We research products independently. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from Amazon at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Kids boxing gloves need to do three things: fit a small hand without sliding, protect young knuckles on a bag or pads, and close easily enough that the child can put them on alone. Adult gloves in the smallest size are still too long and too heavy for most kids, which is why youth gloves exist.
Most children start in 6 oz gloves and move to 8 oz as they grow; teens who reach adult size move into 10 to 12 oz adult gloves. We compared five current options, from a toddler set with slip-on gloves to a leather glove that fits older kids, with sizes taken from each maker's listing.
Our top picks at a glance
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Hayabusa S4 Youth Boxing Gloves. Best for kids aged 5 to 15 who train regularly, in 6 or 8 oz.
- Best for Younger Kids: Venum Contender Kids Boxing Gloves. Best for a light 6 oz glove with an easy hook-and-loop strap.
- Best Budget: Everlast Prospect Youth Training Gloves. Best for kids trying boxing for the first time.
- Best for Toddlers: Ringside Kids Boxing Set (2 - 5 Year Old). Best for preschoolers who want to play at boxing.
- Best Leather for Older Kids: TITLE Classic Leather Super Bag Boxing Gloves 2.0. Best for older kids and young teens ready for a leather youth size.
Comparison Table
| Gloves | Best for | Weight / size | Shell | Closure | Ages | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayabusa S4 Youth | Overall | 6 oz, 8 oz | PU engineered leather | Single hook-and-loop strap | 5–15 (per Hayabusa) | Check price |
| Venum Contender Kids | Younger kids | 6 oz | Faux leather | Hook and loop | Younger kids | Check price |
| Everlast Prospect Youth | Budget | Youth sizes | Not specified | Hook and loop | Youth | See options |
| Ringside Kids Boxing Set | Toddlers | Slip-on gloves | Soft | Slip-on | 2–5 (per Ringside) | Check price |
| TITLE Classic Leather Super Bag 2.0 | Older kids | Youth (10 oz) | 100% cowhide leather | Wide wraparound strap | Older kids, teens | Check price |
The Best Kids Boxing Gloves, Reviewed
Hayabusa S4 Youth Boxing Gloves: Best Overall
Who it's for: Kids who go to a boxing or kickboxing class, or who hit a bag at home a few times a week.
Hayabusa makes the S4 Youth in 6 oz and 8 oz and recommends them for children aged 5 to 15. They use PU engineered leather with a nylon lining and a single-strap closure that kids can manage themselves. Hayabusa also notes they work for adults with small hands, a good sign they're built as real training gloves rather than toys.
The two weights cover most of childhood: 6 oz for younger and smaller kids, 8 oz for older and bigger ones. They cost more than generic kids' gloves, but they hold their shape through regular classes, which matters for growing wrists.
Pros
- 6 and 8 oz to cover ages 5 to 15
- Kid-friendly single strap
- Built like an adult training glove
Cons
- Higher price than toy-grade gloves
- Only two weights
Venum Contender Kids Boxing Gloves: Best for Younger Kids
Who it's for: Younger kids starting classes who need a light glove they can strap on alone.
The retailer listing describes the Contender Kids as a 6 oz training glove with a faux-leather shell and a hook-and-loop closure. It shares its name with Venum's adult Contender glove, and the shape is a proper boxing glove rather than a toy mitt.
At 6 oz, it's light enough that a young child can keep their hands up for a whole round. It's a good choice for kids under about 10; bigger kids who hit harder should move to an 8 oz glove like the S4 Youth.
Pros
- Light 6 oz weight
- Easy hook-and-loop strap
- Real boxing-glove shape
Cons
- One weight only
- Kids outgrow it quickly
Everlast Prospect Youth Training Gloves: Best Budget
Who it's for: Kids trying boxing or fitness classes before parents spend more.
The Prospect is Everlast's youth training glove line, widely available and in the budget tier. It's a simple hook-and-loop youth glove from the brand most parents recognize.
Treat it as a starter glove. It's fine for pads, light bag work and a first term of classes. If your child keeps going and trains several times a week, upgrade to the Hayabusa S4 Youth for better padding and wrist support.
Pros
- Budget tier
- Easy to find and replace
- Hook-and-loop closure kids can manage
Cons
- Basic padding
- Everlast's listing gives few construction details
Everlast Prospect Youth Training Gloves
by Everlast
Currently unavailable on Amazon
Ringside Kids Boxing Set (2 - 5 Year Old): Best for Toddlers
Who it's for: Preschoolers who want to "box like Mom or Dad."
Ringside's set is made for ages 2 to 5. It includes slip-on gloves, slip-on headgear with an elastic chin strap, and a mini heavy bag that's 17 inches long and 5 inches in diameter, weighing 2 lb. Slip-on gloves mean no straps to fight with, and the light bag is soft enough for small hands.
This is a play set, not training gear. Hang the bag low from a hook or doorway setup you control, and always supervise. For more toddler-friendly options, see our punching bags for kids.
Pros
- Complete set with gloves, headgear and bag
- Slip-on gloves for tiny hands
- Light 2 lb bag
Cons
- Toy-level product
- Kids outgrow it quickly
TITLE Classic Leather Super Bag Boxing Gloves 2.0: Best Leather for Older Kids
Who it's for: Older kids and young teens who've outgrown 8 oz gloves but aren't ready for full adult sizes.
TITLE makes this bag glove from 100% cowhide leather, with an anatomically contoured inner fist, layered impact foams and an extra-wide wraparound hook-and-loop strap. The size range starts at a Youth size (10 oz) and runs up to adult XXL, so a growing kid can stay in the same model as they move up.
The Youth 10 oz is the useful size here: more padding than 8 oz kids' gloves for harder bag work, without the length of adult gloves. Leather lasts, so it's worth it for a committed young boxer. Make sure the Youth size is selected when you order.
Pros
- Genuine leather
- Youth 10 oz size with room to move up
- Wide wraparound wrist strap
Cons
- Too big for younger kids
- Pricier than synthetic youth gloves
TITLE Classic Leather Super Bag Boxing Gloves 2.0
by TITLE Boxing
How to Choose Kids Boxing Gloves
What size boxing gloves for a kid?
Use these as starting points, then check fit:
| Child | Typical glove | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 2–5 | Slip-on toddler gloves from a kids' set | See options |
| Ages 5–9 | 6 oz youth gloves | See options |
| Ages 9–13 | 6–8 oz youth gloves, depending on size | See options |
| Teens | 8 oz youth, then 10–12 oz adult gloves as they grow | See options |
Bigger, stronger kids move up sooner. For the adult side of the chart, see what size boxing gloves to buy.
Fit beats ounces
Put the glove on and have your child make a fist. The fingertips should reach close to the end without being cramped, the hand shouldn't slide when they punch, and the strap should close snugly with good overlap. A glove that's too big lets the wrist bend on impact, which is how kids hurt wrists.
Closure
Hook-and-loop straps are the only practical choice for kids. Lace-ups need an adult and take too long. Toddlers do best with slip-on gloves.
Synthetic or leather?
Synthetic youth gloves are cheaper and easy to wipe clean, which suits kids who outgrow gear quickly. Leather lasts longer and makes sense for older kids who train every week.
Wraps for kids
Kids who train regularly benefit from short youth hand wraps under the gloves; they support the wrist and keep the gloves cleaner. See our hand wraps for boxing guide for how wraps work.
Pair the Gloves with the Right Bag
Kids' gloves are designed for kids' targets. A soft or light bag lets them hit with good form without jarring their wrists. Our punching bags for kids guide covers free-standing kids' bags, and the punching bags for teens guide covers the next step up.
Safety First
In a 2011 policy statement issued jointly with the Canadian Paediatric Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics opposes boxing for children and adolescents because of the risk of head injury from punches. Bag and pad work involve no head contact, so they're the sensible way for kids to train. If your child joins a club that spars, it should be supervised, age-appropriate and with proper boxing headgear and a mouthguard.
A few more rules for home:
- Supervise young kids around any bag.
- Teach a straight wrist and punching with the first two knuckles.
- Stop when anything hurts.
Common Mistakes When Buying Kids' Gloves
- Buying "to grow into." Oversized gloves are unsafe; buy for the hand they have now.
- Using adult 10 oz gloves on small kids. Too long and too heavy for a young child.
- Skipping gloves on soft bags. Kids need gloves on any bag, even a soft one.
- Never airing them out. Kids' gloves get sweaty fast. Open the straps after each session.
A Kid's Starter Kit
For home training, a child needs very little:
| Item | Why | Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Youth gloves (6 or 8 oz) | Protect small hands on any bag | See options |
| Short youth hand wraps | Support the wrist once training is regular | See options |
| A kid-sized bag | Light enough to hit with good form | See options |
| A timer or app | Short rounds keep kids focused | See options |
Add youth headgear and a youth mouthguard only if your child joins a supervised club that spars.
Signs Your Child Has Outgrown Their Gloves
- Fingertips press against the end of the glove when they make a fist.
- The strap no longer closes fully, or closes with very little overlap.
- They complain the gloves pinch or hurt the knuckles.
- They've moved to a harder bag or more classes and the padding feels thin.
Kids' hands grow fast, so check the fit every few months, especially in the preteen years.
How We Chose
We researched these gloves rather than testing them. Sizes, materials and age ranges come from maker information and retailer listings, including Hayabusa's and Ringside's published age ranges. We prioritized gloves made for children, compared weights, closures and materials, and weighed common parent feedback on fit, ease of use and durability. Safety guidance follows the AAP and Canadian Paediatric Society policy statement.
FAQ
What size boxing gloves for a kid?
Most children use 6 oz youth gloves, moving to 8 oz around the preteen years or once they're bigger and hitting harder. Teens of adult size usually move to 10 to 12 oz. Fit matters more than the number: the hand should fill the glove without sliding.
What size boxing gloves for a 5 year old?
A 5-year-old usually fits small youth gloves, typically 6 oz or a slip-on toddler glove from a kids' set. Hayabusa recommends its S4 Youth gloves from age 5, in 6 and 8 oz, so the 6 oz is the natural starting point.
Do kids need hand wraps with boxing gloves?
For light play with a soft bag, no. If a child trains regularly in a class or on a heavier bag, short youth wraps help support the wrist and keep the gloves cleaner. Ask the coach what the club expects.
Is boxing safe for kids?
In a 2011 policy statement issued jointly with the Canadian Paediatric Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics opposes boxing for children and adolescents because of the risk of head injury from punches. Bag and pad work involve no head contact, so keep kids' training to bags and pads unless they're in a supervised program.
Can adults with small hands use youth boxing gloves?
Sometimes. Hayabusa notes its S4 Youth gloves also suit adults with small hands. Light padding is the limit: youth gloves aren't meant for hard adult bag work or sparring.
Verdict
The Hayabusa S4 Youth gloves are the best kids boxing gloves for most families: real training gloves in 6 and 8 oz for ages 5 to 15. Younger beginners do well in the light Venum Contender Kids, toddlers should start with Ringside's slip-on set, and older kids ready for leather can move into TITLE's Youth 10 oz. Pair them with a kid-sized bag from our punching bags for kids guide.