We know the story, you were fortunate enough to be introduced to boxing at a young age and have benefited greatly from the discipline, will power and determination that the sport has instilled in you. Maybe you were not so lucky but thankfully picked up the sport throughout adulthood, it has made you more confident, healthier and more motivated. Whatever the reason, it is no surprise that you want to get your child, niece, nephew, friends son/daughter or grandchild involved with the sport. It is a truly great thing! You will no doubt want to make sure that you buy the best junior boxing gloves for your little one to avoid injuries and to make their training as fun and enjoyable as possible!
Our Top 3 Picks
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
The Ultimate Guide To Junior Boxing Gloves
The name of the game is quality, protection, comfort and durability (at least that is the name of the boxing equipment game..). You have so many options available when it comes to children’s boxing gloves that it can be hard to decide which is the best pair on offer.
Fortunately, we have put together the ultimate guide and the only kids boxing glove guide you will ever need! We will help you find the right pair of boxing gloves for you whether you and your loved ones focus is on training, sparring, working the pads, fitness or hitting the speed bag.
Truth is, you can not accurately predict what part of the sport your little one will enjoy the most. I know I know, we all want them to be little Tysons (but without the lawsuits!) but realistically not all kids will enjoy sparring and that is okay. Let them enjoy the parts of the sport that appeals to them. You can do this without fretting about the cost by picking a pair of gloves that is suitable for bag work, sparring and general workouts. You do not yet need gloves that are tailor made for any specific purpose and the first few months can certainly be enjoyed with any high quality pair of gloves. The key is high quality though, as always!
As always you get what you pay for. Do not be tempted to cut corners and risk injury. A fractured risk is a sure fire way to ruin the first impressions that your child has on the sport. Besides, we all have to get used to the fact that gloves need replacing every now and then. After all, you can’t put a price on a bonding experience and the rewards that come from practising this great sport. Also even if your junior does spend hours each day hitting the bag, yes you will need to replace the gloves more often but hey, Mayweather is worth over $500 million now!?
We base this review under the assumption that your child is not training an abnormal amount throughout the week (meaning not training 7 days a week, round the clock or never in any week besides week 51 of the year). The results from whatever pair you might choose could vary depending on training amount, intensity and aftercare. These reviews are based on the assumption that your little one will be training roughly 3 times a week.
Some people worry that they might be putting their child at risk by getting them involved with such a contact heavy sport. Unfortunately this means that they often miss all of the positives! An interest in such a physically challenging sport means that your loved one will be set up to be fighting fit well into adulthood. Usually you see those who start training a sport when they were young stick with either the same sport or switch to a different one that they find more enjoyable as they get older. The main point to take home though is that they carry on working out and taking part in a sport at all, making them fitter and healthier than they would be otherwise. Boxing in particular has also been credited with improving work ethic, motivation, confidence and emotional well being/stress management!
Table of Contents
Best Kids Gloves
- Sanabul Essential Gel
- RDX Elite Gloves
- Elite Sports Gloves
- Everlast Leather Training Gloves
- Venum Youth Gloves
- Everlast Laceless Gloves
- Luniquz Junior Gloves
- Dtown Junior Mitts
- Farabi Youth Gloves
- Everlast Protex 2
Review Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The 10 Best Kids Boxing Gloves
1. Sanabul Essential GEL
Known for their high quality products that come recommended by boxers and athletes in general, the Sanabul brand produces some of the best boxing gloves going. You can’t really go wrong with a pair of gloves from such a respected brand and this pair in particular is a preferred item for junior boxers. The main point is that they are small enough to fit most children looking to get into the sport and start training. The additional options available such as the range of bright colours available can also be particularly appealing to younger athletes. The thick, strong and durable material means that your youth can really put these to use and you can rest easy knowing that their hands, wrists, arms (and opponents/coaches! Especially important if you happen to be the coach!) will be protected.
Expert Rating*: 5/5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
Material
Sanabul have put together a product that is made of some of the finest quality leather, perfect for heavy hitting throughout intense training sessions. It is vital that you find a pair of gloves that will consistently protect your son, daughter, friend and/or loved one. The team manufacturing these gloves have put together a pair of boxing gloves that have a tough exterior and will last for a respectable amount of time. The gel and foam mix effectively protects the hands, knuckles and wrists so you can be sure that your child will not sustain unnecessary injuries. A note about injuries, whilst the choice of mitts is an important decision when it comes to minimizing risk, that is all such a decision does. Such an intensive sport requires expert coaching and practise to properly avoid injuries.
Ventilation/Hygiene
Ventilation and hygiene should be a top priority when it comes to you and your child’s boxing gloves. Bacteria growth is nobodies friend and is not nice to even consider let alone experience. As you may know if you are a keen boxer, washing the inside of those mitts can be challenging! Ventilation is the key. To allow adequate air flow and ventilation, the Sanabul Essential GEL gloves has implemented a mesh material in the palms. By providing room for air to enter the glove and space for heat and sweat to leave, the risk of bacteria is greatly reduced.
Price
The Sanabul brand is known for being high quality, making durable products and providing excellent customer satisfaction. With this in mind, you get what you pay for BUT this certainly does not mean that they are astronomically priced. Given the length of time that these gloves last, the stress they save you by reducing the need to worry about bacteria and the peace of mind you get from knowing that your child’s hands are protected, they are a bargain. The gloves are perfectly placed and designed for junior boxes of all skill levels, be they beginners or pros!
Positives
- Appealing to kids due to the wide range of bright colours available.
- Fit perfectly on children of all different ages!
- Protective foam and gel material so that your kids hands, wrists and knuckles are safe.
- Effective ventilation to protect the inside of the mitts.
- Considering the premium brand name and the amount of use you will get out of this product, very reasonably priced.
Negatives
- Tough leather material can mean that quite a good deal of use is required to break the gloves in.
- Might turn your kid into a mini Tyson (only kidding..unless you would want that then yeah totally ;)…).
2. RDX Elite Kids Gloves
Perhaps one of the most sought after junior boxing gloves. Made from exceptional quality cow leather (old school and just how we like them), these gloves really pack a punch (literally!). The guys at RDX have been working real hard and it shows! A drastic improvement on previous models and products, this new pair has upgrade materials, design and performance. As always with equipment and gear designed to be protection as well as performance, there could always be improvements. This goes for all products though so it is important to be objective when making a purchasing decision. The upgraded gloves leave ample room and protection for your son/daughter/child to punch with the most effective, proper form and technique.
Expert Rating*: 5/5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
Maximum Use of Shell Shock Gel
These gloves can be purchased with all the padding and protection that you would ever need (or at least need until you fancy treating yourself to a even newer pair…god we all love that new glove smell haha). These gloves come with a gel lined knuckle area that is strategically placed to offer the most protection whether you are hitting your opponent, the speed bag or the heavy bag. Jokes about knocking your opponent out, when your child is sparring/training with another child, you don’t want any upsets, injuries or falling outs. The gel padding means that both your child and the other athlete is adequately protected.
Wrist Support, Hand Support, Emotional Support, Whatever You Need!
Okay, so maybe not that last one but these mitts will offer your child a lot of support when they are training. Wrist support is one of the most important parts of preventing common boxing injuries and is an important thing to consider when looking for the best junior boxing gloves. So what does wrist support actually mean? Well, it means that the gloves wont slip, that they will be held firmly in place and that they will absorb any shock sent down to your wrists well. Fortunately the ingenious design of these gloves prevents them slipping and secures them where you need them to be. Furthermore they utilise the gel padding that will go a long way in absorbing the shock to your wrists that your child will no doubt experience throughout their training.
Cost
These gloves come at a great price point considering the upgraded materials, design and performance. Usually when a brand updates their product range they add on additional costs to manufacturing and pass these onto the customers but it seems that RDX has tried their best not to do this on this occasion. Enjoy the affordable and reasonable price offered by these high quality gloves.
Positives
- Made from quality and sought after cow leather.
- Great at letting moisture and heat escape thanks to the mesh material.
- Gel padding protects knuckles and helps to absorb shock.
- Velcro closure results in firmer positioning and less slipping meaning more support!
- Excellent fit for kids!
Negatives
- Velcro strap is not necessarily the most secure way to position a glove.
- Might be better suited for heavy bag training as opposed to sparring.
3. Elite Sports Boxing Gloves
The Elite Sports brand is a strong front runner in the world of boxing and combat sports in general. They are active in a number of verticals and the material used offers a number of key benefits that will be discussed in more detail below. So when looking for the best boxing gloves for your favourite youth (dear me I feel old!), make sure that you give these guys a fair chance and seriously consider them! You do not want to rush any decision that has an effect on the protection of your child and their enjoyment of this wonderful sport.
Expert Rating*: 5/5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
Well Ventilated
As an experienced boxer, you are probably well aware of the effect that a sweaty palmed and weak wrist support can feel like. Not only is it a bit unfortunate and gross, it can be an injury risk. Sweat can create additional moisture on the inside of the gloves and mean that they can slip out of place, offering less wrist support and shock absorbance as a result. Strategically placed mesh material ensures that heat and moisture can escape without messing with your wrist support. This feature can help to prevent the undesirable side of boxing gloves including fungus and bacteria. The mesh material can be thought of as an integrated cooling system within the gloves.
Designed With Proper Technique & Form in Mind
A punch executed with correct form and technique is no easy feat. It makes it even more difficult that your child will be trying to execute such a punch over, and over, and over again. This is part of the parcel of boxing and why a great boxer is so impressive and why the sport is so fun to watch. As a result of this, boxing gloves must be designed with technique and form in mind. The design of the boxing gloves must cater to such requirements and help your kid achieve the right form and technique (not to be confused with expert instruction from a certified boxing coach!). The curve shape used on these gloves makes making a fist immediately easier and the secure fastening means that your wrists are protected in any eventuality!
So, Will They Break The Bank?
In a short answer, no. These gloves offer exceptional value for money and will last about as long as the best junior boxing gloves would last. They come jam packed with features suited for fighters of any level but are particularly beginner friendly! The perfect pair of starting gloves for your child. Find more details on the Amazon product page linked above!
Positives
- Can be put in the washing machine!?
- Designed to aid punching grip, technique and form.
- Range of sizes perfect for beginner boxers of all ages.
- Gel protection for added shock support.
- Good well rounded pair of mitts.
Negatives
- Weight has been reported to be slightly off (see Amazon reviews mentioning this). This is likely to be a limited issue and not one that you will experience but it is important to be transparent. The wrong weight can have a particularly negative effect on younger boxers who are not as well versed in correct form and technique. Muscle memory reduces the effects of the strangest things!
4. Everlast Leather Training Gloves
I must admit, the Everlast brand is a favourite of mine. They are active in so many health and fitness areas and establish themselves in each and every one. It is likely that you have seen the Everlast logo stamped onto the high quality, shiny and appealing punching bag found in most local boxing gyms. They are also known for sponsoring a boat load of different fighters and events. Any brand that gives back to the sport and the athletes through such lucrative sponsorships is good in my eyes (of course providing that their products match the quality of the athletes endorsing them). Take a look at the team Everlast athletes, you are bound to see one of your favourite fighters there! So, personal bias acknowledged lets move onto the good stuff, information about the mitts!
Expert Rating*: 4/5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
Just because I personally like a brand does not mean that their products go through easy street when we are reviewing them. These junior gloves deliver on durability, protection, ventilation and support. So, lets jump right in.
Wrist Support & Protection
The Everlast kids gloves offer a lot of support to your child’s wrists (as does all the gloves featured on this list) but also, and this is the important bit and one of the key selling points of this particular pair of gloves, flexibility. With proper form and technique, flexibility should not mean any increased risk of injury, in fact the opposite. It allows for natural movement and adjustment of the glove. The non elasticated velcro strap will keep your loved ones wrist sturdily in place meaning that they can make excellent impact when striking the bag, their opponent or simply when shadow boxing. Flexibility is dramatically different than slipping and sliding, it is important to remember that when shopping for your junior boxing gloves.
Air Holes, Air Flow & Ventilation
The standard palm of the glove ventilation is present on these superior quality gloves. What does this mean you ask? Well it means that fungus and bacteria will not be an issue that is for sure. It also means that your child will have a more enjoyable training session each and every time they go to their boxing lessons. A pair of junior boxing gloves without ventilation is a pair of boxing gloves that wont last very long.
Cost
Everlast is a premium brand and there is no denying that the price reflects that. Is that such a bad thing though? I mean, you really do get what you pay for and your child’s safety is the last place you should be looking to save some pounds. The cost of these gloves reflects the quality of them, I strongly suggest that you consider these as your kids first pair of junior boxing gloves!
Positives
- From the respected and trusted Everlast brand. You know you are buying quality.
- Reasonably priced considering the brand name.
- Sufficient air flow meaning that your child’s boxing training will be hygienic!
- Wrist support is a big positive with this pair but they also do not restrict flexibility, meaning that (with the right coaching and practise), your child can learn the best technique and form for them and their fighting style.
Negatives
- As you are buying a premium brand, you pay slightly more. Given the quality though and the age old ‘you get what you pay for’, this is not really such a negative.
- Velcro secure attachment is not elasticated.
- They can run quite small but this is not bad for a junior pair of gloves. Depending on how fast your child grows though, you may find yourself having to replace these.
5. Venum Youth Boxing Gloves
Venum. The name says it all really, doesn’t it? Strong, ruthless and potentially, deadly. Just what you have always wanted your son or daughter to be..right XD! Seriously though, I believe that the name refers to the accuracy, precision and power that can be generated when wearing these junior gloves (just my opinion of course ;)..). Your kid will be more than happy to receive a pair of these and will be the envy of their friends. Until they get older, part of the fun is the cool name and idea that such a feature makes them to best of the best when it comes to boxing.
Expert Rating*: 4/5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
Injury Prevention
The wrist support offered by the Venum gloves means that this is the closest you can get to injury prevention in the world of boxing. It is always important to remember that we can offer no guarantees, (as we are sure you are aware) whenever your child steps into a boxing gym, there is the risk of injury. The thick, strong and durable velcro closure featured on these mitts means that your child’s wrists will be supported. This is particularly important when training on the heavy bag as this is where the majority of wrist injuries are caused.
Effective and Thick Foam Padding
Advanced foam materials and implementation means that both your child and their opponent (be they another child or a punching bag) will be protected when striking. The knuckles take quite literally a beating throughout training sessions, sparring and fights and that is why this foam padding is so important. Without it the sport would be a lot more dangerous. You can relax knowing that with this pair of gloves, your child’s health and well being is being accounted for. These mitts were also a favourites of one coach we asked because he said the appeal of the brand (the name, the logo and the colours) made them great for kids. He has seen many young boxers turn up sporting this brand and all pairs seem to do the job that they are intended to do (protect and perform).
Value for Money
The slightly higher cost of these gloves is mainly due to the superior material used to put them together (as far as we can tell/we assume). High quality foam padding is not something you would ever want the manufacturer to try to save some pennies on and that is why we are happy to recommend this pair of mitts on our list. Not to mention the appealing colours available, the cool logo and the striking (haha boxing puns are great aren’t they) name.
Positives
- That name though. Venum gloves. We really can’t get enough of this!
- The high quality, durable and secure foam material used to prevent injury to your child and their opponents.
- Wrist support galore.
- Did we mention the name?
Negatives
- The only negative would probably have to be the slightly higher than average price. We genuinely think that the quality material used to construct these youth gloves makes up for this though.
6. Everlast Laceless Boxing Gloves
Whilst we are aware that we already featured an Everlast pair of mitts in this list, there is a key reason why we featured another. They are traditional. The structured design has been tried and tested for years and this is one of the reasons that this brand, the brand that has been round for over a century chooses to continue to manufacture such a design. You can’t beat the classic boxing glove look and the performance is equally sought after.
Expert Rating*: 5/5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
Long Lasting
The classic design lasts long enough to warrant the price you pay. They are great for junior boxers, teenagers and adults. The double stitching means that these gloves are ready to endure many intense training sessions. The padding can withstand a lot and only the highest quality material goes into these brands products. Furthermore, they use industrial (think super strong) rope to secure the gloves further. You won’t find yourself replacing these mitts any time soon!
Tried and Tested
As we mentioned before, these are traditional gloves. Your child will learn the traditional boxing grip, you don’t get any better than old school technique and form. These laceless gloves will help make sure that your child is fighting fit. Partner the timeless design with a hard knock, old school coach and your son, daughter or loved one will be a champion boxer in no time ;).
Cost, Value and Additional Thoughts
With prices dependant on the size of gloves that you are after, it is not such an easy comparison. Also given the traditional design of these gloves, we presume that the manufacturing costs are higher. I would imagine that more specialist machinery and/or processes is needed to put these style of gloves together.
Positives
- Traditional, tried and tested shape and style.
- Durable material that means you wont have to replace these within the first few weeks!
- One of our favourite brands.
- Will turn your little one into a mini Rocky!
Negatives
- Might not have all of the same features as more updated styles of gloves.
- It is possible that there is a good reason why manufacturers have moved on from this style of glove.
7. Luniquz Junior Boxing Gloves
These fire hot gloves are sought after by junior boxers all over the country and indeed the world! They feature a sleek and cool design that will hint at the speed and accuracy that your child will deliver whilst wearing them. Not only will the sleek design ensure that your child is excited to put them on but the features including the strong foam padding and secure wrist fastening velcro will ensure that your child has the best training sessions possible.
Expert Rating*: 5/5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
Strength and Support for Your Wrists
The best boxers all know that supporting their wrists (and the rest of their bodies!) is of the up most importance! To get the most out of training sessions and to perform the best in the ring, you need to be confident that your equipment is doing its job protecting you. Now remember that you and your child will need to partner boxing mitts that offer the best wrist support with wraps that also help deliver this. The two work together to prevent injury, allow you to deliver the most powerful punches and means that you can enter the ring with no worries.
Foam Padding
If you have ever tried to have a fun and gentle sparring session with your kid only to be on the receiving end of one of their over enthusiastic blows, you know just how hard they can punch. Not only to protect their knuckles but to protect the other person that they are sparring!
Price
Kids boxing mitts can be pricey but that is because you are paying for the safety and well being of your loved ones. These offer great value for money especially considering the features that are included. Do not cut corners when it comes to the safety of your child boxing.
Positives
- A stylish and fire hot design that will be envy of your child’s friends!
- A great deal of protection through the thick foam padding and wrist support from the velcro strap.
- Can be chucked into the washing machine to ensure that they are squeaky clean! Not that you will need to do this too often given the fantastic ventilation found on these mitts.
Negatives
- Surprisingly, none that we can think of/could find!
8. DTown Junior Mitts
The bright colour options available to youth boxers is bound to capture the attention, imagination and interest of your loved one! If you child is excited to put on their pair of mitts then they will be excited to train and make the most of those training sessions! Watch their skill and fitness levels go (quite literally) from strength to strength. The DTown brand has really out done themselves with their most recent products and are delivering on quality, price and performance.
Expert Rating*: 4/5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
Gel Padding Protection
You will have noticed that this particular feature has been mentioned throughout this article. Why? Simply because it makes such a difference in the quality and performance of a pair of boxing gloves. Gel padding is a key part of what makes boxing that much safer nowadays. The padding protects the knuckles, the fingers, the hands and the opponent. By absorbing much of the shock generated when your gloves hits the punching bag or opponent, your son/daughter will avoid injuries and unnecessary stress on their wrists.
A Great Starter Pair
These mitts are great for beginners. They have all of the key features that any budding boxer needs to keep them and those who they train with safe. The neon colours available ensure that your child or loved one is keen to put them on time and time again and will be the envy of their friends (maybe even some of the other parents to ;)..). The DTown team craft the mitts from top of the range materials, ensuring that your starter pair of boxing gloves wont be your worst pair (keep reading our articles to make sure none of them are your worst pair haha!).
They Must Cost A Boat Load, Right?
Wrong! These are very reasonably priced when you consider all of the features included. They are one of the most sought after youth boxing gloves on the market in part to their snazzy design. Besides the appealing colours available though they are strong, lightweight, durable and reliable. You want your children to have the happiest, healthiest and safest boxing experiences possible and one of the easiest ways to ensure this is by purchasing the best pair of boxing mitts for your children that you can find.
Positives
- A snazzy design that will have your children excited to head to the gym so they can put those bright neon gloves on!
- Long lasting thanks to the breathable material used and the quality ventilation.
- Great price when considering the materials used to make these mitts.
Negatives
- As with most children’s boxing gloves, it can be tricky to fit the correct size to your child.
9. Farabi Youth Gloves
With some wonderful looking designs, these gloves are perfectly suited for a child boxer (or a child that is soon to start boxing). Your child is growing and their wrists are the most delicate that they are ever going to be, boxing can put a strain on even the strongest of wrists which is why you need to ensure that the gloves that you buy for your child offer adequate protection. These gloves are purpose built to protect the wrists, absorb shock and be comfortable to wear and train with.
Expert Rating*: 5/5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
Strong, Secure and High Quality
The synthetic leather material makes these junior gloves exceptionally strong, durable and micro fibre friendly. They do a great job absorbing impact meaning that your child’s wrists don’t have to. Not only will this material help protect the wrists, it helps to protect the durability of the gloves! There will be no worries about your child’s safety or the safety or your investment/the money spent on these kids mitts!
Ventilated and Air Flow
So we are back to the bacteria and fungus (how great!). The ventilation and air flow of the gloves is of the up most importance. This is one of those things that you will definitely notice if it is not up to scratch but probably not so much if all is well. Maybe you have been fortunate enough to have never had a bad experience with this but take us at our word, this is important! In fact, the ventilation of the gloves is one of the key criteria that we base our reviews of. The mesh material used in most gloves has become a must have for all gloves worth purchasing and these mitts are no different. Not only does the Farabi gloves ventilation system keep the air moving and the bacteria and fungus non existent, but it can be helpful if your child suffers from any skin conditions. Keeping the hands dry is perhaps beneficial especially for those with Eczma or similar skin conditions.
Value of The Gloves
This is one of the best deals we have seen when it comes to the amount of value that you get for the price you pay. The child friendly design and features of these mitts means the relatively low price you pay is that much better. This pair is more suitable for those looking for a pair of gloves suitable for a wide range of training situations. Whether your child intends to train for fitness or a tournament, these gloves are suitable. If however you know that they are going to be focusing on hitting the heavy bag then you might want to consider a more heavily padded pair of gloves.
Positives
- Breathable, ventilated material means that the gloves don’t suffer from bacteria and/or fungus issues.
- Long lasting. The tough material is not only great for shock absorbing but also to minimise general wear and tear within the first few months of training.
- Great if just starting out with general boxing training or if training to be a well-rounded boxer.
Negatives
- Maybe not the best pair if you know that your child/junior will be training in one particular area (e.g. the heavy bag and specifically not for sparring).
10. Everlast Protex 2
How could we not finish on an Everlast product? We have said it before (even in this very review!) and we will say it again, there is a reason why this brand has been so dominant across the health, fitness and combat sports industries for so long. They are constantly improving their product offerings, researching the most advanced materials, technologies and designs and giving back to the sporting community. These particular gloves are suitable for those looking to take part it basic boxing fitness training, punching/heavy bag training and sparring. However, if you are looking for your child to specialise in one area then there are more relevant and targeted options out there.
Expert Rating*: 4/5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-26
Highest Quality Material
You know something that has really improved the boxing gear industry? Synthetic leather! This material brings all of the strength, durability and resistance that real leather has just without the ethical concerns that leather can bring. Perhaps you don’t mind about real leather but your child’s classmates and friends might? Why risk offending people by opting for the real leather when this synthetic material is just as high quality and durable?
Fitted and Colourful!
Fitted for juniors! You can get these gloves in 14 Oz or 16 Oz and in a number of different colours. Your child will be more than happy to receive their new boxing gloves in their favourite colour. Get them in black, red or grey (all of which look great).
Secured at The Wrist
The Everlast Velcro wrist strap ensures that your child wont suffer any injury because they were wearing the wrong boxing gloves whilst training, sparring or fighting. If there is one thing that the Everlast brand is known for, it is their commitment to quality and safety. This is one of the key benefits of buying from such a well known and respected brand. One of the reasons that they are so popular is because they do such a good job of protecting the wearers of their products!
Positives
- Wide range of popular colours so that your child can have their gloves in a colour that they like.
- Good size(s) for junior boxers.
- From the trusted, respected and experienced Everlast brand.
Negatives
- Similar to other mentions of the Everlast brand, you pay a price for such a trusted and proven brand name. Just bare this in mind when you are met with the price and consider how much you are willing to pay to reduce the chance of your kids injuring themselves (you will never pay too much when it comes to this!).
Further Details
Combat sports and boxing in particular is great for building the confidence, levels of motivation and self esteem of kids. With many children struggling with discipline issues, a lack of focus and boredom it is important that they find something (such as boxing) that can offer clear guidance and progression. This great sport can be used to teach them important life lessons and instill a work ethic that will never leave them. Your child will learn that working hard, practising often and staying positive will eventually lead to success. You may still be worrying that this sport is too aggressive for a child but fear not, when practised properly boxing can be good for a juniors stress levels! It can treat them to be gracious in the face of defeat and humble when victorious. These traits will help make them a happier, more well-rounded individual.
Furthermore, if you hope that your child will remain healthy (physically and mentally) throughout their childhood and into their adult life, you will want to get them practising something that improves strength, endurance and accuracy and also helps them deal with conflict and challenges.
Choosing the right boxing gloves for your kid can be tricky but the list above should give you a good place to start. Consider the material, colour, size and features that you want/need from your junior boxing gloves and make a decision from there. Also we strongly recommended that you show the pictures to your child and ask them. No matter how much they cost it is your child’s enjoyment of the sport that you will no doubt be most concerned about. If they love the gloves that you get them, they are that much more likely to love the sport and their training sessions!
Our Best Kids Boxing Gloves Review Criteria
We always do our best to make sure that our reviews are as accurate, transparent and up to date as possible. Not only do we conduct our own thorough research by sourcing product information from all over the internet, we run our reviews by experienced boxers and boxing coaches that we know to ensure that they agree (or at least don’t see a problem) with our findings/reviews.
Sizing
The size and fit of your gloves is perhaps one of the most important things in pre-match boxing. You have total control over this and failure to check that the gloves you purchase fit before entering the ring/gym needs to be avoided. The right fit ensures that your child will be confident in their ability to deliver a knockout blow before they step foot in the gym. More importantly, an ill fitting glove can lead to injury! Ensure that your child’s boxing gloves fit perfectly before sending them to their training or sparring session.
Perhaps confusingly and irritatingly if you are not a boxer yourself, boxing gloves are not characterised by their size as most things are (small, medium, large, extra large etc.). Instead, they are classified by their weight (measured in ounces or OZ) with most gloves weighing in between 8 – 16 ounces. Try not to get too tripped up by these as they are just used to reference different gloves. In some cases a sixteen ounce glove will not necessarily weigh 16 Oz. You will not find any odd number measurements and the best way to check if they fit is always to do just that, check if they fit! Get your child to put them on and give you feedback on how they sit on their hand, if they have any negative effects on their punching form/technique.
The weight will also always depend on the purpose of the gloves. If they are for heavy bag training, they are likely to weigh a lot more than if they are for shadow boxing! This is because heavier, thicker material is used to make the gloves to offer more protection to the knuckles and wrist when punching the heavy bag. If in doubt, you should speak to the person training your child as people all have their own ideas about what glove is best and for what purpose. A heavier glove can mean more protection but it can also mean slower movements and an increased risk of injury in sparring! That is why it is so important to ask whenever you are in doubt.
Before sending your child to the boxing gym with any new gloves, you should do your due diligence by considering the points addressed above, finding out/deciding what the gloves will be used for and (if possible) having your child try the gloves on and give you feedback on their fit, weight and feel. Asking if they are comfortable can often be the quickest and easiest way to find out if you have bought the right pair. Also always remember that no matter how good your gloves are, they will only be as good as the hand wraps used and the technique used to wrap them. Protective padding/mitts work alongside effective wrist support/hand wraps not instead of!
Purpose
As mentioned briefly above, you need to decide what the gloves will be used for before you order them! If your child intends to train intensely on the heavy bag for the next 6 months you would certainly want to order a different pair of gloves than if they were interested in general fitness training/shadow boxing. As combat sports generally pose a greater risk of injury, there is a greater number of types of protective gear. Make sure that you consider how the gloves will be used by your child before spending your hard earned money on a brand new pair. As your kid gets more into their training and more serious about their boxing, you will definitely want to order multiple pairs suitable for each purpose.
Heavy Bag Training
The heavy bag is one of the more damaging (to the gloves!) type of training that a boxer can do. Hitting such a heavy, strong and tough bag repeatedly can quickly damage gloves not suited for this. If you know that your son, daughter or loved one wants to take up heavy bag training then they will need a pair of mitts suitable specifically for this training style. If the gloves above are perhaps more suitable for heavy bag training, we will have mentioned about the good quality padding used on the knuckle area that usually means the gloves won’t have tears any time soon. The padding means that they are far better suited for repeated blows to a heavy bag.
Sparring
The feature needed for sparring is similar to that which is needed for heavy bag training but there are some key differences. Whilst padding on the knuckles is of the up most importance, it is for a different reason. Whilst on the heavy bag you are trying to minimise damage to the glove, on sparring mitts you want to minimise serious damage to the opponent and your knuckles. This means that a different type and amount of material needs to be used.
General Workouts
These type of gloves are best suited for those looking to take part in general workouts and tend to cover all bases but not necessarily specialise in any one area. Each feature could be further developed and improved to make the gloves more suitable for a specific training exercise but these gloves are great for the beginners just starting to dip their toes into the world of boxing and all it has to offer. This is likely to be most suitable for child boxing gloves as coaches will have beginners doing a wide variety of training techniques and circuits in their first few months.
Whilst the general purpose gloves are great for beginners and those group workouts, you will eventually have to invest in multiple pairs. As your child develops as their boxer, not only will their technique and form get better but they will also grow and get stronger! These two things combined means that they will be able to hit harder and the gloves they wear will be put through even more in each and every training session. Ask their coach for advise on when to invest in more specialist pairs of gloves as your main priority will be reducing the risk of injury buy purchasing purpose suited gloves as you need to.
Colour & Design
Everyone knows that colour causes emotion. Perhaps this is why bright red (which oozes confidence and aggression) has become synonymous with the sport. Choosing the right colour is especially important when shopping for your child. When we are young, things such as the colour of your boxing gloves can mean an awful lot. They will want to look cool in front of their friends and training partners so you should make sure that you find out what colour gloves they would like. We have endeavoured to discuss the colour options of each of the gloves featured in this article.
Wrist Support
A big part of the wrist support offered by your gloves will be the closing mechanism. Velcro is commonly used in modern gloves as it allows you to adjust the tightness of your closing mechanism. Those with looser gloves can ensure that they are tightly secure whilst those with a tighter fit can make sure that they are not uncomfortable.
Perhaps you remember the classic laced boxing gloves from way back when! So, why are these not the in thing any more? The answer is quite simple really. They are tricky (if not impossible) to get on and off when training alone. Have you ever tried securing the velcro straps by yourself? It is hard enough let alone if you had to worry about fastening and tying some laces hanging off the gloves!
Material
Strongly related to the points above is the material that the gloves are made out of. A high quality material does not only look good, it needs to be durable, tough yet not punishing and protective. Synthetic leather is most commonly used nowadays for its protective qualities but more ethical manufacturing methods. The classic boxing gloves that old school fighters will remember where crafted from genuine leather but this would be far too expensive today to cater for the huge number of amateur boxers practising the sport. Vinyl is another material that you might see offered when it comes to junior/beginner boxing gloves but approach these with caution. Vinyl is okay for beginner gloves but you will quickly find yourself having to replace them if they are used regularly. Whist cheaper than genuine and synthetic leather, they will not last as long and wont be of as high quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know when I have found the right pair of gloves?
Your child should be telling you how comfortable the gloves are when they put them on. The punching form and technique should not need to be adjusted because of the gloves and when striking (whether they be striking the heavy bag, speedball or an opponent) their should be no pain. Your child should not have to awkwardly position their hand or fingers either to get the gloves on or off.
Which ones should I buy for my kid?
Well we would start with the ‘recommended 3’ found at the beginning of this article. Have a look at the reviews, images and details and then compare these to the other gloves mentioned in our review above. Most importantly though you will need to determine what the gloves will be used for – heavy bag training, sparring, competitions or general training.
Where can I order them?
We suggest looking on Amazon for all the gloves mentioned in these reviews just because we know that they are available there. However, any respectable boxing store (online or offline) should stock or at least know of each brand mentioned throughout this article. Go and get their opinion to as the right gloves will always be a somewhat personal/individual decision.
What about aftercare and maintaining my gloves?
Make sure that they are cleaned regularly enough to remove any bacteria and/or fungus! You should also store the gloves in a cool, dry place so as to limit the growth and spread of any bacteria and fungus. Take care of the leather also if your gloves are made from genuine leather material.
How can I make sure the gloves last longer?
Well part of this comes down to buying quality to begin with but once you have purchased your gloves, you should make sure that you rotate them out with other gloves that you own. If you don’t own any other pairs this will not really be an option so just make sure that you store them in a cool, dry place and clean them when necessary.
Can I clean them in hot water
Yes, not boiling though! Warm water is fine to wash most gloves in. Believe it or not, some gloves can even be thrown in the washing machine!
Will my child get hurt/is it safe?
Hopefully not! Boxing is a combat sport so the risk of injury is always there and it is important to recognise this. If they enjoy the sport though and are willing to take the minimal risk (there is after all risk of injury in any sport with plenty of contact sports such as rugby and/or American football being played at most schools!) though it can be a greatly rewarding passion to develop. Take the appropriate precautions (such as selecting the right gloves for your child) and ensure that those teaching them are qualified to do so to minimise risk of injury.
Where else can I boxing gloves for my kid?
There are many different places that you can find and buy kids boxing gloves, including on Amazon where we’ve linked to above. However, there are plenty of other shops that stock gloves from quality brands that you might prefer! We have added some other options below.
USA
United Kingdom
These are some of the best and most popular sports shops in the US and UK. Alternatively, you can speak with a licensed boxing coach down most local gyms for further advice and recommendations (many gyms even sell gloves themselves!).
What are the best gloves for beginner boxers?
If your child is new to boxing, you don’t need to spend a fortune on the best gloves. The weight of the gloves will actually be more important so as to not tire them out too early in their training sessions. Use this handy tool to find the right size boxing gloves. Still, for the right mix of quality and affordability we would suggest going with the Sanabul Essential GEL gloves.
Article Sources
- Wikipedia, Boxing Glove information, accessed on 22nd of December 2020.
- BBC, Guide to Boxing, accessed on 29th of December 2020.
- The Guardian, Now and Then: Boxing Gloves, accessed on 29th of December.
*The expert score is based off our research and not exclusive to gloves we have tried personally. We took the features from manufacturer descriptions and customer reviews in to account when assigning the expert score.
How would you rate the Elite sports kids gloves out of 10?
For kids, an easy 9 out of 10. The mix of price, performance, comfort and style make the gloves one of the better options for youth fighters.
Great article! I did wonder if I need to make sure I get an attached thumb on my son’s gloves or not?
Hey James, thanks for the kind words. You should definitely look for gloves with an attached thumb. This will better protect their sensitive joints and ensure they keep their fist clenched throughout the punch. Give me a shout if you have any other questions!