Boxing gloves advice
Boxing gloves buying guide
Choose the right boxing gloves for training or sparring in 3 steps. Includes size chart (oz), differences per sport and care tips.
How to choose boxing gloves?
1) Use
Bag work, technique or sparring? The purpose determines the weight (oz), padding and wrist support.
2) Fit
Snug but not tight, worn with hand wraps. Your fingers should comfortably reach the grip bar.
3) Weight (oz)
More oz = more padding/volume. For sparring, gyms often require 14–16 oz for safety.
Glove selector: weight & use
The guidelines below are common practice. For sparring, always follow your gym's/coach's policy.
14–16 oz
Extra padding for you and your partner. Popular for technical sparring and longer sessions.
View sparring gloves12–14 oz
Good knuckle protection, slightly more compact. Great for combinations and pad work.
View training gloves6–10 oz
Lighter and smaller for young athletes. Always try on with hand wraps.
Kids boxing glovesRule of thumb by body weight
| Weight (indication) | Recommended oz (training) |
|---|---|
| < 55 kg | 10–12 oz |
| 55–70 kg | 12–14 oz |
| 70–85 kg | 14–16 oz |
| > 85 kg | 16–18 oz |
Note: sparring rules vary per gym; 14–16 oz is often mandatory.
Popular choices
- CAGED Core 14 oz — all-round training
- Venum Elite 16 oz — sparring favorite
- Twins Special 14 oz — Muay Thai
Which types of boxing gloves are there?
All-round / Training
Balanced padding, suitable for bag and technique work. Ideal as a first pair.
- Grip bar + curved shape for an easy fist
- Velcro for quick on/off
- 12–16 oz
Sparring
More volume and a softer outer layer to spread impact.
- Usually 14–16 oz
- Round shape, thick knuckle padding
- Velcro or laces (tighter around the wrist)
Bag gloves
Firmer foam for repeated impact on bag/pads.
- 12–14 oz is common
- Not intended for sparring
Boxing vs. Muay Thai / Kickboxing
| Boxing glove | Muay Thai / Kickboxing glove | |
|---|---|---|
| Wrist | Stiffer/tighter for punching & stability | Slightly more flexible for clinching and catching |
| Palm | More closed, focused on the fist | Slightly more open for grabbing/parrying |
| Padding | Heavy knuckle padding, evenly distributed | Reinforced at the wrist/side of the hand for blocking |
| Use | Boxing (bag, pads, sparring) | Kickboxing/Muay Thai (incl. clinching & blocking) |
Do you mainly train kickboxing/Muay Thai? Then choose a model with a bit more palm flex and wrist padding.
Materials & closures
Material
- Leather: Durable, molds to your hand, breathes better.
- PU/synthetic: Affordable, easy to maintain — great for beginners.
Closure
- Hook-and-loop (Velcro): Quick on/off, ideal for training & bag work.
- Laces: Precise fit; popular with advanced boxers/for sparring (help needed to tie them).
Size chart (oz) & hand circumference
Gloves are expressed in ounces (oz), which mainly indicates the weight/padding, not the exact size. Always try on with hand wraps.
| Hand circumference* (cm) | Recommended oz (training) |
|---|---|
| < 18 | 10–12 oz |
| 18–20 | 12–14 oz |
| 20–22 | 14–16 oz |
| > 22 | 16–18 oz |
*Measure your hand circumference around the knuckles, excluding the thumb, with a relaxed hand.
| Purpose | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|
| Bag/pads | 12–14 oz |
| All-round training | 12–16 oz |
| Sparring (gym policy) | 14–16 oz |
For sparring, your gym may require a minimum oz (often 14–16 oz).
Care & hygiene
After every training session
- Open up your gloves and let them dry
- Wash inner gloves/hand wraps
- Don't leave them in your gym bag
Preventing odors
- Use glove deodorizers
- Occasionally use disinfectant wipes
- Vinegar/baking soda: sparingly, and dry thoroughly afterwards
Don'ts
- No washing machine
- No radiator/direct sunlight
- No harsh bleach
Frequently asked questions
Can I use 12 oz gloves for sparring?
Usually not. Most gyms require 14–16 oz for sparring to cushion impact. Always follow your gym's policy.
Which is better: leather or PU?
Leather is more durable and molds better; PU is affordable and perfectly fine for beginners or intensive bag work on a smaller budget.
Velcro or laces?
Velcro is quick and easy to use on your own. Laces close more precisely around the wrist (great for sparring/competition training) but you'll need help.
Why do 16 oz gloves feel bigger and softer?
More padding/weight spreads impact and protects partners during sparring, which is why they are bulkier.
Found what you need?
Shop now or come try them on in our store. We'll help you on the spot with size, hand wraps and fit.