Velcro or Lace Up Muay Thai Gloves?

For almost everyone, Velcro Muay Thai gloves are the better choice. They are easy to put on and take off, practical for training, and suitable for the vast majority of beginners and recreational fighters.

Lace-up gloves are mainly used by fighters competing in the ring or by experienced fighters who prefer the feel. While some fighters favour lace-ups for training, they are less practical for everyday use because they require assistance to put on and remove.

Velcro gloves are designed for convenience and independence. They are the most common type of Muay Thai glove used in gyms around the world.

• Easy to put on and take off by yourself
• Ideal for pad work, bag work, and general training
• Quicker between rounds and classes
• Practical for every type of person training in Muay Thai

Velcro gloves cover all needs without added hassle.

Lace-up gloves are traditionally used in competition and are sometimes preferred by experienced fighters for training for the feel.

• Very secure wrist fit when laced properly
• Some fighters prefer the feel and wrist support
• Commonly used in professional bouts

• Require another person to lace and unlace
• Slower to put on and remove
• Impractical for solo training or busy classes

Because of these limitations, lace-up gloves are generally not ideal for everyday training unless you have a specific reason to use them.

While you are able to wrap and tuck the laces or use lace-and-loop techniques to make them more manageable when training alone, these solutions are still less convenient than standard Velcro gloves and are mainly used by experienced fighters who want the lace-up feel.

Some fighters feel that lace-up gloves offer:

• A more consistent wrist fit
• Better feedback through the hand
• A closer feel to competition gloves

This comes down to personal preference rather than performance advantage for most people.

For almost everyone, Velcro Muay Thai gloves are the right choice. They are practical, easy to use, and suitable for the vast majority of training situations regardless of experience level.

Lace-up gloves are a niche option. They are mainly relevant for a small group of fighters who compete regularly, train with support, or have a strong personal preference for the feel. Even most professional fighters still use Velcro gloves for day to day training.

If you are researching this question or buying your first pair of gloves, Velcro gloves are almost certainly the better option. They remove unnecessary hassle and allow you to focus on training rather than equipment.