Cheap Vs Expensive Boxing Gloves: 9 Differences & Worth

Cheap boxing gloves are usually made of vinyl or synthetic leather and are usually less expensive.

Even though Vinyl and synthetic leather are acceptable materials for boxing gloves, their duration and durability don’t last as long as genuine leather. Oftentimes, these cheap gloves fasten with a hook-and-loop strap. 

Expensive gloves, on the other hand, can cost up to three times as much as cheap or basic gloves. They are considered more comfortable and often include extra design features to improve functionality and user safety. 

Since boxing gloves are designed to protect both the opponent’s head and the fighter’s hand during a bout, it might make you wonder if the quality or price of a boxing glove really matters when considering a purchase – I mean, “gloves are ” gloves” right? So what’s the difference?

In actual fact, both gloves can be used perfectly by a user, depending on their level of experience. To a casual observer like you, all gloves may look the same – but if you look closely, there are many distinct types of gloves and they all have their different qualities.

To help you make decisions, I will discuss the distinctions between cheap and expensive gloves In this post based on quality, fit, design, size, durability, comfort and price.

Here’s a summary table comparing cheap gloves to expensive gloves. 

	Cheap Gloves	Expensive Gloves
Quality	Lower Quality	Higher Quality
Fit	Too small / Too tight	Perfect Fit
Durability	Short Span	Longer Span
Price	Cost less	Cost More
Comfort	Less comfortable	More comfortable
Sizing	Rarely fits snugly	Crafted to fit snugly
Design	Fewer Design Features	More Design Features

 

What Are They: Cheap vs Expensive Gloves

Cheap gloves are the kind of boxing gloves that are readily available to most of us, common and reasonably priced. They have a completely synthetic construction, are quite convenient, and are simple to clean. They also have foam padding for shock absorption and good knuckle protection.

The expensive gloves are manufactured with high-quality materials, have a durable structure, offer enough cushioning for a good hand and wrist protection, and come in different sizes so you can get the perfect fit. They typically cost extra because of the brand they come in and the materials used because they are made to satisfy the demands of professional fighters.

 

Quality: Cheap Or Expensive Gloves

Cheap boxing gloves are often made of poor-quality vinyl that doesn’t look good and is not very durable, while more expensive models use synthetic leather.

The most expensive boxing gloves have genuine leather on their outer surfaces. These genuine leather gloves are of a higher quality than those made of synthetic materials. So, you can be sure to say expensive gloves are more qualitative.

Fit: Cheap Or Expensive Gloves

Cheap gloves fit poorly compared to more costly gloves because they are either too tight or too small. It becomes challenging for the user to box properly due to the poor fit it provides. 

Durability: Cheap Or Expensive Gloves

It is only logical that more costly boxing gloves survive longer than cheap gloves due to their higher quality. 

Depending on how often you use them; genuine leather boxing gloves are more durable than other types and will last you for a very long time.

Cost: Cheap Or Expensive Gloves

The cheap gloves cost less than the expensive ones. They can be purchased for as little as $10 to $ 100 while the expensive or pricey ones can cost from above $100 to as much as $600.

However, the genuine leather variants which are considered to be more expensive cost more than the basic vinyl versions.

Comfort: Cheap Or Expensive Gloves

Contrary to cheap or inexpensive gloves, which are less comfortable to use because of their tight fit or tiny size, appropriately fitting pricey gloves tend to be more comfortable for users to wear and box successfully.

The expensive gloves have features that make them comfortable to use. It’s vital to remember that while some cheap gloves might feel just as comfortable as expensive gloves or seem to absorb impacts even better, they most definitely won’t continue to feel that way over time.

Sizing: Cheap Or Expensive Gloves

More expensive gloves will fit tighter than less expensive gloves, preventing them from slipping off or coming loose while being used.

Most luxury gloves come with a lace-up or velcro close in addition to the hook-and-loop strap closure, making them firmly fitted on the wrist.

Better Design: Cheap Or Expensive Gloves

More expensive gloves often include better design elements, including improved padding and protection.

As an example, the Cleto Reyes gloves which are considered expensive gloves, have minimal padding but can still absorb heavy blows, allowing users to throw punches without worrying about becoming hurt or sore. The superb finger and thumb design it has offers wearers more support to lower the risk of injury or damage.

In addition to increased cushioning and protection, high-quality gloves are made to be moisture resistant, thereby reducing the risk of water damage or the growth of mold.

Also Read: How Tight Should Boxing Gloves Fit? Sizing & Break-In Guide

Good boxing gloves make a huge difference. A good pair of high-quality boxing gloves ensures your hands are comfortable, well-protected and they last much longer.

Also, If your hands are covered by thick or well-padded boxing gloves as opposed to smaller MMA gloves, you’re more likely to punch harder.

Whether you’re an experienced boxer or a beginner, you should choose a reliable pair of top-notch boxing gloves.

Good boxing gloves are definitely worth it. Without the right pair of boxing gloves, you are likely to sustain an injury or strain your hands and miss the opportunity to learn the proper punching techniques. 

Most good boxing gloves, though expensive, offer the best protection and for this reason, the majority of professionals (as well as amateurs), irrespective of the cost, prefer high-quality gloves for training. 

For instance, some people don’t mind saving up to $300 for a particular brand because of how ‘good’ they are. Trust me, it is a worthwhile venture even if you don’t have a lot of money.

The brand you choose when purchasing boxing gloves matters. This is because nearly all well-known combat apparel companies that provide boxing gloves usually develop their designs for gloves to suit customers’ tastes. 

So, picking a brand according to its design that can suit your particular need indeed matters.

The best boxing glove has a variety of characteristics, but some characteristics to look out for to know if a boxing glove is good are;

1. Wonderful wrists support
2. Good padding or cushioning all over the glove (To ensure maximum shock absorption)
3. Durable and strong material (cowhide leather or good quality synthetic leather)
4. Not too tight and not too loose (room for inner gloves or hand wraps)
5. Have wristbands that are snug but comfortable.

Also Read: Horsehair Boxing Gloves: 10 Pros & Cons (Is It Legal?)

The more expensive the gloves, the more comfortable, protective and long-lasting they will be. Although cheaper gloves may be more alluring due to their lower price, they will often need to be repaired or replaced much more quickly than an expensive pair of gloves.

This necessary item will protect your hands from injury while allowing you to strike with great force. If you want to learn the techniques of fighting or become skilled, avoid using cheap, poorly made or low-quality gloves. 

Boxing gloves can range from $10 to $500. Depending on what you want (brand or material), the average cost for a decent pair of boxing gloves typically costs around $100. 

The first is, what your budget is. I advise you to stay in the sub- $100 level. because you should learn proper techniques before taking on a higher budget. The last thing you want is an expensive pair of boxing gloves that allows you to get away with poor techniques.

In general, I usually advise purchasing high-tier boxing gloves (if you can afford them), as they are best for your hand and wrist. Numerous expensive boxing gloves in the $100-$200 or even $500 price range are also very incredibly strong and protective.

Also Read: 5 Best MMA Gloves For Heavy Bag (7 Criteria When Choosing)

The Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves at around $60 come highly recommended. The innovative thumb-lock feature, premium synthetic leather, and superior construction of this glove strengthen its durability and provide excellent hand and thumb protection.

Additionally, it boasts thick, sandwich-style, two-layer foam padding for shock absorption.

The wrap-around hook-and-loop strap offers a snug and secure fit, and the glove’s natural shape adapts to the curve of your hand to promote the perfect punching technique. Additionally, it has a better curved anatomical grip and fit that is perfect for mitt to practise, heavy bag exercises and sparring.

In addition, the Everfresh treatment keeps your products smelling fresh preventing foul or unwanted odours. A full mesh palm guarantees comfort and ventilation. It comes in sizes of 8,12 & 14 oz.

They do offer great value for your money and beginners can use them to meet their training goals.

The kind of boxing glove you choose to buy is solely up to you. Most boxing gloves out there are overpriced and of poor quality. However, you should make your purchase based on what glove fits you, your fighting style, and your weight class, the best.

In general, you want to protect your hands as much as you can during training which can become challenging as you are advanced through the levels. I prefer having to cushion my knuckles.

Your knuckles are going to get hurt so you should do everything in your power to protect them whilst still comfortable during a fight. 

Q: Do You Need Expensive Boxing Gloves?

What you need are high-quality gloves that can provide you with all-round comfort, a little wrist support, more hand wrapping work, the ability to form a comfortable fist, with the seam and cushioning letting your fingertips dig in properly; secure hook and loop closure (usually good enough for heavy-bag work, sparring), and durability.

You don’t necessarily need expensive boxing gloves. Just make sure they fit the criteria I described above. That said, more expensive gloves are usually better and last longer.

 

Q: Does the Quality of Boxing Gloves Matter?

The quality of boxing gloves do matter. Only high or good-quality gloves can continue to provide cushioning after being repeatedly punched.

Having quality gloves helps keep your hands safe and comfortable throughout training for boxers. Just like other protective gear, boxing gloves perform best when they’re properly sized. 

 

Q: Is It Worth Buying Expensive Gloves?

Expensive boxing gloves are definitely worthwhile. Investing in the best equipment one can afford is always worth it.

Expensive gloves tend to last longer than cheaper ones, saving you money in addition to the protection they provide. 

 

Q: Are Venum Gloves Good?

Venum is an excellent brand with top-notch quality. In general, they are a fantastic choice for amateur boxers. The quality is excellent and is made of synthetic leather.

They stay long enough to end your typical weather and offer decent protection and comfort.

Though some complain that the gloves are usually very large and those with small hands can hardly find their fit. Aside from that, the company consistently receives praise for its excellent design, make, and materials used.

Q: Does Everlast Make Good Boxing Gloves?

Everlast do make good boxing gloves but they are usually less durable (though they are inexpensive). Everlast is the brand that most people consider when it comes to boxing. They have been producing top-notch professional fight gloves for more than 10 decades and One can say they make good products.

Personally, I use Everlast gloves for training since they are all-around supportive and solid.

Recently, they altered all their goods in favour of new varieties of gloves that offer superior structure and are of higher overall quality, a lot more pros now wear them in the ring. They provide a good blend of protection and punching power since they fall between “pillows” and “puncher’s gloves”.