Boxing gloves are a necessary item of gear for any boxer, allowing you to strike with full force while protecting your hands and wrist. However, with so many options available, from different brands to glove types, weights, sizes and price points, it can be challenging to determine which pair is right for you. Follow this guide covering the key factors to consider when shopping for new boxing gloves to end up with the ideal match.
Determine Your Purpose
First, think about how you primarily plan to use your new gloves. Are you going to wear them for heavy bag and mitt work, sparring sessions or competing in the ring? The amount will depend on the planned use of padding and protection you need.
Bag gloves have more shock absorbing foam and material layers to prevent injury to your hands and wrists during intense bag workouts. Sparring and competition gloves offer less padding for maintaining feel and grip on an opponent in the ring. All-purpose training gloves with moderate padding can work for both bag and sparring practice.
Consider the Weight
Boxing gloves normally range from 8-20 ounces in weight. Heavier gloves around 16-20 ounces distribute impact more evenly to protect hands, while lighter 8-12 ounce gloves allow for faster punches and more precision. The rule of thumb is to use heavier gloves for training and lighter gloves for sparring and competing.
If you’re new to boxing, start in the 12-16 ounce range. More experienced student and amateur fighters looking to develop speed often prefer 10-12 ounce gloves. Professionals typically use 8-10 ounce gloves in fights for maximum quickness and power in punches.
Get the Right Fit
It’s crucial your gloves properly fit your hand width and length to minimize slippage while striking. When trying on different sizes, make sure your entire fist and wrist easily slide into the glove but that your fingers lightly press against the padding at the end with no major loose areas.
Gloves should feel secure without cramping your hands. Also ensure wraps and hand bandages don’t bunch up inside, as this negates the protective padding. Getting accurately measured at a sporting goods store is best for determining your optimal glove size.
Analyze the Padding Style
Manufacturers utilize different padding styles, cushioning materials and construction methods that impact the gloves’ degree of shock absorption, comfort and durability.
Single-layer foam provides basic cushioning while multi-layer foam disperses force more evenly across your fist and knuckles for better protection. Injected molded padding aims for uniform thickness and distribution. Attached thumb pads should align comfortably with your thumb position. Quality stitching throughout prevents the padding from shifting after repeated use.
Consider Brand Reputation
With boxing gloves ranging from $20 budget options to $200+ professional quality pairs, you tend to get what you pay for. Well-known brands like Everlast, Title Boxing, Ringside and Cleto Reyes command higher prices but back it up with superior construction, materials, padding technology and warranty policies.
While cheaper gloves may save you money initially, their lack of proper wrist support, thumb alignment and longevity make investing in a reputable glove brand worthwhile to avoid hand injuries. Hit up customer reviews across retail sites to identify top performers based on protection, padding, comfort and durability satisfied customers highlight.
Try Them On
If buying boxing gloves in person instead of online, make sure to try them on first while loosely clasping your fist to assess initial comfort and responsiveness. Test the wrist support by rotating your fists and flexing your hands back and forth.
Ensure no pinching points or awkward pressure areas exist that could cause discomfort or circulation loss during longer training sessions. Move on to other glove options that don’t provide that custom molded feel off the rack. Finding the best fit for you right out of the gate avoids returns and wasted money.
Follow these tips and invest your money to buy the perfect pair of boxing gloves. You will never regret the decision.
