One of the most essential pieces of gear for any boxer is a good pair of gloves. They protect your hands and wrists during training and competition, ensuring you can deliver powerful punches without causing injury to yourself. The perfect pair of gloves not only offer safety and comfort but also contribute to your overall performance in the ring or while hitting the heavy bag.
Boxing gloves come in various materials, sizes, and weights, catering to different levels of experience and personal preferences. Generally, gloves made from genuine leather are the most durable and form-fitting, while synthetic leather gloves offer an affordable option with reasonable quality. The size and weight of the gloves matter too, as they affect the level of protection and the amount of power behind your punches.
When looking for the best boxing gloves, it's crucial to consider factors such as padding, wrist support, and closure systems. In this article, we will delve into the best boxing gloves available on the market and discuss the key features to look for to find the perfect pair for your training
Our Picks for the Best Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa makes some incredible gloves, and the T3 is the flagship of their line. These gloves are worth considering for their excellent balance of protection, comfort, fit, and style.
Pros
- Unparalleled knuckle protection
- Secure and stable wrist support
- Comfortable and temperature regulating
Cons
- Higher price point
- Might be difficult to put on with hand wraps
- Wrist straps may require some getting used to
The Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves have revolutionized the industry by creating a glove that provides the perfect balance of protection, comfort, fit, and style. With a decade of sports science and glove technology research behind them, these gloves guarantee high performance and durability.
One of the most notable features is the Crush Zone Padding, which offers enhanced knuckle protection that absorbs impacts and dissipates energy effectively. The gloves are also designed with a Dual wrist straps and splinting system, ensuring that your wrists are perfectly aligned for each punch, reducing the risk of injuries.
These gloves are designed with comfort in mind, as they include a temperature-regulating lining to keep your hands cool and fresh during training. However, some users might find it a bit difficult to put on the gloves when they already have their hands wrapped. It's also important to note that due to the innovative technology used in these gloves, they come at a slightly higher price point compared to other options in the market.
In conclusion, we believe that the Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves offer excellent value for those who are willing to invest in their training and want a high-quality, comfortable, and reliable boxing glove.
Venum Elite Boxing Gloves Black 16oz
Venum is a long established martial arts brand, and they're actually the official gear partner of the UFC. Their Elite gloves are a solid choice for both regular and intensive boxing training due to their quality, design, and comfort.
Pros
- Triple Density foam for optimal impact absorption
- Strengthened seams for long-lasting quality
- Reinforced palm for maximum impact absorption
Cons
- Possibly a higher price point compared to other gloves
- No reported issues with sizing or fit
- Limited color options
Venum's Elite Boxing Gloves are assembled and hand-sewn in Thailand, ensuring top-notch craftsmanship. They are designed for regular and intensive use, making them a great investment for those committed to their boxing workouts. With a flexible, resistant PU envelope, and reinforced seams, these gloves can really take a hit.
Featuring triple density foam, the Venum Elite Boxing Gloves offer excellent impact absorption, protecting your hands during training. The reinforced palm adds another level of protection, so you can practice powerful punches without worry. These gloves also have a 100% full attached thumb for better injury prevention, giving you confidence in their safety.
The camouflage styles and colorways of the Venum Elite range have become some of the brand's most popular, and these gloves are no exception. They boast an ergonomic design meticulously studied to provide optimum comfort during training, so you can focus on your performance. While these high-quality gloves may come at a slightly higher price point, their durability and features make them well worth the investment.
Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves
Sanabul is a budget brand for martial arts gear, but they actually make some pretty decent stuff given the extremely low price point. Their Essential Gel Boxing Gloves are an excellent choice for beginners that don't want to break the bank.
Pros
- Gel-infused padding for optimal protection
- High-quality engineered leather construction
- Excellent fit with unique longitudinal arch design
Cons
- May require a break-in period for some users
- Limited color options in certain sizes
- Hook and loop closure system may loosen over time
With over 250,000 pairs sold and endorsements from MMA champions like Michael Bisping and Max Holloway, these gloves have earned a reputation for quality and performance. The engineered leather construction ensures durability for long-lasting use.
Designed for comfort and protection, the gel-infused padding absorbs heavy hits to keep your hands pain-free during training sessions. The unique longitudinal arch design provides a snug fit that feels like you've been wearing the gloves for years. Additionally, the mesh palm helps keep your hands dry and clean throughout your workouts.
Aside from their functionality, the Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves also boast an eye-catching design. Choose from vibrant colors or go for the all-black, understated look. While some users may experience a break-in period for optimal comfort and performance, most will appreciate the gloves' quality and effectiveness in providing protection and support.
In conclusion, the Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves offer an ideal balance of performance, comfort, and style. Perfect for beginners, these gloves are a reliable choice for anyone looking to invest in their boxing experience.
CLETO REYES Training Gloves
Cleto Reyes makes the gold standard in pro level boxing gloves. They come with a hefty price tag, and aren't a good pick for beginners - but if you're taking your boxing seriously, you will certainly see them around the gym.
Pros
- Anatomically designed for a perfect fit
- Optimal wrist support and attached thumb for safety
- Handcrafted with high-quality materials and strict quality control
Cons
- Might feel tight for some
- Could take time to break in
- Expensive!
Handcrafted in Mexico with the finest craftsmanship, Cleto Reyes gloves are made with top-quality materials and go through strict quality control to ensure optimal performance.
The anatomically designed shape offers a perfect fit for your hands, preparing them for each training session, be it sparring, heavy bag work, or general training. With 2 inches of long-lasting latex foam padding, these gloves provide exceptional knuckle support, allowing you to punch with power and confidence.
Wrist support is crucial during training, and these gloves deliver. The leather strap hook and loop closure give a firm and secure fit, reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, the gloves have an attached thumb feature which keeps your hands safe and thumbs intact during intense boxing sessions.
One consideration to keep in mind, though, is that these gloves might feel tight for some users at first. It could take some time to break them in, but once you do, they'll provide excellent support and protection.
Again, these are pro level gloves for fighters who are really looking for something advanced. If you're just starting out, I'd go with the Hayabusa or Sanabul gloves we covered above.
Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Glove Red/White 14 oz
Ringside is a solid, well established name in boxing. Their Apex Flash Sparring Gloves provide excellent protection and comfort during those tougher training sessions.
Pros
- Superior wrist support with 3.25" tapered, wrap-around closure
- Comfortable and well-ventilated with mesh palm and wicking inner liner
- Durable synthetic leather material for easy cleaning
Cons
- Might need additional wrist support when using hand-wraps
- Limited protection on the wrists
- Small hand box may feel slightly uncomfortable
The Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves are designed to help boxers achieve their goals while providing comprehensive protection during training. With 2.25 inches of shock-absorbing IMF padding, these gloves offer excellent protection during sparring or bag work, allowing you to train confidently without fearing injury.
Durability and convenience are key features of these gloves, as the synthetic leather material is easy to clean and maintain, while the hook and loop closure system ensures a secure fit. The attached thumb for safety also adds to the overall protection of the gloves, making them a reliable choice for any boxer.
If you're looking for a durable, comfortable, and protective option for your boxing workouts, these Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves are worth checking out.
Everlast PowerLock2 Training Glove
Everlast is well... a polarizing name in boxing. Some people love em, some people hate em. They've been around forever, but their quality has varied a ton over the years.
Ultimately, Everlast is just too popular for us not to include in this guide. Our number one recommendation is if you're going to get a pair of Everlast boxing gloves, do NOT get their entry level gloves. They are just too flimsy and more designed for a grandma's cardio kickboxing class.
If you want to get a pair of Everlast gloves that will actually hold up to hitting a heavy bag or mitts, the PowerLock2 Training Gloves are a great investment for a balance of power and protection.
Pros
- High-quality synthetic leather construction
- Quad layered foam core protection
- Innovative turn back strap system
Cons
- 16oz size may feel slightly loose
- Impact absorption is good, but not exceptional
- Limited color options
The Everlast PowerLock2 Training Gloves feature modern upgrades to the classic Powerlock design, making them ideal for various training scenarios. Made from high-quality synthetic leather and equipped with a quad layered foam core, these gloves provide excellent protection and durability for even the toughest workouts.
The ergonomic grip bar and full mesh palm ensure a comfortable and secure grip while keeping your hands cool and dry. In addition, the innovative turn back strap system and ergonomically secured thumb offer additional support and protection for your hands during intense training sessions.
With a high-quality construction, ergonomic design, and added modern features, these gloves provide great value for any boxer.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best boxing gloves, it's crucial to consider a few key factors. In this buying guide, we'll walk you through these essential aspects, ensuring you make the most suitable choice for your needs.
Size and Weight
First, let's talk about size and weight. Boxing gloves come in various sizes, typically measured in ounces (oz). The weight is closely linked to the level of padding, with lighter gloves offering less padding and heavier gloves featuring more. It's essential to find the right balance between adequate protection and comfortable wear.
Here's a general size guideline to follow:
- 8-10 oz: Suitable for lighter training
- 12-14 oz: Ideal for all-around training, including pad work and sparring
- 16 oz: Recommended for sparring, offering optimal protection
- 18-20 oz: Best for heavy bag work or if you're looking for added protection
Material
Another important factor to consider is the material. Boxing gloves are typically made from either synthetic materials (vinyl or PU) or genuine leather. While synthetic gloves tend to be more affordable, genuine leather gloves usually offer better durability, breathability, and overall quality. If you plan to train regularly, investing in a good pair of genuine leather gloves will be worth it in the long run.
Closure System
You'll also want to look at the closure system of the gloves. The two common types are Velcro (hook and loop) and lace-up. Velcro gloves are convenient and easy to put on and remove, making them a popular choice for most people. On the other hand, lace-up gloves provide a more secure and customized fit, but they usually require assistance to put on and remove.
Padding & Wrist Support
Finally, it's vital to pay attention to the padding and wrist support. Boxing gloves should have sufficient padding to protect your hands and your sparring partner. Ensure that the gloves have excellent wrist support to help prevent injuries, as well as adequate padding around the knuckles to protect your hands from impact.
So, there you have it! Keep these crucial factors in mind as you search for the perfect boxing gloves, and you'll be well on your way to selecting the best pair for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which boxing gloves are ideal for heavy bag training?
When it comes to heavy bag training, we recommend using gloves with extra padding and support to protect your hands from the repeated force of punching the bag. Look for gloves with at least 12-16 ounces of padding, as these offer additional protection and shock absorption. Brands like Everlast, Title, and Ringside have a great range of gloves designed specifically for bag work.
Which boxing gloves are best for sparring?
For sparring, safety and protection are our top priorities. Choosing gloves with adequate padding and a snug fit is crucial to prevent injuries to both you and your sparring partner. We generally suggest using 14-18 ounce gloves for sparring, as these provide excellent padding without being too heavy or restrictive. Some popular brands for sparring gloves include Twins, Fairtex, and Rival.
How do I decide which weight of boxing gloves to get?
The weight of your boxing gloves depends on your training purpose and your body size. As a general rule, lighter gloves (8-12 ounces) are suitable for pad work and technical drills, while heavier gloves (12-18 ounces) are recommended for bag work and sparring. We advise beginners to start with 12-14 ounce gloves, as these offer a good balance of protection and mobility. As you progress and develop your training regimen, you can adjust the weight of your gloves to better align with your specific needs and goals.