A Beginner's Guide: Kickboxing Gloves Vs Boxing Gloves

Kickboxing and boxing are two tough sports that require mental and physical toughness. Gloves are of course one of the first and most important equipment for newbies in these cool and dynamic sports. Wearing the right gloves protects your hands, wrists and other organs from injury and also improves your performance.

In this blog, we will walk you through a beginners guide so you can choose the right boxing and kickboxing gloves for yourself.

Understanding the Different Types of Gloves

Boxing and kickboxing gloves are not one-size-fits-all equipment. Each type of glove serves a specific purpose, tailored to different training activities:

Training Gloves: These are the most versatile gloves and are perfect for beginners. Training gloves are multi-purpose and good for bag work, mitt work, and sparring. They offer a good balance of protection and flexibility for someone just starting out.

Bag Gloves: As the name suggests, bag gloves are for heavy bag training. They are more padded in the knuckles for extra protection when hitting a heavy bag. Beginners should use bag gloves when training on the bag to avoid knuckle bruising or wrist strain.

Sparring Gloves: Sparring gloves are different from training gloves in that they are for sparring with a partner. They are more padded to protect you and your sparring partner from injury. You should have a pair of gloves for sparring to ensure the safety of both parties.

Competition Gloves: These are lighter and have less padding than training and sparring gloves. They are designed for competition where speed and power is key. For beginners, competition gloves are not needed until you get to a higher level and start competing.

You can also read this article : the top 10 gloves for boxing or muay thai

Choosing the Right Size and Weight

One of the most important questions that pops up in one’s mind is “what size boxing gloves do I need?” when choosing boxing or kickboxing gloves. Gloves come in different sizes, usually measured in ounces, from 8 oz to 18 oz or more. What size is right for you depends on your weight, hand size, and the type of training you will be doing.

• 8 oz - 10 oz: These are for boxing or kickboxing. They are lighter and enable the throwing of quicker punches, but they come with decreased protective measures, hence not suitable for use in training sessions. 
• 12 oz - 14 oz: These are the most general training sizes available, and they still vary in availability. Quite protective but not too slow, which is an ideal thing for new players. 
• 16 oz - 18 oz: These are slightly heavier, have more cushioning, and are thereby suitable for use when sparring. It also provides you and your partner with extra physical mass during the course of your training. 

Always purchase the gloves according to your hand size. Wearing gloves that are too tight constricts movements of the hand, and wearing gloves that are loosely worn is likely to harm the wearer by rubbing off on the skin. 

You can also read this article : choosing the correct boxing hand wraps

Materials and Construction

When it comes to factors that should be taken into account when selecting the right gloves, the durability and comfort level provided to the wearer can be significantly impacted by the material and construction of the item. The vast majority of gloves are made from synthetic or leather materials.  

• Genuine Leather: Since leather takes on the contour of your hands over time, it is typically more resilient and fits your hands better. Even though they are frequently more costly, their durability makes them an excellent purchase, especially for individuals who take their activity seriously.
• Synthetic Materials: Beginners and those on a tight budget could consider gloves made of synthetic materials, which are generally less costly. Nevertheless, they might not be as comfortable and endure longer than leather gloves.

In addition to the cushioning, pay attention to the stitches when evaluating the gloves' structure. It doesn't have the appropriate multi-layered padding that breaks less quickly, nor does it have double-stitched seams, which are stronger than single ones. 

Is It Always Necessary to Wear Boxing Gloves?

Boxing gloves are a must for your comfort and safety when conducting any kind of training, even though it may look cool to see boxers in movies or picture sessions boxing without gloves.

Boxing gloves are not necessary if you are training at home like a pro fighter and practicing shadow boxing to ensure that your punching technique is good before hitting the bag because you will just be throwing punches into the air. Your wrists and knuckles are susceptible to injury once your technique is perfect and you start to add resistance with concentration pads or boxing gloves, therefore you should wrap them securely with hand wraps and wear the appropriate training gloves for your weight.

Caring for Your Gloves

Looking after your gloves will keep them in good nick and extend their life. After every session, air out your gloves to prevent moisture and bacteria from building up which can cause stinky smells and degrade the material. You can also use glove deodorizers or sprays to keep them fresh.

Also, store your gloves in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, as heat can break down the material over time. Clean the inside of your gloves with a mild disinfectant every now and then to keep them hygienic.

In a Nutshell

Choosing the right gloves for boxing or kickboxing is part of your combat sports journey. By understanding the basics, considering your training goals, and prioritizing comfort and safety, you can make an informed decision. Remember, the perfect glove should feel like an extension of your hand so you can perform at your best in the ring.

Hop onto Sting Sports if you're ready to start your martial arts career with confidence that comes from wearing the best gear. With the right boxing gear and a committed mind, you can become a striker.