WHAT BOXING GLOVE SHOULD I BUY?

Buying your first pair of boxing gloves can be confusing.

10oz or 16oz? Velcro or lace-up? Fairtex, Rival, Cleto Reyes, Winning — what is actually the difference?

The truth is, there is no single “best” boxing glove for everyone.

The right glove depends on how you train, how often you train, your experience level, and what you plan to use the gloves for.

🥊 First: What Are You Using Your Gloves For?

Before choosing a brand or colour, think about your training.

For general boxing training

A 12oz–16oz training glove can be a practical place to start.

For bag and pad work

You may prefer a lighter glove that feels quick and responsive.

For sparring

Your coach or gym may have specific requirements, particularly regarding glove weight and padding.

For competition

Competition gloves are different from everyday training gloves, and the rules of your event should always be checked first.

If you’re not sure, ask your coach before buying.

⚖️ What Does 10oz, 12oz, 14oz or 16oz Mean?

The “oz” refers to the weight of the glove.

Generally:

10oz — lighter, often used for competition or specific training.

12oz — lighter training and pad work.

14oz — versatile everyday training option.

16oz — commonly used for sparring and heavier training.

These are general guidelines, not universal rules. Your coach, training partner and gym requirements should always come first.

🔒 Velcro or Lace-Up?

Velcro Gloves

Velcro gloves are practical for everyday training.

They’re easy to put on and take off without assistance, making them a popular choice for people training regularly at the gym.

Best for: Beginners, general training, bag work, pad work and independent training.

Lace-Up Gloves

Lace-up gloves give you a more personalised fit around the hand and wrist.

The downside? You normally need someone to help you put them on and take them off.

Best for: Experienced boxers, serious training and fighters who want a more traditional setup.

Neither closure is automatically “better.” It depends on how you train.

🏆 Which Boxing Glove Brand Should I Choose?

At The Ring Shop, we carry gloves from brands including Fairtex, Rival, Cleto Reyes, Fly, No Boxing No Life and Winning, alongside more accessible options.

Different brands have different shapes, padding, construction and fit.

For example, someone buying their first pair for fitness classes may have completely different needs from a boxer training several times a week or preparing for a fight.

That’s why we don’t recommend simply buying the most expensive glove.

Buy the glove that matches your training.

💰 Do I Need Expensive Boxing Gloves?

Not necessarily.If you’re completely new to boxing, you don’t need to spend a fortune on your first pair. As you become more experienced, you may start noticing differences in:

• Hand shape and fit

• Wrist support

• Padding

• Weight distribution

• Materials

• Closure systems

• Durability

• Overall feel

That’s when upgrading your gloves can make more sense.

👊 What If I Still Don’t Know What to Buy?

That’s completely normal. When choosing gloves, start with these five questions:

1. Are you a beginner or experienced boxer?

2. What are you training — classes, bag work, pads, sparring or competition?

3. How often do you train?

4. What glove weight does your coach recommend?

5. What’s your budget?

Once you know these, choosing the right glove becomes much easier.

🥊 Visit The Ring Shop

Whether you’re buying your first pair of boxing gloves or upgrading your current setup, our team can help you find an option that fits your training and budget.

And if you’re unsure about sparring equipment or competition requirements, ask your coach first.

The best boxing glove isn’t necessarily the most expensive one.

It’s the one that fits your training.