Perfect Your Punch With The 6 Best Boxing Gloves From Budget To Pro (2024)

Leoni Jesner

Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves

Weight:10 - 16 ounces|Material:Faux leather and nylon|Colors:10 options

Ourpick for bestoverall boxing glove is the Hayabusa S4 BoxingGloves,an all-around performer for boxing, kickboxing or mixed martial arts. They feature multilayer protection with splinted wrist support, molded foam to protectyourknuckles and an ergonomic fit for maximum comfort. The knuckle protection is animportantfeature—the thick foam safeguards youas yourpunching techniqueistweakedand improved.Beginners will especially benefit from this enhanced support which encourages proper alignment and offers cushioning to reduce injury risk.

Keep in mind, some reviews mention abreak-inperiod. So if they feel tight on the first use or two, don’t write them off—they probably need some wearing-in time.

The weightof the gloves varies by theirsize, ranging from 10 ounces for X-small to 16 ounces for large, so thegloveshould cater to a variety of hand dimensions.

What the reviews say:“Ten seconds intoworking thebag and I can already feel the difference between these and the gloves from a local sports store I had been using. You can reallybang with theseon and feel the protection.”

Pros:

• Splinted wrist support
• Ergonomic fit
• The innerlining doesn’t overheat

Cons:

• Geared toward beginners so may not hold up for advanced sparring

Weight:8 - 16 ounces| Material:Faux leather and gel|Colors:Eight colors

If you’re dipping your toe intothe world ofboxing (or martial arts), it’s probably agoodidea to test the waters with a starter boxing glove, such as the Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves. Featuring gel infusion foam, the thick padding absorbs impact to keep your hands and wrists protected during a toughround of punches.

Other specs include a mesh palm for breathability andto minimize sweaty fists,while the hook-and-loopstrapsecures yourwrists in place. The brand claims there’s no break-in period (and many reviews back this up).

Glove weight ranges from 8 to 16 ounces, with the smallest size meant forfightersweighingup to 100 pounds. Choose from eight colors.

What the reviews say:“I’ve used these things very frequently for over a year, and they barely have a scratch on them. They’re comfortable, affordable and reallygive your hands a lot of protection.”

Pros:

• Minimalto no break-in period
• Gel-infusedto maximizeprotection
• Suitable for various boxing styles

Cons:

• Some reviews mentionissues with the fit

Weight: 8 - 16 ounces|Material:Faux leather and cell foam padding|Colors: Seven options

Beginners shouldn’t be deterred by the word “Pro” in the name,for the Everlast Elite Pro Style glovesare geared just as much tobeginners. As you hone and perfect your technique, you’ll want a boxing glove with maximum protection.

The “Elite” refers to the protection offered to the fists and wrists,owingto the design that promotes proper first placement and a smooth range of motion. Plus, thick foamgives solidpadding as you pack in the punches.Your palms shouldn’t get too sweaty, either, as the mesh palm allows air to flowthrough.

In general, Everlast is known for producing quality boxing gloves, so you can be assured you’re in good hands—no pun intended.

What the reviews say:“I bought these as I just started boxing, and so far, I love them. They feel and perform good. Great choice if you want something more than just a bare, basic glove.”

Pros:

• Breathable mesh palm
• Closed-cellfoam padding for maximum protection
• Antimicrobial treatment to keep gloves odor free

Cons:

• May not be themost durableglove forheavysparring

Weight:8 - 16 ounces|Material:“Skintex semi” leather|Colors:10+

If you plan on punching a few heavy bag rounds, a fully padded glove with superior protection is essential. That’s where the Venum Elite Boxing Gloves step in. With triple-densityfoamforsufficientcushioning and carefully crafted seams for durability, these gloves areup to thechallenge. They also have a reinforced palm that absorbsmuch of theimpact. There’s a thermo-regulating mesh panel too, which allows your hands to breathe and should reduce abuild-upof odor.

Other protectiveelements include an attached thumb (to reduce the risk of injury) and a long cuff for wrist support.

Many reviews attest to their comfort for heavy bag boxing as well as durability even when using them multiple times a week. They’re also suitable for all levels, whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned boxer.

What the reviews say:“I have had these gloves for a few weeks now and they are great. My hands don’t hurt during my heavy bag workouts. They breathe well. The strap goes all the way around.”

Pros:

• Triple-density foam for shock absorption
• Breathable with a mesh panel
• Fully attached thumb for injury prevention

Cons:

• Require a break-in period

Weight: 14 - 18 ounces | Material: Vinyl | Colors: 11 options

General sparring with technique training thrown infor good measurewill require a glove with sufficient padding as you perfect your strikes. The Ringside Apex Flash feature 2.25 inches of molded foam for support against mighty punches. They’re also easy to slip on and off with a full wraparound hook-and-loop Velcro wrist strap to promote excellent form.

An internal mesh pad is included in the design for airflow tominimizethe inevitable sweaty palms that occur fromlengthysparring spells.But when they do need to be freshened, the vinyl material is simpleto wipe clean after use.

Keep in mind, thesizestarts at 14 ounces, which may not be suitable for smaller hands.

What the reviews say: “Mainly for sparring, but good for bag work, too, especially if your new and other gloves make your hands sore after a lot of bag work. These have so much padding, your hands will not get sore from excess power punches on the bag.”

Pros:

• Ample foam for protection
• Features a breathable mesh palm
• Hook-and-loop closure for quick slip on and off

Cons:

• Limited sizing options

Weight:8 - 10 ounces|Material:Leather|Colors:13 options

Cleto Reyes hasquitearenowned fanclub. Worldchampion Muhammad Aliwas a fan, wearingthem in his final and last victory against Leon Spinks. The brand wasfounded by CletoReyes himself,who hailedfrom MexicoCity.In 1945,the first pair ofCleto Reyesgloves were usedin a world championship. The brand’s reputation as a superior glove made from the highest-quality materials is due tothehandmade craftsmanship. Made from cow leather, they feature extralong laces for a personalized fit and an attached thumb forperfectplacement during fights.

They’re only available in 8 or 10 ounces, so they’re ideal for competitive fighting. Padding-wise, the Cleto Reyes Professional Competition Boxing Gloves are stuffed with lightweight carded horsehair and a combination ofbristleand polyurethane foam. This is for protection—but also to strike a powerful punch.

They’re also water-resistant witha water-repellent nylon lining.

What the reviews say:“These gloves take a while to break in, but once they do, they aresocomfortable. The material responds verynicelyto the heavy bag. The quality is noticeable and they usually get compliments at the gym.”

Pros:

• Handmadewithhigh-quality materials
• Extralong lacesfor an optimalfit
• Water-repellent nylon lining

Cons:

• Pricier than other boxing gloves