Starting your boxing journey is both exciting and challenging. Choosing the right boxing gloves is essential to protect your hands, prevent injuries, and ensure a comfortable training experience. The best gloves for beginners should offer good wrist support, durable padding, and a secure fit. In this guide, we will discuss the top options and break down their key features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make the best choice.

What to Look for in Beginner Boxing Gloves

Before diving into the top recommendations, here are some key factors to consider when choosing your first pair of gloves:

• Padding & Protection: Proper padding is crucial to absorb impact and reduce the risk of hand injuries. Gloves with layered foam or gel-infused padding provide extra protection.

• Material: Leather gloves are more durable and long-lasting, whereas synthetic gloves are more affordable and suitable for beginners who are just getting started.

• Weight: Gloves come in different weights, typically ranging from 8oz to 16oz. Beginners should opt for 12oz to 16oz gloves, depending on their weight and intended use. Lighter gloves allow for faster punches, while heavier gloves offer better protection and endurance training.

• Fit & Comfort: A snug but comfortable fit is crucial to prevent wrist and hand injuries. Gloves that are too tight can cause discomfort, while loose gloves may not provide adequate support.

• Closure System: Velcro straps are ideal for beginners because they are easy to put on and take off. Lace-up gloves provide a more secure fit but require assistance to tighten properly.

• Ventilation: Proper airflow helps keep your hands cool and prevents excessive sweating. Gloves with mesh panels or breathable lining are a great option.

Boxing Glove Size Guide for Beginners

For most beginners, the best glove size depends on the type of training they plan to do.

• For general training (bag work and fitness): 12-14 oz
• For sparring and extra hand protection: 14-16 oz
• For those with larger hands or looking for maximum protection: 16 oz

A 14 oz glove is a great all-around option for most beginners, offering a balance of protection and comfort.

Our Top Pics

1. Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves – Best Overall Protection

The Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves are an excellent choice for beginners who want high-quality protection and durability. These gloves feature multi-layered foam padding, which effectively absorbs impact and reduces stress on the knuckles. The wrist support is also exceptional, thanks to the splinted design that keeps the wrist properly aligned.

Additionally, the gloves are made from engineered leather, which is more durable than basic synthetic leather options. The interior lining is designed for breathability, keeping hands cool during extended training sessions.

Pros:

• Excellent knuckle and wrist protection due to multi-layered foam padding.
• Durable engineered leather ensures longevity.
• Comfortable temperature-regulated lining to prevent overheating.
• Strong wrist support reduces the risk of injuries.

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive compared to other beginner gloves.
• Can feel stiff at first, requiring a break-in period.

14-16 oz for the best balance of protection and comfort.

2. Everlast Elite 2 Training Gloves – Best for Durability

Everlast is one of the most well-known brands in boxing, and their Elite 2 Training Gloves provide a great mix of affordability and durability. These gloves are made from high-quality synthetic leather, making them resistant to wear and tear even with frequent use.

The hook-and-loop closure system ensures a snug fit while offering excellent wrist support. The gloves also feature multi-layered foam cushioning, which absorbs impact effectively and protects the hands. Additionally, the breathable mesh palm prevents excessive sweating, keeping hands dry and comfortable during training.

Pros:

• Durable synthetic leather holds up well over time.
• Good wrist support with a secure closure system.
• Breathable mesh palm helps prevent overheating.
• Multi-layered padding provides solid impact absorption.

Cons:

• Not as durable as premium leather gloves.
• Padding may wear down faster with frequent heavy bag use.

12-14 oz for general training and bag work.

3. Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves – Best for Sparring

The Ringside Apex Flash gloves are ideal for beginners who want a comfortable and easy-to-use glove for sparring. The pre-curved design helps maintain a natural fist position, reducing hand fatigue.

These gloves have thick foam padding, making them ideal for sparring and light bag work. However, they may feel too flexible for those who prefer a more structured glove.

Pros:

• Easy to put on and take off with a quick closure system.
• Comfortable fit with a pre-curved design.
• Thick padding provides good protection for sparring.

Cons:

• May feel too flexible for those who prefer firmer wrist support.
• Not ideal for heavy bag training, as padding may wear down faster.

14-16 oz for sparring and extra hand protection.

4. RDX Boxing Training Gloves – Best Budget Option

For those on a budget, the RDX Training Gloves provide solid protection at an affordable price. They feature dense padding for impact absorption and are lightweight and breathable, making them great for extended training sessions.

The secure fit ensures that the gloves stay in place during workouts, but some users find the stiff wrist designuncomfortable. Additionally, they may be too tight for people with larger hands.

Pros:

• Affordable price without compromising quality.
• Dense padding absorbs impact effectively.
• Lightweight and breathable, reducing sweat buildup.
• Secure fit prevents unnecessary movement.

Cons:

• Stiff wrist design may feel uncomfortable for some.
• May be too tight for those with larger hands.

12-14 oz for a balance between protection and mobility.

5. Venum Elite Boxing Gloves – Best for Style and Comfort

The Venum Elite Gloves are great for beginners looking for a stylish and comfortable option. Made from high-quality synthetic leather, these gloves provide a snug and comfortable fit while offering decent wrist support.

The reinforced stitching and layered foam padding ensure durability and effective impact absorption. However, like many synthetic leather gloves, they may not last as long as premium leather alternatives.

Pros:

• Stylish design with multiple color options.
• Good wrist support with reinforced stitching.
• Snug fit provides great hand control.

Cons:

• Synthetic leather is less durable than real leather gloves.
• Padding may wear down faster with heavy use.

12-14 oz for a snug and comfortable fit during training.