Having the right techniques isn’t enough in boxing. You need to use the right pair of gloves as well. For comfort and protection, you need the perfect boxing gloves either you’re a beginner or not. To do that, you must know how to choose the right pair.
This guide offers helpful tips for choosing the right gloves, covering essential factors such as size and training type. Use it to find the perfect pair for your boxing requirements.
How to Choose the Right Boxing Gloves For Your Workouts
Make sure to consider the following factors and tips when choosing gloves:
Think About the Type You Need For Your Workout
There are different types of gloves for different types of uses or training. When choosing, make sure the gloves have enough padding to absorb any shock or impact. The best gloves do. This is to ensure that you won’t hurt yourself when working out or training. The five main types are:
- Bag Gloves
These gloves are ideal for bag workouts. This means that it’s suitable to use when hitting or punching heavy bags, double-end bags, boxing pads, and other specialty bags. They usually have slightly less padding than the other gloves as you’re only hitting a stationary object. This would also allow you to feel if you’re using the wrong technique.
- Sparring Gloves
These gloves are designed for sparring or working out with another person. Beginners prefer this type since they’re designed to keep you and your partner safe from pain and injury while boxing. This is because they have more and thicker padding, especially around the knuckles, and wrist support so your hands don’t get injured when making contact.
- Training Gloves
These are your everyday gloves that many boxers have in their locker. Their padding is thick enough for safe sparring but also lightweight enough to practice with punching bags. They’re the best option if you’re still unsure of what specific workout you’ll be doing.
- MMA Gloves
They have an open-finger design and less padding, making them completely different. This design allows the user to have a firmer and more natural grip. If you want to alternate between boxing and other exercises, like weight lifting, you can get MMA gloves.
- Competition Gloves
These are professional gloves that are closely regulated by official boxing institutions. They have less protection and padding than training and sparring gloves. This allows the user to move quickly and deliver more powerful punches to their opponents.
Consider the Glove Weight
The weight of the gloves is often measured in ounces (oz). It affects the amount of protection you get, your agility, and the amount of padding a pair of gloves has. One good practice when choosing is to choose a pair with a weight that’s proportionate to your body weight. However, it’s also important to take note of the workouts you plan to do. So, here’s a guide you can refer to:
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8 to 12 oz: Offers more mobility so they’re suitable for sparring light training. They’re ideal for people below 100 lbs and up to 150 lbs.
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12 to 16 oz: Offers more padding and support so they’re ideal for general training and light sparring workouts. They’re ideal for people of 150 to 175 lbs.
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16 to 18 oz: Go-to option for heavy training and sparring workouts as they have the most padding. They’re ideal for people over 175 lbs.
Consider Your Hand Size
Your gloves should fit your hands properly. This means you need to consider the size of your hand, its shape, your palm width, and the length of your fingers. Measure your dominant hand circumference for this. You can use this as a reference for measurements:
- Small: 7 to 8 inches
- Medium: 8 to 9 inches
- Large: 9 to 10 inches
- Extra Large: 10 inches and above
However, remember that different brands may have slightly different sizing recommendations. It would still be best to check their charts when picking a specific size.
Check the Glove Material
The material you choose for your gloves depends on your training needs and your preferences. There are three most common glove materials:
- Genuine Leather
This is the most durable, but it’s also the most expensive. This is because it’s the most breathable material and provides a nice fit. It ‘breaks in’ over time so it would be the best material if you’re serious about boxing. Leather is also more comfortable and flexible to use. Plus, they’re easier to clean.
- Synthetic Leather
This is a cheaper version of leather and it does provide good quality and durability. Although not as good as the genuine type. It’s not as breathable because it lacks pliability compared to genuine leather.
- Vinyl
This is a budget-friendly material so you can almost find vinyl gloves easily. If you’re a total beginner with a tight budget, it would be a good option. However, keep in mind that they’re not as breathable and durable as the other two materials.
Choose a Method of Closure
Gloves used by boxers have two main types of closure: velcro and laces.
- Velcro straps or hook-and-loop closures: They offer a secure fit and extra support for your wrist. This would help you use more power when punching or blocking. They’re also easier to put on and take off.
- Laces: These type provides a tighter fit. However, they’re hard to do as you can’t lace gloves by yourself. If you’re a beginner and don’t spar often, a full Velcro wrap would be a better option.
Decide on a Budget
Lastly, consider the cost of the gloves. Most high-quality gloves, especially those made of genuine leather, would be on the expensive side. But you can also find cheaper and more affordable options—vinyl and synthetic leather gloves. To make it easier to choose, it’s best to decide on a budget. How much are you willing to spend on your first pair of gloves?
Conclusion
Choosing for the best gloves isn’t easy as it looks. There are many things to consider, including the glove size, cost, material, type, weight, and other features. But remember, the best gloves for you offer not just great value for your money but one that suits your specific boxing needs as well.
For some product options, you can visit and check out our boxing gloves collection. We offer a wide range of quality gloves with different features and varying costs.