Finding the right gloves can be a difficult task, especially if you’re a newcomer to Muay Thai. With so many different brands and models available, deciding which pair is best for you can be difficult. You don’t want to pick the wrong pair either, since that could result in you or your sparring partner getting accidentally injured or knocked out during a lesson. Fortunately, we have done all the homework to compile a list for you. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 Muay Thai gloves for beginners. Let’s get started.
Why Muay Thai Gloves Are Important
In Muay Thai, not only will you be striking your opponents with your fists, but you will also be blocking incoming attacks from their punches, kicks, and elbows. Even if you’re not sparring, you’ll need to perfect your techniques with heavy bags and pads during intense training sessions. Your hands need adequate padding to absorb these impacts, and your wrists need support to ensure they don’t get sprained.
A good quality pair of Muay Thai gloves will protect your hands and give you the peace of mind that neither you nor your sparring partner will get injured. This is something that normal boxing gloves will not be able to provide you with. It will also give you the confidence to strike harder should you start competing in tournaments.
Top 10 Muay Thai Gloves for Beginners
The following list has been compiled using Muay Thai boxing gloves made from different materials at various price points. All have been selected for their impact-absorbing abilities, their comfort, and their durability. Most importantly, they have been known to provide a great experience for fighters at the beginning stages of their Muay Thai journey, offering convenience and safety at affordable prices.
Fairtex BGV1 Universal Gloves
This is a great entry-level pair of gloves that are ideal for hitting the bags or pads during training. Fairtex Muay Thai gloves are hand-made in Thailand using genuine leather. They are famous for featuring the company’s unique foam system, consisting of three layers to offer maximum protection to the knuckles and wrists. It also includes a special material for the palm to reduce moisture buildup, making these Fairtex gloves a very thoughtfully designed combat sports gear.
The Velcro straps make the BGV1 super convenient to put on and off during lessons. Sizes range from 08-16 oz, with even a 04 oz model designed for kids, offering a wide range of hand sizes and shapes. When it comes to leather gloves, the Fairtex BGV1 is one of the most reasonably priced Muay Thai gloves you can find.
Venum Elite Muay Thai Gloves
The Venum Elite boxing gloves are handmade in Thailand using a highly durable synthetic leather called Polyurethane, which is imported from Japan. There are four layers of foam designed to absorb impacts, and the gloves feature an ergonomic design to allow the hand to fit in as naturally as possible. There’s a wide range of sizes from 08-16 oz available, and its comparatively low price tag makes it a great starter glove.
The Venum Elites are light, include Velcro straps, and have nearly 20 designs to choose from. The brand is one of the main sponsors of Ultimate Fighting Champion and is quickly making a reputation in the mixed martial arts world for making high-quality affordable Muay Thai gloves and other Muay Thai gear.
Twins Special BGVL3 Boxing Gloves
The Twins Special boxing gloves are relatively expensive when compared with other gloves on this list. However, this price tag is to be expected from one of Thailand’s most famous brands that specialize in authentic premium quality leather. This translates into unmatched durability and protection no matter what you do, whether it be training, sparring, or competing.
Inside these durable gloves is a high-quality multi-layer foam that shapes to fit your hand. The BGVL-3 includes a padded wrist with a Velcro strap that provides both protection and convenience. Sizes are available from 06-10 oz for use in competitions and 12-18 oz for high-impact training and sparring. The Twins Special BGVL3 may be pricey, but this pair is built to last for years and is a favorite among both Muay Thai trainers and students.
Yokkao Matrix Gloves
One of the new brands to enter the Muay Thai glove market, Yokkao, has developed a high-quality product with premium leather and is available in multiple colors. Yokkao Matrix gloves are available in both types of closures: lace-up style and hook and loop. One of its key strengths that often goes unnoticed is that it is very easy to make a fist with the glove, which is something not every model is capable of.
The shock-absorbing foam is distributed well around the knuckles, wrists, and back of the hands, covering all the important areas. It provides adequate wrist support without getting in the way of clinching and is hand-crafted from breathable leather that feels great to wear. The Yokkao Matrix boxing gloves aren’t as cheap as some of the others on this list, but they offer all the quality of a high-end leather product at a decent price tag. They are available from 08-16 oz.
Windy Classic Leather Boxing Gloves
Windy has been in the game since 1951 and has decades of experience in crafting exceptional Muay Thai gloves. With multi-layered foam padding, convenient Velcro straps, and a durable leather design, it is made to compete with the best in the market. Old-school fans prefer the simplicity of these gloves and the comfortable fit they provide. It includes double stitching for longer life, making it one of the most durable gloves available from one of the most reputable Muay Thai brands.
The padding density is balanced to make these gloves flexible for use in both training and sparring, making them an ideal choice for beginners who have just started training Muay Thai and may not have the budget for two different gloves. While the Windy Classic lacks the fancy designs of its peers, it is cheaper than most hand-made leather gloves. With their wider foam padding, these boxing gloves tend to be more suitable for fighters with larger hands.
Sanabul Battle Forged Muay Thai Gloves
One of the latest entrants into Muay Thai gloves, Sanabul has been making waves since 2014 with its own engineered faux leather gloves. While the gloves have a classic look, their innovative Durasoft Impact Foam has three layers and is hand-shaped to fit perfectly while absorbing heavy impacts. The thumb and narrow wrist support make it an ideal choice for fighters that use elbows and clinches.
Sizes are available from 10–16 oz in three colors, and the synthetic leather makes cleaning a breeze. While it is one of the lowest-cost options available, the premium lining will give it a longer life. At this price range, it is one of the best gloves for a budget-conscious person that’s just getting into Muay Thai. The Battle Forged Muay Thai gloves also have an embossed design that gives them a retro feel that older fighters and boxers might find appealing.
Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves
Hayabusa is a company known for its innovative spirit and continuously finding new ways to improve classic designs. Made from PU leather and nylon lining, this glove delivers splinted wrist protection. This keeps your wrists in perfect alignment and reduces the risk of sprains during training. The cushioning foam will ensure your hands are protected throughout the most intensive workouts.
Unique features include the wipe-away sweat thumb which is a convenient addition to dry off sweat during intense bag work or even a sparring session. There is a special wrist wrap that provides the added comfort and security of a lace-up glove but without the hassle. Sizes are available in 10-16 oz in eight dazzling colors. The Hayabusa S4 is an affordable choice for beginners to Muay Thai or for any other form of martial arts.
Raja Single Series Gloves
Raja is another brand that has been around for years and offers gloves like the Raja Single made from cowhide for maximum durability to withstand the pressures of Muay Thai training. They are designed to be resistant to tearing but also flexible enough for users to execute their chosen technique with ease. The EVA foam used for padding is carefully manufactured to have the right density so that impacts do not cause injury while maintaining adequate support for wrists and knuckles.
The Velcro strap makes putting on and removing the gloves easy, and there are plenty of size options from 08-16 oz as well as colors to choose from. The Raja Single series gloves are reliable, tough, and inexpensive, making them viable starting gloves for a beginner.
RDX Noir Series Training Gloves
Made from synthetic leather, this is one of the cheapest options available for a starting fighter. However, don’t mistake the low price for the subpar quality. The ventilated palm mesh in the Noir series keeps your hands dry during vigorous training and, in the long run, keeps unpleasant odors away. The multi-layered padding will take the impacts during heavy bag sessions, making it a great choice for fighters in training.
The Noir series gloves’ Maya Hide leather is made to be resilient and fit comfortably, while its signature Quadro Dome design keeps your wrists supported. The Velcro straps are adjustable and keep your wrists in the correct alignment. The Noir series boxing gloves come in 10–16 oz sizes.
Top King Super Air Gloves
While a bit on the pricey side, Top King gloves consistently rank among the highest when it comes to quality Muay Thai gloves. Their products are made from premium cowhide leather, and the Super Air gloves include clima-cool technology for breathability and to dry out sweat fast. The inside has multi-layered foam to absorb impacts and great wrist support for training.
The wraparound closure makes it easy to get in and out of your gloves. Many users have flocked to purchase the Top King boxing gloves over the years because of their durability and comfort factor, establishing the brand as one of the most popular in Thailand. The Top King Super Air series is available in 10–16 oz and has a vast array of colorful designs that no other brand can match, making it one of the best Muay Thai gloves on the market.
Other Muay Thai Glove Brands To Watch Out For
While it doesn’t have the decades of experience of its competitors, Primo, which was founded by a passionate group of Muay Thai fighters in Bangkok, has been a brand to keep an eye out for in recent years. Their Defender X Series gloves are made of premium soft semi-leather, fit hand sizes 10–16 oz, and have an extra curved thumb for comfort.
Pryde is another brand that’s new to the scene with premium leather products that are fast becoming popular with many pro fighters. There are also brands like Sandee that have been around since the late 1970s and are still going strong with genuine leather gloves as well as inexpensive synthetic leather alternatives.
Finding Muay Thai Gloves That Fit
many brands are offering great quality Muay Thai gloves made from different materials at various price points. As a beginner, you don’t have to feel pressured into buying the most expensive or flashiest product. Find gloves that you feel comfortable in on a budget that works for you. You can always start with the more affordable synthetic leather gloves and work your way up to premium leather as you advance.
The size and shape of your hands will also be an important determining factor. The glove that you choose will have to fit into your hand comfortably. Unless you already know what sizes fit you best, it’s always good to visit a shop yourself and put the gloves on to get a feel for them. Check out our guide on How to Choose the Best Muay Thai Gloves for Beginners, including what things to consider when making your purchase. When you finally find a pair of Muay Thai gloves that work for you, you won’t have to pull your punches anymore.
FAQs
The best Muay Thai boxing gloves are made by Muay Thai training gear brands like Fairtex, Twins Special, Yokkao, Top King, Raja, and Windy.
MMA or Mixed Martial Arts gloves are not designed with sufficient padding to protect your hands during Muay Thai training or sparring. You should choose Muay Thai boxing gloves if you’re planning to get into Muay Thai.
Yes. The padding in Muay Thai gloves is more uniformly distributed with the flexibility to engage in clinching moves. Classic boxing gloves have more padding near the knuckles since striking is done exclusively with the fists. Both will work well for heavy bag and pad work
To choose Muay Thai boxing gloves, you need to consider whether you’re using them for bag work, sparring, or fighting. You also need to check if the amount of padding is sufficient, whether the size fits you, the material, and the build quality. For more, read How to Choose the Best Muay Thai Gloves for Beginners.
