In every good sword the blade needs tempering before its first battle. The same applies for your new pair of boxing gloves.
In this article you will learn how to break in your new pair of Gladius, why you should do it and some important tips in what not to do:
What does it mean to break in your gloves?
To “break in” your gloves means softening and shaping fresh leather and padding so they conform precisely to your hand. It’s the same idea as wearing in a new pair of shoes until they stop rubbing, only here, it’s for boxing gloves.
By using controlled movements (shadow‐boxing, light bag rounds, grip squeezes) and proper airing and drying, you gradually loosen the internal foam layers and outer hide, creating a snug, responsive fit.
This break-in period is essential because new premium gloves arrive stiff by design. This initial rigidity protects the glove’s structure but restricts wrist movement and dulls punch feedback, which can increase injury risk. The good news is that this same stiffness allows the glove to mold uniquely to your hand. The more you use them, the more they become a perfect fit just for you.
How long does it take it to break in your Gloves?
About one week (7 days).
Of course, this can vary based on how often you train, how stiff your gloves are out of the box, and how well you care for them after each session.
At Gladius, our proven seven-day break-in routine is all you need to mold most of our gloves into a perfect, personalized fit.
The 7-Day break in routine - Step by step guide
A Gladius boxing glove is typically fully conditioned after one week following this routine:
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Shadow-Box Daily (10–15 mins):
Slip on your gloves and throw your favorite combinations. It won’t feel as intense as bare-knuckle work, but it’s essential to soften the lining and prime the leather and padding to your hand shape. Keep a tight grip. Avoid relaxed, open-hand shadow-boxing. -
Light Bag Work (12–15 rounds over 7 days):
Gentle impacts massage the foam layers for a responsive, protective fit. Do 3–4 short rounds every other day, focusing on form, footwork, and fluid movement. You can throw a few heavy shots, but don't abuse it. -
Air-Dry Only:
Heat or direct sun can warp or crack premium leather. After each session, unlatch the wrist, open the palm vent, and let your gloves rest in a well-ventilated spot. No heaters, no windowsills.
After your week-long break-in, it’s finally time to dial up the power. Slip into full-contact bag and pad work. Your gloves should now feel snug, protective, and perfectly molded to your hand.
If you notice any lingering pressure points or uneven padding, run 1–2 extra light rounds to finish the job, though in most cases, that final tweak won’t even be necessary.
Common mistakes & myths we don't recommend
There’s plenty of advice out there on softening gloves, but some “hacks” can actually ruin yours. Avoid these damaging techniques:
1. Push-ups and burpees with your gloves: These won’t mold the glove to your hand; they’ll deform the padding in odd ways and leave your knuckles under-protected. Plus, they carry a high risk of wrist injuries.
2. Kneeling on your gloves: Applying blunt force deforms the padding unevenly. Break-in is about shaping the glove around your hand, not squashing it flat.
3. Leaving heavy objects on your gloves overnight: Continuous pressure will warp the leather and padding, making a proper hand-fit even harder to achieve.
4. Stuffing wet newspaper inside: This might help with shoes, but for gloves it just locks in moisture and creates a foul odor. No real softening benefit and a one-way ticket to become the smelly guy in the gym.
Rule of thumb: stick to movements you already do in boxing or Muay Thai training (shadow-boxing, light bag work, grip squeezes) and let the gloves naturally mold to your hand. No gimmicks needed.
Do I truly need to break in boxing gloves?
No. You don't.
Some fighters prefer just to train normally with their new boxing gloves even though they may feel uncomfortable and painful at first. Your gloves will eventually mold to your hands through regular training. Consistent use alone will soften them over time.
Still, even though it is not something needed, we do recommend everyone of our customers to do it. Breaking in will help you avoid injuries, make sure you enjoy more your glove and save you some wrist pain and blistering that may keep you out of the rings for a few days.
It may seem a bit cumbersome to do slow training with your new gloves when the only thing you want is to put them right away to the test. But, think of this process as a very meaningful ritual: you are shaping your weapon to fit your body. This glove will forever be adapted to your hand, the same as a sword gets uniquely adapted to its carrier.