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Boxing is a combat sport that undoubtedly leaves you feeling like the powerhouse you are. It channels your superhero and puts you right in the line of fire.
This is also why protective boxing equipment is essential for both beginners and advanced players alike — even if you’re practicing in your own home gym.
We spoke to boxing workout experts Sydney Miller and Dan Bulay. Together, they share the best boxing workout equipment for fighters of all levels along with top accessory picks.
Keep reading for a series of FAQ questions or jump to the list of their must-have boxing items along with a few of our favorites.
You’ll be throwing down in the ring in no time.
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Meet the experts
Sydney Miller
Swerve Fitness founding trainer, coach, fighter, and lululemon ambassador.
Dan Bulay
Co-owner of the District Training Facility, and Everlast coach.
What are the benefits of boxing?
Miller and Bulay both agree that boxing is one of the best workouts out there, as Bulay claims it’s “empowering,” “widely popular, and has “seemingly endless” benefits.
Miller agrees, sharing that boxing “improves heart health, aids in weight loss, boosts strength, enhances balance, lowers blood pressure, decreases stress, and increases bone density, which prevents conditions associated with aging, such as osteoporosis.”
But boxing goes beyond the typical physical benefits as well.
“The nature of memorizing combinations and asking your body to put together these sequences is also a super healthy activity to keep our brains sharp and enhances the mind-body connection,” Miller told The Post.
Subsequently, Bulay believes “knowing how to throw a punch and even potentially knowing how to take one is empowering.”
“Most people have never gotten punched in the face or into a physical fight in their lives (I know I haven’t gotten in a fight since middle school),” said Bulay. “Knowing how to do it is a confidence booster, even if you will never need to use it. It’s like that saying — ‘it’s better to have it and never use it than be in a situation where you need it and don’t have it.'”
What are the standard pieces of equipment every boxer needs?
Both experts shared that you don’t need much to kickstart your boxing journey.
“When learning the basics of boxing — how to throw a punch properly with your hips, how to move your feet properly, how to tie everything together — you don’t even need a pair of gloves to get started, just your body,” Bulay shared.
However, once you’re ready to step in the ring, you should snag some goods.
“Non-negotiables are wraps and gloves,” said Miller. “I recommend picking a great pair of gloves you can wear for years because I promise you will get addicted.”
Bulay places his equipment focus on good footwear saying “beginners can get away with a good pair of training shoes but should eventually upgrade to proper boxing shoes.
Beyond wraps, gloves, and shoes, Miller also recommends headgear and mouth guards if you plan to spar.
Best boxing equipment, per experts
Gloves and wraps
Best overall: Hayabusa Boxing Gloves
Details: Available in 18 colors | Sizes: 10 oz – 18 oz | 90 day satisfaction guarantee
Miller claims that these are “by far [her] favorite.”
The pair come in 14 various color combinations and five different weights. Further features include interlocking wrist straps, splinted support for wrist alignment, multi-layered foam technology, temperature regulation, and a microfiber thumb to wipe sweat away.
Shop all gloves here.
Customer review: “Truly obsessed. I’ve been wearing the wrong weight of gloves while using a heavy bag (ouch) and honestly the wrist support and cushioning is a GAME CHANGER. I was worried these were expensive for my recreational boxing, but honestly they make such a difference.”
Best hand wraps: Hayabusa Quick Gel Hand Wraps
Details: Available in 6 colors | Sizes S – L | Available for free shipping
Miller also shared that Hayabusa offers great hand wraps.
We love these gel hand wraps that are secure and supportive. They wrap in a matter of seconds and are a convenient alternative to traditional wraps.
Simply slip them on like a glove and look forward to gel and foam padding alongside wrist support.
Customer review: “These are perfect for a quick, light bag session. I prefer to wrap my hands. I love the ritual of it. But there are days when I need a quick four rounds on the bag and lifting. I love [these] for this.”
Best for beginners: Everlast Powerlock2 Pro Hook & Loop Training Gloves
Details: Available in 6 colors | Sizes: 10 oz – 16 oz
If you’re a beginner, Bulay has you covered.
“Especially for beginners, I recommend gloves from Everlast. They do a great job at creating very good entry-level gloves for most people,” said Bulay.
The pair he usually recommends is the Powerlock2 Pro Hook & Loop Training Gloves. They come in five different color options and offer you the ideal balance of power and protection.
Customer review: “The padding is fantastic, the stitching is good, the inner lining is comfortable for your hand and the wrist wrap is very secure. I’ve also received many compliments from others because these gloves are beautiful! I’ve been using them daily for months now and no sign of wear and tear.”
Best training: lululemon Wunder Train Gloves
Details: Available in 2 colors | Sizes: XS/S – M/L
We are in love with these training gloves. Choose from camo or black and protect your hands while putting in the work.
Miller even has a few lululemon clothing favorites such as the brand’s Wunder Train High-rise Leggings, Energy Bras, and the Chargefeels, which she loves for boxing because she “can do [her] sprints and conditioning in them.”
Customer review: “I tried on a bunch of different gloves before choosing these, and I am extremely happy with my purchase. They fit perfectly, and work well when I am lifting weights. They go on and off easily. The fabric helps with the grip, and doesn’t make my hands sweat. They are not too thick, which allows for movement, and they are not too thin either, as they provide adequate cushioning.”
Best for Muay Thai: Sanabul Elastic 180 inch Boxing Handwraps
Details: Available in 7 colors | Sizes: 180 inches
Even if you’re wearing gloves, hand wrapping is still a good idea. These work for Muay Thai, heavy bag training, as well as boxing. Measuring at 180 inches, they’re also breathable, durable and feature a velcro closure for security.
Customer review: “I’ve gone through tons of wraps and these are some of the best I’ve ever worn! [They]re made of a very light and soft material that feels great when wrapped up. The material is also very durable, and after hundreds of sessions are still kicking strong.”
Best for Sparring: Fairtex BGV1 Training Gloves
Details: Available in 23 colors | Sizes: (kids) 4 – 6 oz, (adults) 8 – 14 oz
Sparring can not only be fun but trains reflexes, which is crucial for any boxer to have. And of course, gloves come in handy. These are made of leather and are designed with a unique contour to offer a natural but snug fit. The interior foam protects knuckles as they make contact with hard surfaces, while the single strap closure makes them simple to slip on and adjust for comfort.
Customer review: “These are by far the best gloves for muay thai training or sparring. Light, comfortably durable, they fit nice and snug. I bought the 16 ounce gloves and they’re easy to put on and take off because of the velcro. They’re solid tough and can take the abuse. Highly recommended.”
Punching bags and weights
Best overall: Quiet Punch Doorway Punching Bag
Details: Product weight: 4 pounds | 1-year warranty
Up next is Bulay’s favorite Quiet Punch punching bag. Ideal for homes and apartments, simply hang it up in a doorway and get to work.
“While there’s really nothing like punching a heavy bag to relieve some stress, this is a great option if you don’t have space to hang a bag or if you’re on the go,” shared Bulay.
Best heavy: Everlast 100LB Super Leather Heavy Bag
Details: Available in1 color | Includes hand wraps and gloves when purchased on Walmart
If you want to go all the way, the 100-pound Everlast punching bag is for you.
Bulay explained that the preferred weight can vary based on the size of an athlete, but as long as you get the right weight for you, “it definitely holds its own when striking, but doesn’t feel like most people are breaking their knuckles with it.”
Customer review: “The Everlast heavy bag is good quality. The gloves are awesome as well as the wraps. Great for a good workout at home.”
Best boxing set: FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag
Details: Available in 2 colors | Includes 12 oz boxing gloves | Product weight: 250 pounds | Product height: 70 inches
If you have trepidations about hanging a punching bag in your apartment, this freestanding one may be a good alternative. Its base suctions to the floor for stability, while the dual TPU absorbers and four springs offer a quick rebound. Shock absorbent and filled with high density EPE foam, you can roundhouse kick and throw punches and undercut till your muscles ache. More than 3,000 folks on Amazon love it, and a pair of boxing gloves even come in the order.
Customer reviews:”Sturdier than I imagined, easy to assemble, and perfect for boxing practice.”
Best for shadow boxing: Egg Weights
Details: Available in 1 color | Product weight: 16 ounces
According to Bulay, Egg Weights are great for improving stamina and strength during shadowboxing.
“While you can absolutely use a pair of lightweight dumbbells, the egg brings a more natural feeling and weight distribution compared to a dumbbell or comparable options,” the trainer said.
We also love that you can choose your desired color such as pink, blue, or green to make that added resistance a bit more fun.
Customer review: “I never shadow box without these and after a while you’ll really feel and notice the difference they make.”
Best portable: Bala Bars
Details: Available in 5 colors | Product material: silicone
Similar to the Egg Weights, the Bala Bars distribute weight evenly and look good while doing it.
Each one is made of steel, wrapped in baby-soft silicone, and comes in a color-matching carry case. Choose from colors such as stone, blush, and sage.
Customer review: “Love how smooth and easy to grab these bars are. They are versatile enough that I am able to use them while watching tv for a quick workout or while doing cardio. The pink color also really motivates me to pick them up. Overall, a really useful workout motivator and I hope to get more in the future.”
Boxing Accessories
Best head protection: Elite Sports Best Celestial Head Guard
Details: Available in 23 colors | Sizes: (kids) 4 – 6 oz, (adults) 8 – 14 oz
A head guard may not be necessary if you’re training solo. However, if you’re throwing a partner into the mix, it doesn’t hurt to have one handy. In fact, it may hurt if you don’t, if you know what we mean? This one from Elite Sports is made of PU leather, which makes it very affordable. However, don’t let the inexpensive price fool you. The head guard is durable, padded with protective foam and ergonomically designed. An open window gives 180 of vision, so you can see your opponent as he bobs and weaves, and the chin strap works wonders to create a customized fit.
Customer review: “The headgear is great. It’s not too heavy, and is versatile while training and sparring. Great window in the front for good vision. Overall, a great product. Has great padding, too.”
Best mouth protection: Everlast EverShield Double Mouthguard
Details: Available in 1 color | 1-year warranty when purchased at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Similar to a head guard, a mouthguard is necessary when boxing with another. This one from Everlast has dual layers for cushion, as well as a rigid outer layer to protect the jaw. A central breath panel offers ventilation, and the piece actually molds to your mouth for a more comfortable fit.
Customer review: “Took awhile to get use to the feel. [Offered] great protection during my first sparring match.”
What is the most effective boxing training?
Training methodologies can vary based on personal goals. However, there are a few boxing training protocols that are widely used. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), for example, is a popular for cardiovascular conditioning, as it improves endurance and requires bursts of power.
Shadow boxing, sparring and bag work are also effective forms of training. Each can improve reaction time, speed and overall technique. Core workouts, resistance training and plyometrics are also important for boxers to engage in.
What equipment do you need to box at home?
As Miller mentioned, a good pair of boxing gloves, as well as hand wraps are non-negotiable. However, if you want to get serious about training with lessons, it doesn’t hurt to invest in mouthguards, head guard, and boxing shoes.
Other good things to have when training at home include:
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