Whether you’re training, sparring or competing, gloves are a must. High-quality boxing gloves will protect your hands from injuries and keep you comfortable through long training sessions.
The best boxing gloves are well-padded, with breathable liners that keep your hands cool and prevent odor buildup. They also feature wrist support to prevent injury and ensure proper hand alignment.
1. Material
Whether you’re a professional fighter or just getting started in boxing, the quality of your training gloves is vital. The padding in the gloves is designed to protect the wrists and knuckles from the impact of punches, so it’s important that it can absorb the energy of each blow without breaking down or becoming uncomfortable over time. In addition, the weight of the gloves also plays an important role in preventing injury during sparring sessions. Typically, heavier gloves (16-20 oz) are used for sparring and will provide more padding to help keep the fighter safe while they practice their combinations and skills.
There are many different materials that manufacturers use to make boxing gloves, and the material can be a major factor in determining the overall quality of the glove. Leather is the gold standard, but polyurethane/PU and vinyl are good alternatives for those looking for a less expensive option. These materials vary in quality, but advancements have made high-quality synthetic gloves virtually indistinguishable from their leather counterparts.
The first step in making a glove is to cut out the pattern pieces. This process may be done manually or using an industrial sewing machine, depending on the manufacturer. Afterward, the pieces are stitched together and stuffed with padding. The knuckle piece is shaped around the oversized palm piece, which helps give the glove its trademark clenched fist shape. In most cases, the glove is then fitted over a buck to ensure that it’s the right size and shape.
Gloves made from synthetic materials tend to smell worse than those made from genuine leather, and they aren’t as durable over time. They’re also less breathable, which means they can quickly develop unpleasant odors from sweat and other substances. For these reasons, they’re best suited for beginners who just want a decent pair of gloves to wear at the gym. For those looking for durable and reliable options, Revgear offers a range of gloves designed for both beginners and experienced fighters.
2. Size
Boxing gloves are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different training styles and levels. Buying the right size is vital to ensure that your hands are properly protected, and not cramped. Buying a pair of gloves that are too small can cause your hands to move unnaturally inside the glove, which can lead to injury. Choosing gloves that are too large can also lead to the padding shifting around inside the glove and losing its protective integrity.
Boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai training typically consists of warm-up, shadow boxing, partner drills, bag work and pad work. Advanced fighters may also participate in sparring or clinching, depending on the style of fighting they specialize in. Regardless of training volume, having the right pair of boxing gloves is essential to prolong the life of your wrists and hands.
Whether you choose to purchase competition or bag/mitt work gloves, the size that you select will depend on your training needs and goals. The higher your level of training, the more durable and high-quality your boxing gloves need to be. For example, professional fighters often train at high intensities multiple times per week, which requires a pair of gloves that can withstand repeated punishment.
Most boxing gloves are sized in ounces, which represents the amount of padding found inside each glove. Heavier gloves (16 ounces is the standard) provide more protection for punchers. However, lighter weight gloves (8 ounces is common) allow punchers to develop speed, while still providing adequate hand protection. For beginners, the best option is to get a pair of standard hook-and-loop boxing gloves with balanced padding that will suit most training purposes.
3. Design
Boxing gloves must be able to absorb the shock of punches thrown at speed, allowing fighters to develop technique and strength. They must also be comfortable enough for fighters to wear over long periods of time, and ideally support proper wrist alignment. A comfortable fit is crucial for preventing hand injuries and helping trainers deliver effective, powerful blows.
To achieve this, the best boxing gloves use a combination of high-density padding and innovative design to ensure both comfort and durability. The outer layer of the glove uses real leather or a synthetic alternative, while the inner lining is usually made from an ultra-soft temperature-regulating material that keeps fighters cool and comfortable for multiple rounds in the ring.
There are many options when it comes to glove design, with some brands using different color combinations and unique graphics to make their gloves stand out in a crowd. Neon brights are popular, while metallic finishes are often used by boxers seeking a more luxurious look and feel. Some fighters choose gloves with floral patterns or unique graphics as well, expressing their personal style while breaking away from the traditional solid colors.
Some fighters prefer to wear bag gloves for heavy bag training and focus mitt drills while others opt for sparring gloves that are more suited to fighting live opponents. While some of these styles are compatible, each type of glove serves a distinct purpose and should be considered carefully before buying.
Regardless of which type of gloves are purchased, all boxers should also invest in quality hand wraps to provide additional support for their knuckles and wrists. Hand wraps are a key piece of training equipment that helps ensure the safety of beginners by stabilizing the hands inside the boxing gloves, protecting them from injury while they work on their form and power.
4. Fit
Boxing gloves are designed to protect the hands and wrists while allowing the athlete to deliver powerful punches. They are an essential part of any boxer’s training arsenal as it is almost impossible to practice proper hand and wrist positioning without them.
Traditionally, they are made from leather and contain a layer of foam padding to absorb the impact of the punches. Today, they are also available in a variety of sizes and weights, with the size being determined by the amount of padding. Heavier gloves provide more protection but reduce punching power, while lighter gloves allow for greater speed training.
When shopping for boxing gloves, it is important to understand what your needs and goals are. Most beginner boxers will opt for training gloves that are light and well-padded, typically with enough padding to make contact with your sparring partner’s knuckles without hurting them. These gloves are ideal for shadow boxing, focus mitt drills and working the heavy bag.
Professional and amateur boxers will often choose to train in competition gloves that are built according to official regulations. These gloves are usually less padded in the knuckle area to allow opponents to feel the force of your punches and have white knuckle overlays to make it easier for judges to score the fight.
Boxing gloves can be equipped with either lace-up or hook and loop closures. Lace-up gloves offer a more secure fit, however they can be inconvenient for solo training and require a trainer to help you lace them up. Hook and loop gloves are more convenient, as they can be quickly donned and removed during training. They are also available in a range of sizes to suit both novices and professionals.
5. Price
Boxing gloves are an essential piece of equipment for anyone serious about training. The padding protects the hands from injury, and the weight allows you to punch harder. However, as with any combat sport equipment, the price of boxing gloves can vary significantly.
Generally speaking, the more expensive boxing gloves have a higher quality. This is because the internal foams are better and the external material is usually a more durable, breathable leather. Other materials such as PU and buffalo leather are less expensive but don’t offer the same level of performance or durability as genuine leather.
The price of a pair of boxing gloves should not be the only factor you consider, but it is important to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth with the glove you select. You should feel comfortable in the gloves, and they should fit well on your hand (not too loose or too tight). A good pair of boxing gloves should have a cuff that secures them around the wrist, but doesn’t squeeze too tightly across the knuckles. Many boxers prefer velcro gloves, but some pros swear by lace-ups. If you use velcro, make sure to get a pair of glove cuff sleeves to prevent your opponent’s knuckles from being scratched.
Winning gloves are a popular choice for beginners due to their low-priced options, but they also have high-quality versions that will last you for years. If you are a heavy hitter, it is best to go with heavily padded gloves that will protect your hands against serious damage, but you can always opt for lighter padding if you prefer speed over power. Another option is to purchase a cheap pair of boxing gloves and then upgrade to a higher-priced model when you have a better understanding of how to train effectively in them.
