Boxing headgear

Boxing headgear — what to look for

Boxing headgear protects your forehead, temples and the top of your head from harder shots and reduces the risk of cuts in the clinch. You’ll want it whenever you spar — from your first contact sessions in boxing to sharpening technique in kickboxing, Muay Thai and MMA. Above all, consider the level of protection: open-face models give better visibility and freedom of movement, while designs with nose and cheek protection add coverage at the expense of peripheral vision and suit harder sparring. Decide by use and level — beginners usually get on best with more open headgear and good visibility, advanced fighters often go for more coverage. Make sure you get the right size and an adjustable fastening so the headgear sits firmly and doesn’t move when you’re hit. For materials, look for quality foam padding that absorbs impact and a cover that copes with sweat and training load. Well-fitting boxing headgear gives you the confidence to work fully on both defence and attack.