Boxing gloves are padded gloves worn over the hands, and usually over hand wraps, for punching in boxing, kickboxing and related striking arts. The padding protects the small bones of the hand as much as it cushions whatever is struck, which is why bare knuckle punching carries a much higher injury risk than gloved punching.
Gloves are commonly sold by weight, typically from 8 to 16 oz, with heavier gloves offering more padding and generally used for sparring, and lighter gloves favoured for bag work or competition under some rulesets. Closures vary between laces, which give a very secure, tailored fit but need someone else to tie them, and hook and loop straps, which are quicker to put on alone and are common for everyday training.
Choosing a weight and fit depends on hand size, the type of session and any federation rules that apply to competition. A glove that is too loose can shift on impact and increase wrist strain, while one that is too tight limits the fist from forming properly inside it. See our boxing gloves sizing guide for how to choose a suitable size.
