Boxing Gloves | Boxing Life

Having looked around online there are so many “best boxing gloves” articles that are truly false. This is so frustrating for me as many are recommending awful gloves that I personally would never use or suggest to anyone. In my opinion, having good quality boxing gloves is always a good investment, especially if you are planning on boxing training a lot. If you are to use cheap inexpensive gloves for the long term. These are going to deteriorate quickly and could cause an injury to your wrist or hand! Now, who wants that! Now for those that say they don't have the money, well I can tell you there are good quality cheaper gloves out there. You just need to know where to look. However, it’s always worth saving up some money and spending on a quality pair of boxing gloves. Thankfully in this article, I want to give you the 30 best training and sparring gloves you can get currently. This list is suitable for everyone who is boxing training or sparring whether you are a beginner, advanced, or even a professional. All I want to give you with this article is to show that there are good quality gloves. From cheaper to the more expensive range. To help you out I have split this article into the following categories: Best Overall Gloves For Training Gloves For Sparring Budget Gloves Alternatives (Muay Thai Gloves)FAQ I’m sure one of these gloves will definitely stand out for you! Best Overall Boxing Gloves WINNING TRAINING GLOVESCLETO REYES TRAINING GLOVESRIVAL RFX-GUERRERO-V BAG OR SPARRING GLOVESFLY TRAINING BOXING GLOVESLACED / VELCO LACED / VELCOLACED / VELCO LACED / VELCOREAL LEATHERREAL LEATHERSYNTHETIC LEATHERREAL LEATHERCHECK PRICE ON AMAZONCHECK PRICE ON AMAZONCHECK PRICE ON AMAZONCHECK PRICE ON FLY'S WEBSITE The above gloves are no doubt the most expensive and you will quite often see professionals training with the above gloves in the gym. Now if you have money and budget, it’s definitely worth investing in one of the above. These are all handcrafted and made with real leather which makes them very durable. (RIVAL Guerrero is strong PU synthetic) If looked after these will be able to last you 2-3 years and also depending on how often you are using them. Here is a bit of detail on each below to give you some background. 1. Winning Gloves - These are Japanese boxing equipment brands that by far create the most expensive gloves on the market. You will often see many of the top professional boxers use their gloves in training camps, but this is due to the protection and craftsmanship put into them. The Winning Training Gloves are made with real genuine leather. 2. Cleto Reyes Training Gloves - Cleto Reyes is an American / Mexican boxing company that is arguably one of the best suppliers of quality boxing gloves. Cleto Reyes pride itself on their handmade quality and Mexican heritage which makes them a great go-to boxing brand for most equipment. Their real leather boxing gloves makes them a perfect all-round training from hitting the heavy bag too 3. Rival RFX Guerrero Gloves - These were designed to be a comfortable and great fit for those looking for a top sparring or training glove. If you are looking for a professional or semi-professional glove to fight in or train with, this is definitely a glove to consider. They aren't made with real leather but have been crafted with very durable expensive synthetic leather. 4. Fly Boxing Training Gloves - These are the new 'kid on the block' creating premium boxing gloves. They are UK based company that takes inspiration from traditional Mexican-style premium leather gloves. A lot of the UK professional boxers are starting to use these now which is making them a go-to option for a lot of advanced boxers due to the quality they are crafted in. Best Boxing Gloves for Training The gloves in the list below here are best suited for all-rounder training including hitting the heavy bag, mitt work, or sparring. 5. Everlast Pro Powerlock Training Gloves Now, this is probably one of my favourite gloves I like to use when I’m training. Its all-rounder usage and protection are ideal for anyone looking for a decent glove to start with and are brilliant for sparring, heavy bag workouts, and mitt work. Uses real premium leather! Rea Learn more on Amazon here Learn more on Everlast.com Read my in-depth review 6. Everlast MX Training Gloves The Everlast MX Training Gloves couples premium leather while being handcrafted in Mexico to achieve the highest quality look and performance. Constructed with premium Piel Planchada leather for long-lasting durability and functionality. You can get this laced or with a velco strap and is ideal for all training. Learn more on Amazon here Learn more on Everlast.com 7. Everlast Pro Elite Training Gloves The Everlast Elite Training glove (Not to be confused with the cheaper Elite Pro Style) has a revolutionary design that incorporates a new anatomically shaped shell, which promotes a natural range of motion and optimal fist placement. Developed with Evershield technology to stabilize and protect your hand during training. There has been criticism however around the stitching of the glove on the strike point for sparring. So something to keep in mind if you want to use this for Sparring too. Learn more on Amazon here Learn more on Everlast.com Read my in-depth review here 8. Rival RB1 Boxing Gloves This is a really solid glove design by Rival which has the first generation wrist lock strapping system and is one of their more affordable options. This is a perfect all-round glove for a boxing beginner or intermediate to get started with. Rival has made the RB1 glove with comfort in mind for the boxer training which has an ultra-comfortable laminated lining and extra layered foam padding on the inside to give great protection. This glove is best suited for bag or mitt work, but can also be used for sparring if you plan on doing so. Learn more on Amazon here 9. Rival RB11 Evolution Bag Gloves Rival describe these gloves as when ‘technology now meets innovation’ and ‘unRIVALed’ in the industry – a very bold description for one of their most expensive gloves. They also claim that the Intelli-shock has the best strap in boxing to secure and protect your wrist and hand from damage. This can only be a good thing in my opinion if you want to give yourself the ultimate protection while you are training. The only downside to this glove is that these are specifically designed for ONLY bag and punch mitt use only! If you plan on getting these make sure you don’t use them for sparring as they are not designed for this – they will be great for all your other training requirements. Learn more on Amazon Here 10. Venum Giant 3.0 Gloves The Giant Boxing Gloves have been designed to protect your bones and joints thanks to their multi-layer foam without reducing the strength impact. The Giant Boxing Gloves are the perfect fusion between style and performance. These are made with real leather making it a great option for those looking for a glove made with leather that isn’t too expensive. Can be used for all types of training and is a glove I’ve really enjoyed using. Learn more on Amazon Here Read my in-depth review here 11. Venum Elite Boxing Gloves These gloves are fully handmade in Thailand with 100% Semi leather, the Venum Elite boxing gloves were designed to bring you the highest fighting experience at the best price and finest quality. They are made with a triple density foam in the padding which really helps to absorb the shock whenever you make an impact. They also have a vast variety of colors to choose from. Learn more on Amazon here Read my in depth review here 12. Venum Impact Boxing Gloves The Venum Impact boxing gloves are the real deal! You can train harder thanks to their triple density foam, specially designed to protect your hands with fully attached thumbs to avoid injuries. Not only do Venum Impact gloves look cool I also really like the way they have used their snake logo as part of the design for this glove. Learn more on Amazon here Read my in-depth review here 13. Title Gel Boxing Gloves Title has created an excellent training glove with special Gel Enforced Lining and multi-layered foam padding to give the ultimate performance, protection, and power. Gel lining delivers an unbeatable layer of custom form fit and impact resistance. All-leather outer with special hand compartment lining for cool, dry, and comfortable wear. Awesome wraparound adjustable wrist strap with D-ring and hook-and-loop closure for a secure fit. Learn more on Amazon here 14. Fighting Sports Fury Training Gloves Fighting Sports are a sub-brand of TITLE Boxing and in my opinion, have created a superb classic all-round training glove for anyone that participates in boxing training. Its all-round use makes it a reliable option to go with and can also be used for sparring. They have definitely mocked the design of the Japanese brand ‘Winning’ as a way to get more sales, however in the case of this glove they have done a brilliant job! It has been created with real full-grain leather which makes this very durable and will last you. The strike zone has been made with a medium-density sponge foam to give your hand great protection to avoid injuries. The hook and loop velcro strap is also very secure and will leave you feeling very secure. Overall I do rate this glove highly, even if its quality isn’t near the standard on Winning. Learn more on Amazon here Best Boxing Gloves for Sparring The gloves in this list are recommended for just sparring! I don’t recommend you buy these gloves for training on the bags. However, it’s always worth “breaking in” these types of gloves before going straight into sparring. If you are sparring a lot and you have the budget it’s always worth having a separate pair of boxing gloves for your sparring. 15. Winning Sparring Training Gloves As mentioned above, Winning’s sparring gloves are the highest quality you can get to give you maximum protection for you and your sparring partner. If you are a professional or have the budget to afford this. These are gloves to get! Learn more on Amazon here 16. Cleto Reyes Lace Boxing Training Gloves Pretty much the same gloves as mentioned earlier above, but recommend you get these in laced if you plan on doing lots of sparring. These gloves are made of high-quality head leather and handcrafted in Mexico under strict quality control. They also come in multiple color options which will have you spoilt for choice! These are more expensive but definitely durable to last you a while with them. Learn more on Amazon here Read my in depth review here 17. Rival RS1 Sparring Gloves The RS1 is the crown jewel for Rival as this was the true "Rival Original" on which the company was founded. The newer model is manufactured with a new, ultra-resistant, upgraded outside raw material. These improved versions offer performance, durability anvd quality. The RS1 Ultra Sparring Glove is the pinnacle of a professional sparring glove. From its inception, this glove has been designed with the professional in mind and is still the pro’s choice. Learn more on Amazon here 18. Adidas AdiSpeed Sparring Gloves Adidas has in fact created very good genuine leather sparring boxing gloves with brilliant durability. This uses multiple density foam to protect and reduce the chance of injury. This is also a great inner lining to help your hand feel comfortable while using. It also is a laced glove which is great for advanced and professional boxers. They also come in multiple colors and can be used for other training on the punch bag etc. Learn more on Amazon here Best Budget Boxing Gloves: £\$30 - £\$60 The gloves in this list are best suited for absolute beginners, those boxing for fitness or a semi-decent secondary training boxing gloves. All these gloves are mostly dual purpose for all training purposes and this might be your best start in terms of determining what brand or type of glove you like. If you are going to be boxing for the long term and a beginner, it’s always worth trying out a couple before making a jump on the more expensive pair. 19. Everlast Powerlock 2 Gloves The Powerlock 2 gloves definitely have a different look and feel to them compared to the original Powerlock 1 training gloves. One of the most obvious features of the new Powerlock 2 training gloves is the turnback hook-and-loop closure system. This is basically to keep your wrists locked in place to help secure them while using. It also has additional padding on them helping you feel comfortable and protected The padding on these gloves uses a quad layered foam core, to help maximum impact absorption when striking the bag, mitts, or opponent in sparring. The final design element Everlast has used is the use of PU synthetic leather and mesh material to help with greater ventilation. I will go into more detail below. Learn more on Everlast.com Read my in-depth review 20. Everlast Spark Gloves Spark Training Glove is one of the new products Everlast has released. The ideal glove for fitness training and boxing classes, it's a premium synthetic leather that provides a comfortable feel and long-lasting durability. The EverShield reinforced wrist padding and molded foam construction keep hands protected and in strike-ready position at all times. Learn more on Everlast's website 21. RDX F7 Ego Boxing Gloves Another really affordable boxing glove for beginners is the RDX Ego glove, which has created a really good all-round glove! The glove comes in a range of colours including gold, red, green, blue, and pink so you can pick whatever fits your fancy. The product itself is very durable and will definitely last you for a while. They have a really good shock resistance foam and aren’t too tight on the hand with breathable space for comfort. The wrist strap may look quite thin and not as solid as other gloves, but the cuff still feels strong enough once you have it on. Learn more on Amazon Read my in-depth review Learn more on RDX's Website 22. RDX F15 Boxing Gloves The RDX F15 Boxing Gloves is a product I would highly recommend for anyone looking for an all-round pair of gloves. These can be used for sparring, on the heavy bag, punch mitts, and many other pieces of boxing equipment. The gloves have been designed exactly for resistance and for longevity as RDX sports even describe them as “a pair of boxing gloves that won’t quit.” A downside to these gloves for me though is that they only come in the Matt Black/Noir coloring and it would have been nice if RDX gave you a couple of other options for this glove. Regardless of this minor negative, it is still a very cool-looking design. Learn more on Amazon here Read my full in depth review Learn more on RDX's Website 23. Rival RB7 Fitness Bag Gloves The Rival RB7 Fitness Bag Gloves are a great option for any beginner about to start boxing as they offer you brilliant overall protection in the impact zone and have a secure hook and loop strap. The best part about these gloves in my opinion is how cushiony they feel on striking all equipment in the gym such as the heavy bag, mitts, or double end bag. These gloves also come in multiple designs, giving you plenty of options to choose from. In terms of the material, Rival has used Carbonium PU, which is an extra-resistant vinyl material and almost makes it look like it has a layer of Carbon fiber over it! Learn more on Amazon here Read my full in depth review 24. Rival RB60 Bag Gloves If you are a complete beginner to boxing and do not want to spend too much the RB60 Workout Bag Glove could be the perfect glove for you This glove is made with durable synthetic leather with great padding giving you a perfect balance between protection and comfort. Rival has designed this to be an affordable starting point for newcomers into the sport which will last you a long time as you become familiar with the sport. Learn more on Amazon 25. Venum Challenger 3.0 Made from high-quality synthetic leather, the Venum Challenger boxing gloves 3.0 generation guarantees you maximum durability and perfect fit during your fights and training sessions. These gloves are also formed of a triple-layer construction for better shocks absorption, and a breathable neoprene interior for better thermal regulation and less moisture. Learn more on Amazon here 26. Sanabul Gel Boxing Gloves If you are a complete beginner and are not too bothered about quality and just want a cheaper glove for fitness work the Sanabul Gel Boxing Gloves might just do the trick for you! Made with synthetic leather, they also have gel foam underneath the lining to offer you maximum protection. Learn more on Amazon here 27. Elite Sports Star Series Boxing Gloves The Elite Sports have a pre-curved anatomic hand design, allowing for proper fist closure to maintain focus while training. It also has a triple density gel foam to offer you maximum protection while training. These are made with highly durable synthetic leather and come at a great affordable price! Learn more on Elite Sports website Alternative Boxing Gloves - Muay Thai Muay Thai or Kicking Boxing gloves are definitely your next best bet in my opinion and the below gloves are definitely options for you should seriously consider! These can be used for training and sparring which makes a brilliant option! I wouldn’t worry too much if you are just planning on just boxing training as these will be fine to use. Some traditional boxing gyms can be funny about sparring Muay Thai gloves, but most are fine! Read my FAQ below to find out the difference between traditional and Muay Thai boxing gloves further below: 28. Twins Boxing Gloves The Twins BGVL3 gloves have more flexibility to move so you have the ability to parry and clinch for muay Thai or kickboxing. The wrist support for these gloves is a little bit looser than traditional boxing gloves in my opinion. The quality of these gloves is superb though and is made with real leather and handmade from Thailand. If you are just going to be doing boxing training on the heavy bag, pads/double end bag, etc. these gloves will be absolutely fine to use and you won’t be left disappointed with the quality. Learn more on Amazon here Read my in-depth review here 29. Fairtex Boxing Gloves Fairtex is the other big popular Muay Thai boxing glove that many people go for! Ergonomically engineered with a unique contoured and tight-fit hand compartment design to provide a secure and snug fit. The Fairtex gloves are also constructed with premium quality leather with Fairtex's signature three-layered foam system for excellent hand and knuckle protection and shock disbursement. Definitely, one to consider! Learn more on Amazon here 30. Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves The Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves are truly one of the best training boxing gloves out there right now and are perfect gloves if you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced boxer or mixed martial artist looking for a quality boxing glove. In 2019 these gloves were Awarded “Best Boxing Gloves” by Men’s Health Magazine. These will cost you a bit more money, but you need to see this as a longer-term investment if you are going to go for these. They have all-around brilliant padding and protection and are ergonomically very comfortable for your hands! They also have some cool superhero additions to the glove. Learn more on Amazon here Read my full in depth review FAQ What size of gloves should I get? This is a question I get a lot! But if I’m being honest all gloves feel and fit differently! I do find the cheaper you go they are set to size and can be difficult to break in. You need to try a few brands to see what works for you. The more expensive gloves usually tend to break in better with your hand. Here is a general size guide below for you to consider. These are my recommended sizes for training purposes. Please note for sparring always try to go with 14-16oz. E.g. I’m 175lbs and I always use 16oz for sparring and 14oz for general training. Boxing Glove Size Guide Glove WeightWeightHand Size16oz-18oz gloves175lbs+L/XL14oz gloves150-175lbsM/L/XL10-12oz gloves100-150lbsS/M/L6-8oz gloves (children)under 100lbsXS/S What is the best boxing glove brand? Obviously, the top gloves are popular with professionals as they can tend to afford them as is their profession. So of course they are going to want good gloves like Winning, Cleto Reyes, or Rival. However, the slightly cheaper top-range boxing gloves of the likes of Venum, Everlast, or Muay Thai gloves like Twins are great options to go with. There is always going to be a bit of trial and error, but I’ve usually never been disappointed when I’ve bought a more expensive glove. What is the difference between boxing gloves and Muay Thai gloves? Muay Thai boxing gloves are more rounded at the top and have the padding more evenly distributed to add extra protection from kicks. Usually, the hands have more flexibility to move within the glove so you have the ability to grab and clinch your opponent. The thumb is also usually in a slightly different position to boxing gloves and has a lot more flexibility in terms of movement. Traditional boxing gloves on the other have more focussed padding on the impact zone of the glove, with a much tighter feel and wrist strap. Overall they are very similar in appearance, but with some slight differences in terms of design and padding distribution. Check out my types of boxing gloves guide for more on this. Muay Thai and Kickboxing gloves can be used for boxing training, so don’t worry if you are concerned about overusing these. If you practice a range of different martial arts Twins Special or Fairtex boxing gloves are brilliant all-round options. Final Thoughts So that’s it! I’ll make sure to update this article (bookmark this page) as time goes on. I’ll add new gloves that come onto the market that I think will suit this best overall list. For those beginners starting out in boxing and are really committed to staying in it for the long term. I recommend you try to spend that little bit more on boxing gloves so they can last you than a really cheap pair. If you are more advanced, I recommend having at least two pairs of gloves. One for training and the other for general training. I hope you found this list useful and hopefully you will have found a pair of gloves you like the look of! You can check out my other boxing gloves reviews here or why not check out my other equipment reviews. Thanks for reading!