Sparring is where technique meets pressure, and your gloves need to protect you and your partner in equal measure. The Phenom sparring range has been developed around one principle: proven protection that holds up, session after session.
The 210 Series is our most popular sparring platform, offering a trusted balance of protection, comfort and performance, built from premium leather with a deep hand compartment for natural fist formation. The 202 Series shares that foundation but adds a firmer outer strike surface and tapered wrist support for boxers who want a touch more feedback.
For those who want maximum wrist security, the 222 Series introduces our patent pending Lace-Fit™ Dual Strap System with independent palm and wrist adjustment. Boxers who prefer the authentic feel of old-school padding will find it in the 235 Series, quilted with genuine horsehair and finished with classic welted seams. At the very top, the SG-300 is constructed from our most durable Italian leather with advanced Japanese and UK foam technology, built for serious athletes who accept nothing less.
Prefer a vegan-friendly option? The M-Series delivers the same protection philosophy as the SG-210 in a durable, easy-care microfibre. And for boxers building their kit for the first time, the S-4 and FG-10S offer genuine Phenom protection at an accessible price.
Whether you're a professional deep into training camp or an amateur sharpening your skills, the right sparring glove is critical. Browse the range to find your perfect fit.
Which gloves are safest for my sparring partner?
For sparring, choose gloves with soft, evenly distributed padding that helps cushion and disperse the impact of punches. 16oz is a common choice, while heavier boxers may prefer 18oz for additional cushioning. Do not use firm bag gloves or fight gloves for sparring, and replace your sparring gloves when the padding begins to deteriorate. Phenom offers several sparring gloves with protective, multi-layer padding, including the SG-210 and SG-300 ranges, designed with both the wearer and their sparring partner in mind.
Explore our Phenom Glove Guide to compare the full sparring range.
What glove weight should I use for sparring?
Most UK gyms recommend 16oz gloves for sparring, while heavier boxers may benefit from the additional cushioning of 18oz gloves. Some gyms permit lighter boxers to spar in 14oz gloves. As a general guide, our sparring glove sizes range from 12oz for boxers weighing 41–55kg to 18oz for those over 84kg. Lighter options, such as the 10oz SG-210, are also available for bag work, pad work and technical training. Always check your gym's requirements before choosing your glove weight.
What’s the difference between lace-up and hook-and-loop sparring gloves?
Lace-up gloves provide a close, secure fit and excellent wrist support, but generally require someone to tie them. Hook-and-loop gloves are quick to put on and take off independently, making them convenient for solo training and busy classes. Our SG-222D combines the benefits of both with its patented Lace-Fit™ Dual Strap System, allowing independent adjustment across the palm and wrist for a secure, personalised fit without the need for laces.
Which gloves should I spar in during fight camp?
For most boxers, 16oz sparring gloves are a common choice during fight camp, while heavier boxers may prefer 18oz for additional cushioning. Many fighters use separate gloves for bag and pad work to help preserve their sparring gloves, while lighter gloves may be preferred for certain technical and speed drills. Our SG-210, SG-202, SG-222D, SG-235 and SG-300 ranges are all suitable for sparring, offering different levels of padding, fit and feel to suit individual preferences.
Can I use my sparring gloves for bag and pad work?
Yes. Phenom sparring gloves are also suitable for bag and pad work, making them a versatile choice for general boxing training. However, frequent heavy bag sessions can accelerate padding wear, particularly in gloves using softer natural latex foams. Our premium SG-300 range features specialised Japanese and UK foams designed to withstand repeated impacts while maintaining their cushioning and protective properties, making them particularly well suited to both sparring and regular heavy bag work.
Are Phenom sparring gloves available in leather and microfibre?
Yes. Most Phenom sparring gloves are constructed from premium leather, while our MSG range uses high-quality microfibre as a durable, easy-care and vegan-friendly alternative. Both are designed for sparring, bag and pad work, allowing you to choose according to your material preferences.
What's the difference between Phenom's sparring gloves?
Our sparring gloves offer a range of padding constructions, fits and styles to suit individual preferences. The SG-210 is known for its softer, semi-broken-in feel, while the MSG-205 offers similar padding characteristics with a premium microfibre construction. The SG-222D features slightly firmer padding alongside our patented Lace-Fit™ Dual Strap System for a secure, adjustable fit, while the SG-202 offers a firmer, more structured padding profile. The SG-235 combines traditional old-school styling with hybrid horsehair and foam padding. At the premium end, the SG-300 uses specialised Japanese and UK foams for exceptional comfort, impact absorption and long-term resilience.
The S-4 and FG-10S offer more affordable, versatile options with protective padding suitable for sparring, bag and pad work.
For a detailed comparison of the full range, explore the sparring gloves section of our Phenom Glove Guide.
How often should I replace my sparring gloves?
The lifespan of sparring gloves depends on how frequently you train, the intensity of your sessions and how well the gloves are maintained. Regularly inspect the padding, stitching and wrist closure for signs of deterioration. If the padding becomes compressed, uneven or excessively firm, it's time to consider replacing them, particularly before further sparring.
