Best Softball Gloves for Every Position

The best softball gloves are chosen by position first, then by pocket depth, fit, leather quality, and break-in time—not simply by the largest size or highest price.

Quick picks by position

• Fastpitch infield: 11.5–12 inches, shallow-to-medium pocket, open or modified web, and a light glove that transfers quickly.
• Fastpitch pitcher: 11.5–12.5 inches, closed or modified web, and a pocket deep enough to secure the ball while hiding the grip.
• Fastpitch outfield: 12–13 inches, deeper pocket, and preferably a closed web for tracking fly balls.
• Slowpitch infield: 12–13 inches, medium-to-deep pocket, and a sturdy H-web, I-web, or modified web.
• Slowpitch outfield: 13–14 inches, deep pocket, and a closed basket, trapeze, or H-web.
• First base: 12–14 inches for fastpitch or 13–14 inches for slowpitch, using a first-base mitt rather than a conventional glove.
• Catcher: 32–34 inches for fastpitch and approximately 33–35 inches for slowpitch, using a catcher’s mitt with a reinforced, deep pocket.

Best softball gloves by playing situation

These are useful starting ranges, not rigid rules. League regulations, ball size, hand size, and personal preference can move the ideal choice by half an inch or more. A 12-inch glove can work for a fastpitch outfielder with quick hands, while a larger 12.5-inch model may suit an infielder who values extra reach.

Our top picks

Top pickFranklin Sports Field Master Midnight Series Baseball

Check price on Amazon

Also greatFranklin Sports Field Master Series Baseball Gloves

Check price on Amazon

Also greatRawlings Player Preferred Baseball Gloves

Check price on Amazon

Also greatRawlings

Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Ratings are shown as listed on Amazon.

Head-to-head: shallow pocket versus deep pocket

Shallow pocket

A shallow pocket releases the ball quickly, which matters when a middle infielder fields a ground ball and has to make a rapid throw. It is also easier for younger players to control. The trade-off is a smaller margin for error on hard-hit balls and line drives. Infield webs such as the I-web and modified trapeze commonly support this style.

Deep pocket

A deep pocket gives the ball more security, making it better for outfield catches, slowpitch fly balls, and first-base play. It can slow the transfer slightly, especially when a new glove is stiff. H-webs, trapeze webs, and closed webs can all support a deep pocket, depending on how the glove is shaped and broken in.

Do not confuse web type with pocket depth. An H-web does not automatically create a deep pocket, and a closed web is not automatically better for every pitcher. The palm padding, heel stiffness, finger stalls, and break-in pattern matter just as much.

Leather, break-in time, and ownership cost

Entry-level synthetic or leather-and-synthetic gloves are affordable and usually playable quickly. They are sensible for a child who may outgrow the glove or a recreational player who plays only a few times per month. Their lighter structure can be easier for small hands, but they generally offer less shape retention and fewer opportunities for repair.

Full-grain steerhide and steerhide blends usually offer a better balance of durability and value. They take longer to soften, but the pocket tends to hold its shape through repeated practices. Premium steerhide, kip leather, and high-grade steerhide models from brands such as Wilson, Rawlings, Mizuno, Easton, and Nokona can feel more structured and refined, though the price is often in the roughly $150–$400 range. Budget recreational gloves may fall around $30–$100, while serious youth and adult options commonly occupy the $100–$250 range.

Break-in time depends on leather, thickness, climate, and use. A simple ownership estimate illustrates the value difference: a $60 glove used 30 times costs about $2 per use in its first season. A $220 glove used 150 times over three seasons costs about 49 cents per use, before considering relacing or repairs. The premium only makes sense if the player will use the glove frequently and maintain it.

What wears out first?

• Laces: The web, thumb, and pinky laces often stretch or break before the palm leather fails.
• Heel and palm: Repeated impact and moisture can flatten padding and loosen the pocket.
• Wrist opening: Velcro can lose grip over time, while traditional lace adjustments can loosen but are usually replaceable.
• Finger stalls: Poor fit and excessive force can stretch the lining or create uncomfortable pressure points.

Relacing is often worthwhile on a quality glove. A general repair may cost about $30–$75 depending on the work and local labor, so buying an expensive glove is not a guarantee of low long-term cost.

Wrist adjustment and fit: youth versus adult players

Youth players need a glove that closes around the ball without excessive squeezing. If the glove is too large, the player may keep the fingers outside the stalls, lose control during transfers, or compensate by wearing the glove unusually loose. A smaller, properly fitted glove is usually more useful than a larger model that promises extra reach.

For children, look for adjustable wrist laces or a Velcro strap, especially when several players may share equipment. Velcro is quick to adjust, while traditional lacing offers a more precise fit and is easier to replace when worn. The wrist should feel secure without cutting into the hand. The player should be able to open and close the glove repeatedly without the glove sliding off.

Adults often prefer a more substantial palm and deeper finger stalls, but hand length is not the only measurement. Two gloves with the same advertised size can feel different because of the wrist opening, finger-stall length, padding thickness, and shape of the thumb and pinky. Try the glove with a batting glove underneath if that is how it will be used during games.

A practical decision matrix

How to break in a softball glove without damaging it

1. Set the shape by hand. Place a softball in the pocket and gently close the thumb and pinky toward each other. This establishes the intended hinge without flattening the palm.
2. Play catch regularly. Ten to 20 minutes of controlled catching several times per week builds a game-shaped pocket more reliably than aggressive force.
3. Use a glove conditioner sparingly. Apply a small amount to the palm and high-flex areas according to the manufacturer’s guidance. Excess oil can add weight, soften the structure too quickly, and attract dirt.
4. Store it with a ball in the pocket. Use a glove wrap or light elastic band, but do not compress it tightly for long periods.
5. Dry it naturally. If it becomes wet, wipe it with a towel and let it dry at room temperature. Radiators, hair dryers, and direct high heat can stiffen or shrink leather.

Before buying, confirm whether the glove is designed for the throwing hand required by the player: a right-hand throw glove is worn on the left hand, while a left-hand throw glove is worn on the right. For the best softball gloves, the winning combination is the smallest size that provides the necessary reach, a pocket suited to the position, and a wrist fit the player can control for an entire game.