Top 10 Women’s Boxing Gloves Reviewed
Tara Summerville
Annoyed by brands that slap a coat of pink paint on their products and claim they’re for women? So are we! That’s why we compiled a list of some of the best women’s boxing gloves to throw powerful punches no matter how big your hands are. The most important feature to consider when selecting gloves is to make sure it’s not too tight or loose, and we have you covered.
The only difference between boxing gear for men and women boils down to a matter of size. Women have smaller hands and wrists, so they need gloves that are built with a slightly smaller frame. We wanted to ensure that we selected brands that offered top quality materials to keep your paws protected, and sizes that fit all women.
Drop those frilly pink gloves and pick up a pair with a sharp style that strikes fear in your opponent!
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Trusted brand
Affordable
Mesh palms
Structured wrist
10 Best Women's Boxing Gloves
1. Anthem Athletics STORMBRINGER II
Mesh panel
Buffalo leather
Triple foam
Expensive
This style from Anthem Athletics leads the pack for a number of reasons. Users love that it comes in a wide variety of color options and styles which is slightly different than other brands out there on the market. It comes in sizes that accommodate smaller fighters that weigh between 90 and 160 pounds.
Read moreAnthem Athletics did not scrimp on the quality of materials used for these women's boxing gloves. The exterior is composed of incredibly durable buffalo leather that comes in a wide variety of sharp color options. A triple layer of foam protects your hands as you throw punches with reinforced stitching that can really take a beating.
One of the things that we liked most about this design is that it has a breathable mesh panel on the inside of the palm to prevent your hands from overheating too much. This mesh panel may be small, but it’s a big help when your hands really start to heat up!
If you are in the market for something that is made from quality materials that hold up well over time, this is a great option. It comes in a wide variety of colors, and various designs ensure a great fit for your hands. Plus, it comes from a trusted brand with a small team of designers that know exactly what fighters need.
2. Everlast Pro Style
Trusted brand
Affordable
Mesh palms
Structured wrist
Designed for beginners
Everlast is one of the oldest and most well-known brands gracing our list. They were founded in 1912 in New York, and have created gear for some pretty famous boxers. This basic design comes in a wide variety of sport colors, and it is made from quality materials. Plus, it comes in sizes designed to be both for men and women.
Read moreThe outside is composed of a blend of 80% Polyurethane and 20% Polyester for a glossy and sleek finish that is a cinch to wipe down and won’t absorb bacteria and odors.
What we really liked is found in the wrists. It has very thick wrist wraps to help protect your wrists from hyperflexion. It is locked in place with durable velcro to help craft a tight fit without cutting off circulation to your hands.
If you want something that comes from a trusted brand and at an affordable price point, this is a great choice. We love the smart design features in the palms and the wrists that help keep your paws protected. Plus, it comes in a few other sporty colors other than basic black.
3. RDX Boxing Gloves
Double-stitched
Supremo shock foam
Unique design
Limited color options
No vents
Small design features are what make this women's boxing gloves from RDX really stand out from the pack. It boasts an embroidered and unique floral print exterior that really pops in the ring, but may not be for everyone. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your paws.
Read moreOne of the things that we liked most about this detailed design is that it is crafted from quality materials that hold up well over time. The outside is composed of Flora Skin that can really take a beating. It is also double stitched to prevent splitting at the seams when used for long periods of time. If you need something that holds up well with weekly or daily use, this is a great option.
It also boasts strong and structured wrist wraps that help to protect your wrists as you throw punches. The wrist wraps are held together with durable velcro that won’t split as you use them. Plus, the inside is reinforced with supremo shock foam that protects your fists and won’t break down over time.
If you are in the market for something that is truly unique and made for the hands of women, this model from RDX is worth a look. It is made to be used daily without breaking down or lose shape. Reinforced stitching also prolongs the life of your gear no matter how hard that you train.
4. Sanabul Essential
Trusted brand
Easy break-in
Reinforced wrist
Affordable
A little bulky
Color trim bleeds
Want to wear what the pros wear? This insanely durable option from Sanabul Essential is tested by UFC champions and even pro boxers. It is designed to really protect and comfort your hands, but it is incredibly durable so it may be the first and last gloves that you ever need to buy. Plus, it comes in at an incredibly affordable price point.
Read moreThere isn’t a break-in period, so you can jump in the ring without stiff and uncomfortable hands. It achieves this limited break-in period by its special longitudinal arch design that feels natural and easy right out of the gate.
The exterior is composed of tough leather that wicks away moisture and odors and is a cinch to wipe down clean after a training session. The wrists are reinforced with thick leather that is held in place with a hook and loop closure for a secure but comfortable fit.
If you are in the market for something that is composed of quality materials that are good enough for the pros, this is a great option! It is constructed to withstand hundreds of fights, has a quick break-in period, and comes in at an affordable price point that won’t break the bank.
5. Trideer Pro Grade
Wide frame
Excellent shock absorption
Affordable
Long break-in
Limited colors
This model from Trideer Pro Grade has a superb design that keeps your hands comfortable as well as protected. It is composed of quality materials that hold up well over time, and a design that is slightly different than many of the other options out there on the market. It comes in sizes that accommodate women’s hands as well as men.
Read moreThe most notable feature is the wide design that helps evenly distribute the impact of each and every blow, which in turn helps to protect your wrists. The outside is composed of faux leather that is a cinch to wipe down and won’t absorb odors and moisture.
Inside is a thick layer of Multi-density foam that helps to absorb the impact of each blow, which is not only beneficial to you but your sparring partner as well. It has incredibly thick and reinforced wrist wraps that hold your wrists securely in place.
It is offered in bright and unique color options that are unlike anything else out there. They also come in at an incredibly affordable price point, which gives you little reason not to give them a chance!
6. Venum Elite
High-density foam
Lightweight
Breathable
Expensive
There are quite a few things that we love about this option from Venum Elite. Not only do they come in a wide variety of colors to mirror your personal style, but small design features keep your hands comfortable and protected.
Read moreOne of the things that we loved most is something that you can’t even see. The palm of these gloves is punctuated with a small air hold for circulation. Inside, there is a mesh panel that covers the palm to help wick away sweat from your hands that keeps air moving to prevent sweaty and slippery palms.
It also has a high-density foam to protect your hands and your partner with each and every blow. This foam is incredibly lightweight and allows you to stay light and agile without bulky materials weighing you down. Plus, thick wrist wraps keep your wrists protected as well.
The price tag is slightly higher than most of the designs on our list, but if you are serious about boxing, the higher price tag may be worth it. It is composed of incredibly durable materials that hold up well over time, and are great for those just starting out or seasoned veterans.
7. Ringside Apex
Gel padding
Stay-Dri lining
Many color options
Slightly expensive
Comfort and style is the name of the game when it comes to this design from Ringside Apex. Unique padding on the inside of the gloves keeps your hands comfortable and protected. Plus, the fit feels natural and easy, and really allows your hand to breathe. Plus, it comes in sizes that are sure to fit any hands, no matter how small they are!
Read moreWhat makes this model stand out from the crowd is that it uses a blend of molded, layered, and gel padding for an incredibly comfortable and natural fit to your hands without feeling too stiff and bulky.
One of the things that we liked most is that the inside of the glove features a Stay-Dri lining that helps wick sweat away from your hands so that your hand stays cool and dry. Plus, this lining helps reduce the risk of bacteria and mold from developing on the side of the glove.
The price tag is a little higher than most, but for a good reason. It is crafted of high-end materials that help keep your hands super protected. It comes in a wide variety of color options and designs to match your personal style and intimidate your opponents!
8. Pro Force
Lightweight
Many sizes
Comfortable fit
Not very breathable
Limited padding
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to Pro Force. It is made to fit on your hands and allow agile and quick movements without bulky materials weighing you down. Plus, it comes in a ton of fun and unique color and design options.
Read moreThe very first thing that we noticed is how light and easy these are, while still keeping your hands protected. It comes equipped with a pre-formed foam core to absorb the impact of your blows. The interior boasts a comfortable cotton lining to wick sweat away from your hands and keep you cool when you turn up the intensity.
It also has a thick wrist wrap that is simple to adjust and really helps to protect your wrists without cutting off the circulation to your hands. It comes in a wide range of sizes and styles.
For those in the market for something simple and effective, this design from Pro Force is a great option! It is lightweight, comes in many color and design options and keeps your hands protected. Plus, it comes in at a very reasonable price point.
9. Hawk
Replacement warranty
Gel and foam padding
Many size options
This model from Hawk is made to fit kids, women, and men as well. It is composed of high-quality materials that can really take a beating and even come with a 5-year replacement warranty against factory defects that fail on you.
Read moreThis design comes in far more sizes than any of the other designs out there on the market. It comes in options that include 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16-ounce for those that need a lot of extra padding for those powerful blows.
The padding is something else that we wanted to discuss. Instead of using standard foam padding, the Hawk women's boxing gloves use a blend of gel as well as multi-layered V impact foam. This means that no matter how many successful blows that you land, the form of the padding will not warp and shift over time.
For those in the market for something that is composed of quality materials that come in a wide variety of sizes, this model from Hawk is worth checking out. We love that it boasts premium padding to help protect your hands, and it comes with a replacement warranty for up to 5 years!
10. Tusingger
Affordable
Faux leather
Gel and foam padding
Not very breathable
What we liked most about this design from Tusingger is that it is made from quality materials that come in at a really affordable price point. It’s designed with vent holes in the palm to help circular airflow to your sweaty palms, and it's built to really protect your hands and wrists.
Read moreThe outside is made from quality synthetic leather. This means that it is easy to wipe down, it wicks away moisture, and it loosens up the more that you wear it for a shorter break-in period.
Inside the glove is gel Injected foam as well as Multilayer Polyurethane to keep your hands protected as you land blows. The included gel material resists warping and becoming weak over time, which means this gear is made to take a beating! It also boasts thick velcro wrist straps to keep your wrist stiff and protected.
If you are in the market for something that is incredibly affordable, this is a really great choice that is worth checking out. We love that it uses gel and foam to protect your wrists and that it is composed of faux leather for a comfortable and natural fit.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Selecting products made from quality materials is key. These women's boxing gloves really take a beating, so it is important that they don’t buckle under the pressure.
We wanted to get into a little bit of detail about the exterior materials used to compose the various designs of gloves out there on the market.
Leather: For most, leather is the way to go. This material is incredibly durable and has a quick break-in period. The more that you strap on and use leather gloves, the softer the leather becomes. After a few short practices, these gloves feel like an extension of your hands.
The downside to leather is that it is a little more porous than other materials. While it still wicks away water and sweat, it still absorbs a little bit of moisture at the end of the day. That’s why it is super important that you wipe down your gear with a sanitizing spray at the end of your training session.
Polyester: If you don’t like the idea of leather, polyester is your next best option. What we like most about polyester is that it isn’t very porous. This means that it will not hold on to moisture and odors the same way that leather does. Some have noticed that it has a longer break-in period as leather, and in some cases, it isn’t as durable as leather.
The upside to polyester is that it is incredibly affordable. If you want to invest in multiple pairs of gloves, polyester options give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Breathability
No one likes soggy paws. Sweaty hands are a fact of life that boxers face, but there are some specific design features made to mitigate soggy conditions.
We wanted to take a minute to go into detail of certain features to keep an eye on.
Exterior mesh panels: We love designs that use mesh panels in the palms of the hands to promote breathability. If you can see the skin on your hand through the mesh panel, you can feel confident that it is built to really circulate airflow to your hands.
Interior mesh: Interior mesh in your gloves works a little bit differently. Even though your hands are cooped up inside your gloves, an interior mesh glove works to wick sweat away from your hands to keep them cooler and dry. Many that opt for interior mesh have small circle vents on the palm of the glove to allow how air to escape.
At the end of the day, your hands will sweat. The key here is to try and mitigate the sweat as much as possible. The more that your hands sweat inside of the gloves means the harder it is to dry them completely. It is important that your gloves are completely dry before heading to your next training session.
To help tame the funk and expedite the drying process, we recommend taking measures such as using cedar chips or newspaper to help sop up that extra moisture.
While it may seem tempting, it is important that you never toss your gear into the dryer! Exposing leather and foam to heat sources will cause the foam to bunch and the leather to shrink, and essentially ruin your gear.
Comfort
There is nothing worse than uncomfortable gloves. While they are meant to feel a little bulky and cumbersome, there are a few measures to take to insure your hands stay happy.
Below, the key measure to keep in mind when selecting a design.
Adjustable wrist: one of the biggest complaints we hear about boxing gloves is that the wrist straps are too constricting. A properly fitted glove means that your wrist should be still and unable to bend. This helps prevent injury. However, it shouldn’t fit so tight that it cuts off circulation to your hands!
There are two different wrist options: laces and velcro straps. While laces allow you to really cinch it tight, it makes it difficult to make minor adjustments. We suggest opting for velcro straps to find the absolute perfect fit for your wrist.
The perfectly wrapped wrist leaves your wrist immobile, but also doesn’t cut the circulation off to your hands.
Interior lining: A soft interior lining helps to keep your hands in place and comfortable. Some designs opt for soft cotton or mesh lining to keep your hands cool. While cotton feels great against the skin and absorbs sweat from your hands, cotton holds on to that sweat and takes forever to dry (and also smells a little funky over time)
If you want a lining, a mesh lining is your best option! Not only does mesh feel cool against your skin, but it helps to circulate airflow inside of the glove so you aren’t left with a soggy mess at the end of your workout.
Size
Selecting the right size is your key to success. We know that sizing options for gloves can be a little confusing because most brands offer sizes in ounces and do not use a sizing chart. So, how do you know what size to select?
Most gloves are one size fits all, for the exception of the wrist straps. To keep things simple, we selected brands that utilize a velcro wrist strap that accommodates both male and female wrists. It makes it easier to make slight adjustments as needed to ensure that your gear fits exactly as it should.
Sizes are categorized in ounces that include 8, 10, 12, and 14-ounce options. Lighter weights have a smaller amount of padding and are generally more agile than their heavier counterparts. If you are just getting started, we suggest starting off at 8 ounces and graduating to higher weights as your strength and skill level increase.
Protection
Protection means padding. There are a few different materials that brands use to ensure that your hands are protected.
We wanted to go into a little bit of detail about the different materials used, and what that means for your training.
Foam: The most popular and widely used material for padding is foam. What we liked most about foam is that it is incredibly lightweight, and does an excellent job of absorbing impact without putting too much strain on your wrists.
With foam, repeated impacts may slightly warp the shape of the foam over time. For something that is a little longer-lasting, a gel padding is another option to try.
Gel: Gel padding is just a little more top-heavy and cumbersome when compared to lightweight foam. However, the great thing about gel padding is that it doesn’t warp or lose its shape with continued use. Plus, gel padding doesn’t absorb heat the same way that soft foam padding does.
The downside to gel padding is that it often comes at a higher price point. However, considering the durability of gel it may be the last pair of gloves that you will ever need to buy.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Materials Breathability Comfort Size Protection
Boxing gloves are made from super thick and unbreathable materials, which means your hands will become a hot and sweaty mess at the end of your training. Since you can’t really toss your gloves into the washing machine or even wash them by hand, there are a few measures to take to prevent them from smelling like the bottom of dirty clothes hamper. Investing in clean hand wraps prevents sweat from bleeding into the gloves. Plus, you can simply toss your hand wraps into the washing machine!
Fitting all of your essential gear into your gym bag is already hard enough. You need to make sure you pack a change of clothes, a pre-workout drink, a post-workout snack, and now you need to figure out how to squeeze gloves into there! The good news is that popular brands create bags specifically designed for your big and bulky (and sometimes smelly!) gloves.
Having trouble finding a worthy challenger willing to step into the ring with you? Investing in a heavy bag is a great way to hone your skills when everyone decides to stay home from the gym. Everlast, for instance, makes a really great hanging heavy bag that you can mount to a beam in your basement or garage. So, even if you can’t make it to the gym you can still train all by your lonesome.
Other Factors to Consider
Style
Gear for women is more than a coat of pink paint. We hate brands that slap a coat of pink paint on the surface and claim they are made for women. Style and color options are important because it is a fun way to express your personal style. We wanted to make sure that we selected options that came in a wide variety of color options that users can select from.
If you simply want a pair of standard black gloves, almost all of the options selected for our list offer you exactly that. However, we wanted to also select brands that allow users to express their personal style with unique color options and designs.
Don’t feel like you need to select a standard color to fit in with the rest of the gym. Stand out and be bold! Not all fighters are created equal, and just because you opt for a neon green option doesn’t mean that it is any less of a fighter. In fact, it may even throw your opponent through a loop when you show up with bright and flashy gloves!
For tournaments or matches, color is something that very rarely matters. Be sure to consult the regulations of a match at your gym to ensure that your gloves pass. For most, gloves need to be of a certain size and quality, and color doesn’t matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What makes women’s boxing gloves different?
Nothing! All fighters, whether you are male or female, need the same level of protection when it comes to their fighting gear. The only difference between male and female gloves boils down to a matter of size.
There are some brands out there on the market that don’t accommodate small sizes that women need in their gloves, which is why we composed our list. All of the gloves found on our list have a wide variety of size options, and they all have sizes that work for smaller hands.
q: How can I extend the life of my gloves?
Taking good care of your gloves is the best way to make sure that they last you for years and years of punishing blows and training. The most important thing that you can do is to fully clean and sanitize them after each and every use.
This means that you need to wipe down the exterior of the glove with sanitizing spray or antibacterial wipes. When bacteria accumulate on the surface at the end of practice, it wears down the integrity of the fabric and laces. That’s why it’s super important to give them a good exterior cleaning at the end of each and every sparring match and practice.
q: Can they be washed?
We won’t sugar-coat it: your gloves cannot be washed. While you can take certain measures to extend the life of your gloves, you can’t soak them in water under any circumstance.
After every training session or fight, be sure to wipe away any dirt or moisture that accumulates on the surface. The bad news is that you really can’t do anything about the state of the sweaty and soggy interior. We suggest thoroughly washing your hands before popping your gloves on to reduce the risk of odors and bacteria growing.
It’s important that the inside of your gear is completely dry before popping them back on. Due to the fact that they cannot be placed in the drier or turned inside out, this can take a few days. If you train daily, you may find that you need to rotate different gloves while you wait for them to dry completely.
If you need gear the dries more quickly, make sure that you avoid lining that is made from materials such as cotton. Cotton loves to absorb and hold on to moisture, which makes it take longer to dry. For quick-drying gloves, a mesh lining is best.
q: What material is best?
The type of material that you select for your gear boils down to a matter of personal preference. Materials such as leather, faux leather, and Polyester are all ideal because they do not absorb moisture and wick away sweat easily. Plus, they are incredibly easy to clean and won’t break down over time.
q: How do I know what size to get?
Sizing can get a little confusing because they are often measured in ounces. Don’t worry, we are here to help! It’s super important that you select a size that fits your hand perfectly. If it is too large, it won’t offer much protection. If it is too tight, it will cut off circulation to your hands. So, what size should you select?
Most gloves are classified into a few different sizes that include 8, 10, 12, and 14 ounces. For those that are just starting out, 8 ounces is the way to go. They are lightweight, fit most size hands, and are easy to use. As you get stronger and more advanced, you need to graduate to a heavier weight.
Small, Medium and Large options are typically applied to designs that use lace wrist wraps as opposed to velcro. To keep things simple, we suggest selecting designs that use velcro so you have the ability to adjust the tightness of the wrist as you see fit.
q: Are they affordable?
In some cases yes, and in some cases no. Fortunately, even the most expensive designs out there on the market likely will not cost you more than a quality pair of running shoes. If you are willing to pay that much to protect your feet, why wouldn’t you spend that much to protect your hands?
If you are just getting started and unsure if it’s something you will stick with, there are affordable and quality options out there on the market that keeps your hands protected without breaking the bank. Brands such as Everlast provide users with quality gear that comes in at a price point that is incredibly reasonable, even if you eventually decide that boxing is not your bag.
q: How can I tame the funk?
No one wants to slip their hand into a smelly glove. While you can’t traditionally wash your gloves, there are a few simple measures you can take to tame the funk.
While some fighters like to sprinkle a little baking soda inside, we feel that this measure gets a little messy. We like to toss a bag of cedar chips into each glove at the end of practice to help absorb moisture that eventually leads to odors. Shoe odor absorbers or even newspapers are great ways to absorb odor in a pinch.
Another unconventional method that boxers use is simply tossing them into the freezer for at least 24 hours. Be sure that you wrap them in a freezer bag first, or else your ice tray may start to smell like the bottom of your gym bag!
