A boxing glove does two things at the same time, protect your hands while punching. The best boxing gloves are designed to do those things for the whole twelve rounds and withstand the power, speed, and impact that is common in boxing.
Whether you are an amateur getting ready for your next bout or an enthusiast that loves incorporating the high-intensity workouts that boxing can deliver, this guide will help you find the best boxing gloves for you.
The common measurement that all boxing gloves use to measure their physical weight is ounces. This is a way to measure the padding and protection for the boxing gloves, and finding the right fit relies on your individual style and what workout you are looking for.
A fighter will use a 10oz glove in professional bouts as they are the standard for all competition. For the average guy, a 14oz glove provides optimal padding for an all-round workout with training on the bag and mitts or a round of light sparring. If you are looking to get into heavy bag work or hard sparring, then a 16oz is the ideal size.
The two main types of gloves you will come across are training and professional gloves. They are different in construction and purpose, but all serve the function of protecting your hands.
Training gloves are more padded and have velcro fastening for accessibility. They are generally only used during bag work but can also be used during sparring sessions. If you are more of an enthusiast and enjoy employing boxing in your workouts, then these are the gloves for you.
On the other hand, professional gloves are used in boxing bouts and while they still have padding, there is less of it so more offense can be applied to your opponent. They are lace up only to provide more stability when throwing punches.
If you need to find the best boxing gloves for your next workout, you’re guaranteed to find them on our curated list below.
Everlast
Although the brand started out as a swimwear manufacturer in the Bronx in 1910, Everlast has become synonymous with boxing and is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer, and licensor of boxing equipment. The brand got its name thanks to founder, Jacob Golomb, developing long lasting swimming togs and calling them, ‘Everlast’.
From supplying legendary champions such as Sugar Ray Robinson and Canelo Alvarez, their range of boxing gloves can be used by anyone from boxing enthusiasts or those looking to shake up their workouts. With the ‘MX Training’ gloves, you’ll find sizes for all shapes and handcrafted construction featuring reinforced foam cuffs and Piel Planchada leather.
Rev Gear
When Paul Reavlin started Rev Gear in 1996, he wanted to create a brand that would be embraced by fighters all across the world. He understood that the martial arts, including boxing, is more than just training and fighting, it’s a way of life. Thanks to the formula of superior design and cutting edge technology that are rarely matched in quality and functionality.
Whether it’s crushing a personal best, training for your next bout, or watching the pounds fall off during an intense sparring session with the bag, Rev Gear’s range is optimised for all types. With their ‘Original Thai’ boxing glove, (one of the best boxing gloves on the market) you’ll find vented palms for breathability and durable leather.
Cleto Reyes
Taking the name from their founder, Cleto Reyes Castro, who in his first amateur fight was apparently so impressive that the public began throwing coins into the ring. That was in 1938, and it wasn’t until 1945 that the first Cleto Reyes glove was approved by the local commission in Mexico City for a world championship bout.
The legacy continues to this day, with a range of boxing gloves that will always meet the level of performance you want out of them. With the ‘Cleto Reyes ce618z’ training glove, you’ll find quality cow leather and an easy-to-use velcro closure for fast adjustment.
Ringside
A supplier of all things combat sports, Ringside has developed a reputation as one of the world’s largest and most dependable suppliers of gloves for boxers of all levels. They carry brands such as Cleto Reyes, Heritage, and even their own in-house brand of products that match quality at affordable prices.
The range on offer is extensive and perfect for those training days on the bag with slip on gloves and even professional lace up gloves. The ‘Heritage Lace’ sparring gloves are designed to disperse impact on contact thanks to the pre-curved injected molded foam that adds to the safety, especially during sparring sessions; these are the best boxing gloves for training or sparring with a mate.
Century
Founded by Mike Dillard in 1976, Century began in his garage but thanks to innovations such as developing the original freestanding training bag, the brand has grown to become a worldwide leader in martial arts equipment. Dillard himself was a two-time karate national champ and the brand has always made products by fighters for fighters.
The range of boxing gloves available are all constructed from the expertise of someone who has experience in the combat sports world, so they are guaranteed to perform. With the ‘DRIVE’ boxing glove, you’ll find them fitted with grip bars that allow for proper fist formation and a quick wrist wrap design for an easy slip on and off.
Combat Sports
If you are looking for a supplier of some of the best boxing gloves and equipment, but aren’t tied to any one brand just yet, Combat Sports has the range for you. They also have their own in-house brand that develops high-quality gloves for all combat sports and boxing is just one of them.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to get into shape or whether you are a rookie or experienced fighter getting into the ring, the ‘IMF Tech’ boxing gloves will help you achieve those goals and prepare for that bout. With 2.5 inches of molded foam across the knuckles for performance and even a pull over sleeve that can protect your sparring partner, these are some of the best boxing gloves available.
Lonsdale
The brand got its name after founder and former professional welterweight boxer, Bernard Hart, was given permission to use the Lonsdale name by James Lowther, the 7th Earl of Lonsdale. It turns out the Earl was more than just royalty but related to the man who in 1891, set up the first organised boxing matches with gloves.
Lonsdale equipment and clothing have been used and worn by some of the very best British boxers, and even Muhammad Ali. Though you don’t have to be a professional to get the most out of their range of boxing gloves, with the ‘L60 Hook and Loop’ training gloves, you’ll find the very best boxing gloves Lonsdale have on offer for amateurs.
Adidas
Adidas’ history with boxing began in 1968 at the Mexico City Summer Olympic Games when George Foreman demolished a Soviet opponent wearing a pair of three-striped shoes. They would then go on to be seen during the ‘Fight of the Century’ between Ali and Frazier and even become official suppliers of the 72’ Olympic Games in Munich.
However, their expertise goes beyond shoes and their range of boxing gloves will have you performing like the greats. The ‘Hybrid 300X’ boxing gloves are constructed in an ergonomic shape with genuine cowhide leather and multi-layer foam dampening to help support fast and powerful punches.
Engage
Beginning on the streets of Thailand, Engage prides themselves on creating products for those who step inside the ring and for those whose fight takes place outside of it. With a roster of sponsored fighters including current UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski, you know they are trusted by the best.
The range of boxing gloves come in all shapes and sizes, and are all fitted with an easy velcro fastening system for custom adjustment. With the ‘W.I.P Series’ boxing glove you’ll find thumb lock protection, total wrist support, and triple layered foam all covered in a sleek, on-trend looking aesthetic. Again, these are some of the best boxing gloves on the market.
Habrok
The journey for Habrok began in the 1920’s in Pakistan with the manufacturing of sporting equipment and gear. Over four generations later, 3 brothers moved to the United States in 1999 and continued the work until 2016, when the brand was relaunched and revamped as Habrok Inc. and included boxing equipment into their range.
They are dedicated to both supporting athletes' dreams and regular peoples' fitness goals through their high-quality and affordable gear that will endure the toughest workouts and sparring sessions. With the ‘GEN 1.0’ boxing gloves that are designed for those hard-hitting sessions and are layered with H-Tech synthetic combat leather, you'll find that these may be the best boxing gloves you've ever owned.
SMAI
In 1985, Smai founders Homa & Lilly Alenaddaf began producing martial arts uniforms and punching bags from their home garage in Wollongong. They were originally known as Sports Master, but shortened it to SMAI to incorporate their rapid expansion into the global market, Sports Master Athletics International.
If you are looking to unlock your protection and perform at a higher level but keeping your hands and wrists safe in the process, then Smai’s range of boxing gloves is the fit for you. With the ‘Elite85’ boxing gloves, you’ll find cowhide leather in a matte finish and injection molded EVA foam that will reduce fist fatigue.
RDX
In 1999, the Sadiq brothers were living in Manchester, England, and found that the best combat sports brands from around the world were too expensive for the average Brit to afford, and sought to correct this gap in the market. Today they are one of the largest e-commerce based sports brands that promise quality and affordability.
Thanks to high-quality and technologically sound products, including the range of boxing gloves that are worthy of professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts. With the ‘T15 Nero’ boxing gloves, your fists will be protected thanks to durable combat leather and shock busting ‘Quadro-Dome’ layered foam.
Hayabusa
Founded in 2006 by the Clement brothers Ken and Craig, David Zikakis, and Luke Harris, Hayabusa is named after the Japanese word for peregrine falcon which can be seen in their logo. The brand has always maintained a research-based approach to designing and testing their products, including boxing gloves.
Their range of boxing gloves feature a variety of different styles and aesthetics, but they all perform with the same high level of function. With the ‘T3’ boxing gloves, you’ll find a pair that are some of the most advanced and protective thanks to two interlocking straps for a superb fit and an ergonomic shape designed to align your hands with each strike.
Pro Boxing Equipment
Beginning in the 1970’s as PRO Boxing and after a decade and a solid reputation later they grew into Pro Boxing Equipment in 1980, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of U.S-made boxing gloves and bags.
Each pair of boxing gloves in their range is designed to provide you with protection, no matter if you are training on the bag or sparring in the ring. With the ‘Silver Velcro’ boxing gloves, you’ll find a comfortable, handmade construction that comes fitted with an easy to use velcro strap for a custom fit.
Title
Co-founded by Danny Campbell and Tom Lyons, Title began in 1998 and quickly set to establish itself as an authority in the boxing industry. Through equipment design and overall involvement at all levels of the sport, the brand has become one of the leaders with their very own Title Boxing Club which opened in 2008, and stores in 160 locations across the world.
They want fighters, coaches, and enthusiasts to be assured of the quality of their boxing gloves, and with the ‘Gel Rush Hook and Loop’ boxing gloves, you’ll find just that. Featuring a durable mesh upper palm lined with moisture wicking inserts, the glove will keep your hands cool and comfortable, round after round.
Venum
In 2004, from his small apartment in Paris, Franck Dupuis was hard at work with his first brand Dragon Bleu. In 2005, he began a new brand Venum, in anticipation of the growth of mixed-martial arts, and established a workshop in Rio de Janeiro, where the brand's very first product was made; a single range of fight shorts.
Today, the brand is a leader in combat sports equipment and boxing is among the many sports they have lent their original designs and athletic-level performance to. With the ‘Giant 2.0 Pro’ boxing gloves, your wrists and hands will be perfectly balanced thanks to two layers of resistant polyethylene between the foam and a natural rubber sheet under the leather.
VSL
Undefeated professional boxer, who is now renowned as one of the best boxing trainers, Joey Valle founded VSL following a career that saw him attain the record for the fastest Golden Gloves knockout at just six seconds. His family history has deep ties to boxing and he has weaved all of that experience and expertise into crafting the best boxing gloves.
Whether you are looking to train or workout, the range offers a glove for all types of boxers and includes a gallery of designs from national flags to the option of custom lettering. With the ‘Valle 4000 Pro’ boxing glove, you’ll also get the very best in function with an anatomically shaped shell and technology to stabilise your hand and wrist during even the most intense sessions.
