Getting the right boxing gloves is crucial to protecting your hands and to getting the most out of your ability. It is one of the most detailed aspects of the sport and it can be the one detail that gives you a real edge in upcoming competitions.
For those just starting out it can be an overwhelming world of choice and the apparent similarities between all of the gloves can be confusing. This often leads to the boxer making mistakes and purchasing gloves that don’t fit or aren’t the right weight.
To help prevent these problems we have collected together all of the information that you will need before you make the final decision. We have also crafted a chart of the top ten best boxing gloves on the market, to make the search even easier.
Features to Consider
Whilst you browse our list, here are some key points to keep in mind when you are buying boxing gloves.
- The Fit. One of the biggest mistakes that boxers make is to buy a pair of gloves and have them fitted without their handwraps on. This means that the gloves will be too tight when it comes to actually using them. The glove fits if you are able to easily make a fist inside and it is comfortable to do so.
- Try Them Out. While it isn’t always possible, the best method to finding the right boxing gloves is to try out the various weights and types. Most boxing gyms will have a range for you to try out. Alternatively, you will be able to consult expert reviews and their experiences with the various gloves.
- Stick to the Brands You Know. Unlike many other types of product, the brand of boxing gloves really does matter. If you are moving up a weight class, then it is better to stick to the glove brand you have used in the past.
There is a lot of variety between the best boxing gloves and this can really throw off your game if you don’t navigate these differences carefully.
Top 10 Boxing Gloves Chart
Picture | Name | Weight Options | Price | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. TITLE Gel World Bag Gloves | 16 oz. | $$$$ | 4.7 | |
2. RDX Cow Hide Leather Gel Boxing Gloves Sparring Training Glove Punching Bag Mitts Muay Thai T9 | 10, 12, 14 or 16 oz. | $$$$ | 4.7 | |
3. Sanabul Essential GEL Boxing Kickboxing Training Gloves | 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 oz. | $ | 4.6 | |
4. RDX Maya Hide Leather Boxing Gloves | 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 oz. | $$ | 4.6 | |
5. Venum Challenger 2.0 Boxing Gloves | 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 oz. | $$ | 4.4 | |
6. Venum Contender Boxing Gloves | 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 oz. | $ | 4.4 | |
7. Ringside Apex Bag Gloves | 10 oz. | $$ | 4.4 | |
8. ProForce Leatherette Boxing Gloves w/Red Palm | 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or 24 oz. | $ | 4.3 | |
9. Ringside Gel Super Bag Gloves | 8 or 10 oz. | $$$ | 4.2 | |
10. Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves | 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 oz. | $ | 4.1 |
What Makes for Good Boxing Gloves
On our list, we have included the various weight options that each manufacturer provides. The general thing to keep in mind is that the bigger the glove the more padding it will have. It is also the case that those that are able to punch with more force will need to opt for heavier and more padded gloves.
To give you a general idea of where you should be aiming, here is a summary of the weight guide to buying training gloves:
120lbs and under – 8lbs-14lbs
120lbs-140lbs – 14lbs-16lbs
140lbs-180lbs – 16lbs-20lbs
180lbs and over – 18lbs and up.
When it comes to sparring, it is usually the case that the gloves will have even more padding that usual. This is to prevent the two boxers from unleashing their full force on a sparring partner before a competition fight.
Most of the time boxers will only use over 16oz. No matter what you fight with, you should make sure it is at least in your weight class, otherwise you will get used to being able to move your hands faster than you will when using the correct gloves.
Pro Tip: If you are unsure about what gloves you should be using then you should start with larger ones. These offer more hand protection for those just starting out and it also means you will be adjusting down, which is much easier than having to use heavier gloves than you are used to.
Top 5 Best Boxing Gloves Reviews
1. TITLE Gel World Bag Gloves
As soon as you try the TITLE Gel World Bag gloves, you will not want to box with anything else. These are top of the line in terms of style and performance. The entirely leather outer and the cooling interior make this a particularly durable set of gloves too.
For security, these gloves have a wrist strap, D-ring and a hook and loop closure too. You never have to worry about these gloves getting loose as you work out or fight.
Anyone that throws near 1000 or more punches a day in training or in matches will go through many sets of gloves. These are a pair that you can break in and enjoy for much longer and for many more punches than other gloves on the market.
2. RDX Cow Hide Leather Gel
The quality of the RDX Cow Hide Leather Gel gloves is second to none. These gloves combine comfort with the softness of the leather, protection with the quality of the materials and comfort with the gel and overall design. These gloves really do protect you from impact while also offering more power when on the offensive.
These gloves could not be more comfortable either. They have been made to ensure that the moisture that builds up in the gloves is wicked away. This makes sure you get the grip that you need in order to have the most powerful punches.
Even though these are incredibly secure on your hands and wrists they aren’t too tight and can be used for fighting as well as exercise boxing too.
3. Sanabul Essential Gel
Sanabul Essential Gel gloves are a great affordable option for anyone that is into boxing. It is often hard to justify spending a lot of money on gloves if you box often because they don’t stand up to many sessions of fighting or working out.
That is why these Sanabul gloves are so good. They have the quality, protection and enhanced performance without the high price tag. In terms of design and fit, you could not ask for more. The gel and foam combine perfectly to protect your hands.
The mesh palm also means that you have the breathability and more mobility than you might get with gloves that have been overstuffed.
4. RDX Maya Hide
The most appealing feature of the RDX Maya Hide gloves is the fact that they are so incredibly durable. These gloves have been designed to last, which is something many boxers have a difficult time finding; high quality and longevity.
The technology that these gloves use is pretty impressive. They disperse force throughout the area of impact to make the wearer more powerful and the force felt even more by the bag or the other person.
Due to the overall quality of these gloves as well as their performance, it is easy to see why they are so popular. Buying a few at a time is always a good idea to have a pair ready when one wears out.
5. Venum Challenger 2.0
The Venum Challenger 2.0 boxing gloves are made of triple density foam. This helps enhance the way the gloves and you absorb shock in offensive or defensive roles. This ensures your hands are more protected than ever before.
These are some of the best boxing gloves because they fit properly. They have a large Velcro closure as well as elastic to ensure that the fit is snug and customized to your wrists.
These gloves will be reliable for countless hours of workouts and there are a variety of colors to choose from too so you can get the ones that suit you best.