Muay Thai (a combat sport that originated in Thailand and uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins) requires the use of specialized gear for training, including gloves. Choosing the right type of gloves is crucial for any Muay Thai athlete. The type of gloves you use will largely depend on the application (training versus fighting) and your body weight.
In this article, we’ll break down the different types and weights of gloves, what features to look for, and other factors to consider when selecting the right gloves for your training.
Should You Use Different Muay Thai Gloves for Training?
In Muay Thai, athletes typically use different gloves for training than they do for fighting. Heavier gloves are typically used for training, offering superior protection for the athlete (as well as protection for your sparring partner). While the design and shape of the gloves remain consistent, Muay Thai training gloves are distinguished by their weight.
What Size Glove Should You Get?
In Muay Thai, glove weight is typically sized by body weight. When choosing a glove weight for specific training scenarios, it’s important to prioritize safety for both you and your sparring partner. That’s because your gloves not only protect you, but they protect your training partner as well. Thus, it’s recommended to use your heaviest gloves for sparring for maximum protection. For speed work and bag work, most prefer medium or light-sized gloves weighing between 10oz and 14oz, although some may choose a 16oz glove. During fights, you’ll want to use your lightest pair of gloves.
Serious athletes typically own 2-4 pairs of gloves for various applications, ensuring that they are equipped with the appropriate gear for any training scenario.
Choosing Quality Materials
When searching for the right Muay Thai gloves for your training, you’ll want to prioritize those that can endure challenging workouts. Investing in high-quality materials is an important step to ensuring maximum performance for athletes.
Full-grain leather gloves are an excellent choice for providing superior protection, optimal performance, and longevity for Muay Thai training, sparring, and fights. By opting for top-quality Muay Thai gloves, you not only benefit from peak performance but also showcase the class and style that sets you apart.
The choice of materials and thread construction is critical to withstanding intense pressure without breaking or stretching. For example, CORBETTI’s Muay Thai gloves are made with KEVLAR®, which is 13 times less stretchy, 2.5 times stronger, and nearly twice as heat-resistant as the best Nylon thread on the market. This means that gloves made with KEVLAR® thread offer ultimate peak performance for Muay Thai fighters.
Taking Care of Your Gloves
Proper cleaning is crucial to maximizing the lifespan of your gloves. After each use, wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth to remove sweat, dirt, and debris. Pay particular attention to the interior, where bacteria can accumulate. For added protection, consider using an antimicrobial spray or deodorizing powder inside your gloves. Alternatively, choose gloves made with natural antimicrobial materials like silver.
To further prevent odor buildup, make sure to allow your gloves to thoroughly air out before storing them. By taking good care of your training gloves and rotating them regularly, you can ensure they remain in excellent condition for many years.
In Conclusion
Selecting the right gloves is crucial for any Muay Thai athlete to ensure maximum protection, optimal performance, and longevity during training and fights. When choosing Muay Thai gloves, it’s essential to consider your body weight and the specific application, such as sparring, bag work, or fights.
Quality materials, like full-grain leather and KEVLAR® thread, can withstand intense pressure and offer ultimate peak performance. Proper care and maintenance, including regular cleaning and airing out, can significantly extend the lifespan of your gloves.
By considering these factors, you can invest in the right gloves that fit your needs and help you unleash your full potential in the ring.
