Selecting the best boxing gloves can be a challenge due to the sheer range of sizes, shapes, and price points to consider. Although many of them look the same on the outside, there are usually a ton of differences to note once you dive deeper into the details.
That said, the build and weight of a pair of gloves are important despite not being visually noticeable. For instance, gloves in the 12 - 16oz range may be more suitable for training with one of the best heavy bags or for pad work.
However, if you're an experienced boxer looking to compete, then 10oz gloves may be the way to go, with Legends Boxing calling 10oz gloves ideal for those competing in main events.
With that in mind, we've put together this list of our top picks based on price, reviews, and, perhaps most important of all, weight to help you find the right gloves for your experience level.
From top gloves for sparring, like these Venum Elite Boxing Gloves, to some slightly cheaper sets, like these RDX EGO Boxing Gloves, we've got everything you need right here.
We've also answered some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding boxing gloves like how they should fit and how long they're likely to last so you can work out what exactly it is you should look for from a new pair. Before that though, let's get into our list...
Best boxing gloves
- Everlast Powerlock 2 Pro
- Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
- RDX EGO Boxing Gloves
- Hayabusa T3 Kanpeki LX
- YOKKAO Matrix
1. Everlast Powerlock 2 Pro
Best boxing gloves for competing
Material: Leather
Size: 12-16 Oz
These Everlast Powerlock 2 Pros are designed for competition with their premium build and protection.
More specifically, they're made from full-grain leather, they should be extremely durable and the 5-layer foam core will likely keep your hands protected by absorbing the impact of a knockout blow.
While we feel these gloves would be good for a match, they do come with padded wrists for additional protection while blocking, particularly during sparring.
These gloves also feature a sweat-resistant interior lining for ease of cleaning which is another reason why they feature as one of the best gloves around.
2. Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
Best boxing gloves for sparring
Material: Synthetic
Size: 10-16 Oz
Venum stands out as a prominent producer of combat gear, with its Elite Boxing Gloves exemplifying the brand's exceptional craftsmanship.
These gloves are exceptionally well-suited for sparring due to their innovative thermal regulation mesh panels, thoughtfully engineered to maintain hand comfort even during intense training sessions.
Furthermore, the inclusion of triple-density foam in these gloves ensures robust protection for your hands and wrists, especially when engaging in rigorous heavy bag workouts.
In essence, high-quality gloves such as those offered by Venum prioritise your safety and comfort throughout your training sessions, keeping you both secure and comfortably cool.
3. RDX EGO Boxing Gloves
Best budget boxing gloves
Material: Faux Leather
Size: 14 Oz
While a pair of premium gloves may be tempting, a top pair of budget gloves, like this set from RDX, is worth considering.
Thanks to an extra thick layer of padding and RDX's shock-dissipating gel, these gloves should be ideal for training and sparring.
Additionally, the RDX EGO gloves incorporate an S.P.P palm which filters air into them and will likely prevent your hands from becoming too hot and sweaty during a match.
At 14 Oz, these gloves are slightly lighter than 16 Oz pairs and, for the price you pay, they're definitely worth considering.
4. Hayabusa T3 Kanpeki LX
Best premium boxing gloves
Material: Leather
Size: 12-16 Oz
The Hayabusa T3s are a highly popular pair of gloves thanks to their five-layer foam structure and interlocking splints, designed to provide support to your hands and wrists.
Moreover, the gloves are designed to protect your wrists using dual-wrist straps to keep your wrists aligned with each punch.
An interesting point to note is Hayabusa boasts its Vylar leather is suitable for vegans so should suit all aspiring boxers out there.
Their versatility is also worth a mention because, whether you're sparring, practicing Muay Thai, or boxing with a heavy bag, the Hayabusa T3s are designed to be suitable for them all.
5. YOKKAO Matrix
Best boxing gloves for Muay Thai
Material: Leather
Size: 8-16 Oz
Muay Thai is a martial arts style that utilises stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques, and therefore requires specialised gloves to perform to the best of your ability - enter the YOKKAO Matrix gloves.
They seamlessly blend comfort, durability, and support, while offering a wide array of styles and prints to suit different tastes. Crafter from leather, these gloves boast a sleek and robust design, providing exceptional protection and longevity in the ring as well.
They also offer superior wrist support, with an extra-long cuff and secure Velcro closure to keep your hands locked in during action, with little room to move to avoid injury.
So, for anyone seeking versatile and well-rounded gloves, perhaps for MMA, these gloves from YOKKAO stand out as a great pick for Muay Thai action.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
People often have a tonne of questions about boxing gloves, but we're here to clear up a few common queries to help you make your purchase.
What should you look for in boxing gloves?
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, finding the right gloves is essential.
To select the perfect pair, you'll first want to look out for the material. While synthetic gloves may be cheaper, genuine leather gloves are typically more durable and should, therefore, last longer.
You'll also want to keep an eye out for the closure type. The most commonly used closures these days are Velcro or hook and loop which are both quick and easy to adjust to keep your gloves comfortable throughout a sparring session.
You may also want to check the padding as this is key for preventing injury. In fact, boxing gloves typically have 3 times more padding compared to MMA gloves.
Finally, keep an eye on the weight of your gloves. As a beginner, it's more common to use larger, slightly heavier gloves to give your hands a little more protection according to BoxFit.
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However, as you gain experience, swapping to lighter gloves should make throwing combinations quicker and easier, plus there should be less padding to absorb impact.
How should boxing gloves fit?
Boxing gloves should fit snugly on your hands, but not too tight, and allow your fingers to move freely and comfortably inside the glove, while also ensuring that your hand is securely held in place.
The glove should cover your entire hand, including your fingers and knuckles, and should provide adequate padding to protect your hands from injury.
When trying on boxing gloves, it is important to wear hand wraps or wraps that simulate the thickness of hand wraps. This will help you get an accurate fit and prevent injury.
Finally, make sure to choose the right size glove for your weight class and the type of training you'll be doing. Different glove sizes have different weight limits, and it's important to match the glove to your specific needs.
Why do you need boxing gloves?
As previously mentioned, the primary reason fighters wear boxing gloves is to protect their hands and wrists.
Punching a heavy bag without them, for example, can result in joint displacement and broken bones.
They are also necessary for an element of safety to your opponent as bare-knuckle fighting can cause serve injury and often results in large cuts across the face.
How long do boxing gloves last?
This will vary depending on the quality of their build and how regularly you use them. That said, the estimated lifespan of a pair of boxing gloves is around one to two years according to The Fight Factory providing your training regularly.
However, if you're more infrequent with your training, then you may get a few more years out of your gloves.
With there not necessarily being one set rule on how long they'll last, we'd recommend searching for a replacement if you begin to notice an excessive amount of wear of the padding starts to become less effective.
Do you need to clean and maintain boxing gloves?
Yes, it is important to clean and maintain boxing gloves to ensure their longevity and hygiene. They can develop an odour due to sweat and moisture, and their performance can dip if you don't look after them.
Therefore, after each use, wipe the inside and outside of the gloves with a clean cloth or disinfectant wipe to remove excess moisture and dirt. Then, allow your gloves to air dry completely after each use. Avoid storing them in closed spaces or damp areas to prevent mould or mildew growth as well. Furthermore, you can use deodourising products specifically designed for boxing gloves, such as odour eliminators or sprays, to keep them smelling fresh if needed.
Periodically, you may want to deep clean your gloves. This may include using a mixture of mild soap and water, wiping them down with disinfectant wipes, or using specialised glove cleaning sprays. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid submerging the gloves in water or using harsh chemicals as this may damage them.
Do you need to break in new boxing gloves?
Breaking in new boxing gloves is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial to enhance their comfort and performance right off the bat. This is because new boxing gloves often have firm padding, which can feel stiff initially. Breaking them in allows the padding to adjust and conform to the shape of your hand over time, providing a more comfortable fit.
Breaking in gloves can also improve their flexibility. It allows the leather or synthetic material to loosen up and become more pliable, making it easier to form a natural fist and maintain proper hand positioning during training or competition.
So, to break in your boxing gloves, regularly using your gloves in training sessions will help expedite the breaking-in process. We'd recommend engaging in light bag work first or hitting focus mitts with your new gloves, before increasing the intensity as they become more comfortable.
Opening and closing your gloves repeatedly can also help loosen up the padding and material. You can flex the gloves with your hands inside to encourage flexibility.
Remember, breaking in boxing gloves is a personal preference, and not all gloves require extensive breaking in. Some gloves are designed to be more flexible and comfortable straight out of the box.
What are hand wraps, and do you need them with gloves?
As mentioned previously, hand wraps are essential protective equipment that need to be worn under boxing gloves. They're simply long strips of fabric, typically made from cotton or a blend of materials, that are specifically designed to support and safeguard the hands and wrists during training, sparring, and competitions. While boxing gloves offer a degree of padding and cushioning, hand wraps provide an additional layer of support and stability, and, therefore, are crucial to injury prevention.
They essentially secure the delicate bones and joints of the hand, including the knuckles, metacarpals, and wrists, in place. When a punch is thrown, a significant amount of force is generated, and this force can stress your bones. Hand wraps help distribute this force more evenly across the hand, reducing the risk of fractures, sprains, and other injuries. They also serve to stabilise the wrist, limiting excessive movement that could lead to strains or hyperextensions, and add an extra protective layer between your skin and the inside of your gloves.
Therefore, hand wraps are a fundamental accessory in boxing and other combat sports. They play a vital role in safeguarding the hands and wrists, making them an indispensable component of any boxer's gear.
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