The right gloves will support your wrists and protect your hands through even the toughest boxing workout. (Hayabusa)(Hayabusa)
Boxing delivers the ultimate one-two punch of feel-good benefits, boosting not only physical health but mental health too. A regular boxing routine improves cardiovascular health, full-body strength, muscle tone, endurance and coordination, all while providing a fun and powerful way to relieve stress. In fact, a 2022 report shows that no-contact boxing helps to elevate mood, confidence and concentration and can even quell the symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Just remember, safety comes first, which means it's imperative to find the best boxing gloves for you.
I learned this lesson the hard way. After my first boxing class, I left drenched in sweat, feeling strong and less anxious — but the next day, my wrists and knuckles were hurting big time. My boxing gloves simply didn't cut it.
"Using quality gear makes all the difference," says boxing coach Ray Montalvo, co-founder of Squared Circle Retreats. "When picking out boxing gloves, you want to focus on fit, purpose and quality." What you choose will depend on your own needs as well. "Different gloves serve different purposes," he explains. Some gloves are designed for sparring, while others are meant for hitting a heavy bag. No matter what, though, opt for a high-quality pair. "They'll last longer and protect your hands better," he says.
Whether you’re just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, the best boxing gloves can make all the difference when you're hitting a heavy bag or sparring with a partner. To help you find the perfect pair, we first spoke to several experienced boxers, coaches and fitness instructors for their insights, then we strapped on 15 pairs of boxing gloves, threw several thousand punches and determined our favorites.
Type: Training gloves | Materials: Synthetic leather | Padding material: Foam | Closure system: Hook-and-loop or lace-up | Weight: 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 oz.
To seasoned boxers, it's likely no surprise that a pair of Hayabusa boxing gloves came in at No. 1 on our list. The company is well-known for creating high-quality, innovative fight gear and the Hayabusa T3 is no exception.
The T3 is a definite showstopper in both function and style. They have a ton of protective features that make any type of boxing workout safer and more comfortable. And as an A+ bonus, they're super sleek and come in 18 different color options, including white and gold, black and iridescent and rose gold.
Hayabusa offers the T3s in either a lace-up or hook-and-loop closure option. (We tested the latter.) Traditionally, lace-ups are a tighter fit than hook-and-loop, but the T3s have a special interlocking wrist strap and a splinting system to combat that issue. The combo of these features keeps wrists aligned and fully supported. There are also multiple layers of foam padding for added knuckle protection. And the shock absorption? Fantastic. But perhaps the most notable feature is the thumb, which is made of microfiber so you can easily wipe your brow during a workout session.
These gloves are available in five sizes and are suitable for any type of sparring, bag work or mitt training — and they are built to last. As one 5-star Amazon reviewer wrote: "Best bag gloves I've ever bought. I've been using these heavily for two to three hours a day for about 5 years now and there is no wear and tear at all, the impact area of the leather hasn't even deformed, which is very uncommon. Great wrist support, very sturdy."
Type: Training gloves | Materials: Synthetic leather | Padding material: Gel-infused foam | Closure system: Hook-and-loop | Weight: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 oz.
When budget is top-of-mind, the $30 Sanabul Essential Gel Glove is your best bet. While there's not as much shock absorption as pricier boxing gloves, these do a solid job of protecting your wrists and knuckles thanks to the glove's gel-infused padding. Gel creates a softer impact than foam. Plus, it tends to conform more evenly to the shape of your hand, offering more knuckle protection when throwing punches.
Another major benefit of these gloves is their breathability factor: The mesh palm and roomy fit help prevent overly sweaty hands.
In the end, testers appreciated the soft, cushy feeling these gloves gave when hitting the bag and the fact that they are comfortable and easy to put on. Many Amazon reviewers also rave that the gloves are lightweight, with one happy hitter noting: "These gloves are the best. They fit my small hands and do not feel super heavy. It is comfortable to wear and easy to clean. Overall good quality for its price and recommend buying!"
Type: Training gloves | Materials: Leather | Padding material: Foam | Closure system: Hook-and-loop or lace-up | Weight: 12, 14, 16 oz.
While Hit N Move is relatively new to the boxing glove scene, debuting in 2020, they've quickly become a standout. Their All Day Pro Balance gloves are our pick for best all-purpose choice, excelling at partner drills, mitt work and heavy bag sessions.
These gloves topped our comfort tests with their snug fit, strong wrist support and next-level shock absorption. Though wraps are always recommended for safety, these gloves are so well padded that they're among the few I'd trust to use without wraps.
Why so comfy? The All Day Pro Balance combines four layers of memory foam, delivering protection and precise punch feedback — letting you feel your hits without the hurt. The comfort doesn't stop there. These gloves feature an extra strap on the inside and even more padding on the wrist for reinforced stability. Despite such heavy protection, these gloves are surprisingly compact and lightweight.
They’re available in either hook-and-loop closure or a lace-up option in 14 colors and sizes 12, 14 and 16 oz. The only potential downside is the price: at $250, they're not cheap and are perhaps best for intermediate or advanced boxers who can truly appreciate them. That said, one 5-star Amazon reviewer noted that these gloves are an "excellent value for the money."
Type: Muay Thai boxing gloves | Materials: Leather | Padding material: Foam | Closure system: Hook-and-loop or lace-up | Weight: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 oz.
Technically, the Yokkao Matrix are Muay Thai gloves, featuring a rounder shape than traditional boxing gloves and more side padding for full-fist protection. They also have a shorter wrist design for more flexibility. But thanks to their extra-long cuff, providing a snug fit and excellent wrist stability, these gloves came out as our pick for hitting a heavy bag, whether you're into Muay Thai or not.
Also pushing them to the top of the heap: Yokkao Matrix gloves feature dense, all-over padding and incredible shock absorption that works hard to protect your knuckles so you can hit a heavy bag as hard as you want without worry. And since they’re made of 100% leather, you can trust they'll hold up over time.
Another huge plus is the sizing. These gloves come in six sizes, from 8 to 18 oz., so you can choose the best option for your goals. (Many quality boxing gloves top out at five sizes.)
Type: Training gloves | Materials: Leather | Padding material: Foam | Closure system: Hook-and-loop | Weight: 12, 14, 16 oz.
The best boxing gloves for sparring are excellent at balancing agility and protection. While most heavily padded gloves sacrifice speed for safety, the Elite Boxing Gloves from Modest Vintage Player deliver both without compromise.
These gloves have triple-layer foam padding and a smooth leather exterior, so you and your sparring partner are equally protected. Plus, the snug, comfortable fit and padded wrist splint offer an extra-supportive feel, and the larger thumb guard is a key safety feature that's often overlooked.
Beyond feel and protection, Modest Vintage Player gloves are handcrafted from genuine leather, featuring a classic, old-school aesthetic that's not only beautiful but incredibly durable. One cheeky 5-star Amazon reviewer noted that the only thing missing from these vintage-inspired boxing gloves are the "mustache and wax!"
Type: Training gloves | Materials: Synthetic leather | Padding material: Gel-infused foam | Closure system: Hook-and-loop | Weight: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 oz.
If you're new to the world of boxing, finding high-quality, supportive gloves that are comfortable, easy to put on and take off and come in at less than $100 can be a challenge. Here's where Sting Armaplus comes in.
The Armaplus gloves have multiple layers of gel-infused padding that provide ample protection and shock absorption. And the gel padding means they're soft and easy to break in, which is a big benefit for newbies.
They also feature a floating liner that reduces the potential for friction damage and their lightweight materials make them great for working on speed and strength.
Type: Training gloves | Materials: Synthetic leather | Padding material: Foam | Closure system: Hook-and-loop | Weight: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 oz.
Traditional boxing gloves are gender-neutral but often run a bit too wide for women's typically narrower hands and wrists. That's where KO Studio Boxing Gloves come into play.
These sleek gloves feature a thoughtfully redesigned fit: They're slimmer and more shallow to better accommodate women's hand proportions. Plus, the smaller hand cage and narrower wrist cuffs prevent that dreaded "floating fist" feeling, ensuring your hands stay locked in place.
The double hook-and-loop straps and extra wrist padding bring home the exceptional comfort and support, while the vegan leather construction and multi-layered foam padding go a long way to absorb impact.
While, of course, our testers rate boxing gloves on performance and comfort, it's hard to ignore how stunning these gloves are. Beyond black, they come in emerald, ruby and sapphire with gold accents that simply stun.
"Obviously the color is adorable," wrote one snazzy sparrer, who added that "the quality of these gloves are beyond what I've used before. So smooth on the outside, and the inside is nice and snug! My favorite feature is the elastic around the wrist area which adds a nice element of support without feeling like I am too constricted and could lose blood flow. I am all-around floored with this product."
Boxing gloves vary by weight, closure style (laced or hook-and-loop) and intended use. While each type serves a specific purpose, many boxers use them interchangeably based on personal preference.
Training gloves: These are the all-purpose workhorses of boxing gloves. "Versatile and well-padded for both bag work and sparring," says Kyle Shneider, former VP of experience for Title Boxing Club and BoxUnion. They feature stiff wrist support and thick, dense padding across the knuckles.
Bag gloves: Heavy bag gloves are typically lighter with a more flexible wrist than other models. "They also have less padding to enhance feel and technique," says Shneider. Some may feature an open thumb, which can help you form a fist. These are perfect for those who want to improve technique and speed. However, if you’re a beginner — or want to hit a heavy bag as hard as possible — choose a more substantial, heavily padded glove.
Sparring gloves: It's safety first with sparring gloves. They're heavily padded to protect both you and your opponent, and they tend to be larger than other types of boxing gloves.
Competition gloves: While sparring gloves are meant for practice fights, competition gloves are intended for actual boxing matches. They’re usually lace-up, slimmer and feature good wrist support, but "they have minimal padding for maximum impact," Shneider explains, noting that in a competition you want your opponent to feel every jab.
Muay Thai gloves: Similar to training gloves, Muay Thai gloves are good for bag work and sparring. The main difference is that Muay Thai gloves have a rounder shape with more padding at the top and sides. They also have a more flexible palm allowing for greater hand movement.
When choosing boxing gloves, consider both purpose and budget. Ask yourself "how much protection do I need?" advises Bethany Keepman, a certified personal trainer in Chanhassen, Minn. The answer should guide your decision. Key factors include:
Fit: "The first thing to consider is how the gloves feel," says Ryan McGivern, a certified personal trainer, boxing coach and founder of Meraki Box in Rapid City, S.D. "Start with fit and feel, then look at how well they protect your hands while hitting the bag or sparring with a partner."
Weight: "The weight of a glove is based on how much padding it has," explains K.L. Doty, an amateur boxer in Chicago. Lighter gloves that are between 8 and 10 ounces are great for competitions, while heavier ones at 12 to 16 ounces are better for training and sparring.
Padding: Foam, gel or horsehair are the usual padding options for boxing gloves, and each has benefits and drawbacks. Foam, the most common type of padding, offers good protection and shock absorption. Gel is typically softer and evenly dispersed across your knuckles for a more comfortable feel. Horsehair, a far less common padding material, is more breathable and lightweight.
Material: While you can find a good pair of gloves made of synthetic leather, vinyl or neoprene, Dani Burrell, founding trainer at Rumble in Los Angeles, notes that genuine leather "is the best material for durability."
Closure: Boxing gloves come with either hook-and-loop or lace-tie closures. Hook-and-loop gloves offer quick, easy adjustment and removal. Lace-tie gloves provide a tighter fit but require assistance to put on.
Wrist support: While a proper fit provides basic wrist stability, look for gloves with enhanced features like extra padding and built-in splinting around the wrist. Double straps and extended wrist cuffs offer additional support and comfort.
Our search for the best boxing gloves started with expert consultations: We gathered insights from boxing coaches, instructors and other fitness professionals. After researching 30 options across both major and boutique brands, we narrowed our selection to 15 top contenders for hands-on testing.
Two experienced boxers, each with over three years in the ring, put these gloves through rigorous evaluation. They assessed key factors including fit, protection, comfort and style. Testing focused on initial feel, wrist support, shock absorption, breathability, durability and maintenance — all crucial elements in identifying truly worthwhile gloves.
Maroon Bell the Pop Leather Gloves: These gloves ($159) have an extended cuff length, which gives extra wrist support and protection. But the longer wrist straps made them harder to put on.
Everlast Powerlock 2 Training Gloves: While extremely breathable, affordable ($64) and featuring great thumb protection, these gloves don't offer much in the way of wrist support.
Venum Challenger 2.0: Another affordable option at about $45, we love how comfortable and breathable these gloves are, but they lacked shock absorption, particularly during a heavy bag training.
Fairtex BGV1 Muay Thai Boxing Glove: We love how much wrist and thumb support these gloves offer, along with how light they feel, but once again, the shock absorption is not where it should be.
Boxing glove sizes are based on hand circumference. To figure out your ideal size, wrap a tape measure around your knuckles, then match your measurement to the brand’s sizing chart. It's also a good idea to "always try gloves on with hand wraps to make sure they fit snugly," Montalvo says. "A good fit means better control and protection."
"With light bag work and mitt sessions, the gloves will gradually mold to your hands," says Montalvo. Regular use naturally softens the padding, increasing comfort over time. To speed up the process, McGivern recommends "fully opening your hands one at a time" to stretch the material.
With a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water, wipe the outside of your gloves. While there are several ways to clean the inside, Doty recommends "putting a little bit of baking soda in each glove and letting it sit overnight before shaking them out" to help absorb odors. You can also simply stick a dryer sheet in each glove to help absorb sweat — or use a charcoal glove deodorizer. No matter what you use, it’s crucial to let your gloves air out after use and cleaning.
Ideally, you should wipe them down and let them air out after each use. After all, "boxing gloves absorb a lot of sweat, so it is important to clean them often to prevent odor," says Burrell.
Dani Burrell, fitness instructor, boxing coach and founding trainer at Rumble in Los Angeles
K.L. Doty, amateur boxer in Chicago
Bethany Keepman, certified personal trainer in Chanhassen, Minn.
Ryan McGivern, certified personal trainer, boxing coach and founder of Meraki Box in Rapid City, S.D.
Ray Montalvo, boxing coach and co-founder of Squared Circle Retreats
Kyle Shneider, former VP of experience for Title Boxing Club and BoxUnion
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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