Softball Gloves & Mitts

To find the right softball size glove, measure from the tip of your index finger to the start of your wrist in inches. Your glove should be snug but not painfully tight.

Depending on their position, softball players use gloves of varying sizes. Shortstops and second basemen generally use gloves in the 11-inch range, while outfielders often use gloves that are 14 inches or larger. Softball players will most commonly use gloves 12 inches or larger as anything smaller than that may not be able to handle the softball.

Yes, baseball gloves can be used for softball however outfield baseball gloves are typically better for softball because of their larger surface area. Infield baseball gloves are smaller and usually do not have enough surface area to handle the larger softball.

The most common softball glove used by college softball players is the timeless Wilson A2000. Used by players from the NCAA to fastpitch programs and clubs, the A2000 provides a good value for average hands. With its textured leather, it will take the shape of your hand over time, improving feel and control with each game played.

Typically, for younger players, softball gloves can easily last up to 2 years before either needing to be replaced due to wear and tear or a young player growing out of the glove.

History of Softball Gloves

For the past 120 years, softball gloves have been evolving. In the 1800s, softball gloves offered limited protection, with scarce finger padding and poor webbing. Laced fingers were added in the 1930s to improve grip and ensure a secure fit. Softball gloves today generally feature larger webbing and increased padding, for the highest level of protection possible.

Softball Glove Buying Guide

Different positions require different styles of gloves. In softball, there are catcher's mitts, first base mitts, infield gloves, and outfield gloves. The largest and deepest glove is the catcher's mitt, heavily padded for extra protection and optimized to catch fastballs. A first base mitt is the longest of the gloves, offering extra length to help catch balls thrown from the infield. Shorter and shallower than other mitts, the infield glove is designed with an open web to keep up with fast-paced action. A closed web design is useful to pitchers, to help conceal the ball. Specifically designed to catch high speed balls, outfield gloves are perfect for players who are constantly having to leap and dive to make crazy catches.

Best Softball Gloves

The best softball glove depends on the position and playing style of the player, but popular brands include Rawlings, Mizuno, Easton, Franklin, and Wilson. The Easton Salvo Elite is perfect for players who want versatility, as it features a deep palm design and a secure wrist strap. The Rawlings Liberty Advanced is created with innovative technology to improve fastpitch performance. Designed with bio soft leather, the Mizuno MVP Prime SE Glove is preferred by professional and elite level softball players. Specifically optimized for outfield players, the Mizuno Premier offers a secure, simple fit that is lightweight yet durable.