12 Best Fastpitch Softball Gloves in 2021

Rawlings Liberty Advanced Fastpitch Softball Glove

Nokona X2 Buckaroo Series

Wilson A2000 Fastpitch Softball Glove

Softball and baseball are similar outdoor games. Softball requires a small field and a larger ball. There are two types of softball, and they are Slowpitch and fastpitch softball. The difference between these two is the type of pitch and speed. In slowpitch softball, pitchers release the ball underarm, causing the ball to move at a slow speed of about 25 MPH. In contrast, fastpitch softball requires a player to spin the ball in a windmill motion before releasing the ball underarm. This windmill motion causes the ball to move at speeds greater than 65 MPH.

There are nine different softball positions. They include first base, second base, third base, left fielder, right fielder, center fielder, shortstop, pitcher, and catcher. These positions have gloves that suit them to increase their performance. Catchers and first-base gloves are also known as mitts because their fingers are indistinguishable. Measurement for catcher’s mitts is different from other gloves. Measure the perimeter of the glove for catcher’s mitts. Also, measure from the tip of your index finger to the start of your wrist for other gloves.

There are different factors to consider before purchasing a fastpitch softball glove. These factors include material, web type, position, size, break-in, hand-orientation, and manufacturer. Materials for gloves determine flexibility, durability, and break-in period. These materials are synthetic or leather; synthetic materials are flexible and do not require break-in, but they are not as durable as leather gloves. Synthetic gloves are suitable for young players because they will outgrow the glove. There are different types of leather for gloves; leather gloves are the most durable, but they take a long time to break-in. Other types of leather materials include full-grain, kip skin, steerhide, and cowhide. Full-grain leather still has its natural grains, making it stiffer and heavier than other types of leather. This leather takes the most prolonged period for break-in, but it is a durable, high-performance glove. Kip leather is luxurious and lighter than cowhide. Gloves from kipskin do not need as much time to break-in as full-grain leather. Steerhide, on the other hand, is stiffer and heavier than kipskin or cowhide. The glove is tough to a break-in, but it is a durable, high-performance glove once broken-in. Cowhide is a medium-weight leather that breaks-in quickly but wears out faster than other types of leather.

Web type for gloves gives shape and determines the glove’s performance. The different web types available include closed, or basket web, I-Web, H-Web, Modified Trap Web, Single post web, and two-piece closed web. Gloves with closed or basket web are wholly closed and do not allow light or dirt to pass through them. These gloves are shallow with strong pockets, and they are helpful for pitchers in concealing the ball from the hitter. I-Web gloves have two horizontal strips with one vertical strip at the center. This webbing allows for quick transfer of the ball and has enough opening for the player to see high fly balls. I-web gloves are suitable for infielders.

H-web gloves are similar to I-web gloves. The only difference between these gloves is that the H-Web glove has two vertical leather strips with a horizontal one at the center. H-Web gloves are suitable for both infielders and outfielders. Modified Trap gloves have a vertical leather strip that joins a horizontal one at the top of the web. The glove has leather lacing that increases closure and flexibility. Gloves with this webbing are utility gloves that are suitable for all positions. Another type of webbing is the single post web, and it has a deep pocket for receiving and securing the ball. Although the web does not allow for easy transfer of balls, it is consistent in receiving balls. It is suitable for first basemen. Two-piece closed web gloves are heavier than basket web gloves, but they conceal pitches as well. This glove is ideal for adult players.

Another factor to consider before purchasing gloves is the position and size. There are nine positions in softball, and they include first base, second base, third base, shortstop, center field, left field, right field, pitcher, and catcher. Gloves for infielders should allow quick ball transfer and have enough space to field ground balls. For first base players, gloves between 12 and 13 inches are suitable. In comparison, gloves between 11.5 and 11.75 inches are ideal for second basemen and shortstops. Also, Third-base players use gloves between 11.75 and 12.5 inches. The best fastpitch softball gloves for the third base include Nokona X2 Buckaroo Series and Wilson A2000.

For outfield positions, gloves with more oversized pockets are essential because they can secure fly balls. Gloves for outfielders are usually between 12 and 14 inches. Catchers use mitts, and they allow quick ball transfer behind the plate. Catchers’ mitts have sizes between 33 and 35 inches, and for pitchers, gloves are between 11.5 and 12.5 inches. Pitcher gloves should also have a closed web that prevents the hitter from seeing the pitches.

The break-in period and hand orientation are also factors to consider before purchasing gloves. Break-in to aid the breaking-in of gloves, and it is best practice to choose gloves that won’t take a long period to break-in. Hand-orientation refers to the dominant hand a player uses for throws. Gloves with left-hand orientation are suitable for right-handed players.

In contrast, gloves with right-handed orientation are ideal for left-handed players. Some players have small hands. The best softball gloves for small hands include Rawlings Gamer Series, Wilson fastpitch gloves, Wilson A2000 series, and Wilson Yak 12.

There are different glove manufacturers. They put a lot of innovative technologies in their gloves to enhance performance and suit player’s needs. Top glove manufacturers include Wilson Sporting Goods, Mizuno Corporation, Rawlings Sporting goods and Easton Sports

Best Fastpitch Softball Gloves are Reviewed Below

Below is a review of the top twelve fastpitch softball gloves in 2021, considering factors such as webbing, position, size, hand-orientation, manufacturer, and break-in period. Kindly follow-through

1

Rawlings Liberty Advanced Fastpitch Softball Glove

The Rawlings Liberty Advanced glove is a series of gloves from full-grain leather. There are different products in the series, and they include gloves for catchers, outfielders, infielders, pitchers, and first basemen. The Rawlings Liberty comes in size 13, and it is suitable for first-base players. The design of the glove is for females, but male players also find it ideal. Features of the glove include a 70% factory break-in with about 30% break-in from the player. The break-in does not take time, and the glove is comfortable. The glove’s web is a single post, double bar web with a leather palm lining to reduce stings. The glove also has an adjustable pull strap with leather laces for a custom fit. It is also suitable for players of all skill levels.

Key Features:

  • Right hand and left-hand throw
  • 12.5 inches First base mitt
  • Full-grain oil-treated leather
  • Leather palm lining
  • PORON XRD pads
  • Leather laces with a hand opening and finger back adjustments
  • 70% factory break-in with an easy break-in for players
  • Adjustable pull strap

Specification:

  • Brand: Rawlings Sporting Goods
  • Dimensions: 12 × 7.25 × 10 inches
  • Weight: 1.6 lbs.
Pros
  • Suitable for players of all skill level
  • Both men and women find this glove useful
  • Ideal for both right-handed and left-handed players
  • Custom-fit with adjustable strap, hand opening and finger back adjustments
  • 70% factory break-in
  • Easy break-in for player
  • First base mitt with a balanced pattern
  • Full-grain leather for durability
  • Leather palm lining for feel and comfort
  • PORON XRD pads for comfort and protection from stings on impact
  • All leather laces for a premium look and easy adjustments
Cons
  • Nil

2

Nokona X2 Buckaroo Series

The Nokona brand produces high-quality products, pays attention to details, and provides players with the best products. The X2 Buckaroo Series has game-ready gloves that are majorly suitable for pitchers, and it is one of the best fastpitch softball gloves for third base. The series also has members eligible for the outfield, second base, third base, and shortstop. The glove is 12.5 inches in size, and it is game-ready with a right-hand orientation. This glove is from hybrid leather that consists of stampede steer hide and kangaroo leather. The glove has a quick break-in with a Nolera composite padding that improves comfort. Another feature of this glove is its Velcro strap which is easily adjustable and provides a custom fit. The glove has the right amount of feel, rigidity, and flexibility, and it comes with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty.

Key Features:

  • Right-hand orientation
  • Closed web and closed back
  • Velcro strap
  • Stampede steer hide with kangaroo leather
  • Nolera composite padding
  • 12.5-inch size

Specification:

  • Brand: Nokona
  • Dimensions: 10 × 1 × 8 Inches
  • Weight: 1.6 lbs.
Pros
  • Suitable for right-handed players
  • High performance and quality glove
  • Easily adjustable for a custom fit with Velcro strap
  • Hybrid leather makes it durable with a high shape retention
  • Comfortable glove with composite padding
  • Game-ready with a quick break-in
  • Has a good amount of feel, flexibility, and rigidity
Cons
  • Not suitable for left-handed players
  • Stiff leather increases the break-in period

3

Wilson A2000 Fastpitch Softball Glove

Wilson is an innovative sports equipment producer, and they have products that suit player’s needs and work on user feedback. The Wilson A2000 glove is from Pro stock leather, making it durable, and Superskin gives it a lightweight. The glove’s design is for female players, and it has a size of 12.5 inches. The glove has both right and left-hand orientations, and it provides a custom fit with the Velcro drawstring closure. The glove has a dual post web pattern with a honeycomb cell padding for comfort and feel. The glove is one of the best fastpitch gloves for third base and first base players, and it comes in multiple colors.

Key Features:

  • Pro stock leather
  • Superskin
  • First base glove
  • Right and left-hand orientation
  • Velcro wrist closure
  • The dual post web pattern
  • Honeycomb cell padding

Specification:

  • Brand: Wilson
  • Dimensions: 12 × 8 × 6 inches
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs.
Pros
  • It comes in various colours
  • Pro stock leather and Superskin increases the globe’s durability and makes it lightweight
  • Suitable for outfielders, especially first basemen
  • Ideal for all players because it comes in both left and right-hand orientation
  • Comfortable glove with honeycomb cell padding
  • Velcro wrist closure allows for adjustments to give a custom fit
Cons
  • Takes time to break-in

4

Louisville Slugger LXT Fastpitch Softball Glove Series

Louisville Slugger is a leading manufacturer of quality sports equipment. They use innovative technologies to improve products to improve player’s performance. The Louisville Slugger LXT glove is from double-oiled full-grain leather, which makes the glove-soft and durable. The glove also features an adjustable wrist strap with an X-spand wrist opening for a custom fit. The glove comes in a 12.5-inch size, and its designs are specifically for women. The glove comes in both right-hand and left-hand orientation; it has an open back and suitable for infield players.

Key Features:

  • Female glove design
  • Double-oiled full-grain leather
  • X-spand wrist opening
  • Adjustable wrist strap
  • Open back
  • Right and left-hand throw glove
  • 12.5-inch size

Specification:

  • Brand: Louisville Slugger
  • Dimensions: 13 × 6 × 8 Inches
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs
Pros
  • Suitable for female players with right and left-hand orientations
  • Soft and durable glove from double-oiled full-grain leather
  • Custom-fit from adjustable wrist strap and X-spand wrist opening
  • Easy break-in
Cons
  • The glove can be uncomfortable

5

Easton Ghost Tournament Elite Fastpitch Glove Series

Easton produces top products, and this glove is named after their popular bat series, Easton Ghost. The Easton ghost tournament elite glove has been designed specifically for females and smaller hands. The glove is 12 inches in size, and there are options for 12.5, 12.75, and 13 inches size. Features of the glove include a Diamond PRO steer leather that improves the quality and durability of the glove. The Quantum closure system gives the glove a better fit and an adjustable open back for a more secure fit. The glove also has rawhide laces that reinforce both the pocket and web durability. There are smaller hand openings for tighter fits and different colors to suit player’s preferences and a soft leather lining for comfort and a better feel. The glove comes in both right-hand and left-hand orientation.

Key Features:

  • Diamond PRO steer leather
  • Quantum closure system
  • Various colours
  • Soft leather lining
  • Adjustable Open back
  • Rawhide laces
  • Smaller hand openings
  • Right and left-hand orientations

Specification:

  • Brand: Easton
  • Dimensions: 11 × 8 × 7 inches
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs.
Pros
  • Suitable for all female players with right and left-hand orientations
  • Durable and quality leather glove
  • Easy to break-in
  • Better fit from quantum closure system
  • Soft leather lining improves comfort and feel
  • The adjustable open back makes the glove more secure
  • Rawhide laces reinforce the pocket and web durability
  • Smaller hand openings allow for a tighter fit
Cons
  • Nil

6

Mizuno MVP Prime Fastpitch Softball Glove

Mizuno MVP Prime Fastpitch gloves are from bio-soft leather, which is durable and has a balance of oil and softness, and it is smooth leather. The glove has professional level lace which gives the glove a professional look. The glove is suitable for infielders. It comes with a Parashock and palm pad technology that improves comfort and feel. The glove’s design is for women of all skill levels, and it has an adjustable strap fit better fit. The glove is 12 5 inches in size with both left and right-hand orientation, and it comes in different colors.

Key Features:

  • Right and left hand throw options
  • 12.5-inch glove with options for 11.5, 12, and 13 inches sizes
  • Professional level lace
  • Bio-soft leather
  • Parashock and palm pad technology
  • Adjustable wrist strap
  • Different colours

Specification:

  • Brand: Mizuno
  • Item Dimensions: 11.57 × 10.55 × 7.72 inches
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs
Pros
  • Adjustable wrist strap for a secure fit
  • Durable and quality glove from bio-soft leather
  • Suitable for all skill levels
  • The glove has a professional look and feel from a professional-level lacing
  • Comfortable glove from Parashock and palm pad technology
  • Suitable for female players
  • Available in the right and left-hand orientation
Cons
  • It takes time to break-in

7

Wilson Aura Fastpitch Softball Glove

Wilson Aura Fastpitch glove is a product of Wilson, and it is from top-grain leather that makes the glove lightweight and improves the feel. The glove has a dual post web pattern and full leather laces. The glove is 33 inches in size and suitable for catchers. Other sizes in the series are 12 and 13 inches in length, and they are ideal for infielders and pitchers. The Wilson Aura is a game-ready glove with both right-hand and left-hand orientation. The glove has designs that are specifically for females, and it has a comfortable wrist closure. The glove is durable because of the leather, and it comes with a one-year warranty.

Key Features:

  • Top grain leather
  • Full leather shell and laces
  • A Dual post web pattern
  • Female design
  • 33 inches in size

Specification:

  • Brand: Wilson
  • Item Dimensions: 13 × 8 × 8 Inches
  • Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Pros
  • The 33 inches model is suitable for catchers
  • Lightweight and durable from top-grain leather
  • Game ready
  • Comfortable wrist closure for a custom fit
  • Suitable for female players
  • Ideal for both right-handed and left-handed players
  • One-year warranty
  • Breaks in easily
Cons
  • Some players find the glove uncomfortable

8

Easton Black Pearl Fastpitch Softball Glove

Easton black pearl glove has a specifically designed design for female players and is suitable for all player positions. The glove comes in 12 and 12.5 inches size, and it has options for left-hand throw and right-hand throw. The glove is highly durable because it is from a cowhide leather shell. The flex notch system gives the glove easier pocket closure. The glove has laces from rawhide, and this reinforces the fingers, pocket, and web. Other glove features include smaller hand openings, super-soft palm lining, and lockdown wrist strap. The smaller hand openings give the glove a tighter fit. The super-soft palm lining improves comfort and feel, and the lockdown wrist strap is adjustable for proper fit.

Key Features:

  • Right hand and left-hand throw
  • Female design
  • 12 inches glove
  • Cowhide leather shell
  • Rawhide laces
  • Flex notch system
  • Super-soft palm lining
  • Smaller hand openings
  • Adjustable lock down wrist strap
  • Split woven web

Specification:

  • Brand: Easton
  • Package dimensions: 10.71 × 9.96 × 6.5 inches
  • Weight: 1 lb.
Pros
  • Suitable for both right-handed and left-handed players
  • Ideal for female players on all softball positions
  • Suitable for young players
  • Durable glove from cowhide leather
  • Strong fingers, pocket and web from rawhide leather
  • Flex notch system gives the glove easier pocket closure
  • Comfortable glove from super soft palm lining
  • Smaller hand openings make the fit tighter
  • Adjustable lock down wrist strap make gives a custom fit
Cons
  • The glove is not adult-sized

9

Rawlings Heart of the Hide Fastpitch Softball Glove

Rawlings’s heart of the hide glove is a quality glove from full-grain leather. The glove has a design specifically for females. It is suitable for players of all levels, from high school to professional level. The glove is ideal for both infielders and pitchers. The glove is available right and left-hand orientation and variable sizes of 12, 12.5, 12.75, and 13 inches. The glove is comfortable and provides a good feel due to the Zero shock palm padding and leather palm lining. The glove also has rawhide leather laces and padded thumb loops for comfort while reinforcing the web, pocket and fingers. The glove comes with a 65% factory break-in, and it has an adjustable strap fit better fit.

Key Features:

  • Full-grain leather
  • 12 inches glove
  • Right and left-hand orientation
  • Zero shock palm padding
  • Adjustable pull strap closure
  • Pro-H web
  • Leather palm lining
  • Rawhide leather laces
  • Padded thumb loops
  • 65% factory break-in

Specification:

  • Brand: Rawlings
  • Package dimensions: 12 × 8 × 7.5 inches
  • Weight: 1.32 lbs.
Pros
  • The glove is durable because of the full-grain leather
  • The glove is suitable for female players of all skill levels
  • Ideal for both right-handed and left-handed players
  • Comfortable glove with good feel due to Zero shock palm padding and leather palm lining
  • Custom-fit from adjustable pull strap closure
  • Rawhide laces reinforce the pocket, web and fingers
  • Padded thumb loops protect the fingers
Cons
  • It takes a long time to break-in
  • Glove steaming softens the glove more than necessary

10

Wilson A1000 Fastpitch Glove

The Wilson A1000 is a hand-crafted glove with attention to detail. The glove is from Pro stock leather with a back wrist lacing system. These features make the glove durable and provide a custom fit for the players. The glove is for female players, and it comes in different sizes. The 33 inches size is suitable for catchers, while the 12 and 12.5 inches are suitable for infield players. The glove has a dual post web design, and it comes in both right-hand and left-hand orientations.

Key Features:

  • Right and left-hand throw glove options
  • Pro stock leather
  • The back wrist lacing system
  • Dual post web design
  • 33 inches catcher’s glove and 12 inches infielder glove models

Specification:

  • Brand: Wilson
  • Dimensions: 13 × 10 × 10 inches.
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs.
Pros
  • Durable glove from Pro stock leather
  • Variable sizes
  • Suitable for catchers and infielders
  • Ideal for female players in right hand and left-hand throw options
  • Custom-fit with a back wrist lacing system
Cons
  • It takes a more extended period to break-in

11

Nokona Walnut Fastpitch Glove

Nokona gloves are also hand-designed, and they come with a game-ready feel. The glove is from top-grain steer hide and walnut crunch leather for durability and a better feel. The glove is 12.5 inches in size, and it has a closed web design for easy catch and has a specific design for females. The glove has an adjustable Velcro wrist strap for a better fit. The globe has deep pockets, and it is suitable for pitchers, infielders and outfielders.

Key Features:

  • Top grain steer hide with walnut crunch leather
  • 12.5-inch glove
  • Hand-crafted with closed web design
  • Right-hand orientation
  • Velcro wrist strap
  • Deep pockets

Specification:

  • Brand: Nokona
  • Dimensions: 13 × 6 × 6 inches
  • Weight: 1.9 lbs.
Pros
  • The steer hide and walnut crunch leather makes the glove durable
  • The glove is suitable for infielders, outfielders, and pitchers
  • Attention to detail from hand-crafted design
  • Adjustable Velcro wrist strap provides a custom fit.
  • Deep pockets make it easy to catch
  • The glove is game-ready out of the wrapper
  • Fats break-in period
  • Suitable for female players
Cons
  • The glove is heavy
  • Some players have concerns about the glove’s durability

12

Mizuno Prime Elite Fastpitch Glove

The Mizuno Prime Elite glove comes from an oil-soft plus leather. This smooth leather balances oil and softness for maximum performance. The glove has a professional pattern, and it has variable sizes between 11.5 and 13 inches. The glove is suitable for all positions, and it has options of a right-hand throw or a left-hand throw. The glove has features such as finger core technology that improves the glove’s flexibility, comfort, and control. Roll-welting is another feature of the glove, and it enhances the glove’s stability, giving it a cleaner look.

Key Features:

  • Oil-soft plus leather
  • Professional pattern
  • Right and left-hand throw
  • Finger core technology
  • Roll welting

Specification:

  • Brand: Mizuno
  • Package dimensions:11.14 × 9.17 × 6.65 inches
  • Weight: 1.5lbs.
Pros
  • Suitable for female players in all positions
  • Oil-soft leather increases the glove’s durability
  • A soft, high-performance glove
  • Flexible glove with improved control and comfort due to finger core technology
  • Clean, premium look due to roll welting
Cons
  • It takes a more extended period to break-in

Buying Guide Questions

What is the best fastpitch softball glove?

There are suitable fastpitch gloves in the market. The best of them include Nokona X2 Buckaroo, Rawlings Liberty Advanced, and Wilson A2000 series. A review of these gloves is provided above.

What size fastpitch softball glove should I use?

The size of the glove for players depends on the position and age group of the player. Players from14 years and above use adult-sized gloves. For infield positions, gloves between size 11.75 to 12.50 are ideal. You can also use gloves between 12.50 – 13.0, 12.0 – 13.0, and 31.5 – 34.5 for the outfield, first base, and catcher positions, respectively. The right glove size should give you a comfortable fit. Measure the tip of the index finger to the start of the wrist in inches for all positions. In contrast, you measure the perimeter of your hand for the catcher position. This measurement gives the proper sizing.

Are players allowed to wear gloves in softball?

Yes. Players wear gloves in softball to suit their playing positions

How long do fastpitch softball gloves last?

Raw materials for producing a glove and how the player takes care of the glove determine durability. Leather gloves are more durable than synthetic gloves. For younger players, gloves last for about two years before players outgrow it

What size softball glove does a woman need?

Women have smaller hands in comparison to their male counterparts. Some glove manufacturers have gloves designed specifically for females. A glove that is between 11.75 and 12 inches is suitable for women

What size softball does 10u use?

10U division refers to players that are ten years old. The 10U division uses balls that are 11 inches in size with a weight of about 6 ounces.

What size glove do college softball infielders use?

The softball for fastpitch is 11 inches in size. Therefore, youth infield players use gloves between 10 and 11.5 inches, while players above the age of 13 use gloves between 11.5 and 12.5 inches

What size glove should my 11-year-old use?

For infield positions, gloves between 10.5 and 11 inches are ideal, while for outfield positions, gloves between 11 and 11.5 inches are suitable

What size glove should a 12-year-old use?

For infield positions, gloves between 10.5 and 11 inches are ideal, while for outfield positions, gloves between 11 and 11.5 inches are suitable

Conclusion

The glove a player uses when playing a game determines the performance of the player. Different factors affect the choice of gloves, and a review of these factors and the best fastpitch gloves for players are provided above. Do well to follow through to select the best glove that suits your needs.