Last Updated on March 10, 2024
Kickboxing is a great way to build full-body strength. Whereas boxing focuses on arm strength and power, kickboxing combines lower and upper body strength and balance.
But that’s not all. The best gloves for kickboxing will also be tailored to the sport. I know that when I go to a kickboxing class, I definitely prefer my own pair of gloves to the sweaty interior of shared gym gloves.
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 | ||
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1. RDX MMA Gloves | Editor's Pick |
Excellent Features
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2. Sanabul Essential Gel Kickboxing Gloves | Best For Intense Training |
Hardcore
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3. Nayoya Weighted Gloves | Best Weighted |
Popular Wellness Brand
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4. Anthem Athletics STORMBRINGER | Best For High Impact |
Triple Density PU Foam
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5. SUTEN MMA Gloves | Best For Noobs |
Extra Thumb Protection
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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. The Polymax contoured Tri-Slab P3 padding is basically gel-infused padding inside the glove, which absorbs shock and protects your hands and 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.
These gloves have moisture-wicking micro fabric, which quickly absorbs your sweat on the inside of the gloves and allows it to evaporate through the material.
Without sweat build-up, you won’t be at risk of your gloves slipping during exercise, and there will be fewer bacteria and odor build-up.
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.
The slightly bulkier design means they can stand up to more pressure but are still thinner than boxing gloves, so you will have to take extra care if you are using them for regular boxing as well as kickboxing.
For kickboxing alone, they provide impressive gel impact protection, which lets you feel the impact of your hits without the pain.
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. This will improve your balance and aim to make sure that each move exerts maximum impact.
The leather material is also super durable and a more traditional option for hardcore gloves.
Pros
- Affordable
- Super durable 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 kickboxing gloves for building upper body strength 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.
Adding a little resistance to your kickboxing is a great way to build upper body strength faster if you feel that you are lacking power. These gloves can also be used to add resistance to a whole range of cardio and body-weighted exercises just by continuing to wear them throughout your workout.
The only downside is that you can’t add more weight for greater resistance.
As well as toning your arms and shoulders, the Nayoya weighted gloves help improve speed and coordination. They are cushioned and comfortable to wear, 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
- Build upper body strength
Cons
- Only one size
- Only one color
- Cannot adjust the weight
They come in one size, which is designed to fit all, and in vibrant turquoise color. They are also made by a popular wellness brand and are made to improve your training, make you feel stronger, and help you to burn more calories with every kickboxing class.
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, despite being boxing gloves, some customers have found that they can’t take on the pressure of sparring and leave the knuckles feeling sore. There should be plenty of padding for kickboxing as you won’t be continuously using your hands, and the PU foam is designed for maximum impact absorption.
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 will hold your hand in the correct position and provide extra protection for your thumbs when jarring without decreasing movability. They have extra padding around the thumb socket and longer fabric to accommodate the whole thumb.
They also provide extra support for the wrist with an easy elastic wrap that fastens with Velcro. The extra support makes these a great option for a range of classes, including cardio and training bags, as well as kickboxing.
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.
You might find that the bulky padding between the fingers can get in the way, but you’ll be grateful for the much-needed support during kickboxing classes.
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.
For this very affordable price, you can’t expect the best quality manufacturing. In spite of this, they offer decent padding with 8mm EV lining pads.
These pads protect the backs of your hands as the impact is released through the open finger holes. The design also keeps you cool with sweat absorbent material and a hollow flexible shape.
However, this padding might not be enough for hardcore training, for example, with punching bags.
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 are a great option for training and competing in kickboxing as they offer protection whilst still giving your hands the freedom to move.
They protect the knuckles during sparring, but some customers have found that the padding isn’t thick enough for hard hits. 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 made from high-quality leather, which makes them similar to boxing gloves. They also have extra padding over the whole hand to protect you from impact at any angle.
Although these are a high-quality option, they might not be the best for professional boxers because the Velcro strap doesn’t ensure a tight fit like lace can.
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.
However, some have found that the harder padding of Fairtex can be a little rough on your opponent, so although your hands will be protected, you might want to take care when using these against someone.
As well as the high-quality leather exterior, which you would expect from gloves in this higher price range, these kickboxing gloves are also made from microfiber, which prevents odor and absorbs sweat more quickly.
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
Although pro-style, Everlast Pro gloves aren’t quite pro quality but make a good option for beginners.
They are also the best kickboxing gloves for impact absorption because of their two layers of foam padding.
However, they are missing some strong thumb protection, which can be very dangerous when kickboxing. 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
A few of the gloves in this review can be used for both boxing and kickboxing, but there are some essential differences between the two types of gloves.
How Are Boxing Gloves Different?
Although some of the gloves here are also boxing gloves, they are primarily kickboxing gloves and won’t offer the same level of padding vs pure boxing gloves.
Boxing gloves are much thicker and made from very durable material, like leather, to protect both the glove and your hand from continued impact.
Why Kickboxing Gloves Are Necessary
In contrast, kickboxing uses your whole body. In your kickboxing class, you will be using both your lower body and upper body and working up a real sweat.
When practicing with your trainer, focus mitts are also beneficial for both you and him, especially when you're throwing high-impact punches.
For this reason, a lot of the gloves in this review are more breathable and offer less padding than a boxing glove. Some of them are finger-less or have open palms for more flexibility during your training.
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 are lacking upper body strength, a weighted glove can be a great option for building your arm muscles. The Nayoya Weighted Gloves have 1-pound weights per glove which adds a little resistance to your training.
Best for High Impact
Ideal for hardcore kickboxing, the Anthem Athletics STORMBRINGER gloves offer superior padding for extra support. These full gloves protect the whole hand much like the best pair of boxing gloves you can get but are thinner, offering the movability you need for kickboxing.
And again, for hardcore plays, wearing headgear offers added protection against high-impact hits.
Best for Wrist Support
A lot of the gloves in this review have wrist support, and if your gloves offer no support for your wrist, this can put you at a disadvantage. 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. It'd make a lot of good difference, especially in avoiding injuries.
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.
Polymax contoured Tri-Slab P3 padding offer superior shock absorption, and the Maya Hide synthetic material makes them one of the most durable options in this review.
Check out all of the options here to discover one that will help you to take on those kickboxing classes.