Leather gloves are a premium choice that offer durability and a comfortable fit. Synthetic leather is a budget-friendly alternative that offers similar comfort and protection.
Underneath the leather, foam padding provides impact absorption and hand protection. Foam options include PU, IMF, and layered foam padding that combines multiple densities for added shock absorption.
Leather
The most common material used in modern boxing gloves is leather, which offers a premium feel and durability. It is also very comfortable to wear and can adapt to the shape of your hand, ensuring good shock absorption and protection. Depending on the type of glove, leather may also be used in combination with other padding materials such as gel or horsehair.
Other common glove materials include PVC/vinyl and foam. While these materials offer lower quality and durability than leather, they are much less expensive and easier to maintain. They are commonly used in entry-level training gloves or light sparring gloves for beginners. PVC/vinyl gloves are breathable and tend to be more affordable than genuine leather models, but they can crack and tear over time with heavy use.
Foam-based boxing gloves are designed with shock absorption and comfort in mind. Many gloves feature layered foam padding that includes different densities for maximum cushioning. This type of padding is ideal for heavy sparring and helps reduce the risk of injury by absorbing impacts and dispersing them.
Aside from the type of padding, the other major factor in choosing a pair of boxing gloves is the closure system. There are two basic types of closure systems: lace-up and velcro/hook and loop. Lace-up gloves require you to tie them up for a secure fit, but they provide excellent wrist support and a more adapted fit. Velcro/hook and loop gloves are quick to put on and take off, but they may not be as stable as lace-up gloves.
For those who prefer the traditional look and feel of genuine leather, there are several synthetic leather options on the market. While these gloves don’t last as long as genuine leather, they offer good affordability and breathability, making them an excellent choice for beginners or those who plan to spar frequently. However, it’s important to keep in mind that synthetic leather can still develop unpleasant odors over time, as well as mold and mildew if not properly cared for. It’s best to stick with genuine leather if you can afford it, or consider a more breathable and durable option like microfiber. For those looking for gloves that combine comfort and durability, Revgear boxing gloves are a great investment to help you perform at your best.
PVC/Vinyl
Boxing gloves protect the fists and wrists of a boxer as they practice punching techniques against either a bag or an opponent. The most common material for gloves is leather, which is highly durable and able to adapt to the shape of a hand. However, other materials are also used in boxing gloves, including PVC/vinyl and foam.
A PVC/vinyl glove is a synthetic leather that offers a great balance of affordability and durability. It is an excellent choice for beginners, and it can be found in both men’s and women’s boxing gloves. These gloves are known to last longer than real leather gloves and are easy to clean. However, they do not have as much durability as genuine leather gloves and can become brittle over time.
Another type of boxing glove is made of a PVC/vinyl-coated canvas fabric, which is cheaper than other types of leather and can be machine washed. This type of glove is often sold as an alternative to leather, and it provides a similar feel and durability for a lower price. It is a good option for beginners who want to train regularly without spending too much money.
Foam padding is the most common material for boxing gloves. It is lightweight and durable, and it helps absorb impact energy while providing a snug fit. Different types of foam offer a variety of levels of protection and shock absorption. Some gloves use a combination of EVA and polyurethane foams, while others use a single foam for a more rigid fit.
Other materials used in boxing gloves include horsehair and gel padding. Horsehair padding is used in some professional boxing gloves and replicas of vintage gloves, and it offers a firmer feel than foam. However, it does not distribute impacts as evenly as foam and can increase the risk of injury for both the wearer and their opponent. Gel padding, on the other hand, offers a soft feel while still distributing impact energy.
Other materials used in boxing gloves include a moisture-wicking lining, which helps to keep the hands cool and dry during strong training sessions. Gloves with a smooth nylon or polyester lining are breathable and help to prevent sweat buildup. Other liners are made of a more resilient synthetic, such as Spectra or Dyneema, which is up to 15 times stronger than steel and offers heat and chemical resistance.
PU
The padding material of a pair of boxing gloves is a major factor that influences their performance and comfort. The padding also dictates the weight of the glove. While there are different types of padding available, a majority of modern boxing gloves are made from a combination of foam and leather.
The type of leather used in a pair of boxing gloves affects their durability, appearance, and cost. Genuine leather is often considered the best choice for professional boxers, but is also more expensive and requires special considerations to keep in good condition. Cowhide and goatskin leather are common alternatives to genuine leather, providing similar performance and comfort for a much more affordable price.
Boxing gloves are crafted by hand and must be cut, assembled, stitched, stuffed, and finished before they can be used. The manufacturing process begins with a pattern for each individual part of the glove. Each glove must be made of the right material to ensure proper fit and durability.
Once the glove is cut, the leather is sewed together to form the closure section, the knuckle area, and the thumb opening. The leather is then stuffed with a mix of materials to meet the needs of specific training sessions. The filling material can range from basic latex foam to injected or multi-layer foam. Some advanced trainers may opt for gel-padded gloves for a more authentic feel and increased protection.
The closure system of a pair of boxing gloves also impacts their comfort and ease of use. Velcro straps are the most popular closure design, offering convenience and adjustability. They are also suitable for training sessions that require regular glove changes and offer a modifiable fit to accommodate different hand sizes. Lace-up closure systems provide a classic look and custom, snug fit preferred by professionals, but require support to put on and remove.
The sizing of a pair of boxing gloves is important to consider, as they will impact how well you can train and spar with your partner. While there are a wide variety of glove sizes, most experts recommend that beginners start with smaller, lighter-weight gloves to avoid injury and discomfort.
Foam
The inner padding of boxing gloves is one of the most important factors in choosing a pair of gloves that meet your needs. Different brands use different types of foams and materials to protect the hand from injury. The quality of these materials is essential for good boxing performance and safety.
Foam is a material that can absorb the energy of impact without compromising your hand and wrist protection. It is also very lightweight and flexible, making it a great choice for gloves. There are many different types of foams, including EVA and polyurethane. Some high-end boxing gloves feature multi-layer foams that provide more cushioning and protection.
Some brands make their gloves using a layered-foam padding system, while others use a molded foam padding. A layered-foam glove has several layers of foam that are glued together. The result is a thicker and denser glove than a molded-foam glove.
A molded-foam glove has a padded cavity that is pre-curved and shaped to fit the hand. This type of padding is more resilient than a layered-foam glove and offers superior impact-reducing ability. The padding of these gloves is made from a combination of polyurethane and EVA foams.
Another type of padding is made from horsehair, which is a natural material that provides exceptional shock absorption. This is a more expensive material, but it is also very durable and flexible. The advantage of using horsehair is that it offers a very close and adapted fit, making it ideal for heavy bag training and sparring with partners.
The main disadvantage of horsehair is that it can be brittle with repeated use, especially if it is used in a hot environment. The foam and materials inside the gloves need to be of the highest quality to ensure durability and safety.
There are various methods of securing the glove, with laces or Velcro straps being the most common options. Velcro straps are quick and easy to put on and take off, but they offer less support for the wrist. Lace-up gloves require more effort to put on and take off, but they provide a classic look and excellent wrist support. Some glove models have hybrid closure systems, which combine the benefits of both Velcro and lace-up.
