10 Best Boxing Mitts | An Ultimate Guide

Introduction | Fighter’s Guide | The 10 Best Boxing Mitts | Boxing mitts FAQ

In our other articles, we reviewed the best boxing mitts from specific weight classes. This ultimate guide brings you the top 10 best gloves on the market in one review. All the mitts that feature below were selected because they satisfy our stringent set of quality requirements.

In addition, the 10 boxing mitts that comprise this review have received extensive customer feedback and have received ratings of 4-stars or above. Thus, when you buy a pair of gloves through this review, you know they are durable, well-made, and built to last.

Before we get into the Fighter's Guide, which aims to provide you with an overview of the different weight gloves and what type of boxing training they’re best suited to, the 10 best boxing gloves have been listed and summarised.

If you have an idea of the glove you want and just need a quick overview, click on the title and it will take you straight to the review. But if you want to check out the Fighter’s Guide follow this link.

In descending order, our picks for the 10 best boxing mitts are:

10: Mytra Fusion ‘Tribal’ (£21.00)

Mytra’s ‘Tribal’ is the perfect beginner’s glove. It’s both very affordable and built to last. With extensive customer feedback, you couldn’t go wrong with a pair of Tribals.

9: Valour Strike (£29.99)

The Valour Strike offers a blend of affordability and quality which makes them a favourite among boxing enthusiasts. This is a pair of gloves that look as good as they perform.

8: Everlast ‘Powerlock’ (£43.99)

Everlast is synonymous with boxing equipment. They’ve been making gloves for over 100 years. This extensive experience has culminated in superior quality leather gloves that last a lifetime.

7: Beast Gear Boxing Gloves (£47.97)

A new kid on the block Beast Gear has made a name for themselves for their super-durable training equipment. Built with the beast in mind these boxing training mitts will take any amount of punishment.

6: Ringside Pro Fitness (£54.99)

Ringside’s boxing bag mitts are used in world title fights and by professional fighters. Crafted for professionals, Ringside gloves promise to last a lifetime.

5: Venum ‘Impact’ Boxing Gloves (£60.00)

Venum’s ‘Impact’ gloves are the product of research development. The gloves were given to professional boxers to use in training and sparring. After these sessions boxers advised Venum on how the gloves could be improved. Venum listened and implemented the advice. These gloves are the product of that relationship.

4: Sandee ‘Authentic Leather’ (£81.76)

Sandee are handmade in Thailand for professional fighters. All Sandee boxing gloves are constructed from premium quality materials and feature their celebrated double-stitch design. Thus, you know that when buying a pair of Sandee boxing gloves, you’ll never need to buy another pair of gloves again.

3: Fairtex (£110)

All Fairtex gloves, like Sandee's, are handmade in Thailand. Though they are typically used by Muay Thai fighters, as boxing gloves go they are of the highest quality and manufactured from the finest quality leather.

2: Everlast ‘Elite’ (£121.99)

The ‘Elite’ is Everlast’s flagship glove. Crafted from premium quality materials these mitts have been built for professional boxers. But it matters not if you’re an amateur or fitness enthusiast, for the Elite is a supper glove suitable for anyone who has taste for quality training equipment.

1: CLETO REYES (£210)

Cleto Reyes is widely regarded as the finest manufacturer of boxing gloves – in the world. Their gloves have featured in more world title fights than any other brand. All Cleto Reyes are handcrafted from the finest quality materials by professional leatherworkers. They are built to last a lifetime and they do.

Boxing Gloves | A Fighter’s Guide

Prior to selecting your boxing gloves, it is wise to consider how you plan to use them and what type of training you will be using them for. At first, the answer may seem obvious – ‘I’m going to box in my boxing gloves!’ However, you should know that not all gloves are suited for all types of boxing training.

To help support you in selecting the right pair of gloves for your preferred style of training, we have created a boxing glove Fighter’s Guide. The guide aims to match the various weighted gloves with the appropriate boxing training.

By using the guide your will be able to make a more informed purchasing decision.

Which weight boxing glove is best?

If you plan to use your gloves primarily on the heavy boxing bag you’ve got hanging in the garage, then you’ll need a different style and weight glove for the person who trains at a boxing club.

Really, the type of training you’re going to be doing should determine the weight of glove you select.

Bag mitts, for example, have the least padding of all boxing gloves – between 4- to 8 oz. Consequently, they are not suitable for sparring. Bag mitts are very light and compact and are designed to enable you to train at high intensities, working on your speed, accuracy and punching volume.

A heavier glove, so between 14 and 18 oz, are more suited for sparring as they reduce injury and facial swelling. But there’s a trade-off. Heavier gloves can feel cumbersome when working the bag or training on the pads.

However, heavier gloves are useful for training and developing power on a heavy sand-filled boxing bag. You wouldn’t want to work sand-filled bag while wearing bag mitts because it can increase the risk of hand injuries.

But what’s the best weight boxing glove for all-purpose training?

The glove weight a boxer uses is largely a personal preference thing – and boxers who compete tend to have more than one pair of gloves. I prefer to use 10 to 12 oz gloves for pad and bag work but when it’s time to step in the ring for a spot of fisticuffs I’ll slip into a pair of 16 ozs.

If, however, you’re only going to be using your gloves for home training, then 10 or 12 oz gloves are ideal. These weights provide enough padding so that you can put in some big shots, but not so heavy that it feels like you’re boxing with a pair of pillows strapped to your fists.

The 10 Best Boxing Mitts

Best Boxing Mitts #10: Mytra Fusion ‘Tribal’ (£21.00)

Product overview (click image for availability)

• Made from Synthetic leather to resist extreme punishment.

• Tri-layered shock absorption reduces impact trauma to hands.

• Incorporates the Nano-Spores technology for ventilation.

• X-Mould Technology and inspired by the Z-Smart design series, these gloves mould your hand into a compact fist.

Mytra Fusion ‘Tribal’ 16oz boxing gloves are crafted from synthetic leather. Though puritanical pugilists turn their nose up at synthetic materials, they are both highly durable and sweat resistant. Meaning the gloves will last a long time and won’t start to stink after 6-months of use.

These gloves feature tri-layered shock absorption padding over the knuckles and prominent impact points. This additional padding should reduce hand injuries while offering sufficient resistance so that it feels like you’re hitting something.

Made using X-Mould technology and inspired by the Z-Smart design series, these gloves promise to enhance the training and sparring experience. In addition, the special PU-X gel lining with Nano-pores allows easy ventilation and gives a smooth feel.

Sincerely, a lot of glove for your money.

Best Boxing Mitts #9: Valour Strike (£29.99)

Product overview (click image for availability)

• Made from Synthetic leather to resist extreme punishment.

• Tri-layered shock absorption reduces impact trauma to hands.

• Incorporates the Nano-Spores technology for ventilation which keeps the hands during punishing training sessions.

Valour has made a name for itself as a producer of combat equipment that is high quality and affordable. A rare combination.

The ‘Strike’ 16oz boxing gloves were the company’s very first product. And it is these gloves that helped make their name. They feature Valour’s in-house design tri-layered shock-absorbing padding, which, in the words of Valour, were

Crafted from premium quality synthetic leather they are both durable and moisture resistant. Thus, even after years of heavy use, they will still look as good as the day you purchased them.

These gloves feature an array of attributes that together make them one of the best products on the market for the price.

Best Boxing Mitts #8: Everlast ‘Powerlock’ (£43.99)

Product overview (click image for availability)

• Modern, anatomical foam construction moulds your hand into a natural fist position.

• Compact design is the perfect balance of comfort, speed, and protection.

• Premium synthetic leather ideal for heavy bag and mitt work.

• Additional padding around the wrists to reduce impact injuries during sparring.

Everlast’s 14 oz boxing gloves feature innovative ‘Powerlock’ technology, an ergonomic layered foam construction that moulds your hand into a natural fist position. This feature has been designed to reduce hand injury while also increasing the ‘compactness’ of the glove when you clench your fist.

These solid training gloves, with their high-density padding, are perfect for all-purpose boxing training.

The fist closure design coupled with the superior shock absorption foam will enable you to hammer away at the heavy bag until the cows come home. And because they’re packing a full 14 ozs, you’ll be able to enjoy a bit of rough and tumble with your sparring partner.

Also, the classic ‘Raging Bull’ aesthetics will ensure you look proper dapper while you dance around the ring.

Best Boxing Mitts #7: Beast Gear (£47.97)

Product overview (click image for availability)

• Premium quality gloves that offer superior protection for your knuckles, fingers, wrists, bones, tendons

• Made from only the highest quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes.

• They look mighty fine!

Beast Gear products are made from top-quality materials and are designed to last through the toughest workouts. As well as being crafted to exacting standards, Beast Gear’s 14 oz boxing gloves have been built for serious fighters.

Constructed from genuine cowhide leather these gloves promise to last for years. The high-density multi-layered padding guarantees superior protection for your hands. This attribute of Beast Gear’s 14 oz boxing gloves was identified by one elated reviewer:

‘They stood up really well to both heavy bag work and a sparring session. I trained harder than what i did before. this was due to the fact my old gloves didn't provide as much support or protection.’

So, though these gloves are more expensive than most gloves on the market, when you purchase a pair of Beast Gear boxing gloves it’ll be the first and last pair of gloves you ever buy.

Best Boxing Mitts #6: Ringside Pro Fitness (£54.99)

Product overview (click image for availability)

• Superb durable construction.

• Cross-strap wrist closure for improved fit and feel.

• Specially hand moulded to improve comfort.

• Hard-wearing synthetic leather materials.

Ringside is widely recognised as one of the elite producers of boxing gloves (and punch bags, focus pads and rings). These 16oz boxing gloves promise to live up to their extremely high standards.

Crafted from the finest materials Ringside’s Pro Fitness gloves promise to last a lifetime. All seams are double stitched to enhance longevity and reduce the chance of splits or tears.

The breathable mesh palm helps keep your hands dry during gruelling sessions while also preventing the glove from absorbing moisture. Gloves that don’t feature breathable vents soak up sweat and, well, stink.

In addition to many other fine attributes, such as the hand moulded design for superior comfort and feel, these gloves look proper dapper. They have been finished with a super snazzy sheen which will make you the envy of the boxing club.

Best Boxing Mitts #5: Venum 'Impact' (£60.00)

Product overview (click image for availability)

• Integrated mesh panel under the fist delivers thermal regulation for maximum comfort.

• Strengthened seams provide long-lasting quality, so you can fight harder, longer.

• Premium Skintex leather, suede aspect, with yokes affect carbon of incomparable quality.

• Reinforced palms and triple-density foam provide unrivalled shock absorption and protection.

Venum’s 10 oz ‘Impact’ boxing gloves have got a lot going for them and I imagine that they are the envy of most other competing gloves.

They are fashioned from premium Skintex leather which, in the words of Venum themselves, offers ‘incomparable quality’. This durable material promises to last for years of punishing training. And the reinforced palms and triple density foam padding will endure the wear and tear so that your hands don’t have to.

With interior mesh panels, Venum’s 'Impact' offers enhanced thermal regulation for improved comfort even during 12 punishing rounds on the heavy bag. Yes, you pay more for these gloves, but you get a lot more bang for your buck.

Immense customer feedback: 4.5 stars with over 1,300 reviews!

Best Boxing Mitts #4: Sandee ‘Authentic Leather’ (£81.76)

Product overview (click image for availability)

• Constructed from premium quality cowhide leather.

• Engineered with a tight-fit hand compartment to provide a secure and comfortable fit.

• Sandee "Tri-Foam" system for maximum shock protection.

• Designed to slide on and off with the least amount of effort.

• Handmade in Thailand.

I did say in the Buyer’s Guide that leather boxing gloves are more expensive. However, you pay a premium for a reason. Quality leather boxing gloves literally last a lifetime. And that’s not a catchline designed to get you to click! As any boxer will attest, leather gloves are superior to synthetic alternatives.

Sandee is one of Thailand’s original boxing equipment manufacturers. They’ve been crafting boxing gear for over 30 years and their high-quality reliable gloves have made them a favourite amongst professional boxers and passionate pugilists the world over.

Each pair of gloves has been hand-crafted by master craftsmen and leatherworkers. Thus, each pair of gloves is entirely unique. Which I think you would agree is a pretty awesome selling point. Sandee is proud to proclaim that they only use premium quality cowhide leather. And their ‘Tri-Foam’ technology guarantees maximum protection and shock absorbance.

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Best Boxing Mitts #3: Fairtex (£110)

Product overview (click image for availability)

• All-purpose, highly durable training glove perfect for all types of boxing training.

• Handmade in Thailand and constructed from premium quality leather

• Features the Fairtex signature three-layered foam system for excellent hand and knuckle protection.

• Ergonomically engineered with a unique contoured and tight-fit hand compartment design to provide a secure and snug fit.

The Fairtex brand is synonymous with Muay Thai boxing. But this doesn’t mean that boxers are disbarred from using Fairtex combat equipment.

The question is though, why would you want to buy Fairtex kit?

In short, because they craft some of the finest quality combat equipment in the world. All of their products, whether it’s boxing gloves, pads or boxing bags, are handmade in Thailand by professional leatherworkers.

In addition, because Fairtex builds training equipment for arguably the most brutal combat sport in the world, all their products are constructed from premium quality leather. Also, whereas other companies apply single stitching, which is weaker and prone to tearing, Fairtex applies double and triple stitching.

It’s partly for this reason why, when you buy a pair of Fairtex boxing gloves, you’ll never need to buy another pair.

These 12 oz gloves also feature Fairtex’s signature three-layered foam system, noted for its superior shock absorption properties, which dramatically reduces hand injuries.

Best Boxing Mitts #2: Everlast ‘Elite’ (£121.99)

Product overview (click image for availability)

• Modern, anatomical foam construction moulds your hand into a natural fist position.

• Compact design is the perfect balance of comfort, speed, and protection.

• Premium synthetic leather ideal for heavy bag and mitt work.

• Additional padding around the wrists to reduce impact injuries during sparring.

The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is one of the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Benson Henderson and Canelo Alvarez, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes.

Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast’s ‘Elite’ 16oz boxing gloves have been handcrafted from premium quality cowhide leather.

The Elite, which is undeniably a pricy glove, features Everlast’s unique ‘evershield’ design. The evershield is a protective layer of padding that encases your hand like a shield. So, when you’re rumbling in the jungle with your sparring partner your hands will be fully protected from counter punches or those looping hooks that typically land on the elbow as opposed to the body.

Furthermore, the fist closure design coupled with the superior shock absorption foam will enable you to hammer away at the heavy bag (and your opponent) until the cows come home. And because they’re packing a full 16 ozs your hands won’t feel a thing.

Also, the classic ‘Raging Bull’ aesthetics will ensure you look proper dapper while you dance around the ring.

Best Boxing Mitts #1: CLETO REYES (£210)

Product overview (click image for availability)

• Nylon water repellent lining offers excellent protection against sweat entering the padding.

• Extra Long cuff and hook & Loop closure offer greater wrist protection.

• Attached thumbs to prevent eye damage.

• Cleto Reyes sparring gloves with leather/velcro wrap around wrist closure.

• Manufactured from the best quality materials.

• Water repellent lining prevents moisture from entering the glove.

• The attached thumbs help prevent thumb and eye injuries.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the undisputed, undefeated, four-weight champion of the worrrld … the one … the only … Cle-tow Reyyyyyyyyyyes!’

(Wait for rapturous applause.)

Cleto Reyes gloves need no introduction. But this is a review so introduce them I must.

These gloves are crafted from the highest quality leather and constructed to exact specifications. It’s for this reason why no other boxing gloves offer the feel, comfort and protection as do Cleto Reyes. Truly, when you slip on and strap into a pair of Cleto Reyes, you’ll know you’ve purchased a great product.

The advanced and upgraded 2” extra foam padding ensures an unparalleled level of knuckle protection. These gloves are made with genuine goatskin leather and each pair is handcrafted and handstitched. Also, all Cleto Reyes gloves are quality checked prior to leaving the workshop.

In addition to the extra thick padding and superior build quality, all Cleto Reyes gloves feature Attached thumb to help prevent injury or broken/sprained thumbs. The fit of the gloves is exactly like all Cleto Reyes gloves, with the only difference being the 2” additional latex foam-padded hitting surface.

Traditional Mexican water-repellent lining helps prevent moisture from entering padding and keeping gloves more weight constant.

New style gloves without laces with a leather wrap around the wrist and an extra-long cuff for greater wrist protection.

Sleek and contoured design, manufactured with the best quality goatskin and hand made in Mexico.

Boxing Mitts FAQ

What is the best boxing mitts?

Hands down the best boxing gloves – in the world, ever created in the history of humanity – are Cleto Reyes. That’s not up for argument either. Personally, I’ve boxed in many – MANY! – gloves over the years, from Title to Ringside, Fairtex to Grant, Probox to Venum, and the best pair of gloves I’ve ever used is Cleto Reyes. Why?

They’re just bombproof. Handcrafted from the best materials, engineered down to the last stitch to endure years of brutal training. Yes, Cleto Reyes is more expensive than any other glove on the market, but they are far better than any other glove too.

Which boxing gloves to buy?

The answer to this question is determined exclusively by what sort of training you do. For example, if you have a freestanding bag in your home gym, and you plan to incorporate a bit of boxing into your training regime as a supplementary form of exercise, a pair of either Mytra, Valour or Everlast’s ‘Powerlock’ will do you fine.

On the other hand, if you plan to take up the sweet art seriously, training two to four times a week at a club, you would be wise to invest in a quality pair of gloves – such as the Ringside or Venums. By doing so you won’t be replacing them within a couple of months, as you almost certainly would with cheaper gloves. But also quality gloves will provide your hands with plenty of protection.

Can boxing gloves be too big?

Yes, boxing gloves can be too big. Unless they’ve been specifically designed for kids, boxing gloves are made to a standard size. However, the adult fist isn’t a standard size. People with small hands might find that some gloves, certainly heavier weighted gloves – 16- to 18oz –, might be too big.

Gloves that are too big may move or twist on impact which could result in a hand injury. One simple way to overcome this is to a) buy a lighter weight glove, either 8, 10 or 12oz, or b) wrap your hands well.

What boxing gloves do pros use?

The preferred brand of professional boxing glove is Cleto Reyes – for reasons identified three questions up. However, other brands, such as Ringside, Grant, Adidas and Everlast. The weight of the glove used in boxing is usually agreed on by the fighters, but the weight – or ounce (oz) – of the glove is typically 8 or 10ozs.

Why are boxing gloves weighted?

Boxing gloves are weighted for a variety of different reasons. If boxing gloves were a standard weight, say 10oz, they would be fine for fitness training and conditioning, and for competitions, but they wouldn’t be much good for working a heavy, sand-filled bag or sparring.

Gloves that are light, 12oz or less, do not offer the same level of protection as do heavier gloves. Working the heavy boxing bag in light gloves is likely, over time, to lead to aches and pains and maybe even arthritis (we’re talking about years of use and abuse here).

Furthermore, light gloves are not safe to spar in. Sparring should be a controlled exercise that offers boxers the opportunity to put into practice their skillset. Using light gloves during sparring could result in injury, which defeats the purpose of the exercise.

To Conclude

Quality boxing gloves make for quality boxing experiences. Anyone who’s trained in a solid pair of gloves will readily attest to how good it feels. Your punches feel harder, the gloves absorb much of the impact, which reduces hand injuries, aches and pains, and they last for years.

If this article has done its job, you should have a well-rounded understanding of the 10 best boxing mitts on the market. All that’s left for you to do is determine which gloves best suits your boxing ability and training consistency.

If you are a beginner or are planning to take up boxing for fitness benefits, the Mytra, Valour or Everlast’s Elites will do you proud. These are great gloves to begin your boxing journey with. But they’re also perfect for the person who occasionally uses their home heavy bag for a bit of additional fitness training.

Beast Gear, Ringside and Venum boxing mitts are a bit more specialist. These gloves are more suited to the individual who boxes regularly and trains out of a gym. However, if you’ve got the cash to splash, they’d make for a mighty fine pair of all-purpose training glove.

That leaves us with Sandee, Fairtex, Everlast’s Elite and the inimitable Cleto Reyes. While these gloves are obviously crafted for the seasoned pugilist, the professional or world titleholder, anyone who has a hankering for super-quality equipment will certainly enjoy these gloves.

(As we are very interested in user experience here at Hungry4Fitness, we would be very grateful if you could take a few seconds out of your day to leave a comment. Thanks in advance!)

Blog Author

Adam Priest, former Royal Marines Commando, is a personal trainer, lecturer, boxing and Thai boxing enthusiast.