Sparring Gloves & Training Gloves
Sparring gloves and training gloves are the pairs you will wear more than any other, so they need to protect your hands, your sparring partner and your training budget in equal measure. This range holds 175 options from Rival, Adidas, Cleto Reyes, Phenom, Pro Box, Ringside and Sting, from a first synthetic training pair to Mexican leather sparring gloves, with prices from £14.99.
Sparring gloves or training gloves: what is the difference?
A training glove is an all-rounder built for pads, bags and drills, with padding firm enough to take repeated impact without folding. A sparring glove uses softer, deeper padding across the knuckle so the punch your partner feels is a fraction of the one you throw. Rival, Cleto Reyes and Phenom all label their spar models clearly. A good sparring glove copes with bag work too; a stiff bag glove used for sparring does not.
Choosing the right weight
Most UK gyms set 16oz as the minimum for sparring, whatever your bodyweight, and heavier boxers often move up to 18oz. For pad and bag training, 12oz or 14oz keeps your hands fast while still protecting the knuckles. Juniors and lighter adults sometimes spar in 14oz with a coach's approval, and we carry those weights in the kids training and sparring gloves range. Check the brand's fit guide for hand size, and always wear boxing hand wraps underneath. When you are ready to compete, amateur bouts require separately approved competition gloves, not your sparring pair.
Lace-up, Velcro and lace converters
Serious sparring gloves from Cleto Reyes, Rival and Fly are often lace-up because the closure spreads pressure evenly around the wrist and does not scratch a partner's face. We stock lace converters from Phenom and Strap and Seal so you can wrap the laces and close a lace-up glove on your own between rounds. If you train alone or want something quicker, browse our hook and loop boxing gloves, or compare the full lace-up boxing gloves selection side by side.
Leather or synthetic?
Leather sparring gloves from Cleto Reyes, Rival, Adidas and Sting mould to your fist and last for years if you air them after every session. Synthetic and PU training gloves from Pro Box, Carbon Claw, Tuf Wear and Ringside cost less, need no breaking in and are the sensible first purchase for a beginner or a club buying in bulk. We have fitted gloves in our Romford store since 2006, and last season's colours often turn up in the boxing gloves clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use training gloves for sparring?
Only if they are padded for it. Some training gloves from Rival, Adidas and Phenom are designed for both, and the product page will say so. Firm bag-style training gloves should not be used on a partner. If your gym has a rule, it will almost always be 16oz sparring gloves.
Do I need 16oz gloves to spar?
Most gyms and coaches in the UK require 16oz for adult sparring, and heavier boxers may be asked for 18oz. Lighter juniors sometimes spar in 14oz with coach approval. Check with your club before ordering so you do not buy a pair you cannot use.
How long do leather sparring gloves last?
With regular use and proper care, a quality leather pair from Cleto Reyes, Rival or Adidas will comfortably last several years. Air them after every session, use glove deodorisers, and never leave them in a damp bag. Synthetic gloves wear faster but cost a fraction of the price to replace.
