When choosing boxing gloves, it’s not enough to just pick a “nice design.” Gloves are categorized by weight (oz), and their selection depends on the user’s weight, purpose (training, sparring, competition), and age. Let’s break it down.
What does “oz” mean in boxing gloves?
“Oz” stands for “ounce” – a unit of weight. In boxing, it indicates not just the weight of the glove but also:
- amount of padding (protection),
- size of the glove (volume increases slightly with weight),
- affects punch speed (lighter = faster, heavier = safer).
🧒 Kids’ and recreational gloves (4 oz – 8 oz)
Designed for:
- children,
- women or smaller-framed individuals,
- recreational or cardio training.
These gloves are light, easy to handle, and fit smaller hands. They’re not intended for hard sparring.
Sizes:
🔹 4 oz – lightest, ideal for small children
🔹 6 oz – for older kids and juniors
🔹 8 oz – for recreational users and women
🥊 Universal training gloves (10 oz – 12 oz)
Suitable for regular training, bag work, and technical drills.
- They are the same size but differ in padding weight – meaning the level of protection.
- The heavier the glove, the better the cushioning (and the less impact on your partner or the bag).
Sizes:
🔹 10 oz – for speed, technique, drills
🔹 12 oz – the golden middle, universal training
👉 Tip: 12 oz is our most popular training weight.
💪 Sparring and heavy training (14 oz – 16 oz)
If you’re serious about boxing or train with a partner (sparring), choose heavier gloves.
- These gloves offer more protection for both you and your partner.
- Best for stronger boxers and heavier men.
Sizes:
🔹 14 oz – for technical sparring
🔹 16 oz – for intense sparring and strength training
👉 Tip: 16 oz is ideal for contact training.
🏆 Competition gloves
In competitive boxing, sizes differ by category and gender:
- Amateur boxing: usually 10 oz
- Professional boxing: often 8 oz, sometimes lighter – depending on rules
👉 Tip: Competition gloves have less padding and a harder punch – not suitable for training.
| Size | User weight | Age / Gender | Use | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 oz | up to 25 kg | kids | recreational punches, fitness | for the smallest |
| 6 oz | 25–35 kg | kids | training, basic skills | older kids |
| 8 oz | up to 50 kg | women/juniors | recreational training, cardio boxing | light training |
| 10 oz | 50–65 kg | adults | speed training, bag work | technique and speed |
| 12 oz | 60–75 kg | adults | universal training, technique | most universal |
| 14 oz | 70–85 kg | men | sparring, protection | harder training |
| 16 oz | 80+ kg | men | sparring, heavy training | best protection for contact |
| 8–10 oz (competition) | depends on category | all | competition only | not for training |
How to choose?
- 🧒 Junior or woman? → Start with 6–8 oz
- 🥊 Want to train technique? → 10–12 oz
- 💪 Sparring with a partner? → 14–16 oz
- 🏆 Competing? → Follow your organization’s rules (usually 8–10 oz)
Choose gloves that fit you and check out our boxing glove selection.