Which boxing gloves should you choose for Muay Thai? | Budo... ![](https://www.budo-fight.com/favicons/android-chrome-512x512.png) Budo Fight Which boxing gloves should you choose for Muay Thai? For Muay Thai, you'll need lightweight gloves—Velcro gloves for training and lace-up gloves for competition. W... Découvrir → budo-fight.com Published on **June 20, 2024** # Which boxing gloves should you choose for Muay Thai? **Muay Thai**, also known as **Thai boxing**, is a unique type of boxing. That’s why you shouldn’t use [English boxing gloves](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/guides/how-to-choose-your-boxing-gloves-2) or [French boxing gloves](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/guides/which-boxing-gloves-should-you-choose-for-savate-french-boxing) for Muay Thai. Budo-Fight shares its expert tips to help you **choose the perfect pair of Muay Thai gloves**. ## Muay Thai gloves: designed for gripping Muay Thai is the only style of boxing that involves **gripping**. What is gripping? Gripping means **grabbing your opponent by the neck or arms** to deliver knee, elbow, or foot strikes during the fight. Gripping is used to weaken your opponent but also to create openings, which are opportunities for attacks. To allow for gripping, Muay Thai gloves have a **detached thumb**: this makes the action easier. ## Muay Thai gloves: made for the clinch Muay Thai also features a specific combat phase called the **clinch**. What is the clinch? The **clinch is a phase for physical recovery and mental intimidation**. It prevents your partner from attacking and sometimes creates openings for close-range strikes. This moment when both fighters lock onto each other is highly strategic and offers a chance to reflect and adjust during the match. ![Boxe Thai](https://www.budo-fight.com/upload/images/2024/boxe-thai.jpg)To practice the clinch, **Muay Thai gloves are lighter** than French or English boxing gloves. This lighter weight makes it easier to grab your opponent and maintain control of the neck or head during the fight. However, they are **more padded on the back of the hand** to protect against kicks. Tip: if you’re a big fan of clinching, choose **competition gloves with laces**, since Velcro can injure your partner during the clinch. ## Padded wrists on Muay Thai gloves Muay Thai gloves are **more padded at the wrists** than other types of gloves. Since knee and elbow strikes are allowed, the wrists are also protected to help preserve your physical integrity during the fight and minimize pain. ## 5 tips for choosing your Muay Thai gloves - ![Boxe Thaï](https://www.budo-fight.com/upload/images/2024/boxe-thai2.jpg)Muay Thai gloves should be **as light as possible** to make gripping easier. - Choose **Velcro gloves for training** (more convenient) and **lace-up gloves for competition** (for a better fit). - Velcro gloves are mandatory for training according to [**article 2.5 of the AFMT sports regulations**](https://www.afmt.fr/images/afmt/documents/Reglement-Sportif-AFMT-2023-2024.pdf) (Académie Française de Muay-Thaï). - The top Muay Thai glove brands **manufacture their models in Thailand**—and for good reason, as they are the true experts in the discipline! So, prioritize models made in the home country of Muay Thai. - As with other boxing gloves, make sure to use dedicated gloves for: [the punching bag](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/guides/which-boxing-gloves-should-you-choose-for-punching-bag-training), [mixed training](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/guides/which-boxing-gloves-should-you-choose-for-mixed-training), and [competition](https://www.budo-fight.com/en/guides/which-boxing-gloves-should-you-choose-for-competition). Want to know the top Muay Thai glove brands? 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