Ever stepped onto the diamond, glove in hand, and felt like it just wasn’t the right fit? That feeling can really throw off your game! Choosing the perfect fastpitch softball glove is super important. It’s your first line of defense, your trusted partner in snagging those screaming line drives and scooping up grounders. But let’s be honest, walking into a store or browsing online can feel overwhelming. So many brands, sizes, and pocket depths – how do you know which one will truly help you make that game-saving play?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this! We know you want a glove that feels like an extension of your hand, one that breaks in just right and gives you the confidence to attack every ball hit your way. This post is here to cut through the confusion. We’re diving deep into what makes a great fastpitch glove. You’ll learn about different materials, how to find the right size for your position, and what features really matter. Get ready to discover the secrets to finding your dream glove so you can focus on striking out batters and making amazing catches!
Top Softball Gloves Fastpitch Recommendations
- Gender Engineered: Mizuno's engineering philosophy to maximize performance by tailoring products to meet the needs of the female athlete
- Professional Level Lace: Same durable lace that's offered in our professional-level gloves.
- Bio Soft Leather: Professional style smooth leather that has the perfect balance of oil and softness for exceptional feel and firm control that serious players demand.
- Center Pocket Designed Patterns: Pattern design that naturally centers the pocket under the index finger for the most versatile break-in possible.
- Parashock plus Palm Pad: Increases impact absorption for less sting.
- IDEAL FOR INFIELDERS | UCLA, Alabama, Arizona and over 50 other D1 college softball teams trust the Professional Collection Fastpitch Series as their glove of choice
- PREMIUM RESERVE USA STEERHIDE | Our Easton Fastpitch Softball Glove is expertly crafted from reformulated premium reserve USA steerhide, ensuring top-notch quality and unmatched durability
- IMPROVED PROFESSIONAL PATTERNS | Designed with improved professional patterns, this glove offers superior performance and optimized catching abilities, making it a must-have for serious softball players
- QUANTUMN CLOSURE SYSTEM WITH ADJUSTABLE OPEN BACK | The innovative Quantum Closure System, combed with an adjustable open back design, guarantees a secure and customizable fit, providing ultimate comfort and control on the field
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE LACES | Our glove features professional grade lace, delivering exceptional strength and resilience, allowing you to rely on its long-lasting performance through countless practices and games
- 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
- 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
- NOTE: Left Hand Thrower glove = worn on right hand to throw with left; Right Hand Throw = glove worn on left hand to throw with right
- BUILT FOR SOFTBALL | Fastpitch-specific patterns designed for small hands and the fastpitch game
- QUALITY MATERIALS | Game-Ready Diamond Pro Steer USA Leather
- EASY PLAYABILITY | Flex Notch Closure system makes the glove easy to squeeze
- A PERFECT FIT | Quantum Closure System comes with adjustable back for a secure fit
- A SHAPE THAT LASTS | Rolled leather welting provides a durable shape and shortens break-in time
- BUILT FOR SOFTBALL | Fastpitch-specific patterns designed for small hands and the fastpitch game
- QUALITY MATERIALS | Game-Ready Diamond Pro Steer USA Leather
- EASY PLAYABILITY | Flex Notch Closure system makes the glove easy to squeeze
- A PERFECT FIT | Quantum Closure System comes with adjustable back for a secure fit
- A SHAPE THAT LASTS | Rolled leather welting provides a durable shape and shortens break-in time
- 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
- Wilson 2026 A500 Siren 12" Infield/Pitcher Fastpitch Softball Glove - Right Hand Throw, White/Seafoam/Purple
- 12” youth fastpitch glove with top grain leather and a snug Quick-Fit Wrist
- Rolled Dual Welting: Goes beyond a mere cosmetic effect, as it’s integrated into the liner of each infield, outfield and pitcher's model, offering better support and helping your glove hold its shape better over time
- Quick Fit Wrist: Elastic system adjusts to hug the wrist
- Top Grain Leather Construction: Durable, lightweight feel
Choosing the Right Fastpitch Softball Glove: A Buyer’s Guide
Picking the perfect fastpitch softball glove makes a big difference in your game. A good glove helps you catch those fast pitches and hard-hit balls with confidence. We will help you find the glove that fits your needs best.
Key Features to Look For
Several important things make a fastpitch glove great. Think about these features before you buy.
1. Size and Position
- Infielders (Shortstop, Second Base, Third Base): Need smaller gloves (11 to 11.75 inches). These gloves let you get the ball out fast for quick throws.
- Outfielders (Left Field, Center Field, Right Field): Need larger gloves (12 to 13 inches). Bigger gloves create a larger catching surface for fly balls.
- Pitchers: Often use gloves between 11.5 and 12.5 inches. Pitchers usually want closed webs to hide their grip on the ball.
2. Web Type
The web connects the thumb and index finger. It affects how you catch and hide the ball.
- Basket Web: Great for pitchers because it completely hides the ball.
- I-Web or H-Web: Popular for middle infielders because they offer flexibility and quick ball transfer.
- Modified Trap Web: A favorite for outfielders. It offers depth and a large pocket.
3. Pocket Depth
The pocket is where the ball lands. Deeper pockets hold the ball better, especially for outfielders. Shallower pockets help infielders release the ball quickly.
Important Materials Matter
The material of your glove directly impacts its feel, durability, and break-in time.
Leather Quality
- Premium Steerhide or Kip Leather: These materials are top-tier. They offer excellent durability and a great feel. They usually require a longer break-in period but last many seasons.
- Oil-Tanned Leather: This leather is often softer right away. It offers a good balance between feel and longevity.
- Synthetic Materials: These are lightweight and require almost no break-in time. However, they do not last as long as real leather gloves.
Padding and Lining
Look at the palm lining. Soft sheepskin or synthetic lining protects your hand from sting when a hard ball hits the glove. Good padding increases comfort significantly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality goes beyond just the material. Construction methods really matter.
Stitching and Lacing
Strong, tightly woven rawhide laces hold the glove together. Poor stitching leads to premature tearing, especially in high-stress areas near the web. Check that the stitching is even and thick.
Break-In Time
A glove that is “game-ready” feels soft immediately. However, gloves that require more break-in time (like high-quality leather) often mold better to your hand over time, offering a customized fit later on. A glove that is too stiff will hinder your ability to close the mitt.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the glove affects your choice.
Youth vs. Adult Players
Youth fastpitch gloves are typically smaller and much softer. They help younger players develop proper fielding technique without fighting a stiff glove. Adult gloves are built for speed and power, demanding more hand strength to close them.
The Feel Test
Always try to hold the glove if possible. Does it feel balanced? Can you easily close the pocket with your bare hand? A glove that feels heavy or awkward will slow down your reaction time. You must trust your glove when the ball comes flying at you.
Fastpitch Softball Glove FAQs
Q: How much should I expect to pay for a good fastpitch glove?
A: Quality gloves usually cost between $100 and $300. Higher prices generally mean better leather and construction that lasts longer.
Q: Do fastpitch gloves need to be broken in?
A: Yes, most quality leather gloves need some break-in time. This softens the leather so the pocket forms correctly. Some brands sell “pre-oiled” gloves that require less work.
Q: What is the difference between a fastpitch glove and a baseball glove?
A: Fastpitch gloves often have deeper pockets and slightly smaller overall sizing than baseball gloves. Some fastpitch gloves also feature a closed back or specialized web to hide the pitcher’s grip.
Q: How often should I condition my leather glove?
A: You should apply a small amount of quality glove conditioner every few months or whenever the leather starts looking dry. Do not over-oil it, or the glove can become too heavy or floppy.
Q: Should I use an oil or spray conditioner?
A: Most players prefer cream or oil conditioners. They penetrate the leather better. Sprays can sometimes just coat the surface.
Q: What size glove is best for a 12-year-old infielder?
A: Most 12-year-olds playing the infield use a glove between 11.25 and 11.5 inches. Always measure the glove from the heel to the top of the index finger stall.
Q: Can I use my old baseball glove for fastpitch?
A: You can, but it might not be ideal. Baseball gloves are often larger and have shallower pockets, which makes catching the smaller, faster softball harder.
Q: What does “Pro Hinge” mean?
A: This refers to how the glove folds. A well-designed hinge allows the glove to close smoothly and quickly, improving fielding speed.
Q: Is a lighter glove always better?
A: Not always. While lighter gloves feel faster, they sometimes sacrifice durability. Find a balance where the glove feels light enough but is still sturdy enough to protect your hand.
Q: How should I store my glove during the off-season?
A: Keep your glove in a cool, dry place. Always store it with a ball inside the pocket and use a glove mallet or a soft object to keep the pocket shape maintained.