Are there vegan horse riding gloves?
Yes. Vegan horse riding gloves use synthetic leather palms instead of animal hide, paired with breathable technical fabrics on the back of the hand. A well made pair gives you the same grip, durability and feel as a traditional leather glove, without any animal products in the construction. eGLOVE's eQUEST GripPro X-LITE is one example: a synthetic leather palm built from a technical grip material, combined with a breathable mesh back.
This guide covers why more riders are switching, what these gloves are actually made from, what to check before you buy, and how to look after a pair once you own one.
Why riders are switching away from leather
For years, leather has been the default choice in equestrian gloves, largely because it grips well and moulds to the hand over time. But it has real drawbacks too: it can stiffen after getting wet, it takes longer to dry, it needs more careful cleaning, and it is not an option for riders who avoid animal products on principle.
Non-leather gloves have closed most of that performance gap. Modern synthetic palm materials are engineered specifically for grip and durability, so you are no longer trading performance for an ethical choice. Riders are also drawn to the practical side: synthetic palms tend to be machine washable, dry faster, and hold their shape better wash after wash than natural leather.
What are vegan riding gloves actually made from?
"Vegan leather" covers a range of materials, so it helps to know what you are looking at. Most technical riding gloves use one of the following on the palm:
- PU (polyurethane) synthetic leather: a lightweight, flexible coating bonded to a fabric base. Good grip, breathable if the base fabric allows it.
- Microfibre synthetic leather: a denser, more durable construction often used where extra grip and longevity matter, such as competition gloves.
- Branded technical grip materials: some manufacturers use named materials developed specifically for sport gloves. eGLOVE's GripPro X-LITE, for example, uses a Korean Serino KT vegan synthetic leather palm, chosen for its rein feel and grip performance rather than as a generic leather substitute.
The back of the hand is usually a separate, breathable fabric such as an elastane or stretch mesh, which is what keeps a synthetic glove comfortable rather than sweaty.
What to look for when buying vegan riding gloves
Before you buy, it is worth checking a few things so you get a glove that performs as well as it looks:
- Grip under wet and dry conditions. Ask whether the palm material is designed for rein contact specifically, not just general synthetic leather.
- Breathability. Look for a mesh or elastane back panel. A fully synthetic glove with no breathable panel will run hot.
- Fit. Vegan palm materials tend to have less natural stretch than leather, so check the sizing guide carefully and size down if you are between sizes.
- Touchscreen compatibility. Useful if you use a phone or riding app while out and about.
- Care instructions. Confirm whether the glove is machine washable, and whether fabric softener or tumble drying will damage the coating (it often will).
Spotlight: eQUEST GripPro X-LITE
The eQUEST GripPro X-LITE is eGLOVE's lightweight riding glove, built around a Korean Serino KT vegan synthetic leather palm and a breathable elastane mesh back. It has no animal products in the palm construction and was awarded Highly Commended in Horse & Rider's Tried & Tested Lightweight Riding Gloves 2025, and named Most Stylish Summer Riding Glove by Horse & Hound in July 2025.
Key details:
- Palm: Korean Serino KT vegan synthetic leather, built for rein grip and feel
- Back: breathable elastane mesh
- Fit: snug and flexible; size down if you fall between sizes
- Sizes: XXXS to XL
- Touchscreen compatible fingertips
- Machine washable at 30°C on a gentle cycle (avoid fabric softener and tumble drying, as this degrades the touchscreen coating)
- Best suited to schooling, hacking, competition and yard work in spring, summer and mild weather
Shop the eQUEST GripPro X-LITE
Vegan vs leather riding gloves: a quick comparison
| Vegan / synthetic palm | Leather palm | |
|---|---|---|
| Grip | Strong, engineered specifically for rein contact | Strong, improves as leather softens with wear |
| Breathability | High, when paired with a mesh back | Lower, unless perforated |
| Care | Usually machine washable | Hand cleaning generally recommended |
| Performance when wet | Consistent | Can stiffen if soaked and dried incorrectly |
| Animal products | None | Yes |
Neither option is "better" across the board. It comes down to whether you prioritise a fully animal-free glove with easy care, or the traditional feel of leather.
Caring for your vegan riding gloves
To get the most from a synthetic palm glove:
- Fasten any velcro cuff before washing, to protect the glove and anything else in the machine.
- Wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle, by hand or machine.
- Use a sports or technical wash detergent rather than a standard one.
- Avoid fabric softener, as it can break down the coating on touchscreen fingertips over time.
- Do not tumble dry. Lay flat or hang to dry naturally.
FAQs
Are vegan riding gloves as good as leather? For most riders, yes. Modern synthetic palm materials are built specifically for grip and durability, and many riders find them easier to care for than leather. The main trade-off is that leather can mould to your hand slightly more over time.
What is vegan leather made from? It is typically a polyurethane or microfibre coating bonded to a fabric base, rather than animal hide. Some brands use named technical materials developed specifically for grip performance, such as the Serino KT palm used in eGLOVE's GripPro X-LITE.
Can you machine wash vegan riding gloves? Most can, but always check the specific product's care instructions first. The GripPro X-LITE, for example, is machine washable at 30°C but should not be tumble dried or washed with fabric softener.
Are vegan riding gloves suitable for competition? Yes. The GripPro X-LITE has been recognised in independent testing, including a Highly Commended rating from Horse & Rider UK and a Most Stylish Summer Riding Glove award from Horse & Hound, both in 2025.
