Kids’ Boxing Gloves: How Parents Can Check Fit, Wrist Support and Comfort

The purchase of boxing gloves for a kid isn't just a matter of selecting the smallest size available. Parents should take into consideration the size of a young player's hands, training requirements and experience level when deciding on the size of the glove to purchase.

The goal of selecting kids' boxing gloves is to ensure they are tight enough around the wrist and hand for security, but not so tight that they restrict freedom of movement or cause pain.

Begin by Checking the Kid's Actual Hand Fit

A glove could seem like the right size and fit on the outside, but be very different inside for the child wearing it.

The first step parents should take is to see how the hand fits into the glove.

Inquire with the kid if the fingers feel comfortable and if they can form a natural fist without feeling too much pressure.

The fingers should naturally fit into the glove, but not clench out of the opening or float in the empty area.

If the glove moves a lot when the child moves the hand, then the glove might not feel very stable when training.

Checking finger position, wrist closure and overall comfort can help parents assess whether kids' boxing gloves fit properly before training.

Look at the Knuckle Area

The key aspect of the fit of gloves is the knuckle area.

The padding should be just over the knuckles and is not meant to be positioned on top of the skin. If the child feels the glove pushing back on the hand or if they have to put their hand in an awkward position to wear the glove, it might not be a suitable fit.

If parents are interested in boxing gloves for training, they need to be mindful that two gloves labelled the same size may feel different due to the internal shape and padding design.

Fit should be determined by the way the glove fits on the child's hand.

Pay Attention to the Thumb Position

The thumb should also fit snugly in the glove.

Check with the child to see if there is pulling, pressure or an unusual position around the thumb.

The glove should not be too tight, or the child will have to squeeze the hand into an awkward position to fit it in.

This can be particularly beneficial when looking at the various boxing glove choices for a young boxer.

Look at Wrist Support and Closure

Special care should be taken with the wrist area.

The majority of training gloves have a strap or other type of closing mechanism. The glove should fit snugly around the wrist and not cause any pain or discomfort.

Check whether:

• The strap is properly closed.
• The glove is mobile around the wrist.
• The cuff is too loose.
• The child complains of pressure.
• Both gloves have a similar feel.

A secure closure will help to make the glove feel more controlled when performing regular training movements.

But tighter is not necessarily better. The closure of the wrist should be firm but not too tight.

Consider Hand Wraps

If the child is accustomed to wearing hand wraps, then the glove fit should be checked with the child's hand wraps.

Hand wraps encase the hand and wrist and can alter the inner volume of the glove.

A non-wrapped glove that is comfortable could feel a bit tighter when it is wrapped.

If boxing hand wraps are utilised, it is advisable to use a fairly uniform wrapping technique for hand wraps. This way, the fit of the gloves can be evaluated the same way each time.

Inquire With the Child About Comfort

Parents should not just assume that the gloves will fit because they look good.

Children can give feedback that may be helpful if the gloves are too tight, too loose or uncomfortable.

Make simple inquiries:

• Are there any constraints anywhere?
• Are the fingers tight?
• Can you make a fist with the glove, and does it move?
• Are there any differences between the two wrists?

This can help discover problems that may not be visible from the exterior.

Test the Gloves Before a Full Session

Proper fitting gloves should be tested before a full session to assess the fit and comfort.

If possible, have the child wear the gloves for a short period of time before the full training session.

Allow them to make some controlled movements and see if the gloves stay on.

Parents can also request a qualified coach to verify the fit, especially if the child is new to boxing.

If a boxing coach has experience with youth boxing training equipment, they may be able to determine if the glove size and style are suitable for the training style.

Avoid Buying Just for Future Growth

Sometimes parents think of purchasing items that are much larger than the child's size to “grow into.”

If there is too much additional space in boxing gloves, they can feel unstable.

Size information from the manufacturer should be used, and the fit of the child should be taken into consideration rather than just growth.

Fit can change as children grow and should be checked regularly.

Match the Glove to the Training

There are different purposes for different gloves.

Other forms of bag work, pad training, general boxing practice and the like may require other equipment.

Parents should do this based upon how the child will be spending their time and in accordance with advice from the coach or training centre.

The best type of combat sports training equipment for a child is the one that fits the child well, is appropriate for the type of training and is comfortable for the child.

Final Thoughts

Children's boxing gloves should be comfortable, secure and suitable for the level of training that they are going through.

Parents can observe the position of the fingers, knuckles, thumb position and wrist closure, as well as ask the child how the gloves feel.

If hand wraps would normally be worn, include them in the fitting process.

The best idea is to consider the whole system, not just the size that's printed on the glove.

Through regular fitting checks, parents will be able to know what glove size to obtain for their child's training and what other boxing gear to obtain to suit their child's requirements.