Expert: Alan Kahn - 3/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi Alan,

I've just started taking boxing lessons at a boxing gym in my area. I'm looking at all of the different equipment on everlast and title's websites and I don't really understand the difference between the different things.

What is the difference between pro gloves, bag gloves, and training gloves? I'm not planning on having a fight, but would I get more out of my training if I had better gloves? (I'm not sure what kind of gloves I have... they're made by south florida boxing and they give them to you for free when you sign up for a membership.)

What is the purpose of the gloves that are weighted differently? 12-14-16oz?

What would I gain from having boxing gloves?

Thanks!
ANSWER: HI Dave

Boxing gloves are their own specialty with a unique history
read about some of that on this link  http://www.thesportsdoctor.com/hiddenthumb.html

Sometimes the term "bag gloves" "boxing gloves" and "training gloves" are used interchangeably, so it's hard to know what anyone specifically means when they say "Boxing Gloves". It is a pretty generic term. But usually "Bag Gloves" are the easy on-off light material gloves that allow for less aggessive punching. They don't have much padding. Training gloves are thicker, more robust and heavier duty for more serious power punching.

Basically, for the non-competitive guy who trains with boxing and bags for fitness, then I think the key about gloves is FIT and PROTECTION. The proper training glove must fit your hand. They generally come in basic sizes sm,M,L,XL etc. but don't use one that is too small or too large for you, for that limits the protection feature. Also, the heavier the padding in the glove, the more protection - which is important if your really going to pound away on some hard surface heavy bags. It also helps you fitness wise to use a heavier padded 14 oz glove over a lighter weight 10 0z glove. But smaller or weaker folks might do better with a little lighter glove, for they fatigue to quickly with the heavier one. You can only tell that after a little experience. Notice that pro's normally compete in the ring with lighter weight (8-10 oz) gloves, which causes less arm fatigue and allows faster punching - but less protection to the opponent. Most sparring gyms and "fitness boxing" programs use heavier gloves for sparring, which offer more protection to the hand and the opponent.  

Since you will not be competing (boxing against people) than stick with high quality TRAINING Style gloves with a quick attachment velcro strap wrist attachment. Say 12-14 oz weight. Some gyms won't let you use your BAG training gloves when boxing people for the bags leather or canvas surface may wear the gloves down and can cut the gloves outer surfaces, which is not good for the face of your training partner.  The boxing gloves that you have to TIE up are preferred for in-the-ring work, but a pain for the person who is shuffling between bags and other activities. It usually requires an assistant or coach to lace and unlace them. Here is another good site that addresses the difference in boxing and combat gloves.  

Hit Safely with Top Boxing Gloves
http://www.wise4living.com/sgloves/boxing.htm

and gloves for all reasons and seasons

http://store.titleboxing.com/gloves.html

http://www.ringside.com/boxinggloves.aspx?CategoryID=2368

I think you will get much more out of your training with a good high quality set of training gloves. You can hit harder with more hand protection. That's important because you will also use your hands for other important tasks besides punching. They desire high quality protection.

I hope this answers your question. Good luck with your training

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible






---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hahah! My last question was "what would I gain from having boxing GLOVES." I feel silly! I meant boxing SHOES. Would thoes benefit me at all for training?

Answer
I am no shoe expert, but I suspect Boxing shoes have evolved to their present style because of comfort, function and style. Most dedicated sport shoes have surfaces that work best in their special area or surface. The tread and soles of boxing shoes are most likely time tested to work best on the normal ring canvas material, and the high top design is to give ankle support during the thousands of direction changes and foot angles during a boxing movements. I don't know if the exact shoe type or style is as important to the boxer as his gloves, but most boxers who are serious eventually purchase boxing shoes. Unfortunately, I suspect the main issue for most shoes (and companies) is "style" and "schtick" to look the part of your sport - all the way down to the shoes.

As far as your training, probably not. you said earlier you were NOT going to compete in the ring, so I imagine any good Hightop cross training shoe would work for your purposes.

here are a few interesting shoe link.

Marvin Hagler old shoes
http://www.stonehill.edu/archives/Shoe/Specialty/hagler.htm

wrestling shoes
http://sneakers.pair.com/htal.htm

http://store.everlastboxing.com/everlast-boxing-shoes.html

how this helps you.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible