Top 6 Features to Look for in Women's Boxing Mitts

Your trainee or training partner has already put on their boxing gloves. And you, you’re about to slip on those punching mitts. But wait, will your mitts serve their training and protection purposes wholly?

Some boxing mitts are mere placeholders, while others? Well, they add value to the training sessions and confidence to the wearer. To ensure your students are learning correctly and safely, you need a pair of boxing mitts also known as focus mitts that are not only protective but also provide clear feedback.

But why do you need functioning and quality boxing mitts?

• Protect your hands and wrists from injury
• Protect your students' hands from injury
• Provide clear feedback on the trainee’s technique
• Increase precision, speed, timing, and overall technique of trainees
• Enhancing overall training efficiency

With all the benefits of boxing punch mitts, you must get a pair that serves its purpose. This blog post will cover key features to look for when buying women’s boxing mitts. 

1. Size and Fit

Like your women’s boxing headgear, your boxing mitts should be in the right size and well-fitting. Finding the right fit is important for both the trainer and trainee or your training partner.

The right fit and size ensure comfort, and protection, and maximize the training sessions. So, mitts shouldn’t be too tight or too baggy.

Boxing mitts that are too small can be uncomfortably tight and give inadequate protection as a missed shot might land on your wrist. Too tight punching mitts may also cause blisters and fatigue.

Too large or baggy mitts, on the other hand, will hinder your movement and precision as they add unnecessary weight. Large mitts may also conceal the target area, making it difficult for the trainee to aim their punches accurately.
So how should your boxing mitts fit and feel?

They should fit snugly on your hands with the target area covering most of your palm. The wrist strap should be secure without being overly tight.

When holding the mitts, your fingers should be comfortably positioned and able to move freely and not feel cramped.

Most manufacturers offer different sizes, so visit their websites or stores and get their sizing charts before making a purchase.

2. Padding and Padding Material

The primary purpose of boxing gloves is protection, so is that of boxing punch mitts. And the padding in the mitts is the secret to this protection. The padding absorbs shock from punches thus protecting the trainer’s hands.

High-quality padding reduces the impact of punches, preventing injuries and discomfort. There are three common materials used in boxing mitts. Foam, gel, and latex.

• Foam: The most common type of padding and comes in various densities and thicknesses. Higher-density foam offers better shock absorption.
• Gel: Often combined with foam, gel padding provides additional cushioning and helps to distribute impact force evenly.
• Latex: Offers shock absorption but can be less durable than foam or gel.

The quality and density of padding are directly proportional to the level of protection and shock absorption offered by punching mitts.

So, for high-intensity or frequent workouts, opt for mitts with thicker, high-density padding. For lighter training, a combination of foam and gel with latex might just do.

While padding is important, too much of it might make it hard to feel your student’s punches while too little increases the risk of injury. It’s important to balance between protection and feel.

3. Material

The material used in making your boxing punch mitts affects their durability, comfort, and overall performance. Different materials offer varying levels of protection, breathability, and weight.

When picking mitts, go for the material that offers maximum protection, is breathable, and lightweight.

Here are the common materials used in punching mitts.

• Leather: It's durable, tough, and breathable. Leather mitts are popular among professional boxers. They give excellent protection and a customized fit as they tend to mold to the shape of your hand over time—aging like fine wine.
  
  However, leather mitts are pricier than synthetic options.

• Synthetic leather (PU leather): A more affordable alternative to genuine leather, synthetic leather mitts offer a good balance of durability and comfort.
  
  They are often water-resistant and easy to clean but are not as durable as genuine leather mitts.
  
  
• Vinyl: A budget-friendly option, vinyl mitts are lightweight and easy to clean. However, they tend to be less durable than leather or synthetic leather and don’t offer the same level of protection.
  
  
• Mesh: Used for ventilation. Mesh panels help to keep your hands cool and dry during intense training sessions.

On material, choose according to your frequency of use, budget, and preference.
If you will be training heavily, go for leather boxing mitts. If you are on a budget and you intend to do light training, you can make do with the more affordable options.

4. Target Area

 

The target area of your mitts is the bullseye. It’s the face of the mitt where your trainee lands punches. A target should be designed in such a way that it provides clear feedback and protects your hands. The target area should be:

• Large enough to accommodate a variety of punches and provide a clear punching surface. However, the surface should not be so large that it's difficult to control.
  Some mitts have a flat target, while others have a curved or angled design.
• Adequately padded to absorb the impact of punches.
• Made of durable material like leather that is resistant to wear and tear.
• Soft from the trainer’s end and slightly harder where the trainee lands their punches.
• Easily noticeable for the trainee to see a target. The center can be made or painted with a different color for easy spotting.

Like the material used, the shape of the target area and general construction of the mitts are important and affect the functioning of your mitts. Boxing mitts should be curved or contoured to fit the natural curvature of your hand.

Contoured or curved punch mitts help reduce hand fatigue and improve your grip. A curved target is also easy for the train to spot and hit.

5. Wrist Support

A strong wrist support helps prevent injuries like twisting your wrists and providing stability. A poorly designed wrist strap can lead to discomfort and even wrist pain.

To ensure you get mitts with adequate wrist support, look out for:

• Length and width: The wrist strap should be long enough to wrap securely around your wrist without being overly restrictive. It should also be wide enough to provide adequate support.
• Closure: A secure closure is key for keeping the mitt in place during intense training sessions. Velcro or hook-and-loop closures are common options. These closures also provide additional wrist support to the mitts.

Look for mitts with a secure wrist strap that provides stability and comfort. A well-supported wrist will encourage the trainee to deliver powerful punches.

6. Ventilation and Breathability

Boxing is a sweaty affair, so it's important to choose mitts with adequate ventilation to keep your hands cool and dry. A breathable mitt prevents moisture and bacterial build-up and odor.

A good punching mitt should be sweat-resistant and odor-free. Well-ventilated and breathable mitts have:

• Mesh panels: Look for mitts with mesh panels on the back of the hand and around the wrist to allow airflow.
• Perforated padding: Some mitts have perforated padding to help wick away moisture.
• Breathable material: Materials like leather are breathable and boxing mitts made of leather are more breathable compared to those made of synthetic material.

Recommended Women’s Boxing Mitts

What’s next after understanding the features to look for in women’s boxing mitts?

Yes, it's getting a pair for your training sessions. And Tussle Gear has you covered in all things women's boxing gear and apparel.

At Tussle, we are dedicated to providing high-quality boxing equipment for women. Our products, including mitts, are designed with the unique needs and physique of a woman in mind.

Our ladies’ boxing mitts are made of real leather, have adequate padding, are curved, and are available in various colors. You can choose a color that you like or prefer.

Our mitts offer comfort and performance in one package. So make a worthwhile investment in your training by grabbing a pair of women’s boxing mitts from Tussle.