A fresh new pair of boxing gloves might be the most enjoyable purchase a combat fighter (whether they train in classic boxing, Muay Thai, MMA or any other glove wearing fighting sport) will ever make. The right pair will protect both you and anyone you might be training or sparring with. Investing in the right pair of training gloves allows you to honour the sport you are practising (and demonstrate that you are committed to mastering it) whilst showing respect for the safety and comfort of those that you train with. This buyers guide to the best boxing gloves aims to help fighters of any level find the right pair for them. If buying for a child, our guide to the best kids boxing gloves will be more useful.
Top Picks
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Boxing Gloves
This buyers guide aims to be one of the most thorough and comprehensive guides in the online boxing space. It will cover some of the most important things to consider and look for when buying a new pair of boxing gloves and should be useful for fighters of all levels. It is important to note however that as you become a more advanced fighter, the unique requirements that you will want and need from your gloves are also likely to increase. If you have regular training sessions with a professional coach, take full advantage of their (hopefully) extensive experience and personal knowledge of your fighting style by asking them for some of their glove recommendations. You can then compare their feedback to the review information you will find below.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
Before you even start thinking about what gloves to buy, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.
What will your gloves be used for?
In boxing, the weight of your gloves will depend on what you will use them for. Boxing gloves can come as light as 4 Oz or as heavy as 16 Oz (and higher in some cases) depending on how they are intended to be used.
A good way of working out what your gloves will be used for (and how much they should weight as a result) is to remember that:
- Heavy bag gloves are actually slightly lighter than other types of training gloves and made to protect you. Heavy bags can be harsh on the hands, knuckles and wrists so bag gloves will be sturdy (often with secure closure straps) so they can help absorb some of the shock your joints and tendons will receive whilst providing additional padding to protect the hands from the harsh materials most bags are made out of.
- Sparring gloves are even heavier and made to protect your sparring partner. The heavier materials not only provide an added cushion (helping prevent excessive cuts and bruises) but the heaviness also slows your punches down meaning you won’t be able to hit them with as much force (reducing the risk of concussion and serious injuries).
- Training gloves tend to be slightly heavier than heavy bag ones but not quite as heavy as the average sparring gloves. They should be able to protect you in and out of the ring (bag and pad work as well as very light sparring every now and then).
Training gloves will be the best option for the large majority of fighters. They are light enough to be used for general pad and bag work but heavy enough to be suitable for very light sparring sessions. If sparring lightly, they will offer protection to both you and your training parter. Also, unless you are a professional (or training to be one), you do not need to invest in multiple pair of gloves for every different type of training session. A high-quality pair of general training gloves will serve you well. Most fighters will have great results purchasing a pair of 16 Oz training gloves.
What weight gloves do you need?
Providing you have read the question and answer above and understand why some gloves are heavier than others, you should have a better idea on what weight gloves to buy. For most amateur fighters training a few times each week, I would suggest investing in a high-quality pair of 16 Oz training gloves.
If you are buying boxing gloves for a younger fighter (between the ages of 3 and 16), use our cool tool to help you determine the right weight and size to buy.
What is my budget?
The price of your boxing gloves will depend on a number of things like:
- What type of gloves they are (what they are designed to be used for/there intended use).
- How much they weight/what size they are.
- The quality of the material used to make them.
- The brand that produces them.
On average, a decent pair of gloves will set you back between $30 and $100. For the standard fighter I would budget approximately $60 to find a good pair. Be warned that although paying a higher price doesn’t guarantee higher-quality, paying a lower one guarantees lower-quality and materials.
The Best Boxing Gloves List
1. Cleto Reyes Boxing Gloves
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
Cleto Reyes boxing gloves are a great choice for those more serious about improving their boxing skills. There is a good chance that you have seen the brands gear on the hands of some of the top professional fighters in the world or in state-of-the art boxing gyms. The Cleto Reyes gloves are known to be one of the most durable on the market which is why they are perfect for those who intend to train intensely and often.
These gloves are great for a range of training purposes including heavy bag work and sparring sessions. The strong material and secure hook and loop closure makes them great on the heavy bag and the 2-inch padding means they are suitable for safe sparring sessions (as safe as any sparring session can be that is).
The water repellent outer-material is a key feature which makes these gloves extra long-lasting. It also makes them the perfect choice for intense training sessions as the material wont crack from water or sweat.
As the gloves come from a premium brand and are made to last, they are not the cheapest. You may pay a slightly higher price, but the level of performance and quality that you get from them is well worth it.
Pros
- Incredibly durable.
- High-quality materials resistant to water and sweat (which can prevent cracking).
- Designed and produced by a leading brand.
- Products worn by professional fighters all over the world.
Cons
- Slightly higher price tag (although you get incredible value for money).
2. Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
The Venum Elite boxing gloves have been a favourite of ours for a while. In fact, they have been featured in a number of our other buyers guides because of their affordable price and high-quality design. They are also one of the most visually pleasing gloves available so perfect for the more casual fighter.
The gloves are strong, high-quality and high performance, perfect for serious fighters not yet looking to spend a fortune on a good all-round pair of training gloves. It is also claimed that they go through extensive performance testing before being shipped.
Produced in Thailand (the home of Muay Thai), the gloves are great for sparring sessions, heavy bag work and pad/mitt sessions.
Pros
- Extensive style options and one of the coolest designed gloves you will find.
- Soft, thick padding is great for protecting your hands and sparring partners.
- Cost effective training solution.
Cons
- In high demand so you might need to wait until your favourite design is in stock.
3. Title Gel World Boxing Gloves
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
Reinforced Gel lining is a great for heavy hitters and fast hands because of how flexible and adaptable it is. These gloves offer extreme comfort and protection without compromising on performance thanks to the advanced technology used throughout the design and manufacturing. This, partnered with the adjustable wrist strap, makes them one of the most comfortable options you will find and is why adding them to this review list was such an easy decision to make.
The gloves have limited design options (as most do when compared to the Venum Elite ones above) but make up for it with their classic and authentic look. Real leather is used as an outer surface and the Title brand is cemented in boxing history and the fighting hall of fame.
Pros
- Authentic and classic look and feel thanks to Title brand name and real leather outer shell.
- Extreme flexibility offered by the reinforced Gel lining.
- Strong adjustable strap and closure.
- One of the most comfortable boxing gloves you can find.
Cons
- Limited range of color options.
- Higher price because Title is such a prestigious brand in boxing.
4. Winning Training Boxing Gloves
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
Many pros use Winning gloves because of how protective and high-quality they are. You will also see these gloves featured top of many other top 10 best boxing glove lists. However, they are an expensive option which is why they might not be the most suitable for everyone. This is our broadest buyers guide yet and for the average fighter fairly new to the sport, it isn’t necessary to spend a few hundred dollars on training gloves. Instead, a beginner could order a more affordable pair and develop their punching technique and start saving for a more expensive pair.
You can find the Winning gloves with either a lace or a velcro closure. Lace closures are more authentic and provide better support, velcro ones can be easier to get on and off in a hurry. If you are investing in such a high-quality pair, it makes sense to go with the lace closure option for added stability and security.
Pros
- One of the most protective boxing gloves on the market.
- Exceptional Japanese engineering.
- Only the highest-quality materials used.
- Great padding for sensitive or injured hands.
Cons
- Higher price tag.
- Not the best for beginner fighters who might not know how to use and take care of such a premium brand.
5. Di Nardo Training Gloves
Not available on Amazon, purchase from the brand directly here.
Di Nardo are custom made and packed with power. You are unlikely to find a pair of gloves with such a unique look and feel. Anything hand crafted will be built to purpose with extreme precision and care. These are great for advanced fighters looking to progress in competitive bouts. Filippo Di Nardo De Leccese built the brand on top of his families extensive expertise in leather craftsmanship as a result of his passion for boxing.
If you are looking to order this pair of gloves, you should do some research to decide on which padding option will be right for you. The Tutelala option is great for bag work and the Caestus is better suited for sparring and some lighter bag work. As the gloves are hand-made, there are various customisation options and you can also enquire about padding replacement should you need to.
Anything hand made (especially when hand made by one the leading glove makers in the boxing world) will come at a higher price. This is why these gloves are really an option for the experienced fighter who knows what they are looking for.
Pros
- Hand made by the legendary Filippo Di Nardo De Leccese.
- A great option for advanced fighters.
- Sparring or bag work option.
- Padding replacement options available.
Cons
- Higher price tag makes these gloves less appropriate for beginners and intermediate fighters.
6. Everlast Pro Style Boxing Gloves
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
I first tried these gloves when I borrowed a pair at my local boxing gym (most serious gyms have countless gloves from various brands in case anyone training forgets theirs or needs a heavier size for a change in training style). The Everlast brand is huge in the world of combat sports and the gloves lived up to the brands quality reputation. The brand has been heavy weights in the boxing world since 1910 (according to their website) because of their long lasting and durable products. These gloves are no different and can last for months (if not years) and survive countless intense training sessions.
A simple velcro closure allows you to put the gloves on and take them off quickly (perfect for beginners just getting started) and fit nicely in a gym duffel bag. The gloves even come with a generous 1 year warranty.
Pros
- Durable (will stand up to even the hardest punches).
- Easy to slip on and off making them incredibly beginner friendly.
- Exceptional padding quality.
- Strong, sturdy and supporting attached thumb.
- Breathable mesh helps prevent sweat and bacteria build up issues.
Cons
- Significant difference in price depending on the size that you are buying.
7. Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
The Sanabul Essential Gel boxing and/or kickboxing gloves are great for kids, women and men of all ages. They have a sleek and attractive look in a number of different color options. Bare in mind though that as these are more beginner friendly gloves, they aren’t the best for experienced fighters whose punches will make a much greater impact.
The Gel impact protective padding and foam is great for shock absorption and means that newer fighters can minimise their risk of sustaining an injury. A mesh palm keeps the hands cool and increases breathability.
Pros
- Great option for beginners.
- Shock absorbing Gel impact foam padding protects the hands.
- Range of color options.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Not the best option for more experienced and advanced fighters.
8. Fairtex Muay Thai & Kickboxing Gloves
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
Fairtex are known throughout the combat sports world for their supreme Muay Thai, Kickboxing and traditional boxing products. The fighting gloves that the produce are of an exceptional quality and great for intermediate to experienced fighters. The gloves are designed for the ultimate fit and made from premium leather. They are all purpose and come in the recommended 16 Oz size for most fighters.
The Muay Thai gloves are hand-made in Thailand, the home of kickboxing. If it is good enough for the amateur and pro fighters of Thailand, it is good enough for fighters across the US and UK.
Pros
- Handmade in Thailand, the home of kickboxing.
- Built for a snug fit and performance.
- Genuine, premium leather.
- A range of size options available.
Cons
- More expensive than other options (a better option for intermediate and advanced fighters who know what they need out of their next pair of boxing gloves).
- Tighter fit can feel different at first for those used to less snug fitting gloves.
9. Ringside Apex Boxing Gloves
Sparring Gloves:
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
Training Gloves:
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
Ringside is another authentic boxing brand that you will find placed in some of the best boxing gyms in the country and indeed the world. If you are more advanced and looking for multiple gloves, I recommend getting the Apex sparring and the Apex training gloves. They are purpose built and can help you take your sparring and fighting technique to the next level.
Pros
- Specialized and built for training purpose (sparring or training).
- Wrap-around closure helps keep the gloves firmly in place.
- Injected moulded foam.
- Grip bar helps beat hand fatigue.
Cons
- Have to take accurate measurements before ordering.
10. Twins Special Velcro Boxing Gloves
*Details last updated on 2023-09-22
Twins Special are a premium brand in part because of the 100% genuine leather materials and the exceptional designs used to create their products. They come in a range of sizes meaning lighter fighters all the way up to heavy weights can benefit from using them. The Twins Special product range are suitable for MMA, boxing and Thai boxing.
Pros
- 100% genuine leather offers a sweat and crack resistant surface.
- Suitable for a range of combat sports training.
- A range of sizes are available.
Cons
- The quality offered comes at a higher price. Good for more advanced fighters with an interest in a range of different fighting sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What boxing gloves do professionals use?
Professional boxers use a range of different gloves and you will tend to see the same brands showing up including Winning, Cleto Reyes, Everlast and Rival to name a few. What you should really be looking for is what are the features of your favourite fighters gloves and which gloves can you buy that replicate them. This could be things like being made from real, premium quality leather, the type of closure used e.g. lace up or velcro.
What are the best boxing gloves for beginners?
The best boxing gloves for beginners are any that allow for a good all-round training session. They should be suitable for everything from pad and bag work to light sparring. As a beginner, you will want to train in a little bit of everything to start developing both your offensive and defensive skills. An important part of this is owning a pair of gloves that offer adequate protection to you and your sparring partner(s). In my opinion, the best gloves for a beginner are the Venum Elite. They offer high-performance and quality and an affordable price (as a beginner, don’t over-invest before you even decide if you want to continue training regularly).
What Oz boxing gloves do I need?
The weight of the gloves that you need depends on their purpose and how old you are. For someone over the age of 18 looking for general training gloves (suitable for bag and pad work as well as the occasional light sparring session), a 16 Oz pair will be a good bet. If you are or are buying for someone under 18 you can use this cool tool to workout the right Oz gloves.
Haha so many options!
Thanks for this though, helped me a lot.
I tried on a pair of Everlast Pro Style gloves at my local gym and liked them enough, so ordered those ones. Good to see you recommended them too.
Look forward to reading your other posts, Jake.
Hey Jake (cool name ;)..)!
Thanks for the comment. The Everlast Pro Style is a great pair (big fan of all Everlast products really) and especially for beginners/those not looking to spend a fortune.