Velcro or Lace Ups Boxing Gloves: Which Is Best for You?

Choosing the right boxing gloves is crucial for any boxer, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional. The options can be overwhelming, particularly when deciding between velcro and lace-up gloves. This article aims to guide you through the process by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of each type while considering your personal needs and preferences.

The advantages and disadvantages of velcro boxing gloves

Pro 1: Ease of use and convenience

The primary advantage of velcro boxing gloves is their convenience. You can easily strap them on and off without needing someone else to help you. This feature is particularly beneficial for solo training sessions or when you’re short on time before a workout or sparring session.

Additionally, the quick-release nature of velcro allows for a seamless transition between different training activities, such as shifting from heavy bag work to pad drills, without wasting precious minutes fumbling with laces.

Pro 2: Minimal training interruptions

One of the key advantages of velcro boxing gloves is their reliability during training. When properly secured, the straps stay in place for a long time. You won’t have to stop every few minutes to adjust your gear mid-round. 

Con 1: Durability and longevity

While velcro closures can be incredibly convenient, the long-term durability might be a concern. Over time, the velcro can wear down, losing its grip and requiring replacement sooner than lace-up gloves.

This disadvantage is progressively disappearing though. Many brands are now producing high-quality velcro gloves that stand the test of time. Innovations in materials and manufacturing techniques have led to the development of velcro that can withstand the rigors of intense training, ensuring that you get your money's worth.

Con 2: Fit and comfort (especially on the wrist!)

Velcro gloves may not provide the same level of customization in fit as lace-up gloves. While they do generally offer a snug fit, some users might find that they lack the tightness and security that can be achieved with lace-ups, especially in the wrist area. If your primary concern is comfort and fit, it’s essential to try on different pairs before making a decision.

The advantages and disadvantages of lace-up boxing gloves

Pro 1: Precision fit and secureness

The best benefit of lace-up gloves is the precision fit they provide.

Lace-ups allow you to achieve a tighter, more secure closure, which can prevent your wrist from twisting and offer more support during high-impact training. This added stability can be crucial for preventing injuries and enhancing overall performance.

Furthermore, the ability to adjust the tightness of the laces means that boxers can customize their gloves to accommodate any swelling that may occur during workouts, ensuring that they remain comfortable and effective throughout the session.

Pro 2: Tailor-made feel

Lace-up boxing gloves are often preferred by professional fighters and high-level coaches because they offer a snug, customized fit. As you continue to use them, the gloves mold more precisely to your hand, creating a secure and personalized feel.

This enhanced fit makes lace-ups a go-to choice for sparring sessions, where protection and glove stability are critical.

Pro 3: Competition ready

Most sanctioned boxing and Muay Thai competitions require lace-up gloves. If you're preparing for a fight, training with lace-ups will help you get used to the feel and wrist support you’ll have on fight night. 

Pro 4: Glove weight control and more padding

Velcro straps are slightly heavier than laces. That extra weight has to be accounted for in the glove’s overall design, which can mean slightly less padding to meet the ounce limit. Lace-up gloves, on the other hand, allow more of the glove's weight to go toward protection, giving you maximum padding without sacrificing compliance with glove weight standards.

Con 1: Ease of use

The big problem of lace ups? They are harder to put on and take off without assistance. 

Using lace-up gloves alone is almost impossible, you will need someone to help you put and remove it to guarantee you have a good fit. 

There are a few tools, like lace converters, that let you tighten lace-ups by yourself and mimic the convenience of velcro. However, using these accessories often cancels out many of the benefits that make lace-ups superior in the first place.

Con 2: Loosening mid-round

Lace-up gloves have a tendency to loosen during training, especially if they aren’t tightly secured and properly taped. When the laces start to open, you’ll need to pause mid-round to fix them, which can break your rhythm and frustrate both you and your training partner.

Con 3: Tape dependency

Many gyms won’t allow training with lace-up gloves unless the laces are fully taped. Loose laces can scratch your training partners during exchanges. While athletic tape isn’t expensive, it does add an extra step and means you’ll always need to carry a roll with you.

Summary of advantages and disadvantages

Too tired or short on time to read the full breakdown? We’ve got you. Everything you need to know about the pros and cons of velcro vs. lace-up gloves is right here in the table below:

Factors to consider when choosing velcro or lace-ups:

When deciding between velcro and lace-up boxing gloves, several factors come into play that can influence your choice. Answering this 5 questions below will help you pick the right model for you: 

• Is this your first or only glove? If you're buying your first (or only) pair, go with velcro. It’s easier to use solo and more flexible for different training scenarios. However, if you already own velcro gloves, adding a lace-up pair can give you more variety based on the session. 
  
  
• Do you take your gloves off often during training? If you're constantly removing gloves to drink water, restart the watch, or switch drills, velcro is the better choice for convenience.
  
  

• Do you spar often? Lace-ups offer a tighter, more secure fit, making them ideal for sparring. They improve punch feedback and help with precise knuckle alignment.

• Are you planning to compete? Most competitions use lace-ups exclusively. If you're in a fight camp or coaching a team, lace-up gloves are the way to go.
  
  
• Do you have a history of wrist injuries? If you’ve had wrist pain or injuries, lace-ups provide better support and stability, reducing the risk of aggravating the area.

Find your perfect fit with Gladius

Now that you know the difference between velcro and lace-up boxing gloves, it’s time to choose the one that matches your training style. At Gladius, all our models are available in both velcro and lace-up versions — so you can pick the glove you love in the style that fits your needs. Explore our selection and gear up with confidence.