Like many on the search for the best boxing gloves for heavy bag training, I started with a pair of pillowy gloves from Everlast and quickly began pounding away at a small heavy bag in my parent’s basement.
While my teenage boxing years are long behind me, I now train at a boxing gym and have bought and trained in almost a dozen different pairs of boxing gloves so hopefully I can help you find your next pair for heavy bag work.
For beginners looking for their first pair of boxing gloves to use with heavy bag training check out our infographic above and further info in the next section.
Boxing Gloves for Heavy Bag Training – Top Recommedations
- Some of our top boxing glove recommendations for heavy bag training include:
- Byakko (good beginner option*)
- Hayabusa T3 (best wrist support*)
- Ringside Apex (tigher fitting*)
- Cleto Reyes (nice feedback*)
- Venum (nice feedback/snug fit*)
- If you are a beginner, I strongly recommend buying a heavier glove that offers solid wrist support – sticking to the 12oz-16oz range
- Howver, there is no standard size for heavy bag/training gloves instead focus on comfort and fit
- Heavier gloves will offer more protection and help with conditioning while smaller gloves offer better fist ergonomics
- Finally, I also recommend protecting your hands using wraps whenever hitting the heavy bag
Best Boxing Gloves for Heavy Bag
1. Byakko Boxing Gloves
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Affordable |
| + Solid padding |
| + Well ventilated |
| – Can be tight fit for some hands |
When I was reviewing and testing out gloves for my other post on the Overall Best Boxing Gloves, I decided to give a pair of the Byakko gloves a chance.
They are newer and aren’t as popular as higher end gloves like Cleto Reyes or Winning, but man, was I impressed with their quality and fit.
They had just enough padding and my fingers felt snug and protected. For beginners who are doing some basic heavy bag training, these are my go to affordable recommendation.
2. Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Unbeatable wrist support |
| + Thick padding |
| – A bit more expensive |
| – May be a bit stiff for some |
| -Shorter finger chamber |
If you are a beginner in terms of boxing and heavy bag training you want a glove that fits well and protects your hands and wrists as much as possible – especially while you are still developing your technique.
I can’t tell you how may times I hit the bag at a weird angle or banged my thumb. The Hayabusa T3’s for my money offer the best wrist support out there (while it should be noted that lace up gloves generally offer more protection – if you’re going velcro and want your wrists protected go with these 100%.)
The dual strap system offers unbeatable wrist support, which is why its one of the most popular choices for beginners.
Overall, the T3 gloves offer similar protection to Winning gloves, but due to being made with synthetic leather, Hayabusa is more affordable price without compromising on durability or protection.
Is Hayabusa better than Fairtex?
A lot of people like to compare Hayabusa and Fairtext gloves.
- First, it should be noted that Fairtex gloves are made specifically for Muay Thai
- In general, gloves made for Muay thai may be more roomy, a bit stiff, and with less focus on wrist support
- Next, in terms of wrist support, I’d have to vote for the Hayabusa (while if you prefer the roomy fit of Fairtex gloves, you can always go for their lace up models)
For beginners, who want more wrist protection and less room inside the glove I’d go Hayabusa.
3. Cleto Reyes Hook+Loop
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Unbeatable wrist support |
| + Thick padding |
| – Puncher’s gloves (offer some serious feedback in your punches) |
| – Require a bit of a break in period |
| – More expensive |
Now we get into more pricier gloves, if you’ve got the money to spend I always recommend going with Cleto Reyes or Winning boxing gloves. Both are top of the line and extremely popular brands for both heavy bag training and sparring.
I would strongly recommend these gloves for training and heavy bag work, but I would definitely avoid sparring with these. I’ve been tagged by sparring partners wearing Cleto Reyes gloves before, and I definitely felt it.
For beginners, you may prefer a glove with more padding since again these will have quite a bit of feedback especially in the knuckle area compared to your average glove.
Finally, if you’re looking for a comparable glove at a more affordable price I’d recommend checking out the Rival RB11’s mentioned a bit further down.
4. Cleto Reyes Mitts
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Offer awsome fit for hand/fist |
| – For heavy bag work your thumbs may take a beatin with these (and other boxing mitts) |
| – Very limited padding (especially on fist and thumb) |
I wanted to wait a bit further down into this list before mentioning boxing mits.
Toward the bottom of this post I further break down different types of boxing gloves, but for now you should know that boxing mits offer much less protection when compared to your regular training gloves.
The positive with bag mitts is that due to the limited padding they often will feel better in terms of hand ergonomics (meaning you can make a proper fist comfortably without padding getting in the way).
I don’t usually recommend boxing mitts for beginners, but I thought I should mention them in case you find boxing gloves putting your fist in an unnatural position and want to do some light heavy bag work.
So if you’re going with boxing mittss you can’t beat these ones from Cleto Reyes.
5. Xmartial
Xmartial boxing gloves are definitely affordable and have some slick designs.
I’d compare there quality and fit to those similar options from Sanabul and Byakko.
While not as popular as other gloves, these are a decent option for beginners who are looking to do some heavy bag training, and they have some decent wrist support with a hook-and-loop design.
6. RDX Boxing Gloves
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Very affordable |
| + Good starter gloves |
| – On the bulkier side |
| – Padding may be lacking for some |
| – May not last for a very long time |
| -With any affordable glove, make sure to do a quality check when you first get them* |
RDX are one of the most affordable boxing gloves that we’ve mentioned so far on this list. These gloves are actually specifically made for Muay Thai but still work great for heavy bag training.
If you’re looking for very affordable gloves, I would definitely choose these RDX gloves over similar options from Everlast and Sanabul.
While Fairtex gloves are, of course, the better option for a Muay Thai style glove if you’d rather avoid the higher pricepoint, you can always go with RDX gloves to start with.
7. Ringside Apex Training Gloves
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Good for beginners |
| + Solid Value |
| – Tigher fitting |
| – Not the best wrist support |
| -Longer break in period* |
Another really popular glove for beginners that I’ve seen mentioned quite a bit are these Ringside Apex Training Gloves.
The biggest con is probably the stiffness and break in period – you’re hands may hurt for the first couple weeks, but I’ve found that they definitely loosen up over time especially the wrist cuff (which I found very stiff when first using them).
Aside from that these are great starter gloves for the heavy bag if you prefer tigher fitting gloves.
8. Venum Impact Boxing Gloves
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Good padding |
| + Nice snug fit |
| + Offer nice feedback |
| – Thumb may be a bit uncomfortable |
| – Limited airflow / inner lining may bunch up a bit |
If you’re going to go Venum, I strongly recommend buying this Impact Gloves as they are the best bet for under $100.
When comparing them to the Venum Elite Gloves…
Even though the Venum Elite gloves are comparable (and a slightly more expensive), I’ve found them a bit less protective that the Impacts. I also felt that the Venum Impact gloves a bit better feedback, and fit my hands a bit better.
However, if you do have larger/thicker hands the Venum Elite gloves may be a better option.
If you are looking to upgrade to a similar glove in terms of quality and price, I’d recommend going with gloves from Fairtex like the Fairtex BGV1.
9. Winning Training Boxing Gloves
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Superior comfort |
| + Excellent thumb positioning |
| – Not as snug as other gloves |
| – Very Expensive |
| – May not be wort the higher pricepoint when compared to similar models (at ~$200 less) |
Winning Training Boxing Gloves are arguably the king in the boxing glove realm…with a high price point to match. These are ideal for training with superior protection when hitting a heavy bag.
With horsehair padding and top of the line genuine leather, you really can’t get better than Winning.
However, the pricepoint is very high which is why I don’t necessarily recommend these gloves for beginners.
For more seasoned boxers who know they are going to be boxing for a while, I’m sure you already have a pair of Winning gloves (or you’re current saving up for them).
If you want to buy a more affordable boxing glove is comparable to these gloves from Winning, I’d check out the Ring to Cage C17 gloves which we mention a bit further down this list.
10.Rival RB11
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Fit great immediatley (shorter break in period) |
| + Great wrist support |
| + Solid fist alignment |
| + Offer some pretty fast punching |
| – Not to be used for sparring |
Another pair of excellent bag gloves are these Rival RB11’s. These are my top recommended pair from Rival specifically for heavy bag training.
These are more compact fit and definitely shouldn’t be used for sparring (there are plastics ringd around the wrist which could definitely injur your sparring partner.
I’d also probably consider these pretty comparable to those from Cleto Reyes at a bit cheaper price.
If you want another glove from them with softer foam, you can also check out the Rival RS11v boxing glove.
RB10s from Rival come a little more broken in initaly, but the RB11’s are definintely one of the more protect gloves for heavy bag training.
11. Title Gel Boxing Gloves
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Excellent gel padding |
| – Wrist may be a little loose (for those with smaller wrists) |
| – Gel weighted gloves may feel a bit off in tems of weight placement |
Heavier, gel gloves will definitely give your arms a good workout. So if you’re looking for conditioning, I’d recommend going with a pair of these 16oz gloves to burn you up pretty good. However, since these are gel the weight of the gloves may feel a bit off for some.
I would rank these gloves as definitely better than Everlast and similar to Hayabusa.
For other comparable options, you can check out Rival, TopBoxer, or even Muay Thai gloves like those from Fairtex (I’d probably consider all of these a step above these Title gloves).
In my personal opinion, Title makes some awesome boxing gear (like headgear and groin guards), but I wouldn’t rank their boxing gloves very high in general.
12. Phenom
Phenom is a leading brand from the UK. They make a bit more expensive gloves around the $200 range.
When testing these gloves I found them pretty solid, while not as “bouncy” as Cleto Reyes gloves and not as tight as other brands like Hayabusa.
If you’re going to go with Phenom, I’d probably recommend the sg210 gloves – I’ve worn their 12oz gloves for training and heavy bag work. While they seemed a bit stiff they will probably better form to my hands over a couple sessions.
13. Ring to Cage
| PROS AND CONS |
| +Fingers line up comfortably in glove |
| + Comfortable inner liner |
| + Padding is very durable |
| – On the bulkier side |
| -Hand compartment not as breathable as others |
| -Thumb compartment may not offer as much protection as other gloves (more open for better parrying) |
So first off let me just say I’m a big fan of the Ring to Cage C17 gloves, and for their pricepoint (~$150) I think they are some of the best gloves out there.
Like I mentioned earlier, these were meant to be a more affordable version of Winning boxing gloves, and I think they’ve pretty much nailed it.
The only con is that these are a bit harder to air and clean out after training when compared to other gloves.
Overall, these are a very solid option for midrange heavy bag gloves for beginners and more experienced boxers.
14. Everlast
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Good for beginners or those taking boxing cardio classes |
| – Not very durable |
| – Weaker padding |
| – No lateral or wrist support |
Let me just say I’m not the biggest fan of Everlast gloves – I find them to be illfitting, bulky, lacking support, and just generally uncomfortable.
However, if you are going to go with Everlast, I would definitely aviod their lower end models and try to stick to the more expensive ones. I’ve heard good things about their MX Professional Fight gloves but cannot attest to their quality personally.
If you are in the market for affordable gloves, I think that those from Byakko, Ringside, RDX, and Title are much better options.
15. Fairtex BGV9
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Excellent padding and wrist support (with longer cuff) |
| – Thumb position can negatively effects fist position |
| – Longer break in period |
If you’re going to go with Muay Thai style gloves for the heavy bag, you really can’t beat the Fairtex BG9’s.
Among all the popular Fairtex gloves I feel like the BGV9’s offer the most padding and wrist support which is perfect for heavy bag training.
If you truly prefer Muay Thai style gloves, Fairtex, Top King, and Twins are all great options.
However, if you plan to do any sparring at all I strongly recommend the Fairtex BGV1 gloves instead.
16. Sanabul
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Decent padding |
| – May not be as comfortable as other gloves |
| – Doesn’t have “pop” or power like with other gloves |
| – Lacking in long term durability |
| -Not for sparring |
| -If you are a heavy hitter I wouldn’t recommend these gloves |
These Sanabul boxing gloves are some of the most affordable on this list so they are quite popular for beginners.
What you usually pay for with more expensive glvoes is comfort and durability so I would always keep that in mind when going with more affordable options.
I used this pair of Sanabul gloves a handful of times before giving them to my younger brother.
The biggest thing I would note is that these don’t have the pop or feedback like other gloves, but overall, these are pretty well-padded for beginners.
For beginners, I don’t see an issue recommend these for heavy bag training if you are concerned with budget.
However, if you have the money and want to upgrade to a better, more comfortable glove I’d recommend checking out Byakko, Twins Special, and Ring to Cage C17s which I’ve also review on this list.
17. Twins Special BGVL3
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Very well-padded |
| + Run on the lighter side |
| -Weak wrist support (like other Muay Thai style gloves) |
| -May feel a bit too “pillowy” for some |
Twins Special are gloves made for Muay Thai, but many use them for boxing as well.
I would proably put these up there with Winning in terms of craftmanship (with obviously a different style since it’s made for Muay Thai).
Other Heavy Bag Training Gloves to Be Aware of:
Fly Boxing Gloves
Fly is another popular brand based out of the UK that you can definitely use for heavy bag training. These are about mid range in terms of price.
They have some stiffer foam when compared to other gloves like those from Winnnig. Also I’ve found the hand compartment to be a bit more narro than other gloves, but longer room for fingers.
Finally, I’d say that they offer some solid wrist support.
TopBoxer
TopBoxer is another pretty popular brand that offers some decent bag gloves at a reasonable price.
There most popular glove is the Win1 glove, but I wanted to highlight their heavy bag gloves (shown above).
Many people compare these to Winning gloves (at a more affordable price), but I would say they are different since I found them to be a bit more bulky.
I’d probably rank these on the same level as the Hayabusa and Ring to Cage gloves since they are comparable in terms of quality and price.
Grant Boxing Gloves
Grant boxing gloves are a high end glove that you may have seen some pros wear like Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Most of their glove are “fight gloves” or sparring gloves. I would not recommend them for beginners or those simple looking for a heavy bag or training glove.
If you want to spend more money on a premium glove, I’d definitely recommend Winning over Grant especially for heavy bag.
R-6 Jayefo
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Very affordable |
| + Decent starter gloves |
| – Not recommended for sparring |
| – Lacking in long term durability |
| -A bit stiff / longer break in period |
Another very popular boxing glove on Amazon likely due to its very affordable price, these Jayefo may be an option for some beginners.
These make some decent bag gloves but likely won’t have the durability as other gloves that are a bit more expensive like Byakko and Ring to Cage.
The big cons I’d mention is that the fist may fit a little awkward in this glove, and they definitely have a longer breakin period.
Liberlupus
| PROS AND CONS |
| + Very affordable |
| + Good for beginners |
| + Not too bulky |
| + Decent hand ergonomics inside the glove |
| -Shorter wrist material / minimal wrist support (Thai style) |
Liberlupus gloves are another very popular brand on Amazon so I wanted to includea review of them in this post. These are good for bag work especially if you’re looking to eventually get into Muay Thai.
For the price point, they are pretty solid. They have a shorter/stockier build to it, and they seem like they are designed similar to a Muay Thai style glove.
Stitching is okay, but you’re not going to get the highest quality of materials – especially by in the thumb area they don’t see very high quality.
These gloves also came on over an ounce under weight so they definitely come in lighter.
Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners
Now that we’ve gone through our full list of some of the best and most popular boxing gloves for heavy bag training let’s briefly chat about the best boxing gloves for beginners.
First off, for beginners I’d recommend any of the below brands/boxing gloves:
- Byakko
- Hayabusa
- Cleto Reyes
- Title
- Ringside Apex
- Ring to Cage
- Venun
Depending on what you’re most concerned with or what type of training you are doing (heavybag/mitts vs sparring), this can definitely alter your decision – see my inforgraphic at the start of this post for a further breakdown.
Best Boxing Gloves for Sparring
Now onto the best boxing glvoes for sparrring. In general, you will likely use different gloves for training vs sparring.
However, if you’re a beginner you can go with one glove initially and consider purchasing a different set of gloves for sparring down the line.
If I were to recommend some gloves for sparring I’d go with the below brands/gloves:
- Ring to Cage C17
- Rival
- Top Boxer
- Twins Special
- Obviously Winning (if you can afford them)
What’s the Difference Between Heavy Bag Training Gloves and Sparring Gloves?
So there’s a coupe key differences I want to point out when it comes to heavy bag (training) gloves and sparring gloves:
- While it’s not necessary to buy two different pairs of boxing gloves if you are a beginner, it’s something to consider down the line as you progress and specialize in specific training areas.
- For beginners, a pair of 16oz gloves is a good option, and they can serve for both heavy bag training and sparring.
Heavy Bag (Training Gloves):
- usually have better wrist support
- will tend to wear down quicker over time
- are also generally cheaper
Sparring Gloves:
- may have more foam to protect your partner
- also may have more padding on the back of the glove for better blocking
Best Budget Boxing Gloves for Heavy Bag Training
If we’re talking about the best budget boxing gloves for heavy bag training here are some of our recommendations:
- Byakko
- Ringside Apex
- Title
- Venum
Again, always wrap your hands for heavy bag work and if you’re a beginner I’d recommend sticking with a heavier glove for better protection and opting for a glove with some solid wrist protection.
I’d also avoid using boxing mitts with heavy bag training espeically if you are newer to boxing – while the fist feel in these can be great you’re going to want the extra padding found in heavier training gloves.
What Size Boxing Gloves Should You Use for Heavy Bag Training?
For heavy bag training while protection should always be a major factor as you become more experienced the size of glove you use will come down to preference.
In general, you should train with 10oz-14oz gloves for heavy bag training and use heavier gloves for sparring like 14oz-16oz
Some of my training partners prefer smaller gloves like 10oz-12oz while I tend to stick to teh 12oz-14oz range.
If you want more conditioning, you can go with heavier gloves, but you want your punches to be faster and snapper can go with a smaller glove.
There is no correct size for a perfect heavy bag glove. I would instead try to think about comfort and what has the best ergonomic position for your fist.
What Are the Different Types of Boxing Gloves?
There are three types of boxing gloves: boxing mitts, training (bag) gloves, sparring gloves, and fight gloves.
1. Boxing mitts: these over very little padding but offer excellent fist ergonomics and give you some heavy feedback when throwing punches on the bag. These are not recommended for beginners and are recommended for heavy punches.
2. Training gloves: these are gloves you would use for training on the heavy bag or even against boxing pads. The size of these can range based on preference but are usually in the 12oz-16 oz range.
3. Sparring gloves: sparring gloves are generally a little lighter at 8oz-12oz and have softer padding for better protection for your partner.
4. Fight gloves: fight gloves are definitely on the lighter end and will probably be the lightest gloves you will use. As you may have guessed these are used for an actually amateur or profession fight. It’s pretty common for sparring gloves and fight gloves to be the same pair of gloves.
How Can You Tell the Quality of Boxing Gloves?
Padding
Obviously padding is essential especially for heavy bag training.
One advantage of multi-layered foam padding is its ability to retain shape and firmness for extended periods (this may be lacking in more affordable gloves). This technology has greatly advanced with high-quality foam padding proving incredibly effective at absorbing impacts. For instance, the T3 Boxing Gloves from Hayabusa use the state-of-the-art Deltra-EG™ technology which ismulti-layered foam provides for added knuckle protatection
Fit
Boxing glove fit is another major factor in how comfortable it will be to traing with your gloves.
I’ve trained in gloves that were too loose, too tight, and felt like I was swinging with pillows tied to my fists.
- if your gloves are too loose, your hands may slide around inside, detracting you from focusing entirely on your training and also risking injury.
- if your glove are too tight, your hands will feel overly constricted especially when training with wraps (which is definitely recommended)
To find the perfect fit, the first step involves measuring the circumference of your dominant hand just below the knuckles. Most manufacturers offer size charts based on these measurements.
As always, It’s important to keep in mind that glove sizes can slightly vary between different manufacturers, so it’s best to check their respective size chart before buying a pair of gloves.
See below for some general guidelines on the the size/weight of glove that is recommended based on boxing activity:
| GLOVE SIZE | WEIGHT | |
| LBS | KG | |
| 6 oz | Under 80 lbs | Under 37 |
| 8 oz | 90-110 | 37-50 |
| 10 oz | 110-132 | 50-60 |
| 12 oz | 132-165 | 60-75 |
| 14 oz | 165-190 | 75-85 |
| 16 oz | 190-209 | 85-95 |
| 18 oz | 290 and up | 95 and up |
| Activity Level | Glove Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Pad Work | 10-12 oz | Lighter gloves allow more speed and mobility for pad work and focus mitt training. |
| Heavy Bag | 12-14 oz | Heavy bag exercises are safe with gloves in this size range because they strike a good mix between speed and power. |
| Sparring | 14-16 oz | Heavier gloves with more padding are essential for sparring to ensure safety for both you and your training partner. |
Fist Ergonomics
I wanted to highlight fist ergonomics and how it relates to size and fit of boxing gloves.
Fist ergonomics relates to how your hand fits inside the glove and how easy you are able to make a natural fist. For example, boxing mitts have excellent fist ergonomics and enable you to make a nice and natural closed fist, but they have very little padding
On the other hand, heavy gloves will make it harded to make a fist but will, of course, offer more padding.
One advantage of a well-fitted boxing glove is that it aligns the hand, wrist, and forearm, creating stability and preventing injuries. Notably, poorly fitted gloves can cause you to sprain your wrist or strain your hand and fingers. The ideal glove should fit snugly around the entire hand, with no pinching or excessive slack.
When testing the fist ergonomics of a glove, take note of the glove’s grip bar – a pad located in the center of the glove that provides a spot for you to wrap your fingers around when you make a fist. This grip bar enhances your clinch and punching power by allowing you to maintain a more robust and secure fist. This is a feature that you should ensure on your glove.
Wrist Support
The importance of wrist support in boxing gloves cannot be overstated – especially for beginners doing heavy bag training.
When you start boxing your technique may not be best and possibly leading to injuries in your hand and wrist. For this reason we strongly recommend going with boxing gloves that offer solid wrist support like the Haybusa T3 boxing gloves (also always use hand wraps with heavy bag training*)
The two most common types of wrist closures on boxing gloves are hook-and-loop (Velcro) closures and laces. Hook-and-loop closures are more convenient and can be adjusted quickly, making them a popular option especially for training. Lace-up gloves provide a more customized and secure fit and are typically preferred in professional and competitive settings.
Warmth and Breathability
Warmth and breathability also play a vital role as well when it comes to selecting the right boxing gloves.
Proper ventilation is essential because it regulates heat and reduces annoying palm and interior glove sweat during training.
It’s important to remember to look for gloves that feature ventilation holes in the palm area or moisture-wicking material. Poorly ventilated gloves can build-up moisture inside, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to bad odors, mold, and the potential for skin infections.
One big advantage of ventilated gloves is that they dry out faster after training, hence, reducing the chance of bacterial growth and unpleasant odor. Boxing gloves that have mesh or perforated palms offer notable breathability, keeping your hands cooler and dryer during those intense workouts. There are also gloves with sweat-wicking interior linings that help absorb excess moisture.
Material
Boxing gloves are produced from a variety of materials depending on their price points and the quality aspirations of the manufacturer.
Mor premium gloves made from high-quality materials are more durable, offer better protection and can withstand the swiftest hooks, jabs, and crosses without losing shape or functionality.
Despite the variation in glove material, leather and vinyl are the two primary materials used.
The superiority of leather in terms of its durability, tactile characteristics, and visual appeal has made it a top choice among boxers. However, the higher cost associated with high-quality leather gloves can seem prohibitive for some.
On the other hand, vinyl gloves offer a cost-effective alternative. Although Vinyl gloves are an affordable option, they tend to be less durable than their leather counterparts.
It’s also worth noting that specific brands offer gloves made from synthetic leather that tries to bridge the gap between real leather and vinyl. For instance, renowned glove maker, Fairtex, uses premium quality synthetic leather in their gloves to provide the benefit of high durability at a lower price point.
Thumb Support
Lastly, the amount of thumb support offered by a pair of gloves should be considered especially for heavy bag work.
There will be times when you will hit the bag at a weird angle and your thumb can take the blunt of it.
The thumb support should be firm yet comfortable and enable you to form a fist without restriction.
Gloves that have a thumb compartment attached to the body of the glove can help prevent the thumb from bending backwards if you accidentally punch with your thumb sticking out.
One boxing glove model renowned for its thumb support is the Cleto Reyes Hook and Loop Boxing Gloves. The attached thumb feature definitely helps prevent thumb injuries.
Also worth mentioning is the Hayabusa’s T3 boxing glove. It is designed with a one-piece construction that eliminates seams that can sometimes cause discomfort or injury. The thumb position aligns with the fist to provide a proper fist closure, reducing the risk of injury.
Our Ranking and Review Process for This Post
I have been boxing now for over four years. It was actually the first martial art I ever tried.
Like many my first gloves were a pair of pillowy gloves by Everlast. Soon after I updraged to a pair of Ring to Cage C17’s and then later to a pair of Cleto Reyes.
While I haven’t training in all of these gloves, I have trained in a lot of them.
Over the course of 25+ hours, I have combined my own experience with these gloves with reviews from martial art forums, amazon, reddit, youtube, and manufacturer sites to come up with the most detail and unbiased reviews as possible.
If you think we should add a glove or if we missed anything please feel free to drop us a line at: info@heavybjj.com
Thanks for reading – Zack
Other Related FAQs
Do You Have to Wrap Your Hands for Heavy Bag Training?
Yes, you should wrap your hands for heavy bag training.
Although it might seem tedious, I recommend always wrapping your hands for heavy bag training, especially if you are a beginner. Hand wraps will offer some much needed wrist support for heavy bag training.
Maintenance Tips and How to Clean Boxing Gloves
Even the best gloves need care and attention to prolong their life.
Look after your gloves by airing them out after each session to prevent bacteria buildup. You can also use anti-bacterial spray to keep your gloves fresh and clean.
And if possible, don’t use your gloves when they’re still wet from the last workout – this weakens the material and shortens their lifespan. Finally, avoid leaving your gloves in direct sunlight, as it can cause the leather to dry and crack.
Are Synthetic or Leather Boxing Gloves Better?
If you’re aiming for long-term usage and the best quality, leather boxing gloves would be your best bet. For instance, Cleto Reyes traditional lace-up training gloves are known for their top-notch leather material.
That being said, if you’re seeking a budget-friendly alternative, synthetic gloves may fit the bill. These gloves are lighter, easier to clean, and are often suggested for beginners starting their boxing journey.
Synthetic material in boxing gloves have come along way so I wouldn’t let a glove being synthetic and not leather stop you from buying it.
What Gloves Do Professional Boxers Use?
Some of the most commong gloves that professional boxers use are Winning, Grant, and Cleto Reyes.
While these are all excellent gloves depending on your experience, goals, an training types you can easily go with more affordable options like those from Byakko, Venum, Hyabusa, and Ring to Cage.
What Gloves Does Mayweather Use?
Floyd Mayweather Jr uses Grant Boxing gloves.
Renowned for his defensive prowess and lightning-fast counters, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a boxing legend. He’s earned his status in the boxing world wearing a particular brand of gloves – Grant Worldwide. Combining comfort, protection, and style, these gloves are known for their high-end craftsmanship and design. These are definitely premium gloves and not recommended for beginners.
One advantage of the Grant gloves is their dense foam padding, offering excellent knuckle protection. Ideal for boxers like Mayweather, who prioritize hand safety, these gloves deliver the right balance of protection and punch feedback. Using these gloves has contributed to his undefeated professional record and his reputation as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that while the quality offered by Grant is undeniable, these gloves come with a steep price tag. Designed for the elites of the sport, their cost typically falls within a few hundred dollars, making them a stretch for amateur boxers or those on a budget. For heavy bag training, various more affordable options offer similar standards of protection and durability.
What Brand of Gloves Did Muhammad Ali Use?
Muhammad Ali was often seen wearing and training in gloves from Everlast.
During his time Everlast was a very popular boxing glove manufacturer. However, for beginners, I would avoid going with the lower end gloves offered by Everlast. If you do choose to go with them, I would aim for their more premium gloves like the MX Professional Fight gloves.
