Choosing your first pair of Muay Thai gloves can seem like a daunting task for beginners, but it doesn’t have to be. Good glove choice for beginners primarily depends on selecting the right size/weight (in ounces) and training application.
Generally, heavier gloves provide more protection (which is important for beginners), while lighter gloves do not protect as well but allow for greater speed and maneuverability.
If you are a beginner, focus on finding quality gloves that will not only give you the performance you need in training but ensure maximum protection too.
Most athletes have multiple pairs of glove weights and ounces so they can pick the best ones for whatever training scenario they may be in. For example, heavier gloves are used for sparring to protect both you and your opponent.
In this article, we’ll talk about the additional factors to consider when choosing Muay Thai gloves for beginners.
What Are The Materials Used in Muay Thai Gloves?
When looking into glove materials, you want to find gloves that have well-made padding construction and a strong outer layer.
Glove padding is made of multiple materials, such as foam and latex. The art and science of glove construction comes down to the layered mix of each material, meant to balance speed, protection, and comfort.
The outer layer of the glove is usually made from leather or synthetic leather, which gives durability and protection to the hand during strikes. Synthetic leather is a man-made material that’s often used in cheaper gloves because it’s more durable and requires less maintenance than genuine leather.
Full-grain leather is the best material for Muay Thai gloves as it provides superior durability and protection, as well as preferred style and aesthetics for many athletes.
Glove Sizing
Another key factor to consider when choosing gloves is the size, or more specifically, the weight of the glove. Appropriate glove weight is determined by your body weight, not the size of your hand. The heavier your body weight, the heavier the glove you’ll use.
In addition, glove sizing/weight is also depending on different scenarios. For example, during sparring, heavier gloves are used for increased protection not only for your own hands but for your partner’s protection as well. Lighter gloves, on the other hand, can be used in bag work, pad work, and competition for more speed and agility.
What to Choose for Your Very First Pair
While many Muay Thai athletes may own multiple pairs and multiple weights of gloves, the average beginner may start with just one pair.
The average beginner will start with 12-ounce or 14-ounce gloves.
When choosing just one pair of Muay Thai gloves, it’s important to invest in quality. Generally speaking, the higher the price of a glove, the better its construction and materials.
Cheap gloves won’t provide enough protection or support for your hands. Protection is especially important for beginners.
Another factor that is sometimes overlooked is finding a glove that fits your personal style. For some, aesthetics is an important factor, and it’s perfectly fine to prioritize looks when selecting your first pair of gloves.
After all, you’ll be wearing your gloves in all training and competition scenarios, so don’t underestimate how looking good can support your confidence.
Top Brands of Muay Thai Gloves
When selecting gloves for Muay Thai training, there are a few brands that consistently offer quality construction and materials. The top brands in the world of Muay Thai are Twins Special, Fairtex, CORBETTI, and Top King. These brands have a good reputation in the space and provide solid options for beginner Muay Thai athletes.
Conclusion
So, in summary, when you understand the different materials used in glove construction, as well as the importance of proper sizing for beginners, you’ll be able to make the best choice for you and your Muay Thai training. Investing in a good quality pair of gloves will provide years of protection and performance for your journey to becoming a Muay Thai master!
