Softball Glove Softening Techniques

Shopping for a new glove can be very exciting. For many softball fans, the feel and smell of new leather is as much a part of spring as blooming flowers and singing birds. But what good is a nice, new glove if you are not able to use it properly? Check out how to turn that fancy leather into something that will serve you well for this softball season and many more to come.

  1. Softening Agents

    • A common technique to soften new gloves involves using different types of oils or other softening agents. Neatsfoot oil, petroleum jelly, foam shaving cream, saddle soap and mink oil are effective agents at making new leather more pliable. Many glove manufacturing companies also produce their own glove conditioners or softening solutions.

      Neatsfoot oil and saddle soap were originally the softeners of choice, but eventually people noticed that over time they would make the leather dry and brittle. Petroleum jelly can be effective, but also can clog the pores of the leather and attract dust. Recently, lighter softeners like shaving cream and lanolin have become more popular. Manufacturer's oils are generally a compound that contain lanolin and/or vitamin E and can be found at any sporting goods store.

      When applying a glove oil, pour a small amount onto a clean, dry towel and massage it into the leather. The leather will darken slightly as it is oiled. Do not pour the oil directly onto the glove and avoid using too much of any particular softener. While in small doses, most oils can be effective, it is important to note that excess oil will weaken the leather and cause it to break down faster.

    Hot Glove Treatment

    • The hot glove method has almost as many detractors as supporters. There is concern that using heat on a new glove can dry out the leather and cause it to deteriorate quicker.

      The treatment involves a special foam compound that is made from different oils and moisturizers, found in most sporting goods stores and in numerous outlets on the internet. Its use involves preheating a conventional oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray or rub the special foam onto the glove and then place it in the oven for four to five minutes. If necessary, the process can be repeated a second time. The treatment serves to simultaneously soften, moisturize and waterproof the leather.

    Heat

    • Because leather has pores that can expand and contract, using low amounts of heat can expand those pores and make the leather more malleable. Leaving the glove in the sun for several hours or blowing it with a hair dryer can help soften the leather. Be careful when applying heat. Too much heat or heat applied for too long can dry out the leather and shorten its usefulness.

    Pounding the Leather

    • After using an initial treatment to begin softening the leather, using a method to pound the glove can help to get it in playing condition. You can use a mallet to pound the pocket and some of the stiffer areas of the glove. Another effective method is to play catch. By pounding the ball into the pocket of the glove it can not only soften the leather, but help mold the glove into a shape that will make it comfortable to play with.