What Equipment Do You Need to Start Boxing?

So, you’ve got dreams of learning to box. Perhaps you’ve already gone to a few gym sessions and are now ready to invest in high-quality boxing gear. Or, maybe you’re a seasoned boxer looking to finally build your own training space at home. 

No matter your goals, we have the right training equipment for you.

There are a few tried-and-true essentials every fighter should add to their arsenal. Of course, you know you’ll need a solid pair of gloves. But what about the other boxing training essentials? All you need to know about boxing training equipment is below.

Must-Have Training Gear, Boxing Equipment, and Apparel

#1: Boxing Gloves

The first order of business is buying gloves that will protect your hands, from your wrists down to your fingertips. New boxers may not know that not all boxing gloves are made with the same quality. In fact, gloves differ significantly from one another in many regards, such as knuckle protection, wrist support, and overall fit, to name a few.

Boxing gloves are measured by the ounce, which refers to the total weight of the glove. A higher-weight glove means it has more padding, and different weights are useful for different training purposes: 

• 10 - 14 oz. – If you are focusing on heavy bag and pad work, opt for 10-, 12-, or 14-oz. gloves. Lighter gloves are often favored by beginner boxers. They allow you to focus on delivering punches with speed and precision without sacrificing hand protection.
• 16-18 oz. – If you plan on sparring, a higher-ounce glove is the right choice. The additional padding means your glove will absorb more force to soften the blow for both you and your partner. 

There are also additional options to consider, like: 

• Closure – You can choose a single strap, which is great for fighters who like an easy on, easy off closure; dual strap, which offers a secure and supportive fit; or lace-up, which gives you a custom fit (though you’ll need a partner to help you put them on). 
• Wrist Support – Proper wrist support is crucial when it comes to preventing injury. Luckily, Hayabusa boxing gloves offer built-in support with their unique splinted design that keeps your wrists aligned with every punch.

#2: Hand Wraps

Before the boxing training gloves go on, hand wraps are your first layer of protection. They’re essential for keeping your wrists and knuckles in fighting shape. You can choose from a few options, including: 

• Mexican Style Hand Wraps — Elastic hand wraps, like the Hayabusa Perfect Stretch Hand Wraps, will conform to your hand. At 180 inches, they secure your wrists and protect your hands with ease so you can focus on your training.
• Quick Hand Wraps — Sometimes also called “fast wraps,” these are a newer addition to the circuit. If you don’t want to spend the time to wrap your hands, you can slip these on much like a glove. 
• Gauze Style Hand Wraps –  Get professional-level support and protection with a specialized blended fabric that perfectly bridges the gap between medical-grade gauze and traditional boxing hand wraps.

Regardless of the hand wrap style you prefer, the goal is to make sure they’re tightly secured but breathable enough to feel comfortable.

#3: Boxing Shoes

Footwork is an important part of boxing strategy, so it’s best to have a pair of shoes that can support your movements. The best boxing shoes are designed to give you mobility and control for precise footwork on the mat or in the ring. 

With specialized soles designed for stability and lightweight material to keep you agile, they are an important piece of boxing training equipment. Fighters can choose from:

• Hayabusa Pro Boxing Shoes - Benefit from a featherlight feel and a responsive form fit of some of the best boxing shoes available. Grooved soles provide an ample grip to improve your performance. Plus, an ergonomic midsole and mesh panels keep the feet cool and comfortable. 
• Talon Boxing Shoes - For cloud-like comfort and a secure, streamlined design, these boxing shoes help you to shuffle and pivot with ease. With breathable airflow panels and a mid-height structure, you get maximum support in both feel and fit to perform your best.
• Strike Boxing Shoes - Take it to the next level of boxing training with shoes that can deliver. The supreme ankle support and responsive control strap makes these a perfect selection for pro boxers. Designed to support dynamic movement and swift footwork, fighters maintain complete foot control and comfort.

#4: Punching Bags

If you’re building up a corner of your home for practicing your combinations and footwork, you’ll want to purchase a boxing bag. It can also serve as a substitute when you don’t have a partner for your training sessions. 

There are several different punching bag options, including: 

• Heavy Bag – Training with a heavy bag can be a great way to improve your overall boxing technique. They are particularly good for improving your strength and power in your arms and shoulders and tend to be a boxer’s tried-and-true method for solo training.
• Cobra Bag – Also known as “reflex bags,” these are superb for fighters working on their precision and timing. Its small footprint and ease of setup make the cobra bag a fantastic option for fighters looking to hone their reflexes.
• Double End Bag – Training with a double end bag is all about establishing consistency and rhythm. The rebounding ball sharpens your reflexes, teaching you to effectively initiate attacks, move defensively, and connect combos.

#5: Other Boxing Training Essentials

Aside from the boxing equipment basics from above, a few other essentials can help to ramp up your training regimen. Other Hayabusa boxing gear includes:

• Jump Rope – Wondering how to build stamina? Jump ropes are an essential part of any fighter’s arsenal. Training with one can help with your footwork, cardio, and form.
• Boxing Headgear - If you plan to spar with a training partner, you need to keep yourself fully protected. Boxing headgear not only prevents direct impacts but also helps reduce the risk of scratches and bruising while you train.
• Mouth Guard - In addition to headgear, a mouth guard provides comfortable impact protection to cushion your mouth, teeth, and gums.
• Gym Bags - Keep your gear organized and protected with one of Hayabusa’s premium duffle bags or backpacks. Made with durable materials and water-resistant features, these gym bag designs offer function and fashion in one.

#6: Boxing Apparel

Dress the part for your boxing training sessions by donning the right apparel. When it comes to workout gear, make sure it’s lightweight yet durable, streamlined yet non-constricting. 

Here is some of the best women’s and men’s boxing apparel to consider for your training wardrobe:

• MMA Shorts - Worn by fighters worldwide, MMA shorts are built for mobility and comfort. The tear-resistant fabric encourages you to train your hardest, while the hook and loop closure promises a secure fit.
• Women’s Mid-Rise Layered Shorts - Smooth and silky to the touch, these boxing shorts give the right amount of coverage and comfort for any level of fighter. As part of a complete lineup of women’s boxing apparel, these are designed to keep you confident as you train.
• Men’s and Women’s Essential T-Shirts - Don’t let material get in your way by wearing any loose t-shirt during your workout. The essential short sleeve tee feels light and airy but with a streamlined, sporty structure.

Equip Yourself for Success With Hayabusa

Hayabusa has everything you need to get started. And choosing the right gear and equipment is made even easier with the various boxing training kits. Start with the core essentials and add anything else you need from there.

• T3 Boxing Gloves Training Kit - The ultimate in boxing equipment for beginners; get your boxing gloves, hand wraps, and boxing glove deodorizer all in one place. 
• Boxing Drill Training Kit - For practicing at home or with a partner in the gym, this training kit has Hayabusa’s world-renowned boxing training gloves and boxing target paddles to help you improve your speed, impact, and overall performance. 
• Pro Boxing Training Kit - Pro boxing shoes, shorts, and socks are bundled together to save you money and keep you comfortable and confident as you train. 

Ready to build your arsenal with the best boxing gear? Or are you looking for martial arts gifts for the boxing or MMA fan in your life? 

Turn to Hayabusa for gold-standard boxing equipment, trusted by fighters and coaches everywhere.

Sources:

Box & Bag. What types of punching bags are there?

Fight Quality Reviews. The Different Types of Handwraps for Boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA.
Boxing Hand Wraps – Look After Your Hands!