Picking the Right Material For Your Boxing Gloves

Posted by seomypassion12 on July 25th, 2023

Choosing the right gloves is one of the most important decisions you can make when starting your boxing journey. The material your gloves are made of will impact their durability, comfort and cost.

Leather is an excellent option for those who plan on sparring often as it will mould to the shape of your hands over time, offering greater flexibility and comfort.
Durability

If you’re serious about your training and want to take your performance in the ring to new levels then it may be worth investing in leather boxing gloves. However, if you’re simply looking for a pair of gloves to use in the gym occasionally then synthetic ones could be more suitable.

Boxing is an impact-based sport and 16 oz boxing gloves as such, your gloves need to be very durable to prevent injuries. Leather is a very tough material that can withstand the repeated impacts and stress of intense sessions. It also offers superior breathability and comfort compared to other materials like synthetics.

The durability of your leather boxing gloves will depend on the type of hide or skin used and the tanning or chemical curing process. Hides can come from a variety of animals including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, buffalo and even aquatic creatures such as seals. Premium brands will typically use a combination of materials to ensure the best performance and durability.

While leather gloves can be more expensive than their synthetic counterparts they will last longer, especially if you maintain them properly. This includes wiping down the interior of your gloves with a damp cloth after every session to remove sweat and dirt. It’s also important to regularly apply a good quality leather conditioner to your gloves to keep them soft and supple.

A lot of cheaper gloves are made from PU leather which looks very similar to the real thing but is much less durable. While some PU gloves will hold their shape well, others are prone to tearing and ripping. These gloves can also smell of a musty odor with repeated heavy use and may be prone to mold and mildew.

Genuine leather gloves on the other hand are incredibly durable and will flex naturally with your hands as you punch and kick. They will also mould to your hands over time, making them feel almost like a second skin. This flexing and molding will help improve your punching technique as you become more familiar with the weight of your gloves in your hands.
Aesthetics

If you want gloves that will last a long time and look great doing it, you’ll want to go for leather. This is the gold standard, and despite what you might think, it’s not actually that expensive compared to the other options.

For those who don’t have the budget to go for leather, there are plenty of alternatives. These days, most premium boxing glove brands use a combination of layered foams or IMF (Injection Moulded Foam) to pad their gloves. These are firm enough to absorb impacts but soft enough for a comfortable feel, which makes them ideal for sparring and bag work. They also mould to your hands as you train, so they feel like a second skin and are more responsive to your strikes.

The downside of this is that they don’t breathe quite as well as leather gloves, which can lead to a buildup of sweat and unpleasant smells in the gloves. If you’re not careful, this can cause them to grow mildew and mold, which isn’t good for your hand health. You’ll need to keep them clean and dry, which can be difficult with the amount of sweat that comes with boxing training sessions.

This isn’t a big problem for those who go to the gym just a couple of times per week, but if you’re planning on using them regularly or sparring with others in the gym, you’ll need something more durable and breathable. PU is a good choice, and there are some really nice-looking gloves available with this material, like the Hayabusa T3 model.

The other disadvantage of PU is that it’s less durable than leather, and tends to wear out faster. If you’re looking for a pair of gloves that are going to be used heavily or regularly, I’d suggest going for a real leather option. This isn’t to put down the quality of PU gloves, as many are really high-quality and would stand up well to regular use and tough bag work. You just need to decide what’s important to you, and what your budget is.
Comfort

If you're a serious boxer you want gloves made with genuine leather that offer the best comfort and durability for hard impacts. They are more resistant to stretching, moisture and odours. Genuine leather is also more expensive but it's the ideal material if you train regularly and want your boxing equipment to last.

For beginners or those on a budget, synthetic gloves are the more affordable option with good quality and adequate protection. They're generally found in department stores and local gyms. However, compared to genuine leather they may lack durability and flexibility and might not last as long.

Synthetic leather is constructed from a polyurethane base and then treated with wax or dyes to create the colour. This gives it a more uniform look than animal hides which often have unique characteristics that make them distinctive. The thickness of the leather also plays a role in how comfortable it is. The thicker the leather, the more durable and odour-resistant it will be.

Boxing and Muay Thai are high impact sports, which means that the gloves will take a beating from heavy bags and sparring partners' dense skulls. They will need to be reasonably durable to keep them from ripping or splitting. The main difference between genuine leather and synthetic is that the latter tends to tear and rip more easily than real leather.

To get the most comfort from your gloves you should make sure that they fit properly. This will ensure that you have a secure grip and that the wrist is supported by the glove and doesn't slip during training. The best way to measure your hand is with a tape measure, wrapping it around the widest part just below the knuckles (don't include your thumb). When choosing a size, check the manufacturer's guidelines and choose a size that fits well but is not too loose or tight.

In order to keep your boxing gloves looking and feeling great, you should clean them after every use with a mild soap solution. This will help to remove sweat and dirt from the interior of the glove as well as the exterior leather. The gloves should be thoroughly rinsed to remove any residue left behind from the soap. Then they should be allowed to dry completely. If the gloves are heavily stained, a mild alcohol wipe might be necessary.
Price

Leather boxing gloves are more expensive than synthetic, but they last longer and offer a greater level of durability. Choosing leather gloves is also an investment in the quality of your training and performance.

The quality of the leather used in boxing gloves varies widely from brand to brand. Some use a blend of genuine leather and other materials while others use a single material throughout the glove. Genuine leather is normally soft and supple and has good resilience. It also has a high level of durability and can absorb a lot of impact without damaging the gloves or your hands.

Another common material for boxing gloves is polyurethane (PU). PU is a manmade alternative to animal leather and is usually used on cheaper gloves. PU gloves tend to be lighter in weight than leather gloves and are easier to clean. They also have the advantage of not retaining moisture like leather gloves which can lead to bad odours and mold.

However, despite its advantages, PU is not as durable as genuine leather and can split easily over time. Moreover, it can feel less supple than genuine leather. Many brands now use clever names for their PU gloves, such as Skintex Leather or Maya Hide Leather, to distance themselves from the association with animal leather and appear more ethical.

Regardless of which type of gloves you choose, it is important to make sure that they are correctly sized. To do this, measure the circumference of your hand around the widest part, just below your knuckles. Once you know the size of your hand, you can then find a pair of boxing gloves that will fit well.

There are many different types of boxing gloves, each designed for a specific purpose. Training gloves are typically softer and designed for sparring or partner drills, while competition gloves are stiffer and have a lace-up closure. Many of the top-rated brands offer a variety of gloves, so you can choose the style that best fits your needs and budget. When you do, be sure to check out the sizing guide provided by the manufacturer to ensure that your new gloves will fit properly.