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Best boxing gloves to pack a punch in 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or changing your diet.
Boxing gloves are a must-have item for any serious fighter or fitness enthusiast with an interest in combat sports. Why are boxing gloves so important to invest in? Having the right set of boxing gloves can help increase safety and skills. A good set of gloves will shield your hands and wrists from injury. They also allow for better grip, control and power.
Our guide will take you through the best boxing gloves available on the market, tailored to your specific needs. Whether you want to significantly improve your speed or just work on your overall punching technique, there's a glove for boxing that will provide that plus protection for your hands.
How we chose the best boxing gloves
Our picks were determined by considering key factors like quality, durability, comfort and user reviews. Then, we mapped out the high points and low points of the selected boxing gloves and how they meet certain needs — such as sparring, training or competitive needs.
Top boxing gloves
- Best for beginners: Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves
- Best for professionals: Cleto Reyes Professional Gloves
- Best for wrist support: Byakko Boxing Gloves
- Best leather: Hayabusa T3 LX Leather Boxing Gloves
- Best for your budget: Fiving Boxing Gloves
Best for beginners: Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves
About Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves
Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves are built with the needs of beginner boxers in mind. The use of premium synthetic leather not only guarantees durability but also offers a comfortable fit right from the start.
What sets Everlast apart from its competitors is the full mesh palm. This unique characteristic ensures optimal breathability, which keeps your hands dry and prevents slippage — a common issue among beginners. Also, the antimicrobial treatment of the mesh combats bacteria and odors. These gloves adhere to professional standards and aesthetics, giving beginners a taste of high-quality boxing gear at an affordable price.
Having a dependable pair of gloves is crucial for a beginner boxer. Everlast brings to the table a secure fit with its wrap-around velcro straps, allowing easy adjustments for the perfect fit. This feature is not only convenient but also provides the safety and support that beginners need when learning punching techniques.
Why we like it
- Durable and comfortable material
- Excellent ventilation due to EVERCOOL fabric
- Comes in 8 ounce, 10 ounce and 12 ounce
What to consider
- Padding might be insufficient for heavy bag workouts
- May run small for those with larger hands
- Synthetic leather won't have the same feel as real leather
Best for professionals: Cleto Reyes Professional Competition Boxing Gloves
- High-quality leather construction
- Water-repellent nylon lining prevents moisture buildup
- Slim design for better precision
About Cleto Reyes Professional Competition Gloves
Widely revered in the boxing world, Cleto Reyes Gloves are a staple for professional boxing. Handmade in Mexico with high-quality leather, they offer unparalleled durability and quality. The natural materials not only create a product that lasts but also makes for a comfortable fit that will mold to your hands over time.
The gloves stand apart from many of its competitors with their water-repellent nylon lining. You'll see a significant reduction in the unpleasant moisture build-up within the glove. The slim design offers improved precision. You'll also find yourself landing harder hits during competition thanks to the carded horsehair (a combination of horsehair bristle and polyurethane foam padding) stuffing.
Due to their professional-grade quality, Cleto Reyes gloves are an excellent fit for professional boxers, for those who place a high value on the quality of their training equipment or are unwilling to compromise on the comfort and fit of their gloves. These gloves are professional gear, so they might not be suitable for casual or beginner boxing enthusiasts.
Why we like it
- Superior leather quality denotes durability
- Moisture reduction aids in comfort and hygiene
- Excellent wrist support
What to consider
- Higher-end price point may be a deterrent for some shoppers
- Not the best option for beginners
- The leather may take some time to break in and mold perfectly to the user's hand
Best for wrist support: Byakko Boxing Gloves
- High-density foam for optimal shock absorption
- Premium synthetic leather for durability and comfort
- Multiple weight options
About Byakko Boxing Gloves
Byakko Boxing Gloves are designed specifically to stabilize the wrist during high-intensity boxing training and matches. This helps avoid injuries by offering increased support and comfort, making them perfect for boxers who put wrist safety first.
Byakko Boxing Gloves also employ high-density foam at their core, providing optimal shock absorption, which is essential to protect your knuckles and hands. This foam technology minimizes the impact from punching, adding an extra layer of safety to your training sessions.
The gloves are crafted from premium cowhide leather, designed to withstand heavy use without compromising on comfort or fit. We also love that the gloves cater to different types of training — use the 10 and 12-ounce gloves for boxing and the 14 and 16-ounce sizes for sparring. Long-lasting and easy to clean, these Byakko gloves are perfect for serious boxers dedicated to their sport.
Why we like it
- Comes in 10 ounce, 12 ounce, 14 ounce, and 16 ounce sizes
- Every pair of gloves is made by hand
- Ergonomically designed for maximum wrist support
What to consider
- The gloves might feel stiffer initially due to the high-density foam, requiring a break-in period
- May feel restrictive to some boxers who prefer less wrist support
- Many reviews mentioned that the gloves fit too snuggly
Best leather gloves: Hayabusa T3 LX Leather Boxing Gloves
- Constructed with genuine leather
- Features a multi-layer foam structure
- Utilizes Dual-X closure system for superior wrist support
About Hayabusa T3 LX Leather Boxing Gloves
When it comes to premium leather boxing gloves, the Hayabusa T3 LX stands out remarkably. These deluxe gloves are built with the finest leather, known for its unmatched strength and durability. The material ages beautifully, ensuring the gloves retain their aesthetic appeal over time. Speaking of aesthetics, the gloves also come in eight different colors.
One unique feature of these gloves is their Deltra-EG®, a multi-layer foam structure that not only provides excellent protection but also optimizes your energy output. These gloves' Dual-X® technology system was specifically designed to align your hand and wrist in a striking position, enhancing your safety and performance.
These gloves are suitable for any enthusiast, whether you're a competitive boxer or simply hitting a heavy punching bag. They're revered for their blend of style, comfort and durability, creating a user experience like no other.
Why we like it
- The high-quality leather promises premium quality and durability
- The multi-layer foam structure offers ultimate protection and energy redirection
- Dual-X closure system ensures a perfect fit and wrist alignment
What to consider
- These gloves might seem pricey, but their durability and functionality justify the cost
- Minor adjustments may be required initially to achieve the perfect fit via the Dual-X closure system
- May not be suitable for people with very small hands or beginners looking for a lighter glove
Best budget-friendly gloves: Fiving Boxing Gloves
- Durable PU leather construction
- Pre-curved anatomic hand design
- Secure velcro wrist closure
About Fiving Boxing Gloves
For people looking for quality without breaking the bank, the Fiving Boxing Gloves are a terrific choice. These gloves demonstrate an effective blend of comfort, durability and performance, all for an affordable price. Made from robust PU leather, the gloves promise long-lasting durability that withstands intense training routines.
The pre-curved anatomic hand design is a standout feature, ensuring a more natural and comfortable fit. The gloves mimic the natural alignment of your fist, promoting proper punching technique while decreasing the risk of injury. This thoughtful design will help you reap maximum benefits from your boxing sessions.
Another great feature is the secure velcro wrist closure, which provides excellent wrist support. This feature makes the gloves a great fit for kickboxing, Muay Thai and sparring activities besides boxing. The ease of wearing and taking off the gloves due to the velcro strap is an added advantage, especially for those who train frequently or have back-to-back sessions.
Why we like it
- Designed with premium materials, providing durability and breathability without the hefty price tag
- The anatomically curved design not only ensures a better fit but also promotes the correct punching technique
- The widened velcro wrist closure offers excellent support, enhancing user comfort and convenience
What to consider
- The PU leather material, although durable, may not offer the same elevated feel as genuine leather gloves
- As a budget-friendly option, these gloves may lack some luxury features that premium gloves offer
- Some users might find the Velcro closure less secure than traditional lace-up gloves
What to look for when choosing boxing gloves
When choosing boxing gloves, several factors should come into play, such as the glove's weight and size, material, padding distribution and wrist support. If you're training for competition, professional-grade gloves would be needed, but for casual training, you might opt for budget-friendly gloves.
Weight
Boxing glove weight is measured in ounces. The weight of the gloves should correspond to your body weight; heavier gloves offer more protection but can tire you out faster. When looking for gloves to use on a heavy bag, you want to pick gloves that will work for your weight.
- 6-8 ounce gloves: Under 100 lbs
- 10-ounce gloves: 100-125 lbs
- 12-ounce gloves: 125-150 lbs
- 14-ounce gloves: 150-175 lbs
- 16-ounce gloves: 175+ lbs
If you are looking for gloves to use to spar or use in competition, you may want to go up a size to improve safety and comfort. For some, training goals play a role and should be considered. Remember, a heavier glove will take more effort during training, which can help build strength and endurance.
Material
More often than not, you will have two choices when it comes to the outside material of your boxing gloves: leather or synthetic leather. Synthetic leathers are typically cheaper and they don't need as much time to break them in. However, you may also be sacrificing quality and durability when choosing the lower price tag.
Not only are outside materials important, but inside materials are critical to consider, as well. With advancements in shock absorption and impact resistance, gloves have come a long way. Gloves using lighter materials, like EVA foam, may be more comfortable, but they are typically bulkier. Whereas gloves filled with horsehair and foam will be stiffer but offer a slimmer profile and fit.
Support
Whether you are doing some light boxing as part of your fitness routine or you're at the gym working the heavy bag every day, support is important. Not only do you need a glove that will support your wrists, but you also want to choose one that also supports your hand and thumb. Looking into the padding, dispearsment of padding and glove structure will ensure you end up with a glove that will give you support from the speed bag to the competition.
FAQ
What type of gloves did Mike Tyson wear?
Mike Tyson was known to wear Everlast gloves throughout his career. Many fans remember them from the notorious 1997 Evander Holyfield fight. Recognized as a brand for providing exceptional protection, Everlast gloves are favored by many professional boxers worldwide.
How do I choose boxing gloves?
When choosing boxing gloves, you want to consider your skill level, how often you're training and your weight. It's also important to think about the glove's material to ensure you get a comfortable, breathable and supportive fit.
Do I have to break in boxing gloves?
Yes, you do need to break in boxing gloves. Just like a new pair of shoes, boxing gloves often need a period of adjustment to fit your hand and wrist perfectly. We recommend doing light bag work or shadow boxing to break them in gradually before any serious training or sparring sessions.
