If youre just getting into boxing and need some gloves, there are tons of choices out there. For newbies, youll want budget-friendly gloves, usually made from synthetic materials that are easy to slip on and off. As you get better, you might want an upgrade to gloves made from better materials with more protection and maybe some extra wrist support. And of course, they should fit nicely in your gym bag.
Our top pick for the best overall boxing glove is the Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves. Theyre versatile for boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts. Theyve got multilayer protection, splinted wrist support, and molded foam to protect your knuckles. They fit comfortably, and the thick foam offers great knuckle protection, which is super helpful as you improve your technique. Beginners will find the support especially useful as it helps with proper alignment and cushioning to reduce injury risk. Heads up: some reviews mention a break-in period. So if they feel tight at first, give them a bit of time. The gloves come in different weights, from 10 ounces for X-small to 16 ounces for large, catering to various hand sizes.
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Cleto Reyes gloves are a favorite among pros. Theyre handmade from high-quality materials, with extralong laces for a perfect fit and an attached thumb for proper placement. Available in 8 or 10 ounces, theyre ideal for competitive fighting. The padding includes lightweight carded horsehair and a mix of bristle and polyurethane foam for protection and powerful punches. Theyre also water-resistant with a water-repellent nylon lining.
For sparring, the Ringside Apex Flash gloves are solid. Theyve got 2.25 inches of molded foam for protection and a hook-and-loop Velcro strap for easy on and off. The internal mesh pad helps with airflow to keep your hands cool, and the vinyl material is easy to clean. Note that the size starts at 14 ounces, which might not be ideal for smaller hands.
For heavy bag training, the Venum Elite Boxing Gloves are a great choice. Theyve got triple-density foam for cushioning and reinforced seams for durability. The palm is reinforced to absorb impact, and a mesh panel helps keep your hands cool. Other protective features include an attached thumb and a long cuff for wrist support. Reviews say theyre comfy and durable, even with regular use. Suitable for all levels.
The Everlast Elite Pro Style gloves are great for beginners, despite the "Pro" in their name. They offer maximum protection as you perfect your technique. The design promotes proper fist placement and smooth motion, with thick foam padding for solid protection. The mesh palm helps keep your hands cool. Everlast is known for quality gloves, so youre in good handsno pun intended.
For those just starting out in boxing (or martial arts), the Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves are a solid budget option. Theyve got gel-infused foam for thick padding that absorbs impact, keeping your hands and wrists protected. Features include a mesh palm for breathability and a hook-and-loop strap for wrist support. The brand claims no break-in period, and many reviews back this up. The gloves range from 8 to 16 ounces, with the smallest size for fighters up to 100 pounds. They come in eight colors.
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The type of glove you pick depends on what youre using them for. If youre just hitting mitts and heavy bags in a gym class, lightweight gloves with good padding will do the trick. For sparring, youll need gloves with more padding to protect both you and your partner. If youre competing at an amateur or pro level, youll want competition gloves that are lightweight with enough padding for protection but still deliver a solid punch. Your gloves should mainly offer great protection, with enough padding and solid wrist support to handle the impact and prevent injuries. Heres a quick rundown of what to look for:
Good wrist support helps you punch harder while protecting your wristsuper important if youre starting out. Look for gloves with adjustable wrist straps that fit snugly. You might also want inner gloves for extra support.
There are two main types of padding: foam and gel. Foam padding is the traditional, lightweight shock absorber. Gel padding is newer, durable, and also great at absorbing shocks.
The fit of your gloves usually depends on your weight and height. Most brands have a sizing chart to help you out. Standard sizes are 16-ounce gloves for men and 14-ounce gloves for women, but its really about how snug they are when your hands are wrapped. You dont want too much space inside the gloves.
The right weight for your gloves depends on your size and the type of boxing you're doing. Men and women should pick glove ounces based on weight class, not gender. Heavier glove sizes don't hit harder or hurt more. They're more about keeping you and your partner safe, not about causing more damage. They have more padding to absorb the impact of a hit. If you want to hit harder, focus on improving your technique, not getting heavier gloves. Here's a quick guide based on weight for the heavy bag:
For sparring or fighting, go up one size (2 ounces) for safety and comfort. If you're not sure whether you'll be sparring or just hitting the bag, go for a 12 or 14-ounce glove to start. You can also choose based on your training goals. Heavier gloves make you work harder, which is great for building strength and endurance. Lighter gloves are better for speed training. Pros have multiple pairs and switch them up depending on their goals. For more info, check out the video below about how different glove sizes affect training.
Choosing the best boxing gloves is a vital step in enhancing your performance, protecting your hands, and ensuring a comfortable training experience. By taking these factors into account, you can find the best boxing gloves that suit your training style, protect your hands, and enhance your performance in the ring. Whether you're sparring, training, or competing, the right pair of gloves can make a significant difference in your boxing journey.