Getting started in boxing can be overwhelming especially when it comes to picking your first pair of gloves.
As a beginner, you want gloves that protect your hands, feel comfortable, fit right, and won’t slow down your progress.
In this guide, we break down the best boxing gloves for beginners based on real testing, user experience, durability, and overall value. For beginners we know getting into boxing can feel like a big leap and making that leap some may even be more price conscious than others so whether you’re training on the heavy bag, in classes, or thinking about getting into starting sparring down the road, these beginner-friendly gloves will help you build a solid foundation.
What Beginners Need in Boxing Gloves
When you’re new to boxing, your body is still learning proper mechanics. Gloves that offer extra padding and solid wrist support help protect your joints as you build technique. Beginner gloves often prioritize comfort and versatility which means they are usable for light sparring, bag work, and mitt work, without having to costing a fortune. We ran into this issue a couple of years ago when we got into doing more striking work. When we went to Reddit for help, we were met with options that were $400+… so that is why this guide exists!
Choosing gloves that feel good and help you develop correct form matters more than chasing the most expensive pair and we have proven that through our testing process on each glove we have bought to date.
For a complete breakdown of all glove categories, see our Best Boxing Gloves guide
Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners
Here are the choices we would go with if you were freshly getting in to the sport of boxing
🥇 Best All-Around Beginner Gloves
MK1 Boxing Gloves
After running a dozen different pairs through our usual abuse, the MK1s stand out as the clear champ for one of the best overall boxing gloves to go with. For most beginners boxers, the hook-and-loop model is the smarter pick versus the lace up, they are easier to get on and off in between sessions and still off the same level or protection as the lace up.
Check out our full review here
Full-grain leather, broken-in from day one. Snug micro-liner, shock-soaking foam that still lets you feel each punch, and perfect weight balance for bag work or sparring—pro performance, zero break-in.
Our score: We initially stamped these at 9.4/10, but after more rounds, they’re flirting with a 9.7+—we’ve yet to find a glove that nails comfort, protection, and craftsmanship quite this well.
- Lace-Up and Hook & Loop Options
- Comfortable AF
- Top-Tier Knuckle & Wrist Support
Cons
- Still a little bit on the higher price point for beginner friendly options but they range from $185 to $200
🥈 Best Beginner Gloves for Multi-Use
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
Despite mixed opinions online, our hands-on testing showed these gloves perform very well for beginners.
They have dual wraps around the wrist, offering some of the best wrist support for boxing gloves that we have tried to date and would ideally be best for bag work or light sparring. If you do decide to spar with these gloves, do yourself a favor and get the higher oz options. It is not good for you or your partner to spar with lighter oz gloves because thats how people’s noses get broken.
Check out our full review here
- Could wear these without hand wraps (how good they felt)
- Reinforced wrist support
- High-quality product
- Comfy AF
- Great design options
Cons
- A lot of people on Reddit will tell you these are bad gloves but after trying them they are liars
- Still higher priced sitting at about $159
Best Value Beginner Gloves (~$100)
Top King Boxing Gloves
If you’re looking for gloves that emphasize knuckle protection and don’t break the bank, Top King is an outstanding choice.
The big standout for me was the comfort around the knuckles and the quality of the glove overall. If there was any area of improvement for me, I would say enhancing the wrist support.
For $100, this is a great pair to have in your collection and one that will last you a very long time. Top King is known for their attention to detail, quality of material, and knuckle protection that they have to offer for new and experienced fighters.
Check out our full review here
If you’re looking for gloves that emphasize knuckle protection and don’t break the bank, Top King is an outstanding choice. The big standout for me was the comfort around the knuckles and the quality of the glove overall. If there was any area of improvement for me, I would say enhancing the wrist support. For $100, this is a great pair to have in your collection.
- $50 less than the price of Hayabusa gloves
- High-quality leather
- Sewn-in wrist wraps for better support
- Top-tier knuckle padding for enhanced protection
Cons
- Lacks the double wrist support compared to Hayabusa
- Interior could be a bit more comfy
- May wear and tear a bit quicker
Fairtex BGV16 Boxing Gloves
I was impressed by the BGV16 Fairtex gloves and would feel comfortable recommending them to those that are trying to be a bit more budget conscious when choosing a boxing glove.
These gloves are hands-down among my best-looking gloves and offer great knuckle protection, cushioning, and an overall feel that competes with the best on our Best Boxing Glove list. My only real concern is their slightly weaker wrist support, which keeps them just below our top-rated options.
Check out our full review here
On the Graveyard Scale, these gloves scored an 8.8 out of 10.
- High-quality leather
- Awesome colorways to choose from
- $100 to $130 (depending on whether you buy from Amazon or their Website)
- Great Support around the knuckle area
- Fits well around the hands with little wiggle room
- Comfortable inside
Cons
- Lacks the wrist support I personally look for
Also Good Beginner Options
Fairtex BGV 9 Boxing Gloves
The Fairtex BGV9 Boxing Glove stands out as a versatile, well-crafted option that performs especially well in Muay Thai settings but still can be used in boxing. The glove balances durability, comfort, and function, earning it an above-average rating on the Graveyard Scale.
Its slightly more open palm design makes it ideal for Thai fighters who need to catch kicks, clinch, and block effectively, though pure boxers may find it less specialized than traditional Western-style gloves.
Check out our full review here
Cons
- Slightly stiffer feel at first; requires some break-in time
- Lacks top-tier wrist support like other gloves on our list
Quick Size Guide for Beginners
As a beginner, most athletes start with 14oz or 16oz gloves. Heavier gloves provide more padding and help protect your hands while you develop technique. If you’re focused exclusively on bag work and want lighter weight, 12oz can be okay — but 14oz–16oz is generally safer and more versatile for new boxers.
Best sizes for most beginners:
- 14oz – Common choice for general training
- 16oz – Safer for sparring, more padding
- 12oz – Good for light bag work / speed
How to Choose Your First Gloves (Checklist)
Choosing your first pair of boxing gloves does not have to be a crazy science.
Here is a quick checklist of categories to judge if a glove you choose is the right one for you:
- Comfort — does it feel good on your hands?
- Padding — enough to protect wrists and knuckles
- Brand quality — reliable padding and stitching
- Closure — Velcro is easier for beginners
- Price — you don’t need premium on your first pair
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap gloves okay for beginners?
Yes but prioritize protection and fit over price alone. Chasing the cheapest dollar glove will end up getting yourself hurt.
Do beginners need lace-up gloves?
Generally no, Velcro closures are easier to use. Plus, think about it like this… Are you going to keep asking the coach to help tie and untie your gloves in between rounds? That might get a bit awkward and they may get a bit annoyed having to tie and untie a newbies gloves because they chose the harder of the option to go with. Velcro will save you time and embarassment
What glove weight should a beginner choose?
14oz–16oz for most training and sparring comfort.
