One of the most important things in boxing, if not the most important one, is having the right boxing gloves, and if you are just getting started you may be feeling a little bit lost about what to look for. But, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We will explain in this article how to choose the best pair of gloves and which are the best boxing gloves for men available today.
Don’t forget to comment below about which are your favorite boxing gloves and why!
How to pick the right size of boxing gloves
If you are looking for boxing gloves for beginners the first thing you need to do is to know which is your size. Gloves are displayed in ounces (oz) and the most common ones are 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz and 16 oz. The first ones are best for bag or pad workouts and the others, including 18 and 20 oz are more commonly used as boxing gloves for sparring.
The heavier the gloves, the more protection they offer but that means you will also be slower when punching. However, you can start boxing with heavy gloves and as you improve begin using lighter ones. You can use this table for reference:
| Boxer’s Weight | Hand Circumference without Wrap | Weight Size |
| 40-54 kg | 5.5” – 6.5” | 8 oz |
| 54-68 kg | 6.5” – 7.5” | 10 oz |
| 68-84 kg | 7.5” – 8.5” | 12 oz |
| 84+ kg | 8.5” – 9.5” | 14 oz |
Your hand circumference can be measured by wrapping a tape measure around the fullest part of your hand, excluding the thumb. Use your dominant hand to do this. This is perfect if you are buying online since you will not be able to try on the gloves first.
Additionally, the selection of the best boxing gloves for men will also be related to your own body weight. Stay away from gloves that have no padding on the knuckles or offer no protection for the fingers, these are not meant for boxing but instead for other martial arts.
The best gloves for you should feel just right, in other words, your hand should not be swimming inside but also it should not feel like you are losing circulation. Oh, and do not forget your hand wraps too for wrist protection!
A great tip for trying out boxing gloves is to do it with your hand wraps on since they will not feel the same without them. They should be snug around the straps but not tight and you should be able to make a fist with no problems.
Types of boxing gloves
The type of boxing gloves you choose will depend on what you will be primarily using them for and/or your personal preference. There are three types of boxing gloves that you can choose from, and there are also competition gloves.
- Bag Gloves
These are used primarily on the heavy bag, double-end bags and other specialty bags. They have a wrap-around closure that makes them easy to put on and take off. They are also usually constructed with heavy foam for protecting your fists. However, if you are sparring you will not want to use these gloves since they do not have much resilience.
These gloves are for making contact with an opponent. They usually have laces and are also designed in a way that ensures that nobody involved in the fight gets cut from the hook and loop fastening system.
3. Training Gloves
They are hybrid gloves that can be used both for sparring and bag work since they are firm enough for the heavy bag and also absorb enough shock in sparring. “However, it’s not recommended to use the same glove for bag work and sparring. The texture of the heavy bag roughens the punching surface of the glove, and the hardness of the heavy bag also wears down the padding”, Title Boxing recommends.
The best type of boxing gloves for beginners
If you are a beginner the best is to go with training gloves since they can be used for a variety of activities and you are probably still unsure about what you are going to be using them exactly at first. Once you have trained for a while you will want to have gloves just for the heavy bag work and another pair for sparring.
Keep in mind that your gloves should always feel comfortable to wear with hand wraps and should perfectly fit the shape of your hand, wrist and fingers. And no, your hands should never hurt after a punch.
“It’s important to note that all gloves have a break-in period. Chances are they won’t be comfortable right away, so give them a few weeks to fully adapt to your needs and fit”, Made 4 Fighters suggest.
Many beginners also wonder if they should get lace or Velcro boxing gloves. Laces offer a tighter fit, definitely, but you will not be able to put them on yourself, which is why most of the boxers who use them are professionals. Velcro, on the other hand, can be secured as tight as laces but you can do it yourself.
Boxing gloves also come in leather or vinyl, which is something else to look out for since the material will have an impact on your comfort, the durability of the glove and the cost. Since vinyl gloves are cheaper, they are a good option for beginners, but if you are regularly training, you may want to go with leather for comfort and durability.
Vinyl is less breathable and your hands could get very hot and sweaty and this material does not last as long as leather. Leather will not only last longer than vinyl gloves but overtime they will fit even better by molding to your hand.
Can boxing gloves go in the washing machine?
After using your boxing gloves for a while, you will probably feel like they need to be cleaned and you may be wondering if they can go in the washing machine or not. According to information from Sports Send, gloves that are made from artificial leather, such as PU and Rexene can be machine-washed, as well as gloves with the closed-cell foam design since they do not absorb water and dry well after washing.
On the other hand, gloves that are made using the open-cell foam technology will be negatively affected by machine-washing and it will take weeks for them to dry and this could cause mold to grow inside. If you decide to wash your gloves in the washing machine do not mix them with other laundry, especially cotton fabrics.
As for leather gloves, after washing them you will need to condition them. You can do it by applying high-quality leather-conditioning oil and let them soak for at least three days. Then, wipe them with a clean towel until the oil dries (unless you want to have slippery punches).
If your gloves cannot be washed in the washing machine, you can hand-wash them with a solution made of one part vinegar and two parts water. Use a microfiber cloth or cotton towel to clean them. Do not use chemical ingredients because they could ruin your gloves.
An extra tip to test if your gloves are dry after washing them is to weigh them. They should weigh equal or less than the original buying weight.
How to store your boxing gloves properly
Whether your gloves are damp or dry, always store them in a well-ventilated area. After training, don’t throw them in your bag and leave them there, otherwise, they will start to stink and bacteria will begin to grow.
After every use, if possible, wipe your gloves clean and use organic carbon deodorizers inside the gloves or you can stuff a normal sock with bicarbonate of soda which is an excellent deodorant. Leave the sock inside the gloves when you are not using them.
Best boxing gloves for men
We have gathered the top 10 best boxing gloves for men for 2020, recommended by Amazon. These products are the best of the best at this moment and we will give you all of their details so you can evaluate and compare them and buy those you like best for yourself.
Keep reading!
- Sanabul
The Essentials Striking boxing gloves series was created with the goal to give people professional equipment at an affordable price. These gloves will keep your hands both comfortable and protected at the same time. You can also choose from vibrant colors on the outside or maybe just go completely black if you like the subtle look.
“Tested by professionals, created for you”, they promise, by indicating that UFC champions such as Michael Bisping to professional boxers like Mike Lee, are some of the brand’s ambassadors that have given these boxing gloves the seal of approval.
Sanabul gloves will let you feel the impact but not the pain since they are filled with a gel that helps strike and also protect your hands and wrists. A hook and buckle system will keep your wrists safe. Additionally, these gloves do not require you to spend months trying to break them in, their shape is designed to make you feel as if you had been using these gloves all along.
Sanabul gloves also come with a mesh palm area that helps keep the hands cooler and also increases the breathability of the gloves. You can also choose from a variety of colors to match the gloves with your outfit or other training gear you own. Also, very importantly, the Sanabul boxing gloves come in sizes that range from 8 oz. to 16 oz.
How much boxing gloves cost? You can find these gloves on Amazon from $ 19.99 – $ 29.99.
2. Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves
Everlast Pro Style boxing gloves are made of durable Everhide material and are designed with an extra layer of foam that will give you extra protection during training and sparring. The shape was created to fit naturally the fist and thumb and allow greater maneuverability, control and protection.
These gloves come with fully-padded wrists on both sides that help keep your hands in proper position while punching. In addition, the Thumb-lock feature provides additional support and the wraparound Velcro strap makes the gloves easy to adjust while it also provides a secure and comfortable fit.
As you may already know, Everlast is a brand that has been associated with boxing for a very long time. It is renowned all over the world as a manufacturer of boxing equipment.
Everlast Pro Style gloves have C4 foam inside that maximizes your grip and power while also providing support and protection. The wrist system is called ProTex3.
You can also choose between four different colors, such as black, red and pink. Find these gloves on Amazon for $ 19.96 – $ 69.99 and read some of the reviews to get an idea of the experience other people have had with these gloves.
3. Liberlupus boxing gloves
Liberlupus gloves work great for both men and women and they have also been created thinking about what the professionals like and how can anyone obtain it at a reasonable price. They have been designed with a natural shape and also a grip bar that provides a comfortable grip for your fist.
Additionally, these gloves have a breathable mesh that allows hands to feel fresher and drier. Liberlupus gloves have been fabricated with three layers of foam for improved protection and also more elasticity to be able to punch faster and powerful. According to them, they are a great choice for beginners or professionals in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA.
A wide strap and a buckle and hoop system allow stability and protection for the wrists while training. Since they are made of high-quality synthetic leather they are easy to clean just by using a wet towel.
Some people love how the gloves have a shining effect, rather than other brands that have a matte finish. You can choose from five different color combinations that are black, black and gold, blue and white, red and white and gold and white.
Check this product out on Amazon where you will find it in prices ranging from $ 19.99 to $ 29.99.
4. Venum Elite boxing gloves
With Venum Elite boxing gloves you feel like a pro. Made with Premium Skintex leather skin and a mesh designed especially to regulate temperature, these gloves will not let you down. Additionally, you have a triple density foam for maximum shock-absorption and 100% complete protection for the thumb.
Handmade in Thailand, Venum Elite will let you enjoy a very high-quality experience, fight after fight. Reinforced palms, long cuffs and triple-density foam will extend your training time. Moreover, the seams are strengthened to provide long-lasting quality to help you fight harder and longer.
And if you needed more from this brand, you have 14 different color combinations to choose from. You can go black or completely white or choose brighter neon colors that will match your favorite training gear and outfits.
Venum Elite gloves are ideal for striking training, such as bag work, mitt work and fitness boxing. They are suitable for beginners and advanced users as well. Some people have said that these gloves feel as they were tailored made since they fit very well. However, they are not suitable for people with more sensitive hands since they are a little stiff and sturdy, even after being used for a while.
This product is available on Amazon from $ 45.82 to $ 144.19.
5. Trideer
Trideer gloves are perfect for boxing training, sparring, bag work, kickboxing, Muay Thai and much more. They are good for both men and women and can be found on Amazon from prices that range between $ 19.54 and $ 29.99.
These are high-quality gloves built-in synthetic leather that provides durability and makes them also easy-to-clean. Their professional design is perfect for boxers, kickboxers, Muay Thai fighters, MMA and sparring too.
Since Trideer offers a wider design, they provide more stability to the wrists and makes it much easier to punch. The protective foam inside absorbs shock well and provides the best protection for you and your training partner.
Additionally, a breathable mesh keeps your hands dry and the anatomic “precurved” hand design allows the fist to close well and help you focus on your training rather than on your gloves making you feel uncomfortable.
Advice for cleaning these gloves is to hand-wash them. Soak them in soapy water, rub them, rinse them and leave them to dry in the shade. Do not use hot water, bleach or strong products and do not leave them under the sun since this will destroy them.
Some people that have purchased these gloves before say that the padding can be a little stiff but will likely soften over time. Be sure to check the sizing chart to ensure that you are using the right size for your hands.
6. Everlast Powerlock boxing gloves
These are another pair of great Everlast boxing gloves. Built with protective foam and in a compact design, you can find them in prices ranging from $ 36.00 to $ 75.99 on Amazon.
Powerlock Everlast gloves offer great balance and speed, as well as comfort and protection. They also help the boxer give a strong punch which makes them ideal for heavy training, mitt work and sparring.
Powerlock consists of a technology that has several foam layers that secure your hand in a fist’s natural position, keeping your knuckles and wrist safe. They are made from high-quality synthetic leather that guarantees a long lasting product with supreme performance.
In addition, they come with a hook and loop system for securing the wrists. You will find them in six different color combinations, such as black and gold; black and white; black and pink; blue and red; gray and green; red and blue; and white and gold. We are sure that you will like one or more of these color combinations to fit your own personal taste and go to your boxing training with style.
7. ZTTY
ZTTY are great boxing gloves for men and women. Their high-quality makes them one of Amazon’s favorites this year. They are made of synthetic skin with the capacity of protecting the gloves from getting destroyed from heavy use.
You can also benefit from the hole that is part of the design that allows hands to breathe and feel fresh. Its extra-thick and extra-large wrist strap makes the boxing gloves easy to put on and take off by yourself and they also enhance the protection to the wrist.
You can find these gloves on Amazon on 11 different colors to choose from and the Y-Pink, red and blue are specifically designed for women and beginners since they are made from natural latex and cotton materials that provide the best wrist support.
The gloves’ design is curved and anatomic and they also come with a hand mesh for freshness. During a fight you will have incredible protection and you will also be preventing injuries. If you are boxing, kickboxing, sparring or Muay Thai fighter, these gloves will work perfectly for you.
The seams are double layered which also provide more durability to the gloves. The added holes help the hand sweat to evaporate and the protected thumb adds more security.
Do not forget to check your size before purchasing. These gloves come in 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz and 16 oz versions and you will find them on Amazon from $ 19.99 – $ 36.99.
8. Hawk boxing gloves for men and women
Available at $ 19.99 on Amazon, Hawk gloves are perfect for boxers, kickboxers, Muay Thai fighters and MMA. Their V gel and multi-layer design reduce the possibility of injuring your fists. These gloves are definitely high-quality and long-lasting.
Hawk offers wrist protection thanks to their Supreme-Shock extra-thick foam in the knuckle and wrist areas. They also come with breathable holes in the palms that increase hygiene and reduces bad odors, bacteria and humidity.
The Velcro wrist strap makes the gloves easy to use without the help of someone else to strap you in. You will find them available in 8 oz for kids and 10 oz and 12 oz ideal for bag work. Those that come in 14 oz and 16 oz are perfect for sparring, however, do not forget to consult the chart sheet first.
In addition, Hawk gloves have double seams for lasting longer. You will find them in black or white.
9. Tusingger gloves
Tusingger are great boxing gloves, very fresh and also good for kickboxing, Muay Thai and other martial arts. You will find them on Amazon from $ 17.99 – $ 20.99 in black.
You will see that these gloves are like no other. Their exterior design is simply unique. Inside they are made of multi-layered polyurethane and gel that reduces the possibility of injuring your fists.
The knuckles’ extra thick polyurethane protection offers flexibility and protection for the hand and wrist as well. The holes on the palms are for allowing your hands to breathe and also avoid bad odors and bacteria to form inside.
You will find these gloves in several sizes from 10 oz and 12 oz perfect for bag work. They are also suitable for all skin types and both men and women. The Velcro strap guarantees wrist protection and less injuries. The double seaming also helps the gloves be safer.
10. DEFY gloves
Our last pair of gloves of this list are DEFY, which are made of high-quality synthetic leather that offers a longer lifespan. Check them out on Amazon where you will be able to choose from a yellow and white-colored pair of boxing gloves at $ 18.99.
These gloves have Velcro straps that provide a secure fit. They are ideal for all types of fighting training, such as boxing, martial arts, kickboxing and cardio. The low-density Max-Shock foam protects the knuckles efficiently and the Velcro Quick-EZ zipper makes it easy to remove fast.
DEFY gloves are handmade and your hands will always feel safe while wearing them. The interior foam will absorb the punches and the mesh that surrounds it helps your hands breathe and absorb the sweat.
Additionally, the hook and loop that comes along an elastic band help you adjust the gloves to your comfort and at the same time allow stability for the wrists.
Did you like our list of best boxing gloves for men 2020? You can also check out our list of best boxing gloves for women too! Tell us in the comments what you look for in your pair of boxing gloves when you buy them!
