Unless you like to live on the wild side of life and are a fan of bare-knuckle boxing, there’s no piece of gear more critical to combat sports than gloves.
When it comes to Muay Thai, the glove is about so much more than just protecting your hand, it’s also a crucial part of your fighting technique.
Finding the best gloves for Muay Thai depends on some variables though, and what’s right for one fighter might not be right for all.
What we do know, though, is that to give help you excel in the ring, you need a glove that’s durable, comfortable, and the right fit for your hand and intended purpose specifically.
What are the best Muay Thai gloves, then?
When choosing a new pair of MMA gloves, you should look for some that fit your hand size first, and then determine whether they’re strong enough for their intended use.
Training gloves and those made for beginners will be lighter, whereas people preparing for a fight will want something heavier to cushion the impact of their blows.
Whether you’re looking for your first pair of Muay Thai gloves or are looking to upgrade to something better, we’re here to help with a massive selection of some of the top-rated options on the market in 2020.
We’ve reviewed the best Muay Thai gloves to suit all martial artists and their unique needs, with features that will only help you excel in your natural talent.
Muay Thai gloves come in all shapes and sizes, and if you’ve ever tried shopping for a pair you know how tremendous the search can be.
We’ve weighed in with our picks for the best Muay Thai gloves for beginners, those shopping on a budget, looking to train, or just wanting the finest overall, and we’ve got them here for you.
Best Muay Thai Gloves – Reviews & Buying guide for 2023
Best Overall: Twins Special BGVLA-2 Air Flow Gloves
- Size: N/A
- Weight: 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz
- Style: Universal
Our favorite Muay Thai gloves on the market today come from Twins Special with their latest release, the BGVLA-2 Air Flow.
These gloves are a universal style that makes them ideal for all types of boxing, but especially good for the unique challenges of Muay Thai. They have a tight fit design that sits snug while you’re working but with the breathability, you need for this special combat sport.
What customers loved most about these gloves was the air mesh situated on the upper palm.
Although you might not realize it when you’re in the ring, your hands are some of the sweatiest areas of your body, and having just a bit of air to get through and keep them cool can make a huge difference for the rest of your body, which ultimately impacts your performance.
Another great feature is the all-leather construction, which many believe is a must for this type of glove.
Not only does it help with the breathability along with the mesh but it means you have a glove that’ll last for years. When you’re investing in a pair of Muay Thai gloves having something of this quality makes it worthwhile to spend a little extra.
It wasn’t all good though, as there appears to be loose threads or strings inside the pocket of the glove after some use. This will have to be clipped or removed otherwise it’ll become a huge distraction.
For an expensive glove like this, you wouldn’t expect a minor detail like this to be an issue, but it does take away from the overall quality of the glove.
Some users also noted that the gloves were a tight fit for them, and although on the outside they appeared big enough, the inner pocket was a different story.
Check the size guide listed by Twins Special and make sure you match it to your hand size exactly, otherwise, you might be disappointed in the final result.
These are a top choice for the best beginner Muay Thai gloves that will last for years to come, but they’re also good enough for serious boxers.
They fasten with Velcro wrist straps to keep them securely on and can be used as an all-purpose glove that will transition into other combat sports as well.
Inside you’ll find extra hand padding that helps with high-impact hits, and it means when you’re sparring with a partner or working the bag, you’ll be able to go hours without fatigue.
The best price online can be found on Amazon and they also include free shipping direct to your door and a free returns system in case the size you choose ends up being an incorrect fit. For the absolute best Muay Thai gloves to suit all wearers and uses, the Twins Special BGVLA-2 Air Flows are our favorite.
Runner Up: Fairtex Microfiber Boxing Gloves
- Size: 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz
- Weight:
- Style: Universal
For the best Muay Thai sparring gloves that cost a little less, we love the Fairtex Microfiber Boxing Gloves. These gloves are made with the patented Fairtex foam system that disburses shock and protects your knuckles and hands from any size hit.
These gloves come in sizes from 8oz through the 16oz, so all you have to do is determine what’s the best fit for you and the purpose of your practice.
By far the best things about these gloves compared to others were the comfort they offer, meaning you can go for hours in the ring without an issue.
Within the premium leather and foam system is microfiber, so your hands not only feel soft even with the biggest hits, but they’ll wick away moisture and keep you performing at your absolute best.
If you’re someone who likes a bit of bling in the ring, you’ll be amazed at the sheer selection of colors and designs that these gloves offer.
Fairtex has gone to great lengths to make sure every style has been catered to, whether you want something plain and with a minimalist logo, or you’re after the flashiest and brightest gloves of all time.
On the downside though, some people have noticed a difference in size and weight over time with their gloves.
After regular use, it seems as though their gloves expanded and weren’t as tight of a fit as when they first got them, so you may need to replace or tighten them more frequently than you would with another brand.
Some customers loved the lightness of these gloves, and others found they weren’t tough enough. If you’re after a pair of gloves for sparring and bag work, they’ll be ideal, but for something tougher that could be used in competition, they may be a little lightweight.
If you can afford it, the Fairtex Microfiber Gloves are good for training and beginners only, leaving the more serious styles to the professionals.
Other notable features include the genuine leather finish that covers the foam protective layer, so it always stays smooths and durable.
With a specialized hand compartment, it’ll protect your hands, fingers, and knuckles, while giving you that all-important grip and clinch movement you need during Muay Thai training and competition.
These gloves were handmade in Thailand, the home of the sport, and with the quality that this country is known for when it comes to their training gear.
If you want a quality pair of gloves without a first-class price tag, the Fairtex Microfiber Boxing Gloves are a great option. They’re within the price range of most people and made with premium materials that will last for many bouts in the ring.
You’ll also benefit from their free shipping and free returns program, which gives you peace of mind that you’ll be able to find the perfect fit.
Best Muay Thai Training Gloves: RDX Ego Boxing Gloves
- Size: N/A
- Weight: 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz
- Style: Boxing gloves
The RDX Ego Boxing Gloves are our top pick for the best Muay Thai gloves for training, whether it’s a sparring session, shadowboxing, or working the bag.
With a leather hide construction, they’re extremely durable, but never lose their soft striking surface even after years of us. The Ego Gloves come in sizes from 8oz to 16oz and are made with a lightweight feel that makes them the perfect choice for a training companion.
Unlike other boxing gloves that are limited in how they fit, the RDX boxing gloves can be customized to suit your size exactly, and this is a favorite feature according to customers.
This is thanks to the extra-long quick EZ hook and loop system that RDX has included in the glove, so there are more ways than one to secure it. You’ll never have to adjust them mid-training session again, and your wrists will always be aligned thanks to the longer cuff in this design.
One of the bonuses of buying gloves for training is that you only need something lighter, which ends up saving you a lot of money.
RDX has managed to make their gloves even cheaper than most, which means they’re ideal as a first time set of gloves or just for training, and once you figure out what you like exactly, you can upgrade to your heart’s desire.
On the negative side of things, these gloves don’t offer as much protection as others we’ve reviewed. Although you don’t need the same level of impact cover as you would with something designed for the ring, you’ll still want to keep yourself protected.
If you find these gloves aren’t doing the job, you may need to insert an extra layer to ensure there’s good shock absorption.
Another minor setback was fading with the dye and leather on the exterior of the gloves after regular use.
Although you can expect some fading to occur over time, not usually within months, so this can probably be chalked up to how they’re made and why they’re able to be sold at a lower price point.
It won’t affect the quality or durability of the glove itself but can make your gear look cheap.
Ego Gloves by RDX feature SPP technology that provides breathability and airing, working to decrease the amount of sweat you have when you train.
Each glove features perforated holes situated over the palm to keep this crucial area dry, and you’ll notice the difference in comfort when you’re training with them.
RDX uses their Quadro-Dome technology helps keep alignment in the wrist to keep your hand stable and your strikes precise, so all parts of your hand are in the right position.
Not only are they some of the cheapest leather gloves around, but they still come with the free shipping and free returns that the online marketplace is famous for. There’s nothing to lose giving these special boxing gloves a try for your training sessions, but a whole lot of money to save.
Best Muay Thai Sparring Gloves: Fairtex Sparring Muay Thai Gloves
- Size: N/A
- Weight: 4oz, 6oz (kids), 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz, 18oz
- Style: Sparring glove
When you want an authentic Thai boxing glove, you go to a famous Thai brand, and Fairtex is one of the best.
Their Muay Thai Training Gloves are our favorite choice for sparring and all other forms of practice, with a huge selection of sizes and an even bigger range of colors, with over 25 styles to choose from.
These gloves are made with the Fairtex foam system, Velcro straps, and a genuine leather surface, ticking all of the boxes for a quality pair.
Our favorite thing about these gloves is their comfort factor, which is exactly what you’re looking for when shopping for a sparring or training glove.
Fairtex has created their foam system inside of the glove that aims to protect your hand and knuckle from the hits you deliver and also absorbs a lot of the shock. With continual strikes like you might do in pad or bag work, as well as sparring, having this cushion has been a huge relief.
Another great feature of the Fairtex gloves is shopping with a brand of this high reputation. All you have to do is look at some customer reviews to see it’s a loved company, and they’ve been making gloves in Thailand since the 1970s.
They’re a favorite for many professional martial artists and a smart investment if you’re ready to take your practice to the next level.
There were some negatives to consider, first being that you’ll have to spend some time breaking them in.
Although this can be the sign of a solid glove, it also means a lot of extra work, so don’t purchase these and think you’re going to be out in the ring with them the next day. Expect a lot of wraps and conditioning to get them to the surface you want, which will take time.
Another downside for some customers came with the wrist. Depending on how you like your gloves to fit, you might find the end situated at the wrist was loose.
These gloves are designed to be a tight fit, and they do fit snugly around the hand, but on the wrist, they’re not as tight. There are Velcro straps that can get stuck and hard to use, especially midway through a sparring session, so it’s something to keep in mind.
The Fairtex Muay Thai sparring gloves are made with genuine leather which means they’ll last for years and years of training.
They’ve been ergonomically designed to have a unique shape inside that contours to your hand, and gives your fist somewhere safe and comfortable to rest while you get to work.
The size selection is huge with two kids’ sizes on offer and adult gloves ranging from 8oz to 18oz, so even the heavier hitters are taken care of as well.
With the trusted reputation of a 50-year-old brand behind them and loads of happy customers, these are the ultimate choice in a sparring glove and the best for working on improving your skills up regularly.
Best Budget Muay Thai Gloves: Jayefo PRO Model Leather Muay Thai Gloves
- Size: N/A
- Weight: 4oz, 6oz (kids), 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz
- Style: Universal
When you’re still trying to figure out is Muay Thai is for you, a pair of basic gloves like the Jayefo Beginners Muay Thai gloves are a great start.
These beginner gloves are some of the cheapest on the market, and with sizes 4oz and 6oz for kids, as well as a huge range of adult glove sizes, you’ll be able to find your perfect fit.
The Jayefo gloves come in five bright color options, so you can match them to your training garments and personal style.
The best thing about these gloves come from the minor details, so although they’re budget-friendly, that doesn’t mean they didn’t think about the wearer.
Jayefo has included vent holes around the palms as you find in more expensive gloves, and the result is a much more comfortable fit that keeps the air flowing and gives you a better chance at gripping.
Another great feature is the comfort of the gloves, which you might not expect at this price range. The fit inside the glove is contoured perfectly to the shape of your hand and they have a huge selection of sizes, so you can find the right fit and for the right purpose.
Even their kids’ gloves are ideal for those as young as five years old, so if you’re looking to get your child into the sport, it’s an affordable way to start.
These aren’t the highest quality gloves, so don’t purchase them thinking they’re going to last for years or help you in a serious sparring session.
Some customers have pointed out that the surface started to wear after just a couple of months, which is one major downside to choosing a glove that’s not made with leather.
Another negative is that the padding effect of these gloves isn’t the greatest. Although they have a few layers of gel padding it’s really only ideal for light training sessions and having fun.
For the price, this is to be expected, and they’re a great gift for kids who want to see if they’re interested in MMA or Muay Thai, but not worthy of competing or anything more.
The Jayefo Gloves are made with a wrist strap on either side, giving you a secure fit for your training session. There are three layers of gel inside the glove, designed to give your knuckles and hand protection by absorbing the shock of your strikes, although it doesn’t seem fit for intense hits.
You’ll be hard-pressed finding a pair of gloves that cost this much and are this comfortable, which is why the Jayefo Beginners Gloves are our top choice in this price range.
These are the perfect introduction into Muay Thai that won’t break the bank, so give them some consideration if you want to test the waters.
Best Muay Thai Gloves FAQ
Choosing your first pair of Muay Thai gloves is a daunting task, but with a bit of background information on why certain features matter and others don’t, you can make the task a lot more enjoyable.
We’ve answered some FAQs that people have about Muay Thai gloves and their unique construction to give you a basic understanding of what they’re all about.
Difference Between Boxing Gloves And Muay Thai Gloves?
Boxing gloves and Muay Thai gloves are both designed to offer protection to the hand, fingers, and wrist. However, a Muay Thai glove must be more flexible as the wearer should be able to clinch, grip, and hold parts of their opponent.
Therefore, a Muay Thai glove is cushioned in some areas but thinner in others and with the flexibility that gives your hand and fingers a greater range of motion.
What Size Should I Get And How To Size My Hands?
All gloves manufacturers have different sizes, so it’s best to refer to their size guide chart specifically to see how it compares to the width and length of your hand.
For Muay Thai, a glove should be tight enough that it stays on but not so it’s cutting off circulation. It’ll need to be loose as well so that you can still grip and grab while it’s one, but not so loose that it’s falling off.
Why Are Some Muay Thay Gloves Heavier?
There are Muay Thai gloves for different purposes, and depending on where and how you’re wearing them, you might need a glove that’s heavier or lighter.
Gloves for kids, beginners, and training will usually be lighter as there’s not as much force required in a strike. Gloves for those in fights or sparring might need a heavier and more durable glove to cushion their blows.
Precision and Protection in One
Unlike other sports where a glove is used mainly for protection, a Muay Thai glove has the task of being so much more.
Not only must they be cushioned to keep you safe from injury, but they must also allow you to precisely and powerfully grip and maneuver, so there’s more to them than meets the eye.
No matter how far you are in your Muay Thai training, the right pair of gloves can take you further.
With our help and expert recommendations here, you’ll be equipped with the gear that can make a real difference to your practice, and make sure that you take it as far as possible.
There’s no piece of equipment more imperative to Thai boxing than your gloves, and whether you practice Muay Thai alone or as part of MMA training, they’re essential.
You’ll feel instantly how much of a gamechanger a quality pair of gloves is, and choosing any from our list of favorites will prove just how important they are.
