Boxing training can be hard on hands and wrists. But with the right pair, athletes can train harder and for longer without risking injury.
Gloves protect the hand and arm from impact, reducing swelling and bruising so you can focus on endurance and technique. The best gloves also fit comfortably and securely.
1. Padding
The type of padding used in boxing gloves plays a significant role in hand protection and training performance. Foam padding is the most common and is known for its shock absorption and durability, making it ideal for heavy bag workouts and sparring. Other types of padding include horsehair, which offers a firmer feel and is often preferred by professional boxers for its ability to help them deliver harder punches, as well as gel, which is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to provide both a high level of impact absorption and an ergonomic fit.
The quality of padding in boxing gloves can also have a big impact on the durability of the glove, and how quickly it will wear out. High-quality, genuine leather boxing gloves are the most durable and can last for years with regular use, while cheaper synthetic options may only be able to withstand months of training before they start to wear out.
Choosing the right pair of boxing gloves depends on your training needs and experience level. Advanced boxers will be able to train with heavier, more durable gloves that meet the strict requirements set by their governing body for competition, while beginners and casual trainers should consider versatile training gloves with superior hand protection and support. For optimal comfort and protection, Revgear boxing gloves are specifically designed to offer top-tier support for your hands during intense training sessions.
Gloves are typically sized based on their weight, with 8 oz and 10 oz being used for competition and professional boxing, while 14 oz and 16 oz gloves are best suited for training and sparring. It is important to select the correct size of boxing glove based on your height, body weight and hand size to ensure optimal comfort and protection. A glove that is slightly too large can cause hand fatigue and lead to a lack of mobility and precision, while one that is too small will offer less protection and be prone to snag during training.
2. Closure system
Boxing gloves must fit your hands, allowing for adequate space for your knuckles and supporting your wrists without squeezing too tightly. The padding should also be thick enough to absorb shock and protect your knuckles from impact, but not so dense that you can’t flex and make a fist. Many gloves feature a wrist strap to secure the gloves around your wrists. Some have a long cuff that extends 2-3 inches up your wrist, to ensure maximum stability and hand support. Combat sports often cause profuse sweating, so it is important that your gloves can breathe to keep you comfortable and dry. Many gloves use an inner lining that wicks away moisture and inhibits bacterial growth.
Choosing the right pair of boxing gloves is an essential decision for your training experience. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, the correct gloves can elevate your workout and help you reach your goals. Understanding the importance of the glove’s size, padding, closure system, and material will help you select the perfect pair for your training needs.
Training gloves typically weigh between 10 and 16 ounces and are ideal for beginners, fitness enthusiasts, and those focusing on bag work, drills, and sparring. Sparring gloves have more padding than training gloves to reduce the risk of injury to you and your partner during sparring sessions. Using the wrong type of gloves can increase the risk of injury for both of you, so it is recommended to have separate pairs of training and sparring gloves.
3. Material
The material of a boxing glove can make a big difference in its durability and cost. Some gloves are made from genuine leather while others feature synthetic materials. Choosing a high-quality pair of gloves that fit you well is the best way to ensure comfort and improve performance.
The type of padding used also influences the weight and feel of a glove. Beginner boxers can benefit from a heavier pair of gloves to build strength and learn proper punching technique. Intermediate and advanced boxers may opt for lighter gloves to focus on speed and agility.
A good boxing glove should be firm enough to absorb the impact of a punch, but not so dense that it becomes heavy and hinders movement or blood flow in the hand. The glove should also fit snugly when wearing hand wraps but not so tight that it causes blisters or pinched areas.
Another important consideration is the type of wrist closure. Hook & loop closures, which are commonly found on modern boxing gloves, offer convenience and can be secured without the assistance of a second person. They are also more customizable to different hand sizes. Lace-up closures, on the other hand, require a bit more time and effort to secure, but they provide a more precise and comfortable fit.
Some boxing gloves also come with added features like grip bars, which are made of a thick foam that sits between the fingers and palm to make it easier to form a fist. They are also available with an attached thumb, which helps to prevent injuries such as thumb separation or accidental eye gouges. Lastly, some manufacturers also produce women’s-specific versions of their boxing gloves to accommodate the needs of female fighters.
4. Weight
The weight of a boxing glove is a crucial consideration when selecting one for training. Heavier gloves offer more padding and protection, but they can also tire your arms faster. Lighter gloves are a good choice for beginners and intermediate fighters, as they provide a better balance between speed and precision, and allow your hands to move more freely. Ultimately, the best boxing glove weight for you will depend on your training goals, hand size and activity type.
Proper sizing is key to comfortable, safe wear and proper performance. Boxing gloves should fit snugly, with enough space for hand wraps, but not too tight to hinder blood flow or restrict mobility. To measure your hand circumference, use fabric tape or a strip of paper and wrap it around the widest part of your dominant hand (excluding the thumb). Use this measurement to determine the appropriate glove size.
A great pair of boxing gloves is essential to your success in the ring and in training. The right fit ensures that your punches are effective and powerful while protecting you and your sparring partner from injuries. Aside from sizing, weight and style are other factors to consider.
Many fighters, including professional fighters, opt for a variety of different boxing glove sizes to complement their specific training needs. Beginners can benefit from the added resistance provided by heavier gloves to condition their muscles and improve technique, while advanced fighters may prefer lighter gloves for pad work and sparring sessions. This versatility allows you to focus on developing all aspects of your fighting skills, from speed and precision to endurance and power. In addition, some of the highest quality boxing gloves are made for women and are specifically designed to cater to their unique hand size and form.
5. Design
Boxing requires a lot of punching, so proper gloves are essential for protecting your hands. The best boxing gloves have ample padding for impact protection and feature a snug, secure fit to prevent hand injuries. They also have a sturdy wrist support structure that restricts wrist movement to reduce injury risk, while still allowing you to generate power and speed through your punches. Additionally, the right boxing gloves will have a thumb lock design to prevent thumb sprains during training.
Heavier glove weights can increase hand protection and are preferred for sparring, but they may slow down your punching speed. For this reason, top athletes consider the durability of their punching gloves to ensure that they can withstand the repeated impact and force of bag work. Gennady Golovkin, for example, uses a set of heavy bag gloves that are durable enough to stand up to his rigorous training schedule.
Beginners should consider budget-friendly boxing gloves that offer the structure and protection they need to begin their journey into the sport. However, this doesn’t mean that they should settle for subpar quality. Instead, look for affordable boxing gloves that deliver high-value features such as breathable materials and a snug fit.
Boxing, kickboxing and Muay Thai training usually includes warm-ups, shadow boxing, partner drills, heavy bag work, pad work, strength training and sparring. The right boxing gloves can help you maintain the proper hand alignment and balance, build endurance, and improve your overall training experience. The key is to select the correct pair of boxing gloves based on your experience level, fitness goals and the type of punching you intend to do. Understanding the differences between various types of boxing gloves helps you make a more informed decision.
