The type of material used to make boxing gloves is often a key criterion when choosing the final product. Basically, the manufacturing materials are divided into 3 types:
- natural leather;
- synthetic
- microfibre
Most of you probably think that natural leather is superior to its synthetic counterpart in every area. Generally speaking, one might assume that such a thesis is true, but... But, advances in technology have contributed a lot to the development of this area. Below is a detailed breakdown of the different types of materials used to make gloves.
Gloves made of natural leather
-
100% Cowhide Leather Boxing Gloves
This type of leather used for making boxing gloves is very durable and provides excellent flexibility and comfort. It is also the least susceptible to moisture and unpleasant odour. It is now the standard material for high-end boxing gloves (e.g. from Twins or Fairtex).
The gloves offer excellent stretch and maximum resistance to tearing. They last for a long time: they do not crack and aesthetically look as if you have just bought them. Cowhide leather products like these have a pleasant texture to the touch.
Undoubtedly, these are all excellent performance features that have an impact on the price. Generally, cowhide gloves are quite expensive, but they will also last you long enough.
2. Buffalo Leather Boxing Gloves
Buffalo leather gloves are slightly softer than cowhide gloves but just as durable. This material usually has the same properties as its predecessor, but because of the hair marks on the leather, such products are a little cheaper.
Synthetic Leather Gloves
-
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Boxing Gloves
Although in synthetic leather the material is quite flexible, it's not as durable as natural leather. It may crack if used frequently. However, if you do not want to spend a lot of money on equipment, for example, if you are just starting to train or if you perceive martial arts as a hobby, PVC gloves can be a good choice for you. The material is cheap, which has a positive effect on the price of the gloves. However, PVC gloves "don't breathe". This just means that they will smell unpleasant after prolonged use and the comfort level of use will slowly deteriorate.
2. Polyurethane Boxing Gloves
Also called Skintex/Syntek/Maya Hide. Like PVC, polyurethane is one of the cheapest materials, making it an affordable choice for boxing gloves. Like its predecessor, it has less resistance to cracking and wear. But the material is porous, so it lets air in, which slows down odour formation.
Other synthetic leathers worth mentioning are Skintex and Syntek, commonly used by Thai manufacturers such as Fairtex. It's more expensive than standard PU, but almost as durable as genuine leather. Recommended for purchase.
3. Microfibre Boxing Gloves
Microfibre leather is a high quality synthetic and extremely technical product. Thanks to the use of microfibre, it imitates the structure of natural leather and its appearance and characteristics are even superior to leather in terms of durability! Due to its superior characteristics, synthetic microfibre leather is used by leading manufacturers of boxing gloves such as BLEGEND Boxing Gloves.
So what is the best material for boxing or Thai gloves?
Whether you are a professional fighter or practice martial arts as a hobby, you can always opt for microfibre which is as good as leather, and durable enough to last a lifetime.
