Best FastPitch Softball Gloves 2023: Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Softball gloves go a long way in influencing the experience that players enjoy when on the pitch. Players with high-end and top quality gloves find the sport enjoyable and satisfying.  On the other hand, those with poor quality and unreliable gloves find hardly find the enjoyable and are prone to suffering injuries due to the great force of the ball.  When looking forward to purchasing the best fastpitch softball gloves, it is crucial to ensure that you only settle for the best brand with unique hardness and flexibility. Some of the aspects worth considering include wrist adjustment, break-in time, webbing, and materials used among other aspects.

Read my article below for more information, an in-depth look at the best fastpitch softball gloves. The guide can help you in selecting the most suitable choice.

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REVIEW SECTION: BEST FASTPITCH SOFTBALL GLOVES

EASTON GHOST Fastpitch Softball Glove Series | Supple Leather Lining

The all-new Easton Ghost Fastpitch Glove Series for softball is specially designed for performance throughout its life. Crafted using Premium quality Steer leather, the glove comes with a supple lining that provides for enhanced feel and comfort. Being a leading manufacturer of high-end softball and baseball equipment and gear, Easton leaves nothing to chance when designing its products. As such, the quality of the glove is guaranteed through its premium stitching and use of best quality leather.

Superior design with a comfortable change

The design of this fastpitch glove by Easton features a unique pattern that has smaller hand openings which in turn provide for a tight, firm and secure fit. Consequently, this allows for better control, precision and accuracy when catching the ball. There are extra-strength rawhide laces that reinforce the durability of the glove thus improving its longevity.

Quantum Closure SystemTM

It is worth noting that this Easton Ghost glove does not only stand out in its appearance only but also in its features. For instance, the Quantum Closure SystemTM in the glove allows for adjustable hand opening thereby providing players with an optimized fit. This prevents the glove from sliding off the hand upon impact with the ball or being uncomfortably tight when playing. Despite being a softball glove, it can also be used for baseball by intermediate players.

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Louisville Slugger (2019) Xeno Fastpitch Glove-Series

There is nothing that beats owning a reliable softball glove that you can play with your favorite sport all-year-round without any disappointments whatsoever. The Louisville Slugger 2019 Glove prides itself in a dual post web design that is iconic Louisville glove series. The aqua blue and white color combination create a rich appearance that makes the glove attractive to the eye.

Female-Specific Patterns

The design and development of this glove is done professionally such that it has female-specific patterns. These patterns ensure that the glove conforms to the shape of a female hand; for a comfortable and secure fit. Female athletes who are seeking to polish their pitching skills will find these patterns useful in enhancing their control and accuracy skills.

Memory foam (wrist) lining and easy break-in

If you are looking for a softball glove that provides the best padding on the palm and around the wrist, this Louisville Slugger Xeno glove is the ultimate glove for you. This 12.75†glove features a memory foam lining for the wrist that provides cushioning around the wrist while ensuring that the glove has a tight fit. The glove is a perfect choice for outfield players. What is more important to note about the glove is that unlike other glove brands, it breaks in easily. This enhances its applicability and ease of use.

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Wilson (A2000)

Featuring Pro-Laced T-Webbing, this outfield softball glove from Wilson is one of the best and most durable fastpitch gloves to purchase.  The A2000 glove boasts of Pro Stock leather that enhances the resistance of the glove to wear and tear.  This glove boasts of a perfect balance between softness and durability thereby ensuring that the glove delivers excellent flexibility.  The double palm design of the glove gives it wide pockets that in turn create a comforting experience for the players.

Pro Stock Leather material

Wilson prioritizes on the need for using the finest materials in its gloves. True to this, the A2000 glove is made using Pro Stock leather that is genuinely strong and uniquely light.  This gives the glove great break-in so that players are able to enjoy their playing experience at its best.  The dual welting concept in the A2000 enhances the durability of the pocket.  The best thing about this Wilson product is that it has a superior feel and unmatched comfort when playing.

Sufficiently padded

When using this item from Wilson for your softball practice and playing sessions, you need not worry about vibrations and shock on your hands as the glove is well padded.  The D-Fusion padding in the product cushions the hands from vibrations and shock generated when the ball makes an impact with the hands. You can use the glove for several seasons as long as you accord it the best care and maintenance to prolong its life.

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Mizuno Franchise (Fastpitch)

For slightly over a century now, Mizuno has continually produced high-end sport equipment and accessories. In line with this, the Franchise (Fastpitch) Softball Glove Series is one of the most sought after high-quality softball gloves in the market. This mitt provides the best balance between quality, durability and price. As such, when you invest in this product, you not only get a high-quality mitt but also get value for your money.  The deep pocket of the glove makes it easy and effortless to catch a softball.

Comfortable fit with adjustable straps

The pocket space in this glove is deep and wide to provide a comfortable fit that favors players who use the glove for long sessions.  The most fascinating aspect about this item is that it comes with adjustable straps to ensure that it fits perfectly on different hand sizes.  The java leather material of the product is pre-oiled and is equally durable and long lasting.  This Mizuno Franchise glove is game ready thereby saving you the trouble of having to wait for it to break-in.

Para-shock palm padding

This professional glove features dual post webbing boasts of high-quality Para-shock palm padding.  The padding not only absorbs shocks and stings but also cushions the palm from getting bruises due back and forth impact by the ball on the palm.  The mitt can also be used by boys particularly those whose hands are not excessively large. The 34†mitt fits perfectly onto most girls’ hands and can be used for both practice and competitions.

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Mizuno (MVP Prime Fastpitch)

This Mizuno MVP Prime softball is gender engineered for female softball players.  The glove series features bio soft leather that prides itself in unique softness and oil balance. As such, when using this glove, players are able to enjoy great flexibility thereby allowing for fast response when in the pitch.  The softness of the glove provides for firm control and an exceptional feel thereby enhancing the playing experience enjoyed by players.

Classy and elegant design

This Mizuno glove just like other glove series from Mizuno is perfectly sewn with durable leather.  This ensures that the glove lasts for long without tearing or wearing out due to consistent use.  The elegant and classy design of the glove influences its unique appearance thereby standing out from other gloves.  The glove is available for both hands; right and left to address the needs of all players.  The sizing of the glove is accurate and thereby provides the perfect fit.

Deep and wide pocket

This product features a deep and wide pocket that in turn provides a comfortable fit and feels to the player. Consequently, the glove does not strain the wrist or any part of the hand, hence allowing for flexibility when preparing to catch the ball.  Among other aspects that make the glove a masterpiece is due its perfect padding that provides the best protection to the hands upon impact with the ball.  The glove comes with a wrist strap for adjusting the glove depending on the size of your hands.

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Rawlings Liberty (Advanced Finger Shift) 12.5â€

Designed for use by different types of softball players including infield & outfield players, and pitchers, the Liberty Advanced 12.5†Finger Shift softball glove is the ultimate glove to purchase.  The glove is a perfect choice for utility players who are keen on investing in a glove that breaks in easily and lasts long.  Additionally, players advancing from high school playing level to college and pro levels, this glove comes with a guarantee of providing you with unmatched reliability.

Pull- strap closures and comfortable feel

The most amazing aspect about this Rawlings Liberty glove is that it comes with adjustable pull-strap closures that provide for perfectly firm fitting.  In addition to this, the deep and wide pocket design of the glove ensures that players enjoy a comfortable feel and fit.  The product is sufficiently padded with a soft palm padding that absorbs sweat while providing the best protection against shock and vibrations.  The glove fits well on players with averagely sized hands. Players whose hands are large may require investing in larger gloves.

Quality (full-grain) leather and classy design

It is undoubtedly true that this Rawlings glove is a sharp and unique looking fastpitch mitt for female players.  This is because it features a unique design and is made from the best quality leather. The material plays a vital role in enhancing the durability and reliability of the glove throughout its life. With the best care and maintenance, it is possible for the glove to retain a new-like condition for several seasons.

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Nokona Walnut (H-Web)

For softball players who are keen on investing in a reliable glove with unique durability, stability and comes with a game-ready experience, this Nokona Walnut 12 inch glove is the ultimate mitt to purchase.  The glove series has undergone numerous changes and improvements that seek to enhance its appearance, modern features and unparalleled reliability. The Velcro straps in the mitt are designed to help players secure the glove firmly for purposes of a tight but comfortable fit.

Functional performance1

The Nokona Walnut fits hands securely especially with the reinforcement of the Velcro straps.  Additionally, the deep pocket design provides for flexibility when preparing to catch the ball. A combination of these aspects and features goes a long way in influencing the functional performance of the glove. Consequently, this makes the mitt a favorite option for players at all levels including those in high school, college and pro levels.

Unique palm padding

Unlike other gloves that do not cushion players from vibrations and stings on the palm, This Walnut glove comes with unique palm padding.  The padding ensures that players do not experience any vibrations or other discomforts in the hands after catching even the fastest moving balls with the glove.  The crunch steer-hide leather used in making the mitt is durability, reliable and exhibits unique resistance against wear and tear due to consistent use. Being an excellent product that it is, this mitt gives great value for money.

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BEST FASTPITCH SOFTBALL GLOVES: THE BUYER’S GUIDE

In softball, a glove is one of the must-have tools for you to enjoy a fun and thrilling gaming experience. There are lots of different brands and makes of these gloves in the market. This is why it is necessary that before settling on a specific glove, you need to know what to look for in the best quality gloves. These gloves come in varying sizes to suit different players depending on the playing levels. Fastpitch gloves have different lives depending on the quality of their materials, design and care and maintenance. Here are a few things to note about these gloves.

Guideline For Choosing The Best Fastpitch Softball Gloves

Choosing the best fastpitch is purely a personal decision. This is because the needs of every player vary with those of other players. However, there are some general considerations that every player should make when looking for the best glove. These considerations include:

Padding

Investing in a glove that is not padded is arguably the worst decision that any player can make when shopping for these gloves. Padding provides additional protection and safety from vibrations and shocks generated once the ball makes an impact with the glove. While these vibrations may seemingly appear minimal, they can cause great discomfort when playing. In the recent past, additional wrist padding has become a growing trend in high-end gloves.

Wrist Adjustments

Despite how fitting and comfortable a glove is at first, there is usually a possibility that the glove may become loose-fitting in future due to consistent use. To future-proof the glove against such an occurrence, you should opt for a glove with wrist adjustments. These adjustments allow for easy fastening and taking off the gloves. Additionally, the adjustments provide for a snug fit at the wrists hence allowing for a comfortable grip. The adjustments come in different forms including a buckle system, Velcro, D-ring fastener or laces.

Webbing

There are two different webbing styles adopted in the design and consequent construction of fastpitch gloves. These styles are open and closed web design. It is important to note the webbing design has an impact on the support offered by glove when catching the glove. In closed web design, the support offered by the glove is more than that offered by open web design. Pitches often prefer closed web gloves as they conceal the ball inside the glove hence providing for better accuracy when catching the ball. The support offered by this web design is often valuable when catching fast-moving balls.

Open web designed gloves provide for better ball handling. As such, infielders prefer the web design since it provides for easy ball transfer from the fastpitch glove to the player’s hands.

How To Size A Fastpitch Softball Glove?

Softball players have differently sized hands and hence the need to use a sizing guide for gloves. This helps in ensuring that you only purchase a perfectly fitting glove that does not cause any obstructions whatsoever when playing. Mostly, the sizing of these gloves is made in reference to the age of the player. For instance, players who are aged between 7-9 years have relatively the same size hands. As such, their glove size requirements are within the same range.

It is important to note that the sizing of fastpitch softball gloves also depends on the playing position. The easiest way of determining the length of a glove is by checking at the thumb to ascertain the leather etched in the area. The thumb sizes in these gloves range between 8 and 15 inches. There are also standard sizing charts on the internet and in sports shops that you can refer to when shopping for a glove.

Here is a sizing chart for reference when considering the size of a glove to purchase;

Age in Years	Catcher	First Base	Middle Infield	Third Base	Pitcher	Outfield
7 and under	29.5-30â€	11.5â€	8-10.5â€	8-10.5â€	8-10.5â€	9-10.5â€
8-10	30-31â€	11.5-12â€	10.5-11.25â€	10.5-11.5â€	10.5-11.5â€	10-12â€
11-13	30-32.5â€	11.5-12â€	11-11.5â€	11-11.75â€	11.5-12â€	12-12.75â€
14 and above	32-5â€	12-13â€	11.25-11.5â€	11.5-12â€	11.5-12â€	12-12.75â€

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FASTPITCH SOFTBALL GLOVES

Despite fastpitch softball gloves being a necessity when playing softball, there is still much that people do not know about these gloves. From the best material to identifying the perfect quality for you, there is so much information that users of this gear should know. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about these softball gloves:

What Is A Fastpitch Softball Glove?

The best description of a fastpitch softball glove is a pocket-like mitt that softball players use in catching a softball. These gloves are similar to the ones used in baseball with the main similarities being color, leather and lacing. However, the main difference between these gloves is the design as softball gloves are deeper and shorter than baseball gloves.

Fastpitch softball gloves come with different dimensions and features for different playing positions and are made differently than Slowpitch Softball Gloves.

Why Is Choosing A Fastpitch Glove Important?

Investing in a fastpitch glove requires you to know what you are buying in terms of quality, reliability and durability. For parents, coaches and players who are new to softball, it is paramount to ensure that you identify how to distinguish the best quality sports gear from the sub-standard ones. With the hundreds of manufacturers making softball gloves and other equipment, it is undoubtedly true that not all of these products are up to the required standards.

When shopping for the ideal fastpitch glove to purchase, you also get a chance to learn about the top brands to focus on and those to avoid. This knowledge not only guarantees that you buy the best equipment but also that you save money by investing in a good quality item. The glove of choice should help you improve your playing skills and help you in overcoming your weaknesses.

What Is The Good Leather For Fastpitch Softball Gloves?

Fastpitch gloves come in different materials including synthetic materials, leather, and mesh among other materials. All these materials have their own benefits and disadvantages but leather is the most preferred material. Players prefer leather gloves since they are comfortable and durable. As such, you can use one glove for a couple of seasons before it wears out.

There are players who prefer pre-conditioned leather to basic leather since the pre-conditioned gloves have a shorter break-in period. The best thing with leather is that you can use it in any weather since its performance is not affected by weather changes such as wetness or extreme heat. Synthetic gloves are a good choice for young players since they are inexpensive and lightweight.

Generally, looking for the best fastpitch baseball gloves in the present times has become easy due to the onset of online shopping. Nowadays, you can shop for the best gloves in the market from the comfort of your living room. Read reviews left by players and coaches on the best gloves to identify the perfect glove for you.

Who Makes The Best Softball Gloves?

There are some top brands of softball gloves in the market. These brands are iconic in that they are designed using professionally-inspired designs, high-quality materials and their reliability is unmatchable. Some of the best gloves for fastpitch players include Wilson, Mizuno, Rawlings, Miken, Easton and Akadema. In addition to these brands, there are also other brands that are less popular but are good in quality. You can research on the internet for a good brand that is within your budget and one that meets your preferences.

Can You Use A Baseball Glove For Fastpitch Softball?

The definite answer to this question is no. however, if you have a specialized glove, it is possible to use it for both baseball and softball. The main reason why it is not possible to use a baseball glove for softball is that baseball gloves have a smaller pocket since a baseball is smaller than a softball. Therefore, it will be difficult to catch and control a softball using a baseball glove.

How Does One Break In A Softball Glove?

Leather gloves are usually not ready to be used right from the package. Instead, they require breaking in to soften them and make the gloves readily usable. There are several ways of breaking in gloves with the easiest one being applying petroleum jelly or glove oil on the glove. Do not put the glove in an oven as the heat will most likely damage the leather quality. Manufacturers provide for the best ways of breaking in their gloves.

Which Size Of The Glove Should My Daughter Use?

Fastpitch softball gloves come in different sizes to cater to all classes and levels of players. The easiest and most accurate way of identifying the right size of glove is by using a sizing chart. These charts provide the best size ranges depending on age and playing level.

Which Is The Best Way Of Caring For Your Glove?

Caring for your glove enhances its durability. For starters, you should follow the manufacturer’s provisions on how to clean and care for the glove. Always store softball gloves in cool and dry spaces away from moisture or humidity. Avoid direct exposure to extreme heat for leather gloves.

Are Softball And Baseball Gloves The Same?

Gloves are similar in color, material, and lacing but have distinctive differences in their design. The pocket in a softball glove is deeper than that in a baseball glove.