Top 10 Recommended Boxing Glove Brands! A Thorough Guide to Popular Makers Loved by Beginners to Pros
"I want to start boxing or kickboxing, but I don't know which gloves to choose." "My current gloves are worn out, and I want to try a more professional brand next!" If you are thinking this, this article will definitely help you. Boxing gloves are the most important gear that not only improves your punching power but also protects the fists and wrists of you and your partner (or trainer). Neglecting glove selection can lead to injuries or a decrease in motivation. In this article, we will thoroughly introduce the "Top 10 Recommended Boxing Glove Brands," ranging from long-established Japanese manufacturers to Thai Muay Thai brands and brands loved by top professionals around the world.
1. Basic Knowledge for Choosing Gloves: 3 Points to Avoid Failure
Before getting into specific brand introductions, let's first check the basic points you should know when choosing gloves.
1-1. How to Choose Weight (Ounces/oz)
| Purpose | Recommended Oz | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners / Fitness | 8 - 10oz | Light and easy to handle. Suitable for sandbag and mitt work. |
| General Practice / Mitt Work | 10 - 12oz | Most versatile. Ideal for general training. |
| Sparring (vs. Person) | 14 - 16oz | Heavy and thick with high shock absorption. Considers opponent's safety. |
| Pro Matches | 8 - 10oz | Lightweight, allowing impact to be easily transferred. |
Generally, beginners should choose 10oz, and if you are sparring seriously, choose 14oz or higher. If you have a heavier body weight, choosing a heavier ounce increases safety.
1-2. How to Choose Material: Real Leather vs. Synthetic Leather
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Real Leather | Excellent durability, fit, premium feel, and breathability. Adapts to your hand the more you use it. | Expensive, requires maintenance. |
| Synthetic Leather (PU, etc.) | Inexpensive, easy maintenance. Abundant color variations. | Durability and breathability are inferior to real leather. |
If you want to continue seriously for a long time, real leather is recommended, but for beginners who want to start as a trial, it is fine to start with inexpensive synthetic leather.
1-3. Shape Characteristics: Differences by Country
Gloves have different shape characteristics depending on the country of production.
- Japan (Winning, etc.): Focus on safety and fit. Designed for Japanese grip comfort.
- Thailand (TWINS, etc.): Focus on wrist hold specific to Muay Thai. High durability.
- Mexico (Reyes, etc.): The knuckle part is thin, making it easier to transfer punch impact. Popular with hard punchers.
1. Winning - The Pinnacle of Japan
- Features: A Japanese brand specializing in safety and fit. Loved by top pros worldwide.
- Price Range: Expensive
- Recommendation ★★★★★
2. Top 10 Recommended Boxing Glove Brands
1. Winning - The Pinnacle of Japan
- Features: A Japanese brand specializing in safety and fit. Loved by top pros worldwide.
- Price Range: Expensive
- Recommendation ★★★★★
Often referred to as the "Rolls Royce of gloves," this is a top-quality brand that Japan boasts to the world. Its greatest feature is its outstanding safety and fit. The thick padding (filling) with excellent shock absorption firmly protects your fists and minimizes the risk of injury. Designed for Japanese hands, the grip is also excellent. Ideal for those who have the budget and seek the highest quality.
2. CLETO REYES - Mexican Tradition
- Features: A Mexican brand favored by hard punchers. Compact shape.
- Price Range: Expensive
- Recommendation ★★★★☆
A traditional Mexican brand that is lightweight and compact, enthusiastically supported by hard punchers because "the knuckles hit easily." In contrast to Winning, the padding tends to be thinner and harder, recommended for those who want to feel the impact of the punch directly. It is a brand for experts, also adopted in professional title matches.
3. TWINS SPECIAL - The Muay Thai Standard
- Features: A Thai Muay Thai brand known for durability and a wide variety of designs.
- Price Range: Medium - Expensive
- Recommendation ★★★★★
4. WINDY - The Veteran Thai Manufacturer
- Features: One of the two giants of Thailand alongside Twins. High quality and stability are attractive.
- Price Range: Medium - Expensive
- Recommendation ★★★★☆
A long-established Thai brand that has supported the history of Muay Thai gloves alongside TWINS. Using high-quality genuine leather, it has a reputation for being easy to grip and stable. While not flashy, it is chosen by people who want reliable quality and something to use for a long time without getting tired of it.
6. EVERLAST - The Global Standard
- Features: The history of boxing itself. Offers a wide range from affordable to professional specs.
- Price Range: Cheap - Expensive
- Recommendation ★★★☆☆
An American heritage brand with over 100 years of history, it is an iconic presence in boxing. Its appeal lies in its lineup that meets a wide range of needs, from professional boxers to fitness enthusiasts. There are many affordable gloves available for beginners, recommended for those who want to choose a brand that feels "authentically boxing."
7. ISAMI - Japanese Martial Arts Brand
- Features: Designed to fit Japanese hands. Suitable for beginners to advanced levels in boxing and kickboxing.
- Price Range: Medium
- Recommendation ★★★☆☆
A Japanese brand dealing in a wide range of martial arts supplies such as karate, jujitsu, and kickboxing. Designed to fit the Japanese skeletal structure and hand size, it offers excellent wearing comfort. The price range is also relatively affordable, and it is a brand with very high reliability in Japan.
8. TOP KING - Unique Muay Thai Brand
- Features: Characterized by flashy and unique designs. Track record of use in K-1, etc.
- Price Range: Medium
- Recommendation ★★★☆☆
A Thai Muay Thai brand following TWINS and WINDY, focusing especially on design. If you are looking for gloves with flashy and unique designs such as dragons, flames, or tribal patterns, this is a brand you should check first. The quality is also high, combining safety that firmly absorbs punch impact.
9. adidas - The Reassurance of a Comprehensive Sports Brand
- Features: Sporty and functional. Relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain.
- Price Range: Cheap - Medium
- Recommendation ★★★☆☆
Combining the design and functionality typical of a comprehensive sports brand. They offer gloves specialized for boxing, and their appeal is that they are easier to obtain compared to other brands. Recommended for those starting boxing for fitness or those who prefer simple designs.
10. BODYMAKER - Best Cost Performance
- Features: Outstanding cost performance. Popular among beginners who want to keep the price down.
- Price Range: Cheap
- Recommendation ★★★☆☆
A Japanese training equipment brand whose greatest appeal is its high cost performance. Gloves are available for a few thousand yen, making it ideal for beginners who want to try boxing for the first time. Durability is inferior to expensive specialized brands, but it has sufficient performance for light mitt work at the gym.
3. Summary of Recommended Brands by Purpose
From the top 10, we have summarized the brands we especially recommend according to your purpose.
| Purpose | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|
| Highest Quality and Safety | Winning, CLETO REYES |
| Authentic Kickboxing / Muay Thai | TWINS SPECIAL, WINDY, TOP KING |
| Stylish Design | RIVAL, EVERLAST |
| Cost-Focused Beginners | BODYMAKER, adidas |
| Grip Comfort for Japanese Hands | Winning, ISAMI |
Summary
Boxing gloves are not just tools, but "partners" that protect your body and bring out your performance. The 10 brands introduced this time each have their own strengths, and the best choice for you will vary depending on your purpose and level.
【Experience Welcome!】 You can find the best first step at our gym!
If you are wondering which gloves to choose, please come to FREELETICS GOALS Gym. Our gym offers boxing and kickboxing classes, providing optimal training according to your goals. Experienced trainers will thoroughly support you, not only with gear selection advice such as "How many ounces should I start with?" or "Are these gloves right for me?", but also with correct punching techniques and form instruction to make the most of your gloves. In addition to enjoying sweating with friends in group lessons, personal training allows you to receive tailor-made instruction suited to your goals and body. The gym prepares gloves from multiple brands, so you can actually wear them and try them out. Get the perfect gloves and make the best start to your martial arts life! Why not start with a free trial to experience the best training and the best glove selection? Our staff is looking forward to welcoming you!
Thank you for reading to the end!