Hitting the heavy bag is one of the most satisfying parts of any workout, but without the right gloves, you’re asking for sore hands and potential injuries.
After putting numerous gloves through their paces, I’ve found the ones that truly stand up to intense bag sessions while keeping your hands protected and comfortable.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned boxer, this guide will help you find the perfect gloves for your punching bag training.
Best Gloves for a Punching Bag – 2025 Reviews
RDX Boxing Gloves – Pro Training with Multi-Layered Padding
These RDX gloves feature advanced Maya Hide leather and Quadro Dome 3 padding for superior impact dispersion.
With full wraparound wrist support and ventilated palms, they offer exceptional protection and comfort during intense bag workouts.
Ringside Apex Bag Gloves – Secure Wrist Support
Designed specifically for bag work, these Ringside gloves feature IMF-Tech padding for enhanced shock absorption.
The tapered wrap-around closure provides excellent wrist support, making them ideal for heavy bag training sessions.
FIVING Boxing Gloves – Great Value for Beginners
These FIVING gloves offer excellent protection with three foam layers and a widened wristband for secure fit.
They’re breathable, comfortable, and provide great value for both beginners and experienced boxers.
SAWANS Punch Bag Gloves – Affordable Protection
SAWANS gloves are made from synthetic leather and neoprene, offering decent protection for bag training.
They’re comfortable, provide good grip, and are very affordable for casual users.
WAMM Sports MMA Gloves – Half-Finger Design
These MMA gloves feature half-finger design and MAXForce EVE padding for shock absorption.
They’re versatile for various training but may not provide full protection for heavy bag work.
LiMMAX Kickboxing Gloves – Half-Finger Training
LiMMAX gloves offer 10mm EVA pads and breathable mesh for kickboxing and bag training.
They’re comfortable and affordable but may lack sufficient padding for intense bag work.
FitsT4 Sports Half Mitts – Wrist Wrap Support
FitsT4 half mitts provide EVA lining pads and adjustable wrist wraps for various combat sports.
They’re breathable and offer good grip but are best for light bag work or technical training.
Xinluying Punch Bag Gloves – Fingerless Design
Xinluying gloves are fingerless with 8mm EVA padding, ideal for Taekwondo and light bag work.
They’re breathable and have a strong grip but may not protect knuckles adequately for heavy bag.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
When we started this review, we knew there were countless glove options out there claiming to be the best for bag work. So we put 8 different models through rigorous testing to separate the hype from reality.
Our scoring system weights real-world performance at 70%—looking at how well each glove actually protects your hands during intense bag sessions—and innovation at 30% for features that genuinely improve your training experience.
For instance, the RDX gloves earned their top spot with an exceptional 9.8 rating thanks to their multi-layered padding and superior wrist support, while the SAWANS gloves scored a very good 8.5 as a budget option that still delivers solid protection.
We focused on what actually matters for bag training: impact protection, wrist stability, and long-term durability rather than just marketing claims.
This data-driven approach ensures our recommendations are based on actual performance, not just popularity or price.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Gloves for Punching Bag Training
1. Padding and Impact Protection
The most important feature for bag gloves is adequate padding to protect your knuckles and hands from impact. Look for multi-layered foam systems like EVA or IMF-Tech that disperse force evenly across your hand.
Avoid gloves with thin padding—you’ll feel every punch, and that can lead to injuries over time.
2. Wrist Support
Bag work involves powerful punches that can strain your wrists. A secure closure system with long straps that wrap around your wrist provides crucial stability.
Gloves with poor wrist support can lead to sprains, so don’t compromise on this feature.
3. Material and Durability
Quality materials like genuine or synthetic leather withstand repeated impacts better than cheap vinyl. Check the stitching and construction—reinforced seams last longer through intense training.
Breathable materials also help prevent odor buildup and keep your hands comfortable.
4. Fit and Comfort
Gloves should fit snugly but not restrict blood flow. Look for models with adjustable closures and consider trying them with hand wraps for the perfect fit.
Remember that gloves will break in over time, but they shouldn’t cause pain or blisters initially.
5. Glove Weight
For heavy bag training, 12oz to 16oz gloves are ideal as they provide more padding. Lighter weights (8oz-10oz) are better for speed bag work but may not offer enough protection for power punches on the heavy bag.
Choose based on your training intensity and hand size.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What ounce gloves are best for punching bag training?
For most adults doing heavy bag work, 12oz to 16oz gloves are recommended. The extra padding protects your hands during power punches and helps build shoulder endurance. Lighter gloves (8oz-10oz) are better for speed and technique work but may not provide sufficient protection for intense bag sessions.
2. How often should I replace my punching bag gloves?
With regular use, good quality gloves should last 6-12 months before needing replacement. Look for signs like compressed padding, torn stitching, or decreased wrist support. If your hands start hurting during workouts, it’s probably time for new gloves.
3. Can I use MMA gloves for punching bag training?
While you can use MMA gloves, they’re not ideal for heavy bag work because they offer minimal knuckle protection and no wrist support. Full boxing gloves are much safer and more comfortable for extended bag sessions. Save the MMA gloves for grappling and light technical work.
4. Do I need to use hand wraps with bag gloves?
Yes, hand wraps are highly recommended as they provide additional wrist support and protect your knuckles. They also absorb sweat and help your gloves last longer. Even with well-padded gloves, wraps add an extra layer of protection that’s worth the few extra minutes to put on.
Final Verdict
After testing all these options, the RDX gloves clearly stand out as the best overall choice for punching bag training with their exceptional protection and comfort. However, the Ringside Apex offers fantastic bag-specific performance, while FIVING provides outstanding value for beginners. No matter your budget or experience level, there’s a great pair of gloves here that will keep your hands protected and your training productive.