Boxing Gloves
Boxing gloves are the one piece of kit you cannot get wrong, and Boxfit UK stocks 245 pairs to make sure you don't: sparring gloves, bag gloves, training gloves and England Boxing approved competition gloves from Rival, Adidas, Cleto Reyes, Pro Box, Phenom and Sting. Whether you are walking into your first class or preparing for a title fight, we have fitted gloves in our Essex store since 2006 and we will help you choose the right pair online too.
Which boxing gloves do you need?
Start with what you will do in them. Bag gloves are built for pads and heavy bags, with dense padding to protect your knuckles through thousands of punches. Sparring gloves carry more padding over the striking surface so you can protect your partner as well as yourself, and most gyms insist on 16oz for sparring. Training gloves sit in between and suit beginners who want one pair for everything. Competition gloves are lighter, usually 8oz or 10oz, with a defined striking area; amateur bouts need approved competition gloves in the colour your corner is drawn. If you are buying for a junior, our kids boxing gloves run from 4oz to 10oz, and our women's boxing gloves are cut for narrower hands.
Boxing glove sizes and weights
Glove weight is measured in ounces and relates to padding, not hand size. A common guide is 10oz to 12oz for bag and pad work, 14oz for lighter sparring or fitness classes, and 16oz for sparring at most bodyweights, rising to 18oz for heavier boxers. Hand size is set by the fit inside the glove rather than the ounce figure, so check the brand's sizing guide on each product page. Always wear hand wraps underneath; they protect your wrist and knuckles and stop the glove lining wearing out.
Lace-up or Velcro?
Velcro (hook and loop) gloves are the practical choice for training because you can get them on and off without help. Lace-up boxing gloves give a tighter, more even wrist closure and are the standard for competition and serious sparring, and a lace converter lets you use them alone. Leather gloves from Cleto Reyes, Rival and Adidas last for years with proper care; synthetic gloves from Pro Box, Carbon Claw and Tuf Wear are lighter on the wallet and ideal for beginners and fitness boxing.
Why buy boxing gloves from Boxfit UK
We are an independent boxing specialist, not a general sports shop. Our staff box and coach, we stock the gloves used in amateur and professional gyms across the UK, and we can advise on fit by phone six days a week. Orders ship fast with express UK delivery, and you can try gloves on in our Romford store. Looking for a bargain? Check the boxing gloves clearance for discontinued colours and last sizes, or browse sparring and training gloves to compare padding levels side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What size boxing gloves should a beginner buy?
Most beginners do best with 12oz or 14oz training gloves, which work for pads, bags and light drills. If your gym runs sparring sessions, buy 16oz gloves from the start so you are not buying twice. Ask the coach what the club requires before you order.
What is the difference between sparring gloves and bag gloves?
Sparring gloves have softer, thicker padding across the knuckles to protect your partner, and are usually 14oz to 18oz. Bag gloves have firmer padding designed to absorb heavy impacts on bags and pads. Using bag gloves to spar is the fastest way to get banned from the gym.
Do I need hand wraps with boxing gloves?
Yes. Wraps support the wrist and small bones of the hand and keep sweat out of the glove. Every serious boxer wraps up, and most gyms require it. We stock cotton, elasticated and gel wraps in lengths from 2.5m to 4.5m.
