How to Choose the Right Boxing Gloves Based on Your Training Style

Choosing boxing gloves isn't just about brand or price. Your training matters most in picking the right gloves. Different types of gloves serve various purposes, from protecting your hands to delivering better control. Use the right pair, and you will train more safely and effectively.

In this post, we will match common training styles (bag work, sparring, fitness, mitt training) with the gloves best suited for them. Whether you're shopping online or have already added items to your cart, this guide ensures you make confident choices.

1. Bag Work and Fitness Sessions: Lightweight for Precision

Why go lighter

Bag work and pad drills focus on speed and technique. Lighter gloves — 10 oz to 12 oz — offer better control, helping you refine punch accuracy and fluid movement.

Glove types to consider

• Elosung 10 oz PU Leather Boxing Gloves - durable PU leather, breathable and snug. Ideal for fast-paced sessions.
• Half-Finger PU Fitness Gloves (8 oz/ 10 oz) - ventilation plus improved fist grip, suitable for fitness boxing or sanda drills.

2. Sparring: Extra Padding for Safety

Why heavier gloves matter

In sparring, you're protecting both yourself and your partner. Gloves 14 oz to 16 oz+ spread impact over a larger surface and at a slower pace — minimising injury risk.

While you can use lighter gloves, heavier ones reduce damage and build stamina — without compromising technique.

3. Cardio & Bootcamp Boxing: Versatile Mid-Weight

When boxing is part of HIIT or bootcamp workouts, pick gloves that balance control and protection. 12 oz to 14 oz gloves are perfect for mixed use — great for bag and mitt training and light enough for cardio marathons.

4. Mitt Training and Pad Work: Feel the Punch

Pad work demands responsiveness and precision. Gloves in the 10 oz to 12 oz range let you feel punch impact and improve timing — while being light enough to keep movements sharp.

5. Glove Types by Closure System

Velcro (hook-and-loop)

Ideal for solo training--quick to put on or take off and adjustable for support. Most PU and beginner gloves use this method.

Lace-up

Offers a snug, custom fit, great for competition or longer sparring. However, best used with a partner to lace the gloves securely.

6. Choosing Material: PU vs Leather

• PU Leather: Durable, more affordable, easier to clean--great for most amateur training.
• Genuine Leather: Offers a natural feel and can last much longer if cared for--but costs more.

Elosung gloves use high-grade PU for longevity and style, a solid balance for most users.

7. Fit + Hand Wraps = Better Protection

Never skip hand wraps — they provide essential wrist and knuckle support. After choosing the right glove weight, wrap your hands properly:

• Start with 180 cm (4.5 cm) cotton or elastic wraps.
• Wrap 3x around wrist, palm, knuckles, and thumbs for padding.

Proper packing prevents rolling inside the gloves and ensures consistent form.

Reddit Wisdom

"If you're new, 12 oz for bag/pads and 16 oz for sparring."

"Beginners wrapping early gives wrist support and stops smelly gloves."

Recommended Kit from King of Knives

• Elosuing 10 oz PU Leather Boxing Gloves - flexible for speed work, good durability
• Half-Finger PU Fitness Gloves (8 oz or 10 oz) - great for fitness boxing or ground-based drills
• Pro-Grade 5 m Elastic Hand Wraps - secure fit and support across training styles

Buying Guide : Matching Gloves to Training

Add quality hand wraps to any setup for better protection and training longevity.

Choosing the right glove isn't just about weight — you're choosing how you train. Match glove weight, material, closure, and padding to your chosen boxing activity:

• Bag & pad work? Go light and nimble.
• Sparring? Go heavier and safer.
• Mixed usage? Opt for mid-weight versatility.

Pair with proper hand wrapping to protect your hands and wrists. With the proper gear setup, your training will feel natural and effective—and, most importantly, you will punch with purpose and confidence.