Smell, wear and tear or simply outdated. There are several reasons to replace your boxing equipment sooner or later. But how do you know when it's time?
In this article we'll go through the most important pieces of your equipment and you'll learn how long you can roughly use them.
Boxing boots
Boxing boots last on average 6 to 9 months, depending on the intensity and frequency of your training. If you train 4 to 6 times a week, your boots will need to be replaced after 6 months rather than if you train 1 to 2 times.
It also depends on how mobile you are when boxing, what type of surface you train on and how many rounds you spar per week. As soon as you notice the soles are worn, starting to come away from the rest of the boot or the ankle support is getting looser, you should replace them to avoid injuries.
Care instructions: Only use boxing boots for boxing, not for running. The lightweight sole and materials of boxing boots are not designed for surfaces other than gyms and mats. If you use them outdoors, they'll wear out much faster.
Looking for boxing boots? Check out our full boxing boots collection here.
Boxing gloves
Boxing gloves last on average 6 to 12 months with normal use. However, actual lifespan can be higher or lower and depends on the following factors:
- Training frequency and intensity
- Quality of the gloves
- Rest periods between training sessions
- Punching power
If you train 1–2 times a week, your gloves will naturally last longer than if you train 3–4 times. Material also plays an important role. Leather gloves generally last longer than synthetic leather.
Care instructions: To extend the lifespan of your gloves, don't use them daily. If you train every day, we recommend using at least two pairs of gloves to alternate between them. Wipe off sweat after each training session with a dry cloth and air out your gloves so they can dry. This will prevent them from starting to smell.
Looking for boxing gloves? Check out our full boxing gloves collection here.
Head guard
Normally you can get by with a head guard for 1 to 2 years, as it's often only worn during hard sparring sessions.
Care instructions: Wipe down your head guard with a dry cloth after each training session to remove excess skin oils, sweat and hair products from the leather. Let the head guard dry in a well-ventilated space after each training session to prevent mould and bacteria.
Looking for a head guard? Check out our full head guard collection here.
Hand wraps
You can almost never have enough hand wraps. These should be replaced every 4–5 months, depending on frequency of use. If you let them dry properly after each training session and wash them regularly, keeping them free from tears and damage, you can enjoy your hand wraps for longer.
Care instructions: Don't roll up wet hand wraps and don't leave them in your gym bag after a training session. Let them dry completely before rolling them up for the next training. By keeping them clean and replacing them regularly, you'll also extend the lifespan of your gloves. New and clean hand wraps help keep your gloves free from bacteria and potential mould. By changing your hand wraps more frequently, your gloves stay fresher and odour-free for longer.
Looking for hand wraps? Check out our full boxing hand wraps collection here.
Mouthguard
For hygiene reasons we recommend replacing a mouthguard every 6 months if you use it 2–3 times a week. Many people put their mouthguard back in the storage box unwashed after training. Over time this causes mould to form on and in the mouthguard.
Care instructions: Rinse your mouthguard briefly after each training session to prevent mould and build-up. You can also use special antibacterial sprays to keep your mouthguard clean.
Looking for a mouthguard? Check out our full mouthguard collection here.