The Best Heavy Bag Gloves

Best Heavy Bag Gloves for Beginners: Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves

Best Heavy Gloves for Advanced Fighters: Winning MS600 Training Boxing Gloves

Best Heavy Bag Gloves Advanced Fighters on a Budget: Ringside IMF Tech Hook and Loop Boxing Gloves

With over 18 years of martial arts experience, you can say I know a thing or two about combat sports gear! One of the questions I consistently see online is whether the most popular brands are worth the hype. So, in this article, this is what I aim to answer – what are the best heavy bag gloves out there?

1. Best Heavy Bag Gloves for Beginners and Fighters on a Budget
Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves
Trideer Pro Grade Boxing Gloves
Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves
Elite Sports Kickboxing Bag Gloves
Ringside Apex Training Gloves
2. The Best Heavy Bag Gloves for Advanced Fighters
Winning MS600 Training Boxing Gloves
Ringside IMF Tech Hook and Loop Boxing Training Sparring Gloves
Twins Special Velcro Boxing Gloves
Venum Challenger Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
3. What type of Boxing Gloves do I need for Heavy Bag?
4. What Size Boxing Gloves Should You Buy?
5. What to Look for in a Good Pair of Heavy Bag Gloves
5.1. Construction Quality
5.2. Padding
5.3. Glove Fit
5.4. Breathability
5.5. Closure Type

1. Best Heavy Bag Gloves for Beginners and Fighters on a Budget

Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves

Everlast is one of the oldest and best known boxing brands, and their Pro Style Training Gloves are a great choice for beginners or fighters on a tighter budget.

Even though they’re not made of leather, they’re surprisingly durable, and will last you a very long time. Given the low price, the padding is very good, making sure your hands are protected during your heavy bag workout.

The palm area has a big breathable mesh, which gives them good breathability. This makes sure your sweaty hands won’t be distracting you from laying into that punching bag.

In terms of downsides, some users complain that they smell bad after use. But if you let them air out after training, they should be fine. Just don’t put them in your gym bag immediately after your workout.

Also, if you’re a very heavy hitter, then you might feel the padding getting thin, and you could start feeling your hands getting sore. If this feeling continues even when you have hand wraps on, then you should consider upgrading to a more heavy-duty pair of gloves like the The Ringside Apex Training Gloves.

But if you’re just starting out, then absolutely can’t go wrong with the Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves. I definitely think they’re the best heavy bag gloves for beginners.

Pros:

• Low price
• Very durable for non-leather gloves
• Easy to put on and off by yourself

Cons:

• Synthetic materials. Not the best breathability
• Not recommended for heavy bag work

More: Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves Review

Trideer Pro Grade Boxing Gloves

The Trideer Pro Grade Boxing Gloves are another good option if you’re a beginner or just don’t want to spare the cash for more expensive heavy bag gloves. They’ve got multi-layered foam padding, which means they’re very soft. This is ideal for a pair of bag gloves, as you definitely need the hand protection.

Even though they’re made of synthetic leather, they’re very durable. Although they have only three little air holes on the palm area, they still have very good breathability. This will prevent your hands from getting too sweaty and distract you during training.

On the con side, the padding starts off a little stiff. So they’ll need some breaking in before they start to feel really comfortable. A couple of heavy bag sessions should do the trick. 

Overall, the Trideer Pro Grade Boxing Gloves offer great value for money, and I definitely recommend them as a great pair of heavy bag gloves if you’re a beginner, or are just on a tighter budget.

Pros:

• Very low price
• Good durability for the price
• Great wrist flexibility
• Good breathability

Cons:

• Weaker wrist support
• Not a good choice for bag work

Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves

Like Trideer, Sanabul are a relative new-comer to the world of combat sports gear. But that doesn’t stop them from making some great gear at an affordable price.

Their Essential Gel Boxing gloves are a prime example of that. They use gel padding, which will fit around your hand and feel very supportive when you punch. They do start a little stiff, though, so you’ll have to break them in a little.

They’ve also available in lots of different styles, so you’re bound to find a pair you like! Other than that, they’re very durable for the price, and the mesh on the palm of the hand offers really good breathability. Overall, a solid pair of beginner gloves.

Pros:

• Good value for money
• Good breathability
• Wide range of designs

Cons:

• Some users found the gloves very tight
• Not the best wrist support

More: Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Gloves Review

Elite Sports Kickboxing Bag Gloves

The Elite Kickboxing Bag Gloves are another good pair of entry-level bag gloves. They’ve got gel and foam padding that  can help protect your hands during heavy bag work. Initially, they might not give you a lot of flexibility, but after you break them in, it shouldn’t be an issue.

They have a tight velcro strap which loops around and gives you better wrist support when punching. They’ve also got a cooling mesh, giving you good breathability. They’ll still get sweaty, but they won’t feel so hot that they distract you from wailing on that punching bag.

They do have some disadvantages, of course. For one, they’re made of synthetic leather, so they won’t last you as long as a pair made of real leather. 

Also, the hand portion is a bit stiff, making it hard to open and close your hand. So, if you want to use them for sparring, this will make blocking more difficult. But if you’re only using them on the heavy bag, then this shouldn’t be a problem.

So if you’re looking for a pair of entry-level bag gloves, or you just don’t want to spend as much, the Elite Sports Kickboxing Gloves give you a great bang for your buck!

Pros:

• Soft padding – protects your hands
• Very good for bag work
• Good wrist support
• Good breathability
• Sleek design. Lots of colors and sizes

Cons:

• A bit top-heavy. You might need some time to adjust to the balance
• Extra padding makes it hard to open and close your hand. Need breaking in
• Synthetic material; won’t be as durable as leather gloves

Ringside Apex Training Gloves

The Ringside Apex Training Gloves are a more high-end choice when it comes to entry-level heavy bag gloves. They’ve got really good knuckle protection and wrist support. They’re big, and have lots of padding. This makes them ideal for heavy bag work, because that padding will make sure that your hands are protected against injuries.

They offer decent breathability, although they aren’t as breathable as more expensive heavy bag gloves. Still, their cooling mesh and ventilation hole make sure your hands won’t get hot and sweaty too early on in your workout.

Overall, they’re a great choice for beginners who don’t mind spending a bit more on their sports gear.

Pros:

• Very durable for synthetic leather
• Very good knuckle protection
• Good wrist support
• Decent breathability
• A wide variety of colors to choose from

Cons:

• Need some time to get broken in
• Only come in two sizes

2. The Best Heavy Bag Gloves for Advanced Fighters

Winning MS600 Training Boxing Gloves

Winning is the epitome of Japanese  quality. Established in 1937, they make some of the best combat sports gear in the world. Their equipment is most famously used by professional boxers, and the MS600 Boxing Gloves are probably Winning’s most recognizable product.

People call Winning “pillow gloves”. This is because their padding is some of the best you can find. It’s so good that you can barely feel what you’re hitting. This is why many consider Winning the ideal glove for bag work.

Almost all users find Winning extremely comfortable, and many professional fighters use them both for sparring and heavy bag work. They’re made of really high-quality leather, and will definitely last for a very long time.

But as good as Winning are, they have a big downside. Namely – their price. Winning’s boxing gloves are definitely on the high end, and the MS600 are no exception. Still, if you can afford them, then these are definitely the best heavy gloves you can buy, offering superior protection for your hands. They’re also a good option for people with sensitive hands or ones with a history of hand injuries.

Pros:

• Very good wrist support
• Very comfortable
• Excellent padding
• Extremely durable, on account of high quality leather
• One of the best gloves you can buy
• Excellent padding. Protects your hands very well

Cons:

• Very expensive

Ringside IMF Tech Hook and Loop Boxing Training Sparring Gloves

Ringside’s IMF Tech Boxing Gloves are a good option for advanced fighters on a budget. If you’re looking for some heavy-duty and durable leather gloves, the IMF Tech Boxing gloves are some of the most affordable out there.

They need some time to break in. But once you do that, you can expect some excellent knuckle protection, thanks to the thick padding. This makes them a great choice for heavy bag work. 

Their only drawback is the low breathability. They don’t have any breathing holes or mesh. This means you’ll be relying solely on the fact they’re made out of leather, but that can only get you so far.

Still, if you’re looking for a lower budget option, but still want to buy a pair of leather heavy bag gloves, the Ringside IMF Tech Hook and Loop Boxing Gloves are your best option.

Pros:

• All-leather. Offers great durability
• Good for both bag work and sparring
• Good value for money

Cons:

• Difficult to put on by yourself
• Low breathability
• Need some time to break in

More: Ringside IMF Tech Hook and Loop Boxing Gloves Review

Twins Special Velcro Boxing Gloves

Twins are one of the premier combat sports brands, most famous with their Muay Thai gear. Their Twins Special Boxing Gloves are a great example of why that is. Although they’re intended for Muay Thai, they’re a very good fit for boxing, too.

Made of genuine leather, you can expect them to last you for many years of heavy bag work. The padding is extremely high quality, although it may need a couple of training sessions to break in. 

The leather and aeration holes give you lots of breathability. And while your hands may not stay dry, they won’t feel unbearably hot – even during intense heavy bag sessions.

However, a lot of people complain that the gloves were smaller than expected. So, if you have larger hands, you should definitely order a larger size than you normally use. Another thing to note is that – like most Muay Thai gloves – the thumb sticks out a little. This is useful in clinching during sparring, but it may be a problem if you’re using them for boxing and aren’t used to having a more firmly attached thumb.

But be that as it may, the Twins Special Boxing Gloves are a great choice for heavy bag gloves.

Pros:

• Great wrist support
• Good breathability
• Excellent padding
• Made of leather. Makes them durable, and helps with smell

Cons:

• Thumb is small. Some users found it uncomfortable
• May be too small for some users

Venum Challenger Boxing Gloves

Venum are definitely one of the most recognizable brands in combat sports. And their Venum Challenger 3.0 Boxing Gloves are among their most popular products. 

The multi-layered, natural foam padding makes them great for bag work, and makes sure your hands will stay protected.

To me, their biggest downside is that they’re made of synthetic leather. While the Venum Elite offer a higher quality than other synthetic leather gloves, chances are, they won’t last as long as a pair of leather gloves will. And at this price point you can easily get a pair of leather gloves.

Another thing you should definitely keep in mind is that this is a striker’s glove. The padding is on the stiffer side. So when you punch that heavy bag, you will definitely feel. And if you don’t have good, proper form, it could lead to injury.

But if you’re the type of fighter who prefers a stiffer glove, then they’re definitely a solid choice.

Pros:

• High-quality padding. Great for sparring
• Compact
• Good balance
• Lots of colors to choose from

Cons:

• Not a good option if you have sensitive hands
• Made of synthetic leather. Doesn’t last as long as leather

Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves

Like Venum, Hayabusa is another mainstay of combat sports, and their T3 Boxing Gloves one of their most recognizable products. 

They’ve got really good padding, made out of 4 foam layers. This makes them a great fit for the heavy bag and pad work. 

The Hayabusa T3 have four foam splints on the back of the hand. These splints help you in two ways. First, they give you great wrist support. When you strap your hand tightly, they snap in place, and keep your hand secure. This means that even if you don’t have the best form, it’s very hard to injure your hand while striking the punching bag. Second, these splints can be very useful for blocking kicks. Which is very useful if you also want to use these as sparring gloves. 

The only downside to this is that this greater wrist support comes at the price of less mobility. So bear that in mind if mobility is important to you.

Another feature that helps even more with wrist support are the two adjustable wrist straps. Most gloves use only one tightening strap, but the Hayabusa T3 have two. And while tightening both of them can be a bit annoying (especially if your other hand is already gloved), that annoyance is a small price to pay for the amazing support they give you.

Another unique feature of the T3 is the fabric strip on the thumb. The idea is that you can use it to wipe sweat from your face during training. 

In terms of downsides, a major drawback for me is that the Hayabusa T3 aren’t made of real leather. While they claim that the “engineered leather” they use is stronger than real leather, one place these gloves are lacking is dealing with odor. While they do have a special lining to help deal with the smell after a long, sweaty, heavy bag session, they’ll need a lot of time to air out after training. Way more time than leather gloves in a similar price range.

In terms of durability, fighters report them lasting about as long as leather gloves. So I don’t think the trade-off is worth it… 

Still, it comes down to personal preference. If you value good wrist support, and just can’t resist the slick design, then the Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves are a very good choice for bag gloves. 

But for this price, I’d recommend getting the Ringside IMF Tech Hook and Loop Boxing Gloves or the Twins Special Boxing Gloves, both of which are made of leather, and are great options for heavy bag gloves.

Pros:

• Very good wrist support
• Padding makes it very good for both heavy bag, and sparring
• Padding on back of the hand very good for blocking kicks
• Very slim profile
• Fabric thumb to wipe off sweat
• Lots of designs to choose from

Cons:

• “Engineered” (a.k.a. synthetic) leather. Provide very low breathability
• Compared to leather gloves in this price range, these gloves smell more after training
• Restricted wrist mobility
• Sweat-wiping thumb gets soggy if used too often

3. What type of Boxing Gloves do I need for Heavy Bag?

The best heavy bag gloves should have soft padding to cushion your hands when hitting the heavy bag. Unlike sparring gloves, in bag gloves the outer padding can be harder, because the only thing you should care about is for your hands to be protected while hitting the heavy bag. 

Also, having a tough outer layer also means your bag gloves are going to be more durable. Which is important, because heavy bag work puts the most wear and tear on a pair of boxing gloves. So any little bit that helps them withstand that punishment is a good thing.

4. What Size Boxing Gloves Should You Buy?

For bag work you usually want lighter gloves – 10 or 12 ounces. That way your hands will be protected, while your speed and punching power won’t be affected. Of course, if you’re heavier or you just hit very hard, then you should go for heavier bag gloves. Here’s a general size guide: 

BodyWeight (lbs)	Body Weight (kg)	Recommended Glove Size (oz)	Hand Circumference (in)	Hand Circumference (cm)
110-140 lbs	50-65 kg	10-12 oz	<8	<20
140-165 lbs	65-75 kg	10-12 oz	8	20
165-190 lbs	75-85 kg	10-14 oz	8.5	22
190-215 lbs	85-100 kg	12-14 oz	9	23
215-240 lbs	100-110 kg	12-16 oz	9.5	24
240-270 lbs	110-120 kg	14-16 oz	10	25
>270 lbs	>120 kg	16-18 oz	>10.5	>27

Again, this is just a loose guide. For example, if you weigh 160 lbs, but hit really hard, then you should get 14 ounce gloves instead of 12 ounces. Even if you don’t hit that hard, you can get a heavier pair of gloves, just because the added weight can give you a great workout.

Another advantage of heavier gloves is that they last longer. See, as you’re punching with a pair of boxing gloves, their padding gradually wears out. And as it wears out, it will harden and make your hands hurt more and more. This is especially true when you’re hitting a heavy bag, because that puts a lot of strain on your boxing gloves. Heavy gloves have more padding, which means that it will last longer. 

5. What to Look for in a Good Pair of Heavy Bag Boxing Gloves

There are lots of things you need to consider when it comes to boxing gloves.

5.1. Construction Quality

Construction quality is easily the most important factor for a glove’s longevity. The best bag gloves are made of leather. This is because leather is a very durable material. it’s strong, breathable, looks good, and – with proper care – lasts a very long time. It’s also a plus if the glove is made of fewer separate pieces of leather. This means there are less seams, and less places where the glove can break. 

The main drawback of leather boxing gloves is that they’re expensive. 

But don’t fret! If you don’t want to break, you can still find some very decent boxing gloves made of synthetic leather or other materials. Bear in mind, though, that they won’t last as long as leather gloves. In addition to being less durable, gloves made of synthetic leather usually aren’t as breathable as gloves made of real leather.

5.2. Padding

The point of a heavy bag glove is to protect your hand. This can only happen with good, high quality padding. The main thing you’re looking for is lots of padding on the knuckles to protect your hands from getting injured when hitting the heavy bag.

Lots of boxing gloves have padding on the backside and inside of the hand to help with blocking and parrying. But when you’re looking for bag gloves, you don’t really need that.

As for materials, almost all gloves use latex or foam for padding. Different manufacturers use many different techniques when cutting and layering the padding foam, and that greatly affects the quality of the glove. Done properly, it feels great when you hit, and the gloves can last a long time. Done poorly, and the padding can quickly fall apart, and lead to hand injuries down the line.

Unfortunately, the outer appearance can’t always tell you how good punching with a glove feels like. Some gloves look thin on the outside, but feel pillow-soft when you punch. Other gloves look massive on the outside, but feel like you’re hitting bricks. It all depends on the glove’s construction and foam design.

The best way to tell if a glove has good padding or not is to look for a manufacturer who has a proven track record of making high-quality products that last a long time.

5.3. Glove Fit

As obvious as it may seem, the way a glove fits your hand is extremely important. Some gloves are better suited for people with bigger hands and wrists, and others feel better if your hands are smaller. If your gloves are too big or too small, they can be downright unusable. Even if you can put them on, if your boxing gloves don’t fit properly, your hand won’t have the support it needs. Punching like that will not only ruin your workout, but can also lead to serious hand injury. 

So, when you’re putting on a pair of boxing gloves, run a mental checklist:

• Do your fingers fit comfortably?
• Do the gloves curl easily when you make a fist?
• Can you open and close your hand easily?
• How does your hand feel when you punch?

That last question is very important. Some people like a glove to feel stiff when they punch – that way their hands feel more structurally sound. Other fighters prefer softer gloves. That way they can have a long workout session without worrying about injuries. 

Still. Having said that, if you have very long training sessions, you should definitely consider getting a pair of softer bag gloves. The same goes if you have more sensitive hands, or have a history with hand injuries.

5.4. Breathability

No matter what kind of boxing gloves you use, your hands are bound to get hot and sweaty. It’s inevitable. Still, the best boxing gloves are ones that mitigate this fact. A good pair of heavy bag gloves should allow the skin on your hands to breathe. 

Good breathability can also make your gloves last longer. How? Well, sweat is acidic. And with time, it can actually break down your bag gloves’ padding. But if your gloves have good breathability, that sweat will evaporate before it becomes a problem for the padding.

5.5. Closure Type

There are two main types of closure:

• Laces – the classic closure type, and also the most supportive. It’s also the slowest, and you’ll need help when you take them on and off. This is why they’re the best for sparring gloves, because during sparring you definitely don’t want your gloves coming off! Still, if you prefer lace-up gloves you can just use tape of Lace Converters so that you can lace them up when you’re on your own
• Velcro – although it’s not as secure as laces, it’s much faster and more convenient. Definitely a great choice for heavy bag gloves

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