Best Batting Gloves: The Top Baseball & Softball Batting Gloves for 2020
Finding the perfect pair of batting gloves for you can be difficult. As baseball players, a lot of time is spent practicing your swing and taking lots of rounds of batting practice with your batting gloves on. This can wear them down very quickly, so it is important to find a durable pair of gloves that can withstand the wear and tear put on them. Sizing can be an issue as well. You need to find a pair that fits snug but is not too tight around the wrist. Comfort and breathability are also some things to consider when buying a new pair of batting gloves. Therefore, we have put together a list of the best batting gloves for adults, softball players and youth players to hopefully make this process a bit easier on you. Also, we will briefly discuss some of the top batting gloves used by players in the MLB and go over some key things to consider when buying a new pair of batting gloves to finish this article off.
- The Best Batting Gloves
- Best Softball Batting Gloves
- Best Youth Batting Gloves
- Most Popular MLB Batting Gloves
- Considerations When Buying Batting Gloves
Best Batting Gloves
Comfort, breathability, durability and style are some of the key things to consider when buying a new pair of batting gloves. So, we have found the best batting gloves for 2020 based on those key elements and listed them below.
1. Bruce+Bolt Pro Natural Series Premium Cabretta Leather Long Cuff Men's Batting Gloves
Each pair of Bruce+Bolt batting gloves are handmade by skilled craftsmen using only the highest quality 0.9mm Cabretta leather and stitching techniques. This makes the gloves buttery soft but more durable than any other glove on the market. Cabretta leather is the highest quality leather in the world. It offers superior “feel” and durability characteristics which are unbelievably soft! So soft, players can’t believe how great these gloves feel when they first try them on. Bruce+Bolt gloves do not get hard and stiff, and if they do simply rub leather conditioner or mink oil inside and out and they’ll be as soft as when you bought them.
Top Benefit
High quality Cabretta leather makes these gloves the most comfortable gloves while still being extremely durable.
Pros
- Extreme comfort
- Long cuff for extra wrist support
- Very soft and breathable
- Stylish, stand out look
- Durable leather
Cons
- Can bunch up around the wrist
- Pretty pricey
2. Franklin CFX Chrome All Star Game Men's Batting Gloves - 2019 Model
On July 9th, baseball's very best will take center stage at the Mid-Summer Classic. Thankfully, you don’t have to be one of the best players in the world to get your own pair of these stylish All-Star Game batting gloves. Franklin never disappoints when it comes to quality in their batting gloves. The use of Pittards sheepskin leather allows for a soft, comfortable feel that will be smooth and seamless against any bat handle.
Top Benefit
These are some of the most form fitting gloves available. You will not have any issue adjusting them for the perfect fit.
Pros
- Extremely soft
- Very comfortable
- Easily adjusted for the perfect fit
- Stylish All-Star Game theme
Cons
- Not very breathable
3. Easton Walk-Off BaseballMonkey Exclusive Adult Batting Gloves - 2019 Model
Step up to the plate like a Pro. World Champion Alex Bregman uses Easton’s new Walk-Off Batting Gloves. The palm is constructed of smooth goat skin, leather, and the Lycra back of hand, featuring a molded Easton Screamin’ E logo, fused with matte and gloss silicone that adds structure, while maintaining flexibility. The wrist strap features a branded pull tab and is designed of flexible neoprene for the perfect fit and maximum comfort. Additionally, these gloves feature a colorway that is exclusive to BaseballMonkey.
Top Benefit
BaseballMonkey exclusive colorway for one of the most stylish, stand out looks available.
Pros
- Smooth palm
- Flexible molded wrist for easy adjustment
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Not very durable, may tear after heavy use
4. Franklin Shok-Sorb Neo Men's Baseball Batting Gloves - 2019 Model
The second glove in Franklin's Shok series, the Shok-Sorb Neo provides patented sting-reduction technology in the palm while maintaining superior grip in all weather conditions. The ideal "all-around glove," this new design has an extremely comfortable fit along with strategically-placed flex points for a non-restrictive performance.
Top Benefit
Franklin’s Shok-Sorb padding system absorbs impact to eliminate sting on contact.
Pros
- Extremely padded
- Protective against sting and vibrations
- Extremely comfortable
Cons
- Slightly bulky
5. Easton Walk-Off Adult Batting Gloves - 2019 Model
Step up to the plate like a Pro. World Champion Alex Bregman uses Easton’s new Walk-Off Batting Gloves. The palm is constructed of smooth goat skin, leather, and the Lycra back of hand, featuring a molded Easton Screamin’ E logo, fused with matte and gloss silicone that adds structure, while maintaining flexibility. The wrist strap features a branded pull tab and is designed of flexible neoprene for the perfect fit and maximum comfort.
Top Benefit
Multiple stylish colorways perfect for many jersey colors and styles.
Pros
- Smooth palm
- Flexible molded wrist for easy adjustment
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Not very durable, may tear after heavy use
Best Softball Batting Gloves
Comfort, breathability, durability, style and female specific hand sizing are some of the key things to consider when buying a new pair of batting gloves. So, based on those key elements, we have put together a list of the best softball batting gloves for 2019.
1. Easton 2019 Hyperlite Women's Fastpitch Softball Batting Gloves
The new Easton Hyperlite Fastpitch Batting Glove is the perfect combination of comfort, style and durability. It features a lightweight back of hand with a sublimated design, and a durable two-piece synthetic palm with a neoprene wristband for support and added comfort. With female specific sizing for both adult and youth fastpitch players, you can feel confident in the fit and feel while you dominate at the plate.
Top Benefit
The two-piece synthetic palm makes these gloves extremely durable and long lasting.
Pros
- Female specific sizing for smaller hands
- Extremely durable
- Neoprene wristband for added comfort and support
Cons
- Mesh material on the back lacks in breathability
2. Easton Prowess BaseballMonkey Exclusive Women's Fastpitch Batting Gloves - 2019 Model
Show your prowess at the plate with Easton’s new Prowess batting gloves, designed specifically for female players. All-new Hyperpalm XT material in the palm is designed to be extra-thin, bringing your hands closer to the bat for better feel and consistent performance. Thin mesh on the back of the glove contributes to a lightweight, airy feel, while female-specific sizing and a tapered one-piece neoprene wristband provide a secure and comfortable fit. Additionally, these gloves feature a colorway that is exclusive to BaseballMonkey.
Top Benefit
BaseballMonkey exclusive colorway for one of the most stylish, stand out looks available.
Pros
- Secure, comfortable fit
- Lightweight and breathable material
- Seamless feel on any bat handle
Cons
- Not very durable
3. Easton ZF7 VRS Hyperskin Women's Fastpitch Softball Gloves
Perfect for outfitting a team or for any adult or youth softball player, the Easton Zf7 VRS Hyperskin fastpitch softball batting gloves are a quality glove at a great price. Designed with female specific sizing for the female hand size and a smooth goatskin leather palm for added comfort. Easton’s redesigned VRS palm padding helps to reduce vibration and prevent blisters.
Top Benefit
The VRS vibration reducing palm padding is perfect for any level of softball player.
Pros
- Easy to get the perfect fit
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Grip on the palm helps with bat control
Cons
- Stitching may rip after heavy use
- Not very durable
Best Youth Batting Gloves
Youth batting gloves can be very hard to shop for. Most of the time they are made with lower quality materials than their adult sized counterparts. Sizing can also be an issue due to younger kids constantly outgrowing their equipment. So, finding the right youth batting gloves comes down to finding a pair that is durable, will easily adjust, and will feel comfortable swinging any bat. Below are some of the best youth batting gloves out there in 2020.
1. EvoShield Evocharge Boy's Batting Gloves
EvoShield Evocharge Batting Gloves utilize custom-molding technology to protect your hands from wild pitches. The digital embossed sheepskin leather palm gives you better control and feel of the bat while the sleek molded pull tab secures and supports your wrists. Protect your future and don't let the unexpected dictate the outcome of your at-bat.
Top Benefit
The custom-molding aspect of these gloves is great as it allows the gloves to mold to the players hand shape to ensure a perfect fit.
Pros
- High quality sheepskin leather palm
- Very comfortable
- Back of the hand is breathable
- Sleek, stylish look
Cons
- May rip at the seams with heavy use
2. Franklin CFX Chrome Youth Batting Gloves
Franklin continues to impress with not only their adult batting gloves, but their youth gloves as well. The use of high quality Pittards digital sheepskin leather makes these gloves feel exactly like a pair of adult gloves. A one-piece leather palm allows for a smooth, seamless feel on any bat. Once you put these batting gloves on, you will instantly realize why Franklin is the leading brand of batting gloves in MLB.
Top Benefit
High quality leather in a youth batting glove is hard to come by so, definitely the use of the Pittards digital sheepskin leather.
Pros
- High quality leather
- Smooth, seamless feel on any bat
- Breathable and comfortable
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Not a ton of padding
3. Under Armour Harper Hustle Boy's Baseball Batting Gloves
Being Bryce Harper’s signature batting gloves, you know these are going to be stylish. Their leather palm allows for superior durability and silicone printing provides a compression feel for a secure fit. Constructed with a neoprene wrist and synthetic leather closure, you will notice how supported and comfortable these gloves are on your wrist.
Top Benefit
High quality leather makes these gloves very durable, and comfortable.
Pros
- Superior durability
- Soft, comfortable feel
- Stylish appearance
Cons
- Compression fit and feel is not very breathable
Most Popular MLB Batting Gloves
Players in the MLB use a wide variety of different batting gloves due to sponsorships and endorsements. Franklin, however, leads the way when it comes to the most players using their batting gloves. Below we have put together a brief list of a few batting gloves commonly seen worn by MLB players.
1. Franklin CFX Pro Chrome Men's Batting Gloves
Showcased on-field by dozens of MLB professionals, Franklin's popular CFX Pro model has gone full color! A world-class quality Pittards digital sheepskin leather palm ensures durability, softness, and superior grip at bat, while proprietary tectonic fit inserts accommodate flex across the hand back. Touched with a hint of chrome, these gloves are a must have on the diamond this season.
2. Under Armour Yard Men's Baseball Batting Gloves
Under Armour is probably best known due to sponsoring Bryce Harper with basically all his gear. These gloves specifically are extremely comfortable and durable. Their elastic wristband and closure strap make for a perfect, custom fit.
3. Nike Huarache Pro Men's Batting Gloves
Nike gloves are worn by a few top players in the MLB, specifically Mike Trout. These batting gloves are designed to be very breathable and durable. Their flexible, lightweight cuff minimizes distractions at the plate, so you will not even notice you are wearing them.
Considerations When Buying Batting Gloves
Some key things to consider when buying a new pair of batting gloves include, sizing, quality, and of course, appearance. Sizing and quality are most important, you want batting gloves that fit snug but are not too tight. Quality of the gloves is important because you do not want to have to keep buying new gloves, you will want a pair that will last through heavy use. Lastly, you may want to find a good-looking pair of gloves, because after all, look good, play good.
Do I Need Batting Gloves?
Batting gloves are not a requirement. Wearing them is completely personal preference, so wear whatever feels comfortable to you. However, we would recommend wearing batting gloves as they will help prevent vibrations, and give you more grip on the bat for increased bat control.
Should Batting Gloves Be Tight?
Batting gloves should fit snugly on your hand, with not much space left in the tips of the fingers. However, you do not want them to by super tight as this could potentially cut off circulation to your hands.
Can You Shrink Batting Gloves?
Washing and drying a pair of batting gloves will help to shrink them but will potentially ruin the durability of the gloves. If they are leather gloves, however, we would not recommend washing and drying them as it will completely ruin them.
Do You Wear One or Two Batting Gloves?
You do not see many players wearing just one batting glove anymore, its either two gloves or no gloves. It is complete personal preference. So, go with whatever feels most comfortable to you.