Synthetic = Man-made
Leather = Real cowhide
Neither is bad, but each has its place. Some brands will try to tell you synthetic is better cause of modern technology.
We believe this is false, and for a glove to have optimal performance, you will never beat genuine leather.
Why Do People Prefer Synthetic?
There are 3 main reasons people prefer synthetic over leather.
1. It is cheaper: Because synthetic materials are easier to mass produce, synthetic gloves are often cheaper to buy than genuine leather.
2. They are lighter: Some people claim that synthetic gloves feel lighter. Although the material itself is lighter, often gloves are weighed as a total, and so a 16 oz glove should weigh 16 oz, no matter what it is made of.
3. They are easier to clean: Synthetic material doesn’t require the extra maintenance compared to a genuine leather glove. The material doesn’t tend to dry out, and so often you can just wipe down the exterior and air dry the interior overnight.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Synthetic Gloves?
1. They aren’t as durable: Like most things, the fake version is not as tough as the natural version. These gloves are much more prone to tear and rip, unlike genuine cowhide.
2. Not only are they more likely to tear, but they don’t last as long. When used every day with repeated strikes, the material breaks down much faster, and as it breaks down, it becomes even more likely to rip and tear.
3. There is no break-in. To be clear, synthetic gloves can have break-in periods because of the padding, but the material itself does not expand with use and will not breathe as well compared to leather. This often leads to more heat and sweat in the hand compartments during training, for an overall less comfortable glove.
Why Do People Prefer Leather?
1. The durability: Genuine cowhides are much tougher and built to withstand a lot more impact and damage. This is why leather gloves usually last much longer compared to synthetic.
2. Breathabilit: Animal hide has a natural fibre structure full of microscopic gaps and pores. Even after tanning, good leather can still let water vapour and heat slowly pass through, instead of trapping everything like plastic.
3. They look richer and more premium: Synthetic leather is usually too perfect, often built with artificial grain, but it ultimately fails to replicate the real and raw depth found in natural leather.
4. Real pop on impact: If you know, you know. You can’t explain this to someone, but once you feel it, you will never want to go back.
5. Comfort: Genuine leather acts more like a natural material instead of a plastic shell. It softens and moulds as the glove breaks in, allowing for a more comfortable fit. It also flexes instead of feeling stiff, sharp, or crinkly.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Genuine Leather Gloves?
1. Price: Genuine leather has a longer supply chain. The hide must be sourced, tanned, treated, graded, cut, and transported before the glove can be made.
2. Maintenance: If you want to get the most life out of your genuine leather gloves, you have to keep them clean and proper. Leather is prone to drying out in the long term, which leads to cracking and a shorter lifespan. This can usually be fixed by always allowing the gloves to air out overnight, keeping them out of the sun, and the occasional leather care every now and then.
The Biggest Advantage Of Leather Gloves
Besides the durability, the biggest advantage of leather that no one talks about is:
THE POP.
That sharp crack when fist meets target.
Like a gunshot that makes you want to plant your feet and work.
To someone who has never experienced it, this sounds obsessive. To experienced boxers, it’s a necessity.
And this difference is one of the main reasons our CEO has refused to replace genuine leather with a cheaper synthetic alternative.
The Biggest Advantage Of Synthetic Gloves
Synthetic leather is manufactured in uniform rolls, so every panel can look almost identical.
Genuine leather comes from individual hides. Natural grain, light creasing, subtle markings, and small variations are part of the material.
They are not defects.
They are signs that your gloves are made from genuine leather, not material engineered to imitate it.
But if you want a glove with zero marks or potential scuffs, then synthetic will be your best bet.
Why Hit N Move Chooses Genuine Leather
The real pop. Enhanced impact. Natural break-in.
Although we could save a lot of money by switching to a synthetic material, we believe the costs outweigh the benefits.
And if you want the best gloves that bring the best performance out of you, then they must be made of genuine cowhide leather.
That is why we use 100% Turkish cowhide sourced from our founder’s home country, a region known for premium leather craftsmanship.
