Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners Under £50
Updated: Oct 9
How to Choose Affordable Boxing Gloves as a Beginner
Looking for the best boxing gloves for beginners under £50? You don't need to spend a fortune to find a suitable first pair of boxing gloves. The key is choosing gloves that fit comfortably, offer appropriate padding and provide a secure wrist fastening for your training.
In this guide, we'll compare affordable boxing gloves, explain which features are worth looking for and help you choose a pair that suits your needs as a beginner. Whether you're starting boxing at home or preparing for your first sessions at a boxing gym, we'll help you understand what matters before you buy.
Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners Under £50
1. DBT Apparel Boxing Gloves (hyper g series)
£32.28
The DBT Apparel Hyper G Series is designed with beginners in mind, combining extra-thick padding with a three-tier grip system to encourage a comfortable fist position. The breathable inner lining helps with comfort during training, while the wide Velcro wrist strap makes the gloves straightforward to put on and secure. Available in 12oz and 14oz, they're worth considering for beginners looking for practical features for bag work and pad training.
Best for: Beginners looking for comfortable, practical training gloves.
Best for:
Beginner boxing training
Fitness boxing
Bag work
General gym sessions
Why beginners like them:
Secure Velcro wrist closure
3 tier hand grab
Comfortable fit
Budget-friendly pricing
Beginner-focused design
Stylish modern look
DBT Apparel gloves are particularly appealing for beginners who want affordable gloves without sacrificing appearance or comfort.
2. Everlast Pro Style Elite Gloves
£38.00
The Everlast Pro Style Elite is an option for beginners comparing established boxing brands at an accessible price. Comfort matters just as much as appearance, particularly when you're learning to make a proper fist and practising basic punches - these offer this.
Best for: Beginners who want to compare entry-level gloves from a recognised brand.
Best for:
Fitness boxing
Casual training
Entry-level sessions
Pros:
Easy to find
Affordable
Lightweight feel
3. RDX Boxing F7 Ego Gloves
£36.99
The RDX F7 Ego is another option to consider when shopping for beginner boxing gloves under £50. Compare the model's padding, wrist support, fastening and fit with the demands of your training.
Best for: Beginners comparing features and value across budget boxing gloves.
Best for:
Bag work
Pad training
Beginners wanting extra wrist stability
Pros:
Excellent wrist support
Good value
Durable synthetic leather
4. Venum Contender 1.5 Gloves
£44.99
The Venum Contender 1.5 is worth comparing if you're looking for an alternative design within a beginner-friendly budget. Consider how the gloves fit, how securely they fasten and whether their padding is appropriate for the type of training you plan to do.
Best for: Beginners who want to compare an alternative glove design.
Best for:
Beginner to intermediate training
Fitness classes
Light sparring
Pros:
Comfortable interior
Good hand ergonomics
Stylish appearance
Good longevity
What Size Boxing Gloves Do Beginners Need?
Boxing gloves are measured in ounces (oz), which refers to the overall weight of the glove rather than a precise hand size. The right weight depends on your training, body size, hand fit and the requirements of your boxing gym.
Glove weight | Common use | What beginners should know |
10oz | Some pad work and competition, depending on the rules | Often lighter, but may not be suitable for every beginner's training. |
12oz | General training and some bag work | An option for beginners when the fit and intended use are appropriate, great for speed and accuracy training. |
14oz | General training and bag work | A popular option to consider for everyday training, the best beginner all round glove. |
16oz | Commonly used for sparring | Often required for sparring, but always check your coach's guidance and gym rules. |
Should beginners choose 12oz or 14oz gloves?
Both can be suitable for beginners, depending on your hand size, body size and training plans.
If you're joining a boxing gym, check its requirements before buying. Sparring gloves should be chosen according to your coach's advice and the gym's rules, not simply because a particular weight is popular.
Beginner tip: A heavier glove isn't automatically the right choice for everyone. Prioritise fit, suitable padding and the type of training you'll be doing.
12oz Boxing Gloves – Speed and Accuracy
12oz boxing gloves are a lighter option that can feel easier to move in during training. For beginners, they can be useful for practising quick punches, improving hand speed and working on accuracy with focus pads. Their lighter weight may help you concentrate on technique without feeling as much weight on your hands. Make sure the gloves still fit comfortably and provide suitable padding for your training.
14oz Boxing Gloves – Everyday Training and Extra Padding
14oz boxing gloves offer a little more weight and padding than 12oz gloves, making them a versatile option for many beginners. They can be suitable for heavy bag work and pad training when you want a little more cushioning while practising your punches. Some people also use 14oz gloves for light sparring, but this depends on the specific gloves, your coach's guidance and your gym's rules. Always check before using them for sparring.
What Beginners Should Look for in Boxing Gloves - Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners Under £50
Before buying boxing gloves, beginners should focus on five key things:
1. Wrist Support
Good wrist support helps reduce the risk of injury while punching bags or pads. Beginners often throw punches incorrectly at first, so strong wrist stability is important.
Velcro gloves are usually the best choice for beginners because they are easier to secure tightly without help.
2. Padding Protection
Beginner gloves should prioritise comfort and protection over speed or competition performance.
Look for:
Multi-layer foam padding
Shock absorption
Extra knuckle protection
Secure thumb attachment
Under £50, most gloves use injected foam or layered synthetic padding, which is perfectly fine for beginners.
3. Correct Glove Weight
Glove weight is measured in ounces (oz).
Beginner Glove Weight Guide
10 oz — Light pad work and smaller hands
12 oz — General fitness training
14 oz — All-round training and light sparring
16 oz — Sparring and heavier protection
Most beginners should start with either:
12 oz for fitness boxing
14 oz for mixed training
16 oz if sparring regularly
Heavier gloves offer more protection but can feel slower and bulkier.
4. Material Composition
Most boxing gloves under £50 are made from synthetic leather rather than genuine leather.
That is completely normal.
Synthetic Leather Gloves
Pros:
More affordable
Easier to clean
Vegan-friendly
Good for casual training
Cons:
Slightly less durable long-term
Genuine Leather Gloves
Pros:
Longer lifespan
Better moulding to hands
Premium feel
Cons:
Usually over £70–£100
For beginners, high-quality synthetic gloves are usually the smarter choice.
5. Breathability and Comfort
Sweaty gloves become uncomfortable quickly.
Look for:
Ventilation mesh palms
Moisture-wicking lining
Anti-odour interiors
Quick-drying materials
Comfort matters more than most beginners realise because uncomfortable gloves often discourage consistent training.
Velcro vs Lace-Up Boxing Gloves
One of the biggest beginner questions is whether to buy Velcro or lace-up gloves.
Velcro Gloves
Best for:
Beginners
Solo training
Fitness boxing
Convenience
Pros:
Easy to put on alone
Faster between rounds
Adjustable wrist tightness
Cons:
Slightly less secure than lace-ups
Most beginners should buy Velcro gloves first.
Lace-Up Gloves
Best for:
Serious sparring
Competitive boxing
Advanced training
Pros:
Superior wrist support
Tighter fit
More professional feel
Cons:
Need help putting them on
Less convenient
Unless you train in a boxing gym with a coach regularly, Velcro gloves are usually the better beginner option.
Need some boxing gear to go with your boxing gloves? Check out our boxing gear here
What to Expect From Boxing Gloves Under £50
Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners Under £50 - what would you expect?
Many beginners assume cheap gloves automatically mean poor quality.
That is no longer true.
Today’s budget boxing gloves can offer:
Strong wrist support
Decent foam padding
Comfortable liners
Solid durability for beginners
However, under £50 gloves may:
Wear out faster with heavy daily use
Have slightly stiffer padding
Use synthetic materials
Lack premium hand ergonomics
For beginners training 2–4 times weekly, quality budget gloves are more than enough.
Common Beginner Boxing Glove Mistakes
Ignoring Hand Wraps
Hand wraps help protect:
Knuckles
Wrists
Thumb joints
Beginners should always use wraps underneath gloves.
Choosing Looks Over Protection
Some gloves look great online but lack proper wrist support or padding.
Always prioritise:
Protection
Comfort
Fit
Appearance
Using One Pair for Everything
Heavy bag work wears gloves down faster than sparring.
If you train seriously long term, eventually owning separate gloves for:
sparring
bag work
competition
can improve glove lifespan.
When choosing your first pair of boxing gloves, it's easy to focus on price or appearance. However, a few simple checks can help you make a more suitable choice.
Choosing the wrong size: Glove weight and hand fit are different things. Try gloves on with your hand wraps where possible, and make sure you can form a comfortable fist.
Focusing only on price: Affordable gloves can be suitable for beginners, but compare the fit, padding, fastening and intended use before buying.
Assuming every glove suits sparring: Gloves designed for bag work aren't automatically suitable for sparring. Check your gym's requirements and ask your coach before using them with a partner.
Buying too much equipment too soon: Start with what you need for your chosen training. You can add other equipment as your skills and routine develop.
Not caring for your gloves: Air them out after training, allow them to dry properly and check them regularly for signs of wear.
Beginner tip: Choose gloves that fit comfortably and suit your training goals. You don't need the most expensive pair to take your first steps into boxing.
Final Thoughts
The best boxing gloves for beginners under £50 combine comfort, wrist support, durability and protection without overcomplicating things.
Most beginners do not need premium competition gloves. Instead, focus on finding gloves that:
fit correctly,
protect your hands,
and feel comfortable during training.
Whether you choose DBT Apparel, RDX, Venum or another beginner-friendly brand, the most important thing is getting started consistently and training safely.
Want more beginners boxing gear? check out all our gear here
Wanting more beginners boxing info, check out our Beginners Boxing Guides here
Frequently Asked Questions
Are expensive boxing gloves worth it for beginners?
Not usually. Most beginners do perfectly well with gloves under £50 during their first year of training.
Should beginners buy 12 oz or 14 oz gloves?
12 oz gloves suit lighter fitness training, while 14 oz gloves are better for all-round use.
How long do beginner boxing gloves last?
With proper care, budget boxing gloves can last 6–18 months depending on training frequency.
Can beginners spar in cheap boxing gloves?
Yes, as long as the gloves provide enough padding and your gym allows them.
Beginners Boxing Gloves Under £50 FAQ
Finding your first pair of boxing gloves doesn’t need to be expensive. There are plenty of solid beginner options under £50 that offer good protection, comfort, and wrist support for training at home or in the gym.
Are boxing gloves under £50 good for beginners?
Yes. Many gloves under £50 can be suitable for beginners, fitness boxing, bag work and pad training. Focus on a comfortable fit, suitable padding and secure fastening rather than price alone.
What size boxing gloves should a beginner buy?
The right glove weight depends on your hand size, body weight and training type. Many beginners consider 12oz or 14oz gloves for general training, while 16oz gloves are commonly used for sparring. Check your boxing gym's requirements before buying.
Are Velcro boxing gloves better for beginners?
Velcro gloves are often convenient for beginners because they can usually be put on and fastened without help. Lace-up gloves can provide a close fit but generally require assistance to secure properly.
Can you use boxing gloves under £50 for sparring?
Some budget gloves may be suitable, but not every training glove is designed for sparring. Check that the gloves are appropriate for sparring and meet your gym's rules, including any requirements for glove weight and padding. Ask your coach if you're unsure.
How long do beginner boxing gloves last?
It depends on how often you train, the intensity of your sessions, the glove's construction and how well you care for it. Air your gloves out after training, keep them dry and check them regularly for signs of wear.
Are DBT Apparel Hyper G Series gloves a good option for beginners?
The Hyper G Series offers beginner-focused features, including extra-thick padding, a three-tier grip system, a wide Velcro wrist strap and a breathable inner lining. They're available in 12oz and 14oz. Check the fit and choose the weight that suits your training needs.
Which brands offer boxing gloves under £50?
Options can include DBT Apparel, Everlast, RDX and Venum, depending on the model and current price. Compare the specific gloves' features, fit, suitability and current price before deciding.
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