The best Muay Thai gloves fit correctly, offer excellent hand protection, provide superior wrist support, and are the right weight.
The ideal glove is flexible, durable, and makes a statement in the ring. It keeps you comfortable, does the job, and ultimately brings you confidence, whether it’s during a sparring session or technical training.
That leaves you with the ultimate question: which pair of Muay Thai boxing gloves are right for me?
How To Pick The Best Thai Boxing Gloves?
When it comes to deciding on Muay Thai gloves, it’s important to consider what you want in a boxing glove. You might be looking for bag gloves, or maybe you are looking for something that offers more protection for sparring. There are lots of factors that go into making a decision, including the following:
Brand Reputation
A brand’s reputation is everything. It’s the consumer’s perception of the brand. If a brand has a great reputation, it’s because consumers believe in its mission, easily recognize it, and trust that the brand will deliver as promised.
Twins and Fairtex are both well-known, beloved brands. They have been around for decades. These brands manufacture all of their gear and equipment in Thailand, where Muay Thai originated.
Brand reputation also can determine the price. Trusted, reliable brands can demand a higher price, while less-known brands typically come in at a lower price point.
Quality & Durability
Good quality gloves that are built to last are worth the investment. The exceptional craftsmanship that Thai-produced boxing gloves bring to the game is unparalleled.
Of course, there are other brands with a great reputation. You just want to make sure that you are getting a great quality Muay Thai glove, whether it’s real leather or synthetic leather, lace-up or velcro, a well-known brand, or a lesser-known brand. It doesn’t matter as long as it’s made well and suits your needs.
There are 27 bones in the human hand. A well-crafted, durable glove that fits properly should be your top priority.
High-Quality Materials
Cheap materials will fail you over time or even in the short term. It’s important to invest in high-quality, long-lasting materials so that you have the necessary protection and feel comfortable and confident in the ring or training at home.
Value For Money
No matter your budget, it’s helpful to spend time researching to ensure you are getting the best quality Muay Thai gloves on the market. As with anything else, you want the best bang for your buck.
Which is why you are here, right?
It’s important to know what you were getting for your money so that there are no surprises.
Let’s take a look at the different features of Muay Thai boxing gloves.
Lace-Up Vs. Velcro Muay Thai Gloves
Muay Thai gloves are either lace-up or velcro (hook-and-loop). When choosing a style, it’s important to think through how you will be using the boxing gloves.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Will I use boxing gloves for training or sparring?
- Can I put on my boxing gloves myself, or will I need assistance?
- Will I need to take off or put on my boxing gloves quickly?
If you will not have someone available to help you put your gloves on and take them off, velcro is the way to go. Lace-up gloves typically require the help of another person, making them impractical for some training sessions.
However, lace-ups provide you with a more secure fit, giving you additional support without any extra bulkiness.
That said, the right velcro gloves will have straps that can provide the extra level of wrist support that you need. In general, velcro gloves more popular than lace-up gloves.
Types of Boxing Glove Material
There are several types of boxing glove materials to consider, and what you get really comes down to your budget.
The more comfortable and long-lasting a pair of boxing gloves are, the more expensive of a material it probably is made from. That material will likely be genuine leather instead of cheaper synthetic materials.
Even if your budget is on the low side, you should still be able to find a good pair of Muay Thai gloves. Artificial materials are typically much better quality these days, so that’s a perk.
Synthetic Leather Muay Thai Gloves
Synthetic leather (otherwise known as Polyurethane or PU) is an inexpensive alternative for Muay Thai boxing gloves. While synthetic leather typically has a similar look and feel as real leather, it’s likely not nearly as tough, breathable, or durable.
Leather Muay Thai Gloves
Genuine leather, which can be made from cowhide or goatskin, is flexible, comfortable, moisture-wicking, and durable. Many fighters and boxers prefer real leather over any other material because of these superb benefits.
Boxing Gloves VS Muay Thai Gloves
There are several subtle differences between boxing gloves and Muay Thai gloves. These are due to the difference in design due to the different characteristics of the sports.
The main differences between Boxing and Muay Thai gloves are:
- Padding distribution – Boxing gloves padding is heavily distributed around the knuckles. Muay Thai gloves tend to have a more evenly distributed padding around the back of the hand and knuckles. This is because Muay Thai fighters absorb more strikes on the gloves from the combined use of knees, kicks and elbows.
- Shape – Due to the difference in padding distribution, Muay Thai gloves are more round, whilst boxing gloves have more of a rectangular shape.
- Wrist support – Muay Thai gloves typically have less support than boxing gloves. This is because boxers only use their fists, so the gloves are more rigid and less mobility.
- Price – High-quality Muay Thai gloves are generally more expensive than boxing gloves.
- Flexibility – Muay Thai gloves offer more flexibility and mobility. Muay Thai fighters clinch daily, so need more flexible gloves than in boxing.
If you’re training Muay Thai a few times a week for fun it doesn’t make much difference if you buy Boxing or Muay Thai gloves. For Muay Thai fighters who regularly clinch and spar, it’s essential to get some high-quality Muay Thai gloves.
Muay Thai Gloves Size
Muay Thai glove (and Boxing) sizes are measured by the weight of the gloves. Glove sizes generally run from 4 oz to 18 oz. The heavier the glove, the thicker the padding and more protection offered. Lighter gloves offer less protection but are more agile and easier to strike with.
Most Muay Thai gyms require fighters to wear heavier gloves when sparring. This is to protect both fighters from getting injured during training.
In general, the heavier you are, the larger the glove size you should buy. Your boxing gloves will protect your hands and wrists during long and gruelling training sessions.
I recommend getting a pair of Muay Thai gloves that are in the 12-16 oz range. This is so you can use them for both sparring and everyday training.
You should speak to your trainer and ask them what size gloves are required for sparring in their class.
Best Muay Thai Gloves
We have compiled a list of the best Muay Thai gloves available on the market today in this comprehensive guide.
Let’s take a look!
RDX Muay Thai Gloves
RDX Sports, an E-commerce-based UK company established in 1999, creates innovative, quality, affordable Muay Thai gear that’s made to stand the test of time.
Features of RDX Muay Thai gloves:
- Made from comfortable, fully synthetic leather.
- Optimal shock absorbency for superior protection.
- Innovative technology encourages correct form and keeps the wrist stable.
- Exceptional breathability keeping your fingers dry and foul smells away.
- An adjustable hook-and-loop strap for the perfect fit.
These RDX Muay Thai gloves have a sleek matte black finish and come in 10, 12, 14, or 16 ounces.
What We Like About RDX Muay Thai Gloves:
We love that RDX Muay Thai gloves are moisture-wicking, keeping our hands dry and cool even during the sweatiest of sessions.
These are some of the best Muay Thai gloves thanks to their soft, comfortable feel, superior wrist support, and overall durability.
If you are looking for gloves that pack a punch but won’t break the bank, RDX might be the perfect option for you.
Top King Muay Gloves
Top King, founded in 2009, believes in using innovative technology and superb design based on martial arts fundamentals to create exceptional apparel and equipment for beginners to experts.
Top King Muay Thai Boxing Gloves feature the following:
- Hand made in Thailand
- Made from premium leather
- Velcro straps provide a secure fit and superb wrist support
- Multi-layered shock-absorbent padding for increased protection
Top King delivers when it comes to striking, beautiful designs. The gloves are made from cowhide leather and come in various colors and unique patterns such as white and gold “Super Snake” or red “Superstar.”
Top King Muay Thai Boxing Gloves come in the following sizes: 10, 12, 14, or 16 ounces.
What We Like About Top King Muay Thai Gloves:
We love the superior craftmanship Top King brings to the ring with these pairs of Muay Thai gloves. They are snug, sturdy and help make sure our wrists are fully supported. They are durable and come from a well-established and popular brand from Thailand.
We will say that these Top King gloves are a bit bigger and bulkier than some of the other gloves on this list. If that is what you are looking for, these will be perfect.
Twins Muay Thai Gloves
Twins have been manufacturing martial arts gear and equipment in Thailand since 1992. The brand is world-renowned for its innovative design and quality craftsmanship.
Twins Special is a prominent brand from Thailand. Casual gym-goers to beginners to professional fighters alike are fans of these cowhide leather gloves.
Twin special Muay Thai boxing gloves are available in 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18-ounce sizes.
The strategically-placed padding, from the back of the hand to the knuckles, provides added protection while keeping you comfortable.
Twins Muay Thai gloves work hard and go the distance, lasting you years to come.
What We Like About Twins Special Muay Thai Gloves:
Twins Special boxing gloves are one of our top choices for bag work and sparring sessions. It’s a great choice for beginners but certainly does the job for professionals and seasoned martial artists as well.
If you want outstanding boxing gloves that work for you from the pads to the ring, Twin Special is it. Durable, affordable, and fit like a glove (pun intended) – you just can’t go wrong with Twins Special.
Yokkao Muay Thai Gloves
Established in 2010, YOKKAO strives to deliver quality Muay Thai gear that’s made for beginners to experts and every fighter in between.
These YOKKKA Muay Thai gloves have the following features:
- Handcrafted in Thailand
- High-quality premium cowhide leather
- Durable pair of gloves with shock-absorbing foam
- The attached thumb provides additional support
- Double-stitched seams mean extra reinforcement
- Hook and loop closure provides easy on and off capabilities
YOKKAO Muay Thai boxing gloves are made from high-grade premium, genuine leather. And while it takes a moment to break them in, it’s worth it for the durability and comfort that comes from exceptional craftsmanship.
These gloves support the wrist with perfectly distributed foam throughout the glove.
What We Like About YOKKAO Muay Thai Gloves:
We love the YOKKOA’s attached thumb and overall design. It also doesn’t hurt that they look fantastic, giving us a boost of confidence whether we are training by ourselves or sparring in the ring.
Fairtex Muay Thai Gloves
Fairtex was founded in Thailand in 1958 by Mr Philip Wong. Since then, the brand has become one of the most recognizable manufacturers of MMA gear, apparel, and equipment in the world.
These Fairtex Muay Thai gloves have the following features:
- Handmade in Thailand.
- Genuine leather with velcro straps.
- Snug secure fit for your hand.
- The Fairtex foam system provides excellent knuckle and hand shock distribution.
Fairtex is a well-known brand worldwide and has a reputation for producing long-lasting Muay Thai gear and equipment. These awesome genuine leather Muay Thai boxing gloves are no exception.
These boxing gloves were thoughtfully created with superior functionality and many eye-catching designs, so you get the whole package and maybe even a bit more.
What We Like About Fairtex Muay Thai Gloves:
We love the extensive collection of styles and colors that Fairtex brings to the game. There’s something for everyone, from classic, neutral colors like black and white to eye-catching designs like blue jeans or the American flag.
We like that we know what to expect with Fairtex. They’ve been around the block and know what they are doing. Their gloves are soft, functional, fit securely, and look awesome. And who wouldn’t want moisture-wicking, odor-preventing qualities in their gloves?
Fairtex definitely has some of the best Muay Thai boxing gloves on the market.
Hayabusa Muay Thai Gloves
Hayabusa, established in 2006, specializes in martial arts equipment. Hayabusa continually challenges the industry through thoughtful design, extensive research, and innovative technology.
These Hayabusa Muay Thai gloves have the following features:
- Made of PU leather, nylon lining, and a mesh palm
- Excellent protection and comfort
- Durable design
- Splinted wrist support with foam padding for extra protection
When you purchase a Hayabusa product, you know that there was extensive testing and research that went into the development of that product. The result is an innovative design that boasts new and different features, giving fighters an edge in the ring.
An example of this in Hayabusa’s Muay Thai gloves is the wipe-away sweat thumb that you can use during intense training sessions to keep yourself dry and focused. There’s also the dual wrist wrap that provides the support and security of a lace-up glove, but without the headache.
Hayabusa Muay Thai gloves come in sizes 10, 12, 14, and 16-ounces and are available in a variety of colors.
What We Like About Hayabusa Muay Thai Gloves:
The Hayabusa Muay Thai gloves are on our list of the best Muay Thai boxing gloves because we love the clever features, anti-microbial technology, and the grip bar.
The material provides superior ventilation, keeping our hands nice and dry. That’s definitely something we can get behind.
Sanabul Muay Thai Gloves
Sanabul was established in 2014 to create martial arts gear that was on a whole other level than the competition. Sanabul pushes the boundaries with technological advancements and creative designs.
Sanabul’s Muay Thai Gloves have the following features:
- Made from Sanabul engineered leather
- A hand-shaped three-layer foam allows for extra comfort and durability
- Premium lining material
- Premium hand protection for fighters
Sanabul’s Muay Thai Gloves come in 10, 12, 14, and 16-ounces. You can choose from three neutral colors, including brown, black, and white.
Sanabul’s gel-infused foam offers decent shock absorbency and overall protection for your hands and wrists.
What We Like About Sanabul Muay Thai Gloves:
We love these gloves for beginner or casual Muay Thai practitioners (or anyone who is budget-conscious) as they provide a whole lot of quality for a relatively low cost.
Venum Muay Thai Gloves
Venum was born in 2006 in France and has since become a favorite of professionals, gym owners, and practitioners of Muay Thai, Boxing, and MMA in general worldwide.
Venum Muay Thai Gloves have the following features:
- Handmade in Thailand
- Three layers of natural foam provide both comfort and premium protection.
- Heat-regulating mesh for superior breathability
- An extensive number of styles and colors.
- Reinforced seams for increased durability
Venum’s Elite Muay Thai gloves are made of soft synthetic leather, three layers of foam, and moisture-wicking mesh.
They are available in sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16-ounces in an impressive variety of colors and patterns. You will indeed find that one of their designs matches your personality perfectly.
What We Like About Venum Elite Muay Thai Gloves:
We love the breathability, design, and overall functionality of the Venum Elite Muay Thai gloves. Venum is well-established and trusted in the world of Muay Thai, and we typically know what to expect when we order gear from them.
Windy Muay Thai Gloves
Windy was founded in 1951 and is considered one of the pioneers of Muay Thai equipment and gear.
Features of the Windy Muay Thai Gloves:
- Designed for heavyweights and athletes with larger hands
- Two-plus inches of multi-layered foam for extra shock absorption and protection
- Hook-and-loop closure allows you to quickly put on and remove the gloves
- Made with premium leather for increased durability
Windy is on our list of the best Muay Thai boxing gloves because they have been around for years and offer quality gear at an affordable price.
What We Like About Windy Muay Thai Gloves:
We love that Windy is old school. It’s like the saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Windy’s Muay Thai gloves are tried and true, and we love that they don’t even need to be broken in. The padding is just right, and they are downright comfortable.
Elite Sports Muay Thai Gloves
Founded in California, Elite Sports is an American-made brand specializing in Martial arts gear and equipment.
Features of the Elite Sports Muay Thai Gloves:
- Made from high-quality PU Leather.
- Pre-curved hand-design allowing you to maintain proper fist closure.
- Impact foam and high-density gel provides extra protection.
- Ultra-lightweight design for superior comfort and functionality.
- The cooling feature allows airflow so that your hands stay cool and dry.
- Stretchable wrist wrap provides additional security.
These Elite Sports Muay Thai gloves are an affordable option with a well-executed, lightweight design with breathable mesh fabric.
What We Like About Elite Sports Muay Thai Gloves:
We love the Elite Sports Muay Thai gloves for beginners or casual boxers as they are affordable and come with some of the top-notch qualities one would want in Muay Thai gloves.
They are easy to take on and off, have plenty of space for bigger hands, and offer excellent support over the knuckles.
Muay Thai Gloves FAQ’s
Picking the right pair of Muay Thai gloves can be challenging. So, to help, we have put together a list of common FAQ’s.
What Is The Best Brand Of Muay Thai Gloves?
We recommend using the established Thai Muay Thai brands. You can’t go wrong with the likes of Windy, Twins, Yokkao, Fairtex and Top King. International Muay Thai brands such as Elite Sports, RDX and Sanabul are also known for their high-quality Muay Thai gear.
How Long Should Muay Thai Gloves Last?
The length of time your Muay Thai gloves will last will vary depending on the quality of gloves and how often you train.
The humidity of Thailand can also cause your gloves to deteriorate quicker than in cooler European climates.
You should always buy the best quality gloves in your budget for both protection and durability.
Although several factors will affect how long your gloves will last, in general, a high-quality pair of Muay Thai gloves should last between six to nine months of full-time training in Thailand.
What Is The Best Material For Muay Thai Gloves?
As mentioned above in this article, we believe leather Muay Thai gloves offer the best quality and protection. If for ethical reasons you don’t buy leather, then synthetic Muay Thai gloves are a good alternative.
In recent years, the quality of synthetic leather has improved drastically.
Do I Need To Wear Hand Wraps With My Muay Thai Gloves?
We recommend always wearing hand wraps with your Muay Thai gloves. Hand wraps will protect your hands, fingers and wrists when you are throwing strikes.
Hand wraps are relatively inexpensive but offer lots of benefits for Muay Thai fighters.
Can I Clean My Muay Thai Gloves?
NEVER put your Muay Thai gloves in the washing machine or tumble dryer.
There are some things you can do to keep your gloves clean and fresh.
These include:
- Cleaning the sweat off your gloves to stop bacteria from growing.
- Air out your Muay Thai gloves as soon as you get back from training.
- Use a boxing glove spray to clean & soak your gloves.
- Use a deodorizer to keep your gloves smelling fresh.
How Much Do Muay Thai Gloves Cost?
The price of Muay Thai gloves will vary depending on several factors.
These include:
- Muay Thai glove material.
- The reputation of the brand.
- Muay Thai gloves size.
In general, you should expect to put between $60 – $150 for a high-quality pair of Muay Thai gloves.
What Size Muay Thai Gloves Should I Buy?
For training, you can wear any size of Muay Thai gloves. We recommend wearing a minimum of 12oz gloves to protect yourself during training. Remember, the lighter the gloves easier it is during training.
For sparring, we recommend using 16oz – 18oz gloves. This is to protect both yourself and your sparring partner from sustaining any injuries.
Nobody wants to be carrying two pairs of gloves in their equipment bag, so we recommend buying gloves in the 12-18 oz range to be the sweet spot. You should check with your instructor what size gloves are required for sparring in their classes.
Conclusion: What Are The Best Muay Thai Gloves?
The first steps in choosing the best pair of Muay Thai boxing gloves is determining your budget and deciding how you will use them. For example, are you training by yourself (velcro might be best!)? Or are you on a budget (go with synthetic leather!)?
We hope that our guide helps you choose the right pair of Muay Thai boxing gloves for your training!
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