NAVIGATE OUR BOXING GLOVE REVIEW ENCYCLOPEDIA👇:

• A Little Bit About Boxing Gloves
• Top 5 16oz. Universal Training Boxing Gloves (Sparring/Bagwork)
• Top 5 16oz. Boxing Gloves For A Low Budget ($120 Or Less)
• Top 3 Boxing Gloves For USAB Amateur Fights (8oz./10oz.)
• Top 5 8oz-10oz Boxing Gloves For Professional Competition
• How  To Choose The Best Boxing Gloves?
• Lower Tier Gloves –  Marketing (Outsourced) Gloves  (Copycats)
• Mid-Tier Gloves – LOW-end Premium Brands (mostly mass-produced with pro/custom options)
• Top Tier Gloves  – “TOP-level Premium” (high-end, boutique, with pro/custom options)

A Little Bit About Boxing Gloves

Somebody new to boxing may find themselves grabbing the first pair of gloves you spot in a sports shop. That might mean you’re choosing from brands like Title, Fairtex, Hayabusa, or Venum. Spoiler alert: none of these brands make it to my top five list. Why? They’re either not great quality, or they’re way too pricey. You will see a whole lot of non-boxing-related websites hailing that these previously mentioned brands are the “Top 5”, but they are far, far from that.

Now, you might stumble upon a pair from Fighting Sports or Ringside on sale, which is a pretty good deal. You’ll notice MMA enthusiasts leaning towards the edgy, futuristic-looking Hayabusa or Rival gloves, while more ‘aware’ boxers tend to go for the classic charm of Mexican or Winning gloves.

So, what should you look for in training gloves? Quality construction and protection are essential, closely followed by comfort. Gloves designed for bag work have a denser padding. They’re made to withstand punching through the padding. Sparring gloves are a bit softer to reduce the impact and keep both you and your partner safe. Some gloves serve both purposes, ideally with multiple foam layers of varying densities. Keep in mind, everyone’s hands are different. So, the perfect glove for you will be the one that fits well and offers the best protection.

Amateur boxers and pros typically have two pairs of gloves (one 16oz for sparring and most likely a 10-14oz bagwork glove). The reason is that having different gloves can help extend the lifespan of your softer sparring gloves. They’re not really designed to take a beating from the heavy bag. On the other hand, the robust cushion in bag gloves can endure much more, but they aren’t suited for sparring sessions.

• Soft padded lace-up gloves for sparring
  • Light heavyweight boxers and higher weight division boxers more often spar with 18oz gloves and I’ve seen some pros use 20oz gloves as well.
  • Meanwhile, some professionals (a minority of mostly lower weight class fighters) use 12oz or 14 oz to practice fighting in lower weight gloves closer.
• Denser pair of Velcro or lace’n’loop equipped gloves for bagwork
  • Those with hand injuries can use softer 16oz gloves; however, I would personally recommend against this and would opt for lighter gloves with Winning Knuckle guards.

NOTE: I, along with many boxers do NOT recommend going for a heavier 18oz glove for bagwork. Some coaches say that 18oz gloves are good for conditioning. In fact, I have personally seen pro boxers use 18oz gloves before for heavy bags. However, unless you are a light-heavyweight and above, this is overkill. Sure, you will adapt to wearing heavier gloves over the extent of your training/fight camp, but this can come to the detriment of form—especially if you are a lighter-weight class fighter; novice fighters wearing 18oz gloves are especially troublesome as the form is most likely going to be compromised. I recommend 12-16oz gloves for bagwork.

What if You Can Only Buy One Boxing Glove?

• For those with hand injuries, softer or larger gloves might be a better choice for bagwork. If you’re unsure about the glove weight, go with the 16oz option.
• Opt for softer gloves if you do more sparring and denser ones if you lean more towards bagwork.
• If you’re tight on cash, you might go for a soft pair for sparring and use gym gloves for bagwork (I do not recommend this as this is pretty unhygienic)

What To Look For in Any Boxing Glove Review?

• Avoid gloves priced under $149. My go-to stock gloves are Casanova, Rival, and for custom gloves, the best bet is Di Nardo (Lamborghini of boxing gloves). Choose a 16oz pair for sparring, and 12oz-16oz pair for training (bagwork/mitts).
• Invest in a glove with a quality full leather exterior instead of poor grade leather (poor genuine leather or bonded leather)or synthetic – it’s more durable, comfortable, and has better glove breathability.
• Laces are preferable to Velcro – they offer better support and there is always an option for lace’n’loop straps if you don’t have somebody to tie your gloves.
• Handmade gloves have longer use life than factory-made clones from third-world factories.
• Go for a simpler design with fewer seams, optimally double-stitched, for added longevity of the glove.
• Pick layered foam padding over gel padding.

Top 5 16oz Universal Training Boxing Gloves (Sparring/Bagwork)

Top 5 16oz Boxing Gloves for A Low Budget ($120 or less)

1. Ring to Cage C17 Japanese Style Training Gloves 2.0 ($100-$120)

[See above]

2. Ringside Safety Sparring Boxing Gloves ($92)

You will not find another glove with a 4-layer foam system that has a layer of foam that runs from the fingertips to the cuff. This glove has great wrist support for a Velcro glove—probably the best Velcro wrist support for being an under $100 glove. Wrist protection is provided by the extra-long cuffs that help support the wrists and ensure safe, injury-free sparring and bagwork.

3. TOP TEN Superfight 3000 Boxing Gloves ($120)

These gloves are shaped like modified AIBA (Green Hill) amateur boxing gloves. The unique shape provides astonishing protection and comfort for the price. It’s more on the puncher’s gloves side (in terms of padding), as the foam is much denser than the R2C 2.0. Nonetheless, the gloves keep your hands safe on the heavy bag and are, in my opinion, still appropriate for sparring—especially when worn in slightly. This is a distinct glove because of the dual wrist straps, which are versatile for any wrist size—and help justify the slightly higher price point when compared to the other gloves on this list.

4. TITLE Classic Training Genuine/bonded Leather Gloves Lace-up ($60)

In today’s inflationary environment, you won’t find a glove cheaper than $60 that will hold up after 3-6 months of consistent sparring and bagwork. This is a glove that I can personally say will.

5. Twins BGLL1 Lace Up Boxing Gloves ($89)

A fine leather glove that closely resembles the shape of the more expensive ($150+) gloves in the list above. The BGLL1 has good leather and good cushion suitable for sparring and bagwork. I do not recommend the Velcro model as it has more padding and is HUGE on the hands.

TOP 3 Boxing Gloves for USAB Amateur Fights (8oz/10oz)

For those looking to compete or already competing under USA Boxing’s amateur governing body, you are limited to gloves that the body deems as “certified”. Certified means that the glove passed certification testing and fulfilled legal and insurance requirements and are considered “USA Boxing Approved”. This is not a top 5 amateur boxing glove list because, honestly, there are only three decent gloves that are certified. Here is the list of the best 10-12oz boxing gloves approved for amateur competitions in the U.S.:

1. Cleto Reyes Amateur Boxing Gloves (10-12oz)

   This is the newest and, in my opinion, hands down the best glove for amateur competition. The glove has fine Mexican cowhide leather that is handcrafted in Mexico, and the attached thumb design is fantastic at preventing sprains and other common injuries that are common in competitions. This is a pure puncher’s glove with latex padding that supports your knuckle and has a water-repellent lining (that really works) and prevents moisture from entering the padding—thereby extending longevity and helping maintain constant glove weight throughout the length of the competition.

2. Sting IBA Amateur Competition Boxing Gloves

   Sting is an Australian brand that makes its glove in Pakistan. Pakistani gloves get a bad rep, but most of that is justified due to the poor quality of their clone molds. Well, Sting used to be a typical Pakistani glove but recently had a restructuring. Their upgraded gloves exhibit improved craftsmanship, near-perfect stitching, and dense padding for shock absorption. Uniquely, this brand prioritizes comfort, employing ultra-soft materials that provide an ergonomic fit. Unlike competitors’ gloves that can feel too slippery or too grippy, Sting’s has a comfortable, slip-on feel, accomplished using soft palm-side foam. Notably, Sting ensures wrist support by incorporating hard rubber material on the back side of the wrist, thereby balancing comfort and functionality.

3. TITLE Classic USA Boxing Gloves

   These gloves have four varying layers of low and high-density foam and a thick layer of decent-quality faux leather. The feeling upon contact of these gloves on a bag (when breaking them in) and on a sparring partner offers solid knuckle protection. The gloves feature a hook-and-loop wrist and a roll-down elastic protective sleeve to prevent scratching your opponent or sparring partner. The hook-and-loop also makes it easy to wear and remove the glove. The only drawback is the sizing is quite tight, and needs more time to adjust to (perhaps 4-5 bag sessions in the gym).

Top 5 8oz-10oz Boxing Gloves for Professional Competition

Most boxers select the “puncher’s glove” when competing (e.g. Cleyo Reyes, Everlast MX, Paffen Sports). Boxers who have hand problems but still want good transfer of power to their opponent will typically choose Grant. Those with chronic hand issues or camp injuries will choose Winning.

1. Cleto Reyes Traditional HH (8oz-10oz)

   I call these the  ‘El classico’, AKA the best Mexican pro boxer glove and the top choice of a majority of professional boxers today. The padding is comprised of horsehair and lasts up to 30 rounds, which is a testament to the glove quality design (considering the fact that it is a horsehair glove). This glove is worn by boxers because all commissions in the U.S. recognize this glove as soft and well-padded, but after the glove is put on before the fight in the locker room, it is already piercingly hard upon landing. For this reason, gloves like this one and the Everlast MX have been disallowed in many famous fight negotiations (e.g. Maidana vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.).The #1 “puncher’s glove” in the market. The horsehair model is used in pro fights for maximum power transfer.

   The training version of this glove uses Safetec foam which lasts longer (3000 rounds instead of 20-30).

   PSA: There are two popular Reyes models, the horsehair model that has the best transfer of power with a punch, and the SAFETEC version. The SAFETEC version is more of a training glove but is worth mentioning as it lasts 200 times longer than your typical foam glove. This glove is simply a more durable glove that helps protect the hand.

2. Di Nardo Equum Padding Pro Fight Glove (8-10oz)

   The Equum padded Di Nardo glove is the most high-end quality glove available in the market, with an unparalleled structure for power transfer.

3. Grant Glove

   The Grant glove has become more popular in the padded version (orthopedic version) with minimum horsehair (popularized by Floyd Mayweather Jr.). However, the Grant became famous for its Mexican “puncher’s glove” appeal with its custom glove made using a higher horsehair mix. The glove containing more horsehair (the non-orthopedic version) has extremely good force transfer as well as better protection than Cleto Reyes.

4. FLY KYO

   This is the new British Craftsman taking over the game with its ultra-high quality pro glove made of top-grade Italian cowskin leather and lined unique quilted material that makes the glove very smooth yet not slippery. Fly incorporates a combination of high-quality horse hair, making the KYO one of the most powerful luxury gloves at $345.

5. Rival RFX Geurrero Pro

   The tech-focused brand has its own take on the “puncher’s glove” with the FRX Guerrero Pro HDE-F. Laminated with a high-density EVA foam and padded with a combination of multi-layered foam, this is Rival’s most popular model.

Honorable Mention

Everlast

Everlast’s MX line is made in Mexico and is filled with a typical horsehair/foam blend for fantastic power transfer and premium leather. The 10 oz comes in L/XL for large hand sizes.

Winning

Some great boxers do not need to rely on punching power and would rather protect their hands. This is a full foam glove that is extremely well constructed and will provide comfort and security to every part of your hand and wrist.

How to Choose the Best Boxing Gloves?

Finding Right Fitting Boxing Gloves

When thinking about choosing the best glove, I would focus on two qualities if you want to maintain your ‘hand health’. These qualities are: a) hand protection and b) quality materials.

When you are a beginner at boxing, you underestimate how quickly hand injuries can creep up on you. This is because beginners are: a) lack of technique to punch correctly where the most power is transferred through your knuckles, and b) beginners often don’t have the conditioning to go through grueling sessions that entail bagwork, mittwork, S&C, and mobility training.

The sad thing is, once you injure your hand, the injury will come back again and again. Hand injuries for boxers are chronic. So think again before buying boxing gloves for less than $60. Choose the best glove you can for the money that you save. These gloves do not need to be $500, but you should understand what to look for in a glove to choose the best boxing glove for yourself.

Padding Style

Let’s start with the first thing you see when you see a glove: the padding. The main role of a boxing glove, which is to safeguard your hand, is primarily facilitated by its padding. Adequate padding over the knuckles shields your hands from damage when striking hard targets such as a heavy bag or an adversary’s head. Additionally, the padding on the back and palm side of the glove assists in defending against punches when blocking or parrying.

The padding design not only provides protection, but also significantly influences your boxing style.

Padding Construction & Distribution

From my experience, boxing gloves fall into distinct categories in terms of padding:

1. Bulky Thick padded, Large gloves
2. Mexican elongated gloves,
3. and Densely padded compact gloves.

Large Gloves

Common in American, European, Japanese, and Thai boxing brands, offers increased padding for absorbing strikes and provides a more substantial shield area for blocking punches. They offer comprehensive support, covering knuckles, and wrist, making them a popular choice for training gloves. However, some boxers may find the larger gloves to be heavier, making their punches more predictable and visible to opponents. Additionally, the size of these gloves may hinder vision during defensive blocking.

Mexican Elonged Gloves

Mexican elongated gloves are designed to feel lighter and more streamlined, optimizing them for punching. The extended design distributes the glove’s weight along the arm, reducing the feeling of bulkiness. Many boxers prefer these gloves as they believe they facilitate a smaller, tighter fist, enabling them to penetrate an opponent’s defense more efficiently, throw straighter punches, and provide less vision obstruction when guarding. Furthermore, the longer, tighter fit enhances wrist support by limiting movement within the glove; however, with a longer design, padding is minimized, which can lead to injury.

You may think that Mexican long gloves are the same as “puncher’s gloves” as these terms are often used synonymously. However, Mexican long training gloves, use advanced padding (e.g. Reyes’ SAFETEC training gloves), while “puncher’s gloves” are padded to transfer the most to your opponent while minimizing the safety of your hand. These gloves are best utilized by those who possess aggressive styles (Mexican, Uzbekistan, or out-puncher boxers).

Padding Material

There are four padding materials used in boxing gloves today:

• Foam: Most training and sparring gloves use foam (around 98% or so). Although there are many varieties of foam used in gloves, foam as a category is most commonly used in gloves.
• Gel: Some training gloves use foam
• Horsehair: most classic pro fight gloves use horsehair.
• blends of foam and horsehair: Most modern boxing pro “puncher’s gloves” use this blend.

Foam

Bad gloves are cut in uneven ways and aren’t layered properly. Bad foam gloves usually go flat, and you will notice that you are almost punching through the padding after wearing them for a while. Great foam that is well constructed around your fist provides a tight yet comfortable fit and has superior longevity.

Horsehair

This used to be the king of boxing—a sign of quality and class for any glove. Today, it is used for “puncher’s gloves” for professional boxing. The protection is minimal, and your hand’s safety often relies on how well your corner taped your hands. Only daredevils should use these gloves for everyday training.

Gel

In recent years, marketing-savvy boxing glove manufacturers have been trying to sell gel gloves as the superior material for long-lasting gloves. However, the gel is not as supporting as foam and leads to force distribution into your wrist—which leads to injuries. The explanation for injuries with gel gloves is that gel gloves don’t ‘eat’ impact, but rather move impact up your hand and into your wrist.

Knuckle Protection

A nice-looking round glove may deceive you into thinking that it has great knuckle protection. However, when putting them on you feel that your punches are being absorbed solely by your knuckles. What these gloves lack is good foam layer construction and distribution.

Most knuckle cushioning problems revolve around gloves having a single layer of foam. The gloves will likely either have a layer of low-density foam (too soft) or one layer of high-density foam (too hard).

Single-layer soft foam injures knuckles because it doesn’t prevent them from impacting the target and also wears out quickly if used for training sessions. Some gloves use a LOT of single-layer soft foam to provide knuckle protection. However, all this does is make the glove huge and reduce punch snap. High-quality single-layer soft foam gloves may be okay if used exclusively for sparring on taped hands.

High-density foam hurts your knuckles because they don’t mold to your knuckles. You may think that they will wear in eventually and become perfect, but single-layer high-density gloves go straight from stiff to too soft.

Optimal knuckle protection includes cushioning constructed using multi-layer foams of varying densities, relying on soft foam for cushioning and denser foam for snappiness (punch responsiveness).

High-quality gloves may have orthopedic impact-resistant foam (e.g., SAFETEC by Cleto), which molds to the hand more ergonomically than most latex or thin EVA foam layers (which is often used to hold a boxing glove’s shape).

Most good bag gloves are multi-layered, and multi-layer sparring/training gloves typically include an additional final outside soft layer to protect sparring partners. What makes gloves unique is their own proprietary formulations of paddings that have up to 5 layers of foam with different densities.

As alluded to earlier, the best glove has soft, comfortable cushioning, but has great ‘snap’ (or responsiveness).

This is easier said than done. Adding more layers leads to thicker gloves, and thick padding can be problematic as it may feel like you’re punching a pillow and not getting that snap. High-quality construction with high-quality foam materials that utilize thinner foams of varying densities of foam will hit with a nice snap, instead of a ‘thud’ when padding is thick. People think that leather is the most expensive material for most gloves, but it is often always padding that makes a glove more expensive.

Punch ‘Snap’ (AKA Power Distribution)

Punch power transfer in boxing is not only influenced by the technique but also significantly by the type of gloves used. Generally, gloves designed for more protection tend to transfer less power, allowing for safer sparring, while gloves with less padding may enhance the sensation of power transfer, preferred in competition to cause maximum damage. This balance between protection and power transfer in gloves is a critical consideration for fighters, reflecting their preference for either safety during training or maximizing impact in actual competitive fights.

Glove Mold (Glove Fit on Hand)

The first part of glove fit is straightforward: make sure your gloves are not too wide (wiggling side to side) and not too narrow (you lose blood in your hand after keeping the glove on after 7-10 minutes). The second part of glove fitting is about the glove’s curl. Not being able to curl your hand into a solid fist upon impact is a recipe for injury. If you have continuing blistering or injuries on your middle knuckle this means that the glove is a) too tight, or b) too short or long (not curlable).

The Thumb

This is an area painful to me and many boxers. I’ve broken my thumbs more than any other finger. After painful experimentations, I learned that the most comfortable thump positioning is a straight thumb found in Winning gloves. Almost everything else in that price range or lower has had too small of a thumb area, an awkward curvature of the thumb or oddly placed. My point here is two-fold. You need to a) test out gloves for yourself (or rely on the old-reliable Winnings with their Anti-thumbing stopper technology), and b) find a glove where the thumb doesn’t prevent you from making a fist.

Hand Control (Ease of Opening and Closing the Hand)

The ability to easily open and close your hand in a boxing glove is vital. A tight fist enables solid punches, while an open hand helps relax the hand and aids in blocking or parrying punches. Gloves with stiff padding may limit hand movement to either a fully closed or semi-closed position, whereas softer-padded gloves allow for easy hand movement. Factors like glove design and break-in period can influence this.

The design of the grip bar in the glove also plays a significant role in how effectively you can form a fist. An ideally positioned grip bar should have the right thickness, neither too thick nor too thin, assisting you in forming a tight fist. A grip bar that is non-existent, too soft, or too close to the fingertips can be a hindrance.

Closure Variations (to Velcro or Not to Velcro…)

Velcro vs Laces is a good question to ask when buying gloves. Laced gloves almost always offer more support with the only exception being Rival’s Wrist Lock 2.0 tech (where both sides of the glove, from the thumb all the way down the cuff, are squeezed equally when securing the strap and provide unparallel wrist support). Although I deviate here, lace-up gloves are usually the crown jewel for most boxing brands and, thus, they spend more attention and are often more higher quality than hook-and-loop Velcro gloves.

People say that Velcro straps are more convenient when you don’t have somebody to tie your gloves for you. I think that this is no longer true as lace’n’loop widgets are sold all over the internet nowadays which makes putting on, and taking off laced gloves possible by yourself. Considering that laced gloves offer more wrist protection, I wouldn’t think twice about getting laced gloves for training.

Just keep in mind that not all laced-up gloves are built equally: WATCH OUT for gloves that force your wrist to be angled when the glove is on.

The construction of a boxing glove, including its shape and closure strap, affects wrist support and movement. A well-crafted long-shaped glove with laces is generally more supportive than a short-shaped glove with Velcro. The key is ensuring the wrist area is tightly secured, not just adding extra padding. Velcro straps might lessen support if they’re thin, long, flimsy, or positioned away from the wrist. For those with smaller wrists, lace-up gloves usually offer more support than Velcro gloves. The goal is to avoid having your wrist wobble or shift inside the glove when throwing a punch, as it can hinder performance or cause injury.

PSA: This is not specific to gloves but is worth mentioning here. When I was in my 10-week or so camp, there was not a single day where my coach didn’t force me to tape my headwraps.

• Take a look at the gloves above. The only good thing going for them in terms of ventilation is the gap in the wrist area. Everything else is a red flag (e.g. horrible plasticky wrist and palm area, and polyester mesh that is the equivalent of wearing plastic bags on your hand).

Construction Quality

A lot can go wrong in a poorly constructed glove. The exterior tearing apart due to poor stitching or synthetic leather quality, the padding going flat quickly due to single foam layer construction, lining ripping allowing for contact and misplacement of foam padding or exterior ripping and revealing the padding.

Inner lining

Boxing glove lining is so under-looked when analyzing a glove (most typically care about the foam construction and whether the leather is real). However, the lining can greatly impact longevity and comfort. The most important way high-quality lining contributes to a glove is by a) preventing sweat moisture from seeping into foam padding (degrading foam quality) and b) changing glove weight. Additionally good lining can:

• Increase comfort creating a “buttery smooth” sensation and preventing blisters from rough lining.
• Prevent lining from sliding around and folding in inside the glove.

At first glance one may say that these look like fantastic training gloves. However, in reality, these are far from that. The exterior of these is made out of a thick bumpy synthetic material that is about the same as wearing winter gloves.

1. • Material Matters: Nylon thread is generally superior to cotton thread, which in turn is better than polyester thread.
   • Size Counts: Thicker thread tends to be more durable than thin thread.
   • Double Up: Double-stitching often offers more strength and longevity compared to single-stitching.

Keep it Tight: Dense, closely-spaced stitches are more robust than widely-spaced stitches. Although going for leather is the right bet, not all leather is created equally.

The best leather ranks as follows:

1. Shark Skin & Stingray leather (the Rolls Royce of leather pioneered in boxing glove use by Di Nardi)
2. Full-grain Leather (Full-grain leather is the highest quality of leather available. It uses the complete grain of hide, including all the fiber layers, making it strong, durable, and breathable. Its texture is naturally rough, and it develops a patina over time, giving the gloves a unique, aged appearance. Because of its toughness and durability, it’s often seen as the best option for heavy-duty usage.)
3. Top Grain Leather (Top grain leather is the second-highest quality of leather. It has been sanded and finished to remove any imperfections, resulting in a more uniform appearance. This process, however, also reduces its breathability and durability compared to full-grain leather.)

Remember, while the quality of the leather is essential, the durability of the gloves also heavily relies on the quality of the stitching.

When you’re shopping for boxing gloves, be mindful of terms like “Real Leather,” “Genuine Leather,” “Bovine Leather,” or “High Quality Leather.” These labels may not necessarily reflect the true quality of the gloves. If a product is described as “made with full grain leather,” it may suggest that only portions of the glove use this high-grade leather, while the rest might be comprised of lesser materials. Evaluating the quality of leather isn’t just about whether it’s “full grain” – it also includes factors such as the tanning process.

“Genuine leather” is indeed leather, but often represents the least robust layer of the hide, similar to the skin of an apple being real apple, but not the most substantial part. “Bonded leather” is of even lower quality and is made from discarded leather pieces bonded together. This is somewhat comparable to a fruit salad being mixed from various leftover fruit pieces, rather than enjoying a fresh, whole fruit. Though it might look appealing, its quality doesn’t match that of its solid counterparts. Bonded leather gloves may be painted and textured to appear like higher-grade leather, but they’re unlikely to offer the same durability or performance.

As for “Nappa leather,” this term is used to imply a soft, flexible quality but is quite vague and doesn’t hold a clear distinction from standard leather. It’s crucial to look beyond the marketing language to assess the actual quality of the leather used in boxing gloves for a truly informed decision.

Stitching

In boxing gloves, stitching can often be the most vulnerable point, with many gloves prone to unraveling at the seams rather than wearing out the leather. Manufacturers may cut corners with stitching to reduce labor costs, especially as it’s an aspect that many consumers overlook. While I’m not a specialist, here are some stitching basics I can share:

1. Material Matters: Nylon thread is generally superior to cotton thread, which in turn is better than polyester thread.
2. Size Counts: Thicker thread tends to be more durable than thin thread.
3. Double Up: Double-stitching often offers more strength and longevity compared to single-stitching.
4. Keep it Tight: Dense, closely-spaced stitches are more robust than widely-spaced stitches.

Remember, while the quality of the leather is essential, the durability of the gloves also heavily relies on the quality of the stitching.

Lower Tier Gloves –  Marketing (Outsourced) Gloves  (Copycats)

These brands, which I term ‘marketing (outsourced) gloves,’ are suspected of outsourcing their production to Pakistan, even those claiming local manufacture. They bear similarities to Pakistani clones, casting doubt on their authenticity. It’s unclear who is copying whom, as all appear to share the same designs.

These brands once produced quality, unique gloves, but since they started outsourcing, they now offer similar models with minor design differences at varied prices, muddling the market. Be aware, some brands falsely label their gloves as ‘Made in USA’.

The market confusion continues as these brands price their cloned gloves similarly, marketing them under different gimmicky features. Despite their flashy looks, they are overpriced clones with negligible design differences, adding no new value to the boxing glove design.

Personally, I find their quality and price unattractive. They may suit beginners due to the lower cost, but consider upgrading as soon as possible. You might find better deals during their clearance sales. Ultimately, these gloves are only suitable for temporary training.

Ringside: How The Mighty Have Fallen (~$80)

Ringside used to be the go-to glove for most boxers looking for a quality glove under $100 prior to 2010, and a brand that was more affordable than what the pros were wearing at the time. However, when they outsourced their manufacturing to a Pakistani clone company, their quality dropped SO drastically, and they lost their respect in the boxing community.

Their loss opened the doors for other boxing glove brands, including Title, and Rival, who began creating superb technology-based, mid-high-end gloves. Ringside’s underwhelming quality also led brands like Hayabusa, Venum, RingtoCage, and Twins to enter the boxing glove market.

Ringside is now a generic glove company, producing gloves that mirror Pakistani clones under an American label. Ironically, Title, reportedly started by ex-Ringside employees, now outstrips Ringside in diversity and volume. I believe Ringside was acquired by a larger conglomerate which may have further reduced the quality. There is one glove that I believe is the brand’s ‘crown jewel’: the 16oz Ringside Safety Sparring Boxing Gloves. Other than the Safety Sparring Boxing gloves, I do not recommend any other model.

Everlast: Or Should I Say ‘Barelylast’ (Average Price ~$82)

Everlast is the OG American boxing brand, practically synonymous with the sport of boxing. Unfortunately, it simply makes horrible quality products (manufactured in China) and sells them in bulk at discount hypermarkets stores, Walmart, sporting goods stores, toy stores, department stores, and other places where you find cheap things for cheap prices. It might have been a great decision business-wise, but it’s hurt their brand terribly among the hardcore boxers.

Legends of boxing wore Everlast gloves, it had so much respect in the past, but the company is now poorly made regardless if it’s the $25 or $250 glove model. Every Everlast product that I used tore within a month. Everlast has one good glove line, which I reviewed earlier: Everlast MX Pro which is one of the only gloves not made in Pakistan or China, and is instead made in Mexico with fine ‘Piel Planchada’ leather.

TITLE Boxing – “Former Ringside employee starts a “new” generic brand”

Allegedly, TITLE Boxing sprung to life from the minds of former Ringside employees who wanted to carve out their own path, starting by emulating Ringside’s product lineup. My boxing journey began when Title was primarily an online storefront offering a vast range of boxing gear from multiple brands at affordable price points. Consistent sales and bountiful deals were on the table if you made it a point to peruse their website on a regular basis. Boasting exceptional service, they garnered a solid fanbase, myself included, for over a decade in the United States. Today, despite being a larger entity than Ringside, it retains the perception of a “generic company” among traditionalists.

Title retails notable boxing brands such as Rival, Reyes, Adidas, and also MMA/Thai brands like Hayabusa, Venum, Fairtex, etc.. Their private labels – Title, Fighting Sports, and Promex also share shelf space. Historically, their Title gloves were budget-friendly alternatives to the brand-name gloves, providing an option for those who couldn’t shell out for premium brands like Reyes. I found their performance satisfactory and you may have spotted me donning a classic pair of red Title gloves in my YouTube videos. They employed a strategy of “gym discount pricing”, which helped them gain ground in numerous boxing gyms.

Title gained traction as the “affordable yet good quality” gear brand, managing to build a reputation of a legitimate brand. It’s amusing that Title utilizes the same clone molds from Pakistan; still, they’re recognized as this fresh, groundbreaking boxing gear company. In addition to this, Title ventured into creating a high-end brand, “Fighting,” featuring more aesthetic gloves at heftier prices. Their goal was to emulate the ultra-luxurious Japanese brand “Winning,” but at more accessible price ranges. Curiously, “Fighting” also incorporates the same Pakistan clone molds, which makes me wonder if it’s genuinely superior to their regular range.

In the same way “Title” took inspiration from Ringside (American), and “Fighting” mirrored “Winning” (Japanese), “Pro Mex” looked to “Cleto Reyes” (Mexico). It’s an ingenious business model when you consider it. When people couldn’t afford the bona fide Ringside, Winning, and Reyes brands, Title provided affordable replicas incorporating their key traits. They attempted to replicate the sleek protective glove design of Ringside, the supreme cushioning of Winning, and the slender, assertive Mexican-style glove design of Cleto Reyes. While they didn’t match the original’s quality, it was enough to move their products.

While I hold the company in high regard for its commendable customer service, product quantity, and constant promotions, I do not recommend its own product line.

Promex : “Titles attempt to copy Cleto Reyes”

Fighting – “Good find if you dig through the junk”

Adidas: Germany’s Everlast ($40-150; avg $80)

Adidas, a prominent German sports brand, is also involved in boxing gear production, much like Everlast. While it is a common sight in stores across Europe, particularly Germany, and reportedly in Australia, its quality leaves a bit to be desired. That said, their pro-level products have a touch of superiority. As per my observations from European stores and YouTube videos, Adidas boxing gear is relatively popular in Europe.

In contrast, Adidas boxing gloves are a rare find in America, leaving one to ponder if the occasional professional wearing them does so out of preference or sponsorship obligations. Unfortunately, despite their attractive design echoing Pakistan clone brands and my sincere efforts to like their gear, the stiff and painful punching experience they offered was far from appealing. They did send me a pro model 10oz fighting glove that felt amazing but isn’t suitable for regular training.

As for additional insights, the aesthetic appeal of Adidas gear doesn’t compensate for its inferior quality and inflated price. For better value and products, look towards Title Boxing or Ringside. Their boxing shoes enjoy a good reputation, with some of their headgear also finding favor, although recent complaints suggest otherwise.

A point of caution with Adidas: they have a broad range of models and variations, with a significant lean towards fitness and the youth market. Consequently, strange-named models with unconventional designs could likely be targeted towards fitness enthusiasts or youth boxers. Thus, it’s important to scrutinize the gear before making a purchase.

Lonsdale – “a cheap[er] Everlast alternative” ($15-100; avg $30)

Lonsdale’s product line closely mirrors Everlast’s, including many identical sports and clothing items. Interestingly, both brands are currently owned by the same UK-based company, “Sports Direct”. Everlast originated in New York in 1910, and Longsdale started half a century later.

Lonsdale, much like Everlast in the United States, offers a wide variety of products. Initially a boxing company, it now also sells sports clothing and MMA gear and is available in numerous outlets. To put it bluntly, it’s a Pakistan clone brand that offers inexpensive, low-quality items. They frequently use outdated Pakistan clone molds. I doubt anyone in Europe regards them highly. I will not mention any of their gloves below because they are nothing different than the Pakistani molds we saw in the Ringside, Everlast, and Title gloves already reviewed.

TOP TEN – “the Thai/UK/Canadian Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, and Sometimes Boxing Brand” ($120)

My first encounter with TOP TEN boxing gloves was at a martial arts store, displayed alongside nunchucks and shurikens. Initially, I was amused by the design of their gloves; they reminded me of karate gloves with the exaggerated round padding around the knuckles and the tucked-away thumb, quite different from traditional boxing gloves. Consequently, I dismissed them as a viable option.

It wasn’t until I visited a boxing gym in Canada in 2010 that I encountered TOP TEN gloves again. They were communal gloves, typically given to novices or older individuals there for fitness. Even though they were easily accessible, they weren’t preferred over Rival, a popular Canadian brand. Despite their lackluster status, I got the opportunity to test them personally.

Unfortunately, my experience was far from positive, with the gloves proving subpar, leading me to disregard the brand indefinitely. This view seemed to be echoed by others, possibly due to their Pakistani production line. Despite not having the typical clone design, the quality was undoubtedly reminiscent of clone products.

The perception of TOP TEN has evolved since 2010, and the brand carries a certain mystique. Thought to be a UK brand that gained traction in Europe before expanding into North America with a Canadian base, its origin is dependent on one’s geographical perspective. For Americans, it’s Canadian; for Europeans, it’s British.

TOP TEN appears to be the official gear for various sports. My assumption is that they began with karate gloves, eventually branching out into boxing and MMA gloves. Instead of tailoring the design to suit the sport, they seem to have adapted the existing karate glove into a boxing glove, extending the padding. This strategy has led to confusion about the brand’s identity and quality. The confusion became so extensive that they now only carry one boxing glove which is the precursor to the TOP TEN Superfight 3000 Boxing Glove.

Today, TOP TEN exists in a state of limbo, with people unsure about its origin, quality, and whether it’s a genuine boxing brand. Nevertheless, it’s a recognized brand in some places, with approval from AIBA and is popular in Canada and Europe. Opinions about TOP TEN are polarized, with some vouching for their quality and others dismissing them outright. However, reviews from the leading boxing glove reviewers in the space have led to the mostly negative reception of the glove.

RDX – “the UK-based copy-cat brand” ($25-70; avg $55) 

A decade ago, RDX was perceived as a low-quality imitation of Title Boxing, peddling their wares solely through eBay and Amazon, catering to less-informed consumers. These clone gloves from Pakistan mirrored Title Boxing in terms of design, color, and overall feel.

Fast forward a few years and I noticed a complete revamp of their brand; RDX seemed to be on people’s lips, particularly in the UK, and they were now a topic in forum discussions. They had embarked on an original design trajectory, making it increasingly hard to identify their clone mold origins. This was a wise move on their part, cementing their brand identity.

However, they will always remain a cheap Pakistani clone company in my eyes. They’ll have to show true innovation before they pique my interest. Yes, I’ve tried their gloves; they feel exactly like any other cloned gear, as echoed in numerous online reviews criticizing their quality and stitching.

RDX is a classic “marketed-brand” that divides opinions – loved by beginners for its value for money, trendy designs, apparent high quality, and durability, yet despised by experienced fighters who lambaste its stiff padding, lackluster appearance, and knock-off brand status. Some fighters even use “worse than RDX” as an insult to deride other brands.

There’s been a notable increase in their pricing. Once the gloves were reasonably priced ($25-40), well-designed, and functioned effectively enough to compete with $60-75 options. Now they seem to be eyeing the mid-range market, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a $99 model soon.

One recurrent complaint about RDX is the inconsistency in hand fit across their range. Some gloves are too small, others too big or wide. Some users have complained about thumb discomfort, or a tight fit around the pinky. Also, several reviews mention excessive padding in the palm area, making it harder to form a fist. If glove fit matters to you, I advise checking reviews of specific models before purchasing.

There are a few quality control issues with RDX, including stitching, color fading, and the Velcro coming off easily, but the padding seems to hold up well. But if you ask me, durable padding is often a sign of stiffness. I do not suggest you buy any of these gloves, and believe it is a waste of time to go into details about gloves that are clones of more established incumbents.

Leone: “The Italian Everlast Tragedy Making a Comeback” ($35-110; avg $80)

Leone was a reputable boxing company started in Italy several decades ago. I’m guessing it had something like an Everlast appeal, but as with many companies that became mainstream, they started chasing the almighty dollar and relying on their brand name rather than quality to make sales. Up until a couple of years ago, almost everything in the brand’s catalog was a cheap Pakistan clone glove. However, the glove is trying to make a recovery. Now, the cheap Pakistani gloves fall under “Leone 1947” and their premium quality gloves are under the “Leone Sport” label. Let’s take a look at the worst and the best gloves Leone is now offering:

The Thai clones – Fairtex, Twins, Windy, Boon, King, Yokkao, etc ($40-150; avg $70)

Thai gloves, despite their distinct padding and shape cater to Muay Thai’s requirements, like clinching and blocking kicks, often fall short in offering solid wrist support, which boxers need. Their inconsistency in padding, stiffness or softness, and differing logo fabrics are other areas of concern. Intriguingly, some models strikingly resemble Pakistan-made gloves, sparking debates about imitation.

While purchasing Thai gloves in Thailand can fetch a good deal, their use in boxing isn’t recommended due to weak wrist support and unpredictable padding distribution. Here’s a look at the top four Thai brands:

• Fairtex ($70-150): As one of the priciest Thai brands, Fairtex competes closely with Twins. Some swear by Fairtex’s superiority, while others (like myself) dispute this. Their quality has noticeably declined, reminiscent of Ringside’s fall. Known for softer cushioning and comfort, they unfortunately lack durability.
• Twins ($50-100): Known for excellent leather and padding, Twins offers a myriad of unique designs. The gloves generally fit smaller hands better.
• Windy ($35-100): Once the original Thai brand, it has now been outdone by competitors over time. Windy is appreciated for its classic style, affordability, and well-constructed gloves. They are, however, large-sized with stiff knuckle padding and inferior wrist support. Their quality isn’t as top-notch as it was a decade ago.
• Boon ($70-100): A lesser-known brand, Boon is prized by enthusiasts for high quality at a reasonable price. Many vouch for its superiority over highly-rated Fairtex and Twins. The brand features high-quality stitching and non-hurtful padding.

Based on my experience and others’ views, the current quality hierarchy is:

1. Boon,
2. Twins,
3. Windy, and
4. Fairtex.

It’s sad to see that Fairtex and Windy, which once held the highest positions among Thai gloves, have fallen to become lower quality Thai gloves.

Hayabusa: A Mixed Martial Arts Glove /  Boxing Imposter  (~$140)

I first discovered Hayabusa during a brief stint at a gym with a caged ring while on my travels. The designs were a refreshing departure from the norm – artistic graphics, rich hues, and Asian characters – which brought Japanese anime to mind. These designs gave Hayabusa an edge in the MMA gear market, creating a new benchmark that made any less innovative designs seem bland. Despite this, Hayabusa struggled to secure respect within the boxing community, a sentiment that echoes my own disenchantment with the brand.

In boxing, tradition holds a special place. We respect the old-school ways, and our gear is a symbol of this sentiment, designed to remind us of challenging times when fighters were made of tougher mettle. Against this backdrop, Hayabusa’s flashy gloves appeared almost gimmicky, more fitting for a children’s toy than a serious fighter’s equipment.

From the moment I threw my first punch wearing a Hayabusa glove, it felt uncomfortably rigid. Although such stiffness might be tolerable when hitting a heavy bag, it’s a surefire way to stir discontent in a sparring ring. Adding to this discomfort was the fact that they weren’t even made of leather, a criterion fundamental to boxing for distinguishing a quality glove. And then came the price tag. At $85-160, it seemed ludicrous, particularly when compared to other options like Title, Ringside, Winning, Reyes, and Rival, each offering different levels of affordability and quality.

Despite its premium pricing, Hayabusa was not regarded as a high-end brand by boxers. Even Title gloves, at a comfortable $60, outperformed Hayabusa’s $85 offering. In current times, if you spot Hayabusa gloves in a boxing gym, chances are they’re worn by beginners or those who don’t spar often. Seasoned boxers with a budget of $125-150 are more likely to opt for trusted brands like Rival or Reyes. Hayabusa, with its flashy designs and strong association with MMA, often seems out of place in a boxing setting.

Hayabusa’s gloves fall short on multiple fronts. They’re overly stiff, causing unnecessary discomfort to opponents. They lack adequate support, increasing the risk of hand injuries. The quality of materials and craftsmanship leave much to be desired compared to other similarly priced gloves. The dual strap design, though sound in theory, often snags on handwraps in practical use. The use of synthetic leather instead of the real thing is another mark against them. The exorbitant pricing, coupled with over-marketed gimmicky features, leaves a sour taste. The fact that they’re made in China could potentially explain the use of artificial leather and inconsistent quality control.

Interestingly, some people even prefer Fairtex, a brand not as highly regarded, over Hayabusa. An additional criticism lies in Hayabusa’s constant introduction of new designs each year. This suggests a heavy reliance on marketing, indicating a lack of solid, time-tested models. Brands like Reyes, on the other hand, don’t feel the need to constantly revamp their designs. They’ve been in business for decades and don’t see the need to “improve” their already perfected models. Unlike Hayabusa, they have a loyal customer base that would probably be upset if anything changed. I’ve yet to come across a Hayabusa glove that’s so phenomenal it makes professional boxers exclaim, “There are no more iterations needed to the design of this glove” – a telling sign indeed. 

Venum: A Lower Quality, Clone MMA Glove (~$90)

Venum is a typical flashy MMA brand that’s been making waves lately, aimed squarely at the younger crowd. They offer a raft of high-tech features and they’re pricing their gear around $85, giving the impression of another brand looking to copy Hayabusa’s success. Worth noting, they’re produced in Thailand, which pretty much makes them a Thai clone brand.

In the last few years though, they’ve been shaking things up. Venum is now pushing to be recognized as a high-end brand, backing their claim with heavy endorsements from big names in boxing, MMA, and even traditional martial arts. They’re branching out too, with a new boxing shoe line on the market.

Even so, I can’t say I’m much of a Venum fan. The brand lacks the boxing heritage I appreciate. It feels like an MMA company trying to cash in on the boxing arena. As a French manufacturer, Venum has expanded into almost every market they can make a profit from. As for Vasyl Lomachenko’s sponsorship deal with Venum, I’m not privy to the specifics, but I’m guessing it’s a sweet one

Ring to Cage: The Pakistani King of Clones ($40-100; avg $75)

Ring To Cage (R2C), a stalwart in the MMA world, presents an interesting blend of tradition and evolution. As inferred from its name, the brand transitioned from boxing to cage-fighting, sporting classic designs. This contrast to the flashy aesthetics of companies like Hayabusa and Venom likely appeals to an older martial arts audience transitioning to boxing gloves. This brand exudes authenticity and affordability, leading to its popularity in MMA, traditional martial arts, and even boxing gyms.

I first encountered R2C through kickboxing associates who commended its well-padded, large-looking gloves. To me, they felt stiff, reminiscent of typical MMA gloves, suggesting their popularity among less intense sparrers. Originating from Pakistan, R2C provides a breath of fresh air with their modestly-priced, traditional designs, avoiding the pretense of exorbitant value. Essentially, they don’t masquerade as anything but a generic brand.

Despite this, R2C’s reputation within the MMA community is commendable. They’re reputed to be well-made, with soft padding, unique models, and great online deals. Even detractors find something positive to mention, and the brand avoids flashy designs and high prices. However, I’d appreciate a departure from their clone models.

R2C is often lauded as superior to pricier, well-known brands, and I concur. They’re a notch below respected boxing brands but offer excellent value under $100. My hesitance to try them earlier was due to their lack of recognition among pure boxers and my doubt that they could rival top boxing brands. I suppose their marketing didn’t target the hardcore purist boxer demographic I belong to. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend R2C to boxing beginners with a sub-$100 budget.

Ring to Cage Ultima MIM-Foam Training Boxing Gloves ($70)

Does more need to be said? This is a clone glove that uses a chemical single layer mold to replicate the shape and size of the glove. I do not recommend either the Title or Ringside version of this glove, so there is no reason I would recommend R2C’s version of this model—even at $69.99. Oh, and you want to hear something funny? You know how ringside has its own ‘very special’ IMF™ (injection molded foam) padding system? Well, Ring to Cage has its own version of this ‘very special’ technology and the brand calls it MiM (machine injected molding).

Ring to Cage Mexican-Style Geltech Training Gloves ($100)

R2C’s Pakistan clone of the Mexican glove design. FYI, the main hallmarks of the “Mexican glove design” is its slim fist-shape and triple-cuff. They do have a cheaper mesh version which I don’t like but I suppose could work if you get the laces variant so there’s no velcro strap to tear it apart.

Ring to Cage Deluxe MIM-Foam Sparring Gloves 2.0 ($100)

For $100, I don’t think this glove is any better than Ringside’s sparring gloves.

Deluxe MiM-Foam Sparring Gloves – Safety Strap ($99)

This is the new and improved model of the first glove that I believe R2C created that is intentionally designed, and isn’t a direct clone of another brand. The padding is on the softer side, and uses 2.5” MiM Foam Technology (single layer padding). The new model has an improved safety strap closure that includes both an elastic strap and Velcro closure. It has great reviews and satisfies bigger fighters, those wanting to hit with less force, or those wanting to train with weighted gloves. Overall, these gloves are extremely unique, but have mixed reviews online with some vouching for the glove and some unhappy with quality and the ease-of-use behind the new safety strap.  Talking about unique, this model even offers 34oz and 50oz sizes!!!

Sabas Fight Gear: “The Mexican Chihuahua That Wants To Be Top Dog” (~$140)

Sabas, a Southern Californian boxing gear company, appeared promising when they first emerged. They offered high-quality, custom “Made-in-Mexico” gloves at an attractive price point, with fast shipping and a plethora of color and embroidery customizations. Sabas’ emergence was timely, with customers tiring of cheaply made brand clones and unwilling to fork out $300 for Winning or $500 for Grant gloves. Reyes and Rival gloves provided a satisfactory price-to-quality ratio, but there was a clear market gap for a well-priced, quality glove – a gap Sabas filled.

However, Sabas’ rise was cut short when their quality control came under scrutiny. After initially giving them a glowing review, I started hearing about product issues. Upon ordering a pair for myself in 2018, I was dismayed by the drop in quality. Rather than high-quality Mexican gloves, they looked and felt like cheap Pakistan gloves.

The leather was disappointing, the padding too soft, the piping cheap, and an irritating “bubbling issue” marred the product. In comparison to Winning, Sabas falls significantly short. Winning excels in leather quality, padding, construction, comfort, and durability. Claims that Sabas is comparable to Winning are unfounded.

Sabas’ superficial appeal lies in its stylish design and quality stitching. The fit tends to be smaller and tighter, which may appeal to those with smaller hands or a preference for a snug glove. However, in comparison to other Mexican gloves, Sabas lacks in shape, design, and quality. Despite initial promise, it has become clear that Sabas gloves fail to deliver the Mexican-made quality they initially promised.

Sting Boxing:  The Pakistani Glove With A Confused Identity (~$150)

Sting, an Australian boxing brand, manufactures its products in Pakistan and has established a presence on par with other brands in the $160-220 price range. Despite bearing a resemblance to typical Pakistan clones, these gloves are well-crafted and pleasing to the eye. With a tastefully modern design, harmonious colors, and intricate details, they managed to stand out over their Pakistani peers. Most importantly, the gloves’ construction revealed attention to detail, and it was apparent that no shortcuts were taken in their production.

One aspect that makes Sting stand out is the comfortable padding—not super stiff, with the gloves hugging your hands very well. This comfort comes from the fantastically-soft lining and palm-side foam. Despite this soft padding, Sting maintains excellent wrist support by employing a super-stiff rubber material on the backside of the wrist.

Sting’s gloves offer above-average quality and design, accompanied by a luxurious feel due to the soft lining and palm-side padding. However, they are not perfect. Issues include cheap plastic piping that may wear quickly, inconsistent glove weights, and peculiar padding arrangements that affect the impact of punches.

Sting gloves remain functional and stylish, but they wouldn’t be my top pick in the $150-200 range. Nevertheless, I’m confident their newer models will improve, given their serious response to feedback and growth over the last 5 years as a brand.

Sting Viper X Sparring Glove ($250)

What a beautiful boxing glove! Hats off to the designers at Sting for creating the beautiful design behind the Velcro and Lace-up versions. Unlike the padding for the Armaplus gloves, the padding on the Viper gloves is significantly softer, shock absorbing, yet doesn’t muffle the punches. The fit on these gloves is also fantastic, making it perfect for medium to large hands. Lastly, unlike the past Viper gloves models from Sting, these offer full grain natural leather cowhide on the glove’s exterior.

Mid Tier Gloves – LOW-End Premium Brands (Mostly Mass-Produced With Pro/Custom Options)

It’s been a journey going through a bunch of junk, but now we can dive into the exciting stuff, the premium brands. These brands have one commonality: they manufacture their high-quality boxing gloves themselves. It’s the surest route to quality control, right? They may price their gloves higher, but the leap from an average $90 to $150 doesn’t feel steep, especially when you grasp their worth. For serious boxers, these gloves are the entry-level standard.

Interestingly, many people remain unaware of these brands, while Hayabusa’s affordable replicas enjoy unwarranted popularity. Maybe MMA fighters, who don’t punch as much, fail to distinguish the quality difference. However, if you’re throwing powerful punches daily, better gloves are non-negotiable.

This guide aims to clear any confusion between a quality glove priced at $150 and a similarly priced imitation. Some brands offer cheaper models for the masses, and premium versions for pros and serious amateurs. My advice? Ignore both the inexpensive models and the reviews focused on them.

Remember, reviews can be misleading. A boxing brand might earn negative feedback from boxing purists, while a budget MMA brand receives glowing reviews from novices and martial arts ‘enthusiasts’ who lack discernment. Boxers train harder on their punches than any other athlete. We engage in endless punching for hours, no kicks, no grappling, just abundant bag work, mitt work, and sparring. As such, boxers are the most stringent critics of boxing gloves.

Cleto Reyes: The Ultimate Mexican Puncher’s gloves (~$170)

Cleto Reyes gloves, revered in the boxing world as the quintessential “puncher’s gloves,” are unsurpassed in maximizing in-ring power. Favored by almost all professional fighters, except those with hand discomfort or an unfit due to compact size, these gloves are often at the center of boxing negotiations, either due to perceived punching power advantages or post-defeat blame. The psychological impact is as significant as the physical, raising questions: can a glove really tilt the scales?

The legendary reputation of Reyes gloves stems not only from their high quality but also from their unique design. The gloves feature less padding around the knuckles and a smaller fist shape, enabling harder punches and deft defense navigation. The irony is that the inventor, Cleto Reyes, withdrew from boxing after a damaging amateur fight win.

Indeed, Reyes gloves have helped shape the stereotype of Mexican gloves and Mexican boxing. Often associated with aggressive fighting styles, minimal cushioning, and sleek designs, most Mexican boxing glove brands are inevitably compared to Reyes. Yet, despite the prestige, why categorize Reyes as “low-end premium” rather than “high-end premium”?

The reason is their lack of broad suitability. Training and sparring demand enhanced hand protection, whereas Reyes offers less. They’re excellent for professional fights but fall short for training. Even professional fighters like Manny Pacquiao, a staunch Reyes advocate in professional fights, prefer Winning gloves for training. I can’t recall a pro fighter training in Reyes gloves consistently, even in Mexico, where Winning is also prevalent.

Concerns also stem from perceived quality degradation. “They don’t make’em like they used to,” is a common complaint. Where a Reyes glove used to last a decade, now they age noticeably after a few years, feeling more mass-produced than handmade. The appeal of Reyes gloves in training might be more about the authentic Mexican aesthetic rather than their padding.

In summary, Everlast brings boxing to mind, whereas Reyes echoes professional boxing. They remain a revered name backed by an exceptional glove, even if their quality isn’t what it used to be.

Reyes gloves are renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship, holding the reputation as Mexico’s most recognized glove brand. Although they’re well-respected, they’re not the preferred choice for training, particularly in the U.S., and even Mexican professionals reportedly prefer Winning. Reyes gloves exemplify the perfect fusion of modern and classic design, standing out from other more dated-looking Mexican brands, though they’re known for being heavier than indicated. Recent versions are reportedly more flexible, particularly at the wrist, potentially affecting wrist support. It’s suggested that there’s a quality variance between the Mexican and U.S. versions of Reyes gloves, with the latter, often sold on the Ringside website, referred to as “Ringside Reyes”. There are some concerns over the comfort of the thumb design, so trying on a pair before purchasing online and ensuring a flexible return policy might your best bet.

Everlast MX – “The Mexican Everlast” ($150–180; Avg $165)

Everlast, once a laughingstock of the boxing community due to perceived quality decline, has been striving to regain its reputation. With pro fighters training in Winning gloves and fighting in Reyes gloves, Everlast found itself in need of credible ambassadors. Their solution was the Everlast MX model, their only glove deserving a second glance.

Made in Mexico, unlike their other gloves manufactured in China or Pakistan, the Everlast MX stands out due to its higher quality. The MX Pro Fight model is a popular alternative to Reyes gloves for professional fighters. Filled with a mix of foam and horsehair, it’s considered a great puncher’s glove and used when Reyes gloves are not permitted.

Everlast MX gloves combine the old-school quality of Mexican gloves with a modern shape. They address the complaints about Mexican glove thumb design and overall shape and are used by some pro fighters for training, thanks to the thicker padding. While they certainly elevate Everlast’s reputation, they are not without flaws.

Everlast MX training gloves lack optimal padding and do not offer as much hand protection as other brands. Many fighters wouldn’t go full force on a heavy bag with these gloves, and they’re too hard for sparring. The Pro Fight model uses a mix of foam and horsehair, whereas the training models use foam. Despite these improvements, the gloves still suffer from quality issues like loose threads.

Everlast MX is likely favored for its aesthetics, quality, and comfort, even if the padding isn’t top-notch. However, considering the price, Reyes seems a better deal and a superior glove. Nevertheless, Everlast MX isn’t just a Mexican clone but a unique glove worth considering.

Phenom – The UK Angled-Wrist Glove’s Comeback-Story” (~$145)

Phenom Boxing, a fresh face on the UK boxing scene, brings a refreshing spin to typical replicas. They’ve created a distinct aesthetic and have introduced an angled wrist design on their gloves. This innovation offers improved fit for both small wrists, which benefit from a tighter glove, and larger wrists, thanks to the wider cuff accommodating thicker forearms—a dual victory, indeed.

I was oblivious to the brand until I saw a couple positive reviews popping up online for their newer boxing lines (could have been paid reviews, but who knows). Given their product range, it appears that Phenom initially dipped their toes into the MMA or kickboxing before pivoting towards the purist boxing market. This shift has proven fruitful, with notable figures like Anthony Joshua, George Kambosos Jr, Miguel Berchelt among their users. Phenom’s products have been adopted in both training and professional fights, highlighting their credibility.

Rival – “The Canadian Techie” ($50–160; Avg $120)

When I was first introduced to Rival in the mid-2000s, the brand stood out as quirky and different. Back then, the boxing glove landscape was dominated by tried-and-true offerings from American or Mexican brands like Title Boxing or Everlast, showcasing a no-frills, rugged aesthetic. Rival broke the mold with their flashy $80 gloves that were a stark contrast to the conventional, but their distinct style and steep price, saw them met with skepticism and limited to a niche market—mostly beginners.

Even purchasing a Rival product was somewhat of a rarity. Their gloves were scarcely found in boxing stores, with two or three online stores housing a few models. At the time, reputation was everything in the boxing gear industry, making fighters reluctant to gamble on an unproven $80 pair of gloves from Rival when trusted brands like Ringside were available.

However, as years passed, my perception of Rival changed significantly, particularly after seeing how much Canadian boxers were raving about the gloves. In Canadian boxing gyms, Rival gloves were everywhere, and for a good reason. I was particularly impressed with their headgear, which was ergonomically designed and comfortable. The realization dawned on me—Rival was a Canadian company, and they offered more than just flashy aesthetics.

The gloves themselves were also designed well, with distinct features for bag work or sparring. This attention to detail was refreshing as most boxing glove brands at the time were mostly selling multi-purpose “training gloves.” The high-quality gloves were very comfortable and seemed designed with the human hand in mind. Rival also took the concept of sizing seriously; their gloves ran small or lighter, meaning you might have to order an 18oz glove for a true 16oz feel.

Rival’s innovations went beyond design. Their new “D3O Intelli-Shock” tech brought much-needed novelty to boxing gear, offering improved padding and support. This new cushioning technology was a breath of fresh air in an industry saturated with similar products, and customers took note.

Around the same time, Rival’s fortunes seemed to improve in the U.S. as well. As the quality of American brands declined and MMA brands popularized aggressive designs, customers were increasingly open to trying something new. Rival, once seen as a wannabe, was becoming a trendy alternative known for its high quality, comfort, and innovation.

Notably, Rival’s high-end models are made with “microfiber,” which, though requiring a longer break-in period, supposedly offers more durability than leather. Despite their gloves being made in China, the brand has maintained a premium quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with reputable brands like Reyes. The fact that Rival produces its own gloves in a largely copycat industry further elevated its stature.

As Rival’s reputation grew, so did respect for the brand. With increasing numbers of professional fighters seen training and even competing in Rival gear, the brand transitioned from being a flashy outlier to a respected player in the market. Today, they’re worth considering for anyone seeking to break away from traditional brands, offering a focus on innovation rather than imitation.

Casanova (Now Necalli): “The Mexican Glove with Real Legacy” ($180)

Casanova gloves, once adored by world champions, suffered a tarnished reputation due to the demise of founder Arturo “Curo” Hernandez, and a ban in the US because of unattached thumbs. Despite these hurdles and the appearance of trendy competitors, Casanova remains a strong global player, particularly in Mexico. This Mexican boutique-like brand is sticking to its roots to regain its past glory.

These gloves are not flashy, they don’t have any gimmicky trademarked or patented ‘technology’, they are simply old-school gloves with real, honest quality. When you first open a Necalli glove box, you will know exactly why this glove is true quality. The smell of full grain Mexican leather hits you as soon as you open the box, and is something you will only find from high quality leather goods. The leather is not plastic looking—it is gently wrinkled and more thick than the average ‘genuine’ leather glove. However, the gloves’ true practical greatness comes from its shape. Although wearing this elongated glove may seem awkward, wait till you hit a heavybag with it. When you throw your first punch you will understand quality.

When I first used these gloves on an aqua bag, I had the pure luxury of hitting the bag at full strength without feeling the pain I usually feel with going full power on bags (largely due to having chronic index knuckle pain after multiple fractures). As many have said in reviews, at 16oz these gloves surpassed all others I had previously tried, including those of higher weight—the only other brand that I have worn that doesn’t lead to hand pain apart from Necalli’s gloves is Winning, and other Rival gloves with Winning foam pad inserts. Necalli’s thoughtfully designed shape, combined with premium materials and meticulous assembly, is really a testament to its unmatched level of comfort and support.

As compared to other renowned Mexican brands, Casanova firmly holds its ground. While I haven’t experienced all brands, many seem to hold on to traditional values of quality and durability. Reyes, another famed brand, has unfortunately seen a decrease in quality due to mass production.

Key attributes of Casanova gloves include their wide pocket, excellent wrist support, and high-quality construction. Initially, they may feel stiff, but regular use for a week or two brings out their comfort. Their dip in popularity, attributed to the unattached thumb ban, inadequate marketing, and many Mexican imposter widely available today, hasn’t dampened their quality and ambition to provide the best quality gloves money can buy.

GIL – Zepol’s stepson’s attempt to rebuilt family legacy” (~$170)

Zepol, a prominent Mexican boxing equipment brand known for its sleek design, high-quality leather, and craftsmanship, has had its fair share of changes. Since I came across the brand in 2015 and tried their products in 2018, I’ve found their distinctive features such as the narrow fist shape and ribbon laces appealing. The mystery surrounding the identity of the brand’s owners added intrigue – Zepol’s superior quality products were linked to the father of the Zepol family, whereas lesser-quality ones were associated with the son’s glove line. This duality ended with the passing of the father in 2017, bringing concerns about the brand’s quality. However, hope came in when the stepson,” introduced a new line under the his nickname “Gil.”

Gil, who learned the art of glove-making from Zepol father, has carried the legacy forward while establishing a traditional premium quality Mexican boxing glove.

GIL gloves retain Zepol’s retro look yet modern stitching and padding design, imitating a mid-century silhouette while featuring sleek lines and quality craftsmanship (these GIL gloves really manage to look new yet tasteful). The leather is strong and textured, characteristically Mexican, yet exudes a less chemical smell compared to others. The stitching is immaculate, and the details, such as the slim wrist padding, ribbon laces, and neat piping, lend the gloves a distinctive elegance.

The padding of these gloves aligns more with a dense, springy texture as opposed to a soft or spongy one. While it may feel less comfortable for those who prefer a softer, absorbing impact, I found them adequate for my needs. However, for those with delicate hands or powerful punches, they may require a bit more padding. Also, they may not be soft enough for sparring, contrary to some claims.

In terms of comfort, they adhere to the usual Mexican standard. Although the padding is slightly stiff, the gloves still provide strong fist support. Inside, the lining does not cover the fingertips which encounter the rough texture of the leather, but this doesn’t detract from the overall appeal.

Aside from the padding and lining, what stands out about GIL gloves are their customizable options, narrow fist shape, and stylish design. While they maintain a boxy appearance, they fit hands of various sizes comfortably. Some think of these GIL boxing gloves as softer and more comfortable than other Mexican brands, but I see them as typically stiff as other Mexican gloves. Many professional boxers in Mexico seem to prefer them, and although they have their downsides, such as less wrist support, and a rough interior lining, they retain a loyal following.

The “OTHER Mexicans” – Boxeo, Campeon, Casanova, Classics, JC Pacheco, Morales, Seyer, GIL, Palomares  ($50-150; $130)

Mexican boxing gloves, with their old school appeal and superior quality, are a favorite among many enthusiasts. These gloves, reminiscent of those worn by boxers of yesteryears, exude a handcrafted, artisan feel compared to mass-produced factory gloves. Mexican brands are also celebrated for their customizable color options, an enjoyable aspect that allows users to sport unique gloves unlike any other at the gym. This added layer of individuality has become addictive, often pushing users to accelerate their glove wear for a quicker justification of a new purchase. In response to the trend, numerous American brands like Rival, Adidas, Sting, and several Pakistan-based companies have started offering customization options.

Mexican gloves are primarily popular due to two reasons: the vintage-quality and custom color options. In the glove market, comparisons are inevitably drawn with the standard Mexican boxing glove, Reyes, and the premium Mexican-American glove, Grant. Opinions shared are generally influenced by user reviews and forum discussions.

Boxeo– Zepol’s Stepson’s Attempt to Rebuilt Family Legacy” (~$170)

Boxeo, while sporting a primitive shoe-box like appearance, has a reputation for quality materials, comfort, and excellent padding in the knuckle and wrist area. Despite its generous hand space being a contentious point among boxing gear nerds, it still receives consistent praise for its durability, glove shape, and the unique goat leather aroma.

What Boxeo lacks in its customization options (unlike other low-key Mexican boxing brands), Boxeo fully makes up for their quality, comfort, and protection. Boxeo gloves are perfect padding for sparring are Boxeo with padding similar to Reyes’.

Before I go any further I have to mention that Mexican leather quality often surpasses counterparts from countries like Pakistan, Thailand, and especially China. Zepol and Boxeo boxing gloves are lauded for their soft leather and natural latex padding, designed for longevity. I personally can’t believe how much quality is packed in this glove. The cherry on the top for the brand is the welted seams that they use. When it comes to wrist support, Boxeo gloves are one of the best. However, wrist flexibility flexible is often a personal choice for boxers who train for hours in the gym.

One key advantage of Mexican gloves over others is the feedback they provide upon contact. A solid punch is noticeably satisfying with Boxeo gloves and you feel like every punch you throw is perfectly positioned and perfect form. The late Manuel Moreno, maker of “Las Dos Emes,” was revered for crafting what were considered the best boxing gloves ever. Interestingly, the makers of Boxeo and Zepol used to work with him, carrying on his legacy of high-quality glove craftsmanship.

Most Mexican gloves are traditionally made with laces, and recent introduction of Velcro versions by brands like Boxeo may be a sign that they are caving in to the demands of boxers who may be too lazy to lace up gloves. For the same reason of laziness (or ‘convenience’) hybrid models that offer both laces and velcro have also been introduced.

Campeon– Zepol’s Stepson’s Attempt to Rebuilt Family Legacy” ($170)

Campeon is known for its narrower design, superior goat leather quality, exceptional comfort, and craftsmanship. The glove is well known for its wrist padding and tight wrist area that provide excellent support. Despite an external boxy look, the gloves fit tightly, making them one of the best Mexican-style boxing gloves for smaller hands.

When it comes to wrist support, Campeon (Boxeo and Casanova) stands out the most among Mexican boxing brands. However, keep in mind that some boxers might prefer a more flexible wrist like the one found on Zepol gloves for longer training sessions.

Keep in mind although Mexican professionals frequently use Winning for its superior protection and status symbol, old-school trainers prefer Campean, Boxeo, Zepol, and Casanova due to their durability. Campeon, Boxeo and Casanova offer good value for their no-nonsense appeal and durability, though they lack customization options.

However, for those of you indifferent to customization, Campeon and Boxeo are favorites due to their quality, comfort, and protection. While some people perceive Zepol as too soft, my top choices for sparring are Campeon, Boxeo, and Reyes (soft padding Reyes line) for their soft and spongy padding. The stiffness of the glove is a personal preference, with Boxeo and Zepol being the best gloves on a heavy bag.

PSA: Quality can fluctuate within Mexican brands, sometimes due to delays or changes in material suppliers. I have personally have not seen any material differences in quality of Boxeo gloves either from real-life interactions with those who wear Mexican gloves at my gym or from online reviews/forums.

Casanova – Zepol’s Stepson’s Attempt to Rebuilt Family Legacy” ($170)

Casanova is a renowned brand with a rich history. Famed for its wrist protection, excellent knuckle padding, and overall comfort, it is often preferred over Reyes due to its affordability. The brand’s wider pocket design caters well to users with smaller hands or wrists.

Seyer and JC Pacheco are particularly popular among fighters with smaller hands. Zepol and Boxeo are lauded for their soft leather and natural latex padding, designed for longevity, while the best velcro closure straps are found in Reyes and JC Pacheco. Preferences, however, vary widely. Some fighters like wide gloves for extra space and personal fit, while others favor a tighter, narrower fit, despite the additional break-in time. My personal revelation was discovering the comfort of a wide, boxy glove like Casanova, which contradicted my initial assumptions.

Mexican professionals frequently use Winning for its superior protection and status symbol, whereas trainers and gym owners prefer Zepol, Boxeo, Campeon, and Casanova due to their durability. Boxeo, Campeon, and Casanova offer good value for their no-nonsense appeal and durability, though they lack customization options.

When it comes to wrist support, Boxeo, Campeon, and Casanova stand out. However, keep in mind that some fighters might prefer a more flexible wrist like Zepol. Quality can fluctuate within Mexican brands, sometimes due to delays or changes in material suppliers.

Classics– Zepol’s Stepson’s Attempt to Rebuilt Family Legacy” ($170)

Classics, created by the son of the original Zepol creator, have improved over the years and now offer higher quality than Zepol. They are praised for their craftsmanship, comfortable thumb fit, and robust wrist support.

JC Pacheco – Zepol’s Stepson’s Attempt to Rebuilt Family Legacy” ($170)

JC Pacheco stands out for its for its own somewhat unique glove shape and extensive customization options. While the brand has faced complaints regarding quality control and delivery delays, their snug fit and solid wrist support are appreciated by boxers (who turn a blind eye to the brand’s faults).

Although some want Mexican boxing gloves for their shape and quality (like the quality of Boxeo, Classics or Seyer)  JC Pacheco are preferred by those seeking customization options. However, they differ significantly in aspects like being on the stiffer side in terms of padding, having inconsistent stitching, and poor paint finishes on custom logos.

Seyer: A No-Frills Grant Alternative ($170)

Seyer, established in 1938, was a top-notch Mexican glove brand before a dispute between the brothers led to the formation of Cleto Reyes. Despite a decline in quality over time, they are still favored for their sleek appearance and protective qualities.

Choosing a glove often comes down to shape and quality. Seyer is favored by those looking for an alternative to Grant, while Zepol and JC Pacheco are preferred by those seeking customization options. However, they differ significantly in aspects like padding stiffness, wrist support, and leather texture. Ultimately, fighters must consider their individual preferences.

TM Torres Medina: The Lesser-Known Mexican Brand (~$170)

This is a brand that I have personally never encountered but have heard great things about. Joan Torres is a well known Mexican glove distributor came out with his own brand in 2019 or 2020.  These gloves are considered some of the best Mexican gloves touting thick top grain leather, thick multilayer padding on the denser side and great a cuff for support. The inside felt nice and secure as well.

The Mexican craftsmanship is evident in these gloves with excellent, even stitching. The first few punches I threw felt solid, exuding the distinctive quality and stiffness of Mexican gloves. I’m thrilled with these gloves, and although I’ve not had much time with them, I look forward to sharing an updated review after a few more months.

These gloves offer great quality at a fair price, typical of Mexican products. More exotic leather options are available for those willing to pay more, and you can customize with metallic colors or embroidery for a small fee. The options seem limitless.

However, one aspect to consider is that these gloves, like many Mexican gloves, tend to weigh more than listed. A pair listed at 16oz may actually weigh 19oz. This discrepancy might be seen as beneficial for those who prefer extra padding, while others might consider it a disadvantage for sparring. This weight difference is due to Mexican glove sizing norms that prioritize size over exact weight. You can request a glove of a specific size and weight, as these gloves are handcrafted.

In terms of design, these gloves maintain a modernized box shape, giving them an authentic, old-school feel. They are stiffer than some gloves and require a bit of break-in time to reach optimal comfort. For boxers with larger hands or heavier weight, these gloves might feel too snug. However, if you enjoy the supportive feel of Mexican gloves, these could be the right fit for you.

One of their strong suits is the fist position – these gloves will make your punches feel powerful. The thumb is sleek and comfortable, contributing to the overall positive experience. A minor drawback might be the imperfect paint job, revealing their handcrafted origin. While I appreciate this authenticity, some might prefer a more manufactured, uniform look.

Beyond gloves, the manufacturer also crafts mitts, and possibly headgear and foul protectors. The company is receiving positive initial reviews, and improvements in leather quality and other aspects have been promised. The glove isn’t very well marketed and the logo looks very similar to Mayweather’s The Money Team (TMT) logo (the logo is slowly getting phased out, but still a little funny), but it takes nothing away from the glove’s seriousness.

Contact Juan Torres at: mexicombate@gmail.com

2.0 Adidas – The Upper-Echelon  of Adidas Boxing (~$150)

Like Everlast, Adidas also makes a second showing here on this review page simply because of their professional models. Unfortunately, their professional fighting gloves (which only come in small sizes like 8oz/10oz) and their newly released custom models are their only good models. You may be tempted to try other expensive models of Adidas but they are not true quality gloves. They simply have nice designs and should be avoided. The pro models are the only ones I see being used (and only in professional fighting).

I really don’t understand what it is about Adidas. I feel they’re too busy developing products for so many different sports that they can’t really focus on boxing. I really want to like them as I love their clean styling but their boxing gloves, unlike their shoes and headgear, are really disappointing. Their gloves usually don’t come close to any of the top brands, aren’t innovative at all, and are priced too high in my opinion. I also don’t like that you only find their cheap gear in sports chain stores and department stores across Europe.

Top Tier Gloves – Handcrafted, Premium Quality, and/or Professional/Customizable Gloves)

These are the only real hardcore brands. Everyone else is just screwing around trying to make money off the casuals. These brands are what the pros and all the most legitimate boxers use. If you have money and plan to box for a while, I seriously don’t recommend using any less than this grade of gear. Knowing what I know now, I would have been using these brands from day 1. They are expensive and you may pay a premium for them but they are worth it and they protect a very valuable part of your body. I’m telling you now: once you hurt your hands, they pretty much never go back to normal.

Winning – Legendary Japanese Quality ($350-510)

Winning gloves set the benchmark in boxing for their quality and comfort. They’re widely celebrated for their pillow-like feel and their capacity to eliminate hand pain, thanks to their innovative padding. However, the price point can be prohibitive for some, as they cost significantly more than standard gloves.

Their comfort doesn’t compromise their performance. Winning gloves indeed feel like pillows, putting the least amount of impact on your hand, and consequentially, on your opponent as well. Their high quality is evident in their craftsmanship, from the stitching to the paint-job finish. Their feel strikes a perfect balance between a factory-produced glove and a handcrafted piece. Their superior construction and performance make them the choice of professional and amateur boxers worldwide, particularly those with sensitive hands or previous injuries.

The secret to Winning gloves’ performance is likely in the padding and glove shape, which haven’t been successfully replicated despite attempts by competitors. Winning’s technologically advanced gloves are unparalleled in terms of cushioning and durability.

Winning’s marketing strategy is refreshingly straightforward. They don’t sponsor pros or employ gimmicky features. Their product speaks for itself, sold predominantly online, although some professional boxing gyms might also stock them.

To cap things off, Winning Gloves demonstrate pure excellence in protection, comfort, fit, durability, and stitching. Their leather quality is often favorably compared with other brands. The thumb positioning is designed for optimal protection and comfort, and the glove lining is incredibly smooth, preventing blisters. Moreover, like other luxury boxing brands, Winning does offer customization options directly. It’s worth noting that despite being handmade, slight differences can be found among different models, which might allow you to choose the most cushioned one when buying in person in Japan.

Di Nardo: “The Bugatti of Boxing” ($510 – $2,050)

Di Nardo gloves, crafted by the sole artisan Filippo Di Nardo De Leccese in Italy, are a unique blend of his family’s leather expertise, old school aesthetics, and innovative support structures. Unlike other gloves, which are made for durability or quick, cheap production, Di Nardo’s gloves are crafted with love and attention to detail. They are a testament to the expertise and passion that can only come from a master of the craft.

Di Nardo has innovated in areas that others haven’t even thought of. He has leveraged high-quality materials and decades of experience to create multi-layered gloves with an adaptive padding system. They are wrapped in several layers of sweat protection and covered with a leather shell that is also lined for extra sweat absorption. The entire glove is stitched together with kevlar threading and structured to deliver a punch that feels just right.

These gloves also boast an incredibly sleek design, making them the epitome of high-end fashion in the boxing world. Their visual appeal is reminiscent of top-tier Italian designer brands. When you see the richness of the materials and colors, you will understand that they are in a league of their own. The moment you throw a punch with these gloves, you’ll experience a unique, powerful impact sound, and feel top-notch wrist and knuckle protection.

Di Nardo also includes customization options for all gloves (except for those in the Worldwide line), with beautiful color choices and exotic materials. Di Nardo also crafts boxing shoes, though not advertised on the site. The gloves come in several padding options, suitable for training or professional fights. Moreover, Di Nardo designed his gloves with a re-padding option, adhering to his belief in the longevity of his product. You can visit his website for more details on padding replacement. For an in-depth review of Di Nardo gloves, complete with photos and videos, you can refer to my detailed Di Nardo Boxing Gloves Review.

Di Nardo CAESTUS 8oz-18oz (~$2,050)

This is the semi-rigid padding model when compared to the TUTELA model. The composition for the CAESTUS model is a mixture of horsehair sandwiched intricately in the middle of the EVA foam, with a total of four layers of padding quilted perfectly to protect the wrist, the hand, each knuckle, and each big knuckle. The quilting used by Di Nardo takes so much time to make, as this construction is so unbelievably intricate. It is also extremely purposeful, as you get multiple pieces of ‘armor’ tailored to the hand, as opposed to just having a single human sized ‘shield’. Also, having the four padding elements quilted together prevents the padding from sliding around after extensive use. It takes a bit of time to wear this glove in, but after time this glove becomes exceptional, and offers the best protection and comfort for any training glove on the market. There are things that are still kept secret about the glove. However, Di Nardo gloves have an immense amount of handcrafting behind them. Here’s a maddening example of one of the features used by Di Nardo: EVERY LAYER OF THE GLOVE HAS ITS OWN LINING: there is a polyester high quality 100% resin lining to protect the glove from sweat on the inside leather exterior, and a polyamide and silver lining that completely wraps around the padding (including the thumb and palm). This glove is extremely durable, and it can take years before you need to refill your gloves for free with Di Nardo’s single. free glove re-padding option that comes with the Atelier line.

Grant – A Mexican Luxury Glove ($500 – $1,100)

In 1995, Elvis Grant likely envisioned superior Mexican boxing gloves tailored for the American market. Mexican gloves were then, and possibly still are, professionals’ go-to gloves due to their compact form and maximal power transfer. Grant wanted to keep these qualities, while incorporating attractive custom designs and enhanced padding.

Made in Mexico, Grant gloves maintain their Mexican roots, featuring a streamlined design and powerful hit, but are distinctive for their extra padding across the hand, wrist, and forearm areas. Despite rumors that these gloves are manufactured by local Mexican companies, they gained a reputation as some of the highest-quality boxing gloves available.

When I first used this pair that belonged to a pro boxer fellow gym member, their craftsmanship and padding were extraordinary. They soon became professionals’ second choice for fights, trailing Reyes and ahead of Winning. In training, Winning was dominant, while Grant provided a balance between Reyes’ power and Winning’s cushioning. This made them a popular choice among boxers with hand problems, such as Floyd Mayweather.

Two hurdles kept Grant from the top spot. Firstly, their desire to remain a boutique brand meant their gloves were only available for custom order directly from the company. Secondly, their high prices and long wait times for orders further deterred potential customers.

In the present day, Grant’s gloves have seen a decline. Though they’re still among the top three for pro fight gloves, they’re no longer preferred for training due to their high cost, lower quality, and deteriorating customer service. Many argue that their price tag of $500-1000 exceeds their actual worth, pointing to subpar stitching and inferior leather quality.

While Grant gloves still have merits, I don’t recommend training with them considering their $500+ price tag. There are other Mexican brands offering similar quality and customization options at a fraction of the cost.

PSA: Unless you’re a professional boxer with a good agent or big name, Grant has poor delivery and is now known for unresponsiveness to emails. Stitching quality leaves much to be desired, and more cases have been mentioned where Velcro detaches quite shortly after purchase. However, the overall quality is still fairly high; they might be worth ~$200 in terms of quality. Some people find Grant gloves stiff, making it hard to make a fist, suggesting a possible break-in period. The construction quality of Grant is considered to be, at best, equal to or slightly less than that of Reyes, although they offer more hand protection. They do make beautiful custom glove designs, which can be viewed on their Instagram page for inspiration. You can sometimes find Grant gloves in stores, but by doing so, you miss out on the chance to customize your design. It’s recommended to order directly from them, but be prepared for potentially long wait times.

Grant Boxing Glove ($500 & up)

This may be a hot take, but if you want a custom glove for training, Grant gloves are not your best bet. The previously mentioned custom high-quality Mexican Premium gloves may be better for everday training (gloves from Classics, JC Pacheco TM Torres, etc.). However, you may not get the exact shine or exotic materials as you can for Grant. If you are willing to spend $500, be my guest and buy these. Also, the triple cuff versions are quite popular for training (not so much for pro competition). I added a picture of the tripe ribbed cuff Grant boxing gloves for reference.

Fly Sports: “Aston Martin of Boxing Gloves” ($400-450)

Apologies for another luxury car reference, I just couldn’t find a better analogy for these gloves. UK’s Fly Sports entered the scene around 2016 or 2017. While early models had a striking resemblance to Di Nardo’s designs, leading some to label them as “copycat gloves”, Fly quickly gained popularity due to their visually appealing designs, despite some worrying craftsmanship issues and several model revisions. Unlike the usual sturdy, boot-like boxing gloves, Fly gloves are soft and malleable, comparable to plush slippers. They feel more like a soft sponge than a dense foam, offering a unique luxurious and comfortable feel that unfortunately may be too unprotective for those with hand issues or lots of heavybag usage.

Being softer than Winning’s, these gloves are setting a new softness standard in boxing gloves. That’s not necessarily a great thing for all, as their protection efficacy can vary – while Fly might be preferred in sparring scenarios, Winning could be the go-to for heavy bag work.

Fly’s craftsmanship is impressive, marked by neat stitching, precisely tucked leather, and subtly piped edges used as a color accent which make them look like a well-crafted Aston Martin.  Key points about Fly include their unique soft padding and oddly super-soft grip-bar, superior stitching, and noticeable design influences from Di Nardo, Winning, and Grant. They offer their older Di Nardo-like versions for those who prefer them, but be cautious of fake Fly gloves. They continue to develop and refine their unique design, moving away from outright emulation.

Areas of Improvement:

• Lack of “structural support”: Fly’s gloves are so soft that the feeling of a reinforcing bar running down the wrists is absent, likely due to the supple leather, padding, and construction method.
• Soft, thin piping: Unlike other gloves, Fly’s piping might be too soft and thin to provide the necessary wrist support. Experimenting with stiffer piping or integrating a denser foam layer within the soft foam might enhance the balance of plushness and structural support.

Fly gloves, similar to most Mexican brands, have a snug fit. Despite this, it doesn’t necessarily mean they offer inferior wrist support. Winning may seem more supportive for straight punches due to its firmer structure and thicker foam, while Fly holds its own, providing impressive support, particularly when throwing hooks.