Quick answer: Velcro is better for daily training: you can put the gloves on and take them off alone in seconds. Lace-ups give a tighter, more even wrist fit that many experienced fighters prefer for sparring and fights, but someone has to tie them for you.
Every boxing glove closes in one of two ways: a hook-and-loop (velcro) strap or laces. Professional fighters often compete in lace-ups, but almost everyone in a Muay Thai class wears velcro. Here is why, and when lace-ups are worth it.
The quick answer
For daily training, velcro is better: you can put the gloves on and take them off alone in seconds, and adjust them between rounds. Lace-ups give a tighter, more even wrist fit, which many experienced fighters prefer for sparring and fights – but you need someone to tie them.
Side by side
| Velcro (hook and loop) | Lace-up | |
|---|---|---|
| Putting on | Seconds, by yourself | Needs a partner or coach to tie |
| Wrist fit | Good; strap can loosen slightly over a session | Tight and even along the whole cuff |
| Adjusting mid-session | Easy | Untie and re-tie |
| Holding pads / drinking water | Pull one glove off quickly | Impractical |
| Durability of closure | Velcro wears and collects lint over time | Laces are cheap to replace |
| Typical use | Classes, pads, bag, sparring | Sparring, fight camp, competition |
Velcro: the daily-training standard
A good velcro glove has a wide strap that wraps firmly around the wrist. Because Muay Thai classes mix partner drills, pad holding, clinch work and water breaks, being able to get your gloves on and off alone matters more than most people expect. Strong velcro options include the Sandee Cool-Tec Velcro, the BOON Sport BGVOG Classic Velcro, the Arwut Black Edition BG2 (single-piece hook-and-loop closure) and the Fightlab Classic.
Tip: close the velcro gloves on your hands so the strap is snug when your fist is clenched, not when your hand is open. And keep the velcro closed when you store them, so it doesn't collect fluff.
Lace-up: maximum fit and wrist support
Laces pull the cuff evenly tight from top to bottom, so the glove becomes one unit with your wrist. Many fighters say it gives them better wrist support and a more "locked-in" feel. Lace-up gloves are also the norm in many professional bouts. Popular lace-up models in our store:
- MTM Pro Lace Up – handcrafted in Thailand from premium cowhide.
- Arwut Lace Up BG3 – genuine cowhide with multi-layer foam.
- Windy Pro Lace Up BGL – cowhide, made for training and competition.
- Fighter Thailand Lace-Up and Mongkol BGML02.
Tip: tie the laces on the inside of the wrist and tape over the knot, so the laces can't scratch a training partner.
Looking after the closure
Velcro is the part of a velcro glove that wears out first: it fills with lint and loses grip. Close the straps when the gloves are not in use, and clean the hooks with a stiff brush now and then. Laces stretch and fray over time; they are cheap to replace, so keep a spare pair in your gym bag. Whichever closure you choose, open the gloves fully after every session so the inside can dry.
Which one should you choose?
- Beginner or training 2–4 times a week in group classes: velcro.
- Training alone (bag work at home): velcro.
- Experienced, with a regular sparring partner or coach: lace-ups for sparring, velcro for everything else.
- Preparing for a fight: train in lace-ups if you will compete in them.
Don't forget the weight
Closure is only half the decision. Choose the glove weight for your training – see 12oz vs 14oz vs 16oz and our sizing guide – and always wear hand wraps underneath for extra wrist support. Browse all boxing gloves, or shop by brand: MTM, Arwut, Sandee, BOON Sport. We ship worldwide from Phuket, Thailand: allow 1–3 business days for us to source and pack your order; with Standard International Shipping, delivery takes 7–15 business days in total. See shipping & delivery for details.