How to Choose Hand Guards

When it comes to hand guards, there are essentially two main types available on the market. It’s important to know the difference so you can make the right choice based on your sport and training.

These products offer a modern alternative to traditional fabric wraps. They slip on like gloves and are ready in seconds—no tedious wrapping required. The key feature is the gel and foam padding around the joints, which absorbs impact energy. An extended strap then ensures firm wrist support.

Who are they for? For beginners and advanced fighters alike who want fast and reliable protection without compromise. Ideal for boxing, MMA, and Muay Thai.

The glove’s design, with open fingertips (known as a “half-finger” cut), ensures a great grip and allows for natural finger movement. They’re made of a stretchy material that conforms snugly to the shape of your hand without feeling tight. The key feature is the reinforcement at the thumb and wrist—the two areas most at risk in contact sports.

Who are they for? For those who prefer more subtle and lightweight protection with maximum grip sensitivity. They’re also excellent as a complement to classic gloves.

The most important parts of a wrist guard are the padding over the joints and secure wrist support.

If you train more intensively—for example, in boxing, Muay Thai, or MMA—choose models with gel or foam padding around the joints and a longer Velcro strap that wraps around the wrist for a tighter fit. They help absorb repeated impacts, stabilize your hand during strikes, and make training on the heavy bag or with focus mitts more comfortable.

For lighter fitness training, cardio boxing, or recreational use, simpler inner gloves with knuckle protection and basic wrist support may be sufficient.

The protector must fit snugly, but it must not constrict or restrict blood flow. Once in place, it should not cause numbness in the fingers, shift when you clench your fist, or press against the knuckles. A protector that’s too loose will move around inside the glove and fail to provide proper protection. Most models come in sizes S, M, L, and XL—it’s best to try the protector on or measure the circumference of your hand across the knuckles. If you’re between two sizes, a more secure and snug fit is usually better for more intense training, but never at the expense of comfort.

The padding shouldn’t be too bulky. If it’s too thick, it can dig into the glove and restrict the natural clenching of the fist. The ideal feel is firm yet comfortable—your hand shouldn’t slide around inside the glove, but your fingers should be able to clench naturally. With inner gloves, you’ll also appreciate the half-finger design, which allows for better contact, grip, and greater freedom of movement for your hand.

Hands sweat quickly during training, so it’s important to have breathable and durable material. High-quality hand guards are made of elastic fabric that fits snugly on the hand, retains its shape even after repeated use, and helps wick away moisture. Open-finger design, stretchy material, and good breathability enhance comfort—especially during regular training—and help reduce unpleasant odors.

Let your protective gear dry thoroughly after every workout, and don’t leave it stuffed inside a bag. If the manufacturer allows machine washing, wash them according to the instructions—usually at a lower temperature around 30 °C, ideally with the Velcro fasteners closed and inside a laundry bag. Air-dry them, not on a direct heat source. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your pads and help prevent the growth of bacteria and odors.

For boxing, finger sleeves or inner gloves worn under standard boxing gloves are recommended. If you train on a punching bag, with focus mitts, or attend regular training sessions, it’s worth investing in sturdier protection for your knuckles and wrists.

Recommendation: RDX HOSIERY INNER STRAP IS2 Hand Wraps

In MMA, you’ll appreciate the greater freedom of movement for your fingers and the comfortable fit. Lighter finger sleeves or inner gloves are ideal, as they don’t restrict your grip while still protecting your knuckles during strikes.

Recommendation: RDX HI Inner Gloves and Hand Sleeves

When combining punches, pad work, and intense training, it’s important to stabilize your wrists. Wrist wraps with a strap offer an advantage, providing more support than simple inner gloves.

Recommendation: RDX HOSIERY INNER STRAP IS2 Wrist Wraps

If you're boxing mainly for fitness, you don't need to go for the most rugged protection right away. What's important is comfort, quick donning, and basic joint protection.

Recommendation: RDX HI Inner Gloves and Hand Wraps

✔ How do you put on finger sleeves with a strap correctly?
Slide your thumb through the hole, spread the sleeve evenly over the back of your hand and your knuckles, and only then fasten the strap around your wrist. The strap should fit snugly—neither too loose nor so tight that it pinches you or makes your fingers go numb. When putting them on for the first time, try throwing a few punches in the air and check to make sure the pads don’t shift.

✔ How long do the gloves last?
Lifespan depends on the intensity of your training and how well you care for the product. With training 3 times a week and regular washing, high-quality RDX gloves can easily last 12–24 months. Signs that it’s time to replace them include loss of elasticity in the material, torn seams, or visible damage to the gel padding.

✔ Should I wear hand wraps with boxing gloves?
Definitely yes. You wear the inner wraps or pads directly on your hands and put boxing gloves over them. The pads thus form the first layer of protection and also stabilize your hand before the gloves absorb the rest of the impact’s energy. The combination of hand wraps and gloves is standard for fighters of all levels.

✔ How should I care for my hand wraps so they last as long as possible?
After training, don’t put your hand wraps straight into your bag—let them air out first. If you train every day, get two pairs and rotate them. Wash them regularly in the washing machine (max. 30 °C, without fabric softener, which can compromise elasticity). Always air-dry them; never use a dryer.

✔ What size will fit me?
Measure the circumference of your dominant hand across the knuckles (with your fingers slightly clenched). General size guidelines for RDX gloves:

• S – circumference up to approximately 17 cm
• M – approximately 17–19 cm
• L – approximately 19–21 cm
• XL – approximately over 21 cm

If you’re between sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size—it’s better to have a slightly looser fit than a protector that’s too tight.