Updated March 2026 | By UNDRGROUND ATHLETICS — Canada's Premier Boxing Equipment Retailer Starting your boxing journey is exciting, but choosing your first pair of gloves can feel overwhelming. This guide recommends the best boxing gloves for beginners available in Canada in 2026, with honest assessments of what matters most when you're just starting out. What Beginners Actually Need in Boxing Gloves As a beginner, you don't need the most expensive gloves on the market. What you need are gloves that protect your hands, support your wrists, and feel comfortable enough that you'll actually enjoy training. Wrist support is the number one priority for beginners. New boxers haven't developed the wrist alignment and punching technique that experienced fighters have. Padding density matters more than padding thickness. Dense, multi-layered foam protects both your hands and your training partners. Fit and comfort determine whether you'll actually wear the gloves consistently. Durability saves you money long-term. Investing $80-$150 in your first pair is far more cost-effective than replacing $40 gloves every few months. Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners in Canada (2026) 1. Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves — Best Overall for Beginners The Hayabusa T3 is our top recommendation for beginners. The patented dual-strap Dual-X closure system provides the best wrist support of any velcro glove on the market. The T3 features five layers of foam padding that protect your hands during bag work and sparring alike. The pre-curved design reduces hand fatigue during long training sessions. Best for: All-around training, beginners who want one glove that does everything Weight: Available in 12oz, 14oz, and 16oz Price range: $130-$160 CAD 2. Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves — Best Budget-Friendly Option If the T3 is above your budget, the Hayabusa S4 delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. It uses a simplified version of Hayabusa's wrist closure and solid foam padding. Best for: Budget-conscious beginners, casual training Weight: Available in 12oz, 14oz, and 16oz Price range: $80-$100 CAD 3. Rival RS80V Impulse Sparring Gloves — Best for Sparring If you know you'll be sparring within your first few months, the Rival RS80V is purpose-built for it. The ergonomic hand compartment naturally positions your fist, and the multi-density foam provides excellent protection. Best for: Beginners who plan to spar Weight: Available in 14oz and 16oz Price range: $90-$120 CAD 4. Rival RB7 Fitness+ Bag Gloves — Best for Fitness Boxing If you're doing boxing primarily for fitness — cardio boxing classes, bag work at home, or group training — the Rival RB7 is a great choice. It's lighter and more compact than traditional training gloves. Best for: Fitness boxing, cardio classes, bag work Weight: Available in S, M, L, XL Price range: $60-$80 CAD Comparison Table GloveBest ForWrist SupportPaddingPrice (CAD)Hayabusa T3Best OverallExcellent5-layer foam$130-$160Hayabusa S4Best BudgetVery GoodMulti-layer foam$80-$100Rival RS80VBest for SparringGoodMulti-density$90-$120Rival RB7Best for FitnessGoodStandard foam$60-$80 What Size Boxing Gloves Should a Beginner Get? Most beginners should start with 14oz or 16oz gloves. These sizes provide enough padding to protect your hands while you're learning proper technique. Check our complete Boxing Glove Size Guide for detailed sizing recommendations. Other Gear Beginners Need Hand wraps — 180" cotton wraps are standard. Shop hand wraps Mouthguard — Essential for sparring Headgear — Required for sparring at most gyms Gym bag — To carry all your gear Frequently Asked Questions How much should I spend on my first boxing gloves? Plan to spend $80-$160 CAD on your first pair. This range gets you quality gloves that will last 2-3 years of regular training. Should I buy lace-up or velcro gloves? Velcro. Always velcro for beginners. Lace-up gloves require someone else to tie them, which isn't practical for everyday training. Can I use the same gloves for bag work and sparring? You can, but it's not ideal. Bag gloves break down faster and become harder, which isn't safe for sparring partners. If budget allows, get separate pairs. Shop Beginner Boxing Gloves at UNDRGROUND ATHLETICS Browse our complete boxing gloves collection — we carry Hayabusa, Rival, Fly Sports UK, YOKKAO, and more. Free shipping across Canada on orders over $199. UNDRGROUND ATHLETICS — Gear Up. Step In. Stand Out.