Ever notice how a perfectly broken-in baseball glove feels like an extension of your hand? That amazing feel, that reliable pocket, it all starts with something surprisingly small: the lace. But have you ever stared at a wall of glove laces, each one a different color and material, and felt a little lost? Choosing the right lace isn’t just about looks; it’s about how your glove performs when you need it most.
A weak or the wrong type of lace can lead to a floppy pocket, frustrating drops, and even a broken glove at the worst possible moment. It’s a small part that makes a huge difference! Don’t let the wrong thread cost you plays on the field.
This post will cut through the confusion. We will break down the different types of lace, what works best for specific glove positions, and the secrets to keeping your glove tight and ready. Get ready to choose the perfect lace for your glove’s next chapter.
Top Baseball Glove Lace Recommendations
- BASEBALL GLOVE REPAIR LACING KIT: This relacing kit includes 2 genuine cowhide leather strips, each 72 inches long (183 centimeters) and 4.8mm (3/16") wide. And 1 heavy duty lacing needle for ease of use.
- HIGH QUALITY LEATHER LACE: Alum tannage - extremely strong and slightly more firm than chrome; not appropriate for shoes or other products made in a heat setting process. Most commonly used for the lacing in baseball gloves.
- A SPECIALLY MADE LACING NEEDLE: According to the leather lace of the baseball glove, the best fit needle is specially customized to facilitate easier repair of the beloved baseball glove.
- EASY TO USE: Firstly cut the end of the lace to a tube shape, and then thread the needle， Twist several times into needle clock wise, Once it's fixed then lace your mitt.
- COMPATIBLE WITH ANY BASEBALL GLOVE: This glove lacing kit is suitable for any type of mitt, whether it is a Mizuno, Rollins or Wilson. Also appropriate for craft projects, garden tools, bbq utensils and footwear or decorative apparel lacing.
- The Ultimate Baseball Glove Repair Lacing Kit: Comes with 2 cowhide leather strips, each 72 inches long (182.88 centimeters) and 3/16 inch wide (4.80 millimeters). You have enough leather to do the pocket and the fingers to relace your favorite mitts. This is the only baseball glove repair kit you'll ever need!
- Heavy Duty Baseball Glove Relacing Kit: The leather is made of authentic cowhide and comes with a heavy duty lacing needle that threads into the end of the leather strip for ease of use.
- Easy to Use: Just screw the glove lacing tool onto the cowhide strips and follow the previous lacing pattern. Take out just a little of the old strips at a time and repeat the pattern.
- Compatible With Any Baseball or Softball Mitt: This baseball glove relacing kit works on any make or model of mitt, be it Rawlings, Wilson, or Mizuno. Also great for leather craft projects of all kind.
- A Variety of Colors: You can either match the color of your baseball gloves or be playful and accentuate them with bright colors. With the wide choices of colors we offer, you can never go wrong.
- ALL-IN-ONE: Everything you need to lace your glove.
- STRONG AND DURABLE: High-quality lace that’s both durable and strong.
- PROVEN SUCCESS: Carefully-tested synthetic leather.
- EXTRA GLOVE LIFE: Helps get more time out of your glove.
- ALWAYS THE BEST: Rawlings is a front-runner in baseball gear and innovation trusted by professionals everywhere, so buying Rawlings gear is a commitment to being the best.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: 2 baseball glove laces, each measuring 79" in length, 2 lacing needles, and one product manual.
- HIGH-QUALITY GENUINE COWHIDE LACE: Our glove lace is crafted from authentic cowhide, ensuring exceptional durability. The baseball glove string remains intact even when pulled tightly, offering superior strength compared to the original glove lacing. This kit is excellent for relacing gloves, providing a strong and long-lasting solution.
- EASY TO USE: Includes a baseball glove lacing needle and curved needles, with the latter proving effective when passing through closely spaced eyelets. The glove relacing kit makes replacing the original lacing a straightforward and hassle-free process.
- The lacing needle is much easier to use than the older hook and loop on the end, providing a superior alternative to typical needles. It's perfect for a quick glove repair kit, making it easy to put old gloves back into service. Compatible with all baseball and softball gloves, this baseball glove repair kit is a must-have.
- ATTENTION: The glove lace needle features a threaded end; trim the baseball glove leather lacing, thread it through, and it securely holds, making it easy to put old gloves back into service.
- The Ultimate Baseball Glove Repair Lacing Kit: Comes with 2 cowhide leather strips, each 72 inches long (182.88 centimeters) and 3/16 inch wide (4.80 millimeters). You have enough leather to do the pocket and the fingers to relace your favorite mitts. This is the only baseball glove repair kit you'll ever need!
- Heavy Duty Baseball Glove Relacing Kit: The leather is made of authentic cowhide and comes with a heavy duty lacing needle that threads into the end of the leather strip for ease of use.
- Easy to Use: Just screw the glove lacing tool onto the cowhide strips and follow the previous lacing pattern. Take out just a little of the old strips at a time and repeat the pattern.
- Compatible With Any Baseball or Softball Mitt: This baseball glove relacing kit works on any make or model of mitt, be it Rawlings, Wilson, or Mizuno. Also great for leather craft projects of all kind.
- A Variety of Colors: You can either match the color of your baseball gloves or be playful and accentuate them with bright colors. With the wide choices of colors we offer, you can never go wrong.
- In the Package: 2 Baseball glove laces, each measuring 79" in length, 2 lacing needles, 1 product manual.
- Genuine Cowhide Lace: Crafted from authentic cowhide, ensuring exceptional durability. This baseball glove string kit is excellent for relacing gloves, providing a strong and long-lasting solution.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: 2 baseball glove laces, each measuring 79" in length, 2 lacing needles, and one product manual.
- HIGH-QUALITY GENUINE COWHIDE LACE: Our glove lace is crafted from authentic cowhide, ensuring exceptional durability.
- EASY TO USE: Includes a baseball glove lacing needle and curved needles, with the latter proving effective when passing through closely spaced eyelets.
- The lacing needle is much easier to use than the older hook and loop on the end, providing a superior alternative to typical needles.
- ATTENTION: The glove lace needle features a threaded end.
- ALL-IN-ONE: Everything you need to lace your glove.
- STRONG AND DURABLE: High-quality lace that’s both durable and strong.
- PROVEN SUCCESS: Carefully-tested synthetic leather.
- EXTRA GLOVE LIFE: Helps get more time out of your glove.
- ALWAYS THE BEST: Rawlings is a front-runner in baseball gear and innovation trusted by professionals everywhere, so buying Rawlings gear is a commitment to being the best.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Baseball Glove Lace
A strong, reliable baseball glove lace keeps your glove together. It helps you catch fly balls and grounders. When your lace breaks, you need the right replacement. This guide helps you choose the best lace for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Good glove lace has several important features. These features make a big difference in how long your lace lasts and how well your glove performs.
1. Lace Thickness and Width
- Thickness: Most laces are about 3/16 inch wide. This size fits most standard glove weaving holes. Thicker lace offers more strength but might be hard to thread through smaller holes.
- Width: Ensure the width matches your glove’s existing pattern. Some specialized gloves need narrower lace.
2. Length
Measure the lace you are replacing. A standard fielder’s glove usually needs about 54 to 72 inches of lace. Pitcher’s or catcher’s mitts might need more. Always buy a little extra length rather than too little.
3. Color Options
Lace comes in many colors. Natural tan is the most common. You can also find black, red, blue, and white. Choose a color that matches your glove or one that helps you stand out.
Important Materials for Durability
The material dictates how tough the lace is. You want a material that resists wear and tear from catching hard-hit balls.
Leather Lace
Leather is the traditional and best choice. It is strong and flexible. Quality leather lace molds to the glove over time. This molding helps create a perfect pocket shape.
Synthetic Lace (Rawhide or Nylon Core)
Some modern laces use synthetic materials or have a nylon core wrapped in leather. These often resist moisture better than pure leather. They are also sometimes easier to work with for beginners.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all laces are made equally. Small details affect the overall quality.
Quality Indicators (Improve Quality)
- Tanning Process: Well-tanned leather resists cracking and fraying. Look for laces that feel smooth but not overly slick.
- Consistency: High-quality lace has a consistent width along its entire length. Uneven lace makes weaving difficult.
Quality Reducers (Reduce Quality)
- Stiffness: Very stiff lace is hard to pull tight. It can also cause your glove to feel too rigid, making it harder to break in.
- Poor Dyeing: If the color rubs off easily onto your hands or glove, the dye quality is low.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your glove affects which lace you should buy.
For New Glove Restringing (Full Replacement)
If you are relacing an entire glove, buy several matching pieces. You need enough length for all the webbing and finger stalls. Take clear pictures before you start taking the old lace out!
For Minor Repairs (Spot Fixing)
If only a small section breaks, you only need a short piece. Make sure the replacement color and material blend well with the existing lace so the repair is not too noticeable.
Field Use
Lace exposed to rain or heavy use wears out faster. If you play in wet conditions often, choose a synthetic blend that handles moisture better.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Baseball Glove Lace
Q: How do I know what length of lace I need?
A: Measure the lace you are replacing. For a general infielder’s glove, 60 inches is a safe starting point. Always aim for a little extra.
Q: Can I use boot laces instead of baseball lace?
A: You can use them for very temporary fixes, but boot laces are often too thick or not made of the right material. They will not last as long as proper glove lace.
Q: Do I need to treat new leather lace before installing it?
A: Some players like to lightly oil high-quality leather lace before use. This makes it softer and easier to pull tight during the lacing process.
Q: What is the difference between rawhide and tanned leather lace?
A: Rawhide is untanned and very stiff, often used for very sturdy, traditional mitts. Tanned leather is treated, softer, and easier to work with for standard gloves.
Q: How do I keep my new lace from getting too loose after I tighten it?
A: Pull the lace very tight when installing. Once the glove is broken in, the leather will stretch slightly. Good quality lace holds its tension better.
Q: Can I mix different colored laces on one glove?
A: Yes! Many players use different colors for the pocket versus the webbing for a custom look. This is purely cosmetic.
Q: How long should good quality lace last?
A: If you play regularly, quality leather lace can last several seasons. Extreme weather or very hard use will shorten its life.
Q: Should I use a needle or awl to thread the lace?
A: You generally do not need a needle. You use the pointed end of the lace itself or a blunt leather awl to guide the lace through the holes.
Q: What happens if the lace breaks during a game?
A: If the break is minor, you might be able to knot it quickly. If it’s a major break, you must replace the section immediately to keep the glove usable.
Q: Where is the best place to buy replacement lace?
A: Buy lace from sporting goods stores or reputable online baseball suppliers. This ensures you get leather specifically designed for glove stress.