Whether you’re hitting a punch-bag in the gym or fortunate enough to have one at home, using a good pair of boxing bag gloves is essential.
The main factor to consider when choosing appropriate gloves is the fit, which is usually assessed by trying a set of gloves on first, ideally with the guidance of an expert. Champs Bxing Ltd, based in Kent, sells a wide range of gloves online but also has a physical store where customers can be advised on purchases by company owner Frankie Phillips, who has boxed at amateur and professional level.
Frankie says, “It’s best to come down to a store and try the glove on, so you can see which pair fits best and what’s most comfortable – everyone has a different preference and a different hand size.” But if you are planning to order online – and during lockdown that’s an inevitability – make sure you utilise the sizing charts offered by most manufacturers on their websites.
Another consideration is whether to choose gloves with Velcro fastening or laces. The latter is customarily considered to offer better wrist support, but advances in Velcro design and technology have been rapid in recent years. “If you’re using gloves at home a Velcro strap is always easier,” Frankie points out. “With laces you need someone else to help you get your gloves on and fastened properly.”
You should also consider what material your boxing gloves are made out of. Traditionalists prefer leather, arguing it is longer lasting. However, advanced forms of polyurethane (PU) have been developed which many boxers and manufacturers now believe outperform and outlast leather alternatives.
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Be particularly wary of budget gloves as they are likely to utilise inferior PU, which wears down or splits quite quickly. Cheaper gloves are also more likely to contain inferior padding and are generally not worth the investment.
Paying for a premium glove which offers greater durability is, in the long run, far more economical. This is why we’ve largely avoided the cheapest brands and models in our testing because, quite simply, where the health and safety of your hands and wrists are concerned, we don’t think they’re worth taking a risk on.
That’s also why – whenever possible – you should further protect your fists with handwraps and, if you suffer from osteoporosis or osteoarthritis in the hands, wrists, or shoulders, then it’s best to steer clear of any activity that involves you hitting a target.
The best boxing gloves for 2022 are:
- Best overall – Rival RB1 ultra bag gloves: £79.99, Rivalboxinguk.co.uk
- Best for women – Unorthodoxx the black mamba glove: £67, Unorthodoxx.co.uk
- Best boxing mitts – Cleto Reyes bag gloves: £97.99, Wbcme.co.uk
- Best for ventilation – Twins air flow bag gloves: £64.99, Muaythai-boxing.com
- Best for high-end customisation – Di Nardo training gloves: £1,220, Filippodinardo.com
- Best budget option for beginners – Everlast powerlock pro hook and loop training gloves: £91.37, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for drying in-between sessions – Sandee cool-tec velcro leather boxing gloves: £76.49, Sandeeboxing.com
- Best for low to mid-range budgets – MCD blast boxing gloves: £39.99, Theboxinggloves.co.uk