What Size Glove Do You Need for Softball?

Softball glove sizes vary depending on your needs and position. Softball gloves are no longer considered secondary by leading glove manufacturers and are now available with the same premium leather and craftsmanship as top of the line baseball gloves. Wilson offers A2000s, Rawlings has Gold Glove and Nokona has expanded their Pro Line to include several softball models.

  1. Starting Your Search

    • A sunset softball game at Westchester Park in Los Angeles

      Many off the rack softball specific gloves are going to be inexpensive and of poor quality. Despite the explosion in popularity and visibility of softball, leading companies are still slow to offer full lines of premium material. While a glove with a price point less than $60 may seem like a bargain, it may not fit your needs or be cost effective in the long run. If you play frequently, spending a little more for higher quality leather will balance out. The higher-grade leather will last longer than the thinner and flimsy leather used in bottom of the line models.

      The perfect glove depends on what type of softball your playing, your position, and your style preference. First, narrow your search by position. First basemen and catchers can quickly refine their searches to specific models, but position players will find more gray areas.

    Infielder Gloves

    • Softball is a fast-paced game played in a more confined space than baseball. Corner infielders are closer to the action and should consider using stiffer gloves to keep those hot shots in the infield. Too often, inferior gloves will be bent backward by hard hit softballs, forcing you to alter your normal defensive positioning and footwork.

      Middle infielders should start by looking at 11.5 to 12.5 inch gloves. These gloves will be small enough to allow a quick transfer on grounders to turn double plays, but allow enough pocket space for the larger ball. A 12.5 to 13 inch glove works well at the corner infield positions and for shortstops looking for a little more reach, but it is a matter of preference.

    Outfield Gloves

    • Outfield gloves are allowed an extra inch in softball. A 14 inch maximum is playable and some players prefer the added length. There is usually no problem transferring the ball despite the extra size. Outfield gloves have a small palm area to help funnel the ball into the same place every time.

    Pitching Gloves

    • Despite the trend in baseball, pitchers' gloves should be growing, not shrinking. If you're a pitcher, a 13 inch glove is a good place to start your search. Because the hitter is so close to you, the extra length will be an asset. Find a glove with a reasonable amount of palm surface area with a strong web pattern and above average stiffness. A pitcher's glove should be similar to a third baseman's.

    Comfort

    • Web patterns, size and manufacturer are all a matter of preference. Find a model that fits you and your needs. More than anything else, find a glove you're comfortable with and be sure to keep it conditioned.