Beginner Boxing Equipment List: What to Buy First (and What Can Wait)

Quick answer: Start with hand wraps and a pair of 12 to 14oz training gloves. Add a gumshield before any partner drills. Once you begin sparring, add 16oz gloves, headgear and a groin guard. Boxing shoes are a great upgrade but not essential in week one.

Stage 1: your first classes

1. Hand wraps (180-inch): protect the bones in your hands. Learn how to wrap your hands.
2. Training gloves: 12oz for lighter boxers, 14oz for most adults. Velcro is easiest for classes.
3. Comfortable trainers and a water bottle.

Stage 2: partner drills

• Gumshield: as soon as anyone throws punches at you, even lightly.
• Focus mitts if you train with a friend at home; see our focus mitts guide.

Stage 3: first sparring

• 16oz sparring gloves.
• Headgear: cheek protector or full face for beginners; see headgear types.
• Groin guard: required in most gyms; see groin guard sizing.

Stage 4: upgrades

• Boxing shoes for grip and ankle support; compare Nike HyperKO vs Machomai vs Tawa.
• A second pair of gloves so one can dry while you use the other.

Priority checklist

Save by buying a set

When you are ready to spar, a matching sparring set gives you gloves, headguard and groin guard together, sized to you. Browse Winning sets, Cleto Reyes sets and NBNL sets.

Keep reading

• Training vs sparring vs bag gloves
• 30-minute heavy bag workout
• How to wrap your hands

Beginner Boxing Equipment FAQ

What should I buy for my first boxing class?

Hand wraps and a pair of 12 to 14oz training gloves. Many gyms lend gloves, but your own are more hygienic.

Do beginners need headgear?

Not for bag and pad work. Yes once you start sparring.

What size boxing gloves for a beginner?

14oz suits most adult beginners. Lighter adults can use 12oz.

Is a boxing sparring set worth it for beginners?

Yes once you start sparring. A set gives you matched, correctly sized protection in one order.