Heavy bag training is all about power, impact, and durability. Unlike sparring gloves, bag gloves need:
- firmer padding
- dense foam
- strong wrist support
- durability against repeated impact
In this guide, we break down the best boxing gloves for heavy bag work based on real testing, padding density, build quality, and overall performance. Every recommendation below comes from gloves we’ve personally used or thoroughly reviewed.
For a complete breakdown across all training styles, see our Best Boxing Gloves guide.
What to Look for in Heavy Bag Boxing Gloves
Training on a heavy bag is different from sparring or mitt work. The glove you choose should:
Have Firm Padding
Harder padding absorbs repeated impact better and lasts longer.
- Softer gloves flatten quickly
- Medium-to-firm gloves maintain shape and protection
Ideal for:
- power punches
- heavy combinations
- repeated high-impact drills
Offer Excellent Wrist Support
Bag work generates a lot of wrist torque. On our lists for Top Boxing Gloves, strong wrist support is something we deliberately look at to make a glove rise or fall in the rankings. Good wrist support on boxing gloves help:
- prevent hyperextension
- distribute force
- keep your form strong
Wraps underneath are still recommended, even with supportive gloves.
Be Durable & Built for Repetition
Heavy bag work beats gloves up fast. Look for:
- high-quality leather or synthetic build
- reinforced seams
- resilient padding
Durability pays off, cheaper gloves often degrade quickly under heavy bag use.
Best Boxing Gloves for Heavy Bag Work Our Top Picks
Best Overall Heavy Bag Gloves
MK1 Boxing Gloves
The MK1s are our top choice for heavy bag work thanks to their firm padding, strong wrist support, and all-around durability.
These are ranked #1 on our list and sit at a good price to value ratio. They are a bit of a newer brand but for what it is worth, the gloves are as premium as they get. Overall, a very versatile glove that can be used for all kinds of situations if you get the proper sizes.
Why they’re excellent for bag work:
- Dense padding that holds up over time
- Excellent wrist stability
- Comfortable interior even through extended sessions
👉 Best choice if you want a glove that works great on bags and during training.
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
Video Review:
Best Heavy Bag Gloves for Power Work
Rival RB10 Boxing Gloves
One of our favorite gloves for heavy bag training, the Rival RB10s combine impactful foam with strong wrist security ideal when you’re doing power shots and heavy rounds.
Rival RB10 are crafted with intelli-shock foam so the gloves really give off that nice twack when they hit the bag. These gloves were literally crafted for work. Even on the Rival Boxing webiste it states the following (source):
These bag gloves must never be used for sparring or hitting another person. They are designed specifically for bag and punch mitt use only. The layered foam padding used in the construction of these bag gloves are of a hard, high density nature not intended for sparring.
Why they’re great:
- Balanced firmness + comfort
- Great longevity
- Strong construction for repeated bag impact
👉 Best for those focused on power and intensity.
Check out our full review here
From the moment we got our hands on this glove, we knew that these were some of the best gloves we now owned. They are extremely comfortable on the inside, aesthetically pleasing, with lots of colors to choose from, and built with durability and quality in mind.
We are giving these Rival Boxing Gloves a 9.5 out of 10 on the Graveyard Scale.
- Comfortability
- Excellent Wrist Support
- Perfect for Bag Work
Video Review:
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
Despite mixed opinions online, our hands-on testing showed these gloves are some of our favorites that we own.
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.
Why they’re great:
- Firmness & comfort are on par with all the top rated gloves
- Dual Wrist Support wraps (best in our opinion)
👉 Best for those focused on lower price, high quality and need the extra wrist support.
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
Video Review:
Best Budget Heavy Bag Option
Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
The Venum Elite gloves offer solid padding and wrist support at a lower price point making them a great choice if you want decent bag performance without premium cost.
These are not our personal favorites but for those on a budget these gloves serve as a great option to choose from.
Strengths:
- Firm foam with good shock absorption
- Secure fit
- Better longevity than many entry-level gloves
👉 Best value option for frequent bag users.
Check out our full review here
The Venum Elite Boxing Gloves were given an 8.55/10 using the Graveyard scale. We based it on quality, protection, price, and factors like design. Overall a great glove for the price that we paid, we would recommend this pair for beginners and those that are more budget conscious.
Other Good Heavy Bag Gloves (Worth Considering)
If you want more options worth your time:
Top King Boxing Gloves
Strong padding and durable construction — a solid alternative if you want something that performs well both on bags and in general training.
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
Fairtex BGV16 Boxing Gloves
Great all-around gloves with firm padding and strong materials, suitable for bag work and general training — though they shine more in training contexts.
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
Glove Weight for Heavy Bag Training
When it comes to bag work:
- 12oz gloves → Fast strikes, good for speed work
- 14oz gloves → Balanced weight for technique + impact
- 16oz gloves → Adds protection and padding for high-impact sessions
For most people, 14oz–16oz strikes the best balance on the heavy bag:
- protects hands
- reinforces correct mechanics
- prolongs training longevity
Quick Comparison Table (Heavy Bag Focus)
| Glove | Best For | Weight Options | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK1 Boxing Gloves | Best overall | 14/16oz | Excellent |
| Rival RB10 | Power bag work | 14/16oz | Excellent |
| Venum Elite | Budget | 12/14/16oz | Good |
| Top King | All-purpose | 14/16oz | Very Good |
| Fairtex BGV16 | Bag & training | 12/14/16oz | Very Good |
Heavy Bag Glove Training Tips
- It is recommended that you wrap your hands every time
- Rotate gloves if you train frequently to extend lifespan
- Clean gloves regularly to prevent odor and wear
Final Thoughts
Heavy bag work teaches power, timing, and conditioning but it also places the most stress on your gloves and joints. Picking the right gloves for bag training is just as important as picking the right technique. If you want a broader, complete look at all glove types including sparring and beginners, check out our Best Boxing Gloves guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gloves are best for heavy bag workouts?
Heavier gloves with firm padding (14oz or 16oz) are best for heavy bags because they protect your hands and maintain shape through repeated impact.
Can I use sparring gloves on the heavy bag?
Yes — but sparring gloves are generally softer. They can work, but for repeated heavy bag sessions, gloves with firmer padding perform better and last longer.
Are expensive gloves necessary for bag training?
Not always. Mid-range gloves (like MK1 or Rival RB10) often outperform very cheap gloves and provide better longevity and protection without a premium price.
