in

Best Boxing Gloves for Comfort, Protection, and Performance

If you are thinking about going into the boxing ring or hitting a heavy punching bag with a pair of poorly designed gloves or no gloves at all, then be ready to drop your career or hobby! Doesn’t matter if you are swinging with your sparring partner or hitting that bag for the first time; if you don’t invest in a quality pair of gloves, you are likely to sustain serious injuries to your hands.

You see, our hands are quite delicate. They have several joints and bones that can easily break if you don’t protect them.  Boxing gloves are designed with enough amount of padding to provide you the much-needed protection to your hands, not to mention comfort and performance. You can train for several sessions hitting the punching bag or even get into the ring and fight your way to win a prestigious boxing belt without any pain on your hands.

The problem with these gloves is that there are so many of them in the market to know the right one for your needs. You have to literally browse through dozens of options before you can finally settle on the right one. Whether you are a pro boxer or just someone looking to stay fit with this rigorous sport, you can choose from our selection of best boxing gloves for your needs. Don’t know where to start? Read our buying guide and understand some of the factors that will help you make a wise decision.

Top 10 Boxing Gloves of 2020 Reviewed

 

1. Ringside Apex Boxing Kickboxing Muay Thai Training Gloves Gel Sparring Punching Bag Mitts

    Best Training Gel Boxing Gloves

    So, you are ready to hit the ring. You have your work- out clothes on. You are all energized. But wait! You need to put on your favorite boxing gloves. This is where the one and only Ringside Apex Gloves come in handy. This pair is great for boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and Muay Thai punching. Why many prefer them is because they have an Injected Molded Foam cushioning that is so durable. The IMF technology also provides great protection to your hand and fist when striking. 

    Ringside Apex Boxing Kickboxing Muay Thai Training Gloves Gel Sparring Punching Bag Mitts

    These gloves have a superb non- slip tapered wrap-around closure that secures and supports the wrist perfectly. The hook and loop closure makes it so easy to put them on and off. You will definitely not have to worry about sweat when you are working out because they come with a Stay-Dry lining that aids microbial protection. This feature works wonders in keeping you dry and comfortable during the entire work-out session. 

    Ringside Boxing Gloves are made from a premium synthetic leather material that is super easy to clean. These sparring punch bag mitts have a nice grip that will allow you to push your body further as you can work out for long without getting fatigued. What’s also amazing is that these gloves are quite affordable, no matter the size. They will also serve you for about six months to one year, with a 3-5-day work-out session per week.

     

    Pros
    • The tapered closure reduces instability and slipping 
    • Narrow price range regardless of the glove size
    • They are perfect for sparring and heavy bag punching
    Cons
    • Prone to tearing after heavy use
    • They run a bit too small for people with long fingers
    • The curvature of the padding may not be enough

2. Trideer Pro Grade Boxing Gloves, Kickboxing Bagwork Gel Sparring Training Gloves

    Best Faux Leather Boxing Gloves

    Trideer Pro Boxing Gloves are without doubt excellent boxing accessories. This is because they are very comfortable to wear. The manufacturers have paid a lot of attention to their ergonomically designed construction. They are inspired by the natural curvature of the hand to allow proper fist closure. With widened hook and loop fasteners, your wrists will have more stability. In fact, you will be able to throw punches with ease. 

    Trideer Pro Grade Boxing Gloves

    You will also love the multi-density foam that allows exceptional shock absorption. This will give both you and your ring partner protection, therefore, minimizing injuries. These gloves are professional- styled with a to die for a look. What makes these gloves perfect is the breathable design and multi-density foam that is moisture-proof.

    Trideer boxing gloves feature a high hydrolysis PU leather that is resistant to corrosion as well as tear. What’s not to love about the inner silken cotton that will protect your hands from friction. The mesh holes also keep your hands dry. These gloves are perfect for boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. They are designed for both men and women.

     

    Pros
    • Excellent comfortable faux leather construction
    • Elegant and stunning with excellent cushioning 
    • Will perfectly fit your hands, wrists, and fingers
    Cons
    • Has wide price ranges depending on the size
    • The rubber smell can be a bit off-putting
    • The sizes run a bit small for the size chart

3. Starpro Boxing Gloves for Men & Women Training Sparring Kickboxing UFC MMA

    Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners

    If you are looking for the best glove for training and striking, then you should check out Starpro Boxing Gloves. They are ideal for bag work and mitt work. They are specifically designed for boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and Muay Thai training.  These gloves stand out among the rest as they are tough as nails and also durable. They are also super easy to clean and maintain.

    Boxing Gloves for Men & Women Training Sparring Kickboxing UFC MMA  

    Starpro Boxing Gloves are made from premium leather-like material with a taffeta lining. With an excellent IMF technology 2-piece molded foam padding, this glove is clearly a force to be reckoned with. In fact, the foam padding is shock absorbent, which will help you improve in the ring. Moreover, the Velcro strap closure will give your wrists stability and protection. Starpro Boxing Gloves have been ergonomically designed to allow proper and comfortable wear with a perfect fist closure for a comfortable workout session.

    During hot weather, you will be able to continue with your work out as Starpro Boxing Gloves have a breathable hydra-flow mesh that is moisture-wicking. This will keep your hands dry while your glove will remain cool. We will also appreciate the high resistant PU leather that is highly resistant to corrosion and tear. They are ideal for both men and women and come in a variety of fantastic colors such as; White /Black, Solar Blue/ White, Flour Pink/White, and Black/White.

     

    Pros
    • Great quality and well-constructed
    • Stylish and beautifully designed
    • Great for beginners as they are quite affordable
    Cons
    • May have less wrist support
    • May feel a bit light
    • Not the best for sparring

4. Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves

    Best Pro-Style Boxing Gloves

    Everlast is a popular brand in the boxing world. The reason that the Everlast gloves are best-selling is the fact that they are inexpensive yet quality. The manufacturers actually make them durable and tough. These gloves are designed with special foam for protection, and that makes them ideal for sparring as well as everyday training. They have a natural contoured shape of the hand that enables easy maneuverability, protection, and control. 

    Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves

    You will love the wrist pads, which are double layered with thin foam. In fact, your hands will be sandwiched in between the foams for extra protection. And interesting enough, the foam is designed in the shape of the hand to allow proper punching. They also feature a thumb-lock technology for extra support as well as the Velcro strap for a sturdy and comfortable fit. We all love the Everlast products for their Ever-Fresh technology. This, in fact, will be your saving grace from the odor that comes from continuous over-use.

    The Everlast Pro Boxing gloves feature a C4 foam technology that allows a tight grip and more punching power. They are made from a durable leather material that holds-up pretty well. They are available in these colors; classic black, red, pink, and blue. The price ranges are definitely very attractive.

     

    Pros
    • Affordable options
    • Good training gloves because of the extra cushioning
    • Have good ventilation 
    Cons
    • The Velcro strap is a little too short 
    • Not ideal for advanced boxers 
    • The stitching on the strap may run very easily

5. Hayabusa Boxing Gloves | S4 Training Gloves

    Best Training Boxing Gloves

    Hayabusa is an epic name in the boxing world. We can all agree that the Hayabusa Boxing Gloves are made with love. This is because they are made from a premium PU leather construction with a nylon lining. They have an S4 breathable mesh palm that can withstand intensity work-out. These gloves are perfect for beginners’ boxers as well as regular boxing fitness and other combat fitness. 

    Hayabusa Boxing Gloves S4 Training Gloves

    Since they are injected with molded foam that has a natural contour of the hand, they are ideal for throwing powerful punches. The hand curvature design allows you to make a proper fist closure and shock absorption. These gloves have pre-curved anatomy with a grip bar as well as an ergonomic thumb position that ensures thumb closure. This allows a comfortable and perfect fit. 

    The closing system features a Velcro strap that is fully adjustable to provide a secure fit. It is also paired with an additional single splint for wrist alignment. Let’s not forget that the interior is antimicrobial for bacteria and odor protection. Hayabusa Boxing Gloves are great for training, kickboxing, sparring, taekwondo, kickboxing, MMA, and Muay Thai.

     

    Pros
    • Very comfortable
    • Good for beginner levels 
    • Beautifully designed
    Cons
    • Not great for people with large hands
    • Not very breathable
    • They may take a long time to break-in

6. Venum Elite Boxing Gloves

    ]Best Boxing Gloves for Heavy Weight Boxers

    Venum Elite Boxing Gloves have become a household name. This is because they have been making top-notch boxing gloves for decades. They have been designed for regular gym use of 4-5 days a week work-out. On top of that, they are durable enough to last you for many years while at the same time keeping your hands super protected. They are made from 100% Skintex leather construction. Skintex is premium synthetic leather that is very capable of holding its own when throwing a punch.

    Venum Elite Boxing Gloves

    Venum glove features an attached thumb design, which prevents chances of catching your thumb on the side of the bag, therefore, preventing injury. They have a comfortable fit since they are large enough, and the glove extends a little more towards the forearm area. They also have a Velcro strap that stretches tightly for a secure fit. The Skintex fabric is also super soft, which makes them perfect for sparring. 

    If you love flashy boxing gloves, then you will not be disappointed. Venum has prided itself in provided visually attractive gloves over the years. They come in a range of 12 different fantastic color combos from which you can choose from.

     

    Pros
    • Mesh panels that allow incredible ventilation
    • Have superior shock absorption triple density foam
    • They are handmade and durable
    Cons
    • They may take longer to break-in
    • Not ideal for lightweight boxers because of the size
    • The foam may be too soft for strong punches.

7. Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Kickboxing Training Gloves

    Best Comfortable Boxing Gloves

    Without a doubt, Sanabul is the king of the ring. Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves have been created to give you professional gear quality at an affordable price. As you may know, team Sanabul athletes are worth a mention. From pro boxers like Mike Lee to UFC champs like Michael Bisping. You definitely expect the best quality from Sanabul. These gloves are gel-infused foam that provides amazing protection. They are super soft to prevent potential injuries when training. On the outside, they are made from durable leather that is super durable and also easy to clean.

    Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Kickboxing Training Gloves

    You will love how Sanabul gloves are carefully designed with a natural hand curvature and proper fist closure while striking. It features a mesh palm area that keeps the hand’s cool while at the same time increasing the breathability. The gel impact protection foam also provides additional shock absorption. They have a wonderful hook and loop system that will prevent you from pulling your punches. The straps also provide secure wrist protection. 

    What not to love about Sanabul’s bright, vivid color options. In fact, you can get different pairs that go well with your favorite work-out clothes. On top of that, they come in different sizes that range from 8 oz to 16 oz.

     

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • They fit perfectly and are comfortable
    • Comes in fantastic colors
    Cons
    • Not ideal for sparring
    • Not enough padding for heavy bag work
    • Not ideal for small hands

8. Hawk Boxing Gloves for Men & Women Training Pro Punching Heavy Bag Mitts UFC MMA

    Best Affordable Boxing Gloves

    Hawk boxing gloves are not only affordable, but they also offer you everything you could wish for. These boxing gloves are great for kickboxing, sparring, mitt work, and heavy bag workouts. They are all-purpose and come in a range of sizes to fit kids, women, and men. You need to check the size charts for different purposes. Kids normally go for 8 oz while size 10 oz -12 oz is perfect for bag training, mitt, and bag work. For sparring, you might want to go for a size 14 oz -16 oz.

    Hawk Boxing Gloves for Men & Women Training

    Hawk boxing gloves are gel injected and multi-layered with V-impact foam. This helps in reducing any risk of injury. They also have an extra-thick Supremo- Shock Foam based padding for prevention of injuries around the knuckle area and a padded block over the wrist joint. The hook and loop Velcro strap closure is comfortable and secure. It makes it so easy to put them on and off. The thumb lock is also perfect for safety.

    These boxing gloves feature a pinhole palm that offers extra hygiene and breathability. They also reduce bacterial build-up, moisture, and odor control. The V-impact molded padding is shock absorbent, therefore, protecting sparring or bag training. They come in two sleek color options; black and silver or white and gold. And on top of that, they are very friendly to all skin types.

     

    Pros
    • They provide a lot of wrist support
    • Extra padding for comfort and protection against injuries
    • Great gloves and quite affordable
    Cons
    • Seams may run easily
    • The thumb lock may make you feel uncomfortable 
    • A bit hard to come on and off especially 

9. ZTTY Boxing Gloves Kickboxing Muay Thai Punching Bag MMA

    Best MMA Grade Boxing Gloves

    ZTTY are training gloves made from durable PU leather, polyurethane, and latex material. These materials are premium and will offer great performance, ultimate protection, and power. The inside has a gel liner and a wide breathable mesh for a comfortable experience during a high-intensity work-out. ZTTY Boxing Gloves uses a pinhole design to provide breathable and cooling of your hands. 

    ZTTY Boxing Gloves Kickboxing Muay Thai Punching Bag MMA

    Because ZTTY boxing gloves have curved designed thumb protection, you will be able to make a fist easily. You will also have enough protection during striking. They also feature a 4-layer liner padding for impact absorption. For that matter, they are ideal for heavy bag training.

    ZTTY Boxing Gloves have extra-long scalable wrist straps for wrist protection. You will also find that wearing these gloves and taking them off will be super easy. These boxing gloves come in a wide range of colors, including; Ypink, classic black, red, bright yellow, green, silver, and blue.

     

    Pros
    • Fit very well and designed perfectly for women
    • They are solid with great wrist support and protection
    • Comfortable, quality and affordable
    Cons
    • Can be a bit stiff
    • May take a long time to break-in
    • Not great for people with super large hands

10. Luniquz Kids Boxing Gloves, Child Punching Gloves for Punch Bag Training

    Best Boxing Gloves for Kids

    It’s important to introduce your children to sports at a young age. This is because, at a young age, kids learn to develop discipline and strength that will generally be beneficial to their health. Boxing is a good sport for kids that can help them direct the excess energy to boost health. Having said that, you need to buy your kids the best boxing gloves and what better than the Luniquz Kids Boxing Gloves. These gloves are perfect for kickboxing, punch bag sparring, and great for training with parents. 

    Luniquz Kids Boxing Gloves

    Luniquz Kids Boxing Gloves are made from a durable leather coating with a fire blazing pattern that makes them quitter a looker. The inner glove is made up of a thick foam padding that is shock absorbent and distributes pressure evenly. Your kid’s entire fist will be protected from injuries. Luniquz also features a wide Velcro strap on the sleeve for easy adjustment and wrist protection.

    The breathable lining features five air vent holes in the palm for proper ventilation and to avoid bacteria build-up. Besides, they are very clean. These gloves are perfect for pre punching and other combat sports training such as MMA, Muay Thai, gym exercises and so on.

    Pros
    • Very stylish
    • Extra protection through the thick foam padding 
    • Can be machine washed
    Cons
    • A bit expensive
    • Sizes may run a bit small compared to the chart
    • Not real leather

How to Choose The Best Boxing Gloves – The Ultimate Buying Guide


If you want to improve your training, then you know that it is important to choose the best training gear. And in boxing, this is not an exception. Using the wrong boxing glove is as annoying as having a rock in your shoe. Annoying right? Yes exactly. No one wants that. So, you need to invest in a good pair of boxing gloves if you need to improve.

You may be thinking that choosing a pair of boxing gloves is easy. Well, let’s just say it’s not.

So, having said that, don’t just buy a random pair. You need to choose a pair of boxing gloves that you will feel comfortable wearing, that will protect you from injuries as well as deliver what you are looking for.

Before you buy, you need to keep in mind some factors to consider when choosing the best boxing gloves;

Types Of Boxing Gloves

  • Training Gloves

As the name suggests, these gloves are used for general training. They are generally designed to help you break some sweat during bag work sessions. They have padding that is molded to help in the distribution of impact that is generated when you are punching the bag.

  • Sparring Gloves

These are generally lightweight versions designed to protect both you and your partner from potential injuries. They are well padded, especially around the knuckles. They are recommended for sparring as compared to the heavyweight ones. This is because it’s hard to predict the intensity of your hit towards your partner.

  • Professional Gloves

These are basically the kind worn in a pro boxing competition. They are normally designed according to specific regulations in order to protect both you and your opponent.

  • Amateur Gloves

These are designed for beginners. They require a specific style to help train your wrists and hands. Amateur gloves help your arms get used to the impact you will be putting during training.

  • Muay Thai Gloves

Gloves meant for Muay Thai are more flexible than regular boxing gloves because this sport involves a lot of clinching.

What Size Of The Boxing Glove Do You Need?


The most common weight you will find in almost all gyms is 12oz, 14oz, and 16oz. Of course, there are other sizes outside these ranges, the lightest being 8oz and the heaviest being 20oz. There is also size 4oz specific for Muay Thai.

The criteria that will guide you in choosing the ideal weight for you will depend on how much you weigh. For example, if you weigh 100lb, your ideal choice should be 10oz; if you weigh 120lb you should go for 12oz, and so on and so forth.

The weight of the glove can also be dictated by the amount of padding it has. If the glove has more padding, that means your hands will have more protection. If you use a glove with more weight, your punching speed will be slow, and you will get more fatigued.

Will You Be Using the Boxing Gloves for Other Sports

Are you looking for gloves for boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, MMA, or you just need a nice pair for your casual gym work-out? Every sport will require a different type of gloves;

For traditional western boxing, you will need a boxing glove that will hold your hand in a closed fist shape. This glove should have a contoured shape on the back area and the wrist. The wrist area should ride higher up the arm to provide more stability for heavy punching.

Muay Thai gloves look just like boxing gloves, but they have a few modifications to incorporate kicking and clinching. The padding on the back is thicker to allow kicks while the front and thumb areas are more flexible to allow opening and closing of the thumb for catching kicks and holding your opponent. Trideer, Starpro, ZTTY, and Hawk boxing gloves are ideal for Muay Thai Sport. Another brand that is very reliable is the MTP Fighter Gear. This brand offers a great and comfortable fit.

If you are into MMA, then you will require gloves that will allow a lot of free movement. These gloves are flexible to allow holding and grappling required in MMA. MMA gloves are usually 4oz as compared to 10-12oz required in other combat sports. Without a doubt, Hayabusa is perfect for MMA not only for its functionality and extreme quality but also for its reasonable price.

Which Glove Material Do You Prefer?

Boxing gloves have come a long way. The quality of the material has been improved over time, and usually affects the comfort, fit level of protection, and also the price of the glove. The interior is also important since your hands will need proper airflow. The most common materials are:

  • Vinyl: This is the cheapest material, and the gloves will range roughly about 20$-40$. For this reason, beginners usually go for this. However, they will not hold -up much and therefore won’t be that the test of time in the long-run.
  • Polyurethane Leather: This material is technically manufactured leather and will look like genuine leather. It is obviously more durable than vinyl. Gloves made from this material will cost you about 30$-120$.  If your budget allows, you can consider this as your beginner gloves.
  • Genuine Leather: These are the highest quality you can go for. These gloves will last you for years to come. Leather gloves generally mold nicely according to the shape of your hand, and with time, they become more comfortable. Their break-in time can take a bit longer if you don’t work out regularly. They range between 60$-400.

Comfort

There is a direct relationship between comfort and fit. Generally, gloves that fit well are more comfortable to wear. Just like a pair of shoes, you will not be comfortable with a pair that is either too big or too small.

Remember the padding also plays a huge role in the comfort of boxing gloves. Basically, the more the padding (and quality of the padding), the more comfortable the pair of gloves is likely to be.,

Will The Glove Closure Make A Difference?

Absolutely yes! The question is, which is the best closure, laces, or Velcro?

While laces will give you a tight and stable fit, Velcro tape is just a breeze to tighten and loosen.

Most people nowadays prefer Velcro closure hands down. That’s why we have reviewed most gloves with the Velcro closure.

Velcro tape closure will secure your wrist, and at the same time, you can adjust the straps for a comfortable fit. On top of that, you can easily open and close the glove in a matter of seconds.

On the other hand, laced gloves are perfect for serious sparring or even bag work because you will need a tight-fitting glove.

Thumb Lock Compartment

Apart from the aesthetic factor, there are some brands that come with a thumb lock feature. This is an important aspect of safety and security. Both Everlast and Hawk boxing gloves feature a thumb lock technology.

What’s Your Budget?

Boxing gloves come in different price ranges — you can get some brands as low as 20$ and some as high as 400$. You can get a relatively decent and quality pair of boxing glove ranging between 80$- 120$.

If you are not tight on the budget, however, you can go for the more superior quality with great stitching and extra comfortable padding at the cost of the cost, which is anywhere between 200$-400$. Such brands are Winning, Cleto and Grant boxing gloves.

What Is Your Ideal Color?

This may seem like a superficial factor, yes! But indeed many people are particular about their color options. And especially the kids. They are more inclined to work-out and show off their favorite sporting gears.

Brands nowadays manufacture gloves in many color variations. And while color is not the most important factor to consider when choosing the best gloves, you can have fun in picking colors that flatter your outfit and mood.

Conclusion

With all this information, we hope that you are more equipped to choose the best boxing glove that will help your boxing to a whole new level. Remember, boxing gloves are all about the ideal size, quality material, and comfort. Pick the right gloves and you will enjoy your training sessions. Pick the wrong pair and you will sustain injuries that will force you to sit at home and only enjoy the sport on your television. You don’t want that, right? Well, enjoy your training experience and Box On!

Written by Erin Porteous

For the past ten years Erin Porteous enjoyed the freedom of being an independent purveyor of creative services. I specialize in crafting and producing scripts for radio and TV commercials for businesses of all sizes. Moving into the web past 2 years I've been part of LR family driven by a passion for finding simple solutions to complex problems.

Next post
best upholstery cleaning machines

Best Upholstery Cleaning Machines to Keep Your Interiors Spotless

best smartphone gimbal stabilizers

Best Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizers for Smooth Filming on Your Phone