It’s important to use the best gloves you can when training in martial arts. Whether it’s MMA, taekwondo, karate, muay Thai, or boxing, you’re probably wearing gloves while sparring. The purpose of gloves in martial arts is to protect the fragile bones of the hand and prevent you from accidentally breaking your hand. This is a requirement both in the Dojo and, more importantly, in tournaments. It might seem silly, but it’s for safety; sparring without using gloves is possible, but it rarely ever happens.
There are two types of gloves from which to choose: a closed boxing-style glove and an MMA glove, the latter having holes for your fingers so that you can grapple. Regardless of which type you go with, you want the best possible gloves that you can get. That’s what we’re going to look at today: the best gloves for MMA, taekwondo, and karate.
Our Best Picks
01: RDX T14 Harrier Training Boxing Gloves
Pros:
- Suitable for multiple disciplines
- Durable construction
- Great shock absorption
- Comfortable fit
- Multifunctional
Cons:
- The color scheme or pattern might be a little bit overdone for some people
- The price may be a bit steep for some people.
- Movement may be restricted
02: Brave MMA Competition Glove
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Good shock absorption
- Flexible – allows fighters to make full use of their hands
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy bag work
- Not very versatile – you’re limited to MMA and, possibly, Taekwondo and Karate.
- Finger holes might be a bit big
03: RDX T2 Half Finger Taekwondo Gloves
Pros:
- Good Price
- Durable construction
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
- Great shock/impact absorption
- Doesn’t limit mobility
- Suitable for MMA, Taekwondo, and Karate
Cons:
- Minor risk of broken fingers
- Not suitable for boxing, kickboxing, etc.
Best Gloves for MMA, Taekwondo, and Karate
01: RDX T14 Harrier Training Boxing Gloves
Suitable for boxing, kickboxing, taekwondo, karate, and available in 10, 12, 14, and 16oz weights; these are very versatile in the world of martial arts. Sturdily constructed with super-skin combat leather, the T14 Harrier gloves have a strong mold that secures your wrist in place and the EVA foam provides impressive shock absorption.
Pros:
- Suitable for multiple disciplines
- Durable construction
- Great shock absorption
- Comfortable fit
- Multifunctional
Cons:
- The color scheme or pattern might be a little bit overdone for some people
- The price may be a bit steep for some people.
- Movement may be restricted
At around $137, these gloves may be more expensive than most people would like and the tattoo design might not be aesthetically pleasing to some. That being said, and considering the materials involved, I’d say these are very good. You can use them for pad and bag work as well as for sparring, so you don’t have to buy several pairs of gloves for training purposes. Having used similar gloves to these, I can tell you that your hands will have limited mobility. If you’re looking to be able to freely move your hand, you may need something else.
If you’d like to purchase this product, you can do so by clicking the link below:
02: Brave MMA Competition Gloves
The sturdy polyurethane construction and sectioned padding make this a great option for MMA practitioners, and I’ve seen similar gloves used in taekwondo as well. A flexible design provides ample dexterity and makes it easier to train in grappling, ground, and clinch fighting. They’re super comfortable and easy to put on and take off.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Good shock absorption
- Flexible – allows fighters to make full use of their hands
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy bag work
- Not very versatile – you’re rather limited to MMA and, possibly, Taekwondo and Karate.
- Finger holes might be a bit big
This is a super, budget-friendly option for those who are looking to get started and can’t afford high-premium equipment. With that in mind, it’s important to understand that there is a trade-off. The padding is not designed to withstand hammering on a heavy bag, it’s primarily meant for sparring, so if you’re doing a lot of bag work this might not be the best option for you. Still, this is a worthwhile option and I can definitely recommend it.
If you’d like to check out this product, you can do so by clicking the link below:
03: RDX T2 Half Finger Taekwondo Gloves
Usually, when you think of taekwondo, you think of kicks and closed strikes more than you think of open-handed strikes and grappling. What many people don’t know is that there are taekwondo curriculums that include grappling, throwing, falling, and other elements not typically associated with the sport.
Made with durable synthetic leather, these gloves use very thick foam padding across the backs of the hands to protect your knuckles and the sides of the hand for when you’re blocking a head kick. They are super comfortable, they provide all the support needed for your hands and wrists, and they are easy to put on and take off when needed.
Pros:
- Good Price
- Durable construction
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
- Great shock and impact absorption
- Doesn’t limit mobility
- Suitable for MMA, Taekwondo, and Karate
Cons:
- Minor risk of broken fingers
- Not suitable for boxing, kickboxing, etc.
Like the Brave MMA gloves before, I’ve seen similar gloves to these ones used and they’re definitely preferred by their users. The mobility of the hand is not affected much, if at all, and the only real risk is that you’ll catch or block a kick the wrong way and end up with a broken finger or two. Thankfully, that almost never happens.
If you’d like to check out this item, you can do so by clicking the link below:
04: Elite Sports Star Series Adult Boxing Gloves
Suitable for kickboxing, karate, taekwondo, and, of course, boxing; the Elite Sports Star Series comes in various color combinations. Size-wise, these are available from 10 to 16oz. The combination of durable synthetic leather, impact gel, and foam provides amazing impact and shock absorption as well as a comfortable fit. The wrist wrap allows you to minimize the risk of sprains and other injuries to your hand and wrist without sacrificing elements of your training.
Pros:
- Light and Durable Construction
- Suitable for multiple disciplines
- Great impact and shock absorption
- Comfortable
- Good price
- Stylish
Cons:
- Your hand is stuck in one position while in use
If you’d like to check out these gloves yourself, you can do so by clicking the link below:
05: Everlast Pro Style Grappling Gloves
Everlast is well known in the martial arts and combat sports world – and for good reason. The use of premium synthetic leather and foam padding makes these gloves incredibly durable and comfortable.
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Great shock and impact absorption
- Doesn’t restrict movement in the hands
- Full wrist support
Cons:
- Limited size availability (only available in medium and extra-large sizes)
If you saw Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood parody film, Men in Tights, Maid Marian’s Line, “That’s my chastity belt, it’s an Everlast,” probably got a good laugh out of you, and now you know why. Everlast is a company that produces long-lasting equipment at great prices and this is definitely a common recommendation.
If you’d like to check out these gloves, you can do so by clicking the link below:
06: Venum Elite Boxing Gloves
The Venum Elite gloves are made of synthetic leather with reinforced seams which makes them incredibly durable. The triple foam layer and reinforced palms provide great shock and impact absorption. The long velcro and elastic combination wrist straps ensure that your wrist is properly supported during training and sparring. You can use these for most exercises, including sparring and bag or mitt work.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Great shock/impact absorption
- Full wrist support
- Multifunctional
- Comfortable
- Suitable for multiple disciplines
Cons:
- Only available in one size (16oz), which may be too big for some people
- Restricted movement of the hand
These are handmade in Thailand, and they are the perfect balance between fashion and function. If you’d like to check them out, you can do so by clicking the link below:
07: Venum Challenger MMA Gloves
Sticking with Venum, we have the Challenger MMA gloves. Like the previous entry, these are made in Thailand with durable synthetic leather. The layered foam gives great shock and impact absorption, and the wrist strap provides fantastic support for your wrist, reducing the risk of injuries.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Lightweight at 4oz
- Durable
- Adjustable
- Full wrist support
Cons:
- Limited size availability
Overall, this is a great option; they are stylish and budget friendly. The only issue is that the size range is extremely limited. This will make finding the right size gloves a bit trickier.
If you’d like to check these ones out, you can do so by clicking on the link below:
08: RDX T2 MMA Fight Gloves Gel-Padded w. Thumb Protector
Made from durable cowhide leather, these gloves are practically indestructible, and the layer of impact gel integrated with the shock-resistant foam gives impressive shock and impact absorption. The full support to the hand and wrist ensures proper form and reduces the risk of injury. You can use these gloves for multiple training exercises including bag or mitt work and sparring.
Pros:
- Great shock and impact absorption
- Durable construction
- Fantastic wrist support
- Comfortable fit
- Suitable for multiple disciplines, including MMA, Taekwondo, and Karate
Cons:
- Although some reviews have mentioned using these on a heavy bag, it’s important to note that they may not be entirely effective for extreme heavy bag work.
It’s rare that you get such a good quality pair of gloves for such a low price. If you need a pair of gloves and you can’t afford to spend a lot of money, this is definitely one option for you.
If you’d like to check out these gloves, you can do so by clicking on the link below:
09: Yokkao Black Panda Boxing Gloves
This is a lesser-known brand. Handmade in Thailand, Yokkao boxing gloves are made from cowhide leather with reinforced stitching for extra durability. They’re all very comfortable and have unique illustrations.
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Suitable for multiple disciplines and exercises
- Great shock and impact absorption
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Not suitable for MMA
- Limited size availability
You can use these for taekwondo, karate, muay Thai, and boxing without an issue and the illustrations, while not everyone’s style, will certainly make you stand out. If you’d like to check them out, you can do so by clicking on the link below:
10: RDX T1 Short Finger Taekwondo Gloves
Earlier, we discussed the T2 Half Finger Taekwondo gloves, and this is RDX’s other alternative. Suitable for MMA, Taekwondo, and Karate, the T1 short-finger taekwondo gloves are handmade with sturdy synthetic leather. The padding across the back of the glove and knuckles uses shock-resistant foam and gives efficient shock and impact absorption. The internal neoprene fabric allows for a snug, comfortable fit, and the super-low price point is great!
Pros:
- Suitable for multiple disciplines
- Great shock and impact absorption
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable price
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Finding the correct size can be tricky
These are the perfect example of good quality equipment at a low price and if this doesn’t prove that you can get good gloves cheaply, then I don’t know what will. If you’d like to check them out, you can do so by clicking on the link below:
Alternatives
11: Drive Fight Gloves
Tough polyurethane construction with pre-formed foam padding; these gloves are designed with comfort in mind. Perfect for MMA, taekwondo, and karate, these are very comfortable for striking and grappling practice. The open-palm design allows for greater mobility in the hands.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Suitable for multiple disciplines
- Doesn’t restrict movement
Cons:
- Not suitable for styles such as boxing or muay Thai
Overall, this is a good alternative option for MMA gloves if you need one. With that in mind, if you’d like to check them out, you can do so by clicking the link below:
12: Elite Sports Standard Series Adult Boxing Gloves
Made with high-quality synthetic leather, the Standard series comes in a wide array of color combinations. The design is simple and ergonomic, allowing for a comfortable fit. The support for your wrist ensures proper form, which reduces your chances of injuring yourself or someone else. The combination of impact gel and shock-resistant foam provides great shock and impact absorption. You can use these for practically anything – except, maybe, MMA. I use boxing-style gloves in sparring and on the bags pretty regularly, and I’ve seen a variety of boxing gloves on the mat as well.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Great shock and impact absorption
- Full wrist support
- Suitable for both Karate and Taekwondo as well as a few other styles
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not suitable or practical for MMA
This is another budget-friendly line of boxing gloves for those who want the Elite Sports quality but in a cheaper package. At just under $23, this is a good option for both beginners and veterans alike.
If you’d like to get a pair, then you can do so by clicking the link below:
MMA Gloves Size Guide
This size guide from Forza Sports shows sizes relative to the size of your hand.
| Small | 7 – 8 inches | 18 – 20 centimeters |
| Medium | 8 – 9 inches | 20 – 22 centimeters |
| Large/Extra Large | 9 – 10 inches | 22 – 25 centimeters |
It should be noted that different brands may have different size measurements.
FAQs about Gloves
Question: What is the Best MMA Gloves?
Answer: Any of the pairs on this list would be a good option, but the Brave MMA Competition or the RDX T2 Half Finger Taekwondo gloves would be my picks.
Question: What is the Best Karate/Taekwondo Gloves?
Answer: It would depend on the variant of taekwondo (ITF, WT, ATA, etc.), but if it were me, I’d probably go with the RDX T2 Half Finger Taekwondo gloves. The reason why is pretty simple: I like the idea of being able to keep my hands open during sparring.
Question: What is the Key Factor in Choosing MMA Gloves?
Answer: There are a number of key factors when choosing gloves in general. With MMA gloves, you’re looking at the size and weight of the gloves, fit and finish (i.e., padding, materials, etc.), as well as the price point. It’s also a good idea to research different brands ahead of time so you know which ones are good and which ones aren’t.
Question: What is the Key Factor in Choosing Karate/Taekwondo Gloves?
Answer: Much like with MMA gloves, there are a number of factors to consider. Taekwondo and karate, in my experience, typically use a boxing-style glove. With that in mind, you need to look at the materials, weight (gloves can weigh anywhere from 10 to 16oz), padding, size, and, of course, the price point.
Question: How much should MMA Gloves Weigh?
Answer: The UFC allows competition gloves between 4 and 6oz in weight. Professional fighters typically use a 4oz glove and amateurs generally use a 6oz glove.
Question: Should you spar with MMA Gloves?
Answer: Yes, but you don’t really get much choice in the matter. You have to wear gloves while sparring, which means you will be sparring with MMA gloves at some stage.
Question: Is it Okay for me to Spar without Gloves in Karate?
Answer: Yes and no. It’s possible to spar without gloves in any style, but that’s usually limited to no-contact sparring or shadow sparring. As far as contact sparring goes, sparring without gear would only be allowed with extremely light contact and only with the head of Sensei’s permission. That being said, you will, more often than not, have to wear gloves while sparring.
Question: Will I need to wear my Sparring Gear during Tournaments?
Answer: Yes, this is non-negotiable in most disciplines. If you’re sparring in a tournament, you MUST wear your sparring gear. In my experience, this is a common question that tends to irritate most instructors because they will tell you to bring your gear and they expect you to have enough common sense to do so.