Finding the Right Boxing Gloves
So you’re looking for the best pair of boxing gloves, but there are SO many choices.
There’s hundreds of brands but of course, no one has time to research every single pair of gloves and choose one.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the hard work for you and completed hours of research to come up with the 7 best boxing gloves money can buy in 2024.
We’ve even gone the extra distance and researched which gloves are the best for training, sparring, bags, and competition.
What more do you need, right?
So put your research to an end and take a look at our top picks.
Check out the TL;DR if you’re in a hurry!
TL;DR
- Best Overall Gloves: Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
- Best budget gloves: Everlast PowerLock 2
- Best gloves for training: Hayabusa H5 Boxing Gloves
- Best gloves for sparring: Fairtex BGV1
- Best gloves for bag work: Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
- Best gloves for beginners: Everlast Pro Style2
- Best gloves for competing: Cleto Reyes Competition Boxing Gloves
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through our links, at no cost to you.
What are the Best Boxing Gloves?
There are hundreds of boxing glove brands out there for you to explore, which can make it difficult to narrow down what’s best for you.
We have carefully produced our list of the best boxing gloves you can buy in 2024. Each pair has its key features, pros, cons, and reviews. When choosing your pair, bear in mind their purpose, size, and of course, style.
1. Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves (Best Overall Gloves)
Our pick for the best overall boxing gloves is the Hayabusa T3. Hayabusa is known for its excellent quality gloves and the T3 is one of their best selling.
A lot of pro’s are using Hayabusa, there must be a reason, right? It’s because of their ability to make high-quality gloves.
One thing you should know is, they are EXPENSIVE. You might be thinking $150 for boxing gloves? That’s insane! But let me assure you that these gloves are going to give you your money’s worth.
The combination of the vylar engineered leather, inner AG fabric, XT2 lining and multi-layered foam technology means these gloves will give you the ultimate comfort, fit, and durability.
The engineered leather means they will last for years to come. The inner fabric makes them extremely comfortable. The lining inside makes them less prone to bad smells and the multi-layered foam technology decreases the chance of your injuring your hands.
Let’s not forget that these gloves received an award from Men’s Health Magazine for being the best boxing gloves in 2019/2020.
This is why they come in at the top spot for us.
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
Our pick for the best overall boxing gloves. Padding, breathability, high-quality materials, comfort, you name it! Everything you need in a boxing glove!
Check out what the reviews say below!
Key features
- These gloves can be used as sparring gloves, training gloves, and bag gloves
- Available from 10 oz to 18 oz
Pros
- Cater for boxing, kickboxing, and other MMA’s
- Renowned for wrist support – Great for those prone to injuries
- Very durable – Crafted from quality velar-engineered leather
Cons
- High price tag
What do the reviews say?
“Tried a few different gloves and these are by far the best quality gloves. Well designed with dual Velcro strapping that allows you to get the glove really tight around the wrist. Also inside the glove, there is support behind the knuckles which provides that additional support to the hand.”
2. Hayabusa H5 Boxing Gloves (Best Gloves for Training)
Our pick for the best gloves for training is the Hayabusa H5.
Think of the Hayabusa H5 like the little brother of the T3. The Hayabusa H5 are a more affordable option than the T3 but they still pack quite the punch (mind the pun!).
They still come with wrist splinting protection, multi-layer padding, and stretch closure straps. These gloves are more commonly used for training, this means if you are looking to do some light sparring and a few rounds on the heavy bag, these are the right gloves for you.
They also have enough protection and padding to keep your hands safe with an outer layer of PU-engineered leather.
Hayabusa H5 Boxing Gloves
A great choice for those training regularly. Come in a wide range of colors for those who love to experiment!
Plenty of protection to keep you going through your training sessions.
Check out what the reviews say below!
What do the reviews say?
“Sparring, bag work, or whatever else, these do the job well. Synth leather is good and feels strong, plus doesn’t affect animals which is a plus. Overall, happy with this product.
Key features
- Ideal for training but can be used for light sparring and bag work.
- Available from 10 oz to 16 oz
Pros
- Ideal price tag
- Good quality materials for durability
Cons
- Mixed opinions on fit – some users say they feel loose
3. Venum Elite Boxing Gloves (Best Gloves for Bag Work)
Venum Elite is a great pick for those who want a good pair of gloves with more protection. They can also be used for general boxing training and other martial arts.
The three layers of foam padding give these gloves that extra layer of protection for when you are working on the heavy bag or the mitts.
If you like flashy designs, you will love the Venum Elite gloves. They come in a variety of eye-catching colors and designs so if you want to turn some heads when you walk into the gym, these are the ones for you.
I’m personally using a pair of Venums myself right now. And I can happily say, I am LOVING them (and not just because everyone looks at me every time I put them on, although I do kind of enjoy the head turns).
I spend a lot of time doing bag work and I think that the Venums are perfect for them. The 4 layer foam protection feels insane and no matter how hard I hit the bag, these gloves just look brand new at the end of my session. The durability and attention to detail is amazing.
Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
The design alone sold me on these!
No-brainer for those who love to use bags during their training.
You won’t have any stress about poor quality.
Check out what the reviews say below!
What do the reviews say?
“Excellent value and I am the envy of the boxing gym with my spiffy white and gold gloves.
I got the 14 oz because my coach recommended it.”
Key features
- Available from 8 oz to 14 oz
- Ideal for training
Pros
- Range of stand-out colors and designs
- Good knuckle protection
Cons
- Some customers complain about the wrist protection
4. Everlast PowerLock 2 Boxing Gloves (Best Budget Gloves)
Everlast are legends in the boxing game, they have been making quality and affordable boxing gear since 1910.
One of my personal favorites which I always recommend to those with a lower budget, are the Everlast PowerLock 2 gloves. These gloves are perfect for general training, especially if you are a beginner looking to work on your speed and power on the bags.
The PowerLock 2 gloves are made from high-quality synthetic leather and they are known for ergonomic grip bars and extra padded wrist protection.
They also have a hook and loop enclosure to ensure you get a secure fit.
If you are on a budget, there’s no other option to go for except the Everlast PowerLock 2.
Everlast Powerlock2 Boxing Gloves
Best budget choice hands down!
Provide the ultimate boxing experience whilst on a budget.
Check out what the reviews say below!
What do the reviews say?
“These Everlast gloves are very comfortable and offer a thick padding inside which helps with shock absorption. I have not had any injuries since upgrading to these gloves! I highly recommend this to any boxing beginner who wants to invest in a pair of boxing gloves that offer both comfort and protection.”
Key features
- Available from 12 oz to 16 oz
- Ideal for beginner general training
Pros
- Affordable price
- Comfortable with extra padding
Cons
- Take time to break into
- Fit can vary
5. Fairtex BGV1 (Best Gloves for Sparring)
The Fairtex BGV1 has taken the spot for the best gloves for sparring. As most know, sparring gloves are generally heavier gloves and they must have a snug fit, good shock absorption, and good wrist support.
This is because you don’t want your sparring partner to feel the full impact of your punches during sparring as this could result in injury. Instead, you are aiming to experience in the ring facing your sparring partner, and an opportunity to build your confidence.
The BGV1 has the Fairtex foam system for excellent hand and knuckle protection and shock disbursement. Your sparring partner will be grateful you chose these gloves!
They also have a unique contoured and tight-fit hand compartment designed to provide a secure and snug fit.
Fairtex BGV1 Boxing Gloves
An OG boxing glove that gives you the protection you need when sparring.
Come in various colors.
Check out what the reviews say below!
What do the reviews say?
“I came from using 2yo Title gloves and pretty new Sanabul essential gel gloves. Even though the Sanabul ones were pretty nice, the Fairtex ones clearly felt more premium. Around the fingers, the lining feels super smooth, and the padding feels super cushy and cloud-like.”
Key features
- Available from 8 oz to 16 oz
- Extra padding suitable for sparring
Pros
- Premium authentic leather
- Extra foam padding on knuckles
Cons
- Pricier than other boxing gloves
6. Cleto Reyes Professional Competition Boxing Gloves (Best Competition Gloves)
Cleto Reyes is an iconic brand, they have a history dating back to 1945, when the first pair of Cleto Reyes were used in a world championship.
The brand has a reputation as a superior glove producer, using high-quality materials such as cow leather and carded horsehair. These competition gloves are lace up gloves which is the normal standard for competing. They come with extra long laces for a personalized fit.
These gloves really are the crème de la crème of boxing gloves!
Lace up design gloves wouldn’t normally be used for everyday training, most brands sell velcro gloves for non-competition boxing but lace up is required for competing.
They are generally lighter gloves as they only come in 8 oz or 10 oz which is the preferred size for competing. If you ask anyone, they will know about the Cleto Reyes brand!
Cleto Reyes Professional Competition Boxing Gloves
The best of the best!
Walk into the ring feeling like you have already won.
Check out what the reviews say below!
What do the reviews say?
“Love them, I bought them in 8 oz. for heavy bag work and mitts. The quality of these gloves is unmatched.”
Key features
- Available in 8 oz or 10 oz
- Perfect for competing
Pros
- High-quality materials are used making them extremely durable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Pricier than other boxing gloves
7. Everlast Pro Style2 Boxing Gloves (Best Gloves for Beginners)
Are you just starting off your boxing journey or you haven’t quite decided whether boxing is for you? You might want to go for a cheaper option which isn’t going to break the bank, but you can still use for daily sessions.
The Everlast Pro Style2 is the perfect choice for a beginner. They have enough protection to be used for heavy bag workouts, light sparring sessions, and more intense training sessions.
When I started off my boxing journey, I started off with a pair of Everlast gloves, I found them to be excellent for the price they are sold at. I did choose to go for a higher-quality pair a few months into my boxing journey.
Of course, you have to keep in mind, that if boxing is something you want to take further, it’s always best to invest in higher-quality gear for the long run. This will prevent you from getting injuries and also help your performance.
Everlast Pro Style2 Boxing Gloves
Perfect for beginners.
Everlast has a track record for high quality, durable gloves.
Check out what the reviews say below!
What do the reviews say?
“I recently started boxing and love these gloves! They are comfortable and easy to take on and off for a beginner such as myself!”
Key features
- Available from 8 oz to 16 oz
- Hook and loop closure for a customizable fit
Pros
- Affordable price
- Tailored for all purposes
- Breathable mesh palm
- Easy to slip on and off
Cons
- Not the most durable boxing gloves
- Some customers say they started to tear after months of use
Why is choosing the right boxing gloves important?
Your boxing gloves are arguably the most important piece of kit you will buy. During your boxing journey, you will use various sneakers/boxing shoes, mouthguards, and hand wraps but these things won’t have a bigger impact on your performance than your gloves.
Your gloves play an essential part whether you are just boxing for fitness or you are competing.
If you are boxing for fitness, the right pair of gloves can stop you from getting injured on the mitts. If you are going to daily boxing sessions, the right pair of gloves can stop you from punching slowly on the heavy bag. And if you are competing, the right pair of gloves can stop you from feeling like your punches are weighted.
When choosing your boxing gloves, be sure to consider other factors such as size and weight, material, and support.
Buyers Guide: How We Conducted Our Research
When doing our research to find the best products, we determined them using these factors:
- We considered the price of each pair of boxing gloves compared to the quality they offer. Not all boxing gloves will offer great quality however, we have assessed them based on price and customer satisfaction.
- The different features vary for each pair, some might have extra knuckle padding and others might have better wrist protection. We conducted our research by assessing which features work best for each boxing purpose and how much protection they are offering.
Wrapping up
Sunil, the author of this piece has 7+ years of experience in boxing, he has used many glove brands himself and also spoke to many amateurs and professionals using these brands. The feedback given by these amateurs and professionals was considered in this article.
Sunil has tested a wide range of fitness products and understands the need for high-quality equipment that holds up over time and supports you while you’re training.
He has a passion for helping others and sharing his boxing knowledge. Check out our beginner’s guide to boxing if you are interested in more boxing tips and tricks.
FAQs
What size boxing gloves do I need?
Choosing the right size is just as important as choosing your gloves. You can check your size by measuring your hand circumference. Your hand circumference measurements can then be used and compared against the table to find the perfect size for you. This article will also help you find the perfect glove weight.
How do I clean boxing gloves?
There are many ways to clean your boxing gloves, you can use methods like wiping them down, soaking them in saltwater and using apple cider vinegar. Be sure to wash your gloves safely to avoid damaging them.