Gore C3 Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Mid Gloves review

The snappily named Gore C3 Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Mid Gloves are designed to offer maximum dexterity alongside protection from all but the toughest winter weather.

They achieve this aim with aplomb – wearing them is almost like wearing a second skin, while the levels of warmth have pleasantly surprised me.

However, there are fit issues that prevent the C3 Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Mid Gloves becoming an automatic buy.

Gore C3 Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Mid Gloves details and specifications

The Gore C3 Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Mid Gloves are said to offer a pliable, ergonomic shape packaged in a slim construction.

The outer fabric is Gore-Tex Infinium with a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment, which offers a barrier against windchill and showery weather, plus an element of form-fitting stretch.

Infinium is also, generally speaking, well-regarded for its breathability.

Underneath, the gloves are lined with brushed fleece for insulation (although the palm is fleece-free). Gore stops short of suggesting an optimum-temperature operating window.

The tips of the forefinger and thumb are touchscreen-friendly, with light gel padding features on the palm, and there’s a small protective cover over the forefinger-thumb web.

The cuffs cover well past the wrist joint and are tapered to fit close to the skin.

The Gore branding is reflective, but the grey graphics aren’t. That said, if you want increased visibility, the gloves are available in hi-vis yellow and red colourways too.

Gore says they fit ‘true to size’, and offers a wide seven-size range (XS-3XL). Following its size guide, I opted for a size XL, which – for the most part – was a good fit.

The C3 Stretch Mid gloves cost £59.99 / $80 / €59.95.

Gore C3 Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Mid Gloves performance

These gloves excel in cool-to-cold conditions, surprising with how effective they remain down to low single-figure ambient temperatures.

The Infinium fabric is very effective at protecting from the wind, and the fleece lining is comfortable and warm.

In fact, they were so impressive in this regard, I didn't want to switch to testing my next set of thicker deep winter gloves until the January 2024 sub-zero cold snap in the UK.

The breathability is also impressive, perhaps in part because there’s little thickness for moisture to ‘move’ through.

In showers, they withstand water well, although I have noticed a degradation in the effectiveness of the DWR treatment.

Technical fabrics with a DWR treatment tend to respond best to a more expensive technical wash, but items such as gloves – at least in my experience – usually require a wash with each ride.

As a result, these got thrown in with bib tights, baselayers and cycling socks with the normal detergent wash.

Nevertheless, they remain protective enough for intermittent showers.

Fundamentally, I’ve enjoyed using them, but they’re not without flaws that may affect others more than they have me.

Firstly, while I found the size was correct and as described, the fingers are a little longer than I’d expect. This leaves a little redundant length at the ends.

This is especially notable, given I have quite long, slender fingers.

Secondly, and linked to this, the gloves feel slightly too narrow for comfort at the bottom of the finger (closest to the knuckle).

While I grew used to the sensation, and it didn’t compress my fingers to the point of restricting blood flow, it’s easy to imagine others with broader fingers than me will struggle.

Certainly, when I asked our social guru Scott Windsor, who has slightly broader fingers than me, but otherwise similarly sized hands, to try them on, he felt the restriction keenly.

This is naturally compounded by curving your fingers around a handlebar grip, because the areas between your finger joints compress and get wider.

Of course, the best advice is always to try before you buy if you can, but in this case it feels like a necessity.

Finally, I missed the presence of a dedicated nosewipe zone.

While the Infinium fabric is soft enough to brush across your nose with little discomfort, I didn't want to get this technical fabric dirty.

Adding a nose wipe probably wouldn’t add a significant amount of bulk to the gloves.

Gore C3 Gore-Tex Infinium Stretch Mid Gloves bottom line

Overall, I’ve enjoyed using the C3 Stretch Mid Gloves and would happily invest in a hi-vis pair with my own money if I needed a set.

They’re protective, surprisingly warm and offer great dexterity.

That said, the fit won’t be suitable for everyone – in general, those with longer, slimmer fingers are probably going to get on with them best.