How To Choose a Softball Glove for Your Position

You can’t master softball with skill and strategy alone. Having the right equipment tailored to your specific position on the field matters more than you think!

Whether you're a seasoned infielder, an agile outfielder, or a reliable catcher behind the plate, your softball glove should complement your play style to make the difference in your performance. Keep reading to learn how to choose the perfect softball glove for your position so you can catch, scoop, and throw with ease.

Choosing a softball glove might initially seem overwhelming. When you first walk into the aisle, you’ll see plenty of options: different materials, handedness, web styles, and pocket depths. If you’re in a hurry, use these tips to choose your next glove:

• Extra-cushioned softball mitts for catchers keep your fingers together and come with a large palm to make catching more comfortable and consistent.

• First base players prefer deep pockets and some cushion, but they also need long, shallow fingers for easy scooping.

• Both pitchers and third-base players may opt for closed webbing for different reasons. Hard hits that trend toward third base require the strength and support of close webbing, and the design is also ideal for pitchers who want to mask their next throw.

• Infielders use smaller gloves with shallow pockets and open webs so they can quickly retrieve and throw balls.

To choose the correct handedness, use the hand you throw with:

• If you throw with your right arm, wear a Right-Hand Throw (RHL) softball glove on your left hand.

• If you throw with your left arm, wear a Left-Hand Throw (LHT) softball glove on your right hand.

Softball gloves have come a long way. The number of choices you’ll have to make and the options available to you when choosing a softball glove can overwhelm the best of us. Quick decision-makers can reference this cursory list of our expert tips:

• Deep or shallow pockets? Go deep for comfort and consistency and shallow if you want a quick catch and throw.

• Open or closed webbing? Go open for more flexibility and closed for support or secrecy.

• More or less padding? Get more for increased protection and less for more sensitivity to the ball.

If you’re looking for a more thorough walkthrough on how to choose a softball glove, we’ve compiled a summary of features to consider broken down by each position:

Softball gloves are typically made from two types of material: synthetic and leather. So is leather or synthetic the better choice? Well, it’s a bit more complex than a black and white approach. It all comes down to player preference.

Leather gloves, in general, tend to be more durable; synthetic gloves are lighter and often less expensive. Among the more popular synthetic material options, most manufacturers opt for either some sort of mesh material or brand-designed material engineered for specific benefits or purposes.

To help you choose which is best for you, here is our breakdown of each type of softball glove material:

We broke the ‘leather’ category down by more affordable, lightweight options as well as premium, Pro Series grade options. Here is a brief overview of each grade of leather:

• Leather: Pigskin and cowhide are all lighter in weight yet still very durable, making them perfect for younger players.

• Premium leather: Full-grain hide leather, kip leather, and steerhide leather are the heavier options geared toward Pro Series or older players.

To find the perfect size of softball glove for your hand, flex your hand and measure from the tip of your index finger to the start of your wrist. Glove sizes are measured by inches, so be sure to write this number down. The right-sized glove will feel snug—not tight—and can vary by age or position.

Catcher's mitts are measured by circumference instead of length to provide a better idea of the catching area.

Keep in mind that kids' softball gloves should be snug, too. Parents often make the mistake of buying a glove their child can 'grow into,’ but doing so can lead to injuries and errors.

There are two general types of softball glove sizes: adult softball gloves and youth softball gloves. However, both of these two categories can be further broken down by age:

• Fastpitch softball gloves are used in fast-paced gameplay. These form-fitting gloves have shallow pocket that allow for faster ball transfers. They are made of lightweight materials and prioritize flexibility and responsiveness to accommodate quick movements in the field.

• Slowpitch softball gloves are made for slower-paced gameplay. They are typically larger and have deeper pockets to make catching easier. Slowpitch gloves tend to be heavier and prioritize comfort.

You can't spell ‘glove’ without L-O-V-E. No matter which softball glove you choose, regularly cleaning yours will keep it looking nice and ready to use. Proper glove care also extends the life of your glove — giving it a better shot at lasting season after season.

Breaking in new gloves can be a quick process for synthetic material. However, more expensive, premium leathers take a bit more time to break in.

Breaking in a softball glove is a crucial step before you leave that dugout. Your glove has to be soft enough — not stiff — if you want to play properly. While you have plenty of options available, break in your softball glove by following these steps:

• Condition the Leather: Start by evenly applying a small amount of leather conditioner or oil to the glove.

• Softening the Leather: Gently flex and bend the glove. Focus on areas like the palm, fingers, and the back of the hand.

• Use a Mallet or Ball: Lightly tap the pocket and other areas of the glove with a mallet or a softball. This helps break up stiffness and mold the glove to the shape of your hand.

• Form the Pocket: Place a softball wrapped in cloth inside the glove's pocket. Secure it with a rubber band or glove wrap, then leave it overnight.

• Play Catch: Play catch with a partner using the glove, focusing on catching balls in different positions and angles.

• Adjust as Needed: If certain areas still feel stiff or uncomfortable on your hand, continue to focus on conditioning and flexing those areas until they loosen up.

• Step 1: Grab a bristle brush and a clean rag. For leather gloves, find a quality leather-safe cleaner and conditioner. Try a mild detergent for synthetic designs.

• Step 2: Use the brush to remove large clumps of dirt.

• Step 3: Apply the leather-safe cleaner or mild detergent to a cloth.

• Step 4: Use the cloth to gently rub off any remaining dirt particles.

• Step 5: Finally, moisturize leather gloves with a bit of conditioner, but don't overdo it – too much conditioner can build up and attract more dirt.

Don't replace — re-lace. If your glove needs a new set of laces, use a knife or U-wire and a straight-lace grooved needle to remove and replace one lace at a time. Depending on your glove's size and the number of damaged or worn laces, you'll need approximately three to six new laces.

Keep your glove dry and protected during the off-season to help extend its life. Avoid leaving it in a humid gear bag or exposed to outdoor conditions. Find a cool, dry storage space indoors, and keep a ball stored inside the pocket to help your glove keep its shape.

Using softball glove accessories can improve your performance and help your glove last longer. Consider accessories like:

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, investing in a glove that suits your needs and preferences can make all the difference. If you’re ready to find your perfect match and take the field, explore the selection of softball gloves available at Academy Sports + Outdoors!