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Best Leather Boxing Gloves: A Classic Choice

A Guide To Buying Leather Boxing Gloves

Taylor Saipe |

Fellow boxing enthusiasts - Welcome to the Best Leather Boxing Gloves, your ultimate guide to the world of high-quality leather boxing gloves. Whether you're a seasoned pro in the ring or just starting out on your boxing journey, you've come to the right place.Β 


But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? This guide will walk you through the essentials of best leather boxing gloves and help you make an informed decision.

The Importance of Leather in Boxing Gloves

When it comes to boxing gloves, the material matters. Leather boxing gloves, especially those made from premium leather, are known for their durability and high quality. They offer excellent wrist support and are often filled with foam padding that provides optimal protection for your hands.

"Leather boxing gloves are not just a piece of equipment; they are an investment in your safety."

Venum Leather Boxing Glove

Different Types of Leather used in Boxing Gloves

Boxing enthusiasts, let's explore the different types of leather used in boxing gloves, each with its unique qualities:


– Cow Hide Leather: This type of leather strikes a balance between toughness and flexibility, offering a solid feel that's not excessively heavy. In terms of similarity, cowhide leather shares characteristics with buffalo leather, as both are known for their strength and ability to withstand rigorous use. However, buffalo leather is typically thicker, providing extra protection and shock absorption.


– Premium Leather: For those seeking a touch of luxury, premium leather gloves are the way to go. They provide exceptional comfort and long-lasting durability, making them a premium choice for serious boxers.

Premium Leather
Cowhide Leather

Choosing the Right Size Leather Gloves

Let's talk about glove sizes! They're usually measured in ounces (oz), and for those just starting out, a 12 oz glove is a pretty popular pick.

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Good news is, no matter the material - be it leather, synthetic, or anything else - the size of boxing gloves stays consistent. It's all about finding that perfect fit for your hand.

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But remember, the weight of the glove you choose is super important too. It should match what you need for your training:

Bag Gloves: These are designed for punching bags, including heavy bags. They are lighter and allow for faster punches.


Training Gloves: A versatile option suitable for both bag work and sparring.


Sparring Gloves: These are a heavier glove, designed to protect both you and your sparring partner.


Competition Gloves: Used in professional bouts, these gloves are lighter, allowing for quick punches.

Understanding Glove Weight

The weight of your boxing gloves isn't just about the physical heft; it's about protection, purpose, and preference.


Lighter Gloves (8oz - 10oz): These are typically used for competition gloves where fighters need speed. However, they offer less padding, so they're not recommended for training or sparring.


Medium Weight (12oz - 14oz): These are versatile and can be used for both training and sparring. A 12 oz glove, for instance, offers a balance between protection and weight, making it a popular choice for many.


Heavier Gloves (16oz and above): These are the preferred choice for sparring because they offer maximum protection. The heavier glove ensures that both you and your sparring partner are safe from injuries.

Best Leather Boxing Gloves Available

Continuing with our topic, we now focus on the main reason you're here: the finest leather boxing gloves available from acclaimed brands. These gloves are distinguished by their unique designs, superior material quality, and remarkable durability.


Yes, leather boxing gloves are generally more expensive, which is why they are often preferred by professionals or boxers who are deeply committed to the sport.

Best Budget Friendly Option: Ringside Pro Training G1 Boxing Gloves

1. Cleto Reyes Velcro Boxing Gloves

We absolutely love starting our list with a true gem in the world of boxing gloves - the Cleto Reyes Velcro Leather Boxing Gloves. For those who love boxing as much as we do, Cleto Reyes is a name that resonates with quality and prestige. This brand is renowned in the boxing world for its exceptional leather boxing gloves.

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One of the aspects we love about these gloves is their popularity among professionals. Icons like Muhammad Ali, Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson, George Foreman, and Sugar Ray Leonard have all been seen sporting Cleto Reyes gloves, underscoring their unmatched quality.

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These gloves are a knockout choice, featuring 2 inches of latex foam padding for powerful and protected strikes. We love how the leather strap with hook and loop closure ensures a secure and supportive fit. And another feature we absolutely adore is the water-repellent nylon lining, keeping your hands dry and comfortable for consistent performance. It's easy to see why we, and so many boxing enthusiasts, love these gloves!

Colours Available: Gold, Blue, Orange, Red


Sizes Available: 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz, 18oz

2. Venum Giant 3.0 Boxing Gloves

We're excited to share our thoughts on another big hitter in the combat sports arena, Venum. While many of Venum's products cater to MMA athletes, they also offer an impressive selection specifically for boxing, and we absolutely love their Giant 3.0 Boxing Gloves.

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The Venum team has put their heart and soul into designing, assembling, and crafting the Giant 3.0 Colours boxing gloves right in Thailand. These gloves are a testament to quality, made with 100% Nappa leather, ensuring they maintain their integrity and performance, fight after fight.

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What we particularly like about the Venum Giant 3.0 Boxing Gloves is their exceptional padding. Featuring triple density foam, these gloves are specially engineered to provide enhanced protection for your metacarpals, phalanges, and thumbs. This thoughtful design helps minimise the risk of injury without compromising on comfort or performance.Β 

Colours Available: Black/White, Black/Silver, Black/Gold, Black/Red, White/Gold

Sizes Available: 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz

3. Elion Paris Elegant Boxing Gloves

Moving onto our next highlight in the realm of the best leather boxing gloves, we're eager to introduce a pair that we highly recommend for leather sparring gloves. These are your go-to gloves for serious sparring sessions. They might be on the pricier side, but let's not forget, we're showcasing the crème de la crème of leather boxing gloves!

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We are particularly fond of the Elegant boxing gloves, which stand as a grand celebration of ELION's 5-year anniversary in the combat sports arena. Their craftsmanship, durability, and performance are a testament to ELION's dedication to quality, and we think you'll love them just as much as we do!

Colours Available: Black, Red, Grey

Sizes Available: 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz

4. BGV1 Fairtex Universal Gloves

As we move to number 4 on our list, we're excited to introduce the White BGV1 Fairtex Universal Gloves – a perfect blend of sleek style and practicality. Crafted with premium quality leather and featuring Shock Disbursement Technology, these gloves have easily earned their spot on our list.

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What we absolutely love about these gloves is their simple yet modern design. They fit super snugly while maintaining utmost comfort, which is essential in a good boxing glove. Plus, they manage to fit perfectly even with all the hand wraps on, maintaining that ideal fit. Here at Made4Fighters, we can't stop raving about these gloves, and for all the right reasons. Their blend of style, comfort, and functionality is something we think you'll love just as much as we do!

Colours Available: White,Β Red, Blue, Pink

Sizes Available: 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz

5. Ringside Pro Training G1 Boxing Gloves

Rounding off our list, we're excited to introduce a budget-friendly pair of leather boxing gloves that deliver great value for their price – a must-have addition to your gear!

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These gloves feature a moisture-wicking branded lining that ensures your hands stay fresh and dry, enhancing your comfort during intense training sessions. The perfect fit and closure come from a strap wrist closure system, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit every time.

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No matter if your passion lies in martial arts, Jiu Jitsu, MMA, or any other combat sport, the Pro Training G1 Glove is an excellent choice. It's designed to be your dependable partner in every training session, making each experience exceptional and rewarding.

Colours Available: Blue,Β Red, Black, White

Sizes Available: 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz

Keeping Your Gloves Fresh

Training hard means your gloves will inevitably pick up some odors. Consider investing in glove deodorizers like the No Stink sports glove deodoriser to keep them smelling fresh.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Investing in a pair of boxing gloves is just the beginning. Proper maintenance ensures they last:

  1. Air Them Out: After each session, open your gloves and let them air out. This prevents the buildup of bacteria and prolongs the life of your gloves.


  2. Clean Regularly: Use a damp cloth to wipe down your gloves after each use. For a deeper clean, consider using leather cleaners.


  3. Store Properly: Store your gloves in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in your gym bag or in direct sunlight.

Synthetic vs. Natural Leather Boxing Gloves

While this guide focuses on leather boxing gloves, it's worth noting the difference between synthetic and natural leather:


Natural Leather: As discussed, natural leather gloves, whether they're hide, Thai, or premium, offer durability and a comfortable fit. They tend to mold to the shape of your hand over time, providing a custom fit.


Synthetic Leather (PU): These gloves are generally more affordable and can be a good choice for beginners. However, they might not offer the same level of durability or comfort as natural leather gloves.

Cleto Reyes Boxing Gloves

Leather Boxing Glove Sales and Deals

For those on a budget or looking for a bargain, keep an eye on boxing glove sales at Made4Fighters. You might find a high-quality pair of boxing gloves at a fraction of the original price.

LeatherΒ Muay Thai Gloves vs. Leather Boxing Gloves

While boxing gloves and muay thai gloves might look similar, there are subtle differences:


  • Wrist Support: Muay thai gloves tend to have a shorter wrist section, allowing for more wrist movement which is essential for clinching in muay thai.


  • Glove Shape: Muay thai gloves are more flexible with a more rounded tip, facilitating the various strikes in muay thai, including punches, elbows, and clinches.


Venum 100% Nappa Leather Glove

Parting Advice: Your Gloves, Your Journey

In conclusion, selecting the perfect pair of leather boxing gloves is a crucial decision for any boxer, whether amateur or professional. Throughout this blog, we've explored a variety of options, highlighting their unique features, durability, comfort, and overall performance.Β 


Remember, the right gloves not only enhance your performance in the ring but also provide the necessary protection for your hands. While preferences may vary, the gloves we've reviewed stand out for their superior quality and have received high praise from the boxing community.Β 


We encourage our readers to consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing, ensuring that their investment leads to both improved performance and lasting satisfaction in this demanding and exhilarating sport.

"The journey in boxing and muay thai is as much about the gear you choose as it is about the skills you acquire."

For those ready to make a purchase or explore more options, Made4FightersΒ offers a diverse range of gloves, catering to both beginners and seasoned fighters. From bag gloves to sparring gloves, there's something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you break in leather boxing gloves?

Breaking in leather boxing gloves is essential for comfort and optimal performance. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Wear Them Regularly: The more you use your gloves, the faster they'll break in. Start with light bag work or shadow boxing.
  2. Use Hand Wraps: Wearing hand wraps can help mold the glove's interior to the shape of your hand.
  3. Avoid Overexposure to Moisture: While some suggest soaking gloves in water, this can damage the leather. Instead, sweat from regular use will naturally soften the leather over time.

How can you tell if gloves are real leather?

Real leather has a distinct smell and texture that's hard to replicate. Check for a label indicating the material. If uncertain, a simple water drop test can help: real leather absorbs a small amount of water, while synthetic materials usually repel it.

Is genuine leather 100% leather?

"Genuine leather" is indeed real leather, but it's a lower quality grade. It's often made from the leftover parts of the hide after the higher grades are taken.

What is considered fake leather?

Fake leather, also known as synthetic leather, includes materials like vinyl or polyurethane (PU). They are manufactured to mimic the look and feel of real leather but don't have its durability or natural characteristics.

Should leather gloves be tight or loose?

Initially, leather gloves should have a snug fit, as they will stretch with use. They shouldn't be so tight that they restrict movement, but they shouldn't be too loose either.

What does fake leather feel like?

Fake leather tends to feel smoother and more plastic-like than real leather. It lacks the natural grain and texture of real leather.

How long do leather gloves last?

With proper care, high-quality leather boxing gloves can last several years. The lifespan depends on the frequency of use and how well they're maintained.

Can real leather get wet?

While real leather can get wet, prolonged exposure to moisture can damage it. If your leather gloves get wet, let them dry naturally away from direct heat sources.

Is real leather stronger than fake leather?

Yes, real leather is more durable and long-lasting than fake leather. It's more resistant to wear and tear and ages gracefully over time.

How do you clean genuine leather boxing gloves?

  1. Wipe Down: After each use, wipe the gloves with a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt.
  2. Air Dry: Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
  3. Condition: Occasionally, use a leather conditioner to keep the gloves supple and prevent cracking.

Do leather boxing gloves fit better than PU?

Leather boxing gloves tend to offer a better fit than PU gloves. Over time, they mold to the shape of your hand, providing a more customized fit. However, PU gloves can be a good budget-friendly alternative for beginners.