Updated October 29, 2026 · 9 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best for beginnersRawlings Sure Catch Youth5,100+ ratings · ready to playCheck price on Amazon →
Best valueFranklin Windmill Fastpitch Pro4,500+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →Softball · 2026
The best softball gloves
A good softball glove is the difference between a confident fielder and a nervous one. Fastpitch gloves are built for the larger softball, with deeper pockets and narrower hand openings that fit most girls and women better than baseball gloves. Beginners need a soft glove that closes easily; high school players need a glove that holds its shape.
We compared the best-selling softball gloves on Amazon on fit, break-in, materials, size range and what thousands of parents and players say. Below is one clear pick for each level, from first-time 8U players to high school starters and adult slowpitch, plus a size chart and break-in tips.
Quick answer: the best softball gloves
- Best for beginnersRawlings Sure Catch Youth · 5,100+ ratings · ready to play
- Best valueFranklin Windmill Fastpitch Pro · 4,500+ ratings
- Best youth upgradeEaston Ghost Flex Youth · fastpitch-specific fit
- Best for teensRawlings Liberty Advanced · high school fastpitch
- Best budgetFranklin Field Master Fastpitch · low price
- Best slowpitchWilson A360 Slowpitch · adult rec leagues
If you want one answer for a young player: buy the Rawlings Sure Catch Youth Softball Glove. It is soft, all leather, ready to use out of the box and easy for small hands to close. Read our full Rawlings Sure Catch review. For high school players, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced is a fastpitch-specific glove built for the harder game, and for adult rec leagues the Wilson A360 Slowpitch is a proven choice.
Softball glove size chart
| Age | Fastpitch infield | Fastpitch outfield |
|---|---|---|
| 6 and under | 9 to 10 in | 9.5 to 10.5 in |
| 7 to 8 | 10 to 10.75 in | 10.5 to 11.75 in |
| 9 to 10 | 11 to 11.25 in | 11.5 to 12.25 in |
| 11 to 12 | 11.5 to 11.75 in | 12 to 12.75 in |
| 13 and older | 12 to 12.25 in | 12.5 to 13.25 in |
Slowpitch adults usually use 12 to 13 inches in the infield and 13 to 14 inches in the outfield. Use our softball glove size finder for an exact recommendation by age and position.
The best softball gloves, reviewed
Rawlings Sure Catch Youth Softball Glove
You need this if: your daughter is starting fastpitch, roughly ages 4 to 11.
- ShellAll leather
- Break-in100% factory broken in
- WebBasket web, utility
- AgesAbout 4 to 11
- Rating4.7★, 5,100+ ratings
Why we recommend it: It is the most-reviewed youth softball glove on Amazon. Sure Catch design means kids can close it the first time they put it on, which builds confidence fast. Real leather and padded finger linings make it comfortable and durable for a youth glove.
Keep in mind: It is soft rather than structured. Players 12 and older will want a stiffer, position-specific glove.
Franklin Sports Windmill Fastpitch Pro
You need this if: you want a well-reviewed fastpitch glove at a lower price.
- TypeFastpitch
- SizesYouth sizes
- FitFastpitch-specific
- Rating4.6★, 4,500+ ratings
Why we recommend it: The Windmill is one of the best-selling fastpitch gloves on Amazon, popular with rec league families who want a glove made for softball at a friendly price. It breaks in quickly and comes in bright colours kids love.
Keep in mind: Materials are less premium than leather gloves, so serious players will outgrow it in quality as well as size.
Easton Ghost Flex Youth Softball Glove
You need this if: your player is 8 to 12, plays travel or competitive rec, and needs more than a starter glove.
- TypeYouth fastpitch
- BrandEaston Ghost line
- FitFastpitch-specific
- Rating4.7★, nearly 500 ratings
Why we recommend it: Easton’s Ghost line is one of the most respected names in fastpitch. The Ghost Flex brings that fastpitch-specific design to youth sizes, with a flexible feel that is easy to close but more structure than a beginner glove.
Keep in mind: It costs more than starter gloves; it makes most sense once your player is committed.
Rawlings Liberty Advanced Fastpitch Glove
You need this if: your player is in middle or high school and wants a glove built for faster play.
- TypeFastpitch, advanced
- FitFastpitch-specific design
- StylesInfield, outfield and more
- Rating4.7★, 600+ ratings
Why we recommend it: The Liberty Advanced is one of Rawlings’ most popular fastpitch lines, designed specifically for the female hand and the speed of high school and travel ball. It comes in position-specific patterns, so infielders and outfielders can choose the right size and web.
Keep in mind: It needs some break-in compared with youth gloves. Start it early in the off-season.
Franklin Sports Field Master Fastpitch Glove
You need this if: you need an inexpensive glove for a first season, a spare, or a casual player.
- TypeFastpitch
- Price tierBudget
- Rating4.6★, 460+ ratings
Why we recommend it: It is a no-fuss, low-cost fastpitch glove for kids trying softball for the first time. Good for families who are not sure their child will stick with it.
Keep in mind: Budget materials wear faster with heavy use.
Wilson A360 Slowpitch Softball Glove
You need this if: you play adult slowpitch or co-ed rec softball.
- TypeAdult slowpitch
- BrandWilson
- SizesAdult slowpitch sizes
- Rating4.5★, 1,300+ ratings
Why we recommend it: Slowpitch gloves are longer with deep pockets for high, arcing fly balls and big softballs. The A360 is an affordable Wilson glove that is easy to break in and popular with rec league players.
Keep in mind: It is not a fastpitch glove; for fastpitch, choose one of the picks above.
Softball gloves compared
| Glove | Level | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rawlings Sure Catch | Beginner, 4 to 11 | Fastpitch | 4.7★ (5,100+) |
| Franklin Windmill | Beginner to rec | Fastpitch | 4.6★ (4,500+) |
| Easton Ghost Flex Youth | 8 to 12, competitive | Fastpitch | 4.7★ (500) |
| Rawlings Liberty Advanced | Teens, high school | Fastpitch | 4.7★ (600+) |
| Franklin Field Master | Budget | Fastpitch | 4.6★ (460+) |
| Wilson A360 | Adults | Slowpitch | 4.5★ (1,300+) |
Fastpitch vs slowpitch vs baseball gloves
Fastpitch gloves have deep pockets for the 11 or 12 inch softball and narrower finger stalls and wrist openings for smaller hands. Slowpitch gloves are longer, often 13 to 14 inches, with very deep pockets for high fly balls in adult leagues. Baseball gloves have shallower pockets for a smaller ball. Young kids can start with a baseball glove, but a real fastpitch glove helps once the ball gets bigger and faster.
Choosing by position
- Infield: smaller glove, shallow pocket, open web for quick transfers.
- Outfield: longer glove, deeper pocket, often a trap or H web.
- Pitcher: closed web to hide grips.
- First base: a first base mitt.
- Catcher: a padded fastpitch catcher’s mitt.
- Utility: a basket web works well for young players who move around.
How to break in a softball glove
- Play catch as much as possible; nothing beats real use.
- Work the glove open and closed with your hands while watching TV.
- Apply a small amount of glove conditioner, then wipe off the excess.
- Put a softball in the pocket, close the glove around it and wrap it with a band overnight.
- Never use an oven, microwave or soak it in water.
Glove care
Keep gloves out of hot cars and wet bags. Wipe off dirt after games, let it air dry, and condition it once or twice a season. Store it with a ball in the pocket so it keeps its shape. Re-lace when laces fray to extend the glove’s life.
Complete softball kit
Besides a glove, new players need a bat, a batting helmet with a face mask, cleats and a bag. See our best fastpitch softball bats, softball bat size chart, youth cleats and youth bat bags.
Our verdict
For young players, the Rawlings Sure Catch is the best softball glove: soft, ready to use and loved by thousands of parents. Choose the Franklin Windmill for value, the Easton Ghost Flex Youth as a competitive youth upgrade, the Rawlings Liberty Advanced for teens, the Franklin Field Master on a tight budget, and the Wilson A360 for adult slowpitch.
Glove webs explained
The web is the laced section between the thumb and the first finger, and it changes how a glove plays. Basket webs are woven and flexible, easy to close and great for beginners and utility players. I-webs and H-webs are open, letting dirt fall through and helping infielders see the ball and transfer it quickly. Trap webs create a deep pocket that outfielders like for catching fly balls. Closed webs hide the pitcher’s grip so hitters cannot read the pitch. For young players, choose a basket or closed web; position-specific webs matter more from about age 12.
Leather vs synthetic gloves
Leather gloves last longer, mould to the hand and hold their shape, which matters more as players get better. Synthetic gloves are lighter, cheaper and need almost no break-in, making them fine for young beginners and casual players. Many youth gloves now blend soft leather with padded linings to get the best of both. If your player practises several times a week, leather is worth it.
Signs your daughter needs a new glove
- The ball pops out of the pocket even on routine catches.
- The glove looks small on her hand, or her fingers reach the ends of the stalls.
- The laces are snapping or the pocket has collapsed.
- She is moving up to a faster level, like travel ball or high school.
Teaching young players to catch
Start close with soft balls and build distance as confidence grows. Teach thumbs together for balls above the waist and pinkies together below. Encourage two-handed catches, with the throwing hand covering the ball. Ten to fifteen minutes of catch a few times a week makes a huge difference, especially with a glove that closes easily.
Left-handed softball gloves
Left-handed throwers need a glove worn on the right hand, labelled LHT (left-hand throw). Most brands on this list, including Rawlings, Easton and Franklin, offer left-hand versions, but sizes and colours can be more limited. Double-check the listing before ordering so you do not end up returning a glove for the wrong hand.
Softball gloves as gifts
A first real glove is one of the most exciting gifts for a young softball player, especially before spring tryouts. Add a softball and a glove conditioner for a complete gift. For more ideas, see our gifts for baseball and softball players.
When to buy
Buy a new glove a few weeks before the season so it can be broken in at home, not in the first game. Winter holidays are a great time, as players can work the glove over the off-season.
Related: Best softball pants for girls and women
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What size softball glove for a 10 year old?
Usually 11 to 11.5 inches for fastpitch, a bit bigger for outfield.
What size softball glove for a 12 year old?
Usually 11.5 to 12 inches.
What size glove for high school softball?
About 12 to 12.25 inches for infield and 12.5 to 13 inches for outfield.
Is a fastpitch glove different from a slowpitch glove?
Yes. Fastpitch gloves are smaller with a narrower fit; slowpitch gloves are longer with deep pockets.
Can girls use baseball gloves for softball?
Young beginners can, but fastpitch gloves fit better and hold the larger ball.
What is the best softball glove for beginners?
The Rawlings Sure Catch, because it is soft, ready to use and easy to close.
How we chose
We did not test these gloves ourselves. We compared the best-selling softball gloves on Amazon on type, fit, materials, break-in and ratings, and read what thousands of parents and players said. We chose one glove for each level and type of play.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
