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Which kids boxing gloves are best?
Boxing is great for anyone who wants to expend some energy in a healthy, controlled manner. For kids, the sport can help them develop essential life skills, such as collaboration, sportsmanship and self-discipline. However, as with any physical activity, injuries are not uncommon. A reliable pair of kids boxing gloves can help ensure your child’s safety and drastically reduce the risk of injury. With that in mind, the best gloves are the Liberlupus Kids Boxing Gloves.
What to know before you buy kids boxing gloves
Boxing glove type
Whether they’re for adults or children, boxing gloves are designed specifically to protect the hands and wrists while boxing. They usually have more support and padding throughout to help prevent acute injuries, such as sprains.
There is more than one type of boxing glove for kids. The most common options are:
- Fitness boxing gloves: Commonly found in department stores, these have a moderate amount of padding and are best for basic routines or some bag punching.
- Training boxing gloves: Meant for either the bag or pads, these are considered the most versatile glove option. They’re padded and supportive without being too restrictive. They’re a great option for novices or more advanced individuals.
- MMA-branded boxing gloves: Designed similarly to training gloves, these are ideal for working with handheld pads or heavy bags.
- Heavy-bag boxing gloves: With more padding distributed throughout the glove, these are best for those who primarily work with heavy bags. The extra padding also offers maximum support for those with prior hand or wrist injuries.
- Competition boxing gloves: These are meant solely for those who compete in the ring. They are usually lightweight and pack a punch, making them ideal for sparring or bag work.
Weight and size
Boxing gloves for kids are often measured in overall size and weight. Getting the proper fit is vital to preventing hand or wrist injuries. Gloves that are too large don’t provide enough support or protection since the hand can move around inside of it while boxing. But gloves that are too small can restrict movement, keep the wearer from closing their fist or even cut off circulation. And, if they’re too heavy, they could cause further wrist strain.
Common weights include:
- 4 to 6 ounces — for young children or those with smaller hands
- 6 to 8 ounces — for those ages 6 to 8
- 10 to 16 ounces — for kids ages 8 to 14
- 16 or more ounces — for teenagers and adults
Common sizes are:
- Small — 6 inches
- Medium — 6.5 inches
- Large — 7 inches
- Extra-large — 7.5 inches
If you’re looking for the right size glove, wrap a flexible tape measure around the child’s hand below their knuckles to get the circumference. This will also be the approximate size needed for the glove.
Protection and wrist support
One of the best ways to protect a child’s hands from injury is by choosing gloves with proper protection and wrist support. Boxing gloves should have enough padding to handle the impact of punching bags, held pads or sparring. Some of these gloves have removable foam pad inserts that can be used to get a customized amount of protection.
For wrist support specifically, choose gloves with one of the following two closures:
- Lace-up closure: These provide the most wrist support, but are more difficult to put on or remove. Because of this, this closure type is more common in gloves meant for older kids or adults. It’s also common in training and competitive gloves.
- Hook-and-loop wrap-around closure: Easy to put on and take off, these gloves offer a lot of wrist support, though not as much as lace-up ones. This closure type is most common in casual or training gloves.
What to look for in quality kids boxing gloves
Material
Boxing gloves for children and adults both usually consist of the same types of materials.
- Padding: The padding is usually polyurethane, horsehair or cotton. All of these can minimize shock impact. Inexpensive gloves use memory foam padding, which is denser than regular polyurethane but less supportive.
- Exterior: The shell of most boxing gloves consists of imitation or genuine leather. Some kids gloves are instead made from vinyl, which isn’t as durable but is acceptable for light boxing exercises.
Stitching
Without reliable stitching, boxing gloves can start to break down or tear from the seams. This can cause the padding to shift, which reduces the amount of support the gloves provide and increases the risk of injury. The more durable gloves have heavy-duty stitching, often made from nylon thread.
Design
Kids boxing gloves don’t have to be basic in design. Many are visually appealing with distinct patterns or colors. Go for something that matches the child’s personality and interest, but make sure it’s still durable and provides enough protection.
How much you can expect to spend on kids boxing gloves
Boxing gloves for kids generally cost around $15-$30, though prices can go up based on the size and type.
Kids boxing gloves FAQ
How early can kids start boxing?
A. It’s possible to start boxing as young as 3 or 4 years old. At this age, it’s best to limit the child to non-contact activities, such as form or technique.
When’s the best time to get new boxing gloves?
A. Most boxing gloves last a year or two with regular use. If they’re starting to show signs of wear and tear or the padding isn’t staying in place, upgrade to a new pair.
What are the best kids boxing gloves to buy?
Top kids boxing gloves
What you need to know: Meant for kids ages 3 to 15 years old, these boxing gloves are great for punching bags or handheld pads, sparring and kickboxing.
What you’ll love: They have thick padding, especially around the knuckles and thumb webbing to reduce the risk of injury. They also have a simple one-piece design that makes them comfortable, convenient and safe to use.
What you should consider: These gloves are best for novices.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top kids boxing gloves for the money
What you need to know: Designed for kids ages 3 to 9 years old, these boxing gloves are perfect for those getting started with the sport.
What you’ll love: They have excellent padding and a Velcro closure that makes putting them on and taking them off easy. They’re also comfortable, easy to maintain and practical. Plus, they come in green, blue or red.
What you should consider: They’re best for training purposes rather than competitions.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: Versatile and supportive, these high-quality gloves offer maximum shock absorption and protection to kids.
What you’ll love: These gloves have a hook-and-loop Velcro wrist strap that’s easy to adjust and supportive. They’re multipurpose, meaning they can be used for boxing, sparring, Muay Thai and more. They’re available in black, red, blue, green, pink and orange.
What you should consider: The sizing is a bit off, so it might be best to size down.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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