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Boxing is quickly becoming the go-to form of exercise in all corners of the fitness community thanks to its high-intensity nature, stress relief benefits, calorie-burning abilities, and more. Even if you’re not planning on stepping into the “squared circle” any time soon, investing in the proper boxing gear is a good call—starting with boxing gloves. Miles Hill, Boxing Trainer at Rumble Boxing, says padding is one of the most important features to look for in boxing gloves. After all, the padding is the only thing that stands between whatever you’re hitting and your knuckles.
To find the best boxing gloves on the market, we first asked Miles and other experts for insight on the best boxing gloves available for beginners, pros looking for an investment, and everybody in between. We then spent hours testing boxing gloves from the most trusted and popular brands in The Verywell Testing Lab through jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and other moves. Our top picks scored well for fit, comfort, ease of use, breathability, adjustability, protection, performance, quality, and value. Finally, we had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, shopping tips, and how to wear boxing gloves safely.
How to Choose Your Boxing Glove Type
There are six main types of boxing gloves to choose from. When buying boxing gloves, you’ll want to choose the one that’s made for the type of boxing you’re looking to do.
- Training Gloves: These gloves are suitable for beginners and the most versatile of the bunch. Rather than being specifically designed for one type of training, they can be used for both sparring and bag work. They typically have more padding than other gloves.
- Sparring Gloves: These gloves are made for going head-to-head with an opponent. They usually have more padding to protect both your hands and your opponent.
- Bag Gloves: These gloves are made to use with a punching bag. They typically weigh more than other options and offer more padding to protect your knuckles from a heavy bag.
- Competition Gloves: These gloves are specifically designed for official fights, and they’re typically lighter than other options, allowing for better speed and accuracy. They usually weigh between 8-10 ounces.
- Hybrid Gloves: These gloves combine features of a training and sparring glove, offering good protection while still being versatile.
- Muay Thai Gloves: These are similar to traditional boxing gloves, but they’re more flexible at the wrist for a better range of motion and feature more padding on the knuckles.
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Comfortable fit
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Breathable mesh panels
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Easy to adjust
Key Specs
Size: 14-18 ounces | Material: Synthetic leather | Glove Type: Sparring | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best overall pick for people who need a flexible, adaptable glove with solid protection and comfort, suitable for both small and large hands.
Why We Love Them
The Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Glove is our best overall boxing glove pick thanks to its adaptable material, which fits hands of different sizes, and its mesh paneling that kept our hands from heating up while boxing during our test. These gloves are made for sparring, which means they offer extra protection and are meant to be used when you go head-to-head with an opponent, but they can be used for everyday training as well. Thanks to their durable construction and strong stitching, these gloves will last you for the long haul. They kept us hitting harder for longer without pain or discomfort during our test.
We love that these gloves feature shock-absorbing foam padding to cushion each blow on your punching bag (or opponent). This popular boxing glove is available in a few different weights, including 16 ounces, Hills’ favorite. A hook and loop closure makes them easy to slip on and off between rounds and is recommended over lace-up boxing gloves for beginners by Hills, too. Like him or loathe him, Conor “The Notorious” Mcgregor has been pictured sparring in these boxing gloves.
Potential Flaws
- While we love the fit of these gloves, their overly flexible wrist strap may not offer enough support for some beginner boxers who are still building muscles around their wrists.
- Some users may find them too firm at first, but, like most boxing gloves, they should become more flexible over time.
Most Valuable Insight
“These gloves had a wonderfully snug fit. They were not too tight or loose, and they paired well with boxing hand wraps for a secure hold. The wrist was not too loose, but it was malleable and flexible. The material is faux leather, but it molded very well to the shape of my hand, so I felt I could easily maneuver in it. There was ample space for my fingers to flex within the glove.” —Larissa Irankunda, Verywell Fit product tester
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Key Specs
Size: 10-16 ounces | Material: Leather | Glove Type: Training | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginners who need well-padded gloves for protection and comfort but are OK with less flexibility and more weight.
Why We Love Them
Are you new to boxing? Hayabusa’s S4 Leather Boxing Gloves are our top pick for beginners. They have great padding for protection and comfort and are a bit less flexible than other options, with more wrist padding for greater protection. These are training gloves, meaning they’re standard boxing gloves designed for everyday general use, making them ideal for beginners.
People just starting to “knuckle up” need a supportive pair of boxing gloves that don’t break the bank (or their wrists). We like these gloves because they’re made with real leather, which lasts longer than synthetic materials. During testing, we particularly liked the adjustable velcro closure, which made these easy to slip on and off. Plus, these gloves come in five beautiful colors—black, blue, brown, red, or white—so you can find one that fits your fighting style.
Potential Flaws
- Thick wrist padding is great for support but may promote improper technique if you’re planning on sparring down the line.
- If you haven’t worn boxing gloves before, the heavy feel may take a while to get used to. Start with shorter boxing workouts to help you get used to the weight of these heavier gloves.
Most Valuable Insight
“These gloves were very comfortable during the test. I have used a few boxing gloves before, but they don’t fit around my wrists properly. These gloves felt like a nice hug around my hands. They have thick padding all around, and my wrists and fingers feel protected. I didn’t feel any discomfort or pressure points when wearing these, which was nice. My other gloves usually irritate my wrists and fingers.” —Krisha Joshi, Verywell Fit product tester
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Excellent knuckle and wrist protection
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Adjustable with dual velcro straps
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Flatter shape for optimal impact
Key Specs
Size: 10-18 ounces | Material: Vylar Leather | Glove Type: Bag | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best boxing gloves for advanced boxers who need robust support and are willing to invest in higher-end gloves.
Why We Love Them
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves are perfect for advanced boxers looking for an investment glove that will last. These gloves are designed to be used on a punching bag and provide optimal protection for your wrists to help you pack a safe punch. They’re made with high-quality Vylar leather, which looks and feels great.
In testing, these heavy bag gloves provided superior protection thanks to their splinted support, which is designed to reinforce the wrists over longer sessions. Your boxing session can go on for even longer, thanks to the knuckle and wrist protection provided by the gloves’ multi-layered foam padding. Hill estimates that a good pair of boxing gloves like these can last for one-to-two years of regular use or longer for more infrequent users. Hill also says that the flatter shape of these boxing gloves allows for optimum impact on the bag.
Potential Flaws
- While the price may seem high, these gloves are going to last round after round, thanks to their high-quality construction.
- When testing, we found these gloves to be stiff and hot during extended use. Wearing them with absorbent hand wraps may help wick away more sweat while training.
Most Valuable Insight
“These boxing gloves have a flatter shape, ensuring that your knuckles stay at the optimal place when making impact with the punching bag. I like these more than boxing gloves with a rounded shape, which can cause the impact to land in a less optimal area of the gloves, causing more pressure on the knuckles.” —Amy Kwan, physical therapist and Verywell Fit product tester
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Dense padding
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Good moisture control
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Lightweight
Key Specs
Size: 8-18 ounces | Material: Faux Leather | Glove Type: Training | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best for beginners who value a snug, flexible fit and effective impact protection at a budget-friendly price.
Why We Love Them
RDX’s Kara Boxing Training Gloves are our favorite budget boxing gloves. While the price is lower than other options, you’re still getting gloves with dense knuckle and wrist padding, a lightweight, sleek design, adjustable and secure Velcro straps, and moisture control.
While testing these gloves, we were impressed by the breathable ventilation in the palm area and holes that wick away sweat, keeping our hands from overheating during long workouts. During testing, we noted that the dense padding absorbs impact without feeling bulky, which means your form shouldn’t be affected by a more cushioned blow. The affordable price makes them great boxing gloves for beginners who want an entry-level glove for general training.
Potential Flaws
- If you’re an advanced boxer who prefers longer sessions, you may feel stiffness in your wrists after extended use. Taking regular breaks and stretching should help manage any discomfort.
- The faux leather material of these boxing gloves isn’t as durable as other options on our list made of real leather, but they should withstand regular use for beginners until it’s time to upgrade.
Most Valuable Insight
“This glove has really great padding on the knuckles and wrists! My hands felt cushioned and protected during my workout, and I never felt worried about hurting myself. If someone were to do a high-impact workout, I feel like these gloves would hold up incredibly well without the risk of injury.” —Larissa Irankunda, Verywell Fit product tester
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Snug fit
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Plush padding
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Reinforced palms
Key Specs
Size: 8-16 ounces | Material: Faux Leather | Glove Type: Training | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for someone with smaller hands who values a high-quality, well-padded glove and is willing to invest in durable equipment.
Why We Love Them
Boxers with smaller hands looking for gloves that truly “fit like a glove” should look no further than Venum’s Elite Boxing Gloves. Our tester with smaller hands loved the snug fit of this pair and that the gloves contoured to fit her hands without feeling too tight or loose.
We also like that they feature reinforced palms for extra impact absorption. Made from leather and triple-density foam, these gloves offered enough padding that our hands never tired, even after extended use. And they’re still flexible enough for proper range of motion, despite the extra padding.
While these boxing gloves are designed for general training, we were also able to use them comfortably for bag work, and our on-site expert said they’d work well for sparring, too. The gloves feature hook-and-loop closures, which make them easy to adjust and secure.
Potential Flaws
- These boxing gloves don’t have as much wrist support as others we tested, so they may not be suitable for people with weak wrists or previous wrist injuries.
- These are some of the pricier ones we’ve tested, so only invest if you know you’ll stick with the sport in the long run.
Most Valuable Insight
“These gloves are made with a ‘premium semi-leather’ material, which is resistant to wear and tear, and the coating is smooth and cushiony to the touch. The stitching and seams are neatly sewn in, with no loose threads or defects visible. The manufacturer took into account the quality and the attention to detail in this product.” —Amy Kwan, physical therapist and Verywell Fit product tester
Boxing Gloves We Also Tested
To find the best boxing gloves, we tested seven high-quality options from top brands in our Lab. While the following boxing gloves didn’t quite meet the high standards of our top selections, they come from reputable brands and have some good features worth noting.
- Everlast’s Elite 2 Boxing Gloves feature good knuckle and wrist padding and a secure fit once on. However, they can feel uncomfortable over time due to being overly snug, especially with wrapped hands.
- Sanabul’s Essential Gel Boxing Gloves are affordable and have a squishy feel for comfort during bag work. While they are an affordable option for people starting out, we found them to be a poor fit for smaller hands, and they lacked padding.
What We’ve Updated
- To ensure our top boxing glove picks are truly the best on the market, we decided to test them for ourselves in our Lab, following our rigorous testing methodology.
- After testing seven top-rated and expert-approved boxing gloves, we swapped out our best overall for a pair that’s equally (if not more) effective but at a budget-friendlier price.
- We spoke to a third expert, Hills, who also oversaw our boxing gloves test. Hills made sure that we used the boxing gloves properly and knew what key features to look for when evaluating them.
What to Look for When Shopping For Boxing Gloves
- Weight: Boxing gloves vary in weight depending on how much cushioning they provide in the fist area. You’ll typically see gloves weighing in at 12, 14, or 16 ounces. Lighter boxing gloves are most commonly used during practice, while heavier gloves are used for fights. Other things that affect glove weight are body size, and the type of fighting you’ll be doing. Generally, people over 175 pounds should opt for 16-ounce boxing gloves, while people between 125 and 150 pounds should go for 12-ounce gloves.
- Size: Boxing gloves come in standard sizes, such as small, medium, large, and extra large. You’ll want to choose a size that best fits the size of your hand. Expect a boxing glove to feel snug but not too tight. To find the best fit, you should measure the circumference of your hand around the knuckles. Six to 7.5 inches would indicate a smaller glove size, while 8.5-9.5 inches would call for a larger size.
- Shape: Boxing gloves can have a few different shapes. A rounded boxing glove will offer more protection because it has more cushion than other shapes. You can expect gloves for Muay Thai to be more rounded in nature, while traditional boxing gloves will be more “boxy.” There are also pillow-style boxing gloves, which are soft and designed to cradle the knuckles in foam layers. If you have weaker hands or wrists, pillow-style boxing gloves may be best for you.
- Material: Boxing gloves are usually made with either genuine leather or synthetic leather. Genuine leather gloves will typically be more expensive but more durable. If you’re just getting started with boxing, you may want to opt for the cheaper synthetic leather. If you decide you want to take the sport more seriously, genuine leather gloves are a good investment.
How We Tested the Boxing Gloves
To find the best boxing gloves on the market, we first spoke with Hills and other boxing experts to understand what key features to look for in quality gloves. We then narrowed our focus to seven top boxing gloves from quality brands with good customer reviews and tested these pairs in our Lab under Hills’ guidance. When testing boxing gloves, we score each pair according to the following key criteria.
Fit: When assessing boxing gloves for fit, we note whether they fit snugly on our hands without being too tight or loose. We also note whether the gloves are compatible with hand wraps (which you’ll generally want to wear under boxing gloves for extra protection) and whether the fit feels comfortable around our fingers and wrists without squeezing or sagging.
Comfort: If a boxing glove isn’t comfortable, you’re not going to wear it. When testing, we note whether gloves feel comfortable during extended use and if we feel any pressure points or areas of discomfort when punching. A comfortable boxing glove should be snug but not too tight.
Ease of use: We prioritized boxing gloves with velcro straps, which are better suited for beginners and easier to take on and off without the help of another person. We also want boxing gloves that are easy to adjust, ensuring you can get a proper fit with minimal hassle.
Breathability: Most of us will get sweaty during a boxing workout, so we need gloves that wick away moisture and don’t leave our hands feeling overheated. When testing boxing gloves, we prioritize pairs with ventilation features, like mesh panels and perforations.
Adjustability: As mentioned previously, finding your proper fit is crucial when choosing boxing gloves. When testing, we prioritize pairs that come in many sizes with adjustability features like velcro straps, which ensure you can get the right fit regardless of your hand and wrist size.
Protection: When testing boxing gloves, we make sure that each pair has enough padding to adequately protect wrists and knuckles when punching. We also make sure that the gloves are stiff enough to keep your wrists and fingers from twisting in the wrong direction without compromising range of motion. We lean on our on-site expert to weigh in on whether each glove is constructed properly to provide adequate protection.
Performance: When assessing performance, we pay attention to how well the gloves absorb impact when hitting a punching bag and sparring mitts. We also want to make sure that the gloves offer adequate flexibility and aren’t so stiff that they impact form.
Quality: When testing each pair of boxing gloves, we pay attention to the quality of the material they are made of and their construction. We ensure there are no loose seams and that the gloves seem durable. We make sure the gloves don’t show any signs of wear and tear after a few rounds of heavy boxing circuits.
Value: To give each pair a value score, we don’t look at the price until after we’ve scored each boxing glove for the other key criteria listed here. Once we have a sense of the quality and performance of the gloves, we check the price to determine whether we think the gloves are worth their cost. Gloves with a high value score are ones we’d happily pay for at their current price or may even be willing to pay a bit more for.
Our Experts
Before selecting which boxing gloves to test, we first spoke to three experts to understand what to look for in boxing gloves and what makes a quality glove. We also had an on-site boxing expert, Hills, supervise our testing process to ensure we used the gloves correctly.
- Miles Hill, Boxing Trainer at Rumble Boxing
- Eduardo Perez, former senior director of mixed combat arts and Pilates programs at Life Time
- Cedric Jones, owner of Beastie, a boxing gym in Manhattan Beach, California
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what weight boxing gloves to buy?
First, you need to consider what type of boxing you will be doing. Heavier boxing gloves (16 ounces or more) are better suited for hitting heavy bags, while thinner and lighter gloves (12 ounces or less) are better for hitting lighter bags when you’re focusing on speed.
How much do high-quality boxing gloves cost?
While competitive gloves may set professional boxers back $300+, the casual boxer can find a pair for less than $100. Cheaper pairs (under $40) are typically made with synthetic materials and will likely not last as long as pricier options made with real leather, but they may be enough for beginners.
How long do boxing gloves last?
According to Hills, gloves can last one-to-two years and beyond. It all depends on how much you box, the durability of the gloves you selected, and the material. Gloves made with real leather will typically last you for longer, while gloves made with synthetic leather will need to be replaced more often.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Shannon Ullman has been writing and reviewing products in the health and wellness space for over five years. As an avid exerciser, she knows that quality gear is essential for optimizing performance and keeping you safe. For this guide, she considered expert insight when developing guidelines for what to look for in a quality pair of boxing gloves.