9 Types of Gloves Used in Contact Sports

9 Types of Gloves Used in Contact Sports 🥊

Whether you're an experienced athlete or just starting to explore contact sports, choosing the right gloves is crucial for both performance and safety. There are various types of protective gloves, each designed for specific purposes or types of training. Here's a guide to help you select the best gloves for your needs.

1. Training Gloves

Description: Training gloves are versatile and designed for use in various types of workouts. They provide adequate protection for bag work, pads, and general exercises.

Usage: Ideal for most gym exercises, these gloves offer wrist support and protect your hands from impact.

2. Sparring Gloves

Description: Sparring gloves are created to protect both the user and the training partner. They feature softer padding to cushion blows and prevent injuries.

Usage: Exclusively used for sparring, these gloves come in various weights, usually 14 oz or more, depending on the athlete's body weight.

Knockout Tip: Always follow your coach's advice on whether you can use certain gloves during a fight. If your coach says your gloves are the wrong weight or unsafe, it's best to listen and consider investing in a high-quality pair.

3. Amateur Competition Gloves

Description: Amateur competition gloves are specifically designed for competitive fights. They are provided by event organizers and are color-coded to match the fighters' corners (red or blue).

Usage: These gloves are used strictly in amateur competitions and are not necessary for regular training.

4. Professional Boxing Gloves

Description: Professional gloves are designed for high-level competitions. They are more compact with firmer padding to maximize the power of your punches.

Usage: These gloves are intended exclusively for competitions and are not suitable for daily training as they do not provide the same level of protection as training gloves.

5. Mexican-Style Boxing Gloves

Description: Mexican-style gloves are a variant of professional gloves with a sleeker construction and denser padding. They are known for their horsehair filling and goat leather covering.

Usage: Preferred by many professional boxers for their comfort and perfect fit.

6. Muay Thai Boxing Gloves

Description: Muay Thai gloves are adapted for sports that involve the use of elbows, knees, and legs. They are more flexible and allow the palm to open for clinching.

Usage: Ideal for Muay Thai and kickboxing practitioners, these gloves offer protection and freedom of movement.

7. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Gloves

Description: MMA gloves differ from traditional boxing gloves as they have exposed fingers to allow for better gripping and handling of the opponent during a fight.

Usage: These gloves are used in mixed martial arts and are not recommended for boxing or Muay Thai training.

8. Traditional Bag Gloves

Description: Traditional bag gloves are smaller and offer less protection compared to modern gloves. They are often used for bag training but do not provide adequate wrist support.

Usage: Though still sold, these gloves are not recommended for intense training as they may increase the risk of injury.

9. Semi-Contact Gloves

Description: Semi-contact gloves, used in sports like karate or Taekwondo, have minimal padding and provide reduced protection.

Usage: These gloves are not suitable for boxing or Muay Thai and are used only in sports with reduced contact.

Questions to Consider Before Purchasing

• Will you use the gloves for competition or training?
• What weight should the gloves be for your weight class?
• What types of sports do you practice?

Conclusion: Choosing the right gloves depends on the type of sport you practice and your training goals. Whether you’re into boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, or MMA, it’s essential to invest in the appropriate gloves to protect yourself and enhance your performance.

Considering these questions and the information above, you should be able to identify the type of glove you need. If you’re still unsure, ask us in the comments section, and we’ll assist you promptly.

At Knockout, we support you with a full range of quality equipment and top-brand boxing gloves. Stay tuned to our blog for more interesting information!

Explore our gloves collection and other contact sports gear to find the perfect fit for your training needs. 🥋