What’s The Difference Between Muay Thai Gloves and Boxing Gloves?

 


When it comes to combat sports like Muay Thai and boxing, having the right equipment is essential for both performance and safety. Gloves play a crucial role in protecting your hands and delivering powerful strikes. However, Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves are not interchangeable. In this blog post, we will delve into the key differences between these two types of gloves, explore the various sizes available, and discuss some popular brands in the market.

Main Differences Between Muay Thai and Boxing Gloves

 


Muay Thai Gloves

Boxing Gloves

Design

Slimmer and less padded

Bulkier and more padded

Thumb Position

Open-thumb design for gripping and clinching

Thumb attached to the glove for thumb protection

Hand Wraps

Often used without hand wraps

Common practice to use hand wraps for added support

Purpose

Emphasize speed, agility, and clinching techniques

Focused on punching and boxing techniques

Sizes

Generally lighter, ranging from 6 oz to 12 oz

Typically range from 8 oz to 16 oz, with heavier gloves used in professional bouts



Design and Padding:

One of the fundamental differences between Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves lies in their design and padding. Boxing gloves are typically more padded and have a bulkier shape compared to Muay Thai gloves. The extra padding in boxing gloves is intended to absorb and distribute impact over a larger area, providing more protection to the wearer's hands. On the other hand, Muay Thai gloves are slimmer and offer less padding, allowing for greater flexibility and dexterity.

Hand Wraps:

Another factor that sets Muay Thai gloves apart from boxing gloves is the use of hand wraps. In boxing, it is common practice to wrap the hands before putting on the gloves to provide additional support and protection. The hand wraps stabilize the wrist, reinforce the knuckles, and minimize the risk of injuries. In Muay Thai, hand wraps are not as prevalent, and many practitioners choose to forego them, opting instead for a faster and more convenient glove application.

Thumb Positioning:

The positioning of the thumb is another distinction between Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves. Boxing gloves typically have the thumb attached to the rest of the glove, positioning it alongside the fist. This design helps to reduce the risk of thumb injuries and accidental eye pokes. In contrast, Muay Thai gloves feature an open-thumb design that allows for better gripping, clinching, and grappling techniques, which are integral to the sport.

Sizes:

Both Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves are available in various sizes to cater to different hand sizes and training purposes. The size of the gloves is measured in ounces (oz), indicating the weight of each glove. For boxing, the most common sizes range from 8 oz to 16 oz, with heavier gloves used in professional bouts. Muay Thai gloves, on the other hand, are typically lighter, ranging from 6 oz to 12 oz, as the sport emphasizes speed, agility, and clinch work. It's important to choose the right glove size to ensure a proper fit and adequate protection.

 

Glove Size (oz)

Muay Thai Gloves

Suitable for

Boxing Gloves

Suitable for

6 oz


Children



8 oz

Beginner

Women, Light Sparring

Professional

Featherweight and Lightweight Fights

10 oz

Intermediate

Women, Light to Moderate Sparring

Training

Lightweight to Welterweight Fights, General Training

12 oz

Intermediate

Moderate Sparring

Training

Welterweight Fights, Moderate Sparring, General Training

14 oz

Advanced

Moderate to Heavy Sparring

Training

Middleweight Fights, Heavy Sparring, General Training

16 oz

Advanced

Heavy Sparring

Training

Heavyweight Fights, Heavy Sparring, General Training

18 oz



Training

Heavy Sparring, General Training

20 oz



Training

Heavy Sparring, General Training



Popular Boxing Gloves Brands:

There are numerous brands that produce high-quality Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves. Here are some popular brands known for their excellence:


Venum Muay Thai Gloves:

Venum is a prominent brand that produces a wide range of combat sports equipment, including Muay Thai and boxing gloves. Known for their stylish designs, Venum gloves are popular among fighters and enthusiasts alike. They offer gloves suitable for both training and competition, catering to various skill levels. Venum gloves are recognized for their durability, comfort, and excellent wrist support. The brand has collaborated with numerous top-level athletes, further solidifying its reputation in the combat sports community.


Everlast Muay Thai Gloves:

Everlast is a legendary brand that has been a staple in the boxing world for over a century. They offer a diverse selection of boxing gloves suitable for training, sparring, and competition. Everlast gloves are renowned for their durability and quality craftsmanship. The brand incorporates innovative technologies in their gloves, such as gel padding and wrist stabilization systems, to provide enhanced protection and comfort. Everlast gloves have been trusted by countless professional boxers throughout history, contributing to the brand's iconic status.

AQF Sports: 

Considered one of the top brands in the industry, Aqf boxing gloves are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and padding. They are the gloves of choice for many professional boxers.


Fairtex

A well-respected brand in both Muay Thai and boxing, Fairtex offers a wide range of gloves suitable for various training needs. They are known for their durability and superior hand protection.


Twins Muay Thai Gloves:

Twins Special is a Thai brand that has been manufacturing Muay Thai gloves for decades. They are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, wide range of sizes, and appealing design options.


Cleto Reyes: 

Cleto Reyes gloves are synonymous with boxing, and they are highly regarded for their quality and performance. They are handcrafted in Mexico and are known for their excellent padding and durability.


Hayabusa

While primarily known for their MMA gear, Hayabusa also offers a selection of high-quality boxing and Muay Thai gloves. Their gloves are known for their comfort, wrist support, and innovative designs.


Conclusion:

In summary, while Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves share some similarities, they have distinct differences that make them suitable for their respective sports. Understanding these differences, such as padding, design, thumb positioning, and hand wraps, is crucial in choosing the right gloves for your training needs. 


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