Rapha’s Shadow range, first launched in 2016 in response to Castelli’s Gabba rainwear, was updated in autumn 2025, hailed as the “ultimate winter training system for changeable conditions.”
While the range doesn’t include many accessories, I was excited to get my hands on one of them – well, technically speaking, get my hands in one of them. With a suggested temperature range of 4°C/39°F to 12°C/54°F, the relatively mild winter of 2025 provided plenty of opportunities for testing; there were only a few rides when I couldn’t venture out wearing the gloves.
Construction
The back of the Shadow Gloves is made from a combination of recycled polyester (73%) and elastane (27%). The elastane provides ample stretch without compression. This outer seamlessly extends up and round the wrist, replacing any kind of separate cuff. The gloves sit well under a jacket – the fabric is not bulky – or pull easily over a jersey thanks to the stretchy fabric. They look classy, too, with a ribbed design and a reflective Rapha logo.
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Palm-side, a recycled AX Suede has very little give, making it a perfect design for grip and control. The suede creates a decent level of friction between the glove and bar tape.
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Despite feeling like they don’t have a separate lining – nothing pulls away when you take off the gloves as it can with some lined gloves – a claimed (92% recycled polyester, 8% elastane) lining composition makes me think it’s integrated into the shell. Indeed, to the touch, the interior is much fluffier and softer than the exterior, making for a cosy yet low-bulk feel.
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Rapha have used ‘Connect’ tips for touchscreen compatibility on both index fingers and thumbs. There is also strategically placed reflective detailing on the outer edge of both gloves.
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
The ride
I’ve been testing a size medium, as suggested by Rapha’s size chart. They are a good fit. I’d suggest staying true to size for this particular glove.
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
The gloves feel great when you pull them on, striking a great balance between cosiness and full dexterity. Everything is possible: Boa dials, helmet clasps, zippers, etc. The touchscreen compatibility is very good; I’d say it’s effective nine times out of ten, with damp conditions being the primary cause of failures.
On the bars, the gloves continue to impress despite having zero palm-side padding. The suede offers a level of grip I’d normally associate with race mitts – indeed, I wouldn’t hesitate to go to a start line wearing these in cold conditions. That’s perhaps no surprise, given the Shadow range has been “engineered and fine-tuned with WorldTour” riders.
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
They’ve been used in the full range of suggested temperatures, and beyond. I’d say they’re at their best around 8°C/46°F degrees. As the mercury neared 12°C/54°F, they became overkill, with noticeable moisture build-up if I removed them and put them back on mid-ride. At the lower end of the stated range, they remain surprisingly effective – don’t be fooled by their lightweight appearance and feel. While my hands weren’t exactly toasty below 5°C / 41°F, they certainly weren’t cold.
Lightweight for such a warm glove
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
I found the gloves’ limit on a cold morning ride that climbed into a blanket of fog and a layer of thick frost. As the temperature dropped to around 2°C / 36°F, my hands began to suffer. Thankfully, the DWR treatment was sufficient to fend off the thick, hanging fog, keeping my hands dry and allowing them to warm up again after losing some height.
That said, the DWR does have its limits. Road spray is no problem, but anything more than a very short, light shower overwhelms it. Persistent drizzle will soak through in around 15 minutes, though thankfully the gloves don’t become as heavy as some alternatives.
Durability is my only potential niggle with the gloves. The grippy palm-side suede could place extra strain on the construction; any seam joining fabric-with-stretch to fabric-without-stretch is under strain. Here, the hand makes micro-movements inside the glove while the palm-side suede remains fixed in place. On my test pair, a small section of stitching between the palm-side suede and the stretchy back panel has come loose. Rapha assured me this was a manufacturing, saying, “Rapha is committed to excellence and stands behind the quality of its products. However, from time-to-time manufacturing faults can occur so if you think your product has suffered a manufacturing fault, please contact us. We’ll replace the item unless it has been damaged as a result of excessive or long term usage.” I’ve continued using the gloves since noticing the loose stitching and, after four weeks of continual use, it hasn’t worsened.
Stitching coming loose at the seam
(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Value & conclusion
At £75/$105, they compare well with Castelli’s RoS Perfetto glovethat I tested these several years ago. During the second winter of use, the seams gave way. By the third winter, they were in absolute tatters – a high price doesn’t always equate to quality. It’s a real shame about the stitching on the Shadow gloves since every other aspect has impressed – full dexterity, comfort, grip, protection and looks. If it wasn’t for the loose stitching, the price could be justified. That said, at least Rapha would replace them if this happened within a month of purchase. I’d personally want a longer time period here.
The most durable pair of cold-to-cool weather gloves I have ever tested are by Sportful, though the pad positioning isn’t perfect for me. Their prices are significantly lower than both Rapha and Castelli – for example, their Classic Winter Gloves are just £45/$60. These are surely good value, if they fit you well.
If you’re a Rapha fan and are willing to take the risk on questionable durability, then the performance, looks and comfort of the Shadow gloves won’t disappoint.
