Kickboxing is an exhilarating martial art that blends elements of boxing, karate, and Muay Thai into a high-energy workout. It's an amazing choice for boosting your fitness, mastering self-defense skills, and, of course, learning how to defend yourself!
If you're just stepping into this vibrant world, you might be curious about the essential gear to kickstart your journey.
A top priority on your list should be a quality pair of kickboxing gloves. In this guide, we will help walk you through selecting the perfect kickboxing gloves for beginners and share our top picks at Made4Fighters with you!
"Fighting is never good but sometimes necessary"
The Importance of Choosing the Right Kickboxing Gloves
Choosing the right pair of kickboxing gloves isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making sure you can perform at your best while staying safe. The right gloves will give your hands and wrists the protection they need, especially when you’re going hard on the bag.
Remember: The perfect gloves can truly elevate your training experience. They not only enhance your performance and minimise injury risks but also give your confidence a great boost.
What to Look for in Kickboxing Gloves
Before we get into our top Kickboxing gloves for beginners, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look out for:
Size: Kickboxing gloves typically range from 8 to 16 ounces. For beginners, a 10oz or 12 oz pair of boxing gloves is often a good choice. They offer a balance of speed and protection, making them suitable for both bag work and sparring for beginners.
Material: The material of kickboxing gloves can range from genuine leathers like Premium and Thai Leather, known for their durability and comfort, to more cost-effective alternatives like Synthetic Leather. While genuine leather gloves often come with a higher price tag, they offer a snug fit that adapts to your hand over time. Synthetic Leather kickboxing gloves, on the other hand, provide good durability and comfort at a more affordable price, making them ideal for beginners.
Wrist Support: Good wrist support is essential in a kickboxing glove. It helps to prevent wrist injuries, which are common in kickboxing. Look for gloves with a secure Velcro closure or a lace-up design for the best support.
Padding: The gloves should have sufficient foam padding to protect your hands and wrists from the impact of your punches. The padding should be evenly distributed across the glove, with extra padding around the knuckles.
Brand: The brand of the gloves can also be an important factor. Some brands are known for their high-quality gloves, like Fumetsu, Top Ten, Venum, Hayabusa T3 and others for their value for money. It's worth doing some research to find a brand that suits your needs and budget.
Top 5 Kickboxing Gloves
Now, let's look into the exciting part you've been waiting for! Here are some of our favourite picks for beginner kickboxing gloves:
Now that we've covered the basics of what to look for in kickboxing gloves and why they're important, let's take a closer look at some specific models that are ideal for beginners:
1. Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
Kicking off our list of top kickboxing gloves for beginners, we're excited to introduce a brand that's not just a big name in MMA, but also shines in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and other combat sports.
Meet the Venum Elite Boxing Gloves! These are a fantastic pick for anyone starting out in kickboxing. What makes them stand out? They're handmade in Thailand, a place renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in sports gear.
Yes, they might be on the pricier side compared to others on our list, but there's a good reason for that. These gloves boast a premium semi-leather construction, making them both durable and comfortable. A worthy investment for any kickboxer.
Sizes Available: 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz
Colour Ways Available: Black, Grey, White/Black, Black/White, Black/Gold White/Camo, Khaki/Camo, & more
Best for: Training & Sparring
2. Top Ten Fight Boxing Gloves
Up next on our list, let's talk about the Top Ten Fight Gloves!
Whether you're just dipping your toes into the world of kickboxing or you're a seasoned pro, chances are you've come across the name Top Ten.
These gloves are tailored specifically for the sport.
They come with a legacy, being AIBA-certified, a testament to their trust and reliability in global kickboxing competitions. Designed with both comfort and durability in mind, they feature a secure Velcro closure that provides excellent wrist support.
Plus, they're lightweight, which is fantastic for anyone looking to improve their speed and technique. A great choice for kickboxing enthusiasts of all levels!
Sizes Available: 10oz
Colour Ways Available: Black, White/Orange
Best for: Competitions & Sparring
3. 8 Weapons Unlimited 2.0 Boxing Gloves
Another standout in the Muay Thai world, but also known for their excellent kickboxing gloves, is 8 Weapons with their Unlimited Kickboxing Gloves.
Crafted from high-quality synthetic leather, these gloves are perfect for sparring, offering plenty of padding in the front to help prevent black eyes. The hook-and-loop closure ensures a snug, secure fit by fully wrapping around your wrist for added support.
Size recommendation:
10 ounces for use on the bag and pads
12-14 ounces for partner training
16 ounces for sparring
Sizes Available: 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz
Colour Ways Available: Olive/Black, Black/White, Black/Black
Best for: Sparring
4. Bytomic Performer Carbon Evo Boxing Gloves
Coming in at number 4 on our list are the Bytomic Performer Carbon Evo Gloves. It’s not just their elegant carbon design that stands out, but also the wide range of sizes they come in—from 4oz to 16oz, which is pretty rare and perfect if your buying for students!
These gloves are expertly crafted in the UK, showcasing top-tier quality and attention to detail.
They come with a handy hook & loop closure that ensures a snug fit without any hassle, letting you concentrate fully on your technique. This makes them an ideal choice for kickboxing gloves for beginners.
Sizes Available: 4oz, 6oz,8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz
Colour Ways Available: Black/Gold, Black/Black, Black/Red
Best for: Training & Sparring
5. Pro-Box Club Spar Boxing Gloves
And finally, but certainly not the least, let's shine the spotlight on the Pro-Box Sparring Gloves.
What's great about these gloves is how they manage to be friendly on the wallet while still offering a solid level of protection – a real win-win!
They are perfect for those just stepping into the kickboxing world or for clubs looking for quality gear that meets budget needs. Plus, these gloves feature a Taffeta waterproof lining, which is great for keeping them fresh and dry, ensuring a hygienic training experience every time.
Sizes Available: 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz
Colour Ways Available: Black/White, Blue/Black, Red/Black
Best for: Sparring & Light Bag Work
Beginners Tip: Switching between different types of gloves during your training can help you develop a well-rounded skill set. For example, you might use bag gloves for your bag work and heavier training gloves for your sparring sessions.
Understanding the Different Types of Kickboxing Gloves
There are several types of kickboxing gloves, each designed for a specific purpose. Here's a quick rundown:
- Bag Gloves: These are designed for bag work. They're typically lighter and less padded than other types of gloves, allowing you to work on your speed and technique.
- Training Gloves: These are all-purpose gloves that you can use for bag work, pad work, and light sparring. They're a great option if you're just starting out and want a pair of gloves that can do it all.
- Sparring Gloves: These are designed for sparring. They're heavier and more padded than other types of gloves to protect both you and your sparring partner.
- Competition Gloves: These are used in professional fights. They're typically lighter and less padded than sparring gloves to increase the impact of punches.
In addition to choosing the right gloves, it's also important to take steps to protect your hands and wrists. This might include wrapping your hands before training, doing exercises to strengthen your wrists, and using proper punching technique.
Our body protection collection and kickboxing shin guards offer additional gear to keep you safe during your training sessions.
As we wrap up, just keep a few things in mind when looking for kickboxing gloves for beginners like the size, material, and how comfy they are around your wrists. Plus, don't forget to look after your hands and wrists!
Kickboxing is such an exciting and fulfilling sport. With the right gloves, you're all set to train safely, get fit, learn some cool self-defence moves, kicking and striking moves and most importantly, have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are entry level boxing gloves?
Entry-level boxing gloves are designed for beginners who are just starting their journey in boxing or kickboxing. They are typically made from synthetic leather or hide leather, which offers good durability and comfort at a more affordable price. These gloves often have ample padding, especially around the knuckles, to provide protection as beginners learn proper punching technique.
What size boxing gloves should a woman get for kickboxing?
The size of boxing gloves is usually determined by the weight of the glove, not the gender of the user. For kickboxing, women typically use gloves ranging from 10 to 14 oz. The right size for you depends on your body weight and the type of training you're doing. For instance, heavier gloves (14 oz and up) are generally used for sparring to provide more protection, while lighter gloves (10-12 oz) are used for bag work to improve speed and technique.
How many pairs of kickboxing gloves should I own?
The number of gloves you should own depends on the variety of your training. If you're doing both bag work and sparring, it's a good idea to have a pair of bag gloves and a pair of sparring gloves.
How many Oz should kickboxing gloves be?
Kickboxing gloves typically range from 10 to 16 oz. Beginners usually start with 12 to 14 oz gloves, which provide a good balance of speed and protection. As you gain experience and start sparring, you might want to switch to heavier gloves (16 oz) for added protection.
Do you have to be in shape to start kickboxing?
No, you don't have to be in shape to start kickboxing. Kickboxing is a great way to get in shape, as it provides a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. As with any new exercise regimen, it's a good idea to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as your fitness improves.
