How Long Do Boxing Gloves Last (And When To Replace)
Recently taken up boxing as a hobby? We’re sure you’ll be in total agreement with us when we say that, when it comes to boxing equipment, the price tag can often be pretty high!
For this reason, it’s important to make sure that you’re taking proper care of your boxing accessories so that they can offer you a long service life, and boxing gloves are no exception.
A fundamental aspect of boxing, boxing gloves are an essential part of your boxing attire and will help to protect your hands from becoming injured during each punch, all while providing your wrists with the support they need to maximize each throw with power.
As the main point of contact, boxing gloves will take the brunt of all your training sessions and matches…so how long can you expect them to last, exactly?
If you’re currently wondering how long your boxing gloves will last before you need to swap them out for a new pair, then rest assured that you have clicked on the right article.
To help you understand a little more about boxing gloves, we’re going to be talking you through how long you can expect your gloves to last, how to maintain them for longer, as well as how to spot the telltale signs that they are in need of replacing. Let’s jump in!
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Pair Of Boxing Gloves?
When it comes to determining how long your boxing gloves are going to last, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact timeframe simply due to the fact that there are a variety of different factors that need to be taken into account.
However, as a general rule of thumb, it is generally considered that boxing gloves should be able to offer a service life of anywhere from one to three years, although do keep in mind that depending on the quality of your boxing gloves and how frequently you use them, this timeframe could be longer or shorter.
Nevertheless, to give you a greater understanding of how long you can expect a pair of boxing gloves to last, let’s explore the main influencing factors below:
The Overall Quality
First things first, one of the biggest factors that influence how long a pair of boxing gloves will last is their quality.
So, it should come as no surprise to hear that boxing gloves that are of a higher quality will be able to withstand frequent, heavy-duty use more than a pair of gloves that have been made with cheaper materials and poor craftsmanship.
However, whether or not you’ll need to splash out on a pair of premium gloves will greatly depend on what kind of boxer you are.
If you box regularly or are very experienced, then you’ll likely find that making an investment in a pair of high quality gloves is worth it, but if you’re just starting out then you might find yourself only needing a pair of basic gloves while you practice your technique and familiarize yourself with the sport.
How Often They Are Used
Alongside their overall quality, another factor that influences the overall life of a pair of boxing gloves is the frequency in which they are used.
Just think of it like this: if an experienced boxer trains with their boxing gloves multiple times a week for sparring or to work on their technique, then it’s only natural that their boxing gloves will become damaged and worn down more quickly than a boxer who is just getting started and only likes to box in their spare time for fun.
It should also be noted that the type of boxing training can also greatly affect the overall lifespan of a pair of boxing gloves.
Due to the high levels of repetitive impact, many boxers find that their boxing gloves become damaged and in need of replacement far quicker when focusing solely on bag work, as opposed to when they are working with a sparring partner.
How Well They Are Maintained
Last but certainly not least, another huge factor that plays a role in determining the overall lifespan of a pair of boxing gloves is how well they are cared for.
Ideally, you should be making sure that you are giving your boxing gloves a good clean after each use, as this will help to lower the chance of them becoming damaged from bacteria that could potentially lead to mold growth – as well as nasty odors!
A cleaning spray such as the Vapor Fresh Natural Sports Cleaning Spray is an awesome choice to use, although if you don’t want to spend too much money, then you could alternatively opt to use a cleaning mixture of vinegar and water.
In addition to making sure that you are cleaning your boxing gloves, it is also important to make sure that you are properly storing your boxing gloves in between uses, too. To ensure the longevity of your boxing gloves, you will need to make sure that you are storing your boxing gloves in a dry, cool area – such as inside a boxing bag.
Signs Your Boxing Gloves Need To Be Replaced
Even though there are a variety of ways that you can help to prolong the life of your boxing gloves, sooner or later they will need to be replaced. Here are some telltale signs that will indicate to you that you need to swap out your gloves for a new pair:
- Your boxing gloves have lost their shape and are no longer providing you with structured support.
- Your boxing gloves have holes or tears.
- The velcro fastening has weakened and is no longer securing your wrists properly.
- A persistent odor that won’t go away.
Even though all of these are surefire signs that your boxing gloves need to be replaced, we also recommend that you make sure to replace your boxing gloves at least once every one to three years (depending on how often you use them) to make sure that your wrists and hands are getting the proper support needed while you box.
This love then later flourished into an obsession with all things combat sports. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to full MMA, I have truly tried it all. And now, with this blog, I wish to bring my knowledge to others. I hope my articles will help others to learn more about these often misunderstood sports, and the skills needed to be successful.
- What Is A Hook In Boxing (And Mistakes To Avoid When Throwing) - December 16, 2021
- How Much Do Professional Boxers Get Paid (Inc. Per Fight) - December 16, 2021
- What Age Should You Start Boxing (What’s A Good Age) - December 16, 2021
