First Round
Welcome to the world of boxing! Whether you're stepping into the ring for the first time or just adding a punch to your workout routine, finding the right gloves is essential. In this blog, we'll dive into the exciting and vital journey of selecting the best boxing gloves for beginners.
From the padding that protects your hands to the material that lasts round after round, we understand that every detail counts. So lace up, get comfortable, and let's explore together how to make your first punch count with the perfect pair of gloves!
Our Top 5 Boxing Gloves for Beginners
Before we jump into our beginner-friendly guide for buying boxing gloves, we're excited to share with you our top picks for the best boxing gloves for beginners. This isn't just any list – we've carefully considered everything from top brands and exceptional quality to real user reviews and affordability. We want to ensure you get the best bang for your buck and start your boxing journey with the right gear.
Best Beginner Sparring Gloves: Venum Contender 2.0 Boxing Gloves
Best Beginner Bag Gloves: Rival RB4 Econo Bag Gloves
Best Beginner Budget Friendly Gloves: Pro-Box Speed Spar Boxing Gloves
1. Elion Extravagant Boxing Gloves
Kicking off our list of the best boxing gloves for beginners, let's talk about the fabulous Elion Extravagant Boxing Gloves. There are a bunch of reasons why these gloves are a top pick for beginners, including the brand's solid reputation, the gloves' excellent structure, and the glowing reviews they've received.
Elion has just introduced their brand new range, and the Extravagant boxing gloves are a highlight! They're designed for everyone from beginners to advanced boxers who want a pair of gloves that deliver great value for money without compromising on quality. They're packed with triple-density foam for maximum protection and boast a super compact design.
And guess what? They come with a Wide Velcro closure, which means you can easily put them on and take them off without fussing with laces or needing someone else's help. Perfect for getting into the ring with confidence!
2. Fumetsu Ghost MK2 Boxing Gloves
Moving on to another fantastic choice for beginners, let's shine a spotlight on the White Ghost MK2 Boxing Gloves. These gloves are a standout in the popular Ghost Range, bringing together simplicity and effectiveness in a stylish package. Crafted from premium synthetic leather, they feature a breathable palm to keep your hands cool and comfy during training sessions.
The White Ghost MK2 gloves are made to the high standards you've come to expect from Fumetsu, complete with an injection-moulded core for extra durability and comfort.
But here's a really cool part – the artwork on these gloves is hand-drawn and designed right here in the UK! So, not only will you be training in comfort, but you'll also be making a bold statement in the ring with the Fumetsu Ghost MK2 Boxing Gloves. They're a true blend of style, comfort, and quality!
– Available in: Black/Black, Black/Red,Black/Rose
– Sizes Available: 10oz,12oz,14oz,16oz
Women's (Black/Rose) Sizes: 8oz,10oz,12oz
3. Venum Contender 2.0 Boxing Gloves
Presenting the Venum Contender Boxing Glove 2.0, a perfect blend of style and practicality for fans of combat sports such as you.
Venum, well-known and respected in MMA, particularly after partnering with UFC, is now making big strides in the boxing world too. They've got some pretty awesome gloves coming out. What's really cool about Venum gloves is their range - whether you're looking for something budget-friendly or want to splurge, they've got you covered for every skill level.
These gloves are super durable, made with high-quality semi-leather that's twice as resistant. Plus, they come with a large Velcro strap to give your wrists the best protection possible.
– Available in: Black/White, Black/White/Gold, Grey/Turquoise, Black/Red
– Sizes Available: 10oz,12oz,14oz,16oz
4. Pro-Box Speed Spar Boxing Gloves
Meet the Pro-Box Speed-Lite Sparring Gloves – where craftsmanship meets affordability. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, these gloves are a game-changer in the boxing arena. They're an ideal choice for novices, offering adaptability across various training activities. Performance-wise, these gloves shine in every facet of combat training, from sparring sessions to pad drills, ensuring a comprehensive boxing experience.
– Available in: Black/Gold, Black/Blue,Black/Silver
– Sizes Available: 10oz,12oz,14oz,16oz
5. Century Brave IV Boxing Gloves
Did you really think we'd omit Century Boxing Gloves from our list? They're a must-have! Tailored for every phase of your boxing journey, from initial training to championship fights, these gloves are a testament to Century's unwavering commitment to quality.
Thanks to AFC Technology, they offer unmatched shock absorption and enhanced power with every punch. The innovative Grab Tab Adjustment ensures a quick, precise fit, keeping the gloves always battle-ready.
Pair them with the Century Brave IV Gel Punch Mitts from the same collection for a complete boxing gear setup.
Please note, these boxing gloves are available exclusively in 14 and 16 ounces.
– Available in: Black/White/Red
– Sizes Available: 14oz,16oz
Boxing Glove Buying Guide
Exciting news: we've just wrapped up chatting about our top 5 boxing gloves for beginners. Now, it's time to dive into the fun part – picking out your very own pair!
Here at Made4Fighters, we get how important it is for you to find gloves that are not just cool, but also super comfy and safe. That's why we've crafted our awesome Boxing Glove Buying Guide, especially for you! This guide is like your personal shopping assistant, breaking down everything from size and material to style and price.
And hey, we're here to make this journey as smooth and fun as possible. Let's get you geared up and ready to rock the boxing world with confidence!
1. Size
When you're on the hunt for your first set of boxing gloves, there's a little adventure in figuring out things like size, brand, and material.
It's super helpful to get to know a bit about these aspects before you pick your perfect pair. Glove sizes are measured in ounces (oz.), and this standard measurement is especially exciting for beginners who are about to wear their very first pair of gloves.
The most common sizes you'll find are 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, and 16 oz. If you're gearing up for heavy bag workouts, 10 oz gloves are your go-to. Meanwhile, for sparring, you might want to consider 14, 16, 18, or even 20 oz gloves. It's all about finding the right fit for your training needs!
So what size gloves would I need as a beginner?
When starting out in boxing, many beginners wisely choose larger gloves for added safety and gradually transition to competition weight gloves as they hone their skills. The ideal size and style of your boxing gloves largely depend on your body weight and the specific goals you have in mind.
As you embark on your boxing journey, remember the importance of a good fit for your gloves. They should feel snug and comfortable, with your fingertips just touching the top of the gloves.
Always try on boxing gloves while wearing hand wraps to ensure a proper fit. The gloves should fit securely around the straps without being too tight, and you should be able to make a fist easily. Choosing the best boxing gloves for beginners is a key step in your boxing adventure.
Fight Camp explain the importance of having the correct size gloves especially for beginners.
How to take hand measurements
If you’re buying online (and will not be able to try the boxing gloves on in-store first), an easy why to find your glove size is to measure the circumference of your hand. Use your dominant hand to wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your hand, excluding the thumb. You should also take into consideration your body weight.
The following chart uses both hand circumference and body weight to recommend a size for your pair of boxing gloves:
Boxer’s Weight |
Hand Circumference Without Wrap |
Weight Size |
| 40-58 kg | 5.5” - 6.5” | 8 oz. |
| 58-72 kg | 6.5” - 7.5” | 10 oz. |
| 72-86 kg | 7.5” - 8.5” | 12 oz |
| 86-94 kg | 8.5” - 9.5” | 14 oz. |
| 94-100kg | 9.5" - 10.5" | 16 oz. |
| 100kg + | 10.5" - 11.5"+ | 18-20 oz. |
Pro Highlight - Mike Tyson has changed his gloves of choice as he’s grown older. In the past, when boxing with partners they encouraged him to use 18-ounce mitts for added safety; now in later years, Iron Mike prefers lighter 16-ouncers.
2. Material
Let's chat about the variety of materials used for boxing gloves. Leather gloves are super popular and a top pick for many, as they hug your hand just right, ensuring a solid grip while you're dishing out those punches. But that's not all – you'll also find gloves made from materials like vinyl, nylon, and polyester, each with their own perks.
Leather gloves do tend to be on the pricier side compared to vinyl or rubber ones. This is because they're really sturdy and can stand the test of time. But hey, if you're just starting out, synthetic leather gloves are an excellent choice. They're plenty tough for beginners and won't break the bank. Remember, you don't need the fanciest gloves to start your boxing journey!
PU -
If you're interested in boxing but want to avoid spending a lot of money, you might consider PU leather boxing gloves. These gloves are constructed using split leather that's been coated with polyurethane, which makes them a more affordable option than those made from full grain leather.
Cowhide Leather -
If you're looking for quality boxing gloves that are built to last, cowhide leather may be the perfect option. Not only are they softer and more comfortable on the hands but the padded grip also allows you to practice without any worry of blisters or irritation.They also provide better shock absorbency which helps reduce jarring impacts on wrists and knuckles.
Premium leather boxing gloves are considered the gold standard in quality due to their durability and comfort. They are often more expensive than other types of gloves, but they offer superior performance that is worth the added cost. The sturdiness of premium leather allows fighters to feel secure with every punch thrown, while its breathability keeps sweat from accumulating inside the glove.
3. Cost
When picking out boxing gloves as a beginner, it's really smart to consider the cost. It's because, as a beginner, you obviously don't want to spend too much money. Look for gloves that are durable and fit within your budget, but don't compromise on safety and reliability. This approach ensures you're safe and secure as you start your boxing adventures.
4. Different types of Boxing Gloves for Beginners
There are several different types of boxing gloves, each with its own purpose. Professional and advanced boxers tend to have multiple pairs of boxing gloves for each training activity.
However, beginners usually only need a single pair of boxing gloves that will adequately protect your hands. Most beginners opt for general training gloves or bag gloves. There are slight differences between the two, so it will really depend on what activities you’ll be doing.
All-Purpose / Training Gloves: These are multi-functional boxing gloves that can be used for a variety of activities and are probably your best bet if you’re just starting out. Opt for all-purpose boxing gloves if you’re planning on doing a mixture of sparring and bag work. They also work for other types of boxing, such as Thai Boxing.
Bag Gloves: As the name suggests, bag gloves are boxing gloves designed to be used when doing bag work. These boxing gloves are particularly partial if you plan to train at home and won’t be doing any sparring. Modern bag gloves are essentially training gloves with more padding. They are designed to protect your hands when hitting a heavy bag.
Tip: Start with something basic and relatively inexpensive, and work your way up to more specialized boxing gloves as you gain experience. If you’re planning to do martial arts, opt for a flexible boxing glove.
Note: many brands refer to both glove types as “boxing gloves.”
5. Closure Type
Let's dive into the different types of closure systems for boxing gloves, each tailored for both comfort and secure performance. You've got the classic wrap-around laces, the more modern hook and loop straps, and even gloves with fastening buckles – there's something for every boxer.
Laces are great for an adjustable fit, though you'll need a buddy to help tie them up properly. Hook-and-loop straps, on the other hand, are super handy. They let you adjust your gloves all by yourself, using just one hand. And then there are those who prefer fastening buckles, which combine strength and ease of use. Keep in mind, though, buckles and tighter straps might be a bit less comfy compared to other closure systems. But in the end, it's all about finding what works best for you in the ring!
Laces or Straps? The best for beginners
Laces on boxing gloves do provide a snugger fit and awesome wrist support, but they're not the most practical for everyone.
You'll need a training buddy to help lace you up each time, which is why lace-up gloves are mostly favored by pro boxers.
Velcro gloves, on the other hand, can be secured almost as tightly as laces and the best part? You can easily do it yourself. For most people, especially if you're not a pro, the convenience of Velcro wins out over the slight advantages of laces. It's about finding that perfect balance between comfort and practicality in your boxing journey!
Regulations for Boxing Gloves
The Association of Boxing Commissions and Combat Sports is a central governing body for the sport of boxing, setting out all regulations necessary to compete on an even playing field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey into the ring, it's always helpful to brush up on these rules – from equipment specifications like gloves down to strict safety protocols.
Discover the ultimate selection of MMA and boxing gear at the UK's biggest retail store! Our collection includes an extensive array of gloves that will give you a competitive edge in training.
That concludes our guide on the top boxing gloves for beginners. We trust you've found the necessary information and everything you need. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Wishing you the best of luck on your boxing journey!
Beginner Boxing Gloves FAQ's
How long do boxing gloves last?
The lifespan of your gloves will depend on several factors, including how often you use them, the quality of the materials, and how well you take care of them. A good pair of gloves can last anywhere from several months to a few years with proper care. It's a good idea to inspect your gloves regularly for signs of wear and tear, and to replace them if you notice any damage to the padding or stitching.
Should I choose synthetic or leather gloves?
Leather gloves tend to be more durable and breathable, and are often preferred by more advanced boxers. However, synthetic gloves can be more affordable and easier to clean. As a beginner, you may want to start with a good quality synthetic glove to see if you enjoy boxing before investing in a more expensive leather pair.
Should Boxing gloves be loose or tight?
Boxing gloves should not be too loose or too tight. They should fit snugly and comfortably around your hand and wrist, without cutting off circulation or restricting movement. If your gloves are too loose, your hand can slide around inside, which can be dangerous and reduce the effectiveness of your punches. On the other hand, if your gloves are too tight, they can cause discomfort, restrict your movement, and even lead to injury.
What Brand Boxing gloves for beginners are the best?
there are several brands of boxing gloves that are highly regarded in the boxing community for their quality and performance. Here are a few of the top brands: Venum, Rival, Ringside, Bytomic.
What do the different color boxing gloves mean?
In boxing, the colour of gloves generally doesn't hold any specific meaning, especially in training or casual sparring. However, in competitions, different colours may be used to distinguish between fighters or for compliance with the rules of certain boxing organisations. Outside of these competitive settings, the choice of glove colour is usually a matter of personal preference or style.
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