New boxing gloves can feel stiff, tight, and awkward. Learning how to break in boxing gloves is essential to soften the padding, shape the hand compartment, and improve wrist comfort without hurting the gloves or your hands. Use this guide to break in your gloves while keeping the structure intact.
Don’t have any gloves to break in yet? Take a look at our guide on best beginner boxing gloves!
Quick Takeaways
A brief summary of how to break new boxing gloves in. These tips will help you create a more comfortable fit for your fists:
- Use short focused rounds rather than long pounding sessions when working the heavy bag
- Wrap your hands every session
- Work technique first so the padding softens evenly
- Avoid heat, hot water, hair dryers, or any extreme methods
- Store gloves open and dry after training
Step-by-Step Routine To Break In Boxing Gloves
Follow this simple routine for three to five sessions. Most new gloves feel comfy after the second or third day.
A slow start – Session one
- Wrap your hands firmly so the glove develops around a proper fist.
- Shadowbox for three minutes while clenching and unclenching to loosen your fingers.
- On the heavy bag do three rounds at light to moderate effort
- Round one: single jabs and single crosses
- Round two: one two with a gentle step off after each combo
- Round three: light hooks and light uppercuts with clean form
- Open the gloves fully and let them air dry.
Try not to go too crazy when first starting out. The gloves might not fit great at first so power punches might cause some damage to the gloves or you.
Increase the Heavy Bag Work – Session two
- Repeat the wrap and shadowbox warm up.
- Three to four bag rounds at moderate effort.
- Round one: double jab into cross
- Round two: one two three with small movement after each combo
- Round three: body then head with the lead hook at light power
- Optional round: tempo round with ten seconds fast hands and twenty seconds touch shots
- Stretch the fingers inside the glove between rounds to shape the hand compartment.
- Air dry fully.
Add in Some Pads – Session three
- Add one round of focus pads if available.
- Increase power on straight shots but keep hooks and uppercuts medium.
- Check wrist comfort and adjust lace or strap tension.
- Air dry and store with a glove deodoriser or paper to keep shape.
Check If Your Gloves Have Broken In
By this point, most boxing gloves should feel broken in and more flexible, with the padding shaping comfortably around your fist. Your punches should land without that overly rigid feedback you felt on day one.
If the gloves still feel unusually stiff or tight, simply repeat the session two plan again. This will ensure the padding softens evenly and the glove maintains its structure, giving you both comfort and long-term durability.
Do’s and Do-Nots’ When Breaking In Boxing Gloves
Do These:
- Use proper hand wraps every time you break in boxing gloves to protect your hands.
- Start with light shots to warm the foam, then build to medium power.
- Squeeze a firm fist during shadowboxing to shape the liner.
- Rotate through all punch types so the padding breaks in evenly.
- Keep gloves dry and open after training.
Don’t Do These:
- Do not bake, steam, soak, or heat the gloves.
- Do not strike hard corners or walls.
- Do not smash the bag at full power on day one.
- Do not leave gloves closed in a gym bag.
Comfort Checks While You Break In Boxing Gloves
- Thumb position: no pinching or sharp pressure.
- Knuckle feel: slight give without bottoming out on the bag.
- Wrist support: secure but not cutting circulation.
- Finger room: you can make a full fist and still relax between shots.
If any area bites or rubs, loosen the strap or lace slightly and test again. Get a coach to help if they are really starting to hurt, as this could be a size problem.
Simple Knuckle Padding Conditioning Routine
Use this once per week during the first month.
- Wrap hands.
- One round of jabs at light power.
- One round of one two at moderate power.
- One round of mixed shots at light to moderate power.
- Finish with one round of touch shots to cool down.
This shapes the padding gradually and protects your hands.
A glove with great padding distribution is the Everlast Classic Collection. These gloves are very beginner friendly and provide great padding for blocks!
Cleaning and Storage After You Break In Boxing Gloves
- Wipe the liner with a dry cloth after sessions.
- Use a gentle deodoriser insert to keep the inside fresh.
- Keep gloves away from direct heaters and sunlight.
- Store in a cool dry place with the cuffs open.
Make sure to dry your hand wraps after training, this helps to improve their lifespan and keeps them from smelling. For more info check out the Beginners Guide to Hand-Wraps.
Troubleshooting
- Gloves feel tight in the fingers: Wear thin inner gloves or slightly loosen wraps for the first two sessions.
- Wrist feels rigid: Warm up with shadowboxing and open close fists for one minute before bag work.
- Knuckles feel sore: Reduce power and increase volume with touch shots until the foam softens.
- Liner creases: Massage the liner flat with your wrapped hand and keep the glove open to dry.
Final thoughts
A smooth way to break in boxing gloves is all about patience and technique. Warm the padding with light work, shape the fist with wraps and controlled rounds, and let the gloves dry completely after each session. Treat your gloves well and they will protect your hands for a long time.
Interested in Learning More:
Shadowboxing for Beginners A Complete Guide
Best Boxing Gloves for Beginners
How to Start Boxing at Home
How to Use a Heavy Bag Effectively as a Beginner
