Which is best to add to your kit?
In a lot of online forums youโll find people asking the question again and again as they start the sport, โAre hook-and-loop or lace-up boxing gloves better?โ Or perhaps, โWhatโs the difference between lace-up and hook-and-loop gloves?โ
If youโre a beginner looking to buy your first pair or want a definitive guide to share with another boxer, youโre in the right place.
Hereโs everything you need to know about the difference between the two and which is best depending on who you are as a boxer.
Hook and loop gloves
Hook and loop boxing gloves are secured on the hand by strips of thin sheets of hooks and loops that when pressed together, fasten, and stay together.
Theyโre very easy and quick to put on and provide a good fit to protect your hands when boxing and as a result, are the go-to choice of many boxers, from beginners to more advanced sports professionals.
Pros
- Very quick to put on and take of for training
- Requires no help to put on and take off
- There are different styles for different levels of support
Cons
- Less wrist support than lace up gloves
- Less padding around the wrist
- Can scratch opponents
Who are they best for?
The main benefit if their ease of use, which puts them in the top sport for beginners and anyone thatโs doing a quick training session. Theyโre also generally cheaper than lace up alternatives.
Over time hook and loop straps do become less effective and can lose grip. This is something to watch out for as your always need secure gloves with a good fit.
Lace up gloves
Lace up boxing gloves have been available for longer than their hook and loop counterparts and are traditionally made from leather, meaning they can be more expensive.
They work by securing the glove onto your hand from a single lace crossing that sits over the wrist, which when pulled tightly provides a close fit.
Pros
- They provide a secure fit for good protection
- The fastening cannot scratch opponents
- Often the wrist area is padded, providing more comfort
Cons
- Typically, youโll need a second person to help you put the gloves on
- They take longer to put on than lace and hoop gloves
- In competitions you may need to tape up the lace so they donโt cut opponents
Who are they best for?
Theyโre for boxers who want the benefit of a secure, tight fit and durable gloves, who donโt mind that they take longer to put on, or that a second person might be needed. Theyโre more for competitions where trainers and staff are present, rather than training.
As you may need another person to help put them on, they arenโt ideal for day-to-day training where you may go to the gym alone or just want a quick session.
Summary
In essence, it comes down to personal preference and how youโre using your gloves. Ideally, youโd have both for different occasions. As a general rule, invest in hook and loop for training and when you know you wonโt have anyone to help you put them on, and lace ups when you require an even more secure fit and will have help on hand.
Get in touch with the team at Boxfit UK to update your kit with the right gloves for you. Call 01708 3203320, email info@boxfituk.com or browse boxing gloves online. You can also go to their store in Harold Wood, Romford, Essex to try some on for size.