How to extend life span of leather boxing gloves?

[Prototype]

I have heard conflicting reports. Some say that rubbing leather gloves in vaseline will make the leather last longer, others say it won't, all I need is to wipe them down after training.

I'm not very keen on having my gloves full of vaseline if it does no good.

Will any of this affect the Life span of the leather cracking?

[TJ-Jitsu]

Not really. Leather itself simply lasts a long time- a LONG time. The only reason people put Vaseline on their gloves is in preparation to spar so as to limit cuts. I mean you could try it otherwise as I don't think theres any cons to doing so- other than a small mess.

[singularity6]

I would suspect that petroleum jelly would deteriorate the leather. Anything that makes leather "soft" is probably breaking down the structural integrity of the cells.

[Prototype]

I would suspect that petroleum jelly would deteriorate the leather. Anything that makes leather "soft" is probably breaking down the structural integrity of the cells.

I gather then that you recommend leaving the leather alone? I*ve heard that it's the inside padding which breaks down first, not the leather.

[JR 137]

I would suspect that petroleum jelly would deteriorate the leather. Anything that makes leather "soft" is probably breaking down the structural integrity of the cells.

But wouldn’t keeping leather moist keep it from drying out and cracking?

[Tempest]

I would suspect that petroleum jelly would deteriorate the leather. Anything that makes leather "soft" is probably breaking down the structural integrity of the cells.

But wouldn’t keeping leather moist keep it from drying out and cracking?

Yes, but I find that a bit of mink oil works better than vaseline, though it isn't as cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/Sof-Sole-Preserving-Waterproofing-3-5-Ounce/dp/B003EMABT6

Leather is soft by nature and it "wears out" by drying and cracking.

And yes, the padding in gloves tends to go first, but you can still use them for bag gloves or whatever for a long time if you take care of the leather.

You can also fix the velcro:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOyHzmjU3uw

or repad them:

[Prototype]

Yes these are bag gloves only. Being 16Oz, I expect them to hold up longer on the heavy bag than the 12oz on the way.

[singularity6]

I use mink oil to condition my boots and my leather jacket one to two times per year, max. Proper mink oil should be animal-derived, though plant-based products are also acceptable. Again, I'd avoid any petroleum-based products.

[Spartacus Maximus]

Indeed, stay away from vaseline. Leather products are best maintained by applying any fine oils. Animal based is best because leather is basically animal skin. The non-leather parts of the gloves require different maintenance but overall, a lot depends on what kind of place they are stored and how well they are cleaned after usage. Anything leather should never be stored in a place where it will be exposed to extreme temperatures or high humidity.

[Prototype]

Indeed, stay away from vaseline. Leather products are best maintained by applying any fine oils. Animal based is best because leather is basically animal skin. The non-leather parts of the gloves require different maintenance but overall, a lot depends on what kind of place they are stored and how well they are cleaned after usage. Anything leather should never be stored in a place where it will be exposed to extreme temperatures or high humidity.

I bought thin shoe cream from a retailer.