The best Muay Thai gloves feature snug thumbs, solid wrist support, and rounder silhouettes with all-around foam padding, providing the flexibility needed for clinching. Choosing the right gloves depends on your hand size, shape, and comfort preferences. To help fighters of all levels, we’ve curated a list of top Muay Thai gloves with unique specifications.
In fact, 42% of acute hand injuries in combat sports stem from impacts that can be prevented by choosing the right gloves. From premium leather to enhanced padding and secure closures, these gloves vary in style, fit, and protective features. You don’t need to buy the most expensive pair—look for high-quality gloves, like the standout models by Infinitude Fight, known for superior performance and customer satisfaction this year.
INFO
Did you know? In the early 20th century, under King Rama VII’s reign, Muay Thai underwent significant modernization, introducing boxing rings and safety rules. The design of Muay Thai gloves we see today was actually influenced by Western boxing gloves!
Which Muay Thai Gloves are the Best? Top 12 Reviewed by Professionals
The best custom Muay Thai gloves enhance speed, protect your wrists, and offer ultimate comfort. Whether you’re training or competing, this list of premium gloves will help you find the perfect pair to match your needs and budget.
RDX Boxing Gloves for Muay Thai, Sparring, and Training – Superior Protection and Comfort
Hayabusa Boxing Gloves with Hand Wraps – Premium Protection & Stability for Muay Thai, Boxing, and Kickboxing
Venum Elite Boxing Gloves – Durable and Shock-Absorbing
Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves with IMF Tech – Enhanced Comfort and Protection
Fairtex BGV1 Muay Thai Boxing Training Gloves – Durable All-Round Protection
Everlast Elite Pro Style Training Gloves – Comfort and Protection for Sparring
Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves – Versatile Training for Kickboxing and Sparring
Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves – Comfort and Durability for Training and Sparring
CLETO REYES Professional Competition Boxing Gloves – Premium Quality for Champions
FIGHTR® Boxing Gloves – Maximum Protection and Stability for Training and Sparring
1. RDX Boxing Gloves for Muay Thai, Sparring, and Training
RDX Boxing Gloves are crafted for the ultimate sparring, kickboxing, and Muay Thai training experience. These gloves feature high-density padding to ensure maximum shock absorption, protecting your hands and wrists from impact. With an ergonomic design and enhanced wrist support, they deliver stability and precision with each strike. Made from durable materials with breathable ventilation, RDX gloves keep your hands cool and comfortable, even during intense sessions. Ideal for both beginners and pros, these gloves are built to elevate your training performance and provide lasting durability.
What we like
What we don’t like
2. Hayabusa Boxing Gloves with Hand Wraps
Starting your fitness journey with boxing can feel intimidating, but Hayabusa’s lineup, especially the S4 gloves, makes it much easier. The S4s feature splinted wrist padding that offers balanced comfort and support, ideal for beginners easing into the sport. Their ergonomic design aligns naturally with your hand, making it easy to form a fist during introductory routines. While there may be some wear on the thumb strap after extended use, these budget-friendly, engineered leather gloves offer solid durability and performance—perfect for anyone stepping into boxing as a new fitness adventure.
What we like
What we don’t like
3. Venum Elite Boxing Muay Thai Gloves
Strike confidently with the Elite Evo Boxing Gloves from Venum. Constructed with a durable microfiber polyurethane casing, these gloves are built to withstand intense sessions, making them a top choice for daily combat enthusiasts. Four layers of natural foam provide ample protection for bag work and sparring, while a perforated palm design ensures ventilation, keeping your hands cool with every jab and punch. Plus, their striking design adds visual appeal to your training gear.
Though these gloves perform well in both Muay Thai and boxing, the wrist cuff could offer more in terms of specialized support. While versatile for various workouts, those seeking top-tier stability and comfort may want to consider other options.
What we like
What we don’t like
4. Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves with IMF Tech
The Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves combine style and performance to make a statement in any boxing gym. With their eye-catching design and durable carbon-fiber-style synthetic exterior, these gloves are built to last punch after punch. A tapered wrap-around closure provides a secure wrist fit, enhancing stability during strikes. Meanwhile, the ventilated palm keeps your hands dry and comfortable as you train toward your best self.
While these gloves are a standout choice, they may be better suited for intermediate athletes. The plastic branding on the wrist cuff could cause minor scrapes during close sparring, and the firmer injection-molded foam may require some adjustment during heavy bag sessions.
What we like
What we don’t like
5. Fairtex BGV1 Muay Thai Boxing Training Gloves
If you’re looking to dive into the high-energy world of Muay Thai, the Fairtex BGV1 mitts are an excellent choice. Featuring a thick cowhide leather exterior, these gloves offer both security and durability during training. The sturdy yet flexible wrist wrap enhances performance in this demanding discipline, while reinforced stitching throughout ensures long-lasting quality.
However, if you’re transitioning from boxing gloves to these Fairtex BGV1s, be prepared for a different internal experience. There’s no grip bar, which allows for better hand flexion but lacks a grasping point for closed fists. Additionally, while the gloves utilize three layers of foam padding, the protection may feel somewhat thin. For this reason, I recommend newcomers to ease into bag work as they adjust to the unique feel of these premium combat gloves.
What we like
What we don’t like
6. Everlast Elite Pro Style Training Gloves
Gear up for your training sessions with the Everlast Elite Pro Style Training Gloves, expertly crafted for sparring and workouts. Made with durable synthetic leather, these gloves ensure longevity and performance in every punch. The multi-layer foam padding provides excellent shock absorption, protecting your hands and knuckles during intense training. The wraparound wrist strap offers a secure fit and added support, allowing for greater mobility and control. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned fighters, these gloves deliver comfort and reliability, making them a staple for any boxing enthusiast.
Pros
Cons
7. Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves
Train like a pro with the Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves, designed for both kickboxing and traditional boxing. Featuring a high-quality synthetic leather exterior, these gloves offer durability and a sleek look. The innovative gel-infused foam padding provides exceptional shock absorption, ensuring your hands remain protected during intense training sessions. With a secure hook-and-loop closure, they deliver a snug fit and added wrist support, enhancing your performance. Ideal for beginners and experienced fighters alike, these gloves combine comfort and functionality, making them a must-have for your training gear.
What we like
What we don’t like
8. Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves
Elevate your training with the Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves, designed for both comfort and performance. Made from high-quality synthetic leather, these gloves are built to withstand rigorous workouts while providing excellent durability. The multi-layered foam padding ensures optimal shock absorption, protecting your hands and knuckles during heavy bag work or sparring sessions. Featuring a secure hook-and-loop closure, these gloves offer a customizable fit and wrist support for enhanced stability. Suitable for both men and women, the Hawk Sports Boxing Gloves are perfect for fighters of all levels looking to improve their skills and technique.
What we like
What we don’t like
9. CLETO REYES Professional Competition Boxing Gloves
CLETO REYES Professional Competition Boxing Gloves are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and quality, favored by champions like Muhammad Ali. Founded in 1945 by Cleto Reyes in Mexico City, these handmade gloves are made from premium cow leather and feature extra-long laces for a customized fit and an attached thumb for optimal placement. Available in 8 or 10 ounces, they are perfect for competitive fighting, with lightweight padding composed of carded horsehair and polyurethane foam for both protection and powerful strikes. Water-resistant with a nylon lining, they require a break-in period but ultimately offer unmatched comfort and performance. Reviewers praise their responsiveness on the heavy bag and stylish appeal.
What we like
What we don’t like
5. FIGHTR® Boxing Gloves
Elevate your training with FIGHTR® Boxing Gloves, designed for maximum protection and stability. Constructed with durable synthetic leather, these gloves are built to withstand rigorous workouts while ensuring long-lasting performance. The multi-layered foam padding offers exceptional shock absorption, keeping your hands safe during intense sparring and bag work. Featuring an ergonomic design and a secure hook-and-loop closure, these gloves provide a snug fit that enhances wrist support and stability. Ideal for beginners and experienced fighters alike, the FIGHTR® Boxing Gloves are perfect for kickboxing, Muay Thai, and other striking disciplines.
What we like
What we don’t like
How We Selected the Best Boxing Muay Thai Gloves
To find the best boxing gloves on the market, we consulted three experts in the boxing field: Eduardo Perez, senior director of mixed combat arts and Pilates programs at LifeTime; Cedric Jones, owner of Beastie, a boxing gym in Manhattan Beach, California; and Cary Williams, boxing coach and CEO of Boxing & Barbells. Their insights helped us identify key features to look for in quality boxing gloves, including Muay Thai gloves.
Next, we researched and reviewed dozens of boxing gloves from top brands, focusing on fit, comfort, protection, value, and style. We also considered customer reviews to compile our final list of recommendations.
What to Look for in Boxing Gloves
Fit
A good pair of boxing gloves should be snug but not too tight, offering protection and security without restricting movement. Choosing the right size is crucial; gloves that are too tight can cut off circulation, while those that are too loose may allow your hands to shift inside.
Comfort
Regardless of your workout preference—whether it’s boxing, Muay Thai, or another form of exercise—comfort is key. Your gloves should feel good on your hands, allowing for fluid movements during jabs and crosses. If your gloves cause discomfort during training, it’s time to consider a different pair.
Protection
The primary purpose of boxing gloves is to protect your hands from the impact of punches. Look for gloves with sufficient foam padding and durable materials, such as leather or synthetic leather, to absorb shock effectively. Ensure that the gloves provide adequate protection, especially if you’re practicing Muay Thai, where strikes can be more forceful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I wash boxing gloves?
According to Perez, boxing gloves should be treated as personal items—much like shoes. Ideally, you should be the only user of your gloves. When it’s time to clean them, start by wiping down the outside with a gentle disinfectant.
“Since you’ll want to wear boxing hand wraps under the gloves, you can toss those in the washer to help keep your gloves clean,” says Williams.
You can also spray a disinfectant inside the glove, but make sure to leave them open to allow for proper drying.
How do I wrap boxing gloves?
Wrapping your boxing gloves is straightforward, as they usually come with a single fabric fastener. (The wraps worn inside the gloves can be more complex.) Williams advises that you should wrap your wrist with the hook-and-loop closure tight enough to minimize mobility but not so tight that it becomes uncomfortable.
How are boxing gloves supposed to fit?
“A glove should feel snug around the hand but not too tight,” says Williams. “If your hand floats around a lot in the glove, it’s too big.” Additionally, ensure that the wrist part doesn’t extend too far up your arm, as this can hinder circulation and decrease mobility. This is especially important for those practicing Muay Thai, where proper fit and support are crucial for performance and injury prevention.
Leave a Reply