ABOUT THE FOX FLEXAIR GLOVES
Lightness and breathability has been key to the design of the Flexair kit, but Fox have not just made a flimsy see-through thin pair of gloves. Instead, extra breathable “stretch-mesh” material has been implemented between the fingers to improve airflow. This means that the rest of the glove can be made from more durable (but still lightweight and breathable) Polyamide Nylon, which also offers a little bit of protection from the elements.
Fox have made an effort to achieve a gloveless feel with a snug, slip-on fit, tough but thin palm, and a low-profile neoprene cuff. They utilise a conductive Clarino® material in the palm for touchscreen capability, and this palm is fully perforated to improve comfort and breathability. The gloves seemingly match the rest of the Flexair ethos, they truly are race-ready gloves adapted for the everyday rider.
Retailing for £39.99 / $49.95 and offered in sizes XS-2XL with a choice of five standard colors.
THE DIRT
First and foremost, the feel. The Fox Flexair gloves feel great. They fit nice and tightly, with the thin palm and low-profile cuff combining to help you forget they’re on. The main glove material feels similar to the Polartec fabric used on the Flexair jerseys. As a result, they do a good job at protecting against cold winds, whilst remaining breathable in the warm. They’re also quick to dry out too, and still keep in some warmth even when they’re wet. This is something I’ve found an issue with on the more canvassy material typically used in summer gloves by other brands.
The Fox Flexair gloves have a good amount of grip on the palms, and the silicone grippers offer that little bit extra to grip the brakes. These finger grippers did shed pretty quickly though, especially on the braking fingers. The touchscreen compatibility is surprisingly good, and I found that even after collecting the mud and grit for a couple of months, I could still use my phone without having to take them on and off.
As for breathability, the Flexair gloves offer that same thin feel as your classic lightweight glove, and the stretch mesh between the fingers does a good job of venting the gloves. I haven’t been feeling the need to remove them anywhere near as much as I thought I would, and the material on the back of the hands offers a welcome little bramble and thorn protection. This said, I am still yet to find a comfy set of gloves that will protect against the big gorse thorns that plague some of my local riding spots.
Having slip-on cuffs is very welcome, I’m fed up with having Velcro that stops grabbing after a few weeks of rain and mud. I did find that the seam on the inside of the cuff can be sharp; it dug into my wrists at first, but softened up after some ride time. It’s worth sticking it out for a ride or two before you attempt any surgery on them.
Back when I was a religious glove wearer, I used to get through far too many pairs of Fox gloves, with them developing holes and falling apart. This is just the way it is for any gloves, as they get so much abuse, that it’s almost inevitable they will tear or develop a hole. That said, I did have high hopes for these Flexair gloves, given how Impressed I have been with the rest of the Flexair range.
Sadly though, I am afraid to say that whilst they have that gloveless feel and decent breathability, the durability still isn’t there for the Fox Flexair gloves. I’ve worn them for at most two months now, and whilst I ride a lot, I still think it’s reasonable to expect more life out of a pair of gloves. In fairness to Fox, the bits that receive the most punishment (palms and fingers) are still holding up okay, but the threads have begun to come away between the thumb and back of the hand. For now it’s a small issue; but there are signs of threads pulling and wearing out in other places across the rest of the glove, and it’s a shame to see quality issues still affecting an otherwise great set of gloves, especially with their premium price tag.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Overall, the Fox Flexair Gloves are have provided a set of gloves that I actually like wearing. They have good breathability, offer a nice bar feel and also do well at insulating you in colder conditions. However, I’ve been disappointed in the durability of these gloves. Even if I will still keep wearing them with the holes, it’s a shame to see how quickly the Fox Flexairs have shown signs of wearing out. 
Price: £39.99 / $49.95
Website: Foxracing.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Based in the UK’s Pennine hills, Aran is an avid enduro rider and racer occasionally dabbling in downhill and BMX. Aran has been riding bikes since he can remember but started racing in 2019. His strength is slimy corners, and his weakness will always be sprinting on the pedals, no matter how hard he trains. Lover of a 160mm do it all bike.
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’11” / 180cm | 160lbs / 73kg
Social: @aranfrancis
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