Muay Thai Gloves vs Boxing Gloves: Differences Explained

After training in different gyms, I have seen players think gloves are interchangeable. When it comes to Muay Thai gloves vs boxing gloves, both have evolved for better performance. Both are stand-up striking sports; boxing focuses only on punches, but Muay Thai is an art of 8 limbs. It has techniques mix of punches, elbow strikes, knee strikes, kicks, and clinching.

With the popularity of mixed martial arts, trainers have focused on differences. They have started offering training for different styles. Many athletes or even pro players train in different martial arts. This has increased the need for different gloves. This article will help you know the differences between the gloves. This will help you make an informed choice.

Features of Boxing Gloves

After training in boxing and Muay Thai for years, and used many pairs of boxing gloves. I have realised their design is special. From bare knuckle boxing to the invention of the first boxing gloves in the mid-18th century.

The earliest gloves resembled padded oven mitts with minimal padding. With time, they became more padded. Modern gloves of boxing gloves are more streamlined. As compared to Muay Thai gloves, they have a boxy shape. With added padding towards the front of the knuckles. This minimizes the impact of punches.

This also creates a lack of protection for the wrist and thumb. That’s not suitable for Muay Thai training. Where you need to block kicks and catch strikes.

Features of Muay Thai Gloves

The reform of Muay Thai glove design is a process. Where the current form changes to western boxing gloves. Generally speaking, they feature a rounder shape with all-around foam padding. This gives an important complete hand protection. Extra padding protects both punches and kicks, and elbows.

These gloves are also less stiff and rigid. This allows clinchi, which defines the right limbs. This versatility makes it t suitable and versatile gear for most training occasions. Check out Fort Stitch Muay Thai gloves for your high-class events.

Muay Thai Gloves vs Boxing Gloves Differences

Boxing gloves and Muay Thai gloves may appear the same. But both are very different in weight and size. Both are for different fighting styles and techniques with unique features. The following are the main differences between the gloves.

1. Design Differences

Boxing gloves have very strict rules of sizing for matches. They weigh exactly 8 ounces from Flyweight to Welterweight. For the Super-Welterweight, they have hard rules for twisting and tampering with the gloves.

On the opposite Muay Thai. It uses the gloves approved by the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations. These gloves are built uniquely. The leather weight should not exceed half of the total glove weight. The internal cushioning must be in good condition for the protection of fighters.

2. Padding Distribution

Boxing gloves are designed to maximize protection for knuckles. The front of the glove has heavy padding as boxers rely on straight punches. Knuckle support should be as per the distribution governed by the World Boxing Association. Also, as per the rules of the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Where Muay Thai focuses shifts from punches to kicks, elbows, and clinch work. The padding is distributed throughout the glove for flexibility and comfort. This helps in catching kicks and blocking strikes, moving with no restriction.

3. Wrist Support and Flexibility

The wrist of a boxing glove is harder and more packed. This is helpful for powerful, straight punches and no wrist injury. Wrist support has specific rules to ensure boxer safety by the British Boxing Board of Control.

Whereas in Muay Thai, gloves wrist area has a different feature. They prefer a looser wrist for better movement and control. This helps in a fighter’s clinch and catch kicks.

4. Thumb Position and Protection

In boxing gloves thumb is in a more natural forward position. This allows a proper fist formation with a powerful punch delivery. The thumb is along the glove to protect from injuries.

In the Muay Thai gloves, the thumb is a little angled and more relaxed. This makes it easy to catch kicks and control the opponent’s head. Also perform other gripping techniques. Fort Stich boxing gloves will provide you with ideal protection and performance. Check out for a free quote.

5. Glove Shape and Size

Boxing gloves are always more compact and streamlined. Slim design helps boxers in quick and precise strikes. This is better when Idictatesate rules for size and shape standardize performance.

Muay Thai gloves come with a wider hand compartment. This gives more space and lets fighters open their hands for catching and blocking. Yes, it is less compact but supports varied techniques in the sport.

6. Closure System and Fastening

Boxing gloves often use the ace-up system for a reliable fit. Velcro closers are used mostly. Due to its easy and quick fastening during training and matches. This is also important for reducing wrist injuries, as per the rules.

In contrast, velcro closures are used primarily on Muay Thai gloves. Due to its easy adjustments between the rounds. This quick fastening is also good as it is easy to remove and put on gloves when training. Check out an experience supplier profile for the same quality gloves.

7. Glove Weight and Usage

Bogloves weigh from pounds. It depends on weight class and for what purpose the gloves are about to be used. Lightweight gloves offer speed and power. Whereas Heavier gloves have added protection for sparring.

Muay Thai gloves are also available in a weight range. But the type of training also matters for selection. The WMC has a checklist of glove weights for professional matches. Also encourages the use of the right pair for different sessions.

Comparing Muay Thai Gloves and Boxing Gloves

Muay Thai Gloves Vs. Boxing Gloves: Why the Right Choice Matters?

The selection right boxing gloves is very important. It affects your performance and also increases the risk of injury. For boxing, boxing gloves ensure proper form for punches with safety. Whereas Muay Thai gloves offer versatility and movement for other techniques.

At Fortstitch, we are experts at making custom boxing and Muay Thai gloves for ultimate style and protection. Check out Fort Stitch to ask for a free quote. Hire us and train safely with comfort.

Conclusion

Whether you are training only for Muay Thai or Boxing, or MMA. The right choice of gloves is significant for your safety and performance. Every type of gglovewith its own advantages and disadvantages also. What matters is your style of training and level in the sports your level in the sports. Because with the right gloves, you will not only train in a proper manner but also safely.

FAQs 

Q1. Can you use Muay Thai gloves for boxing?
You can use Muay Thai gloves for boxing, but their wider hand compartment and flexibility may reduce wrist support and precision during punches compared to traditional boxing gloves.

Q2. Do you wear wraps under Muay Thai gloves?
Yes, wearing hand wraps under Muay Thai gloves is essential for wrist stability, knuckle protection, and injury prevention during training or sparring, just like in traditional boxing.

Q3. Are Muay Thai or boxing gloves more expensive?
Both can be pricey depending on brand, material, and padding quality, but Muay Thai gloves sometimes cost slightly more due to added versatility and design features for clinching and blocking.

Q4. Can you use Muay Thai gloves for boxing?
Yes, Muay Thai gloves can be used for boxing workouts, but their extra room for clinching and hand opening may affect punch accuracy and overall feel inside the ring.

Q5. Are Muay Thai gloves softer than boxing gloves?
Muay Thai gloves often have softer, evenly distributed padding to support clinching and blocking, while boxing gloves focus padding on the knuckles for sharper, more direct punches.