9 Best Batting Gloves for Softball in 2021

Jennie Finch Batting Gloves

Easton VRS Batting Gloves

Rawlings Workhorse Batting Gloves

Softball is a sport that involves using a bat to hit a ball. It evolves from baseball, and it’s played between two teams. Unlike a football game, it has ten players in its team. This game is quite different from baseball in that the game utilizes a larger ball and on a small pitch. It is also different in terms of the kind of bat’s used and the method of playing the game.

You might feel because the name of the sport is softball, the balls are incredibly soft. Actually, it’s the reverse; the balls are even harder than baseball, and most times, when players hit the balls without aiming correctly with the sweet spot of the bat, it sends a painful vibration to their hands. This and other reasons make softball batting gloves necessary.

If you aren’t a novice player, you would understand the importance of using batting gloves on the field. For hitters, these gloves do more jobs than anticipated. They were initially made to absorb friction from bat’s, but new technology has advanced its uses by adding new features. These days gloves can allow for a tighter grip, prevent hand sweating, save the hands from blisters, and increase the time you can use a bat.

Softball batting gloves help reduce the game’s discomfort and provide you with a more comfortable playing experience.

Due to our experience in the game, we have tried several gloves and can also tell which serves its purpose better. There are numerous gloves manufacturers out there; some are in for the profit alone; others want to make a mark. Some of these gloves manufacturers use inferior material, the cheapest technology with a low standard presentation.

Also, gloves that might be perfect for a teammate might not necessarily be perfect for you. This has to do with individual difference. That’s why it’s necessary to have basic information about gloves before purchasing them.

Since the market is flooded with numerous brands, it can be challenging to decide on the best. Well, for a general rule, good gloves will feel comfortable to your hands and would not impede your swing while giving you a better grip.

To further assist you, we have put out some criteria for deciding the best batting gloves perfect for you.

Criteria for choosing a good softball batting glove.

The principal aim of a softball player is to make solid contact without feeling any pain, and that’s why Batting gloves were designed. They allow you to play at your best, providing you with the assistance you require for an optimized result.

Wearing batting gloves might seem like keeping your hands airtight, but it will increase airflow to your palms. Without a glove, your hands will sweat and slip off the bats. But a glove will ensure an ultimate grip and also prevent your hands from any form of blisters.

You might observe I keep emphasizing why you need to purchase gloves; this is because when the purpose of a thing isn’t known, abuse is inevitable. Below are some key points to consider before clicking purchase on that beautiful batting gloves picture.

Sizing

Deciding on the appropriate size is quite straight forward. Most softball batting gloves vendor display their size chart on their page, and on every picture, they also indicate the exact size of the item.

To use this chart, you have to know your size by measuring the length of your hand. It is measured by placing a rule on the base of your palm,measuring it to your middle finger. Ensure you measure the dominant hand.

For example, if your measured value is 6.5 inches, it means you can use an XL for youth, and small in men’s size or a medium in women’s size. However, most softball gloves are designed to fit better in a woman’s palm because female dominate the game.

Finally, ensure the size you opt for isn’t too tight or loose. Your batting gloves should sit snug on your hands as loose gloves can slip while a tight one can impede hands movements.

Materials

In this category, you will most likely find two materials which are leather and synthetic. They both have their advantage.

Leather gloves feel natural to the palm and also offers a better grip than synthetic gloves. However, a synthetic glove is easy to maintain and clean, and it is also more flexible.

Leather gloves speak luxury and are more durable. At the same time, a synthetic glove is often purchased because of its elasticity.

To get the best from both materials, opt for gloves with a leather palm and a finger made with synthetic.

Added Features

Technology is improving by the day so also is bat manufacturer. Some gloves offer more features than others. These days we find gloves with an articulated thumb which improves the gloves mobility. Also, some gloves are produced with natural curve technology which will help reduce excess material on your knuckles.

Some batting gloves were made for safety purpose. Such gloves often feature extra padding for vibration absorption or a custom hand shield at the back of the gloves to protect the hands.

Wrist Style

Deciding the kind of wrist style you should use is also essential. For example, velcro wrist provides a proper fit, and it’s highly adjustable.

Other gloves come with a high compression profile wrist for a better feel. However, most players often add tape to hold the bat to their wrist firmly. An example of a gloves that has premium long cuff is bruce bolt batting gloves. They are known for their adjustable and firm cuff. Most people refer to it as the wrist bat.

Knowledge of the features above will guide you in choosing a pair of gloves that suits your needs. For a quick reminder, the suitable gloves aren’t tight or loose, and they should sit snug on your palm with a comfortable feeling. It should not impede your finger and palm movement. Also, your palm shouldn’t sweat while wearing it. Lastly, it should provide you with a better grip.

To further make things easy, we have shortlisted about nine softball batting gloves. Believe me when I say only the bast made this list. In deciding the gloves to include, we put some factors into consideration. These include appropriate materials usage, padding, availability in varieties of colours, durability, adjustability and, of course, affordability. However, we didn’t trade cost for quality. Take out time to go through the review; we are confident you will find your choice.

The 9 Best Batting Gloves For Softball Are Reviewed Below

If you desire to improve your softball performance, batting gloves are a necessity. Even if you are very skilful, you would agree that you can’t perform at your best with an injured hand. Batting gloves help prevent hand blisters and other related injuries.

You might be shocked at the price of these precious items. They are indeed very affordable even gloves with the best quality of material might just be a few dollars different from the regular one. So it will make sense if you invest in these accessories because the value it hards is worth more than its price.

I can assure you that you will immediately notice the difference if this is your first time trying out a bat. Aside from the boost in confidence, you will also feel more comfortable playing the game. So it’s time to take the bull by the horn and go through the list provided below and choose.

1

Jennie Finch Batting Gloves

In case you’re hoping to purchase outstanding softball batting gloves, look no farther than this America renewed pitcher gloves. Jennie Lynn Finch is an American softball pitcher, and her recommendations and ideas are mainly behind the designs of these gloves. She has used Mizuno gloves to achieve the remarkable feat and won medals (Olympic). This and more makes the glove special.

Mizuno Jennie Finch batting gloves will eliminate all the hassle and pain associated with playing softball. Its leather is so soft and stretchy that it allows easy hand movement. it will also help improve the bats grip to give you a comfortable experience.

Key Features:

  • compression moulded
  • Padded Mizuno Shock Palm
  • neoprene wristband
  • Nonslip Palm
  • Gender Engineered
  • Quick-Adjust Strap.
  • Flex Mesh

Specification:

  • Material: Synthetic
  • Colour: White/Mint
  • Sport Type: Baseball, Softball
  • Brand: Mizuno
  • Size: Women’s Medium
Pros
  • Crafted from premium leather
  • available in a variety of colours
  • Highly durable and long-lasting
  • Super soft palm feels
  • offers superior support
Cons
  • it was explicitly crafted for the female and cant be used by male

2

Easton VRS Batting Gloves

Easton VRS gloves are the latest of the Easton series. It also comes with improved technology; this technology help reduces vibration, hand blisters and also gives your hand a comfortable grip. It was also designed to be multipurpose; it can be used for baseball leagues.

The gloves feature a VRS palm pad which helps prevent hand blisters and dampen vibration. They also incorporate a boost heel pad to support the hand for a more comfortable feel and experience.

Another intriguing and unique feature of these gloves is their tacky goatskin leather. This leather gives players a firm grip on the bat and allows for easy palm movement. Also, as a result of this leather, the gloves can stay in shape all year round. It also has a stylish design at the back, made of Lycra and silicon to give it a firm and beautiful appearance.

Key Features:

  • moulded neoprene wristband for a custom fit.
  • Tacky goatskin leather
  • VRS palm pad
  • Vibration-proof
  • Power Boost heel pad
  • Flexible Lycra and fused

Specification:

  • Material: Synthetic
  • Colour: Black/Grey
  • Sport Type: Baseball, Softball
  • Brand: Easton
  • Size: Large
Pros
  • The gloves are available in adult and youth size
  • Extremely economical and affordable
  • Very durable and retain its shape all year round
  • Absorbs vibration
  • Perfect grip
Cons
  • Prone to tearing
  • Can cause blisters in kid’s hands

3

Rawlings Workhorse Batting Gloves

Rawlings batting gloves have consistently got five-star reviews from players. This bat is an excellent option for players that wants quality at an affordable price. Rawling gloves for softball are very durable and doesn’t tear and wear quickly; it was designed to for use all year round and in any weather.

These gloves were made from olitac leather, and it also features a dura plus pad palm. Rawlings specially developed this palm technology to improve the protection and support the gloves offers to the hand. Due to its dynamic fit technology, these gloves can fit comfortably and sit snug. This technology also allows the gloves to conform to the curves of the hands, thereby avoiding slippage.

If you are concerned about how it fit or sit on the wrist, worry no more as Rawling’s has designed these gloves with an adjustable and elastic wrist closure that would help you decide whether it should be tight, loose or just ok. This reinforced wrist closure prevents the gloves from sliding off the hands.

Conclusively I would add that these gloves are truly trendy, it comes in various colours and colour mix. If you are a female player or an amateur playing looking to improve your performance in a beautiful yet comfortable way, opt for Rawling’s batting gloves.

Key Features:

  • Dura palm pad
  • Dynamic fit system
  • Reinforced adjustable elastic wrist closure.
  • Oiltac leather build

Specification:

  • Material: Leather
  • Colour: Black
  • Sport Type: Baseball, Softball
  • Brand: Rawlings
  • Size: Large
Pros
  • protect the hand against blisters
  • Available in different colours and colour combination.
  • Economic pricing yet top quality
  • Five-star ratings from users
  • Fit snugly against the hand
Cons
  • Does not have kids or youth design

4

David Ortiz Batting Gloves

David Ortiz signature bat is the best-in-class gloves. These batting gloves can be used for both baseball and softball, thereby saving you additional cost if you happen to play or practice both games. It has an impressive combination of comfort, durability and superior grip. These features stem from the quality of its material which is Pittard’s digital sheepskin leather. The gloves also offer flexibility to the palm; it has a comfortable feel in addition to its durable feature.

Among the technologies utilized by this bat is Tectonic technology and neoprene bridge technology. Neoprene bridge was used to design the back of the gloves, and it is responsible for its flexibility, giving it a custom feel.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable wrist strap
  • One-piece design.
  • Pittards Digital Sheepskin leather on the palm
  • Neoprene bridge design
  • Quad-flex crease design
  • Tectonic insert technology
  • Floating thumb technology

Specification:

  • Material: Leather
  • Colour: Cabrera /Navy/Orange /White
  • Sport Type: Baseball, Softball
  • Brand: franklin sports
  • Size: Adult small
Pros
  • Very suitable for professional use
  • Floating thumb technology makes it fit properly and comfortable
  • 90-day manufacturers warrant
  • Very durable and seamless
Cons
  • Requires high maintenance

5

Franklin Pro Classic Batting Gloves

This is another fanatic option for players looking for a glove that will offer the best at an affordable price. Franklin pro classic gloves are multipurpose, and they can serve both baseball and softball players. They were literally the first official league batt gloves created. Players from all stripes highly sort them.

These gloves were crafted from top-quality leather for a professional look and feel. They are very durable and can be used in any weather without going out of shape or succumbing to tear and wear. They come in all sizes and colours, ranging from youth to adult.

These gloves are so comfortable it feels like you are holding the bat with your bare hands. It perfectly fits the hand’s curve.

Key Features:

  • MLB tradition
  • Classic style
  • Premium quality
  • Natural fit all sizes:

Specification:

  • Material: Leather
  • Colour: White/Pearl
  • Sport Type: Baseball, Softball
  • Brand: Franklin sports
  • Size: adult small
Pros
  • Year-after-year durability.
  • Available in a range of sizes for every category of players
  • Gloves come in a wide variety of colours
  • Offers great value for money
  • luxury appearance
  • offers maximum protection against blisters
Cons
  • Unreliable quality

6

Franklin Neo-Classic 2 Batting Gloves

Franklin neo batting gloves were designed with amateur players in mind. It will help to boost their game while giving a comfortable feel. Franklin neo-classic isn’t an elite bat, and I won’t recommend it for professional use even though it features recent technology capable of lending professional assistance.

These gloves are perfect for practice sessions; they incorporate floating thumb technology that makes them flexible and adaptable to different size and hand shape. Also, this bat was crafted out of Pittard’s sheepskin leather which gives it its unique features of superior comfortability. It also comes in varieties of colours and can easily be used to match sports outfit.

Key Features:

  • Floating thumb technology
  • Pittards Digital Sheepskin leather
  • Quad-flex creasing.
  • One-piece design

Specification:

  • Material: Leather
  • Colour: Black
  • Sport Type: Baseball, Softball
  • Brand: Franklin sports
  • Size: Small
Pros
  • offer superior support, grip and comfort.
  • Available in a range of sizes for every category of players
  • Gloves come in a wide variety of colours
  • very suitable for amateur players
  • very flexible and durable in all season
Cons
  • Requires high maintenance

7

Nike MVP Elite Batting Gloves

Nike elite batting gloves speak professionalism; these bats are often seen with professionals that know the meaning of quality. If you have a professional ambition in softball, Nike batting gloves are a must. It has a smooth sheepskin leather design which gives it a classic and luxurious look. These gloves are among the most durable gloves it doesn’t wear out irrespective of the frequency of usage. It also offers an ultimate grip with a comfortable hand feel.

Nike gloves are known to withstand any temperature, from harsh to calm weather. This results from its single-piece design, which eliminates the disadvantage associated with seams. This glove features a mesh gusset at the knuckles and thumb of the gloves, which allow for airflow and adequate ventilation to prevent your hand from sweating.

Key Features:

  • One-piece design.
  • Smooth Sheepskin leather palm.
  • incorporates Mesh gussets
  • Articulated wrist strap

Specification:

  • Material: leather
  • Colour: White/Mint
  • Sport Type: Baseball, Softball
  • Brand: Nike sport
  • Size: Large
Pros
  • It doesn’t wear or tear
  • Very comfortable to the palm
  • Allows unrestricted airflow to the hands to prevent sweating
  • Built to fit the hands properly
  • Highly adjustable
Cons
  • Expensive and always out of stock

8

Franklin CFX Pro Batting Gloves

This is among the prestigious franklin bats series. CFX pro batting gloves are very popular among players because it was produced by an award-winning brand which manufactured the first league baseball gloves. Like most batting gloves, these gloves are multipurpose. They can be used for baseball and softball bats.

It was made from premium quality leather; it offers superior comfort to the palm and can be used in different season without wearing out. It keeps your hands blister-free while providing a tight grip.

Instead of the neoprene design, which is common in gloves, it features a unique chrome design at the back of the gloves. As typical with most softball gloves, CFX franklin pro gloves comes in a variety of colours.

Key Features:

  • Tectonic fit insert
  • Natural fit
  • premium quality leather
  • Adjustable strap
  • chrome design

Specification:

  • Material: Leather
  • Colour: White/pearl
  • Sport Type: Baseball, Softball
  • Brand: Franklin sports
  • Size: Adult large
Pros
  • Offer superior support, grip and comfort.
  • Available in a range of sizes for every category of players
  • Gloves come in a wide variety of colours
  • Very suitable for amateur players
  • Very flexible and durable in all season
Cons
  • Poor quality

9

Marucci Elite

Although this glove has been around for a while, its commitment to quality makes it trendy. Most players have given review about its superior performance. Like most softball batting gloves, it can be used for both baseball and softball.

The famous big-league grip was used in constructing these batting gloves to offer a professional grip to enable you to play at your best. Furthermore, its palm was crafted with Cabretta leather making it smooth and giving it an excellent grip feature. It also considered durable because it doesn’t wear or tear easily irrespective of the season.

Key Features:

  • Big League Grip.
  • Cabretta leather build
  • Natural fit
  • Adjustable strap

Specification:

  • Material: leather
  • Colour: Black
  • Sport Type: Baseball, Softball
  • Brand: Marucci
  • Size: X large
Pros
  • it doesn’t slide or slip off the hands
  • available in many colours
  • protect the hand against blisters
Cons
  • Not great in quality

Buying Guide Questions

It is important to be well informed before shopping for softball gloves online. Below is a compiled question commonly asked by softball gloves shoppers.

What are the best batting gloves for softball?

If you’re new in the game of softball, the answer to this question will certainly help you get started. There are reviews on different softball gloves on the internet. However, choosing a glove with a good grip and quality material will give you a quality softball playing experience. Below are some highly-rated softball gloves you can choose from.

[LIST-B] (Franklin Pro Batting Gloves)

[LIST-B] (David Ortiz Batting Gloves)

[LIST-B] (Rawlings Workhorse Batting Gloves)

[LIST-B] (Franklin Classic 2 Batting Gloves)

[LIST-B] (Easton Batting Gloves)

[LIST-B] (Marucci Elite)

[LIST-B] (Jennie Finch Batting Gloves)

[LIST-B] (Franklin CFX Batting Glove)

[LIST-B] (spiderz batting gloves)

[LIST-B] (bruce bolt batting gloves)

What is the best brand of batting gloves?

Batting gloves are essential to softball players because it creates a frictionless relationship between your grip and the bats handle. Buying the best brand will ensure that you harness all the advantages of using a bat else; you might create more problems for your hands. The most recommended brand by softball pro is Nike and Franklin batting gloves. Franklin bat is made with soft and thin leather. They are very comfortable and allow easy movement of the fingers. Nike, on the other hand, is known for their consistency in quality.

Can you use baseball batting gloves for softball?

Yes, you can; however, it depends on the brand of the gloves. Most baseball bats are huge and won’t fit a small palm properly. But there are certain brands with elastic features; they tend to adjust to other palm-size different from their prescribed size. An example of such gloves is franklin batting gloves.

Is there a difference between baseball and softball batting gloves?

Baseball and softball share similarities in terms of how the game is played and its accessories. But there is a distinction between the gloves. Baseball batting gloves have more significant palm construction, and they come in masculine dark colours. In contrast, the softball bat comes in many trendy and bright colours with a smaller hand construction.

Do you need batting gloves for softball?

If you are a softball player, you must wear a batting glove, especially batting gloves with wrist support, regardless of your level. If you are still wondering if it’s necessary, beneficial or advantageous, you should read on.

To achieve a better grip, you must make use of batting gloves. It gives you total control of the bat and consequently better hit. During summer, your hand will sweat, a softball batting gloves will help prevent the bat from slipping out of your hand. In colder temperature, it helps prevent stings and vibrations. If you don’t wear a bat during winter, your hands can quickly develop soreness and blisters.

Also, if you use aluminium bats, batting gloves is a, just because it is associated with high vibration.

Should batting gloves be tight?

The word tight is relative to different players. What some players would swear to be tight, other players will regard it as perfect. For a general rule, your gloves should be snug and also comfortable. If it’s too tight, it can resist the free movement of your hands. On the other hand, a loose glove can slip and not allow for a firm grip. To determine your size, measure your hand by starting from the base of your palm up to the tip of your middle finger. For example, if the length of your hand is 6.5 inches, you should use a medium-size if you are a woman and an XL if you are a youth.

Can you wear a batting glove on your throwing hand?

It depends on the hand you regard as your throwing hand; some baseball players use the right hand to hit while others use the left. The right way to wear a batting glove softball is by wearing it on your top hand. Your top hand is the hand nearest to the bat’s end. If you hit with your right hand, then the top hand is your left hand. This is the hand that rubs against the bat’s knob and will help the main grip throughout the swing.

What batting gloves do the pros wear?

Being a pro means you are very skilful at playing softball. And most pro can make do of almost any kind of bat. Another advantage of being a pro is that they know the best bat that can work well in any situation and weather condition. For competitive games, they use the best batting gloves to prevent blisters. Nike is a popular brand and is often seen with professionals who understand that the hands need the best care to perform at their best. Another example of a pro brand is franklin batting gloves. Both gloves are comfortable to the hands. And they don’t make the hand sweat.

Conclusion

Softball is an exciting game, just like baseball. It is played for fun and also professionally. However, this game has its painful side. To address this pain, it is essential to obtain batting gloves to help absorb vibration, prevent blisters, improve performance, among other things. The above is a review that will equip you on how to decide on the best bat and the best bat’s available.