The 10 Best Muay Thai Gloves In 2023

Sharing is caring!

Updated 11th November 2022:  Whether you’re new to Muay Thai or a seasoned old hand, you will need a pair of the best Muay Thai gloves for training. BUT! There are sooooo many glove models available that it can result in analysis paralysis!

We all want to make the best purchase possible and make each purchase count. One of my earlier pairs of gloves brought me a good deal of agony (wrist injuries) due to the inadequate wrist support so I know fully well the importance of having the right gloves for Muay Thai training.

Through my own experience, mistakes and research, as well as advice handed to me from my Thai trainers and gym mates, I have found what works, what to look for when it comes to buying gloves.

What are the Best Muay Thai Gloves?

TL;DR The Best Muay Thai gloves have a few important qualities that you should look out for including premium leather construction, reinforced stitching, multilayered foam padding, adequate wrist support, comfortable fit and reasonable price tag

.Without a doubt, Thailand brands like Fairtex, Twins Special, Yokkao, Top King and Windy have produced the best Muay Thai gloves over the years at affordable prices.

Not everyone is the same so I recommend reading the whole article for detailed reviews of each model to find the pair that would suit you best: 

In a hurry? Check out my top picks of the best Muay Thai gloves in 2023 below. 

---

How to Choose the Best Gloves for Muay Thai Training

Your very first purchase when you start Muay Thai, will be a pair of training gloves. While many gyms allow their members to loan their on-site gloves to use for free, they usually stink after so much punching mileage over time. The padding would have thinned out too and may not offer enough protection for your hands.

You will eventually own a second, third, or even more pairs of gloves as you travel down this path. Be it for sparring, amassing your gloves collection, an alternate pair for rotation or simply to match your workout attire.

But as your very first pair of gloves training this pugilistic sport, it is worth investing a little time to pick the right pair. Here are some essential factors to take note of when it comes to choosing your first pair of training gloves:

Right Size

Punching gloves sizing are measured in terms of weight and for general-purpose training, they typically run from 4 to 18 oz. The heavier the gloves, the thicker the padding and theoretically speaking, the better the protection. 

Generally speaking, 10 to 14 oz are the norm for training and are acceptable so long as they fit right and provide adequate padding for protection. If you are on the heavyweight scale, you can also consider a heavier 16-18 oz.

Here’s a training gloves general (not definitive) size chart -based on body weight- for a quick reference:

Body Weight	Recommended Gloves Size
100lbs & below	8oz – 10oz
100lbs – 125lbs	8oz – 12oz
125lbs – 150lbs	10oz – 14oz
150lbs – 180lbs	10oz – 14oz
180lbs & above	12oz – 16oz

Size matters. Some believe that training with heavy gloves (16 or 18 oz) is good for conditioning but the drawback is that it can also retard your movements and hence techniques.

However, when you eventually progress to sparring, heavier gloves (14 to 18 oz) are actually mandatory. The reason for using heavier gloves is because gloves of these weights offers more padding which protects your hands and partner by minimizing the impact when it lands on your sparring partner.

For non-sparring training -which is what you will go through when you start out-, I personally use 12 oz as they allow me to focus on perfecting my techniques and flow while providing adequate protection for my hands. Many fighters use 10oz gloves for training. Anything lighter and you can really feel the raw impact of your punches.

My gym and trainers recommend beginners to start with heavier 12oz-14oz for proper protection and to let your still-tender hands and wrists get conditioned to the sport.

Reasonable Cost

The budget-conscious will be happy to know that punching gloves are priced relatively affordable. 

Good quality, made-in-Thailand, pure leather gloves can be had for around $70-$100 online from Amazon or Thailand-based online shops. The price tag will be on the lower end of the price range if you have contacts to buy them directly in Thailand. 

High-Quality Materials

Muay Thai is a high impact sports and right from the start, you will be hitting a lot of tough pads and dense heavy bags. If you want them to last, you are going to need reasonably durable gloves with good padding to withstand the constant and regular punishment.

As for the exterior, genuine leather lasts longer and has always been favored over the comparably stiffer synthetic leather. However, the quality of synthetic material has improved tremendously over the years.

Just like real leather, there are varying quality of synthetic leather with high quality ones rivaling some genuine leather. Microfiber leather is becoming a popular and great alternative to real leather.

The ethically-inclined will also favor animal-free synthetics over real leather. Whichever your preference is, you will be able to find good hardy gloves in either material.

Sweaty Hands? One thing I have experienced and learned is that genuine leather is a more breathable material. Synthetic leather tends to be less so and feels markedly warmer to train in. This causes hands to sweat more and tougher to dry up due to poorer ventilation, resulting in the easy build-up of odor-causing bacteria.   If you have sweaty hands, go for genuine leather and/or mesh panels on the palms that I recommend in my article about breathable gloves.

Lace-up vs Velcro

Punching gloves come in either lace-up or hook-and-loop (velcro) versions. Lace-ups offer a secure fit and will not shift easily when tightly laced. However, they inconveniently require assistance from another person to tighten up which is impractical for gym training.

In a typical training session, there will be a myriad of exercises done with or without gloves. So straight up, no competition, velcros are the way to go since they can be taken on/off easily by yourself.

Muay Thai vs Boxing Gloves

For general Muay Thai training involving bagwork and padwork, you can use either Muay Thai or pure boxing gloves. There are subtle differences in the aerodynamics construct but won’t affect the casual fighter/martial arts student.

Boxing gloves tend to have more padding around the knuckle area since there is more focus on hands. Muay Thai gloves are more uniformly padded around to allow for blocking of kicks.

They are also more flexible to allow you to open your hands more easily, unlike the more rigid construct of boxing gloves. This feature is made to allow for clinching.

If you aren’t expecting to do any serious clinching with your gloves on during training, both types of gloves will work equally well. Otherwise, it is best to go with a Muay Thai brand.

To learn more about their differences, check out “Muay Thai Gloves vs Boxing Gloves“.

Best Muay Thai Gloves in 2023

There is a good selection of affordable, high quality gloves available in the market most people tend to stick with the main 3 Thai brands (which I discuss in this comparison article here).

But if you are looking for something beyond the usual , there are many decent options available too. You will find my top recommendations below for your consideration:

Buying Gloves from Online Stores   Due to heavier operating costs, brick and mortar stores tend to price their gloves higher than the online stores. The price difference can be quite considerable and so many people make their purchase off the web. There are several options available when it comes to shopping Muay Thai goods online (which I review in my article, “Best Muay Thai Online Stores“), a few of these are based in Thailand and they often offer the best prices even with the shipping costs factored in. However, I personally recommend buying from Amazon for a few reasons. Firstly, depending on the shipping method, Thai web stores are typically slow in shipping their goods. It’s not unusual to wait a month or longer to have something shipped over unless you pay more for premium couriers like DHL. Second, customer service can be lacking due to language. Thirdly, Amazon has a great return policy with no questions asked and ships fast. For me, the choice is clear. Go with Amazon. This list is created with that in mind and features gloves that you can purchase easily from Amazon.

---

Fairtex Muay Thai Boxing Gloves BGV-1

First up in the hierarchy of Muay Thai brands is the top-of-the-line Fairtex. This is definitely the most popular and best-selling option outside of Thailand, and especially in USA.

This may be due in part to the brand’s successful publicity campaign back in the 90s, but Fairtex gloves are favored for more practical reasons.

Among its many selling points, these real leather gloves are made with the intention to last. The padding and leather are of high quality, and they boast a streamlined design, making them look smaller and less pillowy than other Thai brands.

Fairtex gloves feel less soft compared to Twins or Top King, but the knuckle protection is still adequate for most people. The BGV1 is also produced in so many colors and printed designs, you will surely find a pair that catches your eyes.

What’s there to be said about the quality of Fairtex gloves that hasn’t already been said? As your very first Muay Thai gloves, these will live up to all expectations.

This top Thai brand prides itself on producing top quality products. Serious testings are conducted regularly for quality control and if you look around on the web, this is the brand which you will hardly ever find any complains on.

Even as users report a drop in standard with other brands over the years, Fairtex has held up strong, producing top-notch martial arts gear to fighters and gyms all around the world.

User Feedback

“I’m in love with these gloves! They’re less bulky feeling than others I’ve tried.” “They provide ample wrist support and keep a smaller profile than a lot of other gloves, which is perfect for Muay Thai.”

Read “10 Reasons to/Not to Buy Fairtex BGV-1” to see what other users and reviewers have to say about the Fairtex BGV-1.

---

Yokkao Institution Muay Thai Gloves

In a short amount of time since the brand started in 2010, Yokkao has made immense improvements in the designs and quality of the products. The Institution Boxing gloves are the brand’s solid color basic line released in 2017 and priced at a more affordable range.

These are my second pair of gloves from the Bangkok-based company. My first pair was a synthetic that lasted well over a year (still usable) but I decided to get an upgrade earlier this year. The Institution was my choice and they exceeded all expectations.

First off, the fit of Yokkao gloves suited my hands perfectly. I could make a proper fist in the gloves which is something that is overlooked by many beginners.

The padding is standard Thai-style with foam well-distributed to protect the knuckles to the back of the hands and through to the wrists. The wrist support is better than most brands I have tried and offers a lot of stability but just enough that it doesn’t hinder clinching.

The leather feel is great, breathable and you can tell it’s high-grade real leather. Note that it will take a couple of sessions to break into the gloves but there on, they are perfect.

If you want gloves that look great, Yokkao gloves are unmatched. Their collections are also updated every season with fresh stylish gear. The brand’s Italian connections translates into trendy and stylish creations that would make the fashion capital proud.

Overall, I would rank these among the top 3.

User Feedback

“The fit to these gloves are amazing. No air pockets between my knuckles and the inside layer.” “They needed minimal break in time. Overall an awesome Product from Thailand.”

Read my article “YOKKAO Boxing Muay Thai Gloves Review” if you want to know my personal experience with the YOKKAO Boxing gloves.

---

Twins Special Muay Thai  Gloves BGVL-3 (Currently Unavailable)

Twins Special is arguably the most popular Muay Thai brand right now in Thailand. These premium cowhide leather gloves are favored by everyone from casual gym goers to trainers to professional fighters alike.

As a high impact sport, you want gloves that can give you good wrist support and provide sufficient protection for your knuckles and Twins gloves will offer that.

The great overall padding -from the knuckles to the back of the hand- offers ideal protection while you work on your techniques and strengthen your hands to withstand the impact of your punches.

Very soft, very easy on the hands while offering adequate protection and wrist support. Definitely the best choice of gear for any beginner to the sport.

The hand compartments are slightly roomy than snug compared to the other Thai brands, making them a favored choice for Western hands. Good quality leather gloves giving you good mileage, this is a real workhorse.

The designs for the flagship BGVL-3 are basic, no-frills single-colored, so if you want something a littler fancier, you can consider the Twins FBGV for fancier looks.

Twins Special has increased their prices over the last year and even in Thailand, they cost about the same as Fairtex. They are no longer the working class hero I previously dubbed them.

For the purpose of Muay Thai training, I would rank these among the top.

User Feedback

“They have more cushioning than other gloves I have used for Muay Thai and I highly recommend getting them.” “Comfy gloves for punching people in the face. Training partners almost enjoy getting hit as much as hit them, just kidding”

Read my article “Twins Special Boxing Muay Thai Gloves Review” as I share my experience in a comprehensive review of the Twins gloves.

---

Top King Boxing Gloves (Currently Unavailable)

Another popular Muay Thai choice that you will see often in the gym is Top King. Offering comparative protection to Twins gloves, it is interesting to note that the 2 brands are actually owned by 2 brothers.

One reason why they are well-liked is the bold and distinct aesthetics of their gear and they are certainly one of my personal favorites. For cool looking Muay Thai gloves, the quality of the craftsmanship and the cowhide leather used is commendable. They probably took some of the Twins experience over.

These sturdy gloves are well construct and have good foam padding to protect the knuckles and wrists. One thing to note is that the cuffs extend almost halfway up your forearms and would make very support for your wrists.

Top King gloves have a really snug hand compartment and so if you have small- or medium-sized hands, you will love them. With such great qualities, you might not be switching brands ever after.

User Feedback

“Been using these for a year. No signs of damage. Great gloves.” “They’re durable as a train.”

---

Windy Muay Thai Gloves BGVH

One of the pioneers in Thai boxing gear, Windy has humbly served the Muay Thai community since 1951. For the past decades, the brand’s flagship Muay Thai gloves BGVH model has remain a favorite among long-time fans and aficionados.

It’s a boomer brand but has picked up many young followers along the way who discovered its old school simplicity and quality.

First impressions, the padding is very well-balanced as the foam extends all around the gloves. In terms of the fit, these are very similar to fan-favorite, Twins Special BGVL-3 model. They feel comfortably snug but the best part was that they were primed for action on day one without having to break into them.

While every other brand is glamming up their gloves with fancy designs, Windy stuck to their game all these years. For great-quality genuine leather, solid workmanship and all-round comfort in training, I give these Windy BGVH gloves the thumb of approval.

User Feedback

“Been using these for a year. No signs of damage. Great gloves.” “They’re durable as a train.”

---

Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves

If you’re in the mood to splurge a bit more for your first gloves,  you can consider the T3 boxing gloves from this top MMA brand. 

Like many recommendations on the list, the T3 is the brand’s flagship model. Hayabusa prides themselves on extensive research and innovation in the design of their products. The T3 boasts a number of pretty nifty features other than an updated look from its earlier form. 

The really outstanding feature of these gloves is the dual wrist wrap that was brought forward from the previous model. The additional wrap locking system firmly secures the gloves on your wrist to provide a support like lace-ups but without the inconvenience.

A very unique feature is the “wipe-away sweat thumb”, made with moisture-absorbent fabric allowing wearer to wipe the sweat off the face during training. Not exactly a deal-maker but nice gesture from the design team and appreciated.

Another notable feature is the anti-microbial technology. The cool part about this is that it delivers anti-odor properties, improved ventilation, enhanced breathability and thermo-regulating properties. What that means, is that they will keep your hands cool and will dry up fast, a boon for sweaty hands.

The one tiny glitch to these gloves is that they don’t open up quite as well as traditional Muay Thai gloves for clinching. But other than that, these are the perfect training gloves and hardly any breaking in is required – they fit great from the start.

Hayabusa has remedied some of the issues reported by users of the (previous model) Tokushu Regenesis for the upgraded T3. While these are not pure Muay Thai gloves, the combination of high quality materials, good protection and wrist support, and little touches makes them a definite contender for a top spot on this list.

If I had to nitpick, putting on the T3 does take a little getting used to due to the dual-strap system. They are also priced significantly more than the Thai brands, considering that Hayabusa gloves are likely made in China or Pakistan.

User Feedback

“I spent a long time going through reviews and looking at higher end gloves before taking the leap on the T3s, and I couldn’t be happier.” “They have great wrist support, aren’t too hot, and fit my hands well. They also don’t retain the smell from the inevitable sweat that comes when using proper boxing gloves. Very happy with these.”

---

Looking for cheaper options? If you are on a budget, no worries. I got everyone covered in this article. Here are 5 of the best value-for-money gloves that you can have for under $50 (or there abouts):

Venum Challenger 2.0 Boxing Gloves

The Challenger is Venum’s best selling punching gloves catering to the entry-level market. Made of synthetic leather, these gloves have firm padding with good shock absorption and thick wide cuffs for secured fastening.

A highlight is the clever use of thermal-regulating mesh which helps to improve the breathability and comfort.

These gloves fit great for most average hand sizes and they are very soft so no breaking-in is really required. The low price point is certainly one of the most attractive features, as is the sharp aesthetic design.

The main compromise made on this low-cost model is the use of a less durable PU leather compared to the more premium synthetic Skintex leather use on their Elite model.

I find the wrist support somewhat lacking as they seem to feel a little too flimsy. Good for clinching as they are really flexible around the wrists but also means less stability for support.

I suppose you can’t have it all, especially at this price point. But if you are looking for affordable beginner gloves that looks good, this will be an ideal choice.

Venum updated the Challenger range with more colors so there’s a greater chance of finding something you like. For those with a bigger budget, the made-in-Thailand Elite series is a better option but you are better off going with the Thai gloves above.

User Feedback

“I get so many compliments on my gloves, it’s insane.” “Highly recommended. I can’t believe I have spent all these years without them.”

Read my article “Venum Boxing Gloves Review” as I share my experience in a comprehensive review of the Venum Challenger & Elite gloves.

---

Title Pro Style Boxing Gloves

For a pair of genuine leather gloves at under $50, these are a real steal. You will find it a real challenge to find another pure leather gloves at this price point.

These gloves have firm padding, and are durable enough to hold up to the stress of regular bag punching. The velcro straps are also really wide and will provide a nice secure fit that won’t shift much when you train.

As far as I am aware of, the only complaint is that the colors bleed a little when you start using them. The aesthetics are simple and maybe a little dull for some. But if you are looking for durable gloves that can give you good mileage and protection, these boxing gloves are the best that money can buy at this price range.

Real leather gloves do breathe better than synthetics so you may want to take that into consideration too.

User Feedback

“they’re protecting my hands very well. I’ve sustained no injuries with these gloves (and wraps) on.” “I’ve had them for almost 8 months and they show very little wear and still offer the same protection as day one.”

---

Elite Sports Training Gloves (Currently Unavailable)

Elite Sports is an American-based (California) mma brand with a wide range of gear and equipment offering. The brand first caught my attention with their 5-star rated gym bag. These training gloves are among the most affordable options on the list. 

Plus points first. 2 things really stand out for these training gloves other than their affordability: there’s the mesh palm ventilation along with anti-microbial lining that helps to reduce odour build-up, and a stretchable wrist wrap that really secures the gloves.

Nice roomy compartment for average to bigger hands, easy to put on and take off even with handwraps on.

One thing to note about these gloves is that they are built with a heavy top similar to boxing gloves. That’s to say that the padding is concentrated mainly over the knuckles area which makes them ideal gloves for hand-heavy fighters.

The padding over the back of the hand is lacking so I would not recommend them as Muay Thai sparring gloves (light sparring would be fine).

For the price, I would not expect them to last as long the top-tiered gloves recommended above. But these would be good starters for anyone just getting into Muay Thai or doing the sport on a more casual basis.

User Feedback

” Anyone looking to get great gloves without breaking the bank, I highly recommend these..” ” My favorite features are the Maya fabric and the antimicrobial lining which keep my gloves smell free. no more stinking training bag.”

Read my article “Elite Sports: MMA Muay Thai Gear Review” for a comprehensive review of the Elite Sports gear.

---

RDX Ego Series Maya Hide Leather Training Gloves

RDX is a renowned fight gear company from the UK. They are used by both professionals and amateurs, and in boxing, muay thai to MMA arenas. For gloves that retail below $50 (as of writing), these RDXs pack decent quality from good padding, comfort to wrist support.

There’s also moisture-wicking inner fabric to keep your hands cool and dry while you work up a sweat.

In case you were wondering, Maya hide leather is a fully synthetic leather with reasonable durability and resilience.

It’s more breathable compared to vinyl and are softer too. I see this as a good alternative to Ringside Apex if you are looking for gloves at the same price point.

User Feedback

” Fit good and can’t feel anything when you punch plenty of cushion” “The comfort is top notch considering how sturdy they are and how solid the wrist support/hand protection is”

Read my article “RDX Boxing Gloves Review” for a comprehensive review of the RDX Ego gloves.

---

Sanabul Essential Gel Training Gloves

I will come out and say that I do not own a pair of these nor have I tried them on before. The reason I have picked these for the list is that they are really cheap and seem to have gotten a lot of positive reviews from actual users (over 3000 in fact).

Sanabul is a mma brand that also offers the whole shebang of mma-related training gear and equipment for BJJ to Muay Thai and more. The Essential Gel gloves is one of their bestsellers and actually one of the top selling training gloves on Amazon. The number one reason is of course the affordability.

The use of synthetic leather is expected at this price tag and frankly, these certainly aren’t the most durable gloves. But they hold up reasonably well and offer better breathability over many other gloves via the mesh panels.

The use of gel padding seem to be rather effective in terms of shock absorption compared to the more traditional foam padding.

If you have plans to take Muay Thai more seriously, this will not be not the best option. But as the cheapest gloves on the list, these will work as beginner’s gloves especially if you train casually (e.g. once a week).

If you looking for something hardier, consider the other options on the list or Sanabul’s higher-tier but also affordable BattleForged Muay Thai Gloves.

User Feedback

“For the price, you can’t beat it. Nice material in and out” “I do Muay Thai and go hard 4 days a week and they are holding up well.”

---

Yokkao Design Breathable Muay Thai Gloves

Given my extensive collection of Yokkao gloves, I can definitely vouch for their quality. The Yokkao design breathable Muay Thai gloves are certainly an exceptional option. It’s available in a variety of different designs. 

Like all Yokkao gloves, these have been handcrafted by the finest professionals from Thailand. You can easily notice the overall quality of the gloves and the materials involved. The Muay Thai gloves feature the highest quality premium leather. 

On the gloves you’ll notice that there’s an attached thumb that helps provide additional support. These help improve the functioning of the gloves in both training and sparring. 

The gloves have a decent amount of heft to them but still feel lightweight and have a smaller profile than average. You can wear these gloves for a long time without them becoming uncomfortable. Thanks to their smart design choices, these Fairtex gloves fit exceptionally well.

These gloves are a great option for people that are looking to just get started with Muay Thai training and sparring!

User Feedback

“The design makes them stand out but the quality is remarkable as well”  ” These gloves mold to the shape of your hand exceptionally well.”

---

Fairtex Microfibre Gloves

While they may not have the same level of quality as Yokkao, Fairtex are a popular name in the Muay Thai community. They’re also designed in Thailand like Yokkao and feature some of the same qualities.

These gloves are especially popular among people that are looking to get into Muay Thai. Their combination of decent material and stitching makes them a solid and long lasting option.  A single glove can easily last between 8-12 months with proper care. 

You can pick between a variety of different colors and designs when trying to finalize your choice. None of the paint will fade out thanks to the double latex layer coating. It also helps maintain a high level of protection. 

Aside from the exceptional quality of the material, the gloves will last a long time due to the craftsmanship of the makers. The double-stitched seams allow for greater reinforcement, and the hook and loop closure system makes the gloves accessible. 

A great option for long time Muay Thai practitioners and those that are just starting with the sport.

User Feedback

“Super comfortable with a great fit” “Will last you 100s of rounds easily.“

---

Cleto Reyes Training Gloves

For those that are looking to take their Muay Thai training up a level, the Cleto Reyes brand is a great option. Aside from their gloves, they; also make exception heavy bags and other training equipment. The gloves feature the highest level of craftsmanship and materials. 

All Cleto Reyes gloves are manufactured in Mexico using the high quality materials and craftsmanship. The company’s dedication to quality control means that the products always contain the very best materials.

On top of that, they use a long-lasting latex foam that ensures your knuckles have decent support and protections. You can keep these gloves on and train for a long time. The water repellent linings help prevent any moisture from getting into the padding. 

Before any sparring session, you won’t have to struggle around with these gloves. They’re super easy to wear and remove when you’re done training. You may be paying a premium but you’ll definitely be getting a definite standard in quality. 

These gloves are ideal for both professional and amateur Muay Thai practitioners!

User Feedback

“One of the highest quality training gloves on the market” “Putting these gloves on and hitting the bag just feels so right”

---

Conclusion

When choosing a new pair of gloves, you want a pair that is able to provide appropriate support and protection for your hands while being reasonably durable. In terms of fit, you may have to buy and try out a few pairs before you eventually find a pair that fits you exactly the way you like.

As your first pair of Muay Thai training gloves, the recommendations here are some of the best and most popular options. With the information and recommendations that is presented here, I hope you can soon find the right pair of gloves to get you going on your Muay Thai journey. Keep fighting and as always,

Chok Dee!

Frequently Asked Questions

Sharing is caring!