The 15 Best Boxing Gloves (2023) – According to a Coach

Not everyone wants to land punches powerful enough to reel their opponent. Some people are in the strike class at the gym to improve their reflexes, build endurance or release some pent-up anger.

Regardless of your reason, investing in the right pair of boxing gloves is essential. Driving punches without the proper protective gloves can quickly turn out to be your biggest mistake, from bruises to a sprained wrist.

Besides, they come with several top-of-the-line features like secure Velcro straps, thermal regulating mesh, etc., to help you throw brutal punches confidently and without risking injury to yourself or your sparring partners.

So, if you are serious about your safety and performance in the ring or gym, here are the top 15 best boxing gloves offering the ultimate protection and comfort to level up your game.

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Price

Best Overall

Best boxing gloves for men

Best boxing gloves for women

The Best Boxing Gloves

The Venum Elite Boxing Gloves is the first pair of real boxing gloves any novice boxer should buy. It's versatile and well-cushioned to protect your knuckles and wrist from bruises and painful injuries.

These best beginner boxing gloves feature the most convenient velcro strap to ensure you can easily adjust to the perfect fit, even in between rounds. Its large size and sturdy design allow them to stay on securely to deliver unmatched wrist support. Thus, reducing your chances of spraining your wrist, even as a novice.

Many users also applaud its innovative Thermal Regulating Mesh panels for their amazing breathability to prevent sweaty hands. Additionally, these gloves are hand-stitched in Thailand and tailored with reinforced seams, allowing novice boxers punch and fight harder without the risk of wearing or tearing.

On top of that, the Venum Elite Boxing Gloves rock a game-changing triple-density foam that provides the right cushioning to absorb the shock of repeatedly hitting heavy bag or pad work. Plus, it comes with a thoughtful fully-attached thumb, which is a valuable feature for proper hand position and fewer chances of twisting or hurting your thumb.

For advanced boxers, the padding might disconnect you from the actual feeling of how your punches land on the heavy bags or pad. However, the Venum Elite Boxing Gloves is the perfect choice for beginners looking to kick start their boxing career or for its benefits because of its many protective features.

Pros

  • Easy to clean thanks to its 100% premium Skintex leather
  • High-quality stitching and reinforced palms for less wear and tear
  • Available in different weight options to suit every boxer's needs

Cons

  • Too much padding, which isn't great for experienced boxers

Overall of Best Boxing Glove

Venum Elite Boxing Glove

Best boxing gloves for men

Our runner-up is the Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves. It's from a world-class brand known for its numerous innovative and top-quality combat gear. These 2019 top-selling boxing gloves are still the most sophisticated, offering the best of Thai-style and classic boxing.

When it comes to comfort and quality, the T3 boxing glove is the best in class. Thanks to its premium vylar-engineered leather, this pair is primed to handle the rigors of everyday use.

Furthermore, these best boxing gloves for men come with the industry-leading wrist support system: a perfect combination of double straps and a splinting system for maximum wrist protection, secure fit and reduced risk of sprains.

What's more? It offers ample knuckle protection with its effective 5-layer foam construction for superior shock absorption. Thus, you can hit as hard as possible without bruises and with zero worries.

Another thing I love about the sophisticated T3 boxing is its short break-in period that only takes a few drills to soften the protective exterior shell. Unlike its competitors, this pair of gloves has an ultra-soft temperature-regulating lining that makes driving punches comfortable and less sweaty.

However, I'm disappointed that these gloves developed a nasty odor after a few weeks of intense drills, and cleaning them can be challenging, considering how well-padded they are.

In short, the Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves come with several top-shelf features for the modern boxer to take his punching game to the next level without sustaining injuries. If you don't mind a little cleaning hassle, these game-changing gloves pack a powerful punch.

Pros

  • A perfect balance of style, fit, comfort, and protection
  • Unrivaled wrist support and protection
  • Quick break-in period
  • Superior quality for hard hits

Cons

  • The thumb easily gets jammed when throwing hard hooks without hand wraps

Best boxing gloves for men

Hayabusa T3 Gloves

Best boxing gloves for women

The Everlast Women's Pro Style Training Gloves, in a lovely pink hue, is the most budget-friendly and practical choice for women in strike classes at the gym.

This product is arguably the best boxing gloves for women - and the reasons are not far fetched. Well, you don't have to take my word for it; there are, literally, more than a thousand female boxers recommending this pair of gloves.

To start with, Everlast equips this gear with the newly-improved curved anatomical grip and fit to make it easier for ladies to maintain the correct hand alignment and swift power transfer for powerful punches.

Additionally, this protective gear exterior rocks a high-quality synthetic leather that feels like the real thing, except it's way easier to maintain. Plus, it's brilliant that the manufacturer includes the Patented Thumb-Lok feature for extra thumb protection during high impacts.

Despite its low price point, it's unbelievable that this combat glove has the most reliable Wrap-around hook and loop strap closure to hold it in place. Hence, no more annoying adjustments in between intense sessions.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer took shortcuts on padding by using two layers of dense foam which lacked proper shock absorbency. You'll feel the impact of every punch. So, it's not great for working on heavy bags.

Pros

  • Backed by a 120-day worry-free warranty
  • Affordable price point
  • Designed for female boxers

Cons

  • Not enough padding for excellent shock-impact absorption

Best Training Gloves

The Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves are the most in-demand protective gear on the market - why? It's reasonably priced and offers ample wrist protection that rivals most high-end options.

These training gloves resemble Everlast Women's Pro Style Training Gloves. It's an excellent choice for people looking to start boxing as a career or fitness without breaking the bank.

This pair of combat gloves are available in different weight options, from 8 oz to 16 oz. It's essential to choose the heavier one if you need to do a lot of sparring to protect your opponent from heavier blows.

Unlike cheap gloves, this glove sports an advanced Everfresh treatment that guarantees an odor-free experience. This is a big win, considering expensive models lack this valuable feature.

In addition, they rock a full-mesh palm design that promotes better airflow to keep the hands sweat-free for secure and utmost comfort fit.

Regarding secure fit, Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves use a sturdy wrap-around hook and loop strap to tweak the tightness to taste without needing an extra helping hand.

Another astounding highlight is the natural design of the gloves, which take the unique shape of the boxer's hand to ensure every punch is driven correctly. Thus, attenuating the possibility of spraining your wrist in the process.

Sadly, its exterior is made with synthetic leather, which tends to dry out and eventually crack. However, using a leather conditioner can help get more fight out of these gloves.

These gloves offer comparable performance and great snug fit for less than half the Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves price. On the brighter side, if you don't like it, the manufacturer promises to refund your money within 120 days of receipt - zero risk purchase.

Pros

  • Low price point
  • Suitable for training and sparring
  • Backed by a 120-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Without proper maintenance, it tends to crack quickly
  • Not an ideal choice for beginners because of the low-padded design

Best heavy training boxing gloves

Only some pairs of combat gloves are designed to handle the high demands of heavy bag work, focus mitt drills, and other heavy-duty boxing training. If that's what you are looking for, then eagerly pay a premium for the rugged CLETO REYES Training Gloves.

This model boasts top-notch durability with its 100% authentic leather and superior craftsmanship. It has a classic, traditional appearance loved by all boxers and fans. It feels natural and, actually, more durable than even the highest-quality synthetic leather.

These best heavy training boxing gloves feature super durable latex foam padding offering much-needed knuckle protection for powerful punches. The part is that it doesn't get squished like the Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves. Regardless of how intense you punch, these gloves still deliver consistent protection as your first experience.

Even better, the lining is water-repellent to protect the padding from sweat, which can be annoyingly smelly and challenging to clean afterward. Plus, it keeps your hands cool and dry - not disturbingly soggy.

This versatile training glove utilizes a Hook & and Loop closure, making it easy to put on and off. Also, it enables hassle-free adjustment to find that right, comfy fit for maximum support to the wrist - without feeling too tight or cutting circulation.

Another outstanding perk of the CLETO REYES Training Gloves is the attached thumb, which I find perfect for wiping sweat off my face when the drill becomes intense. Nonetheless, it primarily safeguards the thumb from being sprained or broken during training.

Getting serious with your boxing game means investing in essential, top-performing gear like the CLETO REYES Training Gloves. It's alright to ignore this top dog combat glove, don't just carry it when those cheap ones embarrass you during heavy bag work.

Pros

  • Ideal cushion gloves for tough spars
  • Genuine leather exterior
  • Significantly lower break-in time
  • Excellent weight distribution for lightweight

Cons

  • Big hands might find it troublesome to wear

Best heavy training boxing gloves

CLETO REYES Glove

Best youth boxing gloves

Purchasing adult combat gear for a kid is counterproductive. They are, to a large extent, oversize, padded, and heavy. Hence, affecting comfort and control and increasing their chances of sustaining an injury. Luckily, this top brand, Sanabul, offers a child-friendly version with exciting designs to maintain their enthusiasm for training.

One of many things to love about these best youth boxing gloves is the intriguing kid-inspired art style with various fantastic options to get your kids excited about this combat sport.

Unlike adult gloves, this pair offers the right amount of protection to children's delicate bones, thanks to their custom-made Impact Protection Foam. It's tailored to meet children's hand size and weight requirements, something adult gloves never consider.

Therefore, they can throw their hardest punches confidently, and as a parent, you can have much-deserved peace knowing they are well protected.

With these Sanabul Sticker Bomb Training Gloves, your child's wrist is fully protected from injury through its first-class hook and loop closure system, delivering twice the support offered by other gloves in its class. This ensures proper wrist alignment, guaranteeing every punch is safely and effectively executed.

Additionally, these gloves are super easy to clean after an intense training session to avoid nasty smelly gear. While it may not have a mesh palm for excellent breathability, it more than makes up for it in ease of maintenance.

As a parent, keeping your child safe is your top priority. So, invest in your kid's safety and buy the Sanabul Sticker Bomb Training Gloves today for peace of mind during their training sessions!

Pros

  • Perfect gloves for boxing enthused kids
  • Hook & Loop Strap offers plenty of wrist support
  • Loads of fun color options

Cons

  • No mesh palm to reduce sweating

The Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves have gained much popularity since their release in 2015. It has remained a go-to for sparring by many top boxers because of its striking blend of style, affordability, and performance.

These gloves are well-padded to guarantee a comfortable and confident sparring session for you and your spar partner. It's a must-have for serious boxers looking to take their game to the next level.

With literally tens of thousands of sales, the Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves have proven to be an excellent protective gear with tons of wrist support and knuckle shield. It's perfect for any fighting style. Its inexpensive price point makes it an attractive choice for people looking for a stress-relieve workout.

Although it's made of faux leather, it's of high quality, and several customers find it so close to the real thing. However, the stitching is impressively sturdy, guaranteeing the gloves can handle the rigors of intense workouts.

Despite costing a quarter of the price of its competitors, these gloves are injected with gel padding to create the perfect shield to protect your knuckles from strong impact. Unlike the Sanabul Sticker Bomb, this gear is equipped with mesh palm to prevent wet hands and keep odor at bay.

The best part is the strong velcro straps that hold the gloves securely to avoid incessantly adjusting the gear - ZERO distractions. This is a particularly valuable feature if you intend to use it in a competition.

If I were you, I'd grab this great-looking, extra soft yet protective glove for my next sparring session. Here's the ultimate reason: it delivers unmatched wrist support and knuckle protection at an unbeatable price.

Pros

  • Amazing iridescent look
  • Super comfortable to use straight out of the box, even with hand wraps
  • Outstanding shock absorbency
  • Best deal for budget-conscious boxers

Cons

  • It might not be a secure fit for people with smaller hands.

Best budget-friendly boxing gloves

If you are new to boxing and are still deciding whether to make any huge investment, the Trideer Pro Grade Boxing Gloves are your best bet. It's the most affordable, true protective boxing gloves on this list.

This inexpensive gear is optimized for maximum knuckle protection with its multi-layered foam padding. These best budget-friendly boxing gloves also eliminate sweat using a breathable mesh lining, which significantly improves hand stability.

Furthermore, its exterior shell is made of synthetic leather primed for a hassle-free cleaning experience after every use. An incredible hallmark is its pre-curved anatomic hand design offering a natural, ergonomic fit, which increases comfort and keeps hand cramps at bay even during long, intense training.

Nonetheless, these gloves are a must-have for modern boxers seeking comfortable and protective gear that won't strain their wrist or wallet.

Pros

  • Great quality for beginners
  • Excellent padding for high-impact resistance
  • Strong velcro to improve hand stability

Cons

  • The plastic smell lingers for too long

Best budget-friendly boxing gloves

Trideer Pro Grade Boxing Gloves

The Everlast Elite Pro Style Training Gloves are crafted explicitly for kickboxing. Hence, it's super lightweight and less versatile, but it makes up for it by meeting the fast-paced demands of kickboxing.

This model weighs about 16 ounces, meaning enough padding to spar confidently with your partners. However, I recommend the 8 ounces version if you are in a kickboxing class where you won't be hitting an actual person.

But regardless of your choice, these gloves feature a full mesh palm, which means bye to wet hands and nasty odors. Like every Everlast glove, this pair employs the genius anti-microbial treatment to keep these gears smelling fresh.

Furthermore, its unique Hourglass-shaped wrist works with the reinforced Evershield padding to enhance the wearer's hand stabilization and provide immense support to the wrist for safe punches. 

Pros

  • Reasonably priced
  • Lightweight design for prolonged training sessions
  • Durable exterior shell, thanks to its genuine leather construction

Cons

  • The velcro strap could be longer

Best boxing gloves for sparring

If you hate heavy gloves because of the excess strain exerted on your wrist, then you would appreciate the lightness of the Jayefo R-6 Boxing Gloves. Wearing these gloves is pleasurable, and is available in different weight options to find the right fit to support quick and precise movements.

Unlike the Everlast Elite Pro Style Training Gloves, this combat gear is suitable for many fighting styles. The Jayefo R-6 Boxing Gloves are equipped with essential safety features, from Thumb Lock protection to Cool Mesh Palm for injury-free training sessions.

This is an excellent option if you need one pair of gloves to handle everything from sparring to striking class in your gym. Thanks to its original leather construction, these best boxing gloves for sparring outlast their synthetic alternatives.

More importantly, it rocks a secure dual wrist strap to improve hand stability for perfect technique execution. Else, you might deal with some common wrist injuries. Customers also loved the cool mesh palm that keeps their hands breathing and sweat-free.

Pros

  • Easy to put on and off
  • Traditional design with excellent grip
  • Lightweight for more agility

Cons

  • The seam could be more durable

Best boxing gloves for sparring

Jayefo R-6 Boxing Gloves

Hawk Boxing Gloves

We should all agree it's challenging to find affordable boxing gloves that meet introductory needs. Thankfully, Hawk Boxing Gloves is breaking barriers with its premium features and lower price point.

The Hawk Boxing Gloves boast an ingenious extra-thick Supremo-Shock Foam primed for safeguarding your knuckles. Also, it has separate padding over the wrist joint to offer much-needed support and comfort for long training sessions.

Even better, this budget-friendly pair has a welcomed feature - a breathable pinhole palm, making it suitable for prolonged use without feeling irritated by excess sweating. Another exciting benefit is that it cancels out these gloves' tendency to develop awful smells.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly punching bag gloves
  • Excellent leather construction
  • Backed a whooping 5-year manufacturer warranty

Cons

  • The stitching could be better to ensure users get the most out of it.

Adidas is one of the leading brands in the athletic world and needs no introduction. This global sportswear company is famous for its innovative and high-quality products, and the Hybrid 80 further cements them as an authority in this arena,

These all-around boxing gloves are suitable for beginners and experienced boxers for a wide range of training sessions - sparring, partner drills, pads/bags. Its excellent foam padding excels at absorbing shock to protect your knuckles from the consequences of hitting a heavy bag or your partners' pretty face.

Unlike other options on this list, this pair features a one-piece mold design that caters extensively to the wrist with immense support and proper hand alignment. Even as a beginner, you can immediately start executing punching techniques correctly.

Wait, there's more. The Adidas Hybrid 80 Boxing Gloves are surprisingly easy to clean. Considering it's crafted with polyurethane leather, it offers peace of mind that it won't start discoloring or tearing after extended use.

Another welcomed feature is its groundbreaking AeroReady technology which offers plenty of airflows keeping your hands breathing for better grip - no more slippery gloves.

So, if you want to avoid settling for an ordinary glove, boost your punching performance and athletic personality with the well-priced Adidas Hybrid 80.

Pros

  • Innovative one-piece mold for unmatched knuckle and wrist protection
  • high compression SDX perforated foam construction for best shock absorbency
  • Beautiful design and easy maintenance

Cons

  • Some customers complained it ripped after a couple of use.

Coming in the same price range as the Adidas Hybrid 80, the Title Boxing Pro Style Gloves is a credible alternative, considering it's specially crafted with genuine leather instead. Thus, providing unrivaled comfort and durability without costing an arm and a leg.

The back and fist of your hands are protected with low-density foam to reduce the effect of heavy punches. This pair of gloves comes with a full wrap wrist strap that guarantees a comfortable and secure fit without needing an extra helping hand.

Even better, the manufacturer included a satin nylon liner to prevent moisture from being trapped in the foam padding, which is the primary cause of the nasty odor and bacteria growth.

The Title Boxing Pro Style Leather Training Gloves truly stands out from the competition with its incredible attention to detail, next-level user experience, and low price point. Don't hesitate to purchase this glove if you want value for your money.

Pros

  • Genuine full-grain leather for uncompromising durability
  • Excellent wrist support with full wrap wrist strap
  • Multi-layer shock absorbing high and low-density foams for all-round protection

Cons

  • It might not be an excellent choice for people with big hands.

Okay, everyone knows you get what you pay for. If premium, style, and substance top your list, the Cleto Reyes Traditional Lace Up Training Boxing Gloves are your best bet.

These high-end combat gloves are no joke and ideal for heavy bags, sparring, intense drill, etc. They come with an extra-long cuff to offer the right support and protection to avoid spraining your wrist when punching.

Also, this top-of-the-line comes with another top-shelf feature, the finest head leather exterior shell, which guarantees it outlasts its competitors. Lest I forget, it's hand-made in Mexico, which makes it one of a kind and tailored to meet your unique demands for personalized comfort.

With lots of cutting-edge features, meticulous craftsmanship, and the manufacturer's unrelenting commitment to top-quality products, the Cleto Reyes Traditional Lace Up Training Boxing Gloves is the game-changing gear you want to take advantage of.

Pros

  • Traditional lace closure for superb support and comfort level
  • Authentic leather construction and meticulous craftsmanship
  • An ideal choice for beginners

Cons

  • On the pricey side

If the extra long wrist cuff on the premium Cleto Reyes Traditional Lace Up Training Boxing Gloves is enticing but can't seem to justify its salty price tag, don't worry - I've found a cheaper alternative.

The Pro Impact Boxing Gloves offer a similar amount of support, comfort, and durability without going broke. This top-performing pair of gloves is arguably the best boxing gloves for wrist support with its ingenious extra-long wrist cuff.

With its leather shell construction, tripled-layered knuckle cushion, and secure hook and loop closure, this pair of boxing gloves are a must-have if you are serious about elevating your game quickly.

Pros

  • Remarkable wrist support
  • Wonderful cushioning for less impact
  • Wear-resistant leather construction

Cons

  • It's a bit bulkier

How To Choose The Best Boxing Gloves?

Material

What a glove is made with plays an essential role in the user experience and longevity. So, it's vital to consider the interior lining and shell material before purchasing.

Some products feature water-resistant interior lining to protect the foam padding from absorbing sweat and avoid a slippery experience. Others opt for fabrics with cooling properties to make them super comfy but keep in mind that they are not water resistant.

Purpose

Boxing gloves are not created the same. They are designed for a specific use; even versatile boxing gloves like Hayabusa T3 are meant for training only.

Here's a general rule of thumb to help you make an informed decision: lighter gloves are suitable for strike class at the gym or punching heavy bags. Their lightweight design enhances agility and speed. You can also get more feedback to understand your form and technique better.

But if you want to spar with your partner, it's only reasonable to choose heavier gloves for their extra padding to avoid wrecking your partner's face.

Price

When shopping for suitable boxing gloves, it's paramount that you plan to ensure you are getting good value for money. Gloves are available in a wide price range, meaning there's a product within your budget. As you get serious with the sport, there's nothing wrong with starting cheap and working your way up to premium models like the Cleto Reyes Traditional Lace Up Training Boxing Gloves.

Boxing Gloves: Frequently Asked Questions

What gloves does Tyson Fury use?

Tyson Fury is known to fight with Reebok Boxing Gloves. Though it's challenging to say the exact model, most gloves from this world-class brand offer fantastic comfort and reliable protection.

What brand of gloves did Muhammad Ali use?

Muhammad Ali, the legend, wore Everlast gloves, usually weighing about 8 oz. It offered lesser protection than the latest Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves for delivering heftier punches.

Can you soak boxing gloves in water?

Soaking your boxing gloves in water can compromise their protective properties and shape or damage the padding. Instead, it would be best to use a damp cloth with purpose-made gloves cleaning solution to wipe your gear clean.

Can I wash my boxing gloves in the washing machine?

No, you would damage your glove's padding, exterior shell, and structure by washing it in a machine. Instead, it would be best to use a damp cloth with purpose-made gloves cleaning solution to wipe your gear clean.

Do boxers wrap their hands under their gloves?

Yes, most boxers prefer to wrap their hands before wearing gloves for extra protection and support. Also, it can help absorb sweat to protect the glove's padding.

Why do lighter gloves hurt more?

Lighter gloves come with less padding, meaning you'll get more feedback, depending on the amount of cushioning, from every punch. In the same principle, your sparring partner will feel every hit. Thus, it's not safe to use a light glove during sparring, except if the aim is to hurt each other.

Conclusion

There are a plethora of boxing gloves out there. It can be overwhelming to figure out the perfect combat gloves tailored to your unique needs. Luckily, this comprehensive guide boils down the inundating options to only top-performing and well-regarded boxing gloves. These gears will surely deliver unmatched wrist support, fantastic comfort, and superior protection.

But before you make a choice, consider the detailed buying guide for in-depth information and helpful tips on finding the perfect pair of boxing gloves to add to your gym bag and take your training to the next level.

Other Gears for Boxing and MMA:

The Best Boxing Headgear

The Best MMA Gloves

About the Author

Sifu Jon Funk

Direct 8th generation descendant in the Wong Hon Fun clan. Trained in Canada, Hong Kong, and China. Canadian forms champion, kung fu full contact fighter. Featured on the cover of Inside Kung Fu magazine and Karate/Kung Fu Illustrated.

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