Boxing Gloves: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One
Choosing the right boxing gloves is crucial because they're your companion at every workout, a symbol of your passion and dedication. In Italy, where boxing culture is alive and well, choosing the right gloves makes all the difference: protection, comfort, and performance improve, and you grow as an athlete.
Which boxing gloves to choose: what you need to know right away
- Where to buy Leone1947 boxing gloves? At the official Leone1947.com shop, you'll find the most comprehensive range of gloves on the market: from beginner models to gloves chosen by world champions. With us, you can always be sure of quality.
- When to use them: Ideal for training, sparring and official matches.
- What to consider: size (oz), material, padding, closure, use (bag/sparring).
Before choosing the size, clarify your goal:
• Punching bag training → dedicated or more padded punching bag gloves, typically 10 oz and up to protect the knuckles and wrist.
• Pad work with the master → 8 oz / 10M oz / 10 oz to work on speed and precision (larger sizes hinder execution).
• Sparring → (exchanging blows with a partner) based on protection level and one's weight, usually 12–18 oz .
• Match → 8–10 oz , according to category and competition rules.
How to choose the size and weight (ounces – oz) of boxing gloves
Boxing glove sizes are measured in oz (ounces) and indicate the amount of padding and bulk. Here's a quick guide to children's boxing glove sizes (6 oz), women's boxing glove sizes (8 oz/10M oz), and men's boxing glove sizes (10–18 oz). If you're looking for a synonym, you can think of oz as "boxing glove size."
| Size / Oz | For whom | Typical use | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 oz | Child (children's boxing gloves sizes) | Start-up, technique, light padwork | Reduced padding for small hands, more compact glove |
| 8 oz / 10M oz | Women (women's boxing gloves size) and small hands | Technical training, cardio boxing, padwork, punching bag training | Agility and speed, smaller footprint; great for focus pads and punching bag training |
| 10 oz | Men's (men's boxing gloves size) and unisex | Light training / fitness , padwork, quick technique, bag training | Agile and compact glove, excellent for focus pad and punching bag training |
| 12 oz | Unisex | Sparring light weights (up to 75 kg) | More padding than 10 oz; good protection while maintaining agility |
| 14 oz | Unisex | Intermediate weight sparring (75 kg to 90 kg) | Excellent protection/volume compromise for regular exchanges |
| 16–18 oz | Unisex | Intense sparring , heavier athletes (90 kg and above) | Maximum protection for you and your partner, softer impact |
Tip: Confused between sizes? For sparring, it's best to go up a size to increase protection.
How to choose the material of boxing gloves
Choosing the right material is crucial to balancing comfort, durability, and budget. The main difference is between leather and synthetic .
Leather or synthetic boxing gloves: which should you choose?
Leather: greater durability, ventilation, and comfort. Ideal if you train frequently (3–4 times a week).
Synthetic materials: cheaper, easier to maintain, ideal for beginners or occasional use.
Tip: If you work out regularly, invest in leather. For light workouts, synthetic is fine.
Boxing glove padding: the balance between protection and sensitivity
- Hard padding → more protection, less comfort.
- Soft padding → more sensitivity, but less protection.
Leone1947 uses technical foams that balance rigidity and softness for maximum safety.
Gloves closure: Velcro or laces?
- Velcro: practical and self-contained, perfect for daily workouts.
- Laces: Precise fit, requires assistance, used in competition.
Should you choose punching bag gloves or sparring gloves?
- Punching bag gloves: Stiffer, perfect for power training.
- Sparring gloves: more padded, protect you and your partner.
Tip: If you can, have at least two pairs: one for the punching bag and one for sparring.
Leone1947 glove lines: a glove for every level
The strength of the Leone1947 range is its completeness: whatever your level, you'll always find the right glove. From the synthetic material line for beginners to the LEONESPORT line for world competition.
Beginners – Your Entry into the World of Boxing
Durable and lightweight synthetic: perfect for those who train a few times a week. Excellent value for money.
Intermediate – more robustness and technique
Treated buffalo leather, pre-molded polyurethane foam padding, superior durability. Designed for frequent training and technical development.
Experts – advanced performance
Premium leather (full-grain cowhide) and premium, hand-shaped, multi-layered padding with variable density, plus an extra layer of knuckle protection: maximum shock absorption and long-lasting durability. Ideal for sparring and intense training.
LEONESPORT – world-class competition excellence
Glove entirely made in Italy by our artisans: a true pride of Made in Italy, where tradition and innovation blend to create a unique product.
Every detail counts and our craftsmen know it well.
The craftsmanship is meticulously crafted at every stage: from the selection of the finest full-grain leathers, treated with the highest-quality Italian tanning (a worldwide recognized Made in Italy trademark), to the artisanal stitching and hand-shaping of the select premium latex padding with variable densities. Nothing is left to chance: a reinforced cuff for superior stability, professional ergonomics, and a racing design.
Before being placed on the market, each product must pass a rigorous quality control, to guarantee the highest standards of performance and reliability.
Available with lace or Velcro closures, these are the gloves of choice for great champions in the world's most prestigious main events. A true symbol of Italian craftsmanship excellence.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a glove for every type of workout?
It's not mandatory, but if you can, yes. One for the punching bag, one for sparring. It protects your hands and prolongs the life of your gloves. Alternatively, go for the sparring glove (all-purpose), but it will reduce its lifespan.
How to choose the right size for women's boxing gloves?
For many athletes, 8 oz or 10 oz (a more compact and faster size) are ideal. For sparring, 12–14 oz is better. Also check the circumference of your hand.
How to choose the size of men's boxing gloves?
For padwork and technique, 10 oz is the standard. For full-body training, 12–14 oz . For sparring, 16–18 oz for maximum protection.
What does the 10 oz size correspond to?
“10 oz” indicates the amount of padding in the glove (small bulk). It’s a slim fit, perfect for hitting and light training.
12 oz gloves: what does that mean?
The 12 oz size offers more protection than the 10 oz and is also suitable for sparring for light weights (≈ up to 60 kg), maintaining a reasonable level of agility.
What is the best size for boxing gloves?
It depends on the objective (bag, pad, sparring, match), frequency, and body size. More protection = more oz. In sparring, generally 12–18 oz depending on body weight.
Duration and when to change boxing gloves
A good pair of gloves doesn't last forever: their effectiveness depends on intensity of use, materials, and maintenance. On average, a leather glove lasts 1–2 years (3–4 training sessions per week) , while a synthetic one wears out more quickly.
Signs it's time to replace them:
- Crushed or hardened padding
- Cracked or chipped coating
- Velcro/laces that don't hold
- Persistent odors and damaged seams
- Unusual pain in wrists or knuckles
To prolong their life: use hand wraps , dry them after training and alternate a pair of punching bags and a pair of sparring gloves.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gloves is the first step to training safely and consistently. Leone1947 supports you with a range of products designed for every type of boxer, constructed with top-quality materials and backed by over 75 years of experience.
This information is indicative. Before purchasing, consult with your instructor: based on your training, they will recommend the most suitable model.
