The Maap Pro Race mitts are the brand’s only short-finger glove, designed for both training and racing scenarios and come in unisex sizing from XS to XL.
The Pro Race mitts feature a 3D Elastic Interface palm with three-layer multi-density perforated foam. The backing is made from lightweight mesh, to aid ventilation, and the overall shape is a close-fitting, anatomical design.
Maap is best known for its bold colour combinations so it’s no surprise that the mitts are available in eight shades, including the sedonia sage green shown here.
I found the Pro Race mitts to have good breathability in hot weather and a lightweight feel thanks to the mesh upper and perforated padding. While the mesh between the fingers helped airflow, I found the fabric between my fourth and little finger did occasionally wrinkle and cause some skin irritation but, overall, the shape fitted well.
MAAP Pro Race mitts material + technology
The main body of the Pro Race mitts is made from polyamide (nylon) and elastane. As the gloves are designed for warm riding temperatures, the mesh upper aims to provide lots of ventilation and is continued between the fingers for added airflow.
The palm uses Hybrid Cell System padding from Elastic Interface. The foam is perforated, which should help prevent sweaty hands, and uses a seamless construction in an attempt to eliminate chafing. Maap says the palm design alleviates pressure on the ulnar nerve, which would otherwise lead to numbness in the hands and fingers.
Maap says the palms are also abrasion-resistant, with moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial properties, while the mesh upper uses reflective decals for visibility.
MAAP Pro Race mitts fit + sizing
The Pro Race mitts have a snug design to eliminate fabric movement and chafing. I chose size small – with a palm circumference of 19.5cm – which generally fitted well though I found the palm to be slightly baggy.
The mitts are pull-on, with no Velcro or buckle closure, and have two reinforced tabs for pulling them on and off. The tabs were easy to use and the fabric was well elasticated so that the mitts sat snuggly against my skin when on.
Wearing the Pro Race mitts
After an hour or so on the bike, I found that the material between the fingers, particularly my fourth and fifth, began to ride up and dig slightly into my skin as I put pressure on the bars. It didn’t cause any huge issues and will likely vary from rider to rider but was slightly uncomfortable.
The combination of the lightweight mesh upper and the perforated palm kept my hands nice and cool, even on pretty scorching rides, and the fabric on the thumb acted as a reliable face-wiping surface.
The Maap Pro Race mitts definitely fall into the pricier end of the cycling mitt spectrum but deliver when it comes to the padding and breathability. I’d say it’s worth trying them on if you can, given the investment, but they would make a premium addition to a warm weather wardrobe and those that enjoy a bit of flair.
- Buy the Maap Pro Race mitts now from Mr Porter (£70)
