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Boxing workouts can be a great addition to any training regimen, providing plenty of benefits to your cardiovascular health. Light sparring or non-contact boxing can also just break up the monotony of pedaling on an exercise bike each day.
Still, if you want to add boxing to your workout program, it’s important to have proper equipment for the type of sparring you’re training—boxing, Muay Thai, or mixed martial arts. That means having a good punching bag, hand wraps, and the right boxing gloves.
If you’re looking for the best boxing gloves, we’ve fortunately had the expert team of certified personal trainers, coaches, and athletes at Garage Gym Reviews test top gloves on the market today. After some light sparring and cardio workouts, we’ve decided on our top picks for boxing gloves for a broad range of users. Each of our testers looked at factors according to our fitness equipment testing methodology, such as:
- Durability: How well will these boxing gloves last? What sorts of materials are used?
- Adjustability: How easily do the gloves adjust and fit?
- Aesthetics: Just like all home gym essentials, you want these boxing gloves to match your style. How many colorways and designs are offered?
- Weights: Are the gloves offered in different weights and sizes to cover different training needs?
As with all products we review, we rated each aspect 1 to 5 and gave our honest feedback—nothing below the belt from us. So let’s lace up and look at which pair of boxing gloves may suit you best in our top picks.
The 5 Best Boxing Gloves
- Best Boxing Gloves Overall: Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
- Best Boxing Gloves for Heavy Bags: Everlast Elite 2 Hook & Loop Pro Boxing Gloves
- Best Budget Boxing Gloves: Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves
- Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners: Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves
- Best Training Gloves: Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
Best Boxing Gloves Overall: Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
Good for: Fitness enthusiasts wanting a durable boxing glove for any method of training
Best Overall
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in 5 weights from 10 to 18 oz
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- Available in 24 colorways
- Also available with traditional lace up wrist closure
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Mixed reviews on the microfiber thumb
- Reviews state difficult to get on and off
Bottom Line
The Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves are designed to be very protective gloves featuring wrist support, ergonomic design, and multi-layer knuckle protection. Customer reviews for the gloves are extremely positive with customers finding them very comfortable and protective. However, even positive reviews noted the gloves were difficult to get on and off but they still loved the gloves.
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves take our top spot on this list simply for their quality build and construction. GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, NASM-CNC, says about his experience with the boxing gloves, “These were probably the best gloves I tested out of the bunch. They were easy to put on, felt comfortable, and protected my knuckles even when I punched really hard.”
Anthony rates the durability of these gloves a 4.5 out of 5, and the materials earn a 4 out of 5. “I’m docking a bit simply because the gloves aren’t made from authentic leather,” Anthony adds. Still, the Vylar used is an engineered leather designed by Hayabusa, which is vegan-friendly and proved to be solid in our testing.
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The multilayered foam also provided ample comfort and support during Anthony’s heavy bag workouts. The two interlocking wrist wraps give ample wrist support while keeping the adjustments easy and simple.
As far as aesthetics go, the T3 Boxing Gloves earn a solid 5 out of 5, with a total of 24 different colorways (six of which are neon), all in a sleek two- or three-color pattern. The gloves are available in five different weights or sizes, ranging from 10 to 18 ounces, which are heavier gloves than most competitors offer.
If there’s any real drawback to these fighting gloves, it’s the price. At $159, these boxing gloves are some of the pricier gloves on the market. Still, you pay for what you get, and that hefty price gets you a durable and comfortable pair of high-quality boxing gloves. If you spend a lot of time in a boxing gym, these are a solid option.
| Price | $159 |
| Glove weights | 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 oz gloves |
| Material | Vylar-engineered leather, temperature-regulating AG fabric, and multilayered foam |
| Wrist closure | Dual-X hook-and-loop closure |
| Colorways | 18 traditional colorways, 6 neon colorways |
Best Boxing Gloves for Heavy Bags: Everlast Elite 2 Hook & Loop Pro Boxing Gloves
Good for: Boxers wanting good support and protection while hitting a heavy bag
Best for Heavy Bags
Everlast Elite 2 Boxing Gloves
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Interior and exterior wrist straps for secure fit
- Also available with traditional lace closure
- Ventilation holes for breathability
Cons
- Only available in 3 colorways
- More expensive than competitors
- Limited customer reviews
- Only available in 3 weights: 12, 14, and 16 oz
Bottom Line
The Everlast Elite 2 Hook and Loop Pro Boxing gloves are on the more expensive side at over $150 dollars. Customer reviews are limited but they liked the wrist closure and support. Some customers did note that the inner lining is comfortable but takes a long time to dry.
There are tons of ways to train boxing, such as sparring, speed bag work, shadow boxing, or spending some time on a heavy bag. For a solid pair of bag gloves, we recommend Everlast Elite 2 Pro Boxing Gloves. For bag training, you’ll want a solid pair of gloves to protect your wrists and knuckles, and these Everlast gloves do just that.
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The hook-and-loop closure provides a simple way to adjust and secure your gloves while also adding to the wrist support, earning a 4 out of 5 for adjustability. For materials and durability, the Everlast gloves also get a 4 out of 5, as our tester Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, NASM-CNC, and GGR Performance Editor notes that the gloves held up well in testing.
“These gloves could also be the best boxing gloves for sparring,” Anthony adds. Whether it’s training on a heavy bag or using sparring gloves, you’re looking for similar features—notably support and protection. The Everlast Elite 2 Hook & Loop Pro Boxing Gloves are available in five different weights, from 8 ounces to 16 ounces. Heavier gloves are typically better for harder hitting, like on a heavy bag.
These gloves are available in seven colorways, earning them a 4.5 out of 5 in aesthetics. They don’t earn a perfect score, since some colorways are stronger than others. Still, at about $55, these are a durable pair of boxing gloves that will support your hands and knuckles during your next boxing training session.
| Price | $54.99 |
| Glove weights | 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 oz |
| Material | Faux leather, 5-layer foam for impact absorption, and microfiber PU |
| Wrist closure | Exterior adjustable 1.5 strap and interior non-adjustable elastic, or lace up |
| Colorways | Black/Gold, Gold/Black, Grey/Pink, Navy, Red, Tan, White/Black |
Best Budget Boxing Gloves: Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves
Good for: Those looking for a budget-friendly pair of gloves
Best Budget Gloves
Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable at under $20
- Comfortable according to customer reviews
- Easy to get on and off according to customer reviews
Cons
- Only two colors available: black and white
- Price varies by weight
- Customer reviews state gloves are stiff
Bottom Line
Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves are a very affordable option for beginner boxers, they are priced under $20. Customer reviews generally found the gloves to be a good value for the price. Customers found the gloves easy to get on and off and comfortable to use. Some customers found the gloves to be too stiff.
Not all boxing equipment has to break the bank. For anyone concerned about their budget and looking for a deal, the Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves are a decent pair of boxing gloves that are priced under $20. You won’t find many pairs of gloves priced that low for any combat sports; for that reason, these gloves earn a 5 out of 5 for their price and value.
Of course, you do sacrifice some things with a lower cost. Certified personal trainer and GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly took these boxing gloves through a couple of rounds (of training, not actual boxing matches), and noted some crucial differences in the quality of the gloves. “They protect your hands and could be OK for speed work,” Anthony says. “I wouldn’t use these during intense training or sparring though.”
He also notes that the gloves lacked an internal bar, which other gloves have for you to wrap the fingers around and space the hand properly. “Because of that, it didn’t feel as stable as other gloves,” Anthony adds. “I could definitely feel the impact of my punches on some heavier hooks and strikes.” He rates the durability a 3.5 out of 5.
There are only two color options available: black or white. While the look is decent, colorways are limited, so we rate the aesthetics a 3 out of 5. If you’re OK with the colors, however, this is a solid budget option for someone looking to try out boxing training.
| Price | $14.99-$18.99 (depending on weight) |
| Glove weights | 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 oz |
| Material | Supremo shock foam, waterproof lining, Velcro closure, and faux leather |
| Wrist closure | Hook and loop |
| Colorways | Black, White |
Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners: Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves
Good for: Newer boxers wanting a decent starting pair of boxing mitts
Best for Beginners
Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Five different weights from 8 to 16 oz
- Affordable at under $30 dollars
- Breathable mesh palm
Cons
- Only available in black with different accent colors
- Not available in lace up closure like competitors
- Customer reviews don’t like the wrist support or durability
- Multiple customers ordering from Amazon had issues with their order
Bottom Line
Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves are a budget option at under $50. Overall customers liked the gloves and found them to be a quality option at the price point. Customers loved the price point, ease of putting on and taking off, and comfort. Other customers did not like the level of wrist support and found the gloves were not durable.
If you’re new to boxing, you’ll want a decent pair of inexpensive gloves that will hold up through some training sessions as you dial in your technique. Our pick for the best boxing gloves for beginners is the Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves. With a gel-infused foam padding, these gloves felt pretty good, especially for boxing gloves that cost less than $30.
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“These boxing gloves feel like they’ll last a while. They’re a little stiff but they’ll break in with time,” GGR Staff Writer Matt Dustin, CES, PN1-NC, says. He adds, “Still, they’re not as thick and durable as other gloves we tested.” He rates the durability a 3 out of 5.
When it comes to price, the gloves hold up, though, earning a 4 out of 5. “While they don’t feel like luxury boxing gloves, they’re certainly worth the $29.99,” Matt says.
The boxing gloves come in eight different colorways. Matt notes, “They each look real nice with solid branding. I think they all look great.” The gloves are available in weights from 8 ounces to 16 ounces as well—although Matt does note that each colorway had a couple sizes unavailable.
If you’re new to boxing and looking for a lighter glove for technique and speed work, the Sanabul gloves are an excellent choice. Still, this may not be the ideal boxing glove if you’re looking to do some heavy bag training or a lot of sparring.
| Price | $29.99 |
| Glove weights | 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 oz |
| Material | Engineered leather, gel impact foam padding, and mesh palm |
| Wrist closure | Hook and loop |
| Colorways | 8 options |
Best Training Gloves: Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
Good for: Boxers wanting a solid pair of training gloves
Best Training Gloves
Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in 31 different colorways
- Five different weights from 8 to 16 oz
- More affordable than competitors
Cons
- Not very durable according to customer reviews
- Not available in lace up closure like competitors
- Some customers found the thumb uncomfortable and wrist unsupportive
Bottom Line
Venum Elite Boxing Gloves are more affordable than other premium boxing gloves competitors at just over $100. They feature velcro wrist closure and attached thumb. The customer reviews for these gloves were generally positive. Customers liked the more affordable option for premium gloves. Some customers found the thumb portion of the gloves uncomfortable and the wrist not as protective as other gloves.
Boxing training from a fitness perspective can constitute quite a few different types of workouts: bag training, shadow boxing, speed work, and even some light sparring. For a solid pair of training gloves, we suggest the Venum Elite Boxing Gloves.
These gloves are versatile enough for most training you send their way, except maybe heavy sparring. GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, NASM-CNC, notes, “The Venum Elite Gloves got the job done, but they weren’t high quality in my opinion. I didn’t feel the support that I’d get from higher-end gloves. I think these would be fine for speed work but I wouldn’t punch too hard with them on.”
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Anthony rates the durability of the gloves a 3 out of 5, adding, “The triple foam on these feels like the gloves will crease easily and as I said above, they don’t offer much knuckle protection. They’ll last, but I’m not sure how long they will.”
Where Venum shines, however, is with the aesthetics. Venum has over 30 different colorways, ranging from bright vibrant colors to more muted designs. Whatever color or style you want, there’s a good chance you’ll find it from Venum. These boxing gloves earn a 5 out of 5 for aesthetics. The gloves also come in weights from 8 to 16 ounces—along with a few colorways in kids’ sizing too—earning them a 5 out of 5 for weights and sizing.
The Venum Elite Boxing Gloves can be pricey, costing about $110 for a pair—although you may find them for cheaper on Amazon. Although the price gets only a 2 out of 5, these gloves are a nice tool for your training sessions, and the design is sharp.
| Price | $109.99 |
| Glove weights | 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 oz |
| Material | Semi-leather, triple-density foam, and velcro wrist closure |
| Wrist closure | Velcro strap |
| Colorways | 31 options |
How We Picked and Tested the Best Boxing Gloves
To create this list of the best boxing gloves, our fitness experts did their research first. We looked at top brands available on the market and narrowed down our pool by looking at those with more positive customer reviews. We also omitted budget options that seemed too cheap and not durable enough to make it worth it. After narrowing the pool down, it was time to try out the gloves.
Once we had our hands on these boxing gloves, we put them on and punched a few bags. We looked at the following factors, scoring each between 1 and 5 in the following aspects:
- Durability: Based on the construction of the gloves, we took a look at their longevity. Did they feel cheap and flimsy, or did they provide protection to your hands? Did the foam feel like it may start to lose its shape after repeated use?
- Materials: Similar to the durability, this was a look at the quality of the materials used. While modern boxing gloves tend to use faux leather and foam padding, you can find old-school gloves that use real leather and horsehair as padding.
- Adjustability: Again, modern gloves opt for hook-and-loop Velcro closures, but older ones lace up around the wrist. While the Velcro is simpler, the lace-up boxing gloves can provide extra support. This was a rating of the ease of adjusting the glove around your wrist, plus the support it provided.
- Aesthetics: You want your gloves to look good during your session. We took a look at the number of unique colorways available, as well as the overall design and style of the boxing gloves.
- Glove weight: Most boxing gloves show size by weight. Eight-ounce gloves are some of the smallest and lightest gloves available, and the heaviest gloves top out around 16 or 18 ounces. More weights available allowed for a more inclusive pool of buyers.
- Price: Prices can range from under $20 to over $200. This was simply a score of how much value you get from the price alone. A lower price meant a higher score.
We also factored customer service policies as well as customer reviews into our scores. Averaging out these scores gave us a final score, which helped us decide the top gloves and ultimately create the list you see before you.
Benefits of Boxing and Boxing Gloves
Boxing, MMA, kickboxing—there’s plenty of use in picking up these combat sports, even if you’re trying to stay ringside instead of in the ring. Even if you’re not trying to be the next Mike Tyson, there are quite a few benefits to boxing, along with benefits of using the proper equipment for it: boxing gloves.
Gloves Provide Support and Protection
Anyone who’s stubbed their toe or knocked on a door a bit too hard knows that hitting things sometimes hurts. That’s why boxing gloves are great; the foam padding helps give your hands a bit more protection than you’d otherwise receive while punching a heavy bag or during some light sparring.
The biggest support from boxing gloves is just that—support. Putting on a good pair of boxing hand wraps under the boxing gloves will keep the gloves in place, plus provide plenty of support to your wrists, fingers, and knuckles. The best boxing gloves provide plenty of support for speed work and heavy punches alike.
Boxing Provides a Full-Body Workout
Unlike some other HIIT workouts, boxing provides a full-body workout, where you’re bounding off your legs, throwing jabs and hooks with your arms, and engaging your core the entire time. During light sparring, you’ll be ducking, twisting, and turning to dodge a punch yourself. Very few cardio workouts keep your entire body engaged like boxing.
Boxing Improves Cardiovascular Health
Boxing on its own is definitely a cardio workout, no matter how you look at it. Because of that, you can see similar results and benefits that you’d see from other cardio exercises—in some cases, you might see more results.
For example, a 2015 study1 compared high-intensity boxing training to walking workouts in adults with obesity over the course of 12 weeks. The group of boxers ended up improving their blood pressure and VO2 max, as well as reducing their body fat percentage, while the walking group didn’t see any significant results.
I’m by no means saying that walking is a bad exercise; I like to supplement my Olympic weightlifting workouts with walking afterward. However, this study does show the impact boxing training can have on heart health.
Boxing Improves Balance and Coordination
Boxing is more than just throwing punches; it also involves being light on your feet and shuffling around either your sparring partner or the punching bag. This can be a great way to improve your balance and coordination.
A 2024 review2 looked at individuals with Parkinson’s disease and how boxing exercises impacted their health—particularly motor control. The review found that boxing training significantly improved the participants’ balance and quality of life.
Another study, this one from the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness3, tested reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and tactile sensitivity in a variety of athletes across several individual and team sports. The 2020 study found that combat sports athletes had the greatest tactile sensitivity—grip and hand strength. They also were among the lowest reaction times and performed the fewest errors in a coordination test.
Boxing Can Help with Mental Health
Exercise and training in general is a great way to unwind and relieve some stress from a long day. It’s no different with boxing training. One study from 20234 looked at the particular benefits of non-impact boxing classes and their impact on mental health.
In this study, boxing seemed to be a promising way to help improve mental health. The authors specifically noted that non-contact boxing improved symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even schizophrenia. Moods, confidence, and self-esteem all improved as well.
Experts Who Contributed To This Article
Boxing Gloves vs Boxing Hand Wraps
Those new to boxing may not understand the difference between boxing gloves and boxing hand wraps.
Hand wraps alone won’t be enough to provide protection on heavy bags, so they’re usually used with boxing gloves—you wrap your hands first, then put on the gloves. Using hand wraps this way helps fill in space in the boxing glove, providing even more support for your knuckles and wrists.
The materials for hand wraps can vary. The most common materials are cotton straps, but elastic and gel wraps are available, too. Most professional boxers even resort to basic athletic tape and gauze to wrap their hands before donning their boxing gloves.
In general, hand wraps can aid with wearing boxing gloves but won’t provide enough support on their own, especially in sparring matches. If you want to try hand wraps by themselves, keep your training to lighter bags and speed work; otherwise, you’ll need to put some gloves on as well.
What to Look for in Boxing Gloves
Not sure which boxing glove is right for your next sparring session? Here, I’ll break down some of the things to consider when purchasing your next pair of boxing gloves.
Material
Materials can vary in boxing gloves, although most have an exterior material made of real or synthetic leather. The interior has foam padding in most modern gloves—although some boxing gloves still use old-school traditional padding (like horsehair, yikes).
What materials are used in a boxing glove will also determine its durability and longevity. Real leather gloves will typically last longest, although modern boxing gloves tend to use faux leather. Depending on the quality of the faux leather, these gloves can still last a while.
Foam padding can lose its support and shape over time, providing less protection as the gloves wear down. The best foam padding to find is a multilayered foam padding, which should extend the longevity of the foam and gloves.
Wrist Closure
The way in which the wrist is enclosed on a boxing glove will impact the ease of putting the glove on, as well as the amount of support you get. Hook-and-loop closure or Velcro straps are common in modern boxing gloves, which makes getting the gloves on easier…although I should note you’ll generally need some help getting a second boxing glove on, no matter how they’re secured.
Traditional boxing gloves might have a lace-up system, which will be a bit more difficult to get onto your hands. However, these lace-up gloves will typically also have the most wrist support.
Glove Weight
What size boxing glove do you need? It will depend on your size and the type of training you’re performing. Boxing glove sizes are usually given in weights instead of typical sizes (small, medium, large, etc) to explain the amount of material—and padding—in the gloves.
Large people will need a larger glove, and smaller people will need a smaller glove to fit properly. Most common boxing gloves are 12, 14, or 16 ounces, but there are smaller 8- and 10-ounce gloves for smaller individuals. Some gloves go larger than 16 ounces as well.
Since a heavier glove has more padding, most boxing experts suggest sizing up a glove size if you want a boxing glove for sparring or heavy bag training. Keep to a smaller glove for speed work and lighter training.
Cost
Boxing gloves can vary in price, from under $20 to triple-digit prices. Higher prices typically also mean higher quality, so if you want a very durable glove, you may need to shell out some extra cash. However, those who are new to boxing or need to be conscious of a budget can find decent quality gloves for under $60, and in some cases under $20.
Best Boxing Gloves: FAQs
What is the best brand of boxing gloves?
The best brand of boxing gloves for you will depend on a number of factors, including the cost and the materials used. Plus, you’ll need to consider the type of boxing training you’ll be performing. Are you looking to spar with these gloves, or simply hit a heavy bag? Are you looking for a training glove for speedwork? Here are our top picks for the best boxing gloves, with a diverse range of brands to suit specific needs:
-Best Boxing Gloves Overall: Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
-Best Boxing Gloves for Heavy Bags: Everlast Elite 2 Hook & Loop Pro Boxing Gloves
-Best Budget Boxing Gloves: Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves
-Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners: Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves
-Best Training Gloves: Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
What type of boxing gloves are good for a beginner?
Our favorite boxing gloves for beginners are the Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves. Priced at under $30, these gloves are a good entry point to try out boxing. Plus, they look sharp with a sleek design and provide a decent amount of support—especially considering the low price.
What weight gloves should I get?
Boxing gloves can range between 8 and 16 ounces. Typically, lighter gloves are great for smaller athletes who want to perform more light training and speed work. For larger athletes or those who want to do some light sparring or heavy bag training, I’d recommend going with a heavier weight glove for added protection.
References
- Cheema, B. S., Davies, T. B., Stewart, M., Papalia, S., & Atlantis, E. (2015). The feasibility and effectiveness of high-intensity boxing training versus moderate-intensity brisk walking in adults with abdominal obesity: a pilot study. BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation, 7, 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-1847-7-3
- Chrysagis, N., Trompouki, G., Petropaulis, D., Koumantakis, G. A., Krekoukias, G., Theotokatos, G., Skordilis, E., & Sakellari, V. (2024). Effect of Boxing Exercises on the Functional Ability and Quality of Life of Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review. European journal of investigation in health, psychology and education, 14(5), 1295–1310. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14050085
- Kaluga, E., Straburzynska-Lupa, A., & Rostkowska, E. (2020). Hand-eye coordination, movement reaction time and hand tactile sensitivity depending on the practiced sports discipline. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 60(1), 17–25. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.19.09726-3
- Bozdarov, J., Jones, B. D. M., Daskalakis, Z. J., & Husain, M. I. (2022). Boxing as an Intervention in Mental Health: A Scoping Review. American journal of lifestyle medicine, 17(4), 589–600. https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276221124095
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