It might seem silly or redundant to have more than one boxing glove. Especially if you’re just training for fun and not to become a professional. Boxing is a sport that requires a significant investment in equipment, including gloves. So is it actually worth it to have more than one pair of boxing gloves?
Having more than one pair of boxing gloves is always a good idea. There are many different types of exercises when it comes to boxing training and having the right pair of boxing gloves for specific exercises should be practiced. Especially when transitioning between bag training and sparring.
When it comes to boxing gloves, there are many different types and styles available, each designed for a specific purpose. From general training gloves, to bag gloves and sparring gloves. Ideally you would want the proper gloves for the type of workout it was designed for.
However, even if you’re boxing at home for fitness, it is still a good idea to have a spare lying around in case your primary gloves get damaged, they need to air out or if a friend happened to want to join your workout.
There are plenty more benefits of having multiple sets of gloves, including:
- Improved Performance – Different types of training require different types of gloves. Sparring gloves, for example, are typically larger and more padded than gloves used for bag work or mitt training. Using the appropriate gloves for each type of training can help improve your performance by providing the right amount of protection and feedback.
- Increased Durability – Using the same gloves for every type of training can cause them to wear out faster. Different types of gloves are designed to withstand different types of wear and tear. Having separate pairs of gloves for each type of training can help extend their lifespan and save you money in the long run.
- Reduced Risk of Injury – Wearing gloves that are too small or too large, or using the wrong type of gloves for a specific training activity, can increase your risk of injury. Having multiple pairs of gloves that fit properly and are designed for each type of training can help reduce your risk of injury and keep you safe.
How Many Boxing Gloves Should You Own?
Now that we established that having more than one pair of boxing gloves is a good thing. How many should you actually get? Is it really necessary to have a single pair of boxing gloves for every type of exercise you will be doing?
Well of course not. You mainly will want to have a pair specifically for bag training, and one specific to sparring. The reason being is hand protecting and in the case of sparring, the protection of your partner as well. You typically would want gloves with more padding when sparring and with bag and mitt work it is ok to have them a bit thinner.
If sparring is not part of your plans in a boxing working out, it’s still not a bad idea to have a second pair as a back up. There will be times where maybe you misplace your go to pair of gloves, they get damaged or maybe they are still a bit damp from the previous workout.
Having a second pair handy is one way to make sure you can continue without any interruptions.
If boxing is going to be a long term practice in your workout, than I would aim to have a minimum 2-3 pairs of boxing gloves ready at any given time. As back ups and spread out the wear and tear of your gloves overtime. If you’re looking for a second pair, Everlast is always a great brand in the world of boxing and any boxing glove from this list would do.
Types of Boxing Glove That Are Good To Have
In this article we talked a bit about having different types of boxing gloves for different types of workouts. If you’re a beginner and unsure, let’s look at what types of gloves you should be looking for. But first, we would need to understand the types of gloves there are.
There’s actually more variation than you would expect, and each style of glove has its own uses. Here’s a quick run-down on most of the types of boxing gloves you may come across.
The material of the boxing gloves could also play a factor which we cover in our article here.
If you’re wondering what types of boxing gloves you need, here are a few main things to consider:
- Are the gloves for competition or training?
- If competition, what weight of gloves is required for your weight class?
- If training, what will the gloves be used for? Bag/pad work, sparring, or a bit of both?
- Are you going to be using it for a sport where you’ll need to block/catch kicks?
- Are you buying specific gloves for each activity, or one pair which you can use for everything?
Sparring Gloves – are boxing gloves that are meant absorb more impact. They are build for the design of protecting the user as well as the person they are sparring with. Sparring Gloves are generally heavier in weight and have thicker padding around the fingers and thumb for added protection.
Training Gloves – one of the more “well rounded” type of boxing gloves. They have enough padding for if you want to spar with a partner. Also they are light enough to use on bag work excercises.
Bag Gloves – optimized for heavy bag use, Bag gloves generally come lighter in weight and less padding in at the top of the glove. These gloves are best in keeping your speed and working on form in your home gym.
Competition Gloves – super light weight with least amount of padding. Competition gloves are generally considered within the 6oz – 10oz range. With lighter weight and less padding, these gloves are meant to inflict as much damage possible during a bout.
Assuming you’re not planning to enter a professional fight anytime soon, you can probably keep any competition type gloves off your list. And if you’re just planning to have some bag work at home or the gym then you could keep sparring type gloves of your list as well.
Which leaves training gloves and bag gloves the main category of the type of gloves you should be choosing from. Here’s an article to help you do just that.
Luckily, training and bag gloves are they type of gloves you would find commercially and at the local retail stores. They are more commonly found and easily accessible, so it would be more about finding the right fit for you as opposed to the right type.
How To Store Your Boxing Gloves
If you have more than one pair of boxing gloves, it’s best to know some best practices in storing them in order to keep the well maintained and to prevent damage or odours.
Here are some tips for storing boxing gloves to keep them in good condition and smelling fresh.
Clean the Gloves
Before storing your boxing gloves, it’s important to clean them properly. Sweat and bacteria can accumulate inside the gloves during training sessions, leading to unpleasant odors and the potential for infection.
To clean the gloves, wipe them down with a damp cloth. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners, as these can damage the material. Once you’ve wiped them down, let them air dry completely. Avoid using any heating sources to dry them, as this can damage the material.
Use a Deodorizer
If your gloves have developed an unpleasant odor, consider using a deodorizer. There are several products available specifically for boxing gloves that can help to eliminate odors and keep them smelling fresh.
Another option is to use baking soda or cornstarch. Simply sprinkle a small amount inside each glove and let it sit overnight. The baking soda or cornstarch will absorb any moisture and help to eliminate odors.
Store in a Well-Ventilated Area
When storing your boxing gloves, it’s important to choose a well-ventilated area. Avoid storing them in a damp or humid environment, as this can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold.
It’s also important to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can damage the material. A dry, cool place with good air circulation is the best option for storing your boxing gloves.
Use a Glove Insert or Fill Them with a Soft Material
To help maintain their shape, it’s a good idea to use a glove insert or simply fill them with a soft material, such as a towel. This will help to prevent them from becoming misshapen or flattened over time.
If you don’t have a glove insert, you can use a rolled-up towel or even a pair of socks to fill the gloves. This will help them to maintain their shape and prevent any creases from forming.
Store Them Separately
Finally, it’s important to store your boxing gloves separately. Avoid throwing them in a bag or stuffing them in a locker with other equipment. This can cause them to become compressed and misshapen over time.
Instead, consider investing in a suitable rack or simply keeping them in their own designated spot where it can hang and is well ventilated. This will help to prevent any damage or wear and tear on the gloves.
How Often Should You Change Boxing Gloves
Over time, boxing gloves can become worn down and less effective, which is why it’s important to replace them periodically. Although decent quality boxing gloves should last a while when kept properly. You will have to eventually change them.
Interested in what type of lifespan boxing equipment have? Check out our article here.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Boxing Gloves
The lifespan of boxing gloves can vary depending on several factors. These include:
- Frequency of use: If you use your gloves frequently, they will wear out faster than if you only use them occasionally.
- Intensity of use: If you are an experienced boxer and deliver more powerful punches, your gloves may wear out faster than if you are a beginner.
- Quality of the gloves: High-quality gloves may last longer than lower-quality gloves.
- Care and maintenance: Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your gloves, while neglecting them can cause them to wear out faster.
When should you change them?
Generally speaking, boxing gloves should be changed every 1-2 years for recreational boxers, and every 6-12 months for professional boxers who train and fight more frequently. However, there are several signs that you should look out for that may indicate that it’s time to replace your gloves sooner.
- Wear and Tear: Over time, boxing gloves can become worn down and lose their effectiveness. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed or torn seams, holes in the material, or a lack of cushioning in the gloves.
- Foul Odor: If your gloves develop a foul odor, even after cleaning them, this may be a sign that they have become contaminated with bacteria or mold. This can be harmful to your health and may indicate that it’s time to replace your gloves.
- Loss of Shape: Boxing gloves should maintain their shape over time. If your gloves become misshapen or compressed, this can indicate that they are no longer providing the necessary protection for your hands and wrists.
- Reduced Padding: Over time, the padding in boxing gloves can become compressed, leading to less cushioning and protection for the hands and wrists. If you notice that your gloves are no longer providing the same level of protection as they used to, it may be time to replace them.
- Discomfort: If your gloves are causing discomfort or pain during use, this may be a sign that they are no longer fitting properly or providing the necessary support for your hands and wrists.
Don’t be afraid to change or get a new pair of boxing gloves as soon as you feel the current pair are not serving its purpose. Depending on how intense your workouts can be, it’s not unheard of to have to go through several pairs relatively quickly.
Pay attention to the signs of wear and tear, foul odor, loss of shape, reduced padding, and discomfort. This is to ensure that your gloves are always providing the necessary protection and support for your boxing workouts.
Conclusion
Having more than one boxing glove in your back pocket may require a bit more work in terms of maintenance and care. However, showing the love to your boxing gloves will pay back dividends over time.
The gloves you choose to use should reflect the workout you are doing. And often times it would mean having several quality boxing gloves in your arsenal.
