Ever feel like your slow pitch softball glove just isn’t cooperating? Maybe it won’t close right, or the ball pops right out when you need it most. Choosing the perfect glove for slow pitch can feel like a real headache. There are so many sizes, webs, and materials out there! You want a glove that feels like an extension of your hand, not a clumsy piece of leather.
Finding the right gear makes a huge difference in your game. A bad glove means dropped fly balls and missed grounders. We understand the frustration of wasting time and money on the wrong equipment. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Inside, you will learn exactly what features matter most for slow pitch softball. We will break down the jargon and show you how to find a glove that fits your position and playing style perfectly.
Ready to stop worrying about your gear and start focusing on making great plays? Keep reading to unlock the secrets to selecting the best slow pitch softball glove for you!
Top Glove For Slow Pitch Softball Recommendations
- DESIGNED FOR ADULT SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL PLAYERS, this glove can be used for competitive or recreational adult slowpitch softball or baseball
- DESIGNED AS A UTILITY GLOVE FOR ANY POSITION, this 14 inch Basket Web slowpitch Softball Series glove gives players with a quickly broke-in pocket & complete comfort to give confidence while snagging ground balls and stopping extra base hits
- DURABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT ALL-LEATHER SHELL AND PADDED FINGER LININGS - designed for optimal balance, added quickness, shape retention, and extra comfort
- CUSTOM FIT FOR EVERY ATHLETE - Neo-Flex Back and velcro strap allows this glove to fit comfortably on any men's slowpitch or women's slowpitch softball player
- 90% FACTORY / 10% PLAYER BREAK-IN makes this glove completely ready to use, right out of the box
- Wilson 2021 A360 SP13 13" Slowpitch Softball Glove - Right Hand Throw, Black/Grey
- Closed V-Laced Web
- CarbonLite Shell helps reduce the weight without sacrificing durability
- Black/Grey leather in a timeless look
- Velcro design for easy in-game adjustments
- FULL GRAIN LEATHER | Quality, soft leather provides improved shape retention while allowing for an easy break-in process
- IMPACT REDUCTION | Features poron XRD palm and index finger pads designed to significantly reduce ball impact
- CUSTOM FIT | Adjustable non slip pull strap back allows for a preferred fit
- BREAK-IN | 70% Factory 30% Player
- STYLE | 13" Pro H-Web Right Hand Throw
- Butter soft palm liner: PU palm lining for increased durability, feel, and comfort
- Full grain leather palm/pigskin back: for great durability
- Power lock wrist strap for secure fit
- Right hand Throw= worn on left hand, left hand Throw= worn on right hand
- Right Hand Throw = Left Hand Glove, Left Hand Throw = Right Hand Glove
- GAME READY LEATHER | Full-grain leather construction that's softn enough for game-use straight out of the wrapper while allowing for enhanced durability
- IMPACT REDUCTION | Features poron XRD palm and index finger pads designed to significantly reduce ball impact
- CUSTOM FIT | Adjustable non slip pull strap back allows for a preferred fit
- BREAK-IN | 90% Factory 10% Player
- STYLE | 13" Pro H-Web Right Hand Throw
- all new softball specific patterns designed with a wider heel and more pocket depth in each size
- game-ready oil-tanned leather palm and web, including super soft palm lining for enhanced grip and ball control.
- rawhide lace adds durability to the fingers and web with rolled welting improves break-in time like never before - out of the rapper game-ready!
- re-positioned pinkie loop allows for two fingers in the pinkie stall
- Sport type: Baseball
- Butter soft palm liner: PU palm lining for increased durability, feel, and comfort
- Full grain leather palm/pigskin back: for great durability
- Power lock wrist strap for secure fit
- Right hand Throw= worn on left hand, left hand Throw= worn on right hand
- Right Hand Throw = Left Hand Glove, Left Hand Throw = Right Hand Glove
- DESIGNED FOR ADULT SLOWPITCH SOFTBALL PLAYERS: This glove can be used for competitive or recreational adult Slowpitch softball or Baseball
- DESIGNED AS A UTILITY GLOVE FOR ANY POSITION: This 12 inch Basket Web Slowpitch Softball Series glove gives players with a quickly broke-in pocket and complete comfort to give confidence while snagging ground balls and stopping extra base hits
- DURABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT ALL-LEATHER SHELL AND PADDED FINGER LININGS: Designed for optimal balance, added quickness, shape retention, and extra comfort
- CUSTOM FIT FOR EVERY ATHLETE: Neo-Flex Back and Velcro strap allows this glove to fit comfortably on any men's Slowpitch or women's slow pitch softball player
- 90% FACTORY AND 10% PLAYER BREAK-IN: Makes this glove completely ready to use, right out of the box
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Slow Pitch Softball Glove
Choosing the right glove makes a big difference when you play slow pitch softball. A good glove helps you catch fly balls and grounders with confidence. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
Not all gloves are the same. Look for these important features:
- Pocket Depth: This is how deep the glove’s catching area is. Deeper pockets are great for beginners or players who handle the larger 12-inch softball. They help keep the ball secure. Shallower pockets are faster for quick transfers, often preferred by infielders.
- Glove Size: Slow pitch gloves usually range from 12 to 14 inches. Outfielders often like bigger gloves (13-14 inches) to cover more ground. Infielders usually use smaller, quicker gloves (12-12.5 inches).
- Web Style: The web connects the thumb and the index finger. Closed webs (like basket or H-webs) hide the ball better from the batter. Open webs (like I-webs) allow for faster visibility and quick transfers.
- Break-In Time: Some gloves feel ready to use right away. Others need significant work to soften up. Think about how much time you want to spend breaking in your new gear.
Important Materials in Slow Pitch Gloves
The material determines the glove’s feel, durability, and price.
Leather Quality
- Full-Grain Leather: This is the highest quality. It’s very durable and molds perfectly to your hand over time. It usually requires the longest break-in period.
- Oil-Tanned Leather: This leather is softer and breaks in faster than full-grain. It offers a good balance of feel and toughness.
- Synthetic Materials: These gloves are usually the least expensive. They are very light and require almost no break-in time. However, they do not last as long as leather gloves.
Lacing and Padding
Strong rawhide lacing holds the glove together. Good lacing prevents the glove from stretching out too much. Padding in the palm protects your hand from hard-hit balls. More padding means better protection but might make the glove feel stiffer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Glove Quality
Quality isn’t just about the material; it’s about how the glove is put together.
What Makes a Glove Better?
- Stitching Quality: Strong, tight stitching ensures the glove holds its shape. Poor stitching causes the webbing or finger stalls to fall apart quickly.
- Hand-Fitting Design: A glove that fits your hand well will perform better. Look for designs that match your hand size (youth, women’s specific, or adult standard). A comfortable fit improves control.
What Reduces Quality?
If a glove feels floppy or too loose right out of the box, its structure might not be strong. Gloves made with very thin leather break down faster when facing high-velocity hits. Cheap synthetic gloves often tear near the finger stalls quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the glove affects your best choice.
Position Matters
- Pitchers: Pitchers often use gloves with closed webs to hide their grip on the ball before release.
- Middle Infielders: These players need quick glove transfers. They usually prefer smaller gloves (12 to 12.5 inches) with shallower pockets.
- Outfielders: Covering large areas requires a big glove (13 to 14 inches) with a deep pocket to secure those long fly balls.
Beginner vs. Experienced Player
If you are just starting, a synthetic or oil-tanned glove that is pre-oiled will let you play right away. Experienced players who play often should invest in a high-quality full-grain leather glove. It will last many seasons and offer superior performance once broken in.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Slow Pitch Softball Gloves
Q: What size glove is best for slow pitch softball?
A: Most adult slow pitch players use gloves between 12 and 14 inches. Outfielders use the larger sizes, and infielders use the smaller sizes.
Q: Do I need a special glove just for slow pitch?
A: Yes. Slow pitch softballs are larger than baseballs. Slow pitch gloves are generally larger and have deeper pockets than baseball gloves to help secure the bigger ball.
Q: How do I break in a new leather glove?
A: You can rub glove oil or conditioner into the leather and then repeatedly squeeze the pocket closed. Some people use a glove mallet or even place a softball in the pocket and wrap the glove tightly overnight.
Q: Can I use my baseball glove for slow pitch?
A: You can, but it is not ideal. Baseball gloves are often too small, making it hard to catch the larger softball consistently.
Q: What is the difference between an H-Web and a Basket Web?
A: An H-Web has an H-shaped lacing pattern, good for seeing the ball quickly. A Basket Web is fully closed, hiding the ball completely from the batter.
Q: Should I buy a glove that is too big for me?
A: Buying a glove that is too big makes it hard to control. Control and quick transfer are more important than having a huge pocket if you cannot close the glove easily.
Q: How long should a good quality glove last?
A: A well-maintained, high-quality leather glove can easily last 5 to 10 years, even with regular play.
Q: Why are some gloves much more expensive?
A: Higher prices usually mean better quality leather (like premium steerhide), superior hand-stitching, and more durable internal padding.
Q: What is “game-ready” leather?
A: “Game-ready” means the glove is soft enough that it requires very little to no break-in time before you can use it effectively in a game.
Q: Should I treat my glove with water to soften it?
A: Avoid soaking your glove in water. Water can dry out the leather fibers, making the glove stiff and brittle over time. Stick to specialized glove conditioners or oils.