching:
- Kevlar or Nomex Stitching: For enhanced heat resistance and durability.
- Double Stitching: For added durability.
- Reinforced Palms & Thumbs: For better protection and durability in high-wear areas.
- Comfort: Gloves that mold to your hand over time offer better comfort.
- Oil & Weather Resistance: Pigskin and goatskin gloves excel in these aspects.
- Inside Linings: Look for materials like wool or cotton foam for extra protection and comfort.
The 7 Best Welding Gloves
1. Revco GM1611 MIG Welding Gloves
Best Welding Gloves Overall
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
This is a good glove for anyone who frequently moves between several processes, such as a DIY situation in a home shop. It’s also well-designed for daily use on the job when MIG welding. The full cotton liner provides enough comfort to wear these gloves for long sessions.
Pros
- Special patches protect contact points on your heel and wrist
- Supple leather for superior dexterity and that MIG “touch”
- Full cotton liner keeps hand cooler
- Versatile enough for light stick & TIG work
- Excellent value for the money
Cons
- 12-inch length is less protection than the 16 to 23.5 inches of others
- Thinner construction offers less heat protection than stick gloves
- Lighter leather means less durable fingers than others in this group
| Outer Material | Grain cowhide leather palms and split cowhide backs |
| Inside Lining | Cotton |
| Stitching Material | Kevlar |
| Double Stitched? | Yes |
| Reinforced Palm/Thumb? | Yes—palm, index, and thumb |
| Length | 12 inches |
| Ideal For | MIG, Light Stick |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL, 2XL |
| Price Range | $$ |
Supple yet thick cowhide, full cotton inner liners, and protective surface patches on the Revco GM1611 Black Stallion MIG Welding Gloves combine with a good feel and dexterity make these gloves a favorite of mine.
I find these gloves to be one of the most versatile out there. While they have an outstanding feel for MIG welding I’ve also used them to do the odd bit of stick welding without a problem, but they are a little short to use them all the time. They’re also supple enough to do some TIG work if required. But again, you would want a dedicated pair of TIG gloves if you TIG all the time.
They’re mid-ranged gloves but provide excellent value in my opinion. I really like the seamless index finger, and the Black Stallion gloves have reinforcement patches on the heel and the back of the cuff making these more durable than most.
Kevlar stitching on every seam provides durable construction for harsh conditions, although I found the finger seams are not as tough as the premium gloves from Miller and Lincoln.
I’ve not experienced this with my own gloves, but I’m aware some people have had inconsistent finger lengths with these. Sizing that runs on the small side is another. However, because these gloves are available in sizes from Small through 2X Large, you’ll likely find an appropriate fit.
2. Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves
Best Value Welding Gloves
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
Cotton liners absorb moisture, and the light 14.5-ounce weight makes this a comfortable pair of gloves. The flexible yet tough shoulder cut allows these gloves to serve in several roles for the welder on a budget. Sizing can be an issue for large hands, as these gloves come in One Size Fits All.
Pros
- Thumb patch protects a very sensitive spot
- Light 14.5-ounce weight makes long shifts easier
- Shoulder-grade leather for good wear and heat resistance
Cons
- Inner liner sometimes comes loose
- Stiffness until broken in makes them unsuitable for MIG at first
- 13-inch length offers less protection than 16-inch plus lengths
| Outer Material | Split cowhide on the front and back |
| Inside Lining | Cotton sock lining |
| Stitching Material | Kevlar and welted seams |
| Double Stitched? | No |
| Reinforced Palm/Thumb? | Yes, thumb reinforcement |
| Length | 13 inches |
| Ideal For | Stick, flux, and other high-temp needs |
| Sizes | One Size Fits All |
| Price Range | $ |
Lincoln makes the Lincoln Electric K2979 Traditional Welding Gloves completely out of split cowhide, taken from the shoulder for heavy protection but yields flexible comfort, including a full cotton liner that improves the fit, which is important for a glove that only offers one size.
At 13 inches long, they’re shorter than the other gloves in this group, except for the 12-inch Revco GM1611 Black Stallion. The 5-inch leather cuff is a plus for a shorter design. According to buyers, these are good general-purpose gloves that work as stick gloves until broken in, then serve well as MIG gloves, offering a good sense of touch.
The straight thumb with a reinforcement patch helps your electrode control, providing protection from bumps, bangs, and heat. These gloves have reinforced seams and stitches in Kelvar to add durability.
Lincoln adds another layer of protection and style by sewing on some extra flame-shaped leather patches in contrasting red against the black shells. Graphics also help you keep track of your gear and help others identify you on the job.
Weighing only 14.5 ounces, users often praise the ruggedness of these gloves, especially at the price.
3. RAPICCA Welding Gloves
Best Stick Welding Gloves
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re simply looking for the highest heat ratings to handle scraps and cuttings for a short time, the RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves are your best choice, with extra tear and puncture protection. At 16 inches long, they’re much longer than the Lincoln Traditional or the Revco GM1611 gloves.
Pros
- Leather, Kevlar, and aluminum provide extreme heat protection
- 16-inch length provides ample protection
- Shoulder split cowhide means they’re thick yet flexible
Cons
- Inner liner turns inside out sometimes, slowing the work pace
- High heat protection isn’t always consistent, which could mean burns
- Three layers and thick leather make them unsuited for MIG
| Outer Material | Shoulder split cowhide |
| Inside Lining | Cotton, Kevlar, and aluminum |
| Stitching Material | Kevlar |
| Double Stitched? | No |
| Reinforced Palm/Thumb? | Yes—palm and thumb |
| Length | 16 inches, 7.5-inch cuff |
| Ideal For | Stick, high heat, torch, and plasma |
| Sizes | X-Large |
| Price Range | $$ |
A full split leather outer makes up the RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves. The overall glove length is 16 inches, with a 7.5-inch sleeve length.
Inside, they use a double heat shield over the entire glove, composed of a Kevlar sheet throughout and an additional layer of aluminum to create a 935-degree F heat resistance rating. That’s pretty impressive, but some reviewers say the high-heat shielding isn’t always consistent in every area of the gloves.
Using thick shoulder split cowhide, these RAPICCA gloves are quite thick yet retain a good deal of flexibility. The outers are also treated for fire, heat, and oil resistance.
That’s not all. RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves have extra shielding on the palms and backs of the gloves. There’s a full cotton inner liner, although I found occasional complaints of the liner turning inside-out when removing the gloves. These gloves use Kevlar stitching.
Best Premium Welding Gloves
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
The fact that professionals have used these premium leather MIG gloves for years is a testament to their suitability. Although expensive compared to other gloves in this roundup, professional buyers feel they’re worth the money. The Lincoln Traditional Gloves give similar quality for a more affordable price.
Pros
- Nomex thread is stronger than Kevlar and fire-retardant
- Several grades of leather provide ultimate dexterity
- Multiple layers of reinforcement for long-lasting durability
Cons
- Shorter than other gloves means less protection near elbows
- Expensive compared to other gloves—may not be worth it to non-professionals
- Not heavy enough for stick welding and not thin enough for TIG use
| Outer Material | Smooth leather combined with split cowhide |
| Inside Lining | Cotton twill with fire-retardant foam |
| Stitching Material | Nomex fire resistant |
| Double Stitched? | Yes |
| Reinforced Palm/Thumb? | Yes—palms, wrists, and fingers |
| Length | 12 inches |
| Ideal For | MIG and stick |
| Sizes | Medium, Large, X-Large |
| Price Range | $$$$ |
Already in use by professionals for over a decade, these premium-quality leather gloves work great for MIG welding. and some owners report that they’re using these gloves for standard stick welding.
Lincoln Electric combines smooth leather with split cowhide for the outer and internal patch reinforcement for the fingers, palm, and wrist. They also have external patches on the fingers and wrist to improve heat resistance and durability.
Completely stitched in Nomex, the same flame-retardant material used in military flight suits, these professional MIG gloves also use a fire-retardant foam layer and cotton twill liner.
Although shorter than other gloves in this roundup, their intended use as MIG gloves means there will be less heat and sparks than stick welding or torch cutting. The presence of reinforcing patches inside and outside and Nomex stitching instead of Kevlar testify to the serious professional nature of these gloves.
5. Miller Electric MIG/Stick Welding Gloves
Best Heavy-Duty Welding Gloves
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
Pigskin palms, cowskin patches, specially cut fingers and thumb, and a thickly insulated liner mean these gloves are comfortable and don’t need breaking in. The 23.5-inch length could interfere with bending your arms. These are the most expensive gloves in this roundup, but professionals like them.
Pros
- Don’t need breaking in, so they’re ready to work
- Thick pigskin on palms protects from burns better than cowhide
- Extra long to protect the entire forearm
- Extremely rugged with great construction
Cons
- Expensive compared to others in this roundup
- Fleece liner builds up heat and needs to cool fairly often
- 23.5-inch length can interfere with arm movements
| Outer Material | Pigskin palms and cowhide reinforcement |
| Inside Lining | Cotton fleece and foam padding |
| Stitching Material | Kevlar |
| Double Stitched? | Yes—thumb, fingers, and palm |
| Reinforced Palm/Thumb? | Yes—on the palm, thumb, and wrist |
| Length | 23.5 inches |
| Ideal For | Stick and MIG |
| Sizes | Large |
| Price Range | $$$$$ |
The Miller Electric MIG/Stick Welding Gloves uses thick pigskin leather for the palms on these heavy stick gloves, with split cowhide patches to improve protection at important spots like the fingertips, heel, wrist, and gripping area of the thumb.
The fingers on this design are pre-curved before Kevlar stitching goes in throughout the glove. Along with the “keystone cut” on the thumbs, this feature means you can use these gloves immediately without breaking them in. The insulation consists of fire-retardant foam with a cotton fleece inner liner, which helps the fit and absorbs sweat well.
At 23.5 inches long, these are by far the longest gloves in this roundup. Even large-bodied welders might have issues bending their arms with these gloves. Users say the cuff is still thin enough to roll them down a little if necessary. More than one reviewer has mentioned that these gloves can get very warm and may require cooling off. Plan your work accordingly.
6. YESWELDER Leather Forge MIG Welding Gloves
Best Heat-Resistant Welding Gloves
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
Internal stitching, very high heat rating, reinforced palms, and 1.2 mm thick leather mean serious heat protection. Both the WZQH and the RAPICCA gloves have aluminum sheeting for high-temperature resistance. The 16-inch length shields forearms well but might get in the way for smaller welders.
Pros
- High-temperature protection lets you position hot pieces
- 16-inch length and 7.5-inch cuff provide great arm protection
- Kevlar stitching and patch reinforcing make for a rugged glove
Cons
- High temperatures might not hurt the glove but can seep inside
- Extra length could interfere with arm motion for smaller welders
- Well-suited for MIG work, but that means too thin for stick and too thick for TIG
| Outer Material | Leather |
| Inside Lining | Cotton liner |
| Stitching Material | Kevlar |
| Double Stitched? | Yes |
| Reinforced Palm/Thumb? | Yes, fingers and wrist |
| Length | 16 inches, 7.5-inch cuff |
| Ideal For | MIG & Stick |
| Sizes | One size in Large |
| Price Range | $$ |
When looking at the Amazon listing for these gloves, the description claims 932⁰ F protection, but the Yeswelder website states that this glove only protects to 572⁰ F. I’m going with the specs on the Yeswelder website.
The thickness of this glove design is intended for professional MIG welding use. While I think they are a good thickness, some people felt they were too thin. However, MIG gloves need to be on the thin side for dexterity and feeling your controls and the electrode angle.
Select cuts of shoulder-split cowhide make up the leather outer shells. Grade A and AB cuts show an emphasis on flexibility and softness.
The soft cotton liner absorbs sweat and improves the fit. These Yeswelder gloves are sewn throughout with Kevlar thread for durability.
Leather reinforcing patches on the fingers, palms, wrist, and back help prevent impact injuries and keep leather tearing to a minimum.
The 16-inch length provides a lot of protection for forearms, but smaller welders may find them intrusive at the elbows.
7. WZQH Leather Forge Welding Gloves
Best General Purpose Welding Gloves
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
Internal stitching, very high heat rating, reinforced palms, and 1.2 mm thick leather mean serious heat protection. Both the WZQH and the RAPICCA gloves have aluminum sheeting for high-temperature resistance. The 16-inch length shields forearms well but might get in the way for smaller welders.
Pros
- Thick leather for good tear resistance
- Aluminum bonded to treated cotton layer gives a high temp rating
- Palm and thumb patches for durable protection
Cons
- Length might get in the way for smaller welders
- Very thick, unsuited to MIG welding
- High temperatures can still transmit to your hands without hurting the gloves
| Outer Material | 1.2 mm shoulder split cowhide leather |
| Inside Lining | Aluminum bonded to treated cotton |
| Stitching Material | Kevlar |
| Double Stitched? | Yes, on palm |
| Reinforced Palm/Thumb? | Yes, patches on both |
| Length | 16 inches, 7.5-inch cuff |
| Ideal For | Stick welding, torch cutting, plasma, and handling hot pieces |
| Sizes | S, M, L, X-Large |
| Price Range | $ |
The WZQH Leather Forge Welding Gloves feature a laminated intermediate material, with aluminum bonded to a flame-retardant cotton cloth. Like the RAPICCA gloves, the maker claims heat protection up to 932 degrees F. Also like the RAPICCA gloves, the WZQH gloves are 16 inches long with a 7.5-inch cuff.
The outer layer is thick 1.2 mm split cowhide, and all seams are double stitched with Kevlar, completely stitched internally with no exposure, to enhance fire protection. The palms are double-stitched and provide reinforcement patches and extra heat protection.
Although the maker claims these gloves will work with MIG and TIG welding, the thickness and extra layers mean I recommend them only for stick and cutting operations. Many buyers use them for wood stoves, handling animals, and the like.
There’s an inner liner made of sweat-absorbent cotton, and the leather patches for the palm and thumb provide rugged reinforcement.
Wrapping It Up
This comparison coveted a wide range of welding gloves, any one of which would get the job done in the shop. Some are relatively expensive, but as one welder said, “How much are your hands worth?”
With that said, here are my top three picks from this selection.
Best Overall Welding Gloves: Revco GM1611 MIG Gloves – Price: $24.00
I chose the Revco GM1611 gloves as the best overall because they strike a good balance between ruggedness, adequate protection, and affordability. I like their dexterity when MIG welding, while also being able to do the odd stick or TIG welding work. Everything is a compromise, but these gloves will work if you’re not up to spending big-brand money.
Best Premium Welding Gloves: Lincoln Electric Premium Welding Gloves – Price: $39.50
These gloves are more expensive than most in this comparison, but they’ve been in the field, making professionals happy for years. They could stand to be longer, but in the context of a professional at work, it’s likely fireproof sleeves or a jacket also protects your arms. They’re reinforced inside and outside with patches at every wear point and use Nomex stitching for ultimate fire resistance.
Best Stick Welding Gloves: RAPICCA Welding Gloves – Price: $22.99
I chose the Rapicca welding gloves for this pick because they have a high-temperature rating and reinforcing patches at the thumb, palm, and wrist. They performed well when I used them for stick welding, with good arm coverage for spatter protection.