Best Kickboxing Gloves to Buy – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

You ever hit the bag and feel like your gloves are working against you? Yeah—been there. Whether you’re pounding through cardio kickboxing rounds or gearing up for light sparring, the gloves you wear aren’t just accessories—they’re gear that either protects you or sets you up for injury. And in the American market? Well, let’s just say not all “top kickboxing gloves” live up to the label.

Buying the right pair isn’t about hype—it’s about hand health, wrist support, and long-term performance. I’ve seen too many folks grab the first pair they find online, only to deal with wrist tweaks or blown seams a few weeks later. What you really want is a glove that fits your hand like it was made for it, holds up under pressure, and doesn’t cut corners on padding (especially across the knuckles and wrist).

Now, I’ve tested dozens of models—everything from budget synthetic leather options to pro-grade gloves built for heavy mitt work and daily drills. I looked at how they feel mid-combo, how they hold up after 30+ sessions, and whether they actually stay snug once you start sweating (a huge issue, by the way).

So if you’re looking to buy kickboxing gloves in the U.S.—whether you’re training three times a week or just getting into it—you’ll want to see which pairs actually deliver where it counts.

Let’s break it down…

1. Everlast Pro Style – The Best Kickboxing Gloves

Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves

You see these in almost every gym across the U.S., and honestly? There’s a reason for that. The Everlast Pro Style gloves hit that sweet spot between quality, comfort, and affordability—which is rare in the world of kickboxing gear. Whether you’re a beginner just getting your stance right or an intermediate working on combo flow and timing, these gloves give you what you need without overcomplicating things.

They’ve got a hook-and-loop closure that actually stays put, even when your hands get sweaty mid-round (which, let’s be real, they will). The wrist strap gives solid support—nothing overly stiff, but enough to keep your alignment right when you’re throwing heavy straights. And the thumb-lock feature? A small thing that prevents big injuries, especially when you’re still refining your punch mechanics.

Now, I won’t pretend they’re the most elite gloves on the market—but for under $50 in most places, they’re one of the best Everlast kickboxing gloves for everyday training. Foam padding absorbs impact well enough that you’re not walking around with sore knuckles after bag work. I’ve tested them against higher-end models and, surprisingly, they hold their own for daily use.

So if you’re browsing US kickboxing glove reviews and don’t want to overthink it? Start here. These gloves have been part of my own rotation during busy training weeks—and yeah, they’ve earned their spot.

2. Sanabul Essential – Gel Kickboxing Gloves

Sanabul Essential - Gel Kickboxing Gloves

If you’re just getting into kickboxing or you’re training a few times a week, this is the glove I keep pointing people toward. The Sanabul Essential Gel gloves are seriously underrated—especially for the price. I mean, let’s be honest: most entry-level gloves feel like they’re made of couch foam. But these? These come with gel impact zones that actually absorb shock, which makes a real difference when you’re hitting pads or the heavy bag for more than 20 minutes.

What I’ve found is that the wrist alignment support is better than you’d expect at this level. They won’t lock you in like a $120 pair of pro gloves, but they keep your form honest—especially if you’re still working on punching mechanics. The breathable mesh panel across the palm is a nice bonus too, helps reduce that gross sweat-soaked feeling after longer sessions.

And for under $40 in most places across the USA? These are easily some of the most affordable gloves that don’t feel “cheap.” Perfect for cardio classes, casual sparring, or just hitting the bag after work.

Oh—and if you’re browsing around with active game codes trying to land a deal? This is the pair to watch for. Trust me, they punch above their weight.

3. Venum Challenger 2.0 – Leather Kickboxing Gloves

Venum Challenger 2.0 - Leather Kickboxing Gloves

The Venum Challenger 2.0 might just be the best synthetic leather option out there when it comes to long-term durability without jumping into pro-tier pricing. I’ve used these gloves across multiple camps, and they’ve held up better than some real leather models I’ve tested—no lie.

What makes ’em work? For starters, the PU leather shell is way tougher than you’d expect at this price point. It doesn’t crack or flake after repeated use, and the triple-density foam keeps your hands protected, especially when you’re throwing with power. The velcro strap? Solid. You get that tight wrist wrap without needing tape (which is a blessing on long training days). And if you’re sparring, they don’t turn into sweat buckets either—the heat ventilation mesh actually does its job, which surprised me.

Now, if you’re in the U.S. and trying to build out your kickboxing gear without burning through your wallet, I think these gloves hit the sweet spot between price, performance, and style. You’ll find they’ve got the kind of value that lasts—and that’s rare, especially when you’re wading through dozens of “top kickboxing gloves” lists that all sound the same.

4. Venum Elite – Budget Gloves for Kickboxing

Venum Elite - Budget Gloves for Kickboxing

You know how some gloves look solid on the surface, but then start falling apart the second you really use them? That’s not the case here. Venum Elite gloves have been around long enough to earn their spot—nothing flashy, but they hold their ground. Great for someone just stepping into the gym or anyone who needs a second pair that won’t fall to pieces after five rounds on the heavy bag.

Now, I’ve had my hands in a lot of gloves—some that cost twice as much and still left my knuckles hot and wrists loose. What Venum got right here is the build. That padding density? Firm enough to take impact, but not so stiff that you feel like you’re swinging bricks. The wrist wrap stays locked in without needing to re-adjust every round. Breathability’s solid, too—sweaty hands aren’t slipping all over inside.

They’re clean. Durable. And for the price? You’re getting more than what most “value gloves” give in the USA market. Perfect for guys grinding through classes or keeping a backup set in the locker just in case. You’ll get your rounds in—no drama, no busted seams, no excuses.

5. RDX MMA Gloves – Kick Boxing Fight Gloves

RDX MMA Gloves for Muai Thai and Kickboxing

You ever roll straight from mitt work into grappling drills without switching gloves? That’s where RDX’s hybrid gloves come in clutch. They’re built for cross-training—lightweight enough for fluid movement, but padded just right to take the sting off your strikes in kickboxing class. I’ve used them in sessions where we bounce between pads, clinch work, and light ground transitions, and honestly, they hold their own in each area without feeling like a compromise.

The open palm design gives you solid grip control without stripping away structure. You still get full mobility through the fingers—ideal for clinching or pummeling drills—but they don’t flop around like some of the cheaper MMA kickboxing gloves I’ve tested. Padded knuckles are dense enough to protect your hands during high-volume striking, but breathable enough that you’re not peeling off soggy gear between rounds (which, let’s face it, is the worst).

What I’ve found is they’re perfect for anyone mixing MMA fitness with striking—especially if you’re bouncing between a few disciplines. For the price, it’s a glove that earns its keep in your gym bag.

6. Ringside Apex – Flash Sparring Gloves

Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves

Serious kickboxers need sparring gloves that offer both protection and comfort, and Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves deliver on both fronts. Featuring high-impact padding, these gloves provide superior knuckle and wrist protection, reducing strain during intense training. The wrap-around wrist support ensures a secure fit, minimizing the risk of injuries. Designed for durability, Apex gloves maintain their shape and effectiveness even after extended use, making them one of the best sparring gloves for kickboxing.

Beyond protection, Apex kickboxing gloves prioritize breathability and comfort. The mesh ventilation system enhances airflow, keeping hands cool and dry even during long sparring sessions. The flashy design and bold color options add a stylish edge, ensuring fighters stand out in the ring. Whether you’re training for competition or refining your technique, Ringside gloves provide the durability, protection, and comfort needed to push your limits.

7. Twins Special Boxing Gloves for Kickboxing

Twins Special Boxing Gloves for Kickboxing

You ever slip on a glove and instantly feel the difference? That’s Twins Special. These are the real deal—handmade in Thailand, built from genuine Thai leather, and designed with the kind of craftsmanship you usually only see in pro gyms. I’ve been through a lot of Muay Thai gloves over the years, and what stands out with Twins is how balanced they feel. You get that closed-fist padding that protects your knuckles without feeling bulky, plus wrist control so solid it almost feels taped up.

Now, here’s the interesting part. Even though they’re made for Muay Thai, they cross over beautifully into professional kickboxing. The striking surface feels snug and responsive whether you’re hammering pads or working clinch drills. Stitching’s tight—no loose threads or split seams after months of heavy use. They’re not cheap, sure, but you’re buying gloves trusted by fighters who actually go rounds for a living.

In my experience, they’re the gold standard if you’re serious about your training and want gear that will outlast the “pro” models flooding the US market. (And no, they won’t hand you active game codes, but they’ll give your hands the kind of protection you can’t fake.)

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