I used to despise work gloves in my younger days. They were cumbersome, stuffy, and offered little to no agility. It felt like wearing oven mitts without the added benefit of heat protection. However, the Milwaukee Performance Work Gloves have completely changed my perspective. These gloves are nothing like the old, bulky ones I used to detest.
Safety First
When it comes to safety, the Performance Series strikes the ideal balance between protection, comfort, and maneuverability. These gloves are lightweight, guarding against cuts, scrapes, and debris. While they may not feature extra-thick padding or ultra-tough materials for heavy-duty impact resistance, they still provide reliable defense. Both glove styles utilize hook-and-loop cuffs to ensure a secure fit. The Velcro buckle locks them in place without putting any unnecessary pressure on the wrists.
Unparalleled Dexterity
“Dexterity” is the keyword here, and Milwaukee has nailed it with these gloves. They fit snugly and feel like a pair you would wear on slightly cooler days, or in my case, cycling gloves. They offer minimal loss of flexibility. While they may not allow me to tie intricate flies (though the fingerless option makes it possible), they provide excellent grip, work control, and maneuverability with every tool I’ve ever employed, from a screwdriver to a miter saw.
Gussets at the knuckles improve finger dexterity.
Both glove styles feature gussets at the knuckles, enhancing their ability to flex effortlessly. Coupled with the thinner palm material, these gloves offer excellent range of motion.
If you’re dealing with smaller screws or nails, the fingerless gloves truly shine. They allow for precise finger movement and grip while only exposing the last inch or so of your fingertips.
Unmatched Comfort
Milwaukee Performance Work Gloves go beyond the basics of a typical work glove by elevating comfort to another level. The terry cloths sewn on both thumbs are perfect for wiping away sweat. The material is not only durable but also pleasantly soft. The breathable lining of each glove prevents excessive perspiration, ensuring your hands don’t feel like shriveled raisins after a long day’s work.
A terry cloth behind the thumb wipes away sweat.
The fingerless gloves boast palm padding, which is indispensable for cyclists like myself who constantly exert pressure on their hands. It’s also a fantastic feature for regular work gloves. Whether you’re tackling tough materials or using the same tools all day, the pads alleviate palm strain and dampen vibrations.
While not essential for fingerless gloves, the full-finger model includes a strip of Smart Swipe material that allows you to use touchscreens without removing your gloves. This thinner material on the knuckles, fingertips, and palm enables seamless navigation and typing on your phone. Some phones, like the Kyocera DuraForce XD, are becoming more glove-friendly, and I found that I could operate my phone flawlessly while wearing the Milwaukee Performance Work Gloves.
Smart Swipe material allows you to operate the touchscreen while wearing gloves.
The Bottom Line
As someone who typically opts for classic leather work gloves, the Milwaukee Performance Work Gloves swiftly won me over. They are more comfortable and offer superior dexterity compared to my beloved leather counterparts. I particularly appreciate the hook and loop closure, which ensures a snug fit.
The only area that could use improvement is the back of the thumb, which feels a bit rough. Additionally, the fit is slightly generous. I ordered a medium (my usual glove size), and they are just a tad too big for my liking. Only time will tell how durable these gloves are, but so far, they have shown promising qualities.
For light-duty applications, the Milwaukee Performance Work Gloves come highly recommended. They offer resistance against cuts, scratches, and chips, and their affordability makes them accessible to everyone, from DIY enthusiasts to professionals. With two styles available, you can equip yourself with the perfect pair for any task.
Milwaukee Performance Work Gloves Specifications:
- Model: Milwaukee 48-22-8721/22/23/24
- Available Sizes: M – XXL
- Cuff Design: Hook and Loop
- Price: $14.97
Milwaukee Performance Fingerless Work Gloves Specifications:
- Model: 48-22-8741/42/43/44
- Available Sizes: M – XXL
- Cuff Design: Hook and Loop
- Price: $18.97