7 Boxing Sparring Gear You Will Need As A Beginner (+ Cost)

Here are the seven boxing sparring gear you will need as a beginner:

I often get asked what gear a boxer should have when sparring as a beginner. There are a few things I always recommend a few things they should get, and a few optional ones that can give them added protection.

For those new to boxing or who want to improve their boxing skills, sparring is a great way to do it. This post will discuss what gear you need for boxing sparring.

Table of Contents

1. Sparring Gloves

The Functionality: Sparring Gloves

Sparring gloves are used to protect your hands from injury as well as your opponent. While sparring, we aim to practise and hone our techniques, not necessarily looking to cause damage to the opponent. This is why sparring gloves are usually thicker and more protected than other boxing gloves.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to sparring gloves. You will need to measure your hand properly before you buy them, as gloves that are too small or too large will not provide the proper protection.

Weight & Size: Sparring Gloves

Depending on your body weight, you need to get different sizes of sparring gloves. Heavier fighters tend to punch harder and deal more damage. Thus, the sparring gloves must be thicker and heavier.

I recommend getting 14oz sparring gloves if you are below 155lbs and 16oz sparring gloves above 155lbs. Sparring gloves are significantly more padded and protective than those used in matches.

Usually, boxing matches use 8 or 10oz gloves, but this is not enough for sparring. Do not make this mistake and injure yourself or your sparring partner by choosing lighter gloves as they have less protection.

If you are a beginner and want a multi-purpose glove, you could look for training gloves instead of specifically choosing sparring gloves. Training gloves can be used for training, sparring and bag work. If you are getting a training glove, get at least a 14oz glove.

Cost: Sparring Gloves

Sparring gloves can be found on Amazon anywhere between $25 and $100. The price usually depends on several factors, and the lowest you can find the sparring gloves is $10.

The decision on which sparring gloves to buy depends on a few factors. Let’s take a look at some of them.

What To Look For: Sparring Gloves

When looking to buy boxing gloves, there are a few things to keep in mind. These include the material, fit, and padding.

The gloves should be snug, so they don’t move around while you’re sparring. They should be made of durable material that can take a beating, and the gloves should have thick enough padding on the knuckles and fingers to protect your hands from injuries.

The gloves should also have a thumb closure to stay on your hands during sparring.

Recommendation: Sparring Gloves

I would recommend Ringside Sparring Gloves as they have excellent padding, build quality and provide the best comfort.

It’s a little pricey at $70 but it’s important to get a properly padded gloves for sparring – it protects both your hands and your opponent.

2. Handwrap

The Functionality: Handwrap

Handwraps help protect the hand from injuries, specifically your knuckles and wrists. They also improve grip strength. Handwraps fasten the joints together for better shock absorption across the entire hand.

Never use boxing gloves without hand wraps because they are uncomfortable and don’t offer enough protection. There are many different types of hand wraps available on the market today.

The type of wrap you choose will depend on your own personal preferences. Some wraps are made of stretchy fabric, while others are made of more rigid materials.

Some people prefer stretchy wraps because they offer more flexibility and mobility. Others find that rigid wraps offer more protection against injuries.

Whichever hand wrap you choose, ensure it is comfortable and fits snugly around your hands. If it is too tight or loose, it will not provide the level of protection you need during a boxing match.

Cost: Handwrap

The type of hand wrap you choose dictates the price you will be paying for it. Generally, you can find hand wraps on Amazon from anywhere between $7 to $20.

The decision on which hand wrap to buy depends on a few factors. Let’s take a look at some of them.

What To Look For: Handwrap

When looking to buy hand wraps, there are a few things you should keep in mind. These include the material used, the stitching and whether the hand wraps have creases or wrinkles.

Make sure that the material used to create the hand wraps is breathable and stops sweat buildup when worn. They should be elastic so they can easily be stretched out when wrapped around the hands. There shouldn’t be any loose threads in the hand wraps, so they don’t bother you during the fight.

Recommendation: Handwrap

After looking through Amazon for the perfect hand wraps, I decided to go for these Sanabul Handwraps, which come at a perfect 180 inches. Two wraps are included for each hand, created from a breathable material.

3. Headgear

The Functionality: Headgear

When it comes to boxing, sparring gear is essential. Headgear not only helps protect the head from getting hit but can also help improve balance and coordination. It offers excellent protection against accidental and intentional head hits and can also help improve balance and coordination.

Boxing headgear is often considered the gold standard for head protection. There are various headgear options available on the market, so it’s important to find something that will fit comfortably and provide the protection you need.

This headgear is generally made from a hard, plastic shell covering the entire head. It can be either adjustable or non-adjustable and comes in various sizes to fit most users. Boxing headgear can be bulky and difficult to adjust, making it difficult to wear during sparring sessions. It may also be uncomfortable if it’s not properly fitted.

Cost: Headgear

The least you can get boxing headgear on Amazon is $15. However, buying a good, durable headgear can cost between $13 and $40.

Making the decision on which headgear to buy depends on a few factors. Let’s take a look at some of them.

What To Look For: Headgear

Here are some things you should keep in mind when buying boxing headgear. First is the construction, which can allow full or partial coverage to the head.

Then look for the type of padding you want, which can be foam leather or mesh. Also, look at the closure style, which can be zipper, buckle or Velcro.

Traditional boxing headgear is generally full coverage, with foam padding on the inside and outside of the headgear. It is often made of leather and comes with a zipper. This type of headgear is best for users who want heavy protection against accidental hits to the head.

Modern boxing headgear is typically partial coverage, with foam padding on the inside and outside of the headgear but no leather. It is often made from mesh and comes with Velcro for closing and opening. This type of headgear is best for users who want lightweight protection against accidental hits to the head.

Foam padding on its own does not offer as much protection as traditional boxing head gear does. Foam can compress and cause discomfort after extended use, so choosing a type of padding that will provide lasting comfort is important.

Leather offers more durability than other materials, but it may be too heavy for some users as it can apply a lot of unnecessary pressure on the head. Mesh is a good option for those who are looking for lightweight gear that offers good protection against accidental hits to the head.

Recommendation: Headgear

I would recommend the Tworiver Headgear T-005 as it has an adjustable strap, durable construction and foam filling to protect your chin and face. It’s also pretty affordable at $20 – suitable for beginners.

4. Mouth Guard

The Functionality: Mouth Guard

A mouthguard helps to protect your teeth from injury during a match, and it also helps to improve your punching technique by increasing the speed and accuracy of your punches.

There are two types of mouthguards: sports and custom. Sports mouthguards are designed to give you the best protection against concussions and other head injuries, while custom mouthguards are made to fit your individual teeth and facial features.

Size: Mouth Guard

Most mouth guards come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The small size is best for people with a lower jawbone circumference of less than 17 cm (6 inches), the medium size for people with a jawbone circumference between 17 and 19 cm (6.7-7.5 inches), and the large size for people with a jawbone circumference greater than 19 cm (7.5 inches).

When choosing a size for your mouth guard, it is important to consider your oral health, the type of boxing you will be participating in, and the size of the opponent you may be facing. If you are not sure what your circumference is, consult with a dentist or doctor.

Mouth guards designed specifically for boxers are made from harder materials that can withstand more punishment than those designed for martial artists or other athletes who do not box regularly.

When selecting a mouth guard, it is important to ask your trainer or coach which type he or she recommends. It is also important to decide which type of boxing you will participate in.

Cost: Mouth Guard

Mouthguards can be found on Amazon for as low as $1. However, getting a good quality one will cost anywhere between $5 and $20.

The decision on which mouth guard to buy depends on a few factors. Let’s take a look at some of them.

What To Look For: Mouth Guard

There are several things you should keep in mind when looking to buy a mouthguard. These include durability, fit, protection and style.

A good mouthguard should be durable, so it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It should fit comfortably and securely in your mouth. A good mouthguard protects from tooth and gum damage and should look good and convey your boxing style.

Recommendation: Mouth Guard

I recommend the Venum Mouth Guard as it is relatively inexpensive and has many great features. Plus, Venum is a reputable brand in martial arts.

5. Boxing Shoes

The Functionality: Boxing Shoes

Boxing shoes provide stability and cushioning when throwing punches and help prevent injuries. They come in various styles, so you can find the perfect one for your fighting style.

There are three main types of boxing shoes:

Clay Shoes: Clay shoes are made from a type of clay that is very soft and pliable. This makes them perfect for punching and kicking, as the clay absorbs the impact rather than causing injury. Clay shoes are heat-resistant, so you can train in them even in cold weather.
Rubber Shoes: Rubber shoes are made from a type of rubber that is soft but durable. They’re good for punching and kicking, offering stability and protection. Rubber shoes are also good for training in cold weather, as they don’t get too cold to the touch.
Flat Shoes: Flat shoes are most commonly used for sparring. They provide good stability and shock absorption when throwing punches and kicks. They look professional and sleek, so you’ll feel confident when stepping into the ring.

There is no right answer regarding which type of boxing shoe to buy. It depends on your fighting style, whether southpaw or orthodox, the type of surface you’ll use, your budget, and more. So take some time to test out different boxing shoes before settling on a pair that feels right.

Cost: Boxing Shoes

Although boxing shoes can be found on Amazon for as low as $20, these won’t last long as they are usually poor quality. Good boxing shoes can cost you anywhere between $40 to $150.

The decision on which boxing shoes to buy depends on a few factors. Let’s take a look at some of them.

What To Look For: Boxing Shoes

When looking to buy boxing shoes, make sure they are durable, lightweight, made of a breathable material, and grip your feet to prevent slipping. You should also keep your budget in mind when making a choice and the appearance of the shoes.

If you’re just starting out, we recommend buying sparring shoes made from lightweight materials with a non-marking surface. These shoes will be affordable and provide good protection when you’re sparring.

Recommendation: Boxing Shoes

I recommend the Everlast New Elite High Top Boxing Shoes as they are at a mid range price yet have high performance. They are light and breathable and have great ankle support.

6. Chest protector (Optional)

The Functionality: Chest Protector

A chest protector is a device worn to protect the body from punches and kicks. Chest protectors are available in various materials, including leather, neoprene, and ballistic nylon.

Some chest protectors have padding on the front and back to help absorb impact, while others have mesh panels that allow air to circulate around the body.

Chest protectors can be used for boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA). In boxing, trainers and coaches often use them to protect their bodies against impact strikes. In MMA, they are often used as protection against kicks and punches to the head and body.

Chest protectors come in various materials, including leather, neoprene, and ballistic nylon. Leather chest protectors are the most traditional option and are often used for boxing. They are made from cowhide but have a natural odour that some people find repulsive.

Neoprene chest protectors are very popular for MMA because they offer good protection against kicks and punches. They are also water-resistant and have a soft feel. Ballistic nylon is a newer option and is considered to be the strongest type of chest protector. It is resistant to tears and has a high degree of breathability.

Size: Chest Protector

When choosing boxing sparring gear, it is important to consider size and protection. Most chest protectors range from XXS-XXL, but it is important to find one that fits snugly and is designed to provide adequate protection.

Some brands, such as Everlast, also offer a variety of sizes for different body types. When sparring in the gym or a ring, you want to ensure that your chest protector does not move around or slip off your body during the match.

Cost: Chest Protector

Although you can find a chest protector for as low as $25, a good quality one will cost anywhere between $40 to $100.

The decision on which chest protector to buy depends on a few factors. Let’s take a look at some of them.

What To Look For: Chest Protector

You should keep a few things in mind when buying a chest protector. These include the fit, material, comfortability as well as padding.

Here are a few things you should look for when buying a chest protector:

It should be comfortable and fit well.
It must protect against chest injuries, such as a broken rib.
It should be made of durable materials, such as plastic or metal.
It should be water-resistant.
It must be adjustable to fit different body types.

Recommendation: Chest Protector

I did some research to find a great quality chest protector that has some great features and won’t break the bank. I chose the RDX Boxing Body Protector as it is made out of wear-resistant leather construction and lightweight but robust padding.

It is sweat absorbent and has an anatomical design for the best comfort. The adjustable buckles allow you to get the best possible fit.

7. Groin protector (Optional)

The Functionality: Groin Protector

A groin protector in boxing protects the groin area during sparring. It is also used for protection in kickboxing, karate, and other martial arts.

Groin protectors protect your nether regions from harm and also help to keep you safe when taking heavy swings at your opponent. Plus, the snug fit means you won’t have to worry about equipment slipping or shifting during high-intensity bouts.

As with most boxing equipment, the material a groin protector is made of will also depend on personal preference. Some people prefer protectors made from neoprene, as they are lightweight and tend to be more breathable. Others may prefer a more robust option, such as one made from leather or plastic.

Cost: Groin Protector

The pricing of a groin protector depends on its build, quality and brand. However, according to my research, going protectors usually start at around $20 and can go up to $60.

Making the decision on which protector to buy depends on a few factors. Let’s take a look at some of them.

What To Look For: Groin Protector

You should keep a few key things in mind when buying a groin protector. These include the comfortability and the fit, the material used and whether it is easy to wear.

A groin protector should fit you perfectly and shouldn’t cause discomfort when worn. The material used for the construction of the groin protector should be durable. Most protectors are made out of plastic, metal, neoprene or leather.

It should be big enough to cover the entire region but shouldn’t be small so that it constricts your movement. Make sure the groin protector is easy to put on and take off, and it should be adjustable to different body types.

Recommendation: Groin Protector

I looked through Amazon for groin protectors that are of great quality as well as inexpensive. I chose the Venum Challenger Groin guard and Support as it has a double layer for shock absorption and its anatomical design ensures that it’s a great fit.

The rubber padding on the sides ensures that the impact is minimal. It’s lightweight, which means it won’t be obtrusive, and the support is great, with the included dry tech material, which is created to reduce sweat buildup.

Conclusion

Boxing sparring can help you improve your boxing skills, which is a great way to get started in the sport. Having the proper gear ensures you are safe during the harsh sparring sessions.

I hope this article helped you understand the importance of good sparring gear and suggested which gear will suit you best.