Best Kickboxing Gloves of 2023 (Bagwork, Sparring & Training)
Our Top Picks:
Best kickboxing gloves overall: Hayabusa T3
Step into the ring with confidence with the Hayabusa T3. Offering exceptional comfort, unbeatable wrist support, and top-tier knuckle protection, they’re your trusty companion for every powerful punch and high-impact session.
Best kickboxing gloves for the price: Venum Elite
Experience top-of-the-line quality without breaking the bank with the Venum Elite. Handcrafted for durability and comfort, these gloves strike the perfect balance between performance and value.
Best kickboxing gloves for beginners: Venum Impact
Start your kickboxing journey right with the Venum Impact. They offer great shock absorption, optimal ventilation, and enhanced protection – the perfect pick for those new to the sport and looking to make an impact!
Are you ready to get your kickboxing game to the next level? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, we all know that having the right gear is paramount, especially when it comes to kickboxing gloves. The glove you choose can make the difference between a solid punch and an injured hand – and we’re all about that knockout punch, aren’t we?
Today we will dive headfirst into the wild world of kickboxing gloves. We’ve put in the time, done the research, and sparred a few rounds ourselves (all in the name of science, of course) to bring you the ultimate list of top picks. We’ve got gloves for every kind of fighter and budget, and we’re here to help you find your perfect match.
The 5 Best Kickboxing Gloves
Venum Elite
- Triple Density foam
- Strengthened seams for long lasting quality
- Reinforced palm for maximum impact absorption
An exceptional choice for kickboxers seeking a top-notch, long-lasting glove. Handcrafted in Thailand and boasting a construction of 100% Skintex leather, these gloves deliver an unbeatable combination of durability and comfort.
Featuring triple-density foam, these gloves provide a balanced shock distribution, enabling you to throw those powerful kicks and punches without fear of excessive impact.
An added benefit is the reinforced palm that ensures maximum shock absorption, while the fully attached thumb design helps to prevent any training or sparring injuries.
With their robust seams, these gloves are designed to hold up under the toughest of training sessions, making them a reliable companion for your kickboxing journey.
The Venum Elite gloves also sport a robust Velcro enclosure complemented by an elastic band, ensuring a snug fit throughout your training. All these features make Venum Elite a superb choice for any kickboxer as they strike the perfect balance between performance, comfort, and longevity.
Hayabusa T3
- A Revolutionized Training Glove: You need a glove that checks all of the boxes, from protection and...
- Built For Comfort With A Tailored Fit: Interior fabric feels smooth and cool on your hands and helps...
- World Renowned Wrist Support: The dual wrist straps and splinting system work together to keep your...
Engineered with a focus on protection, comfort, fit, and longevity, these gloves are the product of a decade of relentless research in sports science.
Inside, you’ll find a smooth, cool fabric that works to keep your hands at the right temperature, even in the heart of the action. To ensure a snug fit, the T3 sports a dual Velcro wrist strap system, allowing it to mold seamlessly to your hands, making it a fantastic choice across Boxing, MMA, Kickboxing, or Muay Thai.
But where the T3 really shines is in its support features. The combination of the dual wrist straps and innovative splinting system provides exceptional alignment, securing your wrists with every punch you throw and shielding them from dangerous bends.
Additionally, the T3 gloves come equipped with top-notch foam technology, offering superior impact absorption and dispersion, granting your knuckles maximum protection during training sessions.
In terms of weight, we recommend the 10oz-12oz gloves for working on bags or pads, while the 14oz, 16oz, and 18oz gloves are perfect for partner drills and sparring.
Read our full review of Hayabusa T3 here.
Fairtex BGV1
- Perfect fit: Fairtex boxing glove 2 pair set is ergonomically designed with a unique contoured and...
- Shock Absorbent: The muay thai gloves are constructed of premium leather with Fairtex foam system...
- Multipurpose: The fairtex muay thai gloves provide all round usage in sports such as kickboxing,...
The gloves are tailored to conform closely to your hands, distributing weight evenly, while featuring additional padding around the knuckle area for optimal protection.
Featuring robust Velcro straps, these gloves won’t budge during your training sessions, providing reliable, long-lasting wear.
The exterior boasts premium genuine leather, pleasing to touch, while inside, you’re met with a smooth, comfortable lining that treats your skin right. The superior craftsmanship is evident in the neat, seamless stitching, a testament to the meticulous handcrafting process in Thailand.
Unique to the BGV1 is the three-layered Fairtex foam system, which delivers exceptional shock dispersion along with top-notch hand and knuckle protection.
The gloves are also perfectly suited for punches and clinches, thanks to their unique padding distribution that allows for effective gripping and grabbing.
And let’s not forget the aesthetics – the classic black design of the BGV1 gloves stands out and can be paired beautifully with various other training equipment. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced fighter, the BGV1 gloves are crafted to be your trustworthy companion on your road to greatness.
Read our full review of Fairtext BGV1 here.
Twins Boxing Training Sparring Gloves
- Twins Boxing Gloves with special design hook-and-loop wrist strap for full security, ideal for quick...
- Handcraft from premium 100 percent Thai leather.
- Available in 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, and 18 oz.
These gloves are expertly crafted from top-tier cowhide leather and meticulously handcrafted in Thailand, a place renowned for its rich history of boxing gear manufacturing.
Featuring a specially designed hook-and-loop wrist strap, these gloves are perfect for fighters who value the convenience of quick donning and doffing.
Offering a broad spectrum of weights from 6 oz to 18 oz, these gloves cater to everyone – from young beginners to heavyweight warriors.
What sets them apart is the additional padding, ensuring robust protection when you’re training with heavy bags or sparring with partners. These gloves are designed to deliver comprehensive support for your training needs.
For those in the market for a pair of gloves that effortlessly blend style with functionality, the Twins Gloves are a standout choice worth considering.
Read our full review of the Twins gloves here.
Venum Impact
- Triple density foam for a better absorption
- Full attached thumbs to provide a better protection
- Reinforced seams
These gloves mean serious business. Packed with triple-density foam, they deliver superior shock absorption, ensuring your hands are well-protected while you deliver those power-packed strikes.
What sets these gloves apart is their micro-perforated coating, which promotes optimal ventilation, keeping your hands cool and comfortable throughout your intense training sessions.
Crafted from 100% premium PU, these gloves guarantee quality and durability. The Venum Impact gloves are built for those who train hard. With fully attached thumbs, they minimize the risk of injuries, keeping you safe as you train.
What’s more, these gloves feature long cuffs for enhanced wrist protection and a palm mesh panel for breathability, so you can train longer and harder.
Read our full review of Venum Impact here.
The different types of kickboxing gloves
While all gloves might seem similar, each type has been carefully designed with a specific purpose in mind. Understanding these differences is crucial in choosing the right glove for your needs and making the most of your training. Let’s do a quick breakdown of each type.
Training Gloves
The most versatile type of gloves, training gloves are designed for the kickboxer who wants one glove to do it all. Whether you’re hitting the bag, doing some pad work, or even some light sparring, these gloves are designed to handle it all. They usually have a good balance of padding for protection and are ideal for those who are just starting out or don’t want to invest in multiple types of gloves.
Bag Gloves
Now, these gloves are specialized pieces of kit designed primarily for heavy bag, speed bag, or focus mitts training. They’re lighter than other types of gloves and typically have less padding. This is because the bags absorb most of the impact, and having less padding allows for more speed and better feel of the punch. Bag gloves are great for improving punch speed and technique, but they’re not suitable for sparring because they lack the necessary protection.
Sparring Gloves
Sparring gloves are specifically designed to protect both you and your sparring partner. They generally have a lot more padding, particularly on the front and wrist area, to help absorb impact and prevent injuries. It’s important to remember that the goal of sparring is not to knock out your partner, but to learn and practice. Hence, these gloves prioritize safety. They are usually heavier due to the additional padding. The standard weight for men is 16oz, and for women, it’s typically 14oz.
Competition Gloves
These are the gloves used in professional kickboxing matches. Competition gloves are lighter than sparring gloves as they’re meant to increase speed and allow for more damaging strikes – after all, in a competition, the aim is to win! The exact weight of competition gloves can vary depending on the rules of the event, but they typically weigh between 8oz – 10oz. Due to their lower level of padding, they’re not suitable for training or sparring.
Size Guide for Kickboxing gloves
Choosing the correct glove size is crucial, both for your safety and comfort. Here is a general size guide to help you find the right fit. However, keep in mind that sizing can vary between different brands and models, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific sizing guide of the gloves you’re considering.
| Weight of Glove | Glove Size | Body Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 12 – 14 oz | Small | Under 120 lbs (54 kg) |
| 14 – 16 oz | Medium | 120 lbs – 150 lbs (54 kg – 68 kg) |
| 16 – 18 oz | Large | 150 lbs – 180 lbs (68 kg – 82 kg) |
| 18 – 20 oz | X-Large | Over 180 lbs (82 kg) |
Tips:
- Beginners should opt for slightly heavier gloves for extra padding and protection.
- Bag gloves usually range from 10 oz to 14 oz. Even if you’re a heavier person, you don’t need a super heavy bag glove.
- Sparring gloves should always be on the heavier side. The standard is 16oz for men and 14oz for women.
- Competition gloves are usually standard in size due to the regulations of the event. You won’t typically choose the weight of your competition gloves; it will be defined by the event’s rules.
Getting the right fit isn’t just about your weight. It also has to do with the fit around your hand. Gloves should feel snug, not tight or loose. When you make a fist, the gloves should crease correctly around your fingers. Too loose, and your hand can move within the glove, potentially causing injury. Too tight, and they can restrict movement and be uncomfortable.
What to consider when buying kickboxing gloves
Now that you’ve learned about the different types of gloves and how to choose the right size, it’s time to dive into the nuts and bolts of what makes a great kickboxing glove. But hey, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this buying guide, we’ll be exploring the key factors you should consider when purchasing kickboxing gloves. From the purpose and fit to the material and price, we’ve broken it all down for you. This way, you can make a confident, informed decision and get the perfect pair of gloves that will enhance your performance and stand the test of time.
Ready to rumble? Let’s get started!
Purpose
The first thing to consider is what you’ll be using the gloves for. Are they for bag work, sparring, training, or competition? As we discussed earlier, each type of glove is designed for a specific use. Make sure to choose the right type for your needs.
Size and Fit
The right fit is crucial. Gloves should feel snug, not too tight or too loose. When you make a fist, the gloves should crease correctly around your fingers. Use the glove sizing guide we provided earlier to help you find the right size.
Material
Quality is key when it comes to the material of your gloves. High-quality synthetic materials or genuine leather tend to last longer and provide better protection. Leather gloves, while more expensive, tend to be more durable and form better to your hands over time.
Closure System
Gloves come with different types of closures: Velcro (hook and loop) or laces.
Velcro is more convenient and easier to put on and take off, especially if you’re training alone.
Laced gloves provide a more secure fit and are often preferred for matches and serious sparring sessions, but they usually require help from another person to put them on.
Padding
The distribution and amount of padding is important. Look for gloves with ample padding, especially around the knuckles and wrist areas. However, remember that more padding often means heavier gloves, which can slow you down. Find a balance that works for your training needs.
Wrist Support
Good wrist support is crucial to prevent injuries. Look for gloves that have a secure fastening around the wrist, as this will help provide stability during impact.
Breathability
Gloves that have some sort of ventilation system or are made from breathable materials will be more comfortable and reduce sweating. This is not only more comfortable but can also help your gloves last longer as excessive moisture can deteriorate the materials.
Price
Lastly, consider your budget. It’s worth investing in a slightly more expensive pair of gloves if it means getting a comfortable, durable product and offers good protection. However, many reasonably priced gloves on the market offer good value for money.
FAQ
How do you break in kickboxing gloves?
To break in kickboxing gloves, start by wearing them during lighter training sessions. This allows the gloves to mold to your hands over time. You can also apply a leather conditioner to soften the material, but avoid using too much or it might damage the gloves. Always make sure to let them air dry after each use.
How many ounces should kickboxing gloves be?
The weight of kickboxing gloves generally ranges from 10oz to 20oz. The right size for you depends on your body weight and the type of training. For bag work, gloves are typically lighter, around 10-12oz. For sparring, heavier gloves (14-16oz) are preferred for their extra padding and protection. Always consult your coach or trainer to find the best weight for your needs.
What do kickboxers wear on their hands?
Kickboxers typically wear tape and gauze on their hands for protection and support during training or matches. This layer provides additional padding and helps to prevent wrist strain and potential injuries to the knuckles and smaller bones in the hand.
Is there a difference between kickboxing and boxing gloves?
Yes, there is a difference. While both types of gloves offer protection, boxing gloves are generally heavier and have more padding around the knuckles. Kickboxing gloves, on the other hand, are designed with flexibility in mind to allow fighters to use their hands for both punching and clinching. They tend to be more versatile and lighter than boxing gloves.
