What’s the secret weapon in a young softball player’s gear bag? It’s not just the bat or the speed on the bases; it’s the glove! A great glove feels like an extension of the hand, turning hard-hit balls into easy catches. But if you’ve ever tried to buy one, you know the struggle is real. Sizing charts can be confusing, and the sheer number of brands and pocket depths feels overwhelming.
Choosing the wrong glove means frustrating drops, sore hands, and less confidence in the field. You need equipment that matches your player’s size and skill level. This guide cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what makes a girls’ softball glove perfect for fastpitch and slowpitch play, focusing on comfort, durability, and fit.
Keep reading to discover the essential features to look for, how to break in that new leather correctly, and ensure your young athlete fields every ball thrown her way. Let’s find the glove that helps her dominate the diamond!
Top Girls Softball Glove Recommendations
- DESIGNED AS A UTILITY GLOVE FOR ANY POSITION, this 9 inch Remix Series youth baseball/tball glove offers first-time players a lightweight and reliable option as they learn the fundamentals of defensive play
- IDEAL FOR THE BEGINNING YOUTH BASEBALL PLAYER AGES 3-5 this is a perfect glove for kids to play with at the field, in the backyard or at the local park
- STYLISH, SUBLIMATED DESIGN (Pink, Blue, and White) means that each glove will have a unique pattern that is sure to make your kid stand out in the field
- BASKET WEB PATTERN AND SOFT SHELL lets players scoop up grounders and grab fly balls with ease
- RIGHT HAND THROW (Glove goes on left hand)
- LIGHTWEIGHT MESH DESIGN: Constructed from lightweight technical mesh, this glove gives maximum comfort and helps facilitate quick hands out in the field
- ADJUSTABLE WRIST: Designed with an adjustable wrist closure to ensure a comfortable customized fit for all players
- SOFT POCKET: The soft pocket material is designed for a quick, easy break in process and provides a dynamic, responsive feel when catching the ball
- GREAT FOR YOUNG PLAYERS: Adjustable sizing and comfortable fit make this glove perfect for softball players of all ages
- Left handed throw, 11"
- MADE FOR YOUTH SOFTBALL PLAYERS | Designed specifically for girls ages 4–10 who are learning the game and need a glove that’s easy to use right away.
- GAME-READY COMFORT | Soft, all-leather shell enhances durability and pocket shape retention while remaining lightweight and playable right off the shelf.
- EASY TO CLOSE | Sure Catch heel cutout allows for a quicker, easier glove close to help younger players catch and secure the ball with confidence.
- COMFORTABLE, ADJUSTABLE FIT | Cushioned finger linings and an adjustable back ensure a snug, secure fit for smaller hands.
- FUN COLORS & MULTIPLE OPTIONS | Available in a variety of bright colors and web styles so players can find a glove they’ll love to wear on the field.
- -A GREAT UTILITY STARTER GLOVE: This Sure Catch Basket Web youth softball glove has been designed to make plays all over the field.
- -FOR PLAYERS AGE 4 - 11: This glove is easy to use and perfect for young athletes just starting to learn the game
- -DURABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: A durable, lightweight design that includes an all-leather shell and padded finger linings designed for optimal balance, added quickness, shape retention, and extra comfort for young athletes with growing hands.
- -SURE-CATCH TECHNOLOGY: Rawlings’ Sure-Catch technology allows players to quickly and easily close the baseball glove as soon as they put it on for the first time. The basket web pattern and soft shell designed specifically to fit softballs let players scoop up grounders and grab fly balls with confidence.
- -100% FACTORY BREAK-IN: This Sure Catch Basket Web youth baseball glove has a game-ready feel right out of the box thanks to the 90% Rawlings factory break-in
- DESIGNED FOR YOUTH BASEBALL / SOFTBALL PLAYERS | The Easton MOXIE Glove is perfect for youth players still learning the fundamentals of the game
- GAME-READY LEATHER | All-leather shell is soft and easy to squeeze for young players with little break-in required
- STING REDUCTION | Zero Shock sting reduction technology protects players from palm stings while catching the ball
- DURABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT | Quality material with padded finger linings ensure this glove is built to last season after season
- STYLE | Right Hand Throw - 11" Basket Web perfect for youth players Ages 7-10 at any position
- DESIGNED AS A UTILITY GLOVE FOR INFIELDERS, OUTFIELDERS OR PITCHERS this 12 inch youth fastpitch softball glove with Basket Web design will have any young player making plays all over the field
- DESIGNED FOR YOUTH SOFTBALL PLAYERS AGES 4 TO 11 this glove is easy to use and perfect for kids just starting to learn the game
- DURABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT ALL-LEATHER SHELL AND PADDED FINGER LININGS - designed for optimal balance, added quickness, shape retention, and extra comfort for young athletes with growing hands
- SURE CATCH TECHNOLOGY allows players to quickly and easily close the softball glove as soon as they put it on for the first time
- BASKET WEB PATTERN AND SOFT SHELL designed specifically to fit softballs lets players scoop up grounders and grab fly balls with confidence
- FASTPITCH FIT: This glove is designed with a narrower wrist opening perfect for a fastpitch player!
- LIGHTWEIGHT MESH DESIGN: Constructed from lightweight technical mesh, this glove gives maximum comfort and helps facilitate quick hands out in the field
- ADJUSTABLE WRIST: Designed with an adjustable wrist closure to ensure a comfortable customized fit for all players
- SOFT POCKET: The soft pocket material is designed for a quick, easy break in process and provides a dynamic, responsive feel when catching the ball
- GREAT FOR PLAYERS: Adjustable sizing and comfortable fit make this glove perfect for Softball players
- FASTPITCH FIT: This glove is designed with a narrower wrist opening perfect for the youth fastpitch player!
- LIGHTWEIGHT MESH DESIGN: Constructed from lightweight technical mesh, this glove gives maximum comfort and helps facilitate quick hands out in the field
- ADJUSTABLE WRIST: Designed with an adjustable wrist closure to ensure a comfortable customized fit for all players
- SOFT POCKET: The soft pocket material is designed for a quick, easy break in process and provides a dynamic, responsive feel when catching the ball
- GREAT FOR YOUNG PLAYERS: Adjustable sizing and comfortable fit make this glove perfect for Softball players
Choosing the Perfect Glove for Young Softball Stars
Buying a softball glove for a girl can be exciting! The right glove helps her catch more balls and have more fun. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look closely at these important parts:
Size Matters Most
- Age and Position: Glove sizes change as players grow. Younger players (ages 5-8) usually need smaller gloves, around 10 to 11 inches. Older players or pitchers might need slightly bigger ones, like 11.5 to 12 inches.
- Pocket Depth: A deeper pocket helps keep the ball secure after a catch. Beginners often do well with a medium-depth pocket.
Webbing Style
The webbing connects the thumb and fingers. Different styles are good for different positions.
- Closed Web: Good for pitchers because it hides the grip on the ball.
- Open Web (Basket or H-Web): These are great for infielders because they let players see the ball quickly when they take it out.
Break-In Time
Some gloves are ready to use right away. Others need time to soften up before they work well. Think about how much practice time you have!
Important Materials: What Gloves Are Made Of
The material makes a big difference in how long the glove lasts and how it feels.
Leather vs. Synthetic
- Genuine Leather: This is the best material. It lasts a long time and molds perfectly to your hand. However, genuine leather takes longer to break in. High-quality leather gloves are often more expensive.
- Synthetic (Vinyl or Mesh): These gloves are lighter and cheaper. They break in very fast. They are excellent for very young players just starting out. The downside is that synthetic materials usually wear out quicker.
Lacing and Padding
Strong rawhide lacing holds the glove together. Make sure the laces look tight and sturdy. Good padding in the palm protects your hand when catching hard-hit balls.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all gloves are built the same. Quality shows up in the details.
Improving Quality
- Stitching: Double stitching means the glove will hold its shape better over many seasons.
- Palm Liner: A soft liner inside the palm feels comfortable and absorbs impact.
Reducing Quality
- Thin Material: If the leather looks very thin or floppy, the glove will not last long.
- Poor Shape Retention: If the pocket seems flat or shapeless, it will be hard to catch consistently.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how your player uses the glove.
Beginners vs. Experienced Players
A beginner needs a glove that is easy to close. Look for gloves labeled “pre-oiled” or “game-ready.” An experienced player might want a stiffer, professional-grade glove that they can shape exactly how they like it.
Playing Conditions
If your team plays in wet weather often, full leather gloves can get heavy when soaked. Some synthetic options handle water better. Always clean and condition leather gloves after use to keep them in top shape.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Girls Softball Gloves
Q: What is the standard glove size for a 10-year-old softball player?
A: Most 10-year-olds use a glove between 11 and 11.5 inches. Always check the fit around her hand.
Q: How long does it take to break in a new leather glove?
A: A good leather glove can take anywhere from a few weeks of regular practice to several months to fully break in, depending on the leather quality.
Q: Are girls’ softball gloves different from boys’ baseball gloves?
A: Yes, softball gloves are often slightly larger for the same age group because the softball is bigger than a baseball. Also, girls’ gloves usually have a narrower finger stall to fit smaller hands better.
Q: What is the difference between a pitcher’s glove and an infielder’s glove?
A: Pitchers prefer gloves with closed webbing so batters cannot see their grip. Infielders like open webs for quicker ball transfers.
Q: Should I buy a glove that is too big so she can “grow into it”?
A: No, buying a glove that is too big makes it very hard to catch the ball now. It is better to buy the correct size for her current age.
Q: What is the best way to soften up a stiff new glove?
A: You can use glove oil or specialized softening creams. Gently tossing a softball into the pocket repeatedly also helps shape the leather naturally.
Q: How should I store my softball glove when the season ends?
A: Keep the glove in a cool, dry place. Never store it in a plastic bag, as this traps moisture and can cause mildew. Place a softball inside the pocket to help it keep its shape.
Q: Is a synthetic glove okay for competitive play?
A: Synthetic gloves are great for beginners or as a backup. However, for serious travel or high school play, a full-leather glove offers better durability and performance.
Q: What does “game-ready” mean on a glove label?
A: “Game-ready” means the manufacturer has pre-broken in the glove. It is soft enough to use right away without much effort.
Q: How do I know if the lacing is high quality?
A: Look for thick, consistent lacing that passes through reinforced holes. Cheap gloves often use thin synthetic strings that fray easily.