10 Best Softball Gloves 2025 in the United States

The Rawlings HEART OF THE HIDE Fastpitch Softball Glove is designed for avid fastpitch players, from high school to professional level. Made from the top 5% of steer hides, the glove features world-renowned Heart of the Hide leather, which promises both strength and durability. Its pro-grade leather laces and padded thumb sleeve further enhance its reliability and longevity. The 12.5-inch size is suitable for utility players, primarily infielders, and the basket web design offers secure catching and easy ball transfer, which is great for quick plays.

The glove's camel, Columbia blue, and white color scheme is visually appealing and distinctive on the field. Comfort is well-considered with deer-tanned cowhide palm lining and soft full-grain finger back linings, which ensure a comfortable fit and reduce hand fatigue during long games. The break-in process is 40% factory and 60% player, meaning it will require some personal effort to mold perfectly to your hand, but this also allows for a customizable fit.

One potential drawback could be the initial break-in period which might be a bit challenging for less experienced players. Additionally, the glove is relatively high in price, reflective of its premium materials and construction. This glove is an excellent choice for serious fastpitch players looking for a durable, comfortable, and high-performing glove.

The Franklin Sports Field Master USA Series 12.0" glove is designed mainly for outfield players and is suitable for both baseball and softball. Made from soft, thick synthetic leather, it feels lightweight and breaks in quickly, allowing you to get it game-ready without a long wait. Its 12-inch size offers a good balance—large enough to catch fly balls but still manageable for adults and youth alike. The trapeze webbing helps in securing catches, which is beneficial for outfield positions.

Comfort is enhanced with an adjustable wrist strap and contour fit system, allowing you to customize the glove to your hand for a snug fit. The hand-formed pocket also improves ball control and responsiveness during play. While the synthetic leather is durable and easier to break in than real leather, it may not offer the same long-term feel or durability as premium leather gloves used by more serious players.

This glove serves as a solid choice for beginners, casual players, or those looking for a durable glove without the hassle of a lengthy break-in period. For those seeking a high-end glove for competitive softball, some features found in more expensive models may be missed, but for general use, this glove effectively covers the essentials.

The Franklin Sports Field Master Series glove is a 12-inch softball and baseball glove designed for right-hand throwers, meaning it fits on the left hand. It uses a thicker synthetic leather material that looks and feels similar to real leather but doesn’t require a long break-in period, making it a good choice for recreational players or those who want to start playing quickly without waiting for the glove to soften. The glove's size and trapeze webbing style provide a nice balance of depth and flexibility, especially useful for infield players and pitchers who need to hide the ball in their glove. Its adjustable Contour Fit System allows you to customize the thumb area for a more secure and comfortable fit, which is a helpful feature to improve control and reduce hand fatigue.

The glove also features a hand-formed pocket, making it easier to scoop up grounders or catch balls, which benefits beginners and casual players. However, because it is made from synthetic leather, it might not offer the same long-term durability or breathability as high-end genuine leather gloves, which could be a concern for serious or frequent players. The glove weighs just under a pound, making it manageable for most adults, though those with very large hands might want to verify the fit before buying.

This glove suits adult recreational softball and baseball players who want a comfortable, low-maintenance glove that performs well in various positions, especially infield and pitching. It offers good value with solid features but may not satisfy players looking for professional-grade leather or specialized performance.