Sparring is an essential part of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training, and choosing the right gloves is crucial both for training comfortably and for preventing injuries. In this article we give you all the information you need about MMA sparring gloves – from choosing the right size to maintaining your gloves.
Want to buy MMA sparring gloves and find the right ones straight away? Then read on.
What are MMA sparring gloves?
MMA sparring gloves are designed to protect your hands and knuckles during training and sparring sessions. Unlike traditional boxing gloves, MMA gloves are much smaller and have open fingers. This gives you more mobility and the ability to grapple. These gloves offer sufficient protection without restricting freedom of movement, making them ideal for the complex game of MMA.
In MMA there is a difference between grappling gloves and sparring gloves.
How do you distinguish grappling gloves from sparring gloves?
In MMA there is a difference between grappling gloves and sparring gloves. But what exactly is the difference?
MMA grappling gloves:
You recognise the grappling variant of MMA gloves by the half fingers and the fact that they are quite thin and light. These gloves are designed with grip and control as the starting point. MMA grappling gloves are suitable in the following situations:
- MMA grappling training where striking is controlled. Focus is on groundwork.
- Light MMA sparring, where the focus is on technique and fluid movement.
- MMA competitions are fought in the grappling variant.
MMA grappling gloves have less padding, which gives you more freedom of movement in your fingers. This is especially useful when grappling, where you want as much grip as possible.
Less padding, however, also means less protection – both for your own hands and for your training partner. That is why it is not recommended that you use grappling gloves in training sessions where things get harder.
MMA sparring gloves:
You recognise the sparring variant of MMA gloves by the thickness of the glove. They are quite thick at your knuckles and curved, so that your fingers are curled inwards. This is to prevent, among other things, poking your training partner in the eyes with your fingers.
MMA sparring gloves are thicker, heavier and specifically designed for hard sparring sessions.
The extra padding offers more protection for your hands when striking and also prevents cuts on the face of your sparring partners.
How do you choose the right size MMA gloves?
Now that we know the difference between MMA sparring and grappling gloves, we come to the next point. How do you choose the right size MMA gloves? Here is a simple way to determine your size:
Place the tape measure just below your knuckles and without the thumb. In general, you can use the following size chart:
- 16–18 cm: S
- 19–21 cm: M
- 22+ cm L/XL
Always check the size chart of the specific model you want to buy. Sizes can sometimes differ per brand.
P.S. Gloves should fit snugly but comfortably. They will stretch a little over time and adapt to the shape of your hand.
Leather or synthetic leather?
When choosing MMA gloves you face the choice between leather and synthetic leather. But what exactly are the advantages and disadvantages of these materials compared to each other?
Leather MMA gloves:
- Durability: Leather is known for its robustness and can last longer than synthetic leather.
- Breathable: The natural material of leather provides better ventilation than synthetic leather.
- Comfort: Leather adapts to the shape of your hand over time, making the gloves increasingly comfortable.
- Appearance: Leather MMA gloves often have a luxurious look and are generally more beautifully finished.
The only disadvantage of leather MMA gloves is the higher price compared to synthetic leather options. But if they fit within your budget, leather is certainly recommended.
Synthetic leather MMA gloves:
- Affordability: Synthetic leather is generally cheaper than real leather, making it a budget-friendly choice.
- Water-resistant: Synthetic leather is more resistant to moisture, making it easier to maintain.
- Vegan: For those concerned about animal welfare, synthetic leather offers an animal-friendly alternative.
- Wide choice: There are more synthetic leather models available than leather, because they are produced in larger quantities.
The disadvantage of synthetic leather is that it is less durable than real leather, especially with intensive use.
The choice between leather and synthetic leather for your MMA gloves depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, budget and training needs.
Can you use MMA sparring gloves for bag training?
Although MMA sparring gloves are designed for sparring, they are less suitable for heavy bag training. The big disadvantage of MMA gloves if you want to use them for bag training is that there is no thumb compartment. So they offer no protection at your thumb and the risk of injury is therefore much greater.
We therefore recommend using boxing gloves when you are going to train on the punching bag. That way you can train without worries and are less likely to get injured.
How should you maintain MMA gloves?
Proper maintenance of your gloves extends their lifespan and ensures better hygiene. Here are some tips:
- Dry them well: Let your gloves dry thoroughly after each training session. Hang them in a well-ventilated place or use a dryer (we are fans of the Shoefresh).
- Clean regularly: Clean the outside of the gloves with a damp cloth and do not use aggressive chemicals.
- Prevent smelly gloves: Use antibacterial sprays or place odour-eliminating sachets in your gloves to reduce unpleasant smells.
FAQ
What is the difference between MMA gloves and boxing gloves?
MMA gloves have less padding and open fingers, which provides more mobility and the ability to grapple. Boxing gloves have more padding and are more voluminous, which offers better protection during heavy strikes.
Can MMA gloves go in the washing machine?
We do not recommend washing MMA gloves in the washing machine, as this can damage the material. Clean them with a damp cloth, let them dry thoroughly and use an antibacterial spray against bad smells.
How often should I replace my gloves?
The lifespan of your gloves depends on how often and intensively you train. In general, well-maintained gloves last 6 to 12 months with regular use. Look out for signs of wear such as thinning padding and tears in the material. Replace your gloves if they no longer provide sufficient protection to prevent injuries.
Do you need MMA gloves or are your old ones due for replacement?
View all our MMA gloves here.