9 Different Types of Boxing Gloves

Boxing gloves are an essential piece of equipment for anyone looking to practice the sport of boxing. They not only protect the fighter’s hands from injury, but they also protect their opponent from unnecessary harm. There are different types of boxing gloves available on the market, each designed for specific purposes. In this article, we will take a look at the various types of boxing gloves and their uses.

Types of Boxing Gloves 

1. Bag Gloves 

Bag gloves are boxing glove designed specifically for heavy bags. These gloves are typically smaller and lighter than other types of boxing gloves, with less padding. This allows for a greater range of movement and more control when hitting the heavy bag. Bag gloves are an essential piece of equipment for anyone looking to improve their punching power and technique. They are also commonly used for shadow boxing and other forms of training that do not involve an opponent.

2. Training Gloves 

One of the most common types of boxing gloves is the training glove. These gloves are designed for everyday use in the gym, whether for sparring or hitting the heavy bag. Training gloves are typically larger and have more padding than other types of boxing gloves. This extra padding helps to reduce the impact on the fighter’s hands and allows for a safer and more comfortable training experience.

3. Sparring Gloves

Another type of boxing glove is the sparring glove. These gloves are similar to training gloves but have additional padding to provide even more protection for both the fighter and their opponent. Sparring gloves are essential for anyone looking to practice their boxing skills with a partner, as they allow for a more controlled and safer training environment.

4. Competition Gloves 

Competition gloves are another type of boxing glove. These gloves are used in actual boxing matches and are typically smaller and lighter than training or sparring gloves. The reduced size and weight of competition gloves allows for a greater range of movement and a faster punch. However, they also provide less protection than other types of gloves, so they should only be used in a controlled, regulated environment such as a professional boxing match.

5. Professional Boxing Gloves

Professional boxing gloves are same as competition gloves, are the type of gloves used in actual boxing matches. These gloves are typically smaller and lighter than other types of boxing gloves, such as training or sparring gloves. The reduced size and weight of professional boxing gloves allows for a greater range of movement and a faster punch. However, they also provide less protection than other types of gloves, so they should only be used in a controlled, regulated environment such as a professional boxing match. Professional boxing gloves are typically required by the governing body of the sport and must meet certain safety standards.

6. Mexican Style Boxing Gloves

Mexican style boxing gloves, also known as Mexican gloves or “Lonsdale” gloves, are a type of competition glove used in the sport of boxing. They are named after the British boxing brand Lonsdale, which popularized the design. Mexican style gloves are generally smaller and lighter than traditional boxing gloves, with less padding. This allows for a greater range of movement and a faster punch, but also provides less protection for the fighter’s hands and their opponent. Mexican style gloves are commonly used in the lighter weight classes of boxing, such as featherweight and lightweight. They are also popular among trainers and amateur fighters who prefer the feel and fit of the gloves.

7. Muay Thai Gloves

Muay Thai gloves are a type of boxing glove used in the sport of Muay Thai, a martial art that originated in Thailand. These gloves are typically larger and have more padding than traditional boxing gloves. This extra padding helps to protect the fighter’s hands and wrists, as well as their opponent, during the sport’s signature elbow and knee strikes. Muay Thai gloves also have a longer cuff than traditional boxing gloves, which provides additional support for the wrist and allows for a more powerful punch. In addition to their use in Muay Thai, these gloves are also commonly used for other forms of stand-up striking, such as kickboxing and mixed martial arts.

8. Traditional Boxing Gloves 

Traditional boxing gloves are the type of gloves that have been used in the sport of boxing for many years. These gloves are designed for use in training, sparring, and competition. Traditional boxing gloves have padding on the knuckles and wrists to protect the fighter’s hands and their opponent from injury. They also have a lace-up closure or velcro strap for a secure fit. Traditional boxing gloves come in different sizes and weights, with heavier gloves providing more protection and lighter gloves allowing for a greater range of movement. They are an essential piece of equipment for anyone looking to practice the sport of boxing.

9. MMA Boxing Gloves 

MMA boxing gloves, also known as mixed martial arts gloves, are a type of boxing glove designed for use in the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA). These gloves are typically smaller and lighter than traditional boxing gloves, with less padding on the knuckles and wrists. This allows for a greater range of movement and allows the fighter to use their fingers for grappling and clinching. MMA boxing gloves also have a shorter cuff than traditional gloves, which allows for a more natural range of motion when transitioning between striking and grappling. In addition to their use in MMA, these gloves are also commonly used for other forms of stand-up striking, such as kickboxing and Muay Thai.

How to Choose Right Size of Boxing Gloves? 

When choosing the right size of boxing gloves, there are a few factors to consider. 

1. Boxing Gloves Type

First, you need to consider the type of gloves you will be using. Different types of gloves, such as training gloves, sparring gloves, and competition gloves, may have different sizing guidelines. It is important to follow the sizing guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the gloves you are considering.

2. Size of Gloves

In general, the size of the gloves should be based on the fighter’s weight and hand size. Heavyweight fighters (over 200 pounds) will typically need gloves that weigh 10 ounces or more, while lighter fighters (under 130 pounds) will need gloves that weigh less than 8 ounces. The gloves should also fit snugly on the hands, without being too tight or too loose.

To determine the proper size of boxing gloves, you can measure the circumference of your knuckles using a flexible tape measure. The gloves should be large enough to fit comfortably over your knuckles, with about a half-inch of space between your fingers and the end of the gloves.

Boxing Gloves Size Guide Based on Fighter’s Weight 

Fighter’s Weight	Glove Weight
Under 130 pounds	8 ounces or less
130-165 pounds	10 ounces
165-200 pounds	12 ounces
Over 200 pounds	14 ounces or more

Boxing Gloves Size Guide Based on Hand Circumference 

Hand Circumference	Glove Weight
6.5 inches or less	6 ounces
6.5-7 inches	8 ounces
7-7.5 inches	10 ounces
7.5-8 inches	12 ounces
8 inches or more	14 ounces

3. Material 

When buying boxing gloves, it is important to consider the material they are made of. The material of the gloves can affect their durability, comfort, and performance. Here are some common materials used in boxing gloves and their characteristics:

• Leather: Leather is a classic and durable material for boxing gloves. It provides good protection for the fighter’s hands and their opponent, and it is resistant to tears and abrasions. However, leather gloves can be more expensive and require more maintenance than other types of gloves. They also tend to be heavier and may not be as breathable as other materials.
• Synthetic leather: Synthetic leather is a man-made material that is designed to mimic the look and feel of natural leather. It is often used as a less expensive alternative to leather. Synthetic leather gloves are typically lighter and more breathable than leather gloves, but they may not be as durable or protective.
• Vinyl: Vinyl is a synthetic material that is often used in cheaper, entry-level boxing gloves. It is lightweight and easy to clean, but it may not provide as much protection or support as other materials.
• Fabric: Some boxing gloves are made of fabric, such as nylon or polyester. These gloves are typically lightweight and breathable, but they may not be as protective or durable as other materials.

4. Padding 

The padding of the gloves can affect hand protection, comfort, and performance. Here are some common types of padding used in boxing gloves and their characteristics:

• Foam padding: Foam padding is the most common type of padding used in boxing gloves. It provides a good balance of protection and flexibility, allowing the fighter to deliver powerful punches while minimizing the impact on their hands and their opponent. Foam padding is also relatively lightweight and easy to compress, making it a good choice for training and sparring.
• Gel padding: Gel padding is a newer type of padding that is designed to provide extra protection and cushioning. It is often used in competition gloves or other types of gloves that are designed for high-impact training. Gel padding is typically more durable and resistant to compression than foam padding, but it may also be heavier and less flexible.
• Multi-layer padding: Some boxing gloves have multiple layers of padding, with different types of padding in each layer. This allows the gloves to provide a greater level of protection and support, while also allowing for a more natural range of motion. Multi-layer padding can be more expensive and heavier than other types of padding, but it may also be more durable and protective.
• Horse hair padding: Horse hair padding is a type of padding that was commonly used in older boxing gloves. It is made from the tail hairs of horses, which are boiled, cleaned, and treated to create a dense and resilient padding material. Horse hair padding was prized for its durability and shock-absorbing properties, but it has fallen out of favor in recent years due to concerns about animal welfare and the availability of other, more modern padding materials. Today, horse hair padding is rarely used in new boxing gloves and is mostly found in vintage or collectible gloves.

5. Lace up and Velcro Strap Boxing Gloves 

Lace-up closures are the traditional method of securing boxing gloves. They provide a snug and secure fit, but they can be time-consuming to put on and take off. Lace-up gloves are often preferred by experienced fighters and trainers who want a customized fit and the added support of the laces.

Velcro straps are a more modern and convenient method of securing boxing gloves. They are quick and easy to put on and take off, and they provide a snug and secure fit. Velcro straps are often preferred by beginners and amateur fighters who want a simpler and faster way to put on their gloves.

When choosing between lace-up and velcro straps, consider your personal preferences and your training needs. You may also want to try on both types of gloves to see which closure feels the most comfortable and secure to you.

Final Thoughts:

There are several different types of boxing gloves available, each designed for specific purposes. Training gloves are ideal for everyday use in the gym, while sparring gloves provide additional padding for a safer training experience. Competition gloves are used in actual boxing matches and are lighter and smaller than other types of gloves. Bag gloves are designed specifically for use on heavy bags and other training equipment. Finally, the weight of the gloves used in a boxing match is determined by the weight class of the fighters.