Finding The Right Pair of Kids Boxing Gloves
So, you love boxing and kickboxing, and you want to get your kids into it, too! Yes! Get them started young!
Kids’ boxing is not only a fantastic outlet for physical energy, but it also helps them develop a lifelong skill, and promotes drive, self-discipline, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Plus, boxing is a great activity for families: 42% of parents use FightCamp with their kids to help them stay active and build the habit of working out.
But as with all training, safety is a top priority. To keep your child from injuring themselves while hitting the heavy bag, you want to make sure you’re equipping them with the most appropriate and best boxing gear for protection.
One of the most important pieces of protective boxing equipment is the boxing glove, and now that boxing and kickboxing are becoming more popular and mainstream, even for kids, there are many products available to choose from. But with so many different styles and sizes, determining the best pair of boxing gloves can be challenging, especially for kids’ boxing. Here we share some of the things to consider when choosing kids’ boxing gloves.
What type of boxing glove is best for kids?
Boxing gloves come in multiple styles depending on their use. For example, bag work gloves differ from sparring gloves, which are different from fighting and competition gloves. In youth boxing, whether kids are training on a heavy bag or sparring with a coach or partner, lightweight bag work gloves are usually your best bet. FightCamp offers 6 oz. kids boxing gloves that are perfect for kids (and parents!) who want solid protection and a quality glove when training.
How do you choose boxing gloves for kids?
Shopping for kids’ boxing gloves isn’t much different than shopping for recreational or professional boxing gloves. Here are five (5) key things to look for when selecting the best boxing gloves for your child:
1. Padding & Stitching
Look for gloves with enough padding to adequately protect the fingers, hands, and wrists. Additionally, opt for gloves with heavy duty construction and stitching to ensure that they will hold up to boxing training and use.
2. Comfortable Fit
Kids’ boxing gloves should fit comfortably and securely around your child’s hand and allow for plenty of free movement, while still providing support and stability. Also, we all know that kids don’t like to wear things that aren’t comfortable, so to make sure that your child actually uses and wears their gloves when training, you want to make sure they like them!
3. Easy To Put On
Regardless of the size and style, boxing gloves with velcro straps are usually best for kids because they’re much easier to get on and off. Velcro straps also allow kids to adjust the tightness around their wrists. Once again, when it comes to kids--the easier, the better, and the more likely they will be to use them!
4. Room for Wraps
If possible, have your child try on gloves while wearing boxing hand wraps to make sure that the gloves will fit correctly on top of the wraps. Boxing hand wraps are another added layer of protection for hands, which is especially important for children when they’re throwing those punches on the heavy bag.
5. Size
Whether your child is training in boxing, kickboxing, or martial arts, glove sizes are measured in ounces and are typically based on weight, as opposed to age. If your ten year-old weighs 70-90 lbs, look for 6-8 oz. boxing gloves. Depending on hand size and weight, 10-16 oz. gloves may be perfect for children anywhere in the 8-14 year range, and for children younger than 8 years old, 6-8 oz. boxing gloves may be recommended. [For more detailed guidance on selecting glove size for kids based on age, read this article.]
The bottom line? A kid’s bag glove should fit well, be comfortable and secure, and have enough padding to prevent hand and wrist injuries upon impact with a punching bag. And remember, kids grow fast, so while you don’t want to sacrifice quality for cost, keep in mind that you may be buying new gloves pretty regularly as they grow.
If you’re ever in doubt about the correct size boxing gloves they should be wearing, you can always ask your child’s coach or trainer for input. The FightCamp trainers have years of experience working with boxers and kickboxers of all ages and all levels, and are available to answer any questions about training and gear on our Facebook Community. For more FightCamp boxing tips for your child or yourself, follow our YouTube channel!
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The Author: Emma Comery is a Writer & Social Media Coordinator for various magazines, nonprofits, and small businesses across diverse industries. She fell in love with Thai Boxing during the pandemic, and her local gym has trained UFC contender Miranda "Fear The" Maverick and hosted Muay Thai greats like Heavyweight "Bazooka" Joe Stripling. Emma is also a lifelong runner and reader, and is currently writing her way towards an MFA in Nonfiction at Old Dominion University.