Is it time to buy a new boxing glove? Lucky you... there are few feelings as satisfying as choosing your next weapon. A glove isn’t just gear. It’s a symbol of your identity as a fighter and a companion for a long time. This choice matters, and we will help you choose wisely with the respect it deserves.
With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. But if you follow the 5 steps below in order, you’ll find the perfect glove for your style, needs, and mindset. And hopefully it will be a Gladius.
Step 1: Determine your budget - premium or entry-level?
Start by being honest about your commitment and budget. This is the first major filter, and often the most decisive.
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If you're spending under $120, you're looking at entry-level gloves. That’s perfectly fine, they’re ideal for beginners or casual practitioners. These gloves are usually made from synthetic materials, offer decent protection, and won’t feel like a wasted investment if you decide to stop training. However, keep in mind: they tend to wear out within 6 to 12 months of consistent use.
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If your budget is above $120, you're entering premium glove territory. These gloves are typically made with genuine leather, higher-grade padding, reinforced stitching, and superior wrist support. They're built to last and protect, a smart investment if you're training regularly and plan to stick around. This is a vast territory, with some options costing as much as $600 for a pair.
It is also important to point out that premium gloves send a message. Fighters who wear premium gear are often seen as serious practitioners by others in the gym. It shows you've been around long enough to appreciate quality, and it often reflects in your technique too.
For more information on the value added of premium boxing gloves you can check our article on Why Premium Gloves Matter once you start polishing your technique.
Step 2: Pick a Trustworthy Brand — Padding, Warranty & Reputation
Not all glove brands are created equal. Each of them offer a different quality, story and support that may or not connect with your needs as a fighter. We recommend you choose a brand by examining the following variables:
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Padding style: Do you want soft, protective “pillow” padding (popular in Japanese and European gloves), or firmer padding with strong punch feedback (typical of Mexican-made gloves)? The right padding depends on your goals and training intensity.
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Design philosophy: An important variable to pick your glove is its aesthetics (we will discuss this more in depth later). Some brands go for bold, flashy designs; others prefer classic, minimalist looks. Choose the one that inspires you to train harder.
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Craftsmanship: Look at photos, online reviews, and the glove’s manufacturing origin. Genuine leather, tight stitching, and clean finishes are signs of great craftsmanship.
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Reputation: Good brands are in the hands of good fighters. Ask experienced teammates what brands they trust. If a name keeps popping up at your gym, there’s usually a reason.
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Warranty & Benefits: Quality brands often back their products with warranties or perks. For example, Gladius offers a lifetime 8% discount after your first purchase.
Step 3: Choose the right ounces
Glove size is measured in ounces (oz) and relates to both protection and weight class. If you are not familiar with the typical glove sizes we recommend you to check our Glove Ounces Guide (with a QUIZ).
The most important factor when choosing glove ounces is how well the glove fits your hand and what you plan to use it for. The heavier you are — and the more types of training you plan to do (bag, pads, sparring) — the more protection and comfort heavier gloves (14oz–16oz) will offer. Lighter gloves (10oz–12oz) can feel faster and more compact, but may not provide enough safety for all-around training, especially for heavier fighters.
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10oz–12oz: Great for pad work or light bag training. Not safe for sparring.
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14oz–16oz: Best for sparring and general training. It is also the recommended size for anyone above +85kg.
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18oz+: Reserved for heavier fighters or those wanting maximum protection for sparring.
Step 4: Velcro or Lace-Up?
Are you looking for everyday practicality or pro-level support and fit? The choice between velcro and lace-up gloves depends mainly on your training style and routine:
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Velcro gloves are easy to put on and take off, making them perfect for solo training, casual sessions, and everyday use. However, they don’t provide the same level of wrist support or snug fit as lace-ups.
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Lace-up gloves offer a more secure, customized fit with better wrist alignment, ideal for serious sparring and competition-style training. But they require help to tie properly, so they’re less convenient if you train alone or in a busy schedule.
Our recommendation is: If you’re buying your first glove, go with velcro for the convenience. If you already have a pair and want to upgrade your experience for harder training days, lace-up is a great second addition.
Step 5: Pick colors and design that inspire you
Yes, looks matter. The glove you wear becomes part of your identity. It's more than protective gear, it’s your training companion for a long time.
The best fighters I know feel a deep connection with their gloves. They treat them like the swords they use to battle. That connection becomes a mental edge when training gets tough.
So don’t rush this step. Take the time to choose a glove that resonates with you. In color, shape, and spirit. One that speaks your style and fuels your fire every time you put it on.
A few tips to guide you:
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Choose a color scheme that reflects your personality or stories you would like to carry onto the ring.
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Opt for a design that makes you excited to put them on.
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Mid-round, when you're exhausted and glance at your hands, what do you want to remember? Choose a glove that reminds you of that — whether it's a value, a person, a goal, or a piece of your heritage. Let the design be your cue to keep pushing.
Bonus: Are You Doing Boxing or Muay Thai?
For most training routines, boxing and Muay Thai gloves are interchangeable. But at higher levels of training, a small difference can matter.
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Boxing gloves typically have firmer wrist support and longer cuffs. They're designed for pure punching and offer more protection and structure around the wrist.
- Muay Thai gloves, on the other hand, feature a shorter cuff and a more flexible wrist - ideal for clinching, catching kicks and transitions. These are often best when sourced directly from Thai manufacturers who specialize in this style.
That said, don’t overthink it. Unless you’re training at an elite level or doing a lot of clinch work, the difference won’t make or break your training experience.
Let's help you out: Relevant Gladius information to help you go through the 5 step process
At Gladius, we want you to have the best possible experience — and that means being fully transparent about who we are and what we offer. Here’s what you need to know to confidently go through the 5-step glove choosing process:
1. Budget: Gladius is a premium glove brand. Our price reflects our commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, durable materials, and meaningful design.
2. Brand quality: Our gloves are handcrafted in Mexico, known for firm padding and strong punch feedback, perfect for boxers who want to feel their strikes.
3. Ounces & Sizing: All Gladius boxing gloves are available in 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, and 16oz, suitable for any weight class or training purpose.
4. Closure Type: You can choose between velcro or lace-up in every model.
5. Design: We don’t rely on flashy graphics. Gladius follows a classic, sober design philosophy, using color schemes and historical storytelling to inspire fighters. Every model is rooted in a theme from history, nature, or ancient cultures.
6. Style Fit (Boxing vs. Muay Thai): Our gloves are boxing-style. Longer cuff, firmer wrist support. That said, they perform well in Muay Thai too.
Final thoughts
Choosing your next glove isn’t just a purchase, it’s a statement. It’s the most important tool a fighter brings into training, and it deserves thoughtful consideration.
We hope this guide gave you a clear, fast checklist to make the right decision. Treat the process with respect. Find a glove that protects you, pushes you, and represents who you are.
And if Gladius feels like the right path, explore our collections. You’ll be sure to find a glove that resonates with your story and fuels your fight.