Which is the Best Softball Glove for 2020?
Are you looking for a new glove, but don’t know where to start?
There were some pretty great softball gloves that came out in 2019, but 2020’s delivered a bunch of awesome softball gloves into the industry as well.
Look no further than right here for the best softball gloves of the year. We put together a thorough guide to finding the right softball glove for your specific needs.
Are you ready to check out some seriously amazing softball gloves and customize softball uniforms? Check out what we found!
Why Bother With A Good Softball Glove?
We get it– most softball players assume that all softball gloves are pretty much the same. However, this couldn’t be any further from the truth.
Whether you’re a fastpitch player or a slowpitch player, your softball gloves are going to be an important part of your game.
But choosing the right softball gloves for your specific needs is no easy thing. There are so many things to consider when it comes to softball, including your position, level, age, hand size, and more.
What To Look For In High-Quality Softball Gloves
You’re going to want the perfect fit first and foremost, but you should ask yourself these questions when deciding on softball gloves:
- Is this compatible for my right or left hand?
- Will this glove help me out in my position?
- Do I need a lot of glove web?
- Do I need a deep pocket?
- Do I need an open or closed back glove?
Don’t fall for rookie mistakes when shopping for a glove, either. A cheap glove isn’t a good glove, so expect to buy your first low-end glove that isn’t totally terrible for around $40-$50.
It’s also important to familiarize yourself with brands. Rawlings, Mizuno, and Nokona are the top dogs and have consistently released fabulous mid-range and high-end softball gloves that are worth every penny.
Does this seem a bit extra just to find great softball gloves? Not at all– your skill is important, but your equipment facilitates what you can do in the game. Investing in the best is important.
In that same vein, you shouldn’t neglect to find a really good bat, either.
Having an all-star softball glove but a mediocre bat just doesn’t work out. Make sure you’re looking for a high-quality softball bat from a reputable brand that’s specifically made for your individual batting needs.
The Best Softball Gloves
Strap in, because there’s quite a lot to choose from. We divided these up by the best for specific price ranges for your convenience.
The Best Softball Gloves For A Low Price. Why pay more for a beginner glove? These softball gloves are the best available for a low price.
Louisville Slugger Diva
Type: Youth
Web: Closed
Back: Closed
Size: 11 inches
The Louisville Slugger Diva is a great choice for infielders with a right-handed throw.
This glove features a soft pig leather palm that’s ready to be used immediately as well as an attractive one year manufacturer’s warranty.
The Louisville Slugger Diva would be an ideal glove for beginner softball players, as it requires very little “break-in” time.
Wilson A360
Type: Slowpitch
Web: Closed
Back: Closed
Size: 14 inches
The Wilson A360 Series glove is a great slowpitch glove for an affordable price.
This right-handed and left-handed throw glove is great for all positions, features a split hinge web, and is quick to break in with minimal management. This glove’s fourteen-inch size would make it ideal for players with large hands.
Easton Youth Series
Type: Youth
Web: Closed
Back: Open
Size: 12 inches
The Easton Youth Fastpitch Series glove creates a larger pocket than most gloves, making it ideal for catching positions.
Available in both right handed and left handed throw positions, this twelve-inch glove is a great choice for younger players in the 9-12 year age range or older for players with smaller hands.
The breaking in period is minimal, the velcro adjustment strap on the back of the glove helps for adjusting size, and the unique color scheme of the glove makes it easy to spot on the field and in the dugout.
The Best Mid-Range Softball Gloves
For more advanced players that still want to stick to a budget, these mid-range softball gloves are some of the best.
Mizuno Prospect
Type: Youth
Web: Closed
Back: Closed
Size: 12-13 inches
The Mizuno Prospect is a nice upgrade after first-timer cheap softball gloves “overbreak” and wear out.
Mizuno’s “PowerClose technology” allows for easier catch and a more secure fit around the hand. V-Flex Notching allows for easier closure and the ParaSock palm pad is great at reducing sting.
Both hand orientations are compatible and the size of this glove make it ideal for infielders. There’s no need to oil or steam this glove– the breaking in period is very minimal.
Worth Mayhem Series
Type: Slowpitch
Web: Open
Back: Closed
Size: 13 inches
Rawlings and Mizuno can both definitely be considered one of the best mid-range softball glove brands around. Rawlings’ Worth Mayhem Series glove is a great example of this brand’s reputation.
Ideal for slowpitching, this full leather glove features oversized slow pitch patterns and a customizable adjustable back for the perfect fit.
The only downside to this glove is that it can take a while to break in.
Mizuno Franchise
Type: Fastpitch
Web: Closed
Back: Closed
Size: 13 inches
If you want a more luxurious glove for a mid-range price, Mizuno’s Franchise glove should be considered.
This right-handed throw glove is pre-oiled, made from Java leather, features additional cushioning along the fingers, and absorbs shock adequately. Tartan C webbing and an ultra-secure closure ensure that this glove won’t go flying off.
Like Rawling’s glove, this Mizuno will take a bit to break in. It’s definitely worth the wait.
The Best Top Of The Line Softball Gloves
If you like to invest in the best softball equipment possible, these big-timers should definitely be considered.
Nokona Buckaroo
Type: Fastpitch
Web: Closed
Back: Closed
Size: 12-13 inches
Nokona has been making high-quality top of the line softball gear for a while. Their Buckaroo glove is a great example of their quality.
The Nokona Buckaroo is designed for both left-hand throwers and right-hand throwers. This glove is ideal for players who need something light but also firm enough to not get flimsy easily.
The break-in period is shorter than most gloves, and that’s because it isn’t made from 100% cowhide. The Buckaroo is made of Kangaroo leather, which is known for being crazy strong and super lightweight.
It will set you back almost $300, but this is a softball glove for life.
Worth Liberty Advanced Series
Type: Fastpitch
Web: Open Trap
Back: Open
Size: 12-13 inches
Worth’s Liberty Advanced softball glove features a finger shift Mod 6 finger for right-handed throwers. The finger shift design aids in easier closing and absorbs shock wonderfully.
Made from double tanned shell leather and American made Pro lace, this glove is ideal for those who value durability in a softball glove.
The pulls straps are custom fitted for quick hand adjustments and the Poron XRD palm and index finger padding reduces shock and virtually eliminates stinging.
Miken KO Series
Type: Slowpitch
Web: Open Trap
Back: Open
Size: 13-14 inches
The Miken KO series slowpitch softball glove looks as intense as it performs. Available in both left handed throws and right handed throws, this lightweight surprisingly soft full-grain leather glove features a shell that feels game-ready right out of the package.
Poron XRD palm pads absorb shock wonderfully, and the American-made leather laces ensure the durability of this glove. The break-in period is short, it’s great in the outfield as well as the infield, and the red and black color is aesthetically pleasing as well.
Nokona Walnut Leather
Type: Fastpitch
Web: Closed
Back: Closed
Size: 12-13 inches
Nokona makes this list again with another glove, the closed web Walnut Leather glove for right-handed throwers.
This glove’s twelve and a half inch closed web design in vintage walnut leather looks beautiful and feels beautiful to hold. Dual strap fastback backing aids in size adjustment and getting the glove on without any fuss, and the full lace design is vintage in the best way possible. This glove will not fall apart on you anytime soon.
The Nokona Walnut Leather glove is great for both softball and baseball. Breaking in this glove isn’t difficult, as it comes pre-oiled and tight.
Rawlings Gold Glove Elite Series
Type: Fastpitch
Web: Closed
Back: Open
Size: 12 inches
The Rawlings Gold Elite Series is another great high-end glove from Rawlings. Best for right-handed throwers, this great quality glove is a fan favorite among youth softball players.
The break-in time takes a while, but once the Gold Elite Series glove is broken in, it performs like a dream. If you’re tired of going through a glove every year or even every few months, this is a great investment alternative. This glove is easy to adjust and boasts a vintage look.
Get The Best Softball Glove For You
How was our guide to finding the best softballs gloves in 2020? Tell us what you think, along with your personal favorite, in the comments below.
