How to pick the right size boxing glove: A thorough guide

The correct size gloves can make all the difference in the boxing world. Whether a professional or a newbie trialing a hobby, it is crucial you select and use the correct gloves to ensure enhancement of performance and safety of your hands. Ranging from 10oz to 16oz, each size fulfills a certain function and accommodates a wide range of boxers. In this extensive guide, we discuss the differences between each size to assist you in choosing the one that best fits your needs.

10oz gloves: A Speedsters No.1 Choice

This is the smallest size of glove available, the 10oz glove are mainly designed for speed and swiftness. These gloves are frequently acquired and used in professional bouts where swift motions and fast blows are crucial. Fighters who prefer to go for the 10oz gloves, usually put speed before strength, depending on their quickness to outwit their rivals.
Due to its lightweight structure and manufacture, the 10oz gloves have less padding and protection in comparison to the larger size gloves. Therefore, they are not recommended to be used during heavy sessions of sparring and heavy bag work as they have minimal cushioning for the hands which can lead to an injury. Instead, a boxer who is experienced in the sport, confident in their defensive skills and want to maximise their speed are best to use the 10oz.

12oz Gloves: Adaptable and Fair

The 12oz gloves are a combination of speed and protection and are used frequently in a variety of boxing activities. They are used in competitions, training sessions and sparring sessions where adaptability is important. They have more protection than a 10oz glove as there is a little more padding, which provides the hands with more protection but does not interfere with any rapid movements or striking.
Numerous amateur fighters and fitness fanatics prefer the 12oz gloves for their overall performance and comfort. Activities ranging from heavy bag hitting, drill training with a partner or just general sparring, the gloves provide the right support for the fighters, whilst still allowing them to show speed and be protected. They are a popular choice amongst boxing training as they allow you to simulate the weight of the competitions glove without sacrificing safety.

14oz Gloves: Perfect Sparring Pair

Safety is essential when it comes to sparring, hence why 14oz gloves are a popular choice amongst gyms – where participants are required to wear them during training. It has increased padding which results in an increase in protection which reduces any risk of injury.
Fighters looking to build strength and endurance are very familiar with 14oz gloves. The added weight is for assisting boxers in gradually building strength and endurance over time. Also, some organizations warrant the use of 14oz gloves for certain weight classes or skill levels to ensure a fair fight and minimal risk of a serious injury.

16oz Gloves: Powerful and Strong

For those heavy hitters who possess a powerful punch, the 16oz gloves are the better option. With extra padding and protection, they are designed for heavy hitting on bags, pad drills and intense sparring sessions. It absorbs the impact, as well as cushioning the hands and risks to avoid a risk of strain or injury during high intensity training.
The 16oz gloves are popular choice amongst professional fighters during fight preparation as it helps them to build their strength but also protect them from injury before an important fight. I mean there’s nothing worse than sustaining an injury during pre fight training which then means you can’t compete and all your hard work goes to waste. It’s the best choice of glove to give you that support during heavy hitting and intense sparring sessions.

Conclusion: Making Sure You Have The Right Fit

An essential part of boxing is making sure you have the right equipment and what’s more important than gloves? Nothing, as your whole performance is based on your performance with your hands. Therefore, it’s essential to have the right size to make sure that you can maximise your performance but also ensure that you are keeping your hands safe. From super fast 10oz gloves to heavy force 16oz gloves, each size has its own purpose to fulfil and caters to different levels of skills and use in boxers. It doesn’t matter what your focus is in boxing, whether it’s protection or speed. There is a glove out there to fit you.

Before you go on to make a purchase, it’s important you think all things to do with your personal journey in boxing. What’s your skill level? What are your goals in training?

If unsure what glove choice to go for, consult with a professional, your trainer or someone who has experience using different size gloves – as they can give you the best advice based on your personal needs.So pick the right size gloves and train safely.