Are you looking for a pair of boxing gloves for sparring? This in depth review and buying guide of the best sparring gloves explores the best picks for different sparring needs.
Best sparring gloves
Are you looking for sparring gloves? Sparring can offer great benefit by allowing you to put into practice what you have learned. It is a crucial training method for pros since it allows for the simulation of in ring experience, which can be key to improving different boxing aspects. Sparring can be dangerous, and it is important that your partner is protected as you are. The best sparring gloves will help keep your partner safe at all times while enhancing your comfort and support. Here are some of the best gloves for your sparring needs, alongside a detailed breakdown of sparring itself.
A review of the top 10 best sparring gloves
Boxing gloves | Sizes (Oz) | Check on Amazon | |
|---|---|---|---|
Cleto Reyes Sparring boxing gloves | Goatskin leather | 12-18 | |
Rival RS60V High performance sparring gloves | Grain leather | 12-18 | Check Price |
Fairtex BGV-1-B boxing gloves | Genuine leather | 10-16 | |
TITLE Gel intense sparring boxing gloves | Genuine leather | 12-16 | |
Twins all purpose boxing gloves | Genuine leather | 8-16 | |
Venum elite boxing gloves | Skintex leather | 10-16 | |
RDX Ego gel boxing gloves | Cowhide leather | 10-16 | |
Everlast Pro style elite boxing gloves | Synthetic leather | 10-16 | |
Horze Lyon synthetic leather boxing gloves | Synthetic leather | 10-16 | |
Hayabusa ikusa charged sparring gloves | Synthetic leather | 10-16 |
Cleto Reyes Sparring boxing gloves
Made by an acclaimed brand, the Cleto Reyes Sparring boxing gloves live up to the quality expectations. The gloves feature genuine goatskin leather and are very durable as a result. These gloves are popular with many professional fighters because they combine quality with comfort and performance. The breathable heavy duty gloves will not experience any sweat or odor buildup, even with heavy duty use. The thumb lock and heavy padding will also boost the level of protection offered, allowing for a very low risk exercise every time. The Cleto Reyes Sparring boxing gloves are easily one of the best option available for any number of needs.
Pros
- Very high quality materials , build and finish
- Durable gloves will handle heavy duty work
- Versatile gloves will suit different boxing needs
Cons
- Higher end in terms of pricing
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Rival RS60V High performance sparring gloves
Made form 100% grain leather, the Rival RS60V High performance sparring gloves are functional and very durable. They do not have the durability of other genuine leather picks, but these gloves will be very easy to maintain. The 1.75 inch multilayered foam padding will make the gloves very secure, ensuring comprehensive protection for both sparring parties at all times. The angled strap and laminated inner lining boost the gloves’ level of comfort and enhance the fit. The Rival RS60V High performance sparring gloves will be a great option if you are looking for a highly comfortable higher end pair of boxing gloves for sparring.
Pros
- Great feel and fit
- Very easy to take off or put on
- Comfortable and breathable for convenient lengthy use
- High quality materials and great finish
Cons
- Higher end in terms of pricing
Fairtex BGV-1-B boxing gloves
The genuine leather exterior and unique Fairtex foam padding in the Fairtex BGV-1-B boxing gloves enhance their durability and protection. The padding will absorb high levels of impact, ensuring great protection for both you and your sparring partner. These handy leather gloves are also very securely fitting,, thanks to its hook and loop system . The Thai-made gloves feature great construction, with the handmade craftsmanship resulting in a great quality pair. The all purpose Fairtex BGV-1-B boxing gloves will handle sparring and bag work easily, making these versatile gloves a value pick for different needs.
Pros
- Handmade for high quality craftsmanship
- Genuine leather build for increased durability
- Great all round wrist and knuckle protection
- Available in multiple custom color choices
Cons
- Will require some time to break in
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TITLE Gel intense sparring boxing gloves
The multilayered padding and gel enforced lining of the TITLE Gel intense sparring boxing gloves boost their durability and convenience for heavy duty needs. If you like to spar for lengthy amounts of time or take up very heavy bag work, the TITLE Gel intense sparring boxing gloves will comfortably handle your needs. The gloves feature elastic and detachable 360-degree wrap around cuff sleeves, which allows for optimal conditions for either sparring or bag work. The breathable build, powered by the moisture wicking lining, and the secure hook and loop closure will ensure great value with the TITLE Gel intense sparring boxing gloves.
Pros
- Great wrist support
- Versatile gloves will work well for different boxing needs
- Powerful padding ensures all round protection
- Very securely fitting
Cons
- No versatile color options available
- Are a bit heavier than other gloves featured
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Twins all purpose boxing gloves
Handmade gloves often offer great craftsmanship, and the Twins all purpose boxing gloves are no different. These heavy duty all purpose performers are very well made. With the high quality finish and genuine leather exterior enhancing their durability. While they will take some time to break in as a result of the heavier build and thick padding, but they should deliver satisfactory use for a long time to come. The gloves offer great protection for both partners when sparring and carry the added benefit of seamless use with other types of boxing training.
Pros
- Very durable build with genuine leather exterior
- Very securely fitting for added support
- Breathable and comfortable
Cons
- Not as compact as other gloves of the same weight
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Venum elite boxing gloves
The stylish finish of the Venum elite boxing gloves is only an additional perk for these high quality options. The gloves are made with 100% skintex leather . It may not offer the durability of real leather, but it is a better quality choice than PU and other synthetic leather options. The Venum elite boxing gloves are very comfortable, thanks to a mesh panel and breathable inner lining. These gloves feature a reinforced palm and secure Velcro closure which keep your gloves on at all times. The anatomic shape and triple layered foam should also ensure great protection for yourself and partner when sparing.
Pros
- Fairly priced
- Skintex leather exterior will last for a long time
- Breathable and comfortable throughout heavy duty use
- Versatile and hardy for different boxing needs
Cons
- Will take some time to break in
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RDX Ego gel boxing gloves
The authentic cowhide leather build of the RDX Ego gel boxing gloves ensures greater durability than many options we’ve featured. These gloves are very well designed to handle sparring. For starters, they feature heavy duty gel padding that dissipates any impact faced. They anatomic design allows for a more natural fist, reducing the risk of eye injury to your sparring partner. They are very breathable, featuring SPP technology for added ventilation and circulation. The RDX Ego gel boxing gloves are trusted performers that will deliver great value even with extensive heavy duty use for sparring.
Pros
- Great pricing
- Secure closure and great wrist support
- Very comfortable and breathable
Cons
- Can feel heavier than they look
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Everlast Pro style elite boxing gloves
While they are considerably more entry level than other options by the brand, the Everlast Pro style elite boxing gloves are great for sparring. They feature all of the brand’s to end technology, which boosts the value of your gloves. Thanks to EverCool, EverFresh and EverDri technology, your breathable Everlast Pro style elite boxing gloves will stay comfortable throughout. These gloves are available in a range of custom options, and deliver great all round protection for sparring. They are not as tough as other leather options, but they are well designed to handle the demands of sparring.
Pros
- EverCool, EverFresh and EverDri technology for added comfort and convenience
- Stays odor and bacteria free through extended use
- Available in multiple color selection
Cons
- Not ideal for consistently heavy duty use
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Horze Lyon synthetic leather boxing gloves
The Horze Lyon synthetic leather boxing gloves are not made by a very popular brand, but they offer very professional features at an unbeatable price. The synthetic lather exterior, even though it isn’t as tough as genuine leather, offers great durability. It is also very supple and features heavy duty foam padding that provides protection for both sparring partners. These gloves are very well priced, which makes them value picks. They are also easy to clean and maintain, and will remain comfortable with extended use thanks to their breathable build and lightweight frame.
Pros
- Very easy to clean and maintain
- Impressive breathability supported by mesh palm
- Multiple foam padding layers for added protection
- Budget friendly option
Cons
- PU leather not as durable as real leather
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Hayabusa ikusa charged sparring gloves
The Hayabusa ikusa charged sparring gloves feature a synthetic leather build that is very easy to maintain but which offers great durability. The gloves are resilient and tough, but feature a soft molded padding which protects both your hands and the opponent’s face. The gloves will disperse impact effectively, allowing for great levels of protection. They feature a very secure closure for an unshakable and comfortable fit. The Hayabusa ikusa charged sparring gloves are very breathable and comfortable, utilizing a mesh build and breathable lining for minimal sweat and odor buildup with use.
Pros
- Great value for money buy
- Secure fitting and comfortable
- Sufficient padding for sparring
Cons
- Not as durable as genuine leather gloves
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A beginner’s guide to finding the best boxing gloves for your needs
Are you looking for sparring gloves? What should the ideal gloves offer? Will any option work well? Sparring gloves can be challenging to find, because many gloves offer versatile use. Before you make a decision on your next purchase, you need to consider the following.
- The best all round boxing gloves will offer protection and support.
- The best bag gloves will be built for maximum protection for you
- The best sparring gloves should protect your partner as well.
Now that you know the minimum expectations for your gloves, you will be able to consider other factors that will determine whether or not a pair is suited for your needs. A key consideration to make is the quality of padding on a pair of choice. Do the gloves have sufficient padding to ensure comprehensive protection for both parties? A great pair of boxing gloves for sparring should be sufficiently padded without being too heavy.
The next factors to look at are the build and level of comfort. What material is used on the gloves? How well finished are they? Will they be able to handle your regime? Synthetic leather gloves, while generally more affordable and easier to maintain, will be more prone to damage with heavy duty use. On the other hand, leather gloves will need constant and careful cleaning for full value. If you are looking for a durable pair of gloves for regular heavy sparring, the genuine leather options will be better in terms of longevity.
Other factors such as wrist support, comfort, glove shape and the presence of a thumb lock will also help you find an ideal pair for your training and sparring needs. An ideal boxing glove for sparring should be comfortably breathable, anatomically shaped for a hassle free fist and offer additional protection against injury.
Everything you need to know about sparring
Sparring is crucial to providing fighters with a simulation of bouts, allowing them to work on certain aspects of their game. But swinging leather at another fighter will have its risks, even when done in a controlled setting. So, should you spar? By taking up sparring, you will expose yourself to risks not present with other types of training, and could experience serious injury. However, sparring allows you to develop your skills and technique in ways these alternative training methods might fail to effectively convey. Sparring will help you simulate the in-ring feeling, which can be a great way to judge your progress. The benefits of sparring far outweigh the risks, but care still needs to be taken for full value.
Can you start sparring today?
Sparring may be a key pillar of boxing training, but it is not for everyone. If you are just starting out, you may lack the experience and understanding of the techniques to benefit from sparring. You will expose yourself to risk of injury without any gain. You will need to take some time training and working with an instructor to learn how to spar, as well as the risks involved. If you engage in regular training and make use of a qualified instructor, you could be ready to spar soon enough.
What should you look for in a sparring partner?
Many new fighters will not understand sparring at first, and may end up taking an overly aggressive approach aimed at knocking out the opponent. But sparring is not a real bout, and should never be approached as such. You should never try to hurt your partner, instead focusing on learning and improving. You may be tempted to avoid fighters with a bigger wealth of experience, but this is actually one of the best ways to pick up new skills and sharpen your own. By dominating lesser experience opponents, you will be unable to expand your expertise and improve, which would make sparring pointless. Balancing your roster will allow for wholesome growth as a fighter. You should match your sparring partner’s energy to ensure both of you gain from the exercise. If you are sparring at 50%, your partner should too. There is no need to overexert yourself to win when sparring is not really a competition.
How often should you spar?
Due to the risks involved, you need to balance your sparring schedule to help keep your body in top shape. You will increase the risk of injury by sparring too often, and will have to develop a sparring schedule for full value. On the other hand, if you do not spar enough, you will never accrue the essential in-ring experience that it will provide. You should strike a sparring balance to ensure maximum value.
So, how do you do this? You should always leave enough rest periods between sparring sessions. A slow once a week schedule should be okay for beginners, rising to twice a week over time. If you feel any headaches after sparring that lasts for more than an hour, feel nauseated, or experience fogginess and confusion, you should visit a doctor for a check up to make sure you do not have a concussion.
Final word
Few gear brands are as popular as Cleto Reyes , with the name almost synonymous with quality for some fighters. The Cleto Reyes Sparring boxing gloves deliver on the brand’s promise of quality, with a number of perks for added value. The tough but supple goatskin leather exterior combines with detailed construction for a very attractive pair. The Cleto Reyes Sparring boxing gloves look great and perform even better, with effective padding and a specialized build for added protection, support and comfort. If you are looking for the best sparring gloves, the Cleto Reyes Sparring boxing gloves will rank towards the top of your list.
