In this post you will find a comprehensive how to guide on choosing the best gloves for kickboxing that are just right for you.
In this guide we will cover:
- What kind of gloves are used in kickboxing
- How heavy should kickboxing gloves be?
- Is there a difference between boxing gloves and kickboxing gloves?
- Are kickboxing and Muay Thai gloves the same?
- Are kickboxing and MMA gloves the same?
- What size gloves are best for kickboxing?
Let’s get started.
What kind of gloves are used in kickboxing?
The gloves used in kickboxing for training or competing are either made from pure leather or synthetic leather and and have a padded interior to absorb impact and protect the hands, wrists, and fingers.
They are very similar to boxing gloves, but there are some key differences that will be discussed further in this post below.
They can either be lace up or velcro strapped at the wrist to secure them.
But usually velcro strap gloves are not used in competition as lace up gloves are far more secure for competition purposes.
The most commonly found kickboxing gloves are those used and designed for sparring and training mainly.
These gloves which are usually have velcro straps are easier to take off between rounds to take breaks, drink water and cool down a bit.
Lace up gloves require the trainer to give the fighters water stright from the bottle as they are much more difficult to take off and put on again between rounds.
The gloves usually weigh between 10 and 16 ounces and provide enough coverage for the hands and wrists, while still allowing for enough dexterity to punch, block, and strike.
When it comes to competition and fighting in the ring different organisations have different regulations regarding the type of gloves that can be used.
It is always best to check the rules and regulations of the governing body of the organisation you are competing under.
Is there a difference between boxing gloves and kickboxing gloves?
Yes, there is a difference between boxing gloves and kickboxing gloves.
While both types of gloves are designed to protect the hands and allow the wearer to punch, they are designed with different types of striking in mind.
Boxing gloves are generally heavier and have more padding, especially in the knuckle area, as the sport of boxing primarily involves punches and not kicking.
The extra padding helps to absorb the impact of punches and protect the hands and wrist from injury.
Kickboxing gloves, on the other hand, are lighter and have less padding as the sport involves a combination of punches and kicks.
The reduced padding allows for greater dexterity and speed in the hands, which is necessary for both striking and blocking kicks.
It’s important to note that there are various types of gloves used for training pads and mitts, and competition, each of which are designed with specific purposes in mind.
The main difference between boxing gloves and kickboxing gloves is the amount of padding and weight.
Boxing gloves have more padding and are heavier, while for kickboxing they are lighter and have less padding to allow for greater flexibility and mobility in the hands.
Are kickboxing and muay thai gloves the same?
Kickboxing and Muay Thai gloves are similar in some ways, but they are not the same.
Muay Thai gloves are typically lighter and have less padding.
This allows for greater dexterity and mobility in the hands, which is important for the clinching and grappling techniques used in Muay Thai.
Muay Thai gloves also have an open palm design, which allows for greater grip and control during clinching and grappling.
Kickboxing gloves, on the other hand, have more padding and a closed fist design, which provides more protection for the hands and wrist during striking.
The extra padding helps to absorb the impact of punches, making them ideal for sparring and training.
It’s important to choose the right type of equipment for the specific martial art you practice.
This is especially so for gloves as proper hand protection the gloves will affect your performance and impact the safety of your hands and wrist.
So, while, they may share some similarities, they are designed with different techniques and purposes in mind and thus have distinct differences in design, padding, and weight.
Are kickboxing and MMA gloves the same?
No, kickboxing gloves and MMA gloves are not the same.
Kickboxing gloves are typically heavier and have more padding, especially in the knuckle area, to provide additional protection for the hands and wrist during strikes.
They are designed specifically for striking and are commonly used for sparring and training in kickboxing.
MMA gloves, on the other hand, are lighter and have less padding to allow for greater mobility and flexibility in the hands for grappling purposes.
MMA gloves also do not have protection for the fingers which basically free to be used for the more intricate aspects of grappling including chokes, strangles and arm bars.
However this also means that eye pokes are a concern when fighting in MMA gloves.
MMA gloves also have smaller fingertips and an open palm design, which allows for greater grip and control during grappling and clinching.
Basically, kickboxing and MMA gloves have distinct differences in design, padding, and weight to due to the different techniques used in each combat sport.
What size gloves are best for kickboxing?
The size of gloves that is best for kickboxing depends on several factors, including your weight, hand size, whether you compete or not and personal preference.
In general, it’s recommended to choose gloves that fit snugly on your hands and allow for enough room in the fingers to make a fist.
Below is a general guideline for glove size based on hand circumference:
- For hand circumference up to 7 inches: choose gloves that are 10 ounces or lighter
- For hand circumference of 7-8 inches: choose gloves that are 12-14 ounces
- For hand circumference of 8-9 inches: choose gloves that are 14-16 ounces
- For hand circumference over 9 inches: choose gloves that are 16 ounces or heavier
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and that the best way to determine the right size for you is to try them on and make sure they fit comfortably and securely on your hands.
You should also make sure that the wrist strap is tight enough to provide support without being too restrictive.
Keep in mind that different organisations have different regulations regarding the size and weight of gloves that can be used in competition, so be sure to check the rules and regulations of the governing body of organisation you are competing in before purchasing gloves.
How heavy should kickboxing gloves be?
The weight can vary depending on several factors, including the type of kickboxing you practice and the level of protection you need.
In general, lighter gloves are preferred for training, as they allow for greater mobility and speed in the hands.
But for sparring partner protection 12-16 ounce gloves are recommended for sparring.
Heavier gloves, on the other hand, provide more protection for the hands and wrist during strikes, making them ideal for heavy bag work and other forms of heavy training.
Here is a general guideline:
- Training gloves: 8-14 ounces
- Sparring gloves: 14-16 ounces
- Heavy bag gloves: 16-20 ounces
- Competition gloves: usually 10-16 ounces, depending on the rules and regulations of the governing body of your kickboxing organization
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and that the best weight for you will depend on your personal preference, the type of kickboxing you practice, and the level of protection you need.
Generally speaking, weight can range from 8 to 20 ounces, and the best weight for you will depend on your size and intended use.
