The short answer is yes – you can use boxing gloves for Muay Thai. However, the long answer is a bit more complicated. Boxing gloves are designed to protect your hands and help punches land with full force; whereas Muay Thai requires a wider range of techniques such as knee strikes, elbow strikes, and clinching. If you use boxing gloves for Muay Thai, you may not be able to execute techniques with the same degree of flexibility and control.
For serious practitioners, it’s highly recommended that you invest in a pair of leather Muay Thai gloves specifically designed for the sport and designed to last (such as CORBETTI Muay Thai gear). Muay Thai gloves provide excellent protection while allowing you to use more precise techniques such as clinching and knee strikes. They are still able to provide ample support for your wrists, allowing you to train safely without worrying about injuries.
What’s the Difference Between Muay Thai Gloves and Boxing Gloves?
The difference between Muay Thai gloves and boxing gloves is mainly in the design and rigidity/support. Muay Thai gloves are more flexible than boxing gloves. This allows you to grab and grip your opponent with more control.
While boxing gloves go all the way up your forearm, which offers greater protection, Muay Thai gloves only go past your wrist, which offers greater flexibility.
Which Type of Glove Provides the Best Wrist Support?
Boxing gloves by nature are more supportive because the wrist closure is longer and more rigid (hence why your range of motion is more limited). This means that they’re great for providing wrist support and provide more wrist support than Muay Thai gloves. But remember, Muay Thai gloves provide more flexibility for executing moves specific to Muay Thai.
Use Hand Wraps
Especially in Muay Thai, you’ll use wrist wraps (worn under the glove) to help provide additional support and stability. Wrist wraps are an essential piece of equipment for any Muay Thai practitioner.
Choosing a Pair of Muay Thai Gloves
Whether you choose to invest in a pair of Muay Thai gloves or use boxing gloves, make sure that you wear the right type and size/weight.
When selecting Muay Thai-specific gloves, two primary factors to consider are size/weight and quality of the materials. Glove weight fit depends on your body weight and intended use, as heavier gloves provide more protection and are ideal for training with a partner while lighter gloves are better suited for speed work and competition. Quality materials are essential to ensure durability and comfort during training. It’s advisable to choose gloves made from high-quality leather that will hold up well over the years. Additionally, look for gloves with reinforced stitching and a secure closure system to prevent them from slipping off during training. Some gloves feature antimicrobial materials and higher-quality thread and higher-quality padding.
Ultimately, investing in high-quality gloves will pay off in the long run by protecting your hands and providing a more comfortable training experience.
Don’t Forget to Factor in Style and Aesthetic Preference
First and foremost, you’ll want a glove that will perform well. But don’t forget to consider your style preferences as well. Looking good in the gym and the ring can do a lot to support your confidence.
Muay Thai Glove Sizing Chart
Based on body weight and intended use, Muay Thai gloves come in different sizes and weights. If the athlete weighs less than 150 lbs, it’s recommended to go for 10 or 12-oz gloves, with a tendency towards heavier gloves for training and lighter ones for competition. On the other hand, if the athlete weighs over 150 lbs, 14 or 16-oz gloves would be more suitable.
Here is a typical sizing chart for Muay Thai gloves:
In Conclusion
The bottom line is, while using boxing gloves for Muay Thai is a suitable option, it’s best to invest in a pair of Muay Thai-specific gloves if you plan on taking your training seriously. They are more suited to the sport and allow you to use more precise techniques. Remember: the right glove can make all the difference in your Muay Thai practice.
