In this blog post, We’ll explore the best boxing gloves of 2024, offering you expert insight into which gloves suit your needs, from beginners to professionals.
We aim to be your number one source for boxing glove reviews so get ready to step into the ring with confidence, knowing you have the right gloves to enhance your performance and protect your hands.
How the Best Boxing Gloves were Chosen
We have tried and tested many of the boxing gloves on this list over the years so we know what you should look for in quality boxing gloves in terms of fit, comfort, protection, value, and aesthetic appeal, and which ones are the best on the market.
We also consulted experts in the boxing field such as Jawaid Haliq, former welterweight world champion and now head coach at Jawaid Haliq Boxing Academy in Nottingham, and Adam Booth, former trainer of British WBA heavyweight champion David Haye to gain further insight into what makes a great boxing glove.
Additionally, we have spent many hours researching and reviewing all the different boxing glove brands on the market using customer reviews to make this list of the best boxing gloves.
Hayabusa T3: Best Overall
Amazon
Pros
- Excellent durability and longevity
- Superior wrist and knuckle protection
- Variety of size and color options
- Recognized as best boxing gloves in 2019/2020 by Men’s Health Magazine
Cons
- Slightly higher price point
- Wrist support can be tight for those with bigger hands
- Foam in padding can be quite hard
- Doesn’t prevent odor well
The Hayabusa brand has around 20 patents and patent pending filings, 65 registrations, applications, and protected designs worldwide. This means that their boxing gloves have been made with many technological advancements to increase performance and safety.
For example, these Hayabusa T3 boxing gloves are made from vylar-engineered leather, which isn’t real leather but an animal-free material that was created by the Hayabusa manufacturers. Hayabusa, claims that this material is not just environmentally friendly but has also undergone third-party testing trials at the University of Cincinnati and has been proven to have superior durability and longevity.
We can attest to this because we have vigorously tested these gloves over a thousand times over the past 3 years and they are still in good condition when it comes to the stitching and padding, without too much wear and tear.
You can also wipe sweat off your face using the thumb area of the glove as it’s made from a microfiber suede cloth, which is convenient.
These velcro boxing gloves do have heavy compression around the wrist area, which can be quite tight, especially for those of you with bigger hands. However, this level of compression created by the patented dual-X closure system provides unparalleled wrist support as it provides perfect ergonomic alignment of the hands and wrists as well as prevents wrist flexion and thus wrist injury.
Additionally, the fusion splinting technology enhances wrist alignment and protection, which further contributes to wrist support.
The foam around these gloves can be quite hard making them difficult to conform to your hands when you first purchase them. However, this is because the gloves have 4 layers of foam for extra knuckle protection, which means you can strike the heavy bag without worrying too much about injuring yourself.
These boxing gloves also use crush zone technology, which incorporates a force dispersion complex that provides optimal shock absorption. Therefore, further enhancing the protection of your hands and, more importantly, your knuckles.
The Hayabusa T3 boxing gloves have an AG fabric liner that includes XT2 technology - a scientifically tested and proven antimicrobial technology that possesses anti-odor and anti-bacterial properties. Despite this, we discovered that these gloves don’t wick away odor too well and end up smelling due to the interior folds that trap moisture in the gloves. We recommend using a glove deodorizer and leaving the gloves open to dry after a workout to combat the smell.
Nonetheless, these gloves come in 5 different sizes, which are 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz, and 18oz. This means there is a size available for whatever training you intend to use the gloves for or competition bouts.
They also come in a wide range of different colors such as black, black and gold, blue and yellow, and much more.
The Hayabusa T3 boxing gloves have even been awarded by the Men's Health Magazine for the best boxing gloves in 2019/2020 and are a popular choice among boxing enthusiasts and professionals making them a great choice for anyone who is looking for a pair of quality boxing gloves.
We have created a review for the Hayabusa T3 boxing gloves so check it out if you want more information about these gloves.
Venum Elite: Best for Beginners
Amazon
Pros
- Excellent protection and comfort for beginners
- Affordable price
- Wide range of color options
Cons
- Synthetic leather may not be as durable as genuine leather
- Padding might compress over time
If you are a beginner in boxing, the Venum Elite gloves are a fantastic option. These gloves offer excellent protection and comfort at an affordable price, making them perfect for beginners.
Here are some key features of the Venum Elite gloves:
- High-quality synthetic leather construction
- Triple-density foam padding for optimal shock absorption
- Reinforced palm for extra support and protection during training
However, it’s important to note that synthetic leather may not be as durable as genuine leather, and the padding, even with extra padding, might compress over time.
Overall, the Venum Elite gloves are great boxing gloves for beginners looking for quality and affordability in their boxing gloves.
Everlast Pro Style Elite: Best for Sparring
Amazon
Pros
- Ideal for sparring
- Good wrist support
- Breathable design
Cons
- Not as durable in comparison to the other gloves
The Everlast Pro Style Elite gloves are superior in wrist support and breathability, making them an excellent choice for sparring. The “Evershield” padding ensures hand and wrist protection, while the Everfresh treatment keeps odor at bay.
However, these gloves are not as durable in comparison to the other gloves on this list, which might be a concern for some but overall, the Everlast Pro Style Elite gloves are a solid choice for those focused on sparring sessions.
Title Boxing Gloves: Best for Heavy Bags
Amazon
Pros
- The gold standard for heavy bag training
- Exceptional quality and protection
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- High price point
- May be less suitable for beginners due to the cost
Setting the gold standard for heavy bag training is the Title Boxing Gloves. Their exceptional quality and protection make them an investment worth considering for serious boxers.
Crafted with premium leather and multi-layer shock padding combined with the secure velcro strap, these gloves offer a comfortable fit and reliable protection during intense training sessions.
Although their high price point may deter beginners, the durability and performance of Title Boxing Gloves are unquestionable, making them a top choice pair of boxing gloves for heavy bag work.
Everlast Women's Pro Style: Best for Women
Amazon
Pros
- Specifically designed for women
- Premium materials and craftsmanship
- Excellent wrist support
Cons
- The inside of the glove may feel a bit stiff at first
Despite feeling slightly stiff when you first get them, the Everlast Women's Pro Style Boxing Gloves eventually offer a comfortable fit and utilize premium materials to enhance performance and protection.
These gloves are crafted from high-quality leather, offering excellent wrist support and durability. The quality of these Boxing Gloves makes them a worthwhile investment for female boxers seeking top-of-the-line equipment. Everlast Boxing Gloves are your go-to choice for the best women's boxing gloves that will fit your needs.
RDX F7 Ego: Best for Small hands
Amazon
Pros
- Catered to those with small hands
- Good value for money
- Adequate padding for protection
Cons
- Microfiber material may not be as durable as genuine leather
- May take time to break in
Suited for individuals with small hands, RDX F7 Ego boxing gloves provide value and ample padding to ensure a comfortable and snug fit. The Maya Hide leather construction and high-density multi-layered foam padding provide adequate protection for your hands during training.
While the microfiber material may not be as durable as genuine leather, these gloves still offer excellent value for their price. The only drawback is that they may take some time to break in, but you’ll appreciate the support and protection they offer once they do.
Byakko Boxing Gloves: Best for Wrist Support
Amazon
Pros
- Amazing value for the price
- Excellent wrist protection
- Super comfortable and snug fit
Cons
- Bulky and oversized on the outside
- Unimpressive visual design
Offering exceptional wrist support and comfort at a budget-friendly price are the Byakko Boxing Gloves.
- Premium cowhide leather construction
- Triple-layered foam padding for durability and safety
- Handcrafted with precision and care
- Excellent overall construction and craftsmanship - Traditional boxing glove shape, with a rounded punching area and a tucked-away thumb
- Provides excellent wrist protection with a long and rigid cuff
- Super comfortable and snug fit, thanks to the soft and patterned lining
- Secure wrist closure system for a comfortable and secure fit
Overall, the Byakko Boxing Gloves are a top choice for boxing training and offer high-quality boxing gloves and comfort at an affordable price.
Fighting Sports Gel Boxing Gloves: Best Gel
Amazon
Pros
- Gel-infused for superior protection and shock absorption
- Durable synthetic leather construction
- Comfortable and secure fit
Cons
- Might be a bit stiff initially
- May take time to break in
Fighting Sports Gel Boxing Gloves are our top pick for the best gel boxing gloves. These gloves feature an innovative gel-infused design that offers superior protection and shock absorption, making them an excellent choice for both training and competition.
Here's why we recommend the Fighting Sports Gel Boxing Gloves:
- Gel-infused foam padding for optimal shock absorption
- Durable synthetic leather construction for long-lasting performance
- Secure hook and loop closure system for a comfortable and snug fit
- Excellent wrist support to prevent injuries during training or competition
One thing to note is that these gloves may feel a bit stiff initially and might take some time to break in. But once you've broken them in, they offer a comfortable fit and superior protection that makes them a favorite among boxing enthusiasts.
Overall, if you're looking for boxing gloves that offer excellent protection and comfort, the Fighting Sports Gel Boxing Gloves are a fantastic option.
Fairtex BGV1: Best Leather
Amazon
Pros
- Made of high-quality leather
- Offers durability and comfort
- Suitable for various training purposes
Cons
- Higher price point compared to synthetic leather gloves
- It may take some time to break in
Constructed from high-quality leather, Fairtex BGV1 boxing gloves provide durability and comfort, making them suitable for a variety of training purposes. Their triple-density foam padding provides optimal shock absorption, reducing the risk of injury to your hands and wrists.
The reinforced palm adds extra support and protection, making these gloves an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals. Although the price point is higher compared to synthetic leather gloves, the quality and performance of Fairtex BGV1 gloves make them a worthwhile investment.
Rival RS1 Pro Sparring: Best Professional-Grade
Amazon
Pros
- Professional-grade quality
- Excellent support and protection
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Higher price range
- May not be suitable for beginners due to the cost
For boxers at the highest level seeking excellent support and protection, the professional-grade Rival RS1 Pro Sparring gloves are an excellent choice. Available in microfibre construction, these gloves offer both durability and comfort. The lace-up closure system ensures a secure fit, while the high-density padding provides the right balance of protection and flexibility.
Though their price range is on the higher end, the quality and performance of Rival RS1 Pro Sparring gloves make them an excellent choice for professional boxers seeking top-of-the-line equipment.
RDX Boxing Gloves: Best Cheap
Amazon
Pros
- Affordable price range
- Excellent protection and durability
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Synthetic leather may not be as durable as genuine leather
- It may take some time to break in
Offering excellent value for money, the RDX Boxing Gloves are the best budget boxing gloves. These gloves are constructed from high-quality Faux leather and feature high-density foam padding for optimal shock absorption. The secure Velcro strap ensures a snug and comfortable fit, enhancing your training experience.
Despite their affordable price, these gloves do not compromise on protection and durability. They are designed to withstand intense training sessions, providing you with the confidence to take your boxing skills to the next level.
However, it's worth noting that synthetic leather may not be as durable as genuine leather, and the gloves may take some time to break in. But considering their price point, the RDX Boxing Gloves offer excellent value and are a solid choice for both beginners and experienced boxers on a budget.
Winning Boxing Gloves: Most Expensive
Amazon
Pros
- Superior quality and durability
- Excellent protection and comfort
- Ideal for professional training and matches
Cons
- High price point
- May not be suitable for beginners due to the cost
Winning Boxing Gloves are the most expensive gloves on the list, but they justify their high price with unparalleled quality and performance. These gloves are constructed from top-grain leather, offering superior durability and a comfortable fit. The multi-layered foam padding provides optimal protection, reducing the risk of injury to your hands and wrists during intense training sessions or professional matches.
The secure Velcro strap ensures a firm and comfortable fit, enhancing your boxing experience. Despite the high price, these gloves do not compromise on protection and durability. They are designed to withstand intense training sessions and professional matches, providing you with the confidence to take your boxing skills to the next level.
Hawk Sports: Best for Kids
Amazon
Pros
- Affordable price range
- Excellent protection and durability
- Comfortable fit
- Suitable for kids
Cons
- Synthetic leather may not be as durable as genuine leather
- May take some time to break in
When it comes to boxing gloves for kids, Hawk Sports offers an excellent option. These gloves are designed with high-quality synthetic leather and feature high-density foam padding for optimal shock absorption. The secure Velcro strap ensures a snug and comfortable fit, enhancing your child's training experience.
They are designed to withstand intense training sessions, providing your child with the confidence to take their boxing skills to the next level.
Considering their price point, the Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves offer excellent value and are a solid choice for kids starting their boxing journey.
What to Look for in a Pair of Boxing Gloves?
Below are some key factors when choosing boxing gloves.
Protection
According to Adam Booth, a former British boxing trainer, the primary reason for boxing gloves is to safeguard your hands from the impact of punches. Therefore, they must be sufficiently equipped with foam and constructed from robust leather or synthetic leather capable of enduring your strength. You should be able to sense the mitigation of impact as you deliver a punch.
Comfort
In boxing, your gloves must offer a comfortable fit to ensure they don't hinder your performance during a workout. Certain gloves are designed with a water-resistant lining to stop sweat absorption into the padding, but this could potentially lead to increased perspiration and a slippery grip. Alternatively, some gloves incorporate cooling materials to enhance comfort, although this could result in more sweat seeping into the padding over time.
Fit
You should aim for boxing gloves that provide a secure yet comfortable fit, ensuring safety without limiting your mobility. The size of the gloves is crucial in achieving this balance. If your gloves are so restrictive that they impede blood flow, or so roomy that your hands have too much freedom inside, it would be wise to consider a different size.
Intended Use
Jawaid Haliq, head coach at Jawaid Haliq Boxing Academy suggests that distinct training objectives necessitate distinct gloves, so if you're aiming to focus on a specific type of training, it's essential to select the appropriate pair.
For heavy bag training, fitness classes, or cardiovascular workouts in the boxing gym, lighter gloves are typically the better choice. These allow you to maintain speed and agility, while the thinner padding helps you feel the impact of your punches, ensuring proper form.
On the other hand, heavier gloves can slow you down due to their weight, and the denser padding might hinder your ability to sense your hands making contact with the bag. Many boxers prefer to feel their punches landing, which can be challenging with excessive padding.
Cost
Establishing your budget beforehand is crucial and sticking to it while shopping is advisable, as the price range for boxing gloves can vary significantly.
They can be as affordable as $20 or reach up to $200, but rest assured, there are quality options available at every price point. It's not necessary to splurge hundreds of dollars on boxing gloves initially.
You can always begin with a less expensive pair and upgrade later if your requirements evolve.
How to Break in a Pair of Boxing Gloves?
To break in boxing gloves, start by gently flexing and bending the gloves, focusing especially on the wrist area and the pocket where your fingers sit. Wear them for a few light training sessions or shadow boxing rounds to let them mold to your hand shape.
Using a glove conditioner can also help soften the leather. Avoid using them in heavy bag work until they feel comfortable and molded to your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do boxers wear gloves?
Boxers wear gloves to protect their hands, minimize the potential for harm to their opponents, reduce the impact and mitigate the risk of injury, and ensure that both fighters can engage in the sport safely.
How are boxing gloves made?
Boxing gloves are typically crafted from thin cowhide or synthetic leather for the outer layer, medium-density EVA foam for padding, top grain tanned leather, such as cowhide or goatskin for increased durability, and polyester stuffing for comfort and protection.
The gloves are then stitched together to complete the construction. Check out our guide for more information about how boxing gloves are made.
How have boxing gloves evolved?
Boxing gloves have evolved from sturdy leather straps wound around the knuckles to the cushioned gloves we know today. This evolution has transformed boxing from a dangerous combat sport to a regulated and safer activity.
The first padded boxing glove was introduced in 1743, paving the way for modern gloves that are designed to protect the boxer’s hands and wrists, as well as their opponent’s face.
What type of gloves did Mike Tyson wear?
Mike Tyson primarily used Heavyweight Everlast boxing gloves during his career. Mike Tyson used 10 oz boxing gloves and opted for Everlast gloves due to their superior protection and comfort.
How many types of boxing gloves are there?
There are 17 types of boxing gloves with different purposes, including bag gloves, training gloves, sparring gloves, amateur competition gloves, professional gloves, Mexican-style boxing gloves, Muay Thai gloves, kickboxing gloves, MMA gloves, hybrid gloves, lace-up gloves, velcro strap gloves, leather gloves, synthetic gloves, youth gloves, women gloves, and semi-contact gloves.
What kind of gloves did Mayweather use?
Floyd Mayweather used 10 oz Grant boxing gloves during his career because of their high-quality construction and distinctive design that offers exceptional protection and comfort.
How much do boxing gloves cost?
The cost of boxing gloves can vary depending on the brand, quality, and type. Generally, good quality gloves range from $20 to $200.
Factors such as the materials used, the amount of padding, and the brand reputation can all influence the price of boxing gloves, so it’s important to consider these aspects when choosing the right gloves for your needs.
Where can you buy boxing gloves?
Boxing gloves can be purchased from various retailers, including sporting goods stores, online retailers, specialized boxing stores, and even a boxing gym.
How long do boxing gloves last?
The lifespan of boxing gloves depends on their quality and the frequency of use. Generally, boxing gloves can last anywhere from 1-3 years with proper care and maintenance.
To ensure the longevity of your boxing gloves, it’s important to clean and store them properly after each use, and replace them when signs of wear and tear begin to appear.
How to wash boxing gloves?
To wash boxing gloves, start by using a damp cloth to remove any dirt or sweat from the gloves. Then, create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.
To clean your gloves, follow these steps:
- Lightly spray the vinegar solution on both the inside and outside of the gloves.
- Use a clean towel to wipe them down and remove any residue.
- After cleaning, allow the gloves to air dry fully before storing them.
How to store boxing gloves?
To store boxing gloves, do not keep them in a bag or car trunk but instead use a dedicated glove bag or hang them up with a hook or hanger for optimal air circulation and drying. It’s important to store your gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent any damage or deterioration.
If necessary, you can also use paper or other absorbent materials to stuff your gloves and help remove any moisture.
Do boxing gloves hurt?
While the padding in boxing gloves helps to reduce the impact and mitigate the risk of injury, some level of discomfort or pain may still be experienced when using them. However, the primary purpose of boxing gloves is to protect the hands and wrists of the boxer and minimize the potential for harm to their opponent.
Ensuring that you have the right weighted gloves with adequate padding and a proper fit can help minimize any discomfort during training.
What is the difference between boxing gloves and kickboxing gloves?
The main difference between boxing gloves and kickboxing gloves is their design and intended use. Boxing gloves are typically heavier and have more cushioning to protect the hands during punches.
Kickboxing gloves, on the other hand, are generally more flexible and lighter, allowing for a wider range of motion to accommodate both punches and kicks. The padding and protection offered by each type of glove are tailored to the specific requirements of their respective combat sports.
What is the difference between boxing gloves and MMA gloves?
Boxing gloves, often considered heavier gloves, and MMA gloves differ in terms of design, padding, and intended use. Boxing gloves have more cushioning to protect the hands during punches, while MMA gloves are lighter and have less cushioning for greater dexterity during grappling and submission maneuvers.
What is the difference between boxing gloves and Muay Thai gloves?
Boxing gloves and Muay Thai gloves differ in terms of design, padding, and intended use. Boxing gloves are designed primarily for striking, with a focus on protecting the hands and wrists.
Muay Thai gloves, on the other hand, are designed for both striking and clinching, with more flexibility to accommodate a greater range of techniques. The padding and protection offered by each type of glove are tailored to the specific requirements of their respective combat sports.
