Guide to Choosing Boxing Gloves for Beginners

What size should I choose for my boxing gloves?

By Lars Ivar Grønvold, coach IL ROS boxing

There are many who want to try boxing and will buy their own gloves. But what size should you choose? You will get the best help at one of the few specialty stores in Norway that sell martial arts equipment or at a boxing club. If you start looking online, there is countless advice and not all of it fits into the Norwegian boxing environment. I hope this guide can help you somewhat.

Glove properties

Gloves are measured in oz. A pair of 14 oz boxing gloves means that each glove weighs 400 grams. The higher the oz, the more padding/protection there is in the glove. The padding in the glove is primarily intended to prevent you from injuring your hand when hitting something, but also to make sparring a good experience for your training partner. In boxing matches, both boxers use the same type of gloves with a size according to AIBA and Norwegian Boxing Association rules. Boxers up to 69 kg use 10 oz, boxers over 69 kg use 12 oz. Smaller gloves are used in boxing matches than you will be training with.

Your weight class

The most important factor in choosing glove size is your weight. Why is my weight so important? The reason is Newton's 2nd law:

Force = Speed x Mass (F = a * m)

Explained with a boxer, it is how fast the glove comes and with what weight it is behind the punch. How much you weigh is therefore very decisive for how hard the punch will be when executed technically correctly.

Therefore, think through what you will primarily use the glove for and compare it to your weight, age and your own boxing level. If it is between two sizes, you should choose the larger one. It is better to have gloves that are a little too big than too small. At club level, boys/men usually hit a little harder than girls/women. Be careful – many clubs usually do not allow you to use what are light gloves for you for regular/fresh sparring.

• 6 oz - used by children.
• 8 and 10 oz – the gloves can be used by children and youth in lighter weight classes.
• 12 oz – a common size for youth. Nice size to use for training on bags and pads. Can also be used for sparring, but depending on your weight.
• 14 oz – this size is used by most boxers who are not too heavy. Can be used for free sparring, but again depending on weight. Some clubs do not allow free sparring with this size.
• 16 oz – this size is used for fresh sparring by heavier boxers and others who have a lot of punching power. Also recommended for adult exercisers.
• 18 oz – if you are heavy and fast, hit hard and are afraid of or bothered by hand injuries, this is the glove for you.

Effect of glove size

With light gloves, punches and combinations will go faster, but you can more quickly injure your hand and, in the worst case, your sparring partner. If you get a hand injury, you can easily be out of the sport for many weeks or months. With larger gloves, you have to work a little extra, but you dare to try more and have a little more glove to hide behind. That's why there is often a distinction between gloves for practicing technique on pads and bags, and gloves for sparring. And if you take the plunge and want to go boxing, your hands will suddenly move like drumsticks because the gloves you are used to training with are a little heavier. Then you get that speed for free in the fight.

Other things to consider when choosing gloves

Most exercisers can get by with a pair of all-round pairs of gloves. But those who focus on boxing should have two pairs of gloves, one pair for regular training on pads/bags and another pair for sparring. Gloves wear out and if you train 2-3 times a week you should expect to change your gloves every year. Some gloves fall apart quickly for one reason or another, it may be a good idea to choose gloves from well-known brand suppliers. You can extend the life of your gloves by always taking them out of the bag between each training session and letting them air out. The inner lining of gloves also does not like long and sharp nails.

Lace-up gloves or Velcro? Velcro for regular club boxers. High-level boxers choose lace-up gloves as they provide better support and firmness around the wrist.

Leather gloves or PVC material? Gloves made of PVC/vinyl material are less expensive, but do not have the same quality and durability as leather. For children and young people who just want to try boxing to see if it is something for them, PVC gloves can be an alternative as they are a little less expensive.

Gloves from different brand suppliers

If you have the opportunity, it is a good idea to go to a martial arts store and try a few different ones, or try some training buddies' pairs that are not worn or broken in. The gloves should always be tried on with a hand bandage. Boxers who have been using them for a few years often find their glove brand that suits them. Gloves from brand suppliers are as different as shoe brands. And leather gloves behave like leather shoes, they expand and adapt to your hand after use. The glove should fit well on the hand with a bandage, and you should be able to clench your hand well. Make sure that you include your thumb when you close your hand and that you feel it has contact with your index finger. They should not be uncomfortable to wear. The fingertips should not press too much on the leather, then you should try a different brand. New gloves are stiff in the leather, but they will give a little over time.

The appearance of the gloves is a matter of taste and comfort. There are many choices here, but don't let that choice override everything. The glove should first and foremost fit your hand well.

Good luck with your glove selection!