Boxing and kickboxing are popular sports that promote both your physical and mental health. However, before you step into the ring, it is essential to have the right equipment, with boxing gloves playing a crucial role. Choosing the perfect gloves may seem simple, but there are various factors to consider. On this page our experts tell you everything about it.
Choose between boxing gloves and kickboxing gloves
The first thing you need to determine is whether you need boxing gloves or kickboxing gloves. Although they look similar, there are small differences. Boxing gloves are often rounder and offer more padding to protect your knuckles when hitting a punching bag or opponent. Kickboxing gloves, on the other hand, are slightly flatter and more compact, designed for the versatility of both kicks and punches.
Choosing the right weight
Boxing gloves are measured in ounces (oz), with the weight indicating how much padding the glove offers. For children and lightweights, a 10 oz glove may be sufficient, whilst heavyweights may be better served with 16 oz gloves. As a general rule: the heavier you are, the heavier the glove you need. This not only serves your own protection, but also to avoid unnecessarily injuring your sparring partners.
The perfect size and fit
Boxing gloves should fit snugly without pinching. Bear in mind that gloves can stretch slightly through use. Therefore, always try them on with hand wraps or inner gloves if you use them. This ensures that the gloves still fit well even after some time. Measure your hand circumference without including the thumb and consult the size chart on our page to find your ideal size.
Choice of material
Boxing gloves are made from various materials, with leather and synthetic leather (PU) being the most common. Leather offers durability and comfort, but is usually more expensive. Synthetic leather is a cheaper option that still provides sufficient protection for beginners or recreational athletes.
The brand of boxing gloves
Although the brand doesn't always tell you everything about quality, established brands often have a proven track record in delivering quality and durability. Do some research, read reviews and ask at your gym about experiences with different brands. We ourselves, for example, are very enthusiastic about the quality of the Caged boxing gloves, but the Venum boxing gloves are also very popular.
How do I know if my boxing gloves fit well?
A well-fitting boxing glove feels like a second skin. You should be able to move your fingers comfortably without the glove being too tight or restricting your movements. A good test is making a fist; if the glove fits snugly without it becoming painful, you probably have the right size.
How do you train and which boxing gloves do you need for it?
When choosing boxing gloves, it's important to think about the variation of your training. Do you mainly want to train on the punching bag, spar with a partner or a mixture of both? For training on the heavy bag, gloves with stronger padding on the front are ideal to protect your hands from the hard impacts. For sparring you need gloves that offer a good balance to simulate realistic fight situations without injuring your partner. If you consider this carefully, you can ensure that you choose a pair that benefits your training.
The role of the wrist closure
An often overlooked aspect when choosing boxing gloves is the type of wrist closure. Boxing gloves are available with hook-and-loop fastening or laces. Hook-and-loop fasteners offer convenience and speed when putting on and taking off the gloves, ideal for training sessions where you often change gloves.
Lace closures
Lace closures, on the other hand, offer a more customised and firmer fit, which is particularly valued in professional competitions where every small advantage counts. Depending on your training routine and goals, the choice of wrist closure can have a significant impact on your experience.
Care tips for your boxing gloves
Good care significantly extends the lifespan of your gloves. Air them out after each training session and use disinfectant sprays to avoid odours. Consider using inner gloves or hand wraps to absorb sweat, and wash these regularly.
Buy good boxing gloves? You do that at The Fight Company
Finding the perfect boxing gloves is a crucial step on your path to success in the ring. At The Fight Company we understand the importance of quality, comfort and durability in your equipment. Our extensive range of boxing gloves ensures that you always find something that suits your specific needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, our expert staff are ready to help you make the right choice. Invest in yourself with boxing gloves from The Fight Company and take your training to a higher level.