One of the most crucial pieces of equipment when starting your boxing journey is your gloves. Boxing gloves are not only essential for protecting your hands but also offer protection for your sparring partners or opponents during training sessions.
With countless options on the market, finding the best boxing gloves for beginners can be daunting. In this guide, we’ll break down the top gloves for newcomers, ensuring your first steps into the boxing ring are safe and effective.
1. Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves
Overview: Everlast is one of the most trusted names in boxing, and their Pro Style Training Gloves are ideal for beginners. These gloves offer excellent hand protection and are designed with a full mesh palm, ensuring breathability and comfort.
Key Features:
- Durable synthetic leather
- Dense two-layer foam padding
- Velcro wrist strap for easy adjustment
- Thumb lock feature to prevent injuries
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Comfortable fit for prolonged sessions
- Breathable design
Cons:
- Padding may wear out quickly with heavy use
Why These Are Great for Beginners: These gloves are affordable, well-padded, and lightweight, making them perfect for anyone new to boxing and looking for reliable protection during training or bag work.
2. Venum Challenger 2.0 Boxing Gloves
Overview: Venum is known for producing high-quality combat sports gear, and the Challenger 2.0 gloves are no exception. These gloves are designed to provide optimal comfort and protection, with triple-density foam and a large Velcro enclosure to support your wrists.
Key Features:
- Synthetic leather material
- Triple-density foam padding for superior shock absorption
- Large Velcro wrist strap for a secure fit
- Mesh panel under the fist for ventilation
Pros:
- Great wrist support
- Durable design
- Comfortable interior lining
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some entry-level gloves
Why These Are Great for Beginners: With excellent wrist support and comfortable padding, these gloves are ideal for beginners looking for safety and durability. They’re a great investment for those planning to stick with boxing long-term.
3. Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves
Overview: Sanabul’s Essential Gel Gloves are a popular choice among beginners due to their affordability and the inclusion of gel-infused padding, which provides extra protection during heavy bag work.
Key Features:
- Engineered leather construction
- Gel-infused padding for added protection
- Secure Velcro strap closure
- Mesh palm for breathability
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Comfortable gel padding
- Sleek design with multiple color options
Cons:
- Padding may feel too stiff initially
Why These Are Great for Beginners: These gloves offer excellent hand protection at a beginner-friendly price. They’re perfect for those who want to get into boxing without making a large financial commitment.
4. RDX Ego Boxing Gloves
Overview: RDX is another trusted brand in combat sports, and their Ego Boxing Gloves are well-suited for beginners. They offer a unique blend of comfort, protection, and durability, making them ideal for sparring and heavy bag work.
Key Features:
- Maya Hide leather construction for durability
- Multi-layer foam padding for shock absorption
- Quick-EZ hook-and-loop closure for a secure fit
- Ventilation system to keep hands cool
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Excellent wrist support
- Soft inner lining for comfort
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other beginner gloves
Why These Are Great for Beginners: RDX Ego gloves balance comfort and protection, making them ideal for beginners who want gloves that can handle both bag work and sparring sessions.
5. Cleto Reyes Hook and Loop Training Gloves
Overview: While slightly more expensive than other beginner gloves, Cleto Reyes offers high-end quality worth the investment. Known for their craftsmanship, these gloves are hand-made with premium leather, providing superior comfort and durability.
Key Features:
- Hand-made with 100% leather
- Hook and loop closure for convenience
- Water-resistant lining to prevent moisture buildup
- Long cuff design for extra wrist support
Pros:
- Exceptional quality and durability
- Comfortable fit
- Great wrist support
Cons:
- It is more expensive than most beginner options
Why These Are Great for Beginners: Cleto Reyes gloves are known for their quality, and though they are a bit more expensive, they provide excellent protection and durability for beginners who are serious about sticking with boxing.
6. Adidas Hybrid 100 Boxing Gloves
Overview: Adidas might be more commonly associated with other sports, but its Hybrid 100 Boxing Gloves are a fantastic option for beginners. They offer multi-layer foam construction, providing great hand protection during training sessions.
Key Features:
- PU outer material for durability
- Multi-layer foam padding for hand protection
- Velcro closure system for wrist support
- Breathable mesh palm for airflow
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Affordable price
- Good wrist and hand support
Cons:
- Not as durable as higher-end gloves
Why These Are Great for Beginners: These gloves provide a good balance of comfort, protection, and affordability, making them ideal for those who are new to the sport and are looking for an entry-level option.
Faqs About Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners
What size boxing gloves should I buy as a beginner?
Most beginners start with gloves weighing 12-16 oz, depending on their weight and intended use. Heavier gloves (16 oz) offer more padding and are suitable for sparring, while lighter gloves are ideal for bag work and mitt training.
How often should I replace my boxing gloves?
On average, boxing gloves should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on how frequently you train and the quality of the gloves. Look out for signs of wear, like torn padding or flattened areas.
Should I choose leather or synthetic gloves?
Leather gloves are more durable and offer better comfort over time but are more expensive. Synthetic gloves are more affordable and still provide good protection, making them a great choice for beginners.
Can I use the same gloves for sparring and bag work?
It’s recommended to use separate gloves for sparring and bag work. Bag gloves are typically more compact, while sparring gloves have extra padding to protect your partner.
How do I clean my boxing gloves?
After each training session, wipe your gloves with a damp cloth and let them air out to prevent odours and bacteria buildup. You can also use glove deodorizers to keep them fresh. Avoid soaking them in water or using harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
Choosing the right boxing gloves as a beginner is essential for your safety and performance in the ring or during training. The key is to find gloves that fit well, offer adequate padding, and provide good wrist support.
Your gloves should enhance your training experience by keeping your hands and wrists safe while helping you improve your technique. For a detailed guide on the top options, check out this article on the Top 10 Boxing Shoes to complement your gloves and ensure optimal performance.
