You don’t need us to tell you the importance of boxing gloves!
However, like most things, even the most expensive pair of boxing gloves come with an “expiration date.” And no, it’s not mentioned on their packaging.
That’s why it’s helpful to know how long they last so that you can replace them in time. Read on to learn more.
How Long Do Boxing Gloves Last?
Well, the average pair of boxing gloves can be between 1 and 3 years, depending on the type, quality, use and intensity of your training sessions.
For example, pairs made from synthetic leather may deteriorate faster with use, so you may need to replace them more frequently. Professional boxers who train hard regularly usually opt for high-quality leather gloves with optimal wrist support, which have a higher life expectancy.
But how do you know it’s time to replace them? If you notice cracks forming on the surface, it’s a good indicator that they need to be replaced. These cracks can eventually lead to tears and holes, exposing your hand during training sessions or competitions.
Aside from that, a loose fit due to worn-out or damaged wrist wraps should prompt you to get the gloves replaced. If your boxing gloves become loose, they will keep moving, making it harder for you to punch and causing severe injuries to your hands.
Beginners often make the mistake of buying cheap, low-quality gloves without knowing what they are doing. But these gloves won’t do the job if you’re training regularly or participating in frequent competitions. You must then opt for high-quality gloves with softer padding and good-quality hand wraps, which will be more expensive than your first pair but worth it.
A pro tip: keep at least a couple of gloves handy and use them in rotation. This way, you can protect them from excess wear and tear.
How to Extend the Life Of Your Boxing Gloves?
Even the most expensive boxing gloves can get damaged without proper care and maintenance, often faster than usual. Hence, it’s important to clean your new pair after every use.
One of the easiest things you can do is use a natural cleaning spray to clean the surface of the gloves. Use a soft cotton cloth to clean the surface with the spray, then wipe it with a paper towel to remove any leftovers. Remember to avoid using excess spray on your gloves.
Don’t clean your boxing gloves with harsh chemicals like bleach or disinfectants – these will damage the leather and cause premature wear on the padding. Such a scenario would require you to replace boxing gloves sooner than expected.
In most cases, sweat accumulated deep inside is the number one reason sparring gloves start to break down. It does not matter whether you are using sparring or heavy bag gloves; sparring and heavy bag boxing gloves will eventually get damaged if exposed to excessive moisture.
So, never leave your boxing gloves in a wet or damp gym bag, as this will encourage mould growth inside them. Always keep your gloves in a cool and dry place.
Deep Cleaning The Gloves
To deep clean your beloved and expensive boxing gloves, remove the wrist wrap and wipe off all loose dirt with a damp cloth or sponge. Next, spray a good amount of natural spray cleaner and gently clean the surface. Ensure that you reach every nook and corner.
Finally, dry them under a fan or utilise a glove dryer to get rid of any excess moisture before putting them back on for your Muay Thai or heavy bag training session for the next day. The latter, in particular, will help eliminate excess moisture from deep inside boxing gloves and eliminate any odour or germs. Besides, it will help maintain their shape.
Keeping A Boxing Glove In Good Condition
A good pair of boxing gloves is an investment, so you must buy only the best boxing gloves and take care of them, so they last a long time.
Replacing worn-out boxing gloves will help prevent any injuries from leaving your hands unprotected. And you can also protect your sparring partner from unnecessary cuts from the worn-out surface.
Remember that the best quality gloves will ensure protection and optimum agility for your hands. Additionally, the gloves must have quality padding inside, which provides comfort and cushioning for the boxer’s hands.
Want a new pair of gloves or hand wraps? You can find many exclusive deals for good gloves on MMA Factory for boxing, weight lifting and more. From sparring gloves and training mitts to heavy bag gloves, our team have an extensive range to choose from. We also have a selection of apparel and training gear to cater to the needs of different types of training!
