A Helpful Comparison B/w Leather and Synthetic Boxing Gloves

In the realm of combat sports fighting, the significance of boxing gloves cannot be overstated: they help with punching, sparring, and protecting your hands and knuckles. Whether it is a HIIT(high-intensity-interval training) session or a real-world fighting match, their quality can make or break your performance. 

The quality of gloves is largely governed by the material used in their construction, with genuine leather and synthetic leather (PU/PV) emerging as two solid options. 

Each material comes with unique attributes and trade-offs, which often bemuse the boxers when choosing the right option. This blog will walk you through the key differences between leather vs synthetic boxing gloves,  enabling you to make an informed decision based on your training needs.

Understanding Boxing Gloves Materials

The glove material governs the level of comfort, fit, sweat resistance, and punch power during every training session or match. But here comes a problem: there is hardly any material that melds all these attributes. When considering leather and synthetic leather as potential options, boxers have to compromise a bunch of features while benefiting from others. The key lies in understanding the unique characteristics of each material, which will enable you to make an informed choice.

1- Genuine leather:

Leather boxing gloves are crafted using pure leather extracted from cow or goat hides. Pure leather, a material prized for its extended durability and raw texture, has earned a distinctive spot in the MMA gear manufacturing sphere in Australia. Gloves engineered from genuine leather come with a hefty price tag for offering several benefits: resilience, durability, and the ability to mould the hand profile perfectly. 

2- Synthetic Leather: 

Synthetic boxing gloves are engineered using synthetic leather — a material that mimicks genuine leather look, but features a different composition. It is a blend of Polyeutherane( PU) leather, vinyl, and microfiber. Gloves crafted using synthetic leather are less costly, and therefore come with several trade-offs, such as lower durability and vulnerability to changes in their structure when they come into contact with sweat or sunlight.  

Durability Comparison of Leather vs Synthetic Boxing Gloves:

1- Leather Gloves:

Leather gloves exhibit exceptional durability, and thus resist cracking, cracking, and seam failure — the credit goes to their natural fiber strength and adapt to frequent stress levels over time. For boxers who often engage in high-intensity training sessions and matches frequently, MMA leather gloves are a worthy investment.  In Australia, where humidity and hot weather prevail, these gloves serve for 5-7 years without losing quality when properly maintained. 

2- Synthetic Gloves:    

Synthetic gloves, on the other hand, fall short when it comes to durability. Their primary constituents — Polyeutherane( PU) leather and vinyl — make the gloves prone to peeling and flaking under heavy use. Their performance significantly drops when they come in contact with sunlight or sweat, requiring frequent replacement every 12-18 months. Lower durability of synthetic gloves makes them a suitable choice for beginner-level boxers or gym enthusiasts.

Like boxing gloves, mouthguards are a crucial component of advanced-level boxers who often engage in HIT training. Click through the link below and read on for tips for choosing the right headgear

Read This Blog:  How To Choose The Best Boxing Headgear

Sweat Resistance Comparison: Leather Gloves vs Synthetic Gloves     

Leather Gloves:

Sheep or goat leather has a grain-like texture, which favours breathability, but at the same time, instantly absorbs moisture. Once the moisture is absorbed, it remains trapped until properly dried, causing bacterial buildup and bad odour. 

Over time, if their cleanliness is neglected, their performance and shape are compromised, with the appearance of cracks and flaking on their surface.

Synthetic Leather:

Synthetic leather gloves win this department due to their low absorption capacity and easy-to-clean nature. Even under heavy usage, sweat and absorbed moisture can be easily wiped out, making them a good option for frequent use in the summer season. It is, however, important to note that when proper maintenance is overlooked, synthetic gloves degrade at a faster rate than leather gloves. 

Cost Comparison Between Synthetic and Leather Gloves

Leather Gloves

Leather gloves, offering higher durability and better fit, offer a higher price tag. In Australia, they usually go between AU $65—$450+. Their higher price tag makes them a good fit for elite-level boxers. However, their higher cost is compensated for by long-term use.

Synthetic Leather Gloves

Synthetic leather gloves are lightweight but wear out in a short time. Their lower durability makes them a cost-effective option for novice boxers, who often have financial constraints. As they lose their essential qualities earlier, boxers may need frequent replacements, which inflates the cumulative cost.

The Final Verdict: Microfiber vs genuine leather boxing gloves 

• If you are a beginner exploring basic functionality and have a limited budget, synthetic leather gloves are a good option.
• If you are a pro-level boxer who seeks long-term durability with advanced features, genuine leather boxing gloves are worth your consideration.

A Tabular Comparison 

How To Maintain Your Boxing Gloves?

No matter the quality of gloves, if their maintenance is ignored, their quality falls gradually. As a result, keeping a good pair of gloves becomes a costly venture for your pocket. To maintain the performance and appearance of gloves, follow these tips below:

1- After every training session or match, allow the gloves to dry in natural air. Doing so will help to eliminate sweat buildup and kill bacteria.

2- Pair leather gloves with hand wraps; this will prevent direct contact of sweat with the inner glove material, enhancing its lifespan.

3- Avoid drying gloves under direct sunlight, as it can crack leather or degrade its quality.

4- Make a habit of cleaning your gloves every 3-4 weeks by applying leather conditioner

5- Keep your gloves in a well-ventilated area, preferably on a shelf or in a hanging state.

Final Words

Choosing between leather and synthetic boxing gloves comes down to understanding the unique characteristics of each. The season of your locality also governs the buying decision. If hot weather prevails, synthetic gloves are a good fit. On the other hand, if you engage in HIT( High Intensity Training) that requires hard-grain material, then leather gloves deserve a spot in your MMA gear.