It doesn't matter whether you're a seasoned pro or just stepping into the ring for the first time; having the best boxing gloves and pads can make a difference in your training and performance. Boxing is a discipline that combines elements like technique, endurance, and sheer power, demanding precision and protection in equal measure.
The best boxing gloves and pads at a glance:
• Best overall boxing gloves: Venum Unisex Adult Elite Boxing Gloves - View now on Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget boxing gloves: RDX Boxing Gloves - View now on Amazon.co.uk
• Best high-end boxing gloves: Cleto Reyes Velcro Sparring Gloves - View now on Cletoreyesuk.com
At What's The Best, our guide will dive deep into the world of boxing equipment, helping you uncover the best boxing gloves and pads that can elevate your game, whether at home or in boxing classes and keep you on that steady path to excellence. So, lace (or Velcro) up your gloves; we're about to shortlist the ultimate equipment for your boxing journey.
Our pick of the best boxing gloves and pads
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Boxing gloves
Beginning with boxing gloves. A crucial piece of equipment in combat sports, boxing gloves are primarily designed to protect the hands of the fighter. Boxing gloves are designed to provide cushioning and support to prevent injury and protect the knuckles, wrists and fingers. On top of this, gloves are essential for the safety of both the fighters in the ring, as gloves decrease the risk of cuts and bruises to the opponent. Beyond the safety aspect, gloves can also enhance performance by offering improved grip and control of punches, allowing fighters to hone their technique with precision and accuracy.
Best overall boxing gloves
VenumThe Venum Elite Boxing Gloves offer outstanding quality at a reasonable cost. Its gloves combine durability with style, featuring a sleek design and robust Skintex leather construction. The triple-density foam padding ensures protection and power, making them suitable for all skill levels. Another clever feature is the thermal regulating mesh, which keeps your hands cool as you push your limits. Venum has earned a solid reputation in combat sports, and its Elite Boxing Gloves live up to the hype.
Pros
- Made from 100% premium Skintex leather
- Strengthened seams so you can be sure its boxing gloves will last wear after wear
- Triple-density foam provides excellent shock absorption and added protection
Cons
- Minimal ventilation
Best budget boxing gloves
RDXFor a pair of budget boxing gloves, a lot is going on. Featuring effective impact dispersion, which aims to spread the force of the impact across the gloves, and LOMA Tech design to improve the alignment between the first and thumb area - RDX gloves offer both durability and comfort. The full wraparound wrist support also provides a secure fit for maximum control during training or sparring sessions. Whether you're on the hunt for a reliable pair of boxing gloves for bag work, sparring or even MMA training, RDX's gloves are a great budget choice that can withstand the rigours of intense sessions and can help you unleash your full potential in the ring.
Pros
- Pre-curved structure due to Quadro Dome 3 padding to make sure your hands feel comfortable in the gloves
- Features a LOMA Tech design in the palm area and thumbs for improved alignment
- Multiple ventilation holes for a sweat-free boxing experience
Cons
- Only available in black as the main glove colour
Best high-end boxing gloves
Cleto Reyescletoreyesuk.com
Cleto Reyes Boxing Gloves are synonymous with quality and versatility. Its Mexican-made gloves are favoured by professionals and amateurs alike for their exceptional performance. The gloves show craftsmanship and precision in each pair, from their handmade leather strap to the water-repellent lining - attention to detail is evident. Cleto Reyes gloves are certainly an investment in your boxing future, as Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather have worn them.
Pros
- Handcrafted in Mexico using the finest quality leather
- Features a long-lasting latex foam padding for knuckle support
- The gloves have attached thumbs to minimise the risk of injury to the eyes or thumbs
Cons
- Higher price point than some of the other boxing gloves on our list
Best boxing gloves for all abilities
LiberlupusThe Liberlupus Boxing Gloves help you develop strength, stamina, balance and coordination. With its three layers of advanced foam padding and a full wraparound wrist strap, these gloves prioritise a comfortable and secure fit so that you can get the most from your training sessions. With its thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship, these boxing gloves are poised to elevate the training experience for boxers of all levels and abilities.
Pros
- Three layers of foam padding to protect your hands and knuckles
- Full wraparound wrist strap with hook-and-loop closure for a secure fit
- Easy to clean with just a wet towel
Cons
- Only available in black
Best boxing gloves for intermediate boxers
Outshockwww.decathlon.co.uk
The Outshock Boxing Gloves are great value for money - coming in at under £40. Designed with precision and comfort, the gloves boast dual-density foam padding for optimal hand protection and shock absorption and circular cuffs for joint support. The synthetic PU covering ensures durability, making it a reliable companion for countless rounds in the ring. Although, it's important to note that these gloves are described as best for intermediate boxes. So, if you're a newbie, there are plenty of others on our list to check out.
Pros
- Dual-density foam for optimal cushioning
- Circular cuffs with 360 degrees wrist lock for joint support
- Mesh interior for hand ventilation - to keep your hands cool and dry (and without bacteria build-up)
Cons
- Some reviewers found them a little wide
Boxing pads
Moving onto the best boxing pads. Boxing pads can also be referred to as focus mitts, target pads or punch bags; like gloves, they are a key tool when completing combat sports. Usually held by a coach or training partner, boxing pads are essential in refining a fighter's striking techniques, such as punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes. They give a dynamic target for individuals to aim at, helping to improve key skills such as accuracy, timing and hand-eye coordination. In addition, boxing pads help trainers to simulate real-world combat scenarios, which assists fighters in improving their defensive skills and counterattacking abilities.
Best overall boxing pads
RDXIf you want to match your RDX boxing gloves with your boxing pads, listen up. The RDX boxing pads offer great value for money without sacrificing on quality due to features such as the domed palm compartments and Maya Hide leather material. Its pads are designed to absorb the impact of punches and kicks, making them suitable for everyone. Durability is key as the reinforced stitching, EVA-Lution sheet and Polygonal Fusion foam means the pads will last long, no matter how hard they're being impacted. Plus, with adjustable straps for a custom fit, these pads are a cost-effective choice for your boxing sessions.
Pros
- Made from a durable Maya Hide leather for longevity
- Curved design with unique Palm dome to give users a well-fitted hold
- Engineered with sweat-wicking fabric and ventilation holes for ultimate breathability
Cons
- The curved design may not work for everyone
Best feature-packed boxing pads
Outshockwww.debenhams.com
Outshock's Punching mitts are created for individuals who are working on their aim because it they're large pads to keep your hands in a better position. For a reasonable price, its boxing pads have some great features. Namely, the additional Velcro strap and five-density foam will give you the best impact protection possible. Other notable qualities include the PU cover on the strike zone to ensure you can get lots of use out of the gloves and an imitation suede pad that absorbs energy at the wrist. All this makes for a great tool for working your punching combinations, improving your speed and focusing on your accuracy.
Pros
- The large surface area keeps your hand in a better position
- 5-Density foam is used on these gloves for impact protection
- Synthetic PU cover to prevent wear
Cons
- These mitts are heavy
Best boxing pads for beginners
AQFThe AQF boxing pads make for a great addition to your boxing arsenal thanks to their lightweight design and air-ventilated channels to help with sweat-proofing. Its pads are made of synthetic leather and are stitched to an industrial grade to ensure they can be worn year upon year and jab upon jab. The pad's inner features three layers of protection: a dynamic compressed sheet for shock absorption, a heavy-duty gel sheet for impact control, and an EVA-guard to assist in minimising the impact vibration.
Pros
- Domed palm shaping for a strong (but not stiff) hold
- Features a hook and loop strap to keep your hands and wrists aligned
- Inside of the pad includes a heavy-duty gel sheet to lessen impact and jab vibration
Cons
- One reviewer found the inside of the pads can get very moist during wear
Best lightweight boxing pads
Pro Powerwww.argos.co.uk
Crafted to meet the demands of boxing training, the pad's sponge material is remarkably flexible, and it swiftly rebounds after impact to minimise the risk of injuries. Its hand-shaped mould is an ingenious touch designed to conform to the natural curvature of your hand. This ensures a secure fit as you and your boxing partner engage in a sparring session. Other important features include the lightweight inside sponge sheet and the hardness of these boxing pads.
Pros
- Highly flexible to ensure the pad springs back quickly after you've hit it
- Inside sponge sheet is lightweight
- Hand-shaped mould is made to fit the natural shape of your hand
Cons
- Some reviewers found they were a little on the stiff side
Best boxing kit
Everlastwww.argos.co.uk
Unleash your inner fighter (or get-fitter) with the Everlast Boxercise Kit. In case you have no idea what Boxercise is, it's a dynamic exercise regimen inspired by the fundamentals of boxing. Combining cardiovascular conditioning with strength training for a full-body workout. This Everlast Kit is your all-in-one solution, featuring boxing gloves and pads. The gloves provide protection and comfort, while the pads enhance boxing skills like agility, speed and striking precision.
Pros
- Mesh palm ensures breathability
- All-in-one boxing set with gloves and pads
- Aesthetically pleasing grey and cream design
Cons
- Gloves might come up a little small
The best boxing gloves and pads: FAQs
How do I choose the best boxing gloves?
Selecting the best boxing gloves and pads requires careful consideration (like when buying trainers, kettlebells or socks) and research to ensure you're getting what you need from your gear. Determine the best boxing gloves for you by considering the below factors.
Size and weight: This is arguably the most crucial factor in choosing the right boxing gloves for you. Heavier gloves will give you more padding and protection, but it may slow down your jabbing speed. 14-16 ounces are popular options for exercises like jabbing and sparring. Alternatively, if you tend to focus on bag work or spar with boxing pads, you could opt for 10-12 ounces.
Material: There are so many options for boxing gloves on the market, and they're each made of different materials. Leather gloves tend to be pricier, but they are durable and of great quality. Vinyl or synthetic leather gloves are more affordable but may be less durable.
Closure: Generally, boxing gloves come with a hook and loop (Velcro) closure or a lace-up closure. If you're looking for convenience, Velcro is your best option. However, lace-up gloves offer a closer fit and are often favoured in competitions.
Hand fit: Your boxing gloves shouldn't be loose; they should fit snugly around your hand without being too tight. The last thing you want is for your hand to feel cramped, so ensure there's enough room for your fingers to move around comfortably.
Can you spar with 12oz gloves?
You may often spar with 12oz gloves in gyms and boxing gloves, however, the appropriateness of using 12-ounce gloves for sparring depends on various things, like an individual's skill level and the intensity of the sparring session. Generally, 12oz gloves are considered suitable for moderate to heavy sparring among experienced fighters who have already trained and practised with the correct control and technique. For beginners or individuals engaging with lighter sparring, heavier gloves may be more appropriate to provide the correct protection and decrease the risk of injury.
How many ounces do professional boxers use?
During official fights, boxers may use between eight to ten ounces. The individual weight of the gloves used in matches may vary based on the rules and regulations of the boxing commission overseeing the fight, as well as the weight class of the two fighters going head-to-head.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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