How to Choose Boxing Gloves and Wraps

 

Boxing without the right equipment is like sprinting in the wrong shoes—your performance suffers and your risk of injury increases. Gloves and wraps aren’t just accessories—they’re your first line of defense. Whether you’re facing the punching bag for the first time or regularly training in sparring, choosing the right gear directly impacts your technique, comfort, and joint health.

Our selection includes gloves and wraps from RDX Sports and Acra—ranging from affordable cotton wraps for just a few dozen crowns to professional Maya Hide™ leather training gloves.

 

 

 

How to Choose Boxing Gloves – What Matters

Type of Use 

Gloves aren't one-size-fits-all. Before you buy, ask yourself one key question: what will you be using them for?

Training gloves are versatile. They’re suitable for the punching bag, focus mitts, and light sparring. They feature good padding and a secure Velcro closure. The vast majority of people will appreciate this option. At Acrasport.cz, you’ll find models such as the RDX F6 Kara or the RDX F7 Ego.

Sparring gloves have softer and thicker padding to protect not only you but also your sparring partner. The recommended weight is 14–16 oz.

Competition gloves are lighter (10–12 oz), sturdier, and comply with organizational regulations. Examples include the RDX AS2 for amateur competitions.

Punching bag gloves are lightweight gloves (usually S/M/L/XL) designed exclusively for training with a punching bag. They do not have a fixed thumb—therefore, they are not suitable for sparring.

 

Size in ounces (oz)

Ounces (oz) indicate the weight of the glove, i.e., the amount of padding. The more ounces, the more cushioning. The interior space for the hand varies by model.

Weight Suitable for
4–6 oz Children up to about 10 years old
8 oz Older children, juniors, petite women; bag
10 oz Competitions, technical training, most women
12 oz Beginners, training, smaller men
14 oz Sparring, advanced training
16 oz Heavier boxers, sparring, intense training

Tip: If you're not sure, go with the 12 oz. It's the most versatile training size for adults.

 

Material

Maya Hide™ Leather ⟶ synthetic leather specially developed for combat sports. Durable, breathable, and reasonably priced. You’ll find it on most RDX gloves in our lineup.

Genuine leather ⟶ the most durable option; it molds to the shape of your hand over time. Suitable for advanced and competitive boxers.

PU (polyurethane) ⟶ a more affordable option for beginners and occasional training sessions.

 

Closure

Velcro ⟶ practical for solo training. Easy to put on and take off without assistance. Suitable for the vast majority of users.

Laces ⟶ a tighter fit, preferred for competitions. Requires assistance when putting on the shoes.

 

How to Choose Bandages and Sleeves

Wristbands are just as important as the gloves themselves. They protect the joints, provide support for the wrists, and fill out the space inside the glove so that it fits properly.

 

Classic Bandages (Wraps)

The cotton wrap winds around the wrist, knuckles, and thumb. The minimum length is 2.5 m; for better protection, opt for 3.5 or 4.5 m. An economical choice from Acra is the Hand Wrap for Combat Sports.

 

Sleeves and Quick-Fit Bandages

Hand wraps (e.g., RDX WX Professional Boxing Hand Wraps) are a quick alternative—you just slip them on like socks. They’re great for quick workouts when you don’t want to spend time wrapping your hands. They’re thicker than traditional wraps and provide good protection even during MMA training.

RDX HI inner gloves are a stylish alternative—elegant, supportive, and they fit inside regular gloves.

 

Set of multiple pairs

If you work out regularly, the RDX RB 3-Pair Sleeve Set is a great investment—you'll always have a fresh pair on hand.

 


 

Gloves for Specific Groups

For Kids

Kids' gloves must fit perfectly, be lightweight, and be easy to put on. Look for 4–6 oz for the youngest kids and 8 oz for older children. The RDX 4B Robo kids’ gloves in 4 oz are a great choice for beginner boxers ages 6 and up.

For Women

Women’s hands are typically smaller, so women usually choose 8–12 oz. RDX offers the FL3 Floral boxing gloves, which look delicate but deliver fully professional performance.

For Competitors

Strict regulations apply in amateur competitions. RDX AS2 competition gloves are made from Kalix Skin-Maya Hide™ leather, feature ventilation holes, and have a satin lining. Available in 10 and 12 oz, in blue and red.

 

 

 

Additional Advice and Tips

✔ Always try them on with bandages.
Bandages change how the gloves fit. If you're unsure about the size, try them on with your hands wrapped.

✔ Dry your gloves after training.
Never put them away in a bag while they’re still damp. Hang them on a wooden hanger or leave them open to air out. Moisture damages the material and causes an unpleasant odor.

✔ Never wash them in the washing machine.
The washing machine cannot handle leather or synthetic gloves without damaging them. Clean the surface with a damp cloth and treat the inside with an antibacterial spray.

✔ Just starting out? One pair is enough.
Advanced boxers ideally have two pairs—lighter ones for the heavy bag and focus mitts, and heavier ones for sparring.

✔ You need less for bag training.
For a pocket or speed bag, 8–10 oz is sufficient; for a heavy bag, 12–14 oz is better for wrist protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I always have to use wristbands?
Yes, we always recommend it. Wristbands provide support for the wrist and joints, absorb sweat, and extend the life of the gloves. The exception is fingerless gloves with built-in joint protection.

How do I know if I have the right size?
Your hand should fit snugly in the glove, but it shouldn’t feel tight. Your fingers should be able to bend freely into a fist. Your thumb shouldn’t stick out or feel pinched. The Velcro strap should fasten without being pulled too tight.

How long do boxing gloves last?
It depends on how often you train and the quality of the material. Genuine leather, with regular care, will last for years. PU materials are more prone to wear and tear; expect to replace them after 1–2 years of intense training.

What’s the difference between a quick wrap and a traditional wrap?
A traditional wrap is wrapped by hand and can be adjusted for length and tightness. A quick wrap can be put on in a few seconds, but it doesn’t offer the same flexibility in adjusting the tightness.

Can I use boxing gloves for kickboxing or Muay Thai?
Traditional boxing gloves can be used for kickboxing. For Muay Thai, specially shaped gloves with a looser thumb for clinch work are more ideal.

Boxing Gloves and Wraps

Acra is a purely Czech brand that has been providing a full range of sports equipment for homes and rural playgrounds since 1991.

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