Leather Palm Work Gloves

Leather palm gloves are ideal for virtually any job, including those that involve rugged work. Split leather palm work gloves are less expensive than the grain leather work gloves in our previous section, so if you’re seeking budget-friendly leather gloves, you’re in the right place.  Because grain leather is found after to use in products by the more fashion-driven industries, like automotive and furniture, it ensures the price for grain leather will always be higher, including when it’s used in the manufacturing of work gloves.

Split Leather
Leather Drivers
Thickness Icon
Leather palm work gloves utilize split leather, which is thick and offers heavy-duty protection.

Workers who need excellent abrasion-resistance, puncture-resistance, and heat-resistance, turn to a leather palm work glove that holds up to all three. MCR Safety’s leather palm work gloves are designed to withstand some of the toughest jobs. Think of someone splitting and stacking firewood. A day’s work will quickly destroy a thin piece of leather. Or, consider someone carrying large and bulky items all day long. A glove has to be able to withstand the wear and tear caused by these heavier-duty activities.

Here are some advantages to leather palm work gloves:

  • Higher puncture-resistance than grain leather
  • High heat-resistance for working around hot objects
  • Highly abrasion-resistant due to the dense fibers
  • A higher degree of water-resistance as compared to grain leather

Downsides: less dexterity, can wear out faster
We explained the term “split leather” on our opening Leather Work Glove page .  However, since it is what makes up every leather palm work glove you purchase, it’s worth further explanation here. Split leather is the rougher, inner side of the hide. 

What makes up a leather palm work glove?

Split leather is divided into three categories, depending on where on the hide it originates. Here is a breakdown of each of the three types:
Top Grain versus Split Leather

Belly Split Leather (Good)
The most economical of the three types, it has the least consistency of texture and appearance. Shoulder and Shoulder Split Leather Diagram
Shoulder Split Leather (Better)
A more economical choice, its lower price point comes from the fact that it’s a less durable leather. Shoulder Split Leather
Side Split Leather (Best)
This part of the leather is the most durable and provides the best protection. Side Split Leather

We know you’re concerned about quality, as it determines the length of wear. That is another major reason we cover this splitting of leather again. The location of where the leather is split will determine the overall quality and potential length of wear. You can check out our three images below and see the general appearance changes that show up as you start moving from lower grade to premium grade leather. And, it’s not just appearance that changes, performance levels change, too, offering better abrasion performance and better puncture performance.

Shoulder Leather 1200 Series
Select Shoulder Leather 1400A
Premium Side Leather 1700

Revisit our main page for a look at our ITC testing lab’s abrasion- and heat-performance tests. There you’ll see that the quality of leather matters as it impacts performance!

Types of Leather Palm Work Gloves

You should know your leather glove options when it comes to selecting leather palm gloves. Understanding the selection criteria can help you choose the right gloves for the job. Our goal is to make sure you know what you’re purchasing, so let's get started.

Core Components of Leather Palm Gloves
Core components that make up a traditional gun cut leather palm glove.


The image above highlights the core parts to most any leather palm glove you’ll find offered. Most leather palm work gloves will look like the gloves pictured above, though there are some different patterns that may change the appearance somewhat. Once again, before we dive into the different types of leather palm gloves, it’s important to note where the split leather originates. Once you know what kind of quality leather hide is being offered, you’ll be able to compare like products. Within the core design of a leather palm work glove, you’ll encounter a wide range of palms. Here is a breakdown of each type:

Single palm leather work gloves:

These gloves feature a single layer split leather palm.

Double palm leather work gloves:

With an extra layer of leather sewn onto the palm for added abrasion-resistance, these gloves offer increased protection.

Jointed double palm leather work gloves:

These gloves use leftover material from the process of creating leather work gloves to piece together materials into a double palm for added strength.

Reinforced leather work gloves:

A reinforced palm patch offers superior grip and wear-resistance.

Backs Found on Leather Palm Work Gloves


The backs of leather gloves are offered in a variety of materials. The selection of the appropriate back depends on how the gloves will be used. For those who prefer to spend less on gloves and only require palm protection, they may select a standard back. Leather is expensive, so adding leather to the back-of-hand increases costs. However, some workers need full-hand protection due to hazards like heat, so MCR Safety offers gloves with a variety of back options.

Standard leather palm
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A standard leather palm has vital features like a safety cuff, shirred elastic back, knuckle strap, leather fingertips, wing thumb, and welted seams in the high-stress areas. Welting refers to an extra piece of leather that is sewn into the seam to give it additional strength.

¾ leatherback
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When protection is needed across the knuckles, a ¾ back is a good option, and it still allows for some breathability.

Full leather palm
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A full leather palm glove covers the entire hand in leather for 360ļ‚° protection. The full leatherback is used when additional protection is needed on the whole back of the hand.

Unlined Leather Palm Gloves

Almost every leather palm glove available on the market today will be made from cowhide. Why? Because other leather hides are not thick enough to be split into a split leather hide.



Cowhide Leather Palm Gloves

Due to the abundance of cowhide leather, cowhide leather palm work gloves are the most common leather gloves found in the market. Also, because cowhide is thicker than most other hides, it provides a much heavier-duty split than other leathers, making it the preferred leather for leather palm gloves.
Cowhide Split Leather

Leather palm gloves offer users many of the same qualities found in leather drivers but at a reduced price point. You’ll be amazed at the beating these gloves can take! Here is a quick rundown of the benefits of cowhide leather palm gloves:

  • Excellent abrasion-resistance
  • Excellent heat-resistance
  • Best puncture-resistance
  • Highly durable and long-wearing
  • Low price point as compared to leather drivers

Downsides: limited sensitivity, limited flexibility, limited moisture-resistance.

There is a wide array of leather palm work glove configurations, which is why we’ve broken these gloves up into different groups. Our goal is to help you find the preferred style that works best for your given application. Below are some of our most popular cowhide glove styles, organized to show you the options from our budget-friendly leather glove styles to our more premium leather work gloves selection.

Clute Pattern

Clute Pattern Glove
Our least expensive design, this fabric-back style offers a roomier fit.

Knit Wrist Clute Pattern Leather Palm Work Gloves Palm Lined Economy Breathable Cotton Back Knit...

Gun Pattern

Gunn Pattern Glove
This style offers greater comfort over a clute pattern, with longer wear and tear durability.

Split Leather Palm Work Gloves Economy Grade with Patch Palm 2.5 Inch Denim CuffLeather patch...

Economy Split Leather Palm Work Gloves Striped Fabric Back and Cuff 2.5 Inch Starched Safety...

Split Leather Palm Work Gloves C Grade Shoulder Leather 2.5 Inch Rubberized Safety Cuff Assorted...

Split Leather Palm Work Gloves B Grade Select Shoulder Leather 2.5 Inch Rubberized Safety...

Leather Palm Work Glove "A" Grade Select Shoulder Leather 2.5 Inch Plasticized Safety...

Double Palm

Double palm Glove
These gloves are reinforced in the palm, a critical wear spot.

Leather Palm Work Gloves Jointed Double Leather Palm C Grade Shoulder Leather 2.5 Inch Rubberized...

Split Leather Double Palm Work Gloves C Grade Shoulder Leather 2.5 Inch Rubberized Safety...

Split Leather Jointed Double Palm Work Gloves B Grade Select Shoulder Leather 2.5 Inch Rubberized...

Split Leather Double Palm Work Gloves B Grade Select Shoulder Leather 2.5 Inch Rubberized Safety...

A-Grade Select Shoulder Leather Split Leather Work Gloves Double Leather Palm and Index...

3/4 Back

3/4 Back Glove
¾ backs offer added protection over the knuckles without the cost of full leather backs.

Big JakeĀ® Premium A+ Grade Side Leather Leather Palm Work Gloves 2.75 Inch Safety Cuff with 3/4...

Full Leather Back

Full Leather Back Glove
Complete 360 degree leather protection on both the front and back-of-hand provides greater protection from hazards like heat.

Split Leather Work Gloves Full Leather Back C Grade Shoulder Leather 2.5 Inch Rubberized Safety...

Split Leather Work Gloves Full Leather Back B Grade Select Shoulder Leather 2.5 Inch Rubberized...

A Select Shoulder Leather Split Leather Palm Work Gloves 2.5 Inch Plasticized Safety Cuff Full...


As we mentioned above, the last thing you want is for a pair of leather work gloves to let you down. From material tearing apart to holes showing up after one day of use, your best leather gloves are those made with the higher-grade leather and overall higher-quality materials. For more on leather glove quality and grades, be sure to check out our Leather 101 section.  You can see the entire knowledge center at the bottom of this page.

Synthetic Leather Palm Gloves

What is synthetic leather?  The first substitute for natural leather started in the 19th century with the development of Nitrocellulose and collodion. In the 20th century, DuPont™  patented Fabrikoid, which was primarily used in upholstery and book bindings. Today, there are three fundamental kinds of synthetic leather fabrics: polyurethane (PU) leather, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) leather, and microfiber leather. Each of these is treated to resemble and feel like real leather.
 
Since the early to mid-2000s’, MCR Safety has been offering synthetic leather work gloves. With increased pressure put on the overall leather supply chain in 2008, mostly due to numerous tannery closures, MCR Safety decided it was necessary to offer our customers additional synthetic leather work glove options. Artificial leather has innumerable advantages over real leather.

Synthetic Leather Multiple Colors

Some of the benefits of synthetic leather include:

  • Chrome-free, meaning it’s an eco-friendly product
  • Consistent quality and appearance as it doesn’t come from different parts of animal hides
  • Stable price point due to lower production costs
  • Lighter in weight than natural leather
  • Breathes well and dries easily
  • Easy to launder
  • Excellent abrasion-resistance, as noticed in our ITC lab tests

Keep in mind: synthetic leather is not recommended for welding, where heat and open flames are present.

Our current offering in a synthetic leather palm comes with a double palm, ensuring extra reinforcement and longevity.

Leather Driver Work Gloves Beige Synthetic Leather with Split Cow Texture Double Palm and Wing...

Lined Leather Palm Gloves

Red Fleece Lined Leather Gloves

Our lineup of lined leather palm work gloves ensures your hands are comfortable and protected from abrasive materials.  A nice pair of leather palm work gloves will keep your hands free from scrapes. Add in a nice liner, and you’ve combined toughness and comfort together!

Lined Leather Palm Gloves

Red Fleece Lined Leather Gloves

Red Fleece Lined Leather Gloves
Our red fleece lining adds extra comfort and helps prevent chafing.

Insulated Leather Palm Work Gloves C Grade Select Shoulder Leather Lined with Red Fleece 2.5 Inch...

Lined Synthetic Leather Palm Gloves

Lined synthetic Leather Palm Gloves

Synthetic leather does offer comfortable breathability. So, if you want a synthetic leather glove to use during the winter, you will want to add a cozy liner.

Leather Driver Work Gloves Beige Synthetic Leather Split Cowskin Texture Insulated with Fleece...

As you read over all of the information above, you may have realized that a leather palm glove is not what you need. In that case, be sure to check out our other types of leather work gloves by clicking either of the images below. You may have also realized that we used a lot of jargon you’re not necessarily familiar with or understand. If that is accurate, be sure to check out our Leather Glove Knowledge Center, linked at the bottom of the page.

Leather Drivers

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Leather Welding Gloves

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MCR Safety We Protect People

Everything you need to know about Leather Gloves


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