Softball Glove - Mitts for fastpitch and slowpitch softball
To perform at your best, you need a quality glove that offers comfort and durability. At Baseball 360, our softball glove selection includes top-tier options designed specifically for fastpitch gloves and slowpitch gloves. Since a softball is larger than a baseball, the size glove required for softball differs significantly from baseball gloves, affecting overall performance. Choosing the right glove style is key to improving grip, control, and protection during play.
Explore our top softball glove recommendations at Baseball 360.
Fastpitch Softball vs. Slowpitch Softball – What’s the Difference?
The key difference between fastpitch and slowpitch softball is the pitching style. Fastpitch features a high-speed windmill motion, while slowpitch uses a slower, arched trajectory. Since a softball is larger than a baseball, gloves for both styles are designed to accommodate the difference in ball size.
While many softball gloves appear similar, the catcher’s mitt is the most distinct. Fastpitch catchers require a highly padded glove to withstand pitches reaching speeds of 70 mph, ensuring impact absorption and reducing hand fatigue.
Choosing the Right Softball Catcher’s Glove
A softball catcher’s glove (mitt) is built for durability, protection, and grip. The added padding helps absorb shock, while the deep pocket improves ball control. A well-designed mitt enhances comfort, longevity, and performance behind the plate.
Key Features of a Fastpitch Softball Glove
Fastpitch gloves are designed for quick, secure catches and injury prevention. They feature:
- Larger pockets to grip the bigger softball effectively.
- Extra padding to minimize hand strain from high-speed throws.
- Break-in period considerations, as some leather models require time to reach optimal flexibility.
Slowpitch Softball Glove Characteristics
Slowpitch gloves have a deep pocket for handling larger softballs but typically lack the extra padding found in fastpitch gloves. The right choice depends on player position—infielders may prefer a smaller, more flexible glove, while outfielders benefit from a longer, deeper-pocket glove for high catches.
Selecting the right glove tailored to fastpitch or slowpitch play ensures maximum comfort and performance on the field.
Everything You Need: Softball First Base Gloves, Catcher’s Mitts, and More
At Baseball360, we offer a softball glove selection featuring top-tier glove styles designed for all positions. Whether you need a glove for fastpitch softball or a size glove tailored for slowpitch, our inventory includes high-quality options to enhance your game.
The Best Softball Gloves and Mitts – Trusted Brands
At Baseball360, we carefully curate our softball glove selection from leading brands known for their quality gloves and craftsmanship, including:
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Rawlings Softball Gloves
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Easton Softball Gloves
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Wilson Softball Gloves
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Miken Softball Gloves
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Worth Softball Gloves
Choosing the right glove style is essential for comfort and performance. If you’re unsure which model best suits your needs, our team can provide expert glove recommendations to help you select the perfect softball glove for your position and level of play.
Shop top-rated softball gloves at Baseball360.
A Good Softball Glove – The Perfect Gift for Junior Players
A softball glove makes a fantastic gift for players of all ages, whether they’re just starting or refining their skills. Young athletes often need a size glove that evolves with their game. As their hands grow, transitioning to the right glove style becomes crucial for performance. A high-quality glove for fastpitch softball ensures they develop the right grip and control for more competitive play.
Softball Glove Care: Cleaning, Maintenance, and Longevity
Taking proper care of your softball gloves will ensure they stay in top condition for longer. Since most are made from leather, it’s important to clean them correctly. Use a damp cloth with unscented soap water, and never fully soak your quality glove, as it can damage the material. Dry it in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, to maintain its shape.
If your softball glove gets completely wet, drying it properly is essential to prevent stiffness. First, pat it dry thoroughly, then store it in an area with good airflow. While it dries, place a softball (or even a baseball) in the pocket and secure it with an elastic band to help maintain the shape. Once dry, apply glove softener with a cloth and let it sit for 24 hours before using it again.
Proper care will reduce the amounts of time breaking in your softball glove, ensuring it remains game-ready for longer.
Bags and accessories for softball gloves
After your game or your practice, we always suggest that you keep your glove in a separate compartment away from wet clothes. When you arrive home, always remove the glove from the bag and let it dry out.
Visit our site to view our bags with specific glove compartments. We also have products to help maintain the exterior and interior of your glove(s)!
Choosing the Right Softball Glove
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Webbing Patterns and Their Impact on Performance
The webbing of a softball glove plays a crucial role in grip, control, and overall usability. Different web styles are designed for various field positions:
- I-Web: Preferred by infielders for quick ball transfers and visibility through the webbing.
- H-Web: Great for both infield and outfield, offering flexibility and stability for catching fly balls.
- Closed Web: Ideal for pitchers to conceal grip and outfielders needing extra ball security.
- Modified Trap Web: A hybrid of open and closed webbing, providing flexibility for multiple positions.
Choosing the correct webbing enhances play efficiency and comfort based on field position.
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Breaking in a Softball Glove: Leather vs. Synthetic Models
A new softball glove can feel stiff at first, but properly breaking it in ensures comfort and flexibility for long-term use.
- Leather Gloves: Require a longer break-in period but offer superior durability.
- Synthetic Gloves: More game-ready out of the box, making them great for beginners or youth players.
Break-in Methods:
- Use a glove mallet to soften and shape the pocket.
- Apply glove conditioner or oil sparingly to keep the leather flexible.
- Wrap the glove around a softball and secure it with a band overnight.
- Play frequent catch to mold the glove naturally to your hand.
A well-broken-in glove enhances grip and control, ensuring better fielding performance.
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Youth Softball Gloves vs. Adult Gloves: Key Differences
Choosing the Right Softball Glove for Youth Players
A well-fitted glove is essential for young athletes learning the game. Youth softball gloves are crafted with lighter materials for better control, making them easier to handle. With smaller wrist openings and adjustable straps, they provide a secure fit that supports developing skills. Many models use softer leather or synthetic blends, reducing the amounts of time breaking them in so players can start using them comfortably right away.
Adult Softball Gloves: Durability and Performance
For more advanced players, adult softball gloves feature larger sizes and deeper pockets to improve catching precision. High-quality full-grain leather enhances durability, while additional padding—especially in fastpitch gloves—protects against high-speed impacts. Proper care of glove can extend its lifespan, ensuring long-term performance. Whether for competitive or recreational play, choosing the right glove from a trusted brand is key to optimizing grip, control, and comfort on the field.
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Choosing the Right Softball Glove for Your Position
Not all gloves are created equal—each position requires specific features to optimize performance.
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Infielders:
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Shallow pocket & open webbing for fast ball transfers.
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Shorter glove length (11.5”-12.5”) for better control.
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Outfielders:
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Deeper pocket & longer glove (12.5”-14”) to catch high fly balls.
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Closed webbing to improve ball security.
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Pitchers:
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Closed webbing to hide grip and improve ball control.
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Medium pocket depth for fast transitions.
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Catchers:
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Heavily padded mitt with reinforced finger slots for protection.
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Deep pocket & stiff structure to handle high-speed pitches.
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First Basemen:
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Long, curved edge design to scoop balls with ease.
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Extra padding for catching hard throws.
Choosing a glove tailored to your position enhances control, protection, and play consistency.
Final Thoughts: Selecting the Best Softball Glove for You
With so many options available, finding the right glove style, size, and material is essential for peak performance. Consider your position, webbing preference, and break-in time to ensure your glove supports your playing style.
Explore our top-rated softball gloves today!
FAQ about softball gloves
How do I know my softball glove size?
To determine your softball glove size, measure the distance from your index finger to the heel of your palm. Consider factors in glove sizing such as the fit around your fingers and the type of glove. Youth gloves will have a shorter pocket and size, while adult gloves may vary in size.
Is there a difference between a baseball glove and a softball glove?
Yes, there's a significant difference between a baseball glove and a softball glove. Softball gloves are generally larger due to the bigger ball size and often come with different webbing and pockets. Baseball players often find that the shorter pocket in their gloves isn't suitable for the larger softball.
What size softball glove does a 13-year-old need?
For a 13-year-old, the size glove typically ranges between 11.5 to 12.5 inches. The exact glove size depends on their position and fit preference. Factors in glove sizing, such as the fit around the fingers, should be considered, and an inexpensive softball glove could be a good starting choice.
How do I choose a softball glove?
Choosing the perfect glove depends on your position, size of your fingers, and personal preferences. Consider the glove types, whether all-leather glove, synthetic leather gloves, or custom fastpitch gloves, and the category of glove like infield or outfield. Your choice of glove may also include classic softball gloves or specific brands like Adult Slowpitch Softball Glove.