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Hardly any other brand in the glove sector is as closely associated with traditional craftsmanship as Hestra. The Swedish family-run business was founded back in 1936 in the small village of Hestra and is now run by the third and fourth generations of the family. Originally, the focus was on robust work gloves for the forestry industry – a heritage that continues to shape the brand’s philosophy to this day: durable materials, high functionality and uncompromising build quality.
Hestra is best known for its ski and winter sports gloves, which have been a staple of many World Cup athletes, mountain guides and outdoor professionals for decades. The brand has a reputation for placing particular emphasis on fit, choice of materials and durability.
The cut anticipates the grip position
Hestra has now successfully applied this decades-long experience to the cycling sector. Mountain bikers in particular appreciate the Ergo-Grip technology, in which the cut of the gloves follows the natural position of the hand on the handlebars. It is regarded as one of the brand’s unique selling points.
The new collection includes both long-fingered and short-fingered gloves and is aimed at trail, enduro, all-mountain and touring riders. The focus is on Hestra’s signature ergonomic fit, high-quality materials and direct contact with the handlebars.
Ergo Grip Enduro D3O: Comfort for rough trails
The top-of-the-range model in the series is called the Ergo Grip Enduro D3O. The glove features Hestra’s well-known Ergo Grip design, which is based on the natural position of the hand on the handlebars.
For added comfort, Hestra has incorporated D3O material into the palm, which is designed to reduce vibrations and impacts. This promises noticeable relief for the hands and forearms, particularly on long enduro descents or on rough, rocky trails. The package is rounded off by robust materials, touchscreen compatibility and an integrated nose wipe.
Ergo Grip Enduro D3O
- Ergonomic Ergo-Grip design
- D3O cushioning in the palm
- Touchscreen-compatible
- For enduro and technical trails
- Sizes: 6 to 11
- Price: 80 euros >> available here
Ergo Grip Race Cut: Minimalism for sporty riders
Anyone looking for maximum control combined with the lightest possible weight will find it in the Ergo Grip Race Cut The sportiest model in the collection. The ergonomic fit is retained, but is combined with an exceptionally lightweight construction. The flexible upper is designed to allow a high degree of freedom of movement, whilst the slim palm ensures direct contact with the handlebars. The Race Cut is therefore aimed primarily at riders who want to feel their gloves as little as possible.
Ergo Grip Race Cut
- Extremely lightweight design
- Direct contact with the handlebars
- Sporty fit
- Sizes: 6 to 11
- Price: 75 euros >> available here
Bike Guard D3O: Greater protection for tough conditions
With the Bike Guard D3O Long and Short Hestra offers an alternative for riders who want extra protection. Here, too, D3O material is used in the palm. The padding is designed to absorb vibrations and enhance comfort on long or technically demanding routes. The combination of robust construction and additional cushioning makes the Bike Guard models particularly appealing to enduro riders and e-MTB riders.
Bike Guard D3O Long & Short
- Additional D3O padding
- Focus on safety and comfort
- For challenging trails
- Sizes: 6 to 10
- Price: 65 euros >> available here
Ventair Long & Short: Summer gloves designed with ventilation in mind
For hot weather, Hestra has the Ventair Long & Short Developed. The model features lightweight polyamide materials and a perforated palm to improve air circulation and comfort. Despite the breathable design, sufficient grip for trail riding is maintained. With their minimalist design, the Ventair gloves are aimed primarily at touring cyclists and sporty trail bikers during the summer months.
Ventair Long & Short
- Lightweight, breathable materials
- Perforated palm
- For warm weather
- Sizes: 6 to 10
- Price: 40 euros
Sprint Long & Short: The versatile all-rounder
The new Sprint Long & Short It is positioned as a versatile mountain bike glove suitable for a wide range of uses. It features Hestra Tendo and Texture Lycra, which are designed to provide a flexible fit and a high level of comfort. The robust palm ensures a secure grip on the handlebars, whilst a pull tab on the cuff makes them easier to put on. This makes the Sprint ideal for trail rides as well as for everyday cycling.
Sprint Long & Short
- Flexible all-round glove
- Elastic materials
- Spacious thumb pad
- Easy to use
- Sizes: 6 to 11
- Price: 60 euros
Apex Long & Short: a combination of comfort and durability
With the Apex Long & Short Hestra is expanding its collection with a model that prioritises comfort and durability. The Hestra Tendo fabric is designed to ensure a comfortable fit, whilst reinforced palms and extra padding enhance durability. Reflective details also improve visibility in low-light conditions.
Apex Long & Short
- Reinforced palms
- Reflective details
- A design focused on comfort
- Spacious thumb pad
- Sizes: 6 to 11
- Price: 55 euros
Conclusion from the editor’s perspective
With its 2026 MTB collection, Hestra is taking a clear approach: rather than offering a one-size-fits-all glove, the brand provides specialised models for different uses. The prices are on the high side, as is typical for Hestra, but the materials and workmanship are generally of a correspondingly high standard.
The D3O variants are particularly interesting, as they specifically focus on comfort and vibration damping – an issue that is becoming increasingly important as bikes become more powerful and descents get longer. At the same time, models such as the Ventair and the Race Cut cater to the need for the most direct contact with the handlebars possible. Experience from other sports shows that Hestra places a clear emphasis on durability and comfort. However, it remains to be seen in practice just how well the Swedish brand’s new gloves perform on the bike.
Stefan Frey
Editor