How To Prevent Boxing Gloves From Cracking – 14 Ways

Cracked gloves are one of the most common problems that boxers face. How to prevent boxing gloves from cracking is almost every boxer’s query.

When your gloves get cracks, the leather has dried out and lost its elasticity.

14 Ways To Prevent Boxing Gloves From Cracking

Cracked gloves become less effective in protecting your hands and also look unsightly.

Here are some tips on how to prevent boxing gloves from cracking:

1. Store Away From Direct Sunlight:

This is the most important tip for preventing boxing gloves from cracking.

If you live in a sunny climate, store your gloves away from direct sunlight when not in use.

Extreme heat dries out the leather and brittle, causing it to crack.

Sunlight also fades the color of the gloves, so it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight when not in use.

2. Condition The Gloves Regularly: 

Conditioning the gloves regularly can prevent them from cracking.

A good glove conditioner keeps the leather soft, supple, and prevents cracking.

It’s essential to use a conditioner compatible with the type of leather of your gloves.

Some best ingredients used in conditioners are:

– Neatsfoot oil: It’s an excellent moisturizer for leather and prevents cracking.

Mink oil is another excellent natural oil that keeps the leather supple and soft.

– Lanolin: It is a type of wax derived from wool. It’s an excellent conditioner and prevents the leather from drying out.

– Beeswax: It is another natural wax that can be used to condition leather.

3. Let The Gloves Dry Naturally: 

After you have conditioned the gloves, let them dry naturally.

Avoid using direct heat to dry the gloves as it can further damage the leather and cause cracking.

Thus, do not use a hairdryer or machine dryers.

4. Don’t Over-clean The Gloves: 

It’s essential to clean your gloves regularly, but don’t over-clean them.

It can remove the natural oils from the leather and make them dry and brittle, causing cracking.

Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the gloves. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents.

5. Don’t Overstretch The Gloves: 

When you put on the gloves, don’t overstretch them. It can cause the leather to crack.

Stretch the gloves gently to avoid damaging the leather.

Stretching is essential to ensure a snug fit, but don’t overdo it.

6. Don’t Use The Gloves Wet: 

Another important tip on how to prevent boxing gloves from cracking is to avoid using them when they are wet.

Wet gloves can cause the leather to swell and crack. 

Let your gloves dry naturally before using them again if your gloves get wet. We have shared above how to dry them properly.

7. Don’t Leave The Gloves Wet: 

After training or sparring, it’s important to dry off your gloves as soon as possible.

Leaving them wet will cause the leather to swell and eventually crack.

The best way to dry off your gloves is to stuff them with newspaper and leave them in a cool, dry place.

8. Don’t Leave Your Gloves In The Car: 

Leaving your boxing gloves in the car is sure to make them crack.

During summer, the heat inside the car can reach temperatures that exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is enough to damage the leather.

9. Get Them A Rest:

Don’t use the same pair of gloves day in and day out. Please give them a rest so that the leather can retain its shape and elasticity.

It’s best to have two or three gloves and alternate between them. For instance:

– Use one pair for training

– Use another pair for sparring

– Have the third pair for competitions or matches, etc.

10. Don’t Forget The Punch Mitts:

Punch mitts are a vital part of training and help protect your gloves from wear and tear.

Don’t forget to use them when you are training with a partner. 

Punch mitts are also great for training solo as they help you increase the speed and power of your punches.

11. Inspect The Gloves Regularly: 

Inspecting the gloves regularly is essential to retain your gloves.

Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, holes, or loose stitching. 

If you find any damage, get the gloves repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

12. Folding The Gloves Correctly: 

Folding the gloves correctly is also essential to prevent cracking.

First, make sure that the gloves are dry. Then, fold them along the seams from top to bottom.

Don’t fold them too tightly as it can damage the leather. Finally, store the gloves in a cool, dry place.

13. Store Them In A Breathable Bag: 

When you are not using the gloves, store them in a breathable bag.

This will allow the gloves to breathe and prevent the leather from cracking. Breathable bags are usually made of cloth or mesh. 

Thus, they allow air to circulate and prevent the gloves from getting too humid.

14. Use A Humidifier: 

If you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier to prevent the boxing gloves from cracking.

A humidifier will add moisture to the air and help keep the leather supple. 

Avoid using a humidifier with a built-in heater, as it can damage the leather.

Why Boxing Gloves Crack

There are some reasons why your gloves may crack, but the most common causes are:

1. Simple Wear And Tear:

Over time, the material in your gloves will break down. It will become brittle, leading to cracks forming. 

This is especially true if you don’t take proper care of them and store them properly.

Boxers who train regularly will generally need to replace their gloves more often than those who don’t.

This costs money, so be sure to factor that in when budgeting for your boxing gear.

2. Poor Quality Materials:

Another common reason for gloves cracking is using poor quality materials.

Many cheaply made gloves are made with low-quality leather and plastics. Such materials are more prone to breaking down and cracking.

Thus, it’s essential to invest in gloves made with high-quality materials.

Some best-quality gloves are made with full-grain leather. It is the toughest and most durable type of leather.

Also, gloves having double-stitched seams can further increase the durability of your gloves.

Be sure to check the materials used in constructing your gloves before making a purchase.

It’s better to invest in a good pair of gloves that will last longer.

3. Poor Fit:

Another common reason for gloves cracking is a poor fit.

If your gloves are too loose, they will rub against each other and eventually crack.

Conversely, if your gloves are too tight, they will restrict your movement. They will put unnecessary strain on the material, causing them to crack.

It’s crucial to find gloves that fit you properly to avoid this problem.

To get the best size, try on different gloves until you find a pair that feels comfortable. It should allow you to move freely.

4. Improper Storage:

One of the most common reasons for gloves cracking is improper storage.

Improper storage can cause the material to break down and become brittle. They can lead to cracks.

To avoid this problem, store your gloves in a cool, dry place.

Also, be sure to allow them to air out after use to prevent moisture build-up. Moisture can cause the material to break down.

5. Improper Cleaning:

Another common reason for gloves cracking is improper cleaning.

If you clean your gloves with harsh chemicals, it can damage the fabric and cause it to crack.

To avoid this problem, use mild soap and water to clean your gloves.

Additionally, be sure to let them dry completely before storing them away.

Impact Of Cracked Gloves

Boxers often don’t realize the importance of boxing gloves until it’s too late.

Many boxers continue to use their gloves even after they have developed cracks.

However, this is not advisable as cracked gloves can have some adverse effects:

1. Reduced Protection: 

One of the most apparent effects of cracked gloves is less protection.

Cracks in the gloves reduce their ability to absorb impact. They leave you more vulnerable to injury. 

Additionally, the sharp edges of the cracks can cut your hands, leading to infection.

2. Reduced Grip: 

Another common effect of cracked gloves is less grip.

The cracks can make it difficult to hold on to the gloves. They can impact your ability to properly grip the punching bag or focus mitts. 

Without a grip, you will not be able to train as effectively, impacting your progress.

3. Reduced Durability: 

Cracked gloves are also less durable than intact gloves.

The cracks can cause the material to break down further. Thus, they lead to more cracks, and eventually, the gloves fall apart entirely.

Thus, it’s essential to replace your gloves as soon as you notice any cracks.

4. Aesthetics: 

Cracked gloves can be unsightly and make you look unprofessional.

This can impact your reputation as a boxer and make it difficult to find sponsors or get fights.

Thus, it’s essential to keep your gloves in good condition. Maintain a professional appearance.

Cost Of Repairing Cracked Gloves

The cost of replacing cracked gloves can vary. It depends on the severity of the damage and the type of gloves you have.

If the damage is minor, you may be able to repair the gloves yourself.

However, if the damage is severe, you will likely need to replace the gloves entirely.

Replacing a pair of boxing gloves can cost anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on the quality of the gloves.

Thus, it’s essential to factor in replacement costs when budgeting.

Conclusion:

To prevent your gloves from cracking, it’s crucial to find gloves that fit you properly.

Do not use them when gloves are wet or if they become damp.

Also, store them in a cool, dry place. Additionally, use mild soap and water to clean your gloves.

If you notice any cracks in your gloves, replace them as soon as possible. Cracked gloves can reduce protection, grip, durability, and aesthetics.

Replacing a pair of gloves can cost significantly. Thus, it’s essential to take care of your gloves to avoid this problem.