The Best Boxing Mitts

Buying Guide

Boxing is a great way to let off a little steam and stay in shape. But it’s also a popular sport. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been sparring for a while, you likely already know that a good pair of boxing mitts is essential for training with a partner. These special gloves are designed to be punched, providing a soft target for a training partner.

The best mitts will fit snugly around your hands and wrists without making you uncomfortable. Many mitts come with adjustable straps that help you get the fit just right, but you’ll still need to be within range of your hand circumference from the start.

You definitely don’t want your mitts to slide around or fly off your hand during a sweaty training session. As you’ll likely be moving your hands around at a vigorous rate to give your partner a moving target, the fit is essential.

You’ll obviously want to make sure the mitts pack in enough padding to protect your hands, especially if you’re training with someone who has a hard punch. When training with beginners, less padding will likely be necessary but getting hit somewhat softly over and over in the palm can still hurt if your mitts aren’t strong enough.

• Boxing mitts can take time to break in. Some are designed for comfort right away, but give yourself a little extra time with a new pair for them to feel right.
• Some mitts have straps built in that let you customize the fit. This can make a big difference in keeping the glove from slipping around while you’re helping someone train or spar.
• Your hands can get sweaty while wearing a pair of boxing mitts. If you’re concerned about comfort, look for a pair with strategically placed ventilation.
• Traditional boxing mitts were made with genuine leather, but today’s manufacturers can use synthetic alternatives like polyurethane to offer the same benefits without the higher cost. Synthetic leather is also a popular option for those concerned with the impact to animals.
• Boxing mitts are often made to be solid black, but there are other color options available today. You can even find some that mix colors for a more interesting look.
• Those with smaller hands might find it challenging to find mitts that fit. There are gloves designed for youth and young adults that might work better than the larger fit that you see with unisex adult options.
• You’ll likely need to clean your mitts between sessions. One good thing about synthetic leather is that it’s easy to wipe clean with water when you need to. Genuine leather is sensitive to water, so you’ll have to be careful while cleaning it.