best leather for baseball gloves

When it comes to selecting a baseball glove, the type of leather used can significantly impact the performance, durability, and overall experience of players. From high-performance full-grain leather to beginner-friendly synthetic options, understanding the unique qualities of each material can help you make an informed decision. In this guide, we'll explore the characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of various types of leather used in baseball gloves, providing you with the insights needed to choose the perfect glove for your needs. To learn more about gloves, check out our Complete Guide to the Different Types of Baseball Gloves. Whether you're a professional athlete or just starting your baseball journey, this comprehensive overview will help you find the right fit and feel for your game.


In this article, we will cover: 


Full-Grain Leather For Baseball Gloves

Full-grain cattle leather baseball gloves are crafted from the top layer of the hide, preserving its natural grain pattern. This results in a unique appearance and unmatched durability, making them the preferred choice for high-performance and professional players. While they require a longer break-in period compared to other types of leather gloves, their strength and resistance to wear ensure they can last for many years with proper care. Full-grain leather gloves are heavier and stiffer initially but offer superior performance and longevity once broken in.


Baseball Gloves Made From Kip Leather

Kip leather is highly favored among professional baseball players for its exceptional qualities. Derived from the hides of younger cattle, kip leather is lighter, firmer, and more durable compared to traditional cowhide. Its thinner and softer texture makes it easier to break in than gloves made from heavier steer hide. To learn more about glove break-in, read our article on How to Break in a Baseball Glove. This luxurious material is preferred for its lightweight feel, which enhances infielders' agility and speed in catching and transferring the ball. Its quick break-in time also appeals to players who need immediate performance from their gloves at the highest levels of the game.


Cowhide Leather for Baseball Gloves

Cowhide is an entry-level leather that is normally highly processed. Cowhide leather is known for being a heavy leather that breaks in quickly aimed at the youth market. Cowhide is not the highest quality or most durable leather, but is a significant upgrade over synthetic leather while still requiring low break-in effort. 


Steer Hide Leather For Baseball Gloves

Steerhide leather is one of the heaviest leather options available on a glove. This gives the glove high levels of quality and durability but comes at the cost of a long break-in period. Steerhide leather is seen on many gloves positioned at high school and college players such as the Rawlings Heart of the Hide Series. 


Baseball Gloves Made From Synthetic Leather

Synthetic leather is used for gloves aimed at players just starting their baseball journey. For these gloves, both quality and durability take a backseat to ease of use and a low price point. Synthetic leather gloves are nearly game-ready right out of the box and have features that cater to young players like adjustable velcro wrist straps. If you are shopping for a glove for a young player, a helpful guide is our article on How to Size a Baseball Glove for a Kid.


What is the Best Type of Leather for Baseball Gloves?

Type of LeatherPlayer LevelProsConsPriceExample Glove
Full-Grain Leather High School + Durability Long Break-In $$$$ Rawlings Heart of the Hide ColorSync 8.0 PRO204-2SBC 11.5" Baseball Glove
Kip Leather High School + Lightweight Price $$$$ Marucci Capitol 11.75" Baseball Glove - Camel/Columbia - 2024 Model
Cowhide Leather Youth Fast Break-In Durability $$ Franklin CTZ5000 22416 11.5" Baseball Glove - Black/Chrome
Steer Hide Leather High School + Durability Long Break-In $$$ Marucci Ascension 43A2 11.5" Baseball Glove - 2023 Model
Synthetic Beginner Fast Break-In Durability $ Franklin Shok-Sorb Series 10.5" T-Ball Baseball Glove

Best Leather for Baseball Gloves - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best leather for beginner baseball players?

At younger ages, quick break-ins and comfort are prioritized to get athletes playing as soon as possible. For this reason, synthetic leathers are preferred as they do not require to be broken in. Gloves are game-ready right off the shelf. 

How long does it take to break in a full-grain leather glove?

If you are the type of player who just likes to play catch to break in a glove, it can take several weeks to fully break in. If you take time to apply conditioner, do mallet work, or catch off a machine, you can break in a glove in a few days. 

Why is kip leather more expensive?

Kip leather comes from younger cattle which gives the leather a lighter weight and increases stiffness over steerhide. It is seen as a premium leather, especially if it is Japanese Kip leather. 

Are there any eco-friendly leather options for baseball gloves?

At younger ages, synthetic leather is popular due to its low cost and easy break-in. However, this leather is not suited for use at the older ages. While there are no popular leather alternatives, you could choose a glove that incorporates other materials to reduce the use of leather. For example, the Rawlings REV1X uses noticeably less leather than traditional Rawlings gloves. Emery gloves with the Cordura backing also fall into this category. 

How can I extend the lifespan of my leather baseball glove?

Care for your glove! Do not leave it in hot places like car trunks where the leather can dry out. If the glove gets wet, ensure it dries slowly and recondition the leather with conditioner. Finally, avoid shoving it in baseball bags where the pocket and shape can get damaged. For more info, consider reading our Complete Glove Care Guide.

How many baseball gloves can be made from one cow?

Depending on the style of the glove being made, one cow can produce 20-24 gloves. For example, Nokona makes 10 gloves from each hide. Since there are two hides per cow, they can produce 20 gloves.