Cameron Allen
Table of Contents
In combat sports like boxing, there is a huge risk of injury involved, not just in matches but in training sessions too. This is why there is a wide variety of safety equipment in the market, to help keep you safe from injuries and concussions, especially as a beginner. In this article, you will learn all about the essential boxing equipment you will need to begin and progress at this powerful combat sport.
Boxing Essentials Item Round-Up
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Training Bag
Boxing Equipment for Beginners
When it comes to boxing equipment, there is a wide variety of useful pieces of boxing gear in the market. Some of it is crucial like boxing gloves and head guards, some of it not so much, like shin guards and groin protectors.
Read below to learn all about boxing equipment and what you need to start boxing as a beginner.
Boxing Shoes
Boxing shoes hold huge significance when it comes to boxing training and also fights. They are specifically designed to provide stability, support, and grip, which are crucial for quick movements and footwork during a match or a sparring session.
Proper boxing shoes are usually made of durable and lightweight materials like leather or synthetic materials to help boxers move swiftly without feeling weighed down and easy clean-up.
What separates boxing shoes from other types of shoes is the high-top design that offers ankle support to prevent injuries while pivoting and dodging punches. The soles are also designed with a good grip to prevent slipping in the boxing ring.
Best Boxing Shoes [List]
More Options: Best Boxing Shoes
- Top Rated Boxing Shoe by Grapplers Graveyard
- Great ankle support
- Excellent for slim feet
- Excellent Traction
- Top Rated Boxing Shoe by Grapplers Graveyard
- Great ankle support and form fit
- Excellent Traction
- Beautiful Designs
- Top Rated Adidas Shoe on the list
- Great Ankle support
- Excellent traction in the ring
- Lightweight
- Everlast is known for their exceptional quality
- Many colorway options to choose from
- Durable and long lasting shoes
- Great Shoe without having to break the bank
- Easy to break in
Mouth Guards
Mouthguards are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment in boxing. Their job is to protect your teeth, jaw, and mouth from impacts during boxing training and matches.
Mouthguards are typically made of a moldable material like silicone or ethylene vinyl acetate. EVA mouthguards can be customized to fit your teeth for maximum protection and comfort within a break-in period. The main purpose of a mouthguard is to absorb and disperse the impact of punches to reduce the risk of dental and jaw injuries, and concussions.
Mouthguards also feature shock absorption technology and or airflow channels for better breathability.
Best Mouth Guard
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Impact Custom Mouthguards (Impact Mouth Guard Review)
Custom dental grade mouthguards that will fit your mouth perfectly. Breathe better than you have ever before with your mouthguard in
Hand Wraps
Hand wraps are a must-have when it comes to boxing gear. They play a vital role in protecting your hands, wrists, and knuckles from injuries by providing support and stability during punches, all while being under your boxing glove.
Traditional hand wraps are usually crafted from a blend of breathable materials like cotton, polyester, and elastic to offer a snug fit and proper compression
The purpose of wearing hand wraps is to help distribute the impact of punches across your hand, reducing the risk of sprains or fractures in your wrists and knuckles, especially on the heavy bag.
Best Hand Wraps
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How to Wrap Your Wrists (YouTube)
Perfect for any workout routine or training session, the smooth fabric conforms to your hands for a comfortable, non-restrictive wrap every time. Complete with a starter thumb loop and reinforced rubberized wrist tab to guarantee a secure fit. Elevate your boxing training equipment today with these top-tier boxer wraps.
- Comfort, protection, and support
- Perfect Stretch Fabric
- Long Lasting
Smaller Hands Or Lighter Wrap. 180 inches vs 120 inches. People with smaller hands, kids, women, or simply those who just want a shorter length prefer 120” bandage hand wraps
These hand wraps for boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and contact sport training offer incredible support for your wrist, whilst ensuring maximum comfort for a successful workout. Small & Medium sized hand gloves are only recommended for 10 - 14 year olds
Gloves (Sparring & Training Gloves)
When you start boxing, your first investment should be a pair of sparring gloves and training gloves. Having two pairs for sparring and training are essential for different aspects of your boxing training.
Sparring gloves are designed with extra padding to protect both you and your training partner when you spar. These gloves are heavier and are typically made of high-quality leather or synthetic materials with more cushioning to lessen the impact of punches. These can also be your heavy bag gloves, as they are heavier, you can train on the heavy bag.
On the other hand, training gloves are lighter and more versatile, they can be used for various technique-enhancing aspects of training like focus mitts, or the speed bag. They are also made of durable materials like leather or synthetic blends. Since they have a little less padding to support your hands and wrists during intense workouts, make sure to wear hand wraps.
It is recommended that you get both types of gloves. Both pairs hold huge importance for different stages of boxing training and play a significant role in keeping you safe and enhancing your performance.
Best Boxing Gloves
The Hayabusa T3 boxing gloves are arguably the Rolls Royce of boxing gloves. These luxurious leather bad boys are packed to the brim with premium features.
Everlast gloves are a great budget-friendly option. Everlast training gloves are great for both sparring and bag work.
Made with high-quality synthetic leather that provides durability and long-lasting performance. The triple-density foam padding offers excellent shock absorption, protecting your hands, wrists, and joints during intense training sessions or fights.
The Venum Impact is one of their best sellers because of the triple-density foam used to enhance protection and shock absorption in your hands and wrists.
The outer material features a sleek, yet sophisticated, design with a matte finish, making these gloves truly one of a kind. Feel the difference. A narrower shape, premium lining, and padding made specifically for women, unlike unisex gloves made for everyone
Boxing Shorts
Boxing shorts are an important part of a boxer’s training gear. They are designed for comfort, unrestricted movement, flexibility, and breathability during intense training sessions and matches.
Boxing shorts are mostly made from durable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking materials like satin or polyester. Boxing shorts are very breathable which allows freedom of movement and helps keep the boxer cool and dry.
The standout feature of boxing shorts is the wide slide slits, which provide ample room for leg movement and prevent any restrictions while throwing punches or moving around.
Best Boxing Shorts
Use code 'GRAPPLERSGRAVEYARD' to save 15% on your entire purchase
Use code 'GRAPPLERGRAVEYARD' to save at checkout
Stay cool and comfortable with Hayabusa's MMA fight and athletic shorts. Perfect for everyday training and even pro fights, Hayabusa workout shorts are built to last with virtually indestructible fabric and a silicone waistband to keep them locked in place.
FUJI is one of the most well-known brands in the martial arts space. If you are looking for a staple product and a high-quality pair of shorts, FUJI has you covered.
Why do you need high-quality, comfortable and classy BJJ shorts? Because when you’re on the mat, you’re in your second home, your battlefield and your safe haven. You want to always be prepared for what is going to be thrown at you and any and every hindrance in your way can result in your defeat.
Board short inspired, IBJJF legal fight shorts for No-Gi training. Made with a bit less stretch than their Classic Fight Shorts, the brand new Pacific Shorts will be your new daily go-to pair.
Cup or Groin Protector
Groin protectors are extremely important in boxing to safeguard against low blows and accidental hits to the sensitive groin area in the boxing gym.
These cups are mostly made of hard plastic or metal encased in a padded shell to absorb impact and protect the boxer from any kind of serious injury. Groin protectors are worn underneath the boxing shorts and provide an extra layer of defense during sparring sessions or matches, you can never be too safe.
Some groin protectors also come with adjustable straps for a secure and comfortable fit, ensuring maximum protection and freedom of movement.
Developed alongside first-class boxers, the Pro Boxing Groin Protector perfects a traditional design that boxing purists love. Sleek, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable, this groin guard delivers professional protection with a reinforced padded cup and full coverage padding to shield your hips and kidneys. Protects your balls from getting kicked so yeah, don't want that to happen...
The lightweight groin protector is designed to provide extended coverage to the lower abdomen along with serving its core purpose of protecting your crown jewels. Don't take the risk of never having lineage coming from your genes... it's probably smart to buy this.
Shin Guards (Kick Boxing & Muay Thai)
Shin guards play a vital role in kickboxing and Muay Thai training. They provide essential protection to the shins and lower legs from the impact of hard strikes and blocks.
These guards are typically crafted from robust and highly durable materials such as synthetic leather and foam padding. These materials are excellent for absorption and effectively dispersing the force of kicks during sparring sessions and drills. The main purpose of wearing shin guards is the additional cushioning you get. This cushioning reduces the likelihood of injuries like bruises or cuts that may occur during intense training.
Some shin guards also feature adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit and unrestricted movement, enhancing both safety and performance for kickboxing and Muay Thai practitioners in the ring.
Best Shin Guards
Venum Elite shin guards are skillfully handmade in Thailand to provide our elite fighters with the best fighting equipment. Made with 100% Skintex leather, our elite standup shin guards combine comfort and great durability at an affordable price.
- Premium skintex leather construction
- High Density foam with additional padding for enhanced shock Absorption
- Lightweight design
Take your training to the next level with T3 Full Back Shin Guards. Its multi-layered padding conforms to your leg, delivering remarkable impact absorption and protection when you throw a powerful kick. Secured in place with a breathable stretch sleeve, these shin guards provide the ultimate locked-in fit for rigorous training.
- Durable, lightweight, and comfortable
- Breathable sleeves conform to your calves making them extremely comfortable
- Deliver full coverage protection with a pre-curved design
- Constructed of Premium Leather with velcro strap
- Pre-curved, flexible and lightweight for optimal mobility with a secure fit
- Perfect choice for MMA shin guards, kickboxing shin guards, and Muay Thai shin guards
- Affordable Priced Gear
Level up your shin protection with the RDX AURA Plus T-17 Shin Instep. CE and UKCA certified, it offers cushioned support, comfort, and breathability for both your shins and instep. Trusted by millions of martial artists around the world
- Made with leather for superior durability
- Adjustable EZ Hook and Loop strap system for a secure and stable fit
- Highly absorbent moulded foam for unbeatable protection
Essential Hybrid Shin Guards are designed to serve as either MMA or kickboxing shin guards. Less Adjusting, More Training. Neoprene sleeve design with top leg fastener and proprietary mid leg fastener means you won’t break your rhythm to readjust every few minutes
- Leather construction
- Durasoft impact-protection foam
- Comfortable fit and easy to train in
- Lightweight
Head Protection
Headgear is an essential boxing equipment, especially if you need to start boxing as a beginner. It provides vital protection for the head and face during sparring and training sessions.
Headgear is typically made of durable materials such as leather or synthetic materials that will last you years of rough use. It is designed to absorb and distribute the impact of punches, thereby reducing the risk of head injuries and concussions.
An important feature of headgear is the strategically placed padding around the cheeks, forehead, and ears, which aims to cushion blows and minimize the likelihood of cuts and bruises.
Furthermore, many headgear designs come with adjustable straps and enhanced padding for a secure and comfortable fit, enabling boxers to concentrate on their training with peace of mind.
Best Head Protection
The best headgear in the world is now handcrafted with the finest quality leather. Designed with you in mind, Hayabusa Headgear offers low-profile, full-face protection with a broad field of vision. Vented mesh ears and an open top keep you cool and comfortable while you spar so that you can keep your head in the game.
- Handcrafted with the finest quality leather
- Low profile design maximizes strike deflection
- Soft thermal lining helps to regulate your temperature
Pre-curved technology allows your protective head guard to naturally fit the shape of your head, regardless of your head size & shape. Ultra-lightweight allows for you to increase the speed of your head movements.
- Fits well to your head
- Lightweight for increased speed and head movements
- Affordable Price
Whether it’s Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai or any other contact sport, Essential Head Gear provides excellent full-face coverage and protection while training or sparring
- Highly Functional Design
- Versatile Boxing Head Gear: For multiple striking sports
- Affordable Price
Crafted from natural grain cowhide leather, available in multiple colors, it ensures unmatched protection and visibility. The innovative design includes padding around ear channels for added safety.
- IBA Approved for amateur competitions
- Natural grain cowhide leather in blue and red
- Designed for optimal protection & visibility
Designed in Thailand and constructed with 100% Skintex leather. The ultra-lightweight headgear allows for improved head movement and visibility of your opponent. Keep your head in the game with the Venum Challenger 2.0 headgear.
- Ultra lightweight
- Triple density contoured foam
- Flexible two way Velcro closure
Why Start Boxing?
Boxing is arguably one of the best and most useful combat sports. It is an excellent way of building confidence by learning self-defense.
It is one of the best ways to stay fit, young, and active and build some serious strength, alongside an aesthetic physique. Boxing is a very physically demanding sport, a good training session will have a gasping for air and drenched in sweat within minutes. This makes it a great way to lose weight.
Alongside all this, there are the mental benefits. Boxing can help you build unshakable confidence and impeccable discipline. It is also an amazing stress reliever for anxiety and anger, there is nothing like hitting a punching bag as hard as you can.
So if you’re looking to start a combat sport, that isn’t as technical as most martial arts, you need to start boxing.
What type of boxing gloves should I get?
To choose the right pair of gloves, it’s essential to consider factors like your training goals, and experience level.
For beginners, a good choice is to go for standard training gloves with enough padding to protect your hands and wrists during practice sessions.
If you’re more focused on sparring, you can get sparring gloves that offer extra padding for both you and your partner’s safety.
Additionally, if you’re into heavy bag training, heavier bag gloves can be a great option to provide the necessary protection and stability.
(Optional) At Home Equipment
When it comes to boxing, you do not need the best boxing equipment out there to make progress, neither do you need a gym.
In fact, with just of a bit of boxing gear, you can make some huge progress in the comfort of your own home. A pair of boxing gloves, traditional hand wraps and a punching bag is pretty much all you need to start boxing.
Punching Bags (Heavy Bags)
Getting a heavy bag for your home gym is one of the best ways to make some serious progress as a beginner. Especially if you are intimated by boxing gyms.
Heavy punching bags are great for building strength in your punches and kicks and also improving your technique. Just make sure to hang the bag safely and securely to protect yourself and also your home space.
Best Punching Bags
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Titan Fitness (Muay Thai Heavy Bags)
More Options: Best Punching Bags
Whatever your training goal is, a FUJI punching bag is a reliable choice. Use Code 'GRAVEYARD' to save 5% on your purchase
Its height and higher weight make it a popular tool for practicing a wide range of strikes and techniques. This bag provides the ultimate training goal, by withstanding intense workout pressures and challenging your workout skills.
The UFC also has its own lineup of traditional punching bags ranging from 70-100lbs.
The comfortable thick padding will maximize your training experience, and allow you to work on your offense while minimizing unnecessary discomfort.
Jump Rope
You will often see experienced boxers skipping regularly. This is because it’s a full-body workout that enhances your footwork, agility, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.
You can use jump ropes to improve your timing, rhythm, and overall conditioning, all of which are essential in the ring. Skipping also helps strengthen the muscles in your legs, core, and shoulders, contributing to better balance and stability in the ring.
It’s a versatile and portable piece of equipment that you can use anywhere, making it a convenient and effective training tool for boxers of all levels.
Best Speed Rope
At-Home Training Programs (Are they Worth it)
At-home training programs are an excellent choice for beginners. They offer flexibility, convenience, and the ability to train without the need to go to a gym. With a good program, you can gain access to a variety of workouts tailored to your fitness level and goals. These can also include boxing-specific drills and routines that can help you improve your skills and stay in shape.
Many programs also provide guidance from experienced trainers, nutrition tips, and progress tracking to help you stay motivated and keep you accountable.
Modern day MMA requires you to be strong. If you're not, being stuck on your back on the canvas or against the cage is a real threat to your win record. You can't just use any strength training program. It needs to be designed specifically for MMA.
