I’ve decided to write this article because I know how many Muay Thai fighters feel regarding their protective equipment. You must have a sense of confidence and assurance when it comes to the protective gear you’re wearing.
For instance, if I’m sparring or competing, I want to know that my Muay Thai gloves protect me if anything were to go wrong. We all know how it feels to throw a punch with bad technique. If it happens and you wear low-quality, unprotective Muay Thai gloves, you’ll end up with an injured hand or wrist.
As a result, you want to buy only the best Muay Thai glove for the specific purpose you want it for. If you’re sparring regularly or competing and you want to buy the most suitable gloves, this article is for you!
What we’ll do is cover the five best Muay Thai gloves for sparring and competing. We’ll also review which size you should get and why. Throughout the article, I’ll mention who should buy which glove; for instance, if you’re a beginner, buying a premium glove isn’t as wise compared to more advanced disciples.
So without further introduction, let’s dive straight into the first Muay Thai glove!
#1 – Fairtex BGV1 Muay Thai Gloves
Best Overall
| Included Sizes | Includes Colors/Design | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6oz (kids) | Pink | High-quality |
| 8oz | Red | Comfortable |
| 10oz | Yellow | Well-Designed |
| 12oz | Black | Breathable |
| 14oz | White | Reputable Brand |
| 16oz | 17+ Colors and Designs |
The first Muay Thai gloves we’ll review are made by Fairtex. If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s one of the most reputable and leading companies in the Muay Thai niche. They sell many different products, but for now, we’ll focus on the BGV1 Muay Thai gloves that they sell.
I’ve decided to list this item as the best overall for one primary reason. This is the most balanced glove I’ve stumbled upon; it provides everything you’ll ever need and expect from hand protection equipment, especially in the art of 8-limbs, aka Muay Thai.
It provides heightened protection, effectiveness, a good price, comfort, and breathability. While the price is a little bit higher than the market’s average, which sits at about $60, the quality it provides is much higher than average.
In terms of sparring, you want to get the heavier sizes, primarily the 14-16oz sizes. That’s because they include more padding, which will make sparring safer. However, if you’re more interested in buying a pair for competitions, you want to go for the lighter-weight one, which is going to be 8-10oz.
Of course, we’ll review which size you should get exactly later in the article; so stay tuned for that.
All in all, an excellent pair of Muay Thai gloves I encourage you to buy regardless of your skill level.
#2 – Sanabul Essential Muay Thai Gloves
Best Budget
| Included Sizes | Includes Colors/Design | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 8oz | Black | Cheapest One |
| 10oz | Black/Copper | High Protection |
| 12oz | Black/Green | Durable |
| 14oz | Black/Metallic Blue | Reputable Brand |
| 16oz | Black/Metallic Silver | Beautiful Coloring |
| Black/Orange | ||
| Black/Pink | ||
| Black/Red |
Sanabul is a popular and well-regarded company that produces a range of combat sports equipment, including Muay Thai gloves. They are known for offering affordable options without compromising on quality. Many users have found their products to be reliable and durable, making them a good choice for beginners or those on a budget.
Sanabul gloves typically provide decent padding and wrist support, which are crucial factors in Muay Thai training. However, it’s important to note that individual preferences can vary, and some disciples might find one glove more suitable and protective than another one, which someone else might find better.
When choosing Muay Thai gloves, you must consider factors like padding quality, wrist support, durability, fit, and overall comfort. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews. In our case, Sanabul ticks all the boxes. It provides heightened protection while providing affordability at the best level I saw thus far.
Ultimately, if you’re a beginner or looking for an affordable option, Sanabul gloves can be a suitable choice.
However, if you’re an advanced Muay Thai trainee or are looking for exceptionally high-quality Muay Thai gloves, you want to buy either the last one by Fairtex or stay tuned for the following gloves. Regardless, these will do the job, which is to protect your hands.
All in all, Sanabul did a fantastic job with this one, which is why I listed it as the best budget option.
#3 – RDX Boxing Gloves
Best Under $50
| Included Sizes | Includes Colors/Design | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 8oz | Blue/Black | High Protection |
| 10oz | Gold/Black | Comfortable |
| 12oz | Maroon | Well-Designed |
| 14oz | Pink/Black | Durable |
| 16oz | White/Black | Reputable Brand |
The next Muay Thai gloves we’ll review are from the trustworthy and reputable RDX. If you’re unfamiliar with them, they’re one of the leading companies in the Boxing niche. However, most of their equipment is suitable for all martial arts. Thus, the fact that its name includes the word Boxing simply means that it’s suitable for most striking-based martial arts, such as Kickboxing and Muay Thai.
I absolutely love these gloves for two primary reasons. The first is that they provide a unique side of punching gloves. In my product recommendations, I always include only the highest quality products. Eventually, what’s usually left is items whose price is a bit higher than the market’s average.
However, that’s truly not the case with these comfortable, high-quality, breathable, protective, and highly affordable Muay Thai gloves. Their price is quite low and you’ll be able to start training and see results as soon as you get your hands on them—while, of course—keeping your hands injury-free and safe.
Lastly, let’s discuss durability. These will last for a long time, especially when we also look at how much you’ll be investing into them. There’s going to be little room to go wrong with these Muay Thai gloves. You’ll be able to use them sufficiently while still enjoying high-quality materials (leather) and protection.
And let’s move on to #4!
#4 – YOKKAO Design Breathable Muay Thai Boxing Gloves
Best Premium Gloves
| Included Sizes | Includes Colors/Design | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 8oz | Sharkanado Island | Premium Quality |
| 10oz | Animalier Pink | Heightened Protection |
| 12oz | Animalier White | Durable |
| 14oz | RACE White | Premium Brand |
| 16oz | Primate Black | Beautiful Coloring and Design |
| 18oz | Thai pad Black | Trusted by Professional Fighters |
| Thai Flag White | ||
| +30 Other Designs |
The 4th pair of Muay Thai gloves is of the highest quality and is definitely worth buying if you want to invest in it. Not only is it the most beautifully-designed pair, but it’s also the most comfortable, durable, and trusted by professional fighters, such as Rodtang.
As you can see in the video, both fighters are covered in Yokkao equipment, which is known for its exceptionally high quality. Eventually, if you want to invest in your Muay Thai training, this is the company you should follow.
While Yokkao gloves tend to be on the higher end of the price range, their quality, durability, and reputation justify the investment for those who prioritize long-lasting performance and protection. However, it’s essential to consider your budget, specific needs, and preferences when selecting the right gloves for you.
If you’re interested in pairing up with one of the best brands in the world of Muay Thai, Yokkao is where you should set your eyes.
For beginners who haven’t started sparring and competing yet, I would recommend going with the Budget choice, which is with Sanabul. That said, if you’re interested in kicking off your Muay Thai journey with the best equipment, this can be a solid fit.
All in all, one of the most suitable Muay Thai gloves for sparring and competing. But, consider the size you’re buying for the purpose you intend to use it. If competing is where your interest currently lies, consider buying 8-10oz. However, for sparring purposes, the 12-16oz is most suitable.
#5 – Hayabusa S4 Leather Boxing Gloves
| Included Sizes | Includes Colors/Design | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 10oz | Black | Made From Leather |
| 12oz | Brown | High Protection |
| 14oz | Blue | Durable |
| 16oz | Red | Reputable Brand |
| White | Breathable | |
| Comfortable |
Hayabusa is the last brand which gloves we’ll review. The last pair is made from high-quality leather, which is considered more durable and breathable. It’s also much better looking if you ask me, particularly the brown color, which gives a vibe of the leather.
Let me list out some of the benefits Hayabusa’s pair of Muay Thai gloves gives you:
- Quality
- Durability
- Hand Protection
- Fit and Comfort
- Innovative Features
- Brand Reputation
- Average Price
I specifically have listed the S4 leather Muay Thai gloves for a reason. I believe it’s truly one of the best currently in the market, particularly compared to other brands that sell for a similar price. The quality you’ll get with it is unmatched, another solid reason to buy it.
Listen; I don’t know you personally. However, what I do know about you is that you want to protect your hands. That’s one of the best things you can strive for in Muay Thai and all combative sports. Your hands are your weapon, so you want to keep them as safe and unharmed as possible.
You’ll get exactly that if you decide to buy this Hayabusa pair of gloves. I’m confident you’ll find no holes in the damn when you buy them. To assure yourself of that fact, a single glimpse in the Amazon Reviews section will do the trick.
Which Muay Thai Glove Size Is Most Suitable for Competitions?
If competing is something you want to do in Muay Thai, you’ll be surprised that you first must get suitable Muay Thai gloves. You can’t compete with heavy gloves, as it includes too much padding and is, overall, not optimized for that purpose. So which size gloves are most suitable for Muay Thai competitions?
The most suitable glove size for Muay Thai competitions is 10oz. However, depending on your weight class, you might need to use 8oz, 10oz, or 12oz size gloves. While 8oz is typically used in professional fights and lower-weight classes, 10oz is used in heavier classes, and 12oz is typically used in amateur fights.
It’s important to note that the glove sizes used in competitions can be subject to specific regulations set by the organization or event. It’s recommended to check the rules and regulations of the specific competition you are participating in to ensure you are using the appropriate glove size for your weight class.
Which Muay Thai Glove Size Is Most Suitable for Sparring?
Let’s assume you want to spar in Muay Thai. In that case, certain size Muay Thai gloves are going to be more suitable. Now, let’s examine which size glove is most suitable for sparring in Muay Thai and why.
16oz is the most suitable glove size for sparring in Muay Thai. Generally, it is recommended to use gloves with extra padding to prioritize safety and minimize the risk of injury to both you and your training partner. The most commonly used glove size for sparring is 16 ounces.
That said, many Muay Thai gyms will tell you to bring 18-20oz gloves. If that’s the case, their priority is safety above all else, as extra padding=less bruises and shallow injuries.
How to Choose Muay Thai Gloves
Choosing the right Muay Thai gloves for you will allow you to optimize your training. The first question you should ask yourself is for which purpose do you want to buy the gloves? The answer will influence the size and type of gloves you eventually buy.
So now, let’s review seven factors you must look into to choose the most suitable Muay Thai gloves for your needs. So without further ado, let’s dive into #1!
- Purpose: Determine the primary use of the gloves. Are you purchasing them for sparring, bag work, pad training, or competition? Different glove types have specific features and padding designed for various purposes.
- Size and Weight: Muay Thai gloves come in different sizes and weights, typically measured in ounces. The size and weight depend on factors such as your weight, hand size, and intended use. Here are some general guidelines:
- Sparring: 14 to 16 ounces are commonly used for sparring to provide adequate padding and protection for you and your training partner.
- Training (bag work, pad work): 12 to 14 ounces are suitable for training purposes, balancing protection and speed.
- Competition: Check the specific rules and regulations of the organization you’ll be competing in, as they may require specific glove sizes for different weight classes. Common sizes are 8, 10, and 12 ounces for competition.
- Padding and Protection: Consider the level of padding and protection the gloves offer. Look for gloves with sufficient padding around the knuckles, thumbs, and wrists to minimize the risk of injuries and absorb impact effectively. High-quality foam padding is important for shock absorption.
- Material and Durability: Muay Thai gloves are typically made from synthetic leather or genuine leather. Genuine leather gloves tend to be more durable, breathable, and offer better overall quality. However, synthetic leather gloves can still be a good option if you have a limited budget.
- Closure System and Wrist Support: Pay attention to the closure system of the gloves. Common closure types include Velcro straps or lace-up closures. Choose a closure system that provides a secure and adjustable fit. Additionally, look for gloves with proper wrist support to prevent injuries and provide stability during training or competition.
- Brand and Reviews: Consider reputable brands that have positive reviews and a track record of producing high-quality gloves. Research customer feedback and opinions to get insights into the performance, durability, and fit of different glove models.
- Budget: Set a budget based on your needs and preferences. While investing in higher-quality gloves can provide better durability and performance, there are also reliable options available at more affordable price points.
Final Words
These were the five best Muay Thai gloves for sparring and competing. I specifically decided to list the ones I found to provide the most protection (most important trait) while providing comfort, breathability, and overall quality.
You must protect your hands if you’re practicing Muay Thai. It’s one of the most dangerous combative sports in the world, which is why I’m so attracted to it over and over again. So if you want to step out of the martial arts gym injury-free, you must pair yourself with excellent Muay Thai gloves, which are the ones I listed in this article.
If you’re interested in Muay Thai gloves and protective equipment, I wrote the ultimate guide to Muay Thai gear, which you definitely want to read if you want to (1) protect yourself, (2) optimize your training, and (3) look good!
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