Different Types of Materials Used for Making Boxing Gloves
Boxing gloves are made of leather with various types of paddings. Choose the plain, metallic, matte, or fluorescent finishing and foam, horsehair, or gel padding from custom boxing glove design options. The materials utilized to make professional gloves have a big impact on how comfortable, durable, and effective they are. Understanding what goes into your boxing gloves is important for finding the perfect pair, whether you’re a professional, a gym enthusiast, or even just someone who enjoys punching things (we don’t judge).
As Muhammad Ali once said, “It’s not the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.” In this case, it’s not the fight itself, but poorly-made gloves that can throw off your game.
The right materials make all the difference, giving you the upper hand—literally!
What are Boxing Gloves Made of?
A pleasant, long-lasting pair of gloves or ones that break after a month of jabs can be determined by the quality of the materials used. Let’s examine the science underlying the various materials found in boxing gloves.
1. Leather- The Premium Choice for Boxing Gloves
For many years, leather has been the preferred material for boxing gloves, and with good reason. It can withstand a significant amount of damage and is robust and flexible—just like you after three rounds of competition.
Professional fighters and regular gym goers prefer leather gloves because they last up to 3 to 5 years longer than synthetic alternatives. There are boxing gloves made of split leather, which is less expensive, or full-grain leather, which is the best quality. But for longevity and that buttery, silky feel, full-grain leather is the best option available.
Fun Fact: If you don’t remember to air out your gloves, full-grain leather can improve their scent.
2. Boxing Gloves Made of Synthetic Leather
Don’t have the money to spend on full-grain leather yet? The cost effective option is here: synthetic leather. Synthetic leather gloves are inexpensive and authentic-looking, typically boxing gloves made of materials like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
While synthetic leather gloves can withstand some wear and tear, they won’t last as long as their real leather equivalents. The longevity of synthetic leather gloves is really 30–40% shorter than that of real leather.
For vegan athletes who seek high-performance equipment without sacrificing their morals, this is a true victory. These gloves tend to be lightweight and easy to maintain even though they are not as strong.
Remember- If you’re saving your dollars but want to feel like a champ, synthetic leather gloves have your back—and your fists. Just don’t be surprised when they need replacing sooner!
3. Foam Padding: Cushioned for Your Comfort (and Safety)
In boxing gloves, padding is essential since nobody wants to land blows with hands as hard as bricks. The majority of modern gloves have multi-layered foam cushioning that is intended to cushion impacts, shield your knuckles, and protect your opponent from harm.
According to research, gloves with foam padding may reduce the risk of hand injuries by 50% when compared to older styles that were stuffed with horsehair (yes, that was once a thing). During training sessions where repetitive hits could leave you with tired hands or worse, without them, high-density foam gloves are very popular!
4. Horsehair: The Traditional Throwback
In the past, boxing gloves with horsehair padding were the best. Quite a few traditional experts still vouch for it. Horsehair gloves are perfect for individuals seeking a nostalgic punch because they are typically lighter and have a more “classic” feel. Horsehair padding, on the other hand, is less protective for training or competition because it compresses with time and doesn’t absorb shock as well as foam.
Horsehair padding is a reminder of boxing’s past even though its use is declining. Professional fighters who prioritize tradition over comfort still wear gloves made of horsehair. But let’s face it, foam cushioning provides significantly superior protection unless you want to go all throwback.
Tip- Horsehair gloves might be old-school, but remember, even your grandpa would agree that sometimes, it’s better to let go of the past and follow the present…especially when the present means avoiding a hand injury!
| Boxing Blunder: Crawford’s Gloves Exposed in the Heat of Battle!In a real-life incident involving a boxing glove malfunction, Terence Crawford encountered glove issues during a fight against David Avanesyan. It was observed during the match that the seams in Crawford’s Everlast gloves had burst open, revealing the padding. This issue was inspected during the fight, and the commission allowed the match to continue despite the visible defects. Everlast later acknowledged that defective leather used in the production of Crawford’s gloves caused the malfunction, emphasizing that this was not a result of tampering but rather a product defect. They also highlighted their commitment to safety and performance, underscoring the steps taken to ensure the integrity of their boxing equipment. |
So, what did you learn from this incident? A poorly made glove can turn a knockout into a knockdown, so never skimp on quality. For gloves that won’t let you down, trust Infinitude Fight for premium-quality custom boxing gloves made from durable materials.
5. Gel Padding: The Modern Marvel
Gel cushioning is a relatively new material that offers next-level protection for people who want to feel unbreakable. Gel gloves combine regular foam with a coating of gel that conforms to your hand and scatters impact equally. Particularly during heavy bag training, these gloves have been recognized for reducing injuries and lowering tiredness.
In comparison to conventional foam, gel padding in boxing gloves has been shown to dramatically lower punch force—up to 40%. Fighters seeking for better protection during training and competitions tend to favor gel-padded gloves due to their increased capacity to absorb stress.
💡 Did You Know?Type of Gel Used in Boxing Gel Padding Gloves!
Boxing gloves with gel padding use thermoplastic gel (also known as TPG or TPR gel) for cushioning!
6. Vinyl: The Occasional Puncher’s Pick
Vinyl gloves are typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which tend to be used for beginning or occasional use, such as when you’re practicing the fundamentals or taking a few strikes for relief after work. They are the least expensive alternative, but don’t count on them lasting very long. With frequent use, vinyl has been known to break and wear out rapidly.
In fact, vinyl gloves are quite easy to clean, which makes them a great option for group training sessions or fitness courses. They are also ideal if you need anything to get through the early stages of the sport but don’t want to commit to it long-term.
Concerns have been raised by certain research, such as the Ecology Center study, regarding the possibility that vinyl gloves contain dangerous plasticizers like phthalates.
Deciding on Which Boxing Glove Material to Use in Production
The type of material used in making boxing gloves matters a lot. From leather to synthetic options, foam to gel, each choice offers something unique. Whether you’re a beginner hitting the bag once a week or a pro sparring daily, the materials in your gloves can impact not just your performance but your comfort and safety!
As you hunt for the perfectly made boxing gloves, keep in mind that while the more premium leather materials might have a heftier price tag, they often provide the protection, durability, and comfort that makes every punch feel better, at least for you!
And remember, it’s always better to get a pair that hugs your hands like a soft, comforting friend rather than squeezing your fingers like they’re stuck in an uncomfortable elevator ride.