When you’re new to boxing or combat sports, buying gloves can be confusing. One of the most common questions is: What’s the difference between bag gloves vs training gloves? While they may look similar, they serve very different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll explain how each type works, who should use them, and how to pick the right glove for your training needs.
What Are Bag Gloves?
Bag gloves are made specifically for punching bags, including the heavy bag, speed bag, and pads. They’re usually lighter, more compact, and have less padding than other types of gloves.
This minimal design helps improve your punching technique and speed but offers less protection, especially for beginners.
Pros of Bag Gloves
- Designed for bag work only
- Lightweight for faster punches and combinations
- Helps develop better knuckle placement and technique
- Usually more affordable than other gloves
Cons of Bag Gloves
- Not suitable for sparring
- Less wrist support
- Less knuckle padding, which can increase injury risk if used incorrectly
What Are Training Gloves?
Training gloves, also known as all-purpose gloves, are more versatile. They’re designed for a mix of activities: hitting bags, using focus mitts, and even light sparring. They have more padding than bag gloves and offer better wrist support, making them ideal for beginners and general use.
Pros of Training Gloves
- Great for multi-use training
- Good choice for beginners who don’t want to buy multiple pairs
- Offers more hand and wrist protection
- Available in a variety of sizes and weights (usually 12oz to 16oz)
Cons of Training Gloves
- Heavier than bag gloves
- Not as specialized for speed or pure bag work
Unsure on what size gloves to buy for sparring? Check out our glove sizing guide here!
Bag vs Training Gloves: Key Differences Explained
Bag gloves are specialised, they’re built to enhance speed and technique on bags, with minimal padding. Training gloves are versatile, they offer more protection and can be used for both bags and sparring.
If your routine is heavily focused on bag work, bag gloves might be a good choice. But if you’re cross-training with pads, drills, and maybe some sparring, training gloves are more practical and safer for regular use.
Bag vs Training Gloves: Which Should You Choose?
New to boxing or training casually?
Go with training gloves. They’re safer, more comfortable, and versatile enough for almost any workout.
Focused on power or speed training with a heavy bag?
Bag gloves may suit your needs better. Just make sure you wrap your hands properly and use good punching form.
Planning to spar regularly?
Neither of these gloves are ideal for full sparring. Look for a dedicated pair of sparring gloves with even more padding. We recommend the Everlast Classics’ due to the great size and distribution of padding.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right gloves is more than just picking a size, it’s about training smart and staying safe. Training gloves are the better all-around option, especially if you’re new or only want one pair. Bag gloves can be great for advanced users who are focused on improving speed and form on the bag, but they aren’t for everyone.
Struggling to find those perfect gloves? Have a look at our guide for the best beginner boxing gloves!
Recommended Training and Bag Gloves
Looking to buy a quality pair? Here are some top picks:
- Best beginner training gloves: Everlast Powerlock 2
- Lightweight bag gloves for speed: ONEX Bag Gloves
- Premium all-around gloves for serious training: Boxeo Mexican Leather Lace Training Gloves
The last set on the list are lace-up gloves. Select here to view our comparison on velcro and lace gloves
Need Help Deciding To Buy Bag vs Training Gloves?
Still unsure which glove fits your training? Drop your questions in the comments below and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
