Choosing the right pair of boxing gloves can have a significant impact on your training. The ideal glove should wrap snugly around your hand, with the fingers able to flex and form a fist comfortably.
A breathable material offers comfort and reduces moisture buildup, and the interior lining should be soft and sweat-wicking. Next comes the padding, which protects your hands from impact shock.
Leather
Boxing is quickly becoming the go-to form of exercise in fitness circles thanks to its high intensity, stress relief benefits, and calorie-burning abilities. But stepping into the squared circle comes with its own set of challenges, like getting proper equipment that helps you stay safe and secure. That includes a good pair of boxing gloves.
Most gloves feature an outer made from leather or a synthetic leather substitute, with the interior consisting of foam padding. The padding is a big deal, as it’s all that stands between your knuckles and whatever hits them during sparring and bag work.
That’s why a thick and durable padding is essential for any glove, and you want one that holds up over time. You also want it to be comfortable, as a tight fit can increase hand fatigue. For that reason, you should try the gloves on before purchasing, if possible. The size you choose is also important, and that typically depends on your hand circumference. Wrap a piece of fabric tape around your dominant hand at its widest point, excluding the thumb, to get an accurate measurement.
There are three main types of boxing gloves: genuine leather, vinyl, and synthetic leather. All have pros and cons, but the best choice will come down to your specific needs and budget. For example, genuine leather boxing gloves will offer a more natural feel, and they’ll contour to your hands over time. However, they’re usually more expensive than the other two options.
Another factor to consider is whether you want lace-up gloves or those with Velcro straps. Lace-up gloves provide a more customized fit and are preferred by professional boxers. However, they take longer to put on and remove. If you’re a beginner, or don’t have the patience to tie your own gloves, a pair with Velcro straps may be the best option for you.
Finally, it’s also worth considering the weight of the gloves, which are expressed in ounces (oz). Heavier pairs will offer more protection and support, but they can slow down your hand speed slightly.
Padding
The hand and wrist are susceptible to fractures, sprains, dislocations and other injuries, especially when repeatedly exposed to high-impact forces. One of the primary functions of boxing gloves is to absorb and distribute this force over a wider area, thereby significantly reducing injury risk. High-quality boxing gloves often feature thick, multi-layered foam padding that provides consistent shock absorption and cushioning, while also supporting the wrists to prevent acrobatic movement that may lead to injury.
Boxing gloves also have extended cuffs to support the wrists and reduce the risk of hyperextension (an injury caused by over-extending the wrist beyond its natural range). Many high-quality boxing gloves come with a thumb lock design that helps to prevent injuries from the thumb during punching, especially when used in conjunction with proper hand wraps.
In addition, the quality of the padding can play a role in how well the gloves fit. Some brands offer specialized foams that mold to the shape of the hand over time for a custom fit and increased protection.
Another important consideration when selecting a pair of boxing gloves is the closure type. While the traditional lace-up style is still preferred by many fighters, hook and loop (or Velcro) closures are increasingly found on premium pairs of boxing gloves. These types of closures provide a fast, convenient means of securing the gloves, while still providing a snug and fine-tuned fit.
Lastly, a good pair of boxing gloves will have a secure wrist strap that prevents the hands from slipping inside the glove during training, which can lead to hand injuries. Boxing gloves with adjustable wrist straps allow for a customized, snug fit that will ensure the hands stay in place regardless of what position they are held in during training.
In general, the best way to choose a pair of boxing gloves is to focus on the quality of materials and not the brand name or price. Cheap, poorly made gloves are prone to cracking and will not last as long as a premium pair of boxing gloves. In addition, gloves that are visibly worn out will lose their shock absorbing capacity and can result in serious injuries during training. If you’re looking for high-quality gear to elevate your boxing experience, Revgear offers an excellent selection of gloves and equipment tailored for both beginners and seasoned pros.
Breathability
Boxing gloves are designed to protect the puncher’s hands and wrists during training. The padding in a good pair of gloves also helps to absorb the force of blows, which is why it’s important to select a pair that are properly sized and suited for your intended use. There are a number of factors to consider, including material, padding, size, weight, closure and more. Choosing the right pair of boxing gloves can significantly impact your comfort and performance in the gym, so it’s worth taking some time to learn about the various features that make up a great pair.
Leather is the traditional material for boxing gloves, but synthetic materials are increasingly popular, especially for newer or casual boxers who train a few times each week. The best gloves will be made with a premium leather or a high-quality faux leather. Leather is expensive but durable, while polyurethane leather substitutes offer a similar appearance and feel to genuine leather at a lower price point.
When selecting a pair of boxing gloves, look for thick padding around the wrists and the knuckles, and make sure the glove is properly shaped to reduce hand fatigue. Many brands will feature a splinted support to reinforce the wrist during long training sessions. A splinted support will also help to distribute the force of a punch, lessening the load on the puncher’s wrists and hands.
A secure fit is essential for both comfort and safety, and there are several different styles of closure to choose from. Hook and loop, sometimes referred to as velcro, is a common choice, as it’s quick and easy to put on and take off without needing a second person to assist. However, lace-ups can often offer a more finely-tuned and customizable fit, especially when cinched.
Most people will prefer a tight fit, but it is important to avoid gloves that are too tight or they may cause discomfort and lead to injury. Gloves should slide on easily with minimal resistance and have room to wrap the fingers, allowing them to move freely. You should also make sure the glove’s material is breathable to prevent sweating and build-up of odors.
Fit
Boxing gloves are designed to protect the hands from injuries, but they only do so effectively when they fit properly. Wearing the wrong size of glove can not only affect performance but also cause severe injuries to the hand and wrist due to over compression.
The proper fit of a pair of boxing gloves is determined by several factors including:
Properly Wrapped Hands
Before you can properly assess the fit of a glove, you must have your hands properly wrapped. As mentioned in our blog (How to Properly Wrap Boxing Gloves), wrapping your hands before putting on your boxing gloves is an essential step for the safety and performance of your workout. Once you have your hands wrapped, the gloves should fit snugly without restricting blood flow. The fingers should lightly touch the top of the glove compartment and be free of any excess space.
When selecting a pair of boxing gloves, make sure to choose a model with plenty of room for hand wraps and velcro straps that secure comfortably around the wrist. If the velcro straps are too loose, they could move around during the workout and lead to the gloves slipping off your hands. Additionally, if the straps are too tight, they will limit your range of motion and restrict blood flow to your fingertips.
Finally, make sure the glove weight fits your training goals. Heavier gloves provide more padding and protection but can tire your arms out faster. On the other hand, lighter gloves can provide quick movements and maneuverability in the ring but offer less cushioning.
For beginners, it is recommended to purchase a pair of gloves that are 12-16 oz in weight. This will provide adequate padding for heavy bag and sparring work while offering beginner boxers the best balance of comfort and protection.
