Unlike pad work or bag work, sparring can take a toll both on you and your sparring partner. After a while, hitting a hard surface such as a human’s body starts to hurt your hands, especially on the wrist and knuckles areas. On the other hand, your sparring partner should also be protected from full impact and power carried by your punches. This is where the best boxing gloves for sparring come in handy.
Boxing gloves for sparring are designed with more padding and protection for the fighters. They also provide more comfort and ventilation for the best fighting experience, even more than the best boxing gloves for men.
How to Choose the Best Gloves for Sparring
To answer the ultimate question, “What boxing gloves are good for sparring?”, they should meet all of the following requirements:
High-Quality Material
The best boxing gloves for sparring should be made of high-quality leather. Do take a look at the product’s detail and make sure they are made of high-quality leather that is durable and won’t crack under the heat.
Easy-to-Use yet Durable Straps
This factor is often overlooked. Durable straps make sure your gloves stay put while you throw punches. But they have to be easy to use as well so you won’t have difficulties in putting the gloves on and off.
Enough Ventilation
Those who have practiced Muay Thai in Thailand would know how much this factor means. Non-ventilated gloves will make your hands sweat uncomfortably underneath the padding. As a result, they stink so bad even after a couple practice sessions. A good pair of gloves should be well-ventilated, preferably with small holes to help your skin breathe.
Sparring Size
When it comes to choosing boxing gloves for sparring, always go one size higher than your regular boxing gloves. If you usually wear a pair of 10oz gloves for training, pick up the 12oz for sparring. This ensures enough padding to protect you and your sparring partner.
What’s the difference between boxing gloves and sparring gloves?
The design and shape are mostly the same. But sparring gloves are heavier as they come with more padding to protect both fighters. That said, some fighters prefer to wear MMA gloves for sparring as they give more freedom to move your hands and don’t weigh them down. Keep in mind that these MMA gloves are not meant for boxing and you should opt for them only if you have experience in MMA.
What oz gloves should I use for sparring?
It depends on your weight, but the heavier the better. Most brands provide gloves in sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16oz. The bigger the size, the more padding they come with, which means less impact on the punches, both for you and your sparring partner.
Gloves sized 8-10oz are recommended for those with less than 140lb weight and 5’5” height. Size 14oz is for those who weigh around 140-160lb and are 5’5”-5’8” tall. If you’re bigger and taller than those, go for size 16oz.
Sanabul Core Series Gel Boxing Gloves
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We start with a pair that is endorsed by some of the biggest names in UFC, from Mike Bisping, TJ Dillashaw, to Sean O’Malley. Without a doubt, Sanabul Core Series Gel Boxing Gloves is one of the best boxing gloves for sparring. If the UFC champs themselves vouch for its strength, rest assured that it will last for long.
Each pair emphasizes the interior more than the exterior. It features Gel Impact-Protection foam to disperse force equally across the punching surface. Besides, the mesh palm provides breathability. Your hands will stay dry and comfortable throughout the entire spar.
These gloves are made of durable and high-quality leather. Plus, they feature a natural arch design that fits the hand perfectly. Meanwhile, the Core-X Hook and Loop Closure System ensure wrist protection.
Available Size
10oz and 14oz (8oz and 12oz are currently unavailable)
Pros:
- Durable and high-quality material and lining
- Innovative Core-X wrist strap
- Breathable mesh palm
- Gel Impact-Protection
- Inexpensive
- Natural arch design
Cons:
- Limited choice of colors
Liberlupus Boxing Gloves
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Unlike most boxing gloves for sparring, Liberlupus offers a 30-day refund for every purchase. This way, you can return it if for some reason you’re not satisfied with your choice. As for the material, each pair is made of synthetic PU leather. This material provides flexibility, tear and crack resistance, as well as protection towards surface abrasion.
Meanwhile, the outer shell is made of microfiber leather. Liberlupus Boxing Gloves also feature three foam layers for protection and elasticity. The breathable mesh helps to ventilate sweat, which helps your hands to stay dry and you can spar comfortably. The unique cool pattern design makes the gloves look so sleek. On top of all, they come with widened straps, plus the hook and loop closure to support your wrist.
Available Size
10, 12, 14, and 16oz
Pros:
- Synthetic PU and microfiber leather
- Fairly price
- Comfortable
- Breathable mesh ventilation
- Sleek design
- Three foam layers padding
- Widened straps
Cons:
- Some considered the gloves are a tad small
Fairtex Muay Thai Boxing Gloves BGV9
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Fairtex Muay Thai Boxing Gloves BGV9 features three layered paddings around the hand and knuckle that provide great protection and shock absorption. This is important when it comes to finding the best boxing gloves for sparring. This feature protects your knuckles as well as your sparring partner from the power of your jabs.
Meanwhile, the ergonomically and unique contoured design fits comfortably on your hands. These gloves also feature extra-long Velcro straps to support your wrists and ensure the perfect fit. Made of premium quality leather, you can choose your favorite colors for each pair you purchase.
Available Size
12, 14, and 16oz (6 and 10 oz are currently unavailable)
Pros:
- Three-layered foam system
- Long Velcro strap
- Premium quality leather
- Fits comfortably
- Ergonomically and unique design
Cons:
- Requires a break-in period
- Expensive
Trideer Pro Grade Boxing Gloves
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What makes Trideer Pro Grade Boxing Gloves the best boxing gloves for sparring is simply the design. These gloves can be used both for sparring and bag work. With multi-density foam, each pair provides shock absorption and gives protection both for you and your partner.
Besides, the anatomic hand design perfectly fits your hands. That if you pick the right size, of course. Furthermore, your hands will stay dry, thanks to the breathable mesh over the palm. The faux leather material makes the gloves are easy to clean. Get a 30-day return window for every purchase!
Available Size
10 and 12oz (8, 14, and 16oz are currently unavailable)
Pros:
- Versatile
- Multi-density foam
- Anatomic hand design
- Breathable mesh
- 30-day return window
Cons:
- Some customers considered the gloves are too small
Venum Challenger 3.0 Sparring Gloves
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Next up is the brand every fighter should know. Though this product is more suitable for MMA sparring, Venum Challenger 3.0 Sparring Gloves provides more accuracy and comfort for boxing sparring as well. Each pair offers high-density foam padding that helps protect your hands and your sparring partner.
These gloves are made of high-quality semi-leather, making them durable and comfortable. For your wrist protection, the gloves are equipped with a large double Velcro enclosure. Since it’s designed as MMA gloves, you’ll have more ventilation for your hands. Do keep in mind that this type of gloves is not allowed in boxing competitions. For proper Venum boxing gloves, keep scrolling down.
Available Size
Medium, large, and extra-large (small is currently unavailable)
Pros:
- High-density foam
- Large double Velcro strap
- Durable high-quality semi-leather
- Comfortable
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Not for boxing competition
TITLE Gel Intense Training/Sparring Gloves
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TITLE Gel Intense Training/Sparring Gloves are multipurpose gloves. They’re good for both sparring and pad work. Equipped with elastic cuff sleeves, you can change it from bag gloves to sparring gloves and vice versa in seconds! One pair for all? Yes, please!
The multi-layered foam padding and exclusive Gel Enforced Lining® provide performance and protection. Not only do they fit great on your hands, but these gloves are also comfortable. Plus, they offer wrist support, thanks to the hook and loop closure strap. What’s more, the moisture-wicking hand compartment liner keeps your hands cool and dry during sparring. This combination makes them one of the best boxing gloves for sparring.
Available Size
12, 14, and 16oz
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Made of full-grain leather
- Moisture-wicking liner
- Versatile
- Removable elastic cuff sleeves
- Multi-layered foam padding
Cons:
- Limited color choices
- Expensive
Twins Gloves for Training and Sparring Boxing
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If you’ve been to a gym somewhere in Southeast Asia, chances are you’ve worn a pair of gloves from Twins. That’s because Twins Boxing Gloves are made by hands from premium 100% leather in Thailand, the land of Muay Thai. Rest assured that quality is what you get with this pair of boxing gloves for sparring.
These classy-looking gloves are also available in plenty of colors and designs to choose from, including the USA, as you can see in the picture below. The full Velcro wrist strap ensures protection while making it easy to wear and take them off. Meanwhile, the extra hand padding is perfect for heavy bag workouts and sparring.
Available Size
8, 10, 12, 14, and 16oz (all sizes for adults)
Pros:
- Handmade
- Durable 100% genuine leather material
- Fit perfectly and comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Full Velcro wrist wrap
- Multiple colors and sizes
- Classy looking gloves
Cons:
- Takes time to break-in
Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves
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A few important things make Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves the best boxing gloves for sparring. First, it’s made of durable PU leather construction and nylon lining. This guarantees that each pair will last at least a good couple of years with routine sparring. Second, the gloves feature a fully adjustable single Velcro strap. It fits securely and provides wrist support when you’re sparring.
Third, the gloves offer a pre-curved anatomical pocket with a grip bar and proper thumb position. These make the gloves comfortable and easy to wear. On top of that, the microfiber thumb allows you to keep the sweat off your face. Yes, it works like a towel! And the breathable mesh palm keeps your hands dry.
Available Size
16oz (10, 12, and 14oz are currently unavailable)
Pros:
- Breathable mesh palm
- Microfiber wipe-away thumb
- Anatomical design with grip bar
- Durable PU leather
- Adjustable Velcro strap
Cons:
- According to some customers, the gloves are a tad too small
CLETO REYES Training Gloves
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Cleto Reyes Training Gloves are specially handmade in Mexico from high-quality goatskin leather. Each pair is water-resistant on the outside while keeping your hands dry on the inside. This guarantees comfort whether you’re sparring or doing some heavy bag work.
Besides, the two inches of padding in the knuckles area gives your hand better protection. The gloves also feature an attached thumb to prevent thumb and eye injuries and a full hook and loop closure. It allows you to easily wear them and take them off. They’re available in multiple bright colors, including green, purple, blue, tiger orange, and yellow.
Available Size
12, 14, and 16oz (18oz is currently unavailable)
Pros:
- Handmade of quality goatskin
- Water repellent
- Two inches padding
- An attached thumb
- Velcro wrist strap
- Available in multi-color
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Some customers said the thumb area is too small
Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves Boxing glove
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Not only Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves is one of the best boxing gloves for sparring, but they’re also perfect for heavy bag training. These gloves are made of PU leather material with 2 1/4 inches of Injected Molded Foam (IMF) that gives you and your sparring partner protection. Plus, they’re durable and easy to clean.
The full hook and loop closure wrap provides wrist support and a convenient fit. Besides, the Stay-Dri Lining keeps your hand dry and cool during training. There’s also an attached thumb for even more safety and comfort. Get your favorite from the available colors, including blue/white, silver/white, gold/black.
Available Size
18oz (14 and 16oz are currently unavailable)
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Durable PU leather material
- Hook and hoop closure wrist strap
- Mesh palm and ventilation holes
- Attached thumb
- Injected Molded Foam
- Affordable and comfortable
Cons:
- Only big sizes available
Venum Contender Boxing Gloves
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If you’re looking for versatile best boxing gloves for sparring, Venum Contender Boxing Gloves is the best option. This one is the most standard and affordable of all Venum gloves. They also have the premium type which is handmade in Thailand. If you’re interested, take a look at this product’s page and scroll down to see their product comparison chart below.
Venum Contender Boxing Gloves is also good for heavy bag training, fitness class, or mitt work. These gloves are made of premium synthetic leather for extended life. Plus, the gloves fit perfectly fine, thanks to the large Velcro closure and the attached thumb. Meanwhile, the design features a curved anatomical shape with triple density foam. It provides shock absorption and protects your hands.
Available Size
8, 10, 12, 14, and 16oz (all sizes for adults)
Pros:
- Quality synthetic leather
- Versatile gloves
- Large Velcro closure
- Comfortable and affordable
- Triple density foam and attached thumb
- Available in several colors and sizes
Cons:
- Lack of breathability
Everlast Elite Pro Style Training Gloves
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Perfect for sparring or boxing cardio class, Everlast Elite Pro Style is made of premium synthetic leather. Besides, this brand is no joke when it comes to making the best boxing gloves, be it for sparring or for training. As you’ve probably known, many world-class boxers and fighters trust this brand throughout their careers.
What makes Elite Pro Style special is the technology behind its design. The EvercoolTM mesh palm ensures breathability that gives you comfort. Meanwhile, the cell foam technology gives protection and extra gripping power. The Velcro strap supports your hand wrist, though sadly it’s not a full strap.
Available Size
10, 12, 14, and 16oz (some sizes are only available in certain colors)
Pros:
- Premium synthetic leather
- Comfortable
- Inexpensive
- The breathable EvercoolTM mesh ventilation
- Available in several colors
Cons:
- Lack of wrist support
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
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And our pick for best boxing gloves for sparring goes to Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves. Each pair features a 5-layer technology foam, which absorbs impacts by dissipating energy. This means extra protection for your hands and your sparring partner’s body.
The Vylar leather material makes it durable to use for sparring. Meanwhile, the two interlocking wrist straps provide wrist support and a snug fit. There’s also a microfiber wipe-away thumb, which allows you to wipe the sweat off your face. We can vouch for how helpful this feature is! This easy to clean gloves are available in several colors, including black/gold, navy/yellow, and white/teal.
Available Size
10, 12, 14, 16, and 18oz (all sizes available for adults)
Pros:
- The wipe-away-sweat thumbs
- Dual X-Closure System wrist straps
- 5-layer technology foam
- Vylar leather material
- Comfortable and perfectly fit
Cons:
- Expensive
