
Best Kickboxing Glove Reviews: Get The Right Pair For Your Next Training Session
Contents
- The 10 Best Kickboxing Gloves Reviewed
- 1. RDX MMA Gloves
- 2. Sanabul Essential Gel Kickboxing Gloves
- 3. Nayoya Weighted Gloves
- 4. Anthem Athletics STORMBRINGER Fight Gloves
- 5. SUTEN MMA Gloves
- 6. Glin Kickboxing Gloves
- 7. Cheerwing Half Finger Boxing Gloves
- 8. Twins Special Boxing Gloves
- 9. Fairtex Training Sparring Gloves
- 10. Everlast Pro Style MMA Grappling Gloves
- Kickboxing Gloves Vs Boxing Gloves
- How Are Boxing Gloves Different?
- Why Kickboxing Gloves Are Necessary
- Which Are The Right Kickboxing Gloves for Me?
- Best for Building Strength
- Best for High Impact
- Best for Wrist Support
- Conclusion
- Sources
Kickboxing is a great full-body workout. The CDC counts kickboxing classes as vigorous-intensity exercise, and it trains your legs, core, and balance along with your punches.
Having your own gloves also beats the sweaty interior of shared gym gloves. The CDC advises athletes not to share gear or items that touch the skin.
Now, it's time...
Check out the best kickboxing gloves in this review to really kick off your training. On top of that, have a closer look at my personal favorite, the RDX MMA Gloves, and let me know what you think.
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. RDX MMA Gloves | 1. RDX MMA Gloves Editor's Pick | Excellent Features - D-Cut Palm Side Design - Comfot & Breathability - Contoured Tri-Slab P3 Pad - Maya Hide - Moisture Wicking | Check Current Price |
| 2. Sanabul Essential Gel Kickboxing Gloves | 2. Sanabul Essential Gel Kickboxing Gloves Best For Intense Training | Hardcore - Gel Impact Protection - Thicker - Wrist Protection - Affordable | Check Current Price |
| 3. Nayoya Weighted Gloves | 3. Nayoya Weighted Gloves Best Weighted | Popular Wellness Brand - Adds Light Resistance - Neoprene - Cushion & Comfort - Weights 1 Lbs. Each | Check Current Price |
| 4. Anthem Athletics STORMBRINGER | 4. Anthem Athletics STORMBRINGER Best For High Impact | Triple Density PU Foam - Buffalo Leather - Max Impact Absorption - Padding Is Too Thin - Can Get Hot | Check Current Price |
| 5. SUTEN MMA Gloves | 5. SUTEN MMA Gloves Best For Noobs | Extra Thumb Protection - Contoured Mitts - Wrist Support - Not As Durable - Can Feel Bulky | Check Current Price |
The 10 Best Kickboxing Gloves Reviewed
1. RDX MMA Gloves
Our Verdict: Best Overall
Designed for martial arts, RDX MMA kickboxing gloves allow for breathability and freedom of movement that is going to keep you on top of your opponent.
They are made from Maya Hide synthetic material which is durable and long-lasting. RDX's contoured layered foam padding absorbs shock and protects your knuckles.
Also, they are easy to put on with a quick hook and loop closure and Velcro wrist strap for extra support. The D-cut palm-side design is great for grip as well as for allowing moisture to escape.
As well as their breathable design, these are one of the best boxing gloves for kickboxing because of the clever sweat absorption technology. Even when you’re not sharing gym gloves, your own gloves can get pretty sweaty during a kickboxing workout.
The moisture-wicking lining pulls sweat away from your hands so it can dry, which means less slipping and less odor.
Pros
- Flexible and breathable design
- High-quality Maya Hide material
- Wrist support
- Knuckle padding
- Moisture-wicking micro fabric
- Well-known brand
Cons
- Expensive
The flexible material used here is super durable, with reinforced stitching, whilst still being flexible and breathable enough to help you keep up with a fast-paced kickboxing class. This makes them the overall best gloves for kickboxing.
2. Sanabul Essential Gel Kickboxing Gloves
Our Verdict: Best for Intense Training
Although professional quality, these gloves are affordable and suitable for a range of exercises, including boxing and kickboxing.
Sanabul Essential Gel Kickboxing Gloves are the best kickboxing gloves for hardcore training.
Their slightly bulkier design stands up to hard training, and they work for boxing as well as kickboxing.
The gel-infused foam gives good impact protection for bag and pad work.
The problem with bulkier gloves is that they might not be as flexible as some of the other kickboxing gloves in this review. This means that they are also not as breathable and might be subject to more sweat build-up.
Luckily, these gloves have a mesh palm which allows a little more air to enter than thicker boxing gloves.
With several sizes to choose from and a snug fit, you will feel the benefit of these contoured gloves as they stick to the natural curves of the hand and don’t shift whilst you exercise. The synthetic leather shell is durable for the price.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable synthetic leather
- Wrist protection
- Gel impact protection
- Thicker for more hardcore training
- Can be used for boxing
- Range of sizes and colors
Cons
- Bulky
- Can get hot
There is wrist protection with a simple hook and loop closure which means you can take them off quickly when your hands get too hot. As well as a range of different sizes, you have lots of colors to choose from with the stylish black and colored detail design.
3. Nayoya Weighted Gloves
Our Verdict: Best Weighted Gloves
The best weighted gloves for shadowboxing are the Nayoya Weighted Gloves. As the name suggests, these kickboxing gloves come with 1-pound weights in each glove which is designed to add resistance to your workout.
They add a little resistance to shadowboxing and cardio moves. Use them for shadowboxing and cardio only, not for hitting bags, pads, or partners, since they have little padding and the extra weight adds strain on your shoulders and elbows.
The only downside is that you can’t add more weight for greater resistance.
The 1-pound weights add a light challenge for your shoulders. They are cushioned and comfortable, and the weight is light enough that you won't feel weighed down.
Made from neoprene, these gloves are both comfortable and durable and are easy to take on and off with a simple strap design. The strap allows for more breathability on the palms, but these gloves aren’t as advanced when it comes to sweat absorption technology as some other options in this review.
Pros
- Popular wellness brand
- 1-pound weight per glove
- Cushioned and comfortable
- Neoprene durable material
- Great for a range of exercises
- Adds light resistance to shadowboxing
Cons
- Only one size
- Only one color
- Cannot adjust the weight
- Not for bag or pad work
They come in one size, which is designed to fit all, and in vibrant turquoise color. They are an easy way to add a little more work to cardio kickboxing sessions.
4. Anthem Athletics STORMBRINGER Fight Gloves
Our Verdict: Best For High Impact
These STORMBRINGER kickboxing gloves can also be used as boxing gloves as they are thicker than some of the other options in this review.
They are made from high-quality buffalo leather, making them a lot more durable than synthetic materials and have additional padding. With the triple-density polyurethane foam and enhanced wrist protection, these are the best kickboxing gloves for high impact, thanks to the enhanced padding.
However, some customers found the padding too thin for sparring, leaving their knuckles sore. For sparring, choose 16 oz gloves with plenty of padding.
The problem with the extra padding is that you might get a bit hot during a full-body kickboxing class. Luckily, these gloves have a moisture-wicking lining, which should help keep you cool.
However, they are still not the most breathable option in this review.
Designed for Muay Thai, these high-quality gloves should keep you going through your kickboxing classes and hold up the test of time. They have an easy hook and loop Velcro fastener and come in several colors and three size options.
Pros
- Triple density PU foam padding
- Premium buffalo leather
- Maximum impact absorption
- Range of colors
- Three sizes
Cons
- Some customers have found they can be tight and uncomfortable on the thumbs
- Padding too thin for sparring
- Can get hot
Some customers have found that the smaller gloves can be very tight, but you have the option of 12 oz, 14 oz, and 16 oz gloves, so you should be able to find a size that fits you.
5. SUTEN MMA Gloves
Our Verdict: Best for Beginners
Made for a range of sports, SUTEN MMA Gloves are the best kickboxing gloves for beginners and a great option for extra thumb protection for those who are just learning how to throw the perfect punch.
With contoured mitts, these gloves hold your hand in position and protect your thumbs without limiting movement. They have extra padding around the thumb socket and longer fabric to accommodate the whole thumb.
They also support the wrist with an elastic wrap that fastens with Velcro, which suits cardio classes and light bag work.
With more room for your fingers to move, you will still be able to grip during strength and cardio training. These gloves are not as slim and light as other options, but this is because of the extra support they provide.
The padding between the fingers can feel bulky at first.
Pros
- Extra thumb protection
- Wrist strap
- Contoured for proper form
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as durable as other materials
- One size
- Can feel bulky
They also come in only one size, which is not so accommodating. In addition, they are not the most durable option, with some customers finding that the material doesn’t last as long as desired.
But they are a very economical option which is ideal for beginners who just want to try something out for their kickboxing class.
6. Glin Kickboxing Gloves
Our Verdict: Best for Women
Designed specifically for kickboxing but also useful for a number of exercises, including Taekwondo, martial arts, and grappling, these versatile gloves are breathable and allow the freedom of movement you need.
Glin Kickboxing Gloves are also the best kickboxing gloves for women because of the smaller sizes and tight fit.
Made from premium quality synthetic PU leather and Lycra, these kickboxing gloves are supposed to be built to last. However, some customers have experienced problems with the durability of these gloves as the stitching has been found to come undone.
At this low price, don't expect premium build quality. The thin foam padding covers the backs of your hands.
The open-finger design keeps your hands cooler and more flexible.
That thin padding is not enough for heavy bag work or sparring, so keep these for light cardio classes.
The separate thumb terry cloth also wipes away sweat and keeps the hands comfortable, while the adjustable magic wrist Velcro keeps the wrist protected and the gloves secure.
Pros
- Breathable design
- Synthetic leather
- Sweat absorption
- Suitable for men, women, and children
- Range of sizes
- Adjustable wrist protection
Cons
- Not as durable as other options
- Insufficient padding
- Can be smaller than the size guide indicates
These kickboxing gloves come in a range of sizes, but some customers have found the sizing guide to be inaccurate, meaning that the gloves are smaller than expected and can be a little tight.
7. Cheerwing Half Finger Boxing Gloves
Our Verdict: Best Wrist Support
These half-finger gloves give your hands freedom to move and suit light pad work and cardio classes.
They have some knuckle padding, but it is too thin for hard hits or sparring. The gloves leave a little room between the knuckle support and the fingers as they aren’t a tight fit.
They also come in just one size, so if you have smaller hands, they could leave a lot of room.
With synthetic leather, Cheerwing Half Finger gloves should be a more durable option, but some customers have also found that the stitching comes apart. In spite of this, they are good gloves for staying cool thanks to the perforation design of the palms, which leaves them open and allows air to circulate in the gloves.
Pros
- High-quality synthetic leather
- Affordable
- Wrist support
- Open palm for ventilation
Cons
- Some customers have found the stitching to be weak
- Don’t provide a lot of padding for the knuckles
They are also the best kickboxing gloves for wrist support, with an adjustable Velcro strap that keeps the gloves secure to your hand and your wrists stable, and come in a range of colors.
8. Twins Special Boxing Gloves
Our Verdict: Most Durable
For a more high-end option that can hold up to heavy use in boxing as well as kickboxing, Twins Special Gloves are the best kickboxing gloves for durability.
They are leather boxing gloves with thick padding over the whole hand.
Some boxers prefer lace-up gloves for the tightest fit, but Velcro is far more practical for training.
Having said that, these are still great gloves for kickboxing classes and training because the Velcro makes them easy to put on and take off. They are slightly more expensive but offer great knuckle protection for serious sparring.
Pros
- Range of sizes and colors
- Extra padding
- Leather material
- Easy to use Velcro
Cons
- Can be stiff
- Can get hot
- More expensive
Finally, they come in a range of sizes from 10 to 18 oz and in different colors. Some customers have found them to be a little tight but this could be a good thing as it will keep your gloves secure throughout your class.
9. Fairtex Training Sparring Gloves
Our Verdict: Best for Sparring
As the name suggests, these are the best kickboxing gloves for sparring with the help of extra-firm padding.
Some people find the firmer padding of Fairtex a little hard on training partners, so use a heavier size for sparring.
They have a quality leather exterior, as you'd expect at this price.
Although these aren’t a very breathable option, the material does help with overheating and excess sweat.
Pros
- All-purpose
- Great for sparring
- Premium leather
- Velcro strap and hook and loop closure for easy use
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard padding
- Not as tight-fitting
The Velcro strap and simple hook and loop closure make them easy to put on and take off, which is ideal for training. Finally, these stylish gloves come in a range of colors and patterns as well as size options from 8oz to 18oz to accommodate most.
10. Everlast Pro Style MMA Grappling Gloves
Our Verdict: Best Pro Style
Despite the name, Everlast Pro gloves aren't pro quality, but they are a decent option for beginners.
These are open-palm MMA-style gloves with two layers of foam over the knuckles.
However, they lack thumb protection, which raises the risk of jamming your thumb when punching. The gloves conform to the natural curves of the hand, and some customers have found them to be quite small, which keeps them secure even if they feel a bit tight on larger hands.
This well-known brand uses synthetic leather to make their gloves which are high quality and durable. They also incorporated EverDri technology to absorb more moisture and prevent bacteria build-up or odor.
However, they do come with a strong chemical odor to start with, which is always a bit of a letdown in exercise equipment.
Pros
- High-quality material
- EverDri technology
- Full wrist support
- Well-known brand
- Two layers of foam padding
Cons
- Strong chemical odor
- Little thumb protection
With a full wrist wrap for support and a hook and loop strap, which makes these gloves easy to take on and off, they are still a decent option despite the lack of thumb protection.
Kickboxing Gloves Vs Boxing Gloves
This review mixes several glove types, from full boxing-style gloves to open-palm MMA gloves and light fitness gloves, so it helps to know the differences.
How Are Boxing Gloves Different?
Kickboxing and Muay Thai gloves are very close to boxing gloves. They come in the same weights (usually 10 to 16 oz), but Muay Thai gloves often have a more flexible palm for clinching and catching kicks.
Open-palm MMA gloves and half-finger fitness gloves have far less padding. They are fine for cardio classes but not for heavy bag work or sparring.
Why Kickboxing Gloves Are Necessary
Kickboxing uses your whole body, and classes get sweaty, so breathability matters.
When practicing with your trainer, focus mitts are also beneficial for both you and him, especially when you're throwing high-impact punches.
That's why some gloves in this review are fingerless or open-palm. Choose those only for light work, and use full kickboxing or boxing gloves for bag work and sparring.
Check out this video for a quick look at the difference between the two:
Which Are The Right Kickboxing Gloves for Me?
There are a lot of high-quality options in this review, which makes picking a stand-out winner even more difficult. Here are a few individual differences that might make it easier to decide which are the best kickboxing gloves for you.
Best for Building Strength
If you are new to kickboxing and want a little extra challenge in shadowboxing, the Nayoya Weighted Gloves add 1 pound per hand. Don't hit bags or partners with them.
Best for High Impact
Ideal for hardcore kickboxing, the Anthem Athletics STORMBRINGER gloves offer good padding and full-hand coverage, much like the best pair of boxing gloves.
And again, for hardcore plays, wearing headgear offers added protection against high-impact hits.
Best for Wrist Support
Wrist support matters, because a bent wrist on impact can lead to a sprain. For the best wrist support, try the Cheerwing Boxing Gloves, which have an adjustable Velcro strap keeping them secure and tight to the wrist.
For even more wrist protection, a pair of hand wraps are well suited to go with your kickboxing gloves.
And may I also mention before we conclude, I strongly recommend that you get the best shoes for kickboxing, too. Good footwear helps with grip and balance.

Conclusion
With so many great options, choosing a standout winner was a challenge, but for me, it has to be the RDX MMA Gloves****. Although expensive, these gloves are well worth the investment if you are serious about kickboxing.
They really check all the boxes for durability, versatility, breathability, and everything you need for a great pair of kickboxing gloves.
Their layered padding absorbs shock well, and the Maya Hide synthetic leather makes them one of the most durable options in this review.
Whatever you pick, wear hand wraps under your gloves for bag work. Punching hard objects is the classic cause of a boxer's fracture.
Sources
- How to Measure Physical Activity Intensity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Athletes: MRSA Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Hand Fractures, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo)


