You need to find the best softball glove in order to perform your best out on the field.
When searching for a softball glove, you should largely factor in the position you play, and from there you can factor in other things such as material and pocket size.
In your search, if you are not familiar with glove patterns and sizes, you will be overwhelmed with the abundance of choices, which is why this guide will be very useful to you!
Things to Consider
When searching for a softball glove, you need to know the type of throw and whether or not you are RHT or LHT.
- The type of throw refers to the hand, which you use to throw the ball as opposed to the hand, which has the glove on. This means you should know if you are a righty or a lefty.
- RHT or Right Hand Thrower refers to players that use their right hand to throw. Such players wear the glove on the left.
- LHT or Left Hand Thrower refers to players that use their left hand to throw. Such players wear the glove on the right.
Glove or Mitt
Beginning players often confuse gloves for mitts and vice versa. Gloves do come with distinct finger separations while mitts don’t. Mitts are meant to be used by first basement and catchers while gloves are meant to be used by other position players.
Top 6 Softball Gloves Chart
| Picture | Name | Size | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Mizuno GPL1250F1 Prospect | 12.5-Inch | $$$ | 4.8 |
| 2. Louisville Slugger 10.5-Inch FG Diva | 10.5-Inch | $$ | 4.7 |
| 3. Rawlings Playmaker Series | 12-Inch | $$$$ | 4.5 |
| 4. Wilson A360 Series 14" Slowpitch | 14-Inch | $$$ | 4.4 |
| 5. Easton BX1300B Softball Glove | 13-Inch | $$ | 4.2 |
| 6. Wilson A360 Baseball Glove | 10-Inch | $ | 4.2 |
Construction and Design
Not only do you need gloves that fit your hand, position and level of play but you also need to find the right construction and design to suit your needs. When searching for the best softball glove, you should pay attention to the design elements as these do have the most impact on performance.
- Webbing. Softball gloves come in different types of webbing such as Basket web, I-web, Closed web, Dual post web, single post web and Modified Trapeze web among others. The webbing helps the player catch and hold onto the ball and it comes in two distinct designs: open and closed. Open web gloves have spacing that is wide enough to see through and come with loosely woven leather. Close web gloves on the other hand provide stability and support when catching the ball and come in a tightly woven pattern.
- Pocket Size. The pocket size is the indentation in palm of a softball glove. If you are an outfielder then you should look for gloves with bigger pocket size as these will help you catch fly balls with ease. If you wish to make fast plays then you should look for gloves with shallow pockets.
- Wrist Adjustment. There are gloves with wrist adjustments that are great for players that wish to have a snug-fitting glove on their hand.
Does Material Matter?
Gloves are made from a wide range of material such as leather, mesh, synthetic material and treated leather. Young players normally opt for the less expensive synthetic leather gloves, gloves made from pigskin and those made from cowhide. Most players however who are looking for durable and comfortable gloves opt for leather.
Top 3 Best Softball Glove Reviews
1. Mizuno
The Mizuno Gpl1250f1 not only provides the perfect fit but is easy to break in. This glove boasts of the Power Close technology that makes it easier to catch the ball. It does provide maximum comfort to make for a wonderful play session.
With the Tartan Finch web pattern, you not only get to enjoy an attractive looking glove but also better ball security. It is easy to open and close thanks to the V-Flex Notch feature that comes with it. Both the left hand and right hand are available depending on your throw.
The ButteSoft Lining does provide you with on-field comfort and better hand protection as you play. This glove is made from quality soft leather that is easy to break-in.
2. Louisville Slugger
As soon as you buy the Louisville Slugger, you will be ready to play since there is no breaking-in required. These gloves are the perfect fit for players that are just getting their feet wet in as far as the game goes. They are perfect for infielders and come in both the left and right hand depending on your throw.
The synthetic material used is not only flexible but breathable as well and thanks to the lightweight mess, closure is easy. This 10.5-inch glove is the perfect fit for players that prefer 11” gloves.
On the downside though, it lacks enough padding and only comes in two colors-yellow and pink.
3. Rawlings
If you play both baseball and softball then you will love the crossover capabilities of the Rawlings Playermaker series. Thanks to the patented Basket Web Design and the flex back, you get to enjoy a customized fit with this glove.
They do fit both female and male players and don’t require breaking in thanks to the soft leather palm. With the deep pocket, you should be able to hold the ball more securely and comfortably.
This glove comes in both the left and right hand depending on your throw. Unfortunately, if you wish to tighten the glove, you will not appreciate the ineffective strap that it comes with.
