6 Steps to Choose the Right Boxing Gloves for You

Boxing gloves are an essential piece of equipment for any boxer, whether you are a beginner or a professional. Many people are unaware that the primary reason that boxing gloves were invented is to protect the boxer’s hands, not cushion the blow on the person receiving the punch. Choosing the right boxing gloves depends on how they’ll be used and also on your personal preferences. Below are 6 considerations to help you choose the right boxing gloves for you.

How will you use the Gloves?

Before you choose boxing gloves, it's essential to determine their purpose. Are you looking for gloves for training, sparring, or competition? Different gloves have varying weights, padding, and design, depending on their intended use. Sparring and fighting generally require genuine leather gloves and favor laceups versus Velcro closure to protect the fighter being hit. Training gloves – for use with heavy bags have fewer restrictions.

Glove Weight

The weight of the gloves is an important factor to consider when choosing boxing gloves. Heavier gloves have more padding and tend to be larger.  You can find gloves inweights ranging from 8 oz to 20 oz. Professional fighting events use 8oz and 10oz gloves, but some manufacturers make these sizes for children or smaller boxers to use while training.  12oz, 14oz, and 16oz, are the most common gloves weights used for training, with the 14oz being the most popular of the three. 16oz gloves are also used for sparring.  18oz and 20oz gloves are less commonly found.

Material

The material of the gloves is another crucial factor to consider. The most common materials used to make boxing gloves are leather, synthetic leather (vegan leather), and vinyl. Leather gloves are the most durable, breathable, and comfortable but are also the most expensive. Synthetic (vegan) leather and vinyl gloves appeal to those who prefer not to use animal hides, and they are also cheaper than leather, but may not be as durable or comfortable.

Closure Type

Boxing gloves come with different types of closures, including lace-up, hook-and-loop (Velcro), and elastic. Lace-up gloves provide a more customized fit and offer more support and stability to the wrist. Hook-and-loop gloves are easier to put on and take off and are ideal for training and sparring. Elastic gloves provide a more comfortable fit but may not offer as much wrist support as lace-up or hook-and-loop gloves.

Brand

While a brand name does not necessarily guarantee quality, it's advisable to choose gloves from reputable brands that have a good reputation for producing quality gloves. Check customer reviews and check with friends or family who have purchased boxing gloves to get first hand feedback.

Style

Aside from the glove construction, you also want to consider the look of the glove.  Every boxer has a personal preference - solid colors, patterns, flags, images, graphics, etc.  These days there is virtually no limit to the designs you can find on a pair of boxing gloves.  Manufacturers offer many options and some even give you the ability to customize your own glove for a price.

Take a look at the wide selection of gloves we offer at VSL Fighting Equipment

If you have any feedback or questions, leave us a message here.  Good Luck and Happy Shopping! 

- Jim McClafferty

CEO VSL Fighting Equipment