Slowpitch softball glove guide

To be at their best in the field, slowpitch players must be equipped with the best slowpitch softball glove. Different positions require gloves that feature different sizing, fit, pocket depth, web styles, and can be composed of various materials. If you want to find the best slowpitch softball glove, this article was meant for you. 

In this article, we’ll cover:

Slowpitch softball gloves will range in size, but it is a small size range to choose from. Typically, infield slowpitch softball gloves will range from 12in. to 13in. in size. Outfield slowpitch softball gloves can either be the same size, but a lot of players will opt for the larger 13in. to 14in. glove. The larger outfield glove will provide the slowpitch player with a larger area to catch and secure the ball in as slowpitch balls are 12in.

Slowpitch Softball Glove Sizing: Age

Some may wonder if there are different-sized gloves based on the player’s age. The simple answer to this question is that slowpitch softball is exclusively played by adults and therefore the glove sizes will remain between 12in. and 14in. no matter the age. Slowpitch softball is played by adults in all men’s leagues, all women’s leagues, and coed leagues around the world. 

With the different types of adult softball leagues, this will not impact the size of the gloves used. All of these leagues, being that they are adult leagues, will use gloves within the size range of 12in. to 14in.

Slowpitch Softball Glove Sizing: Position

One thing you might notice about slowpitch softball is that traditional first base mitts and catcher’s mitts are not prevalent on the field. All slowpitch softball gloves will look a lot like baseball and fastpitch softball infield/outfield gloves. The only difference between a player's glove sizing by position is the outfielders might opt for a larger 13in. to 14in. glove.

Slowpitch Softball Glove Size Preference

Many slowpitch softball players will use the same size glove as one another. However, some prefer gloves on the smaller side between 12in. and 13in. This size glove is great for all positions and many people like it as an infielder because it is not too large. Conversely, some slowpitch outfielders prefer a glove that is between 13in. and 14in. because it is larger and will make catching and securing the ball easier.

Slowpitch softball gloves can be composed of various materials. This includes but is not limited to, synthetic materials, cowhide, full-grain leather, steer hide, and more. A full-grain leather or steer hide slowpitch softball glove will last the player longer and be more durable over a period of time compared to a synthetic glove. However, an advantage to a synthetic glove is that a lot of times these gloves are lighter in weight than a full-leather glove. The material of your slowpitch glove is completely based on preference and what is comfortable to a player. Some slowpitch players may like a lighter synthetic glove because it is more comfortable, but a full-leather glove might be just as comfortable for another player.

A slowpitch softball glove will provide the player with a deeper pocket compared to that of a baseball glove. This is strictly due to the size of the ball that is used in each sport as a baseball is 9in. while a slowpitch softball is 12in. A deeper pocket will give the player more control when catching the ball

Basket Web

While basket webs are primarily pitcher’s gloves in baseball and fastpitch softball, they can be worn at any position in slowpitch softball. An advantage of this glove is that a basket web will provide the player with a little more structure than some other web style choices.

Single-Post Web

Single-post webs are typically infield gloves in baseball and fastpitch softball, but once again can be used all over the field in slowpitch softball. The single-post web will offer the player flexibility as well as visibility when catching a fly ball.

H-Web

An H-Web web style is a pretty versatile webbing that can be used in both infield and outfield defensive positions. H-Webs typically have a medium-depth pocket which is why they can be interchangeable between infield and outfield.

Trapeze

Trapeze webs are designed for outfield-specific baseball, fastpitch, and slowpitch softball gloves. These gloves usually feature a deep pocket and the web will do a great job of forming around the ball when making a catch.

Just like any other sport, there are premier brands of slowpitch softball gloves. One brand to be aware of is Miken and their slowpitch softball gloves. Miken is known for its pro series and player series slowpitch gloves as both are great options for any slowpitch softball player. Another premier brand to know for slowpitch softball gloves is Mizuno. Mizuno has several glove options for slowpitch as some feature a full-leather construction and others will have synthetic material accompanied by leather. Mizuno also makes several baseball and softball gloves so you know you will be getting a quality slowpitch glove from this brand.

How to choose a slowpitch softball glove?

When selecting a slowpitch softball glove, the player must consider what size they would like between 12in. and 14in. they prefer the material they want on the glove and the web style. As slowpitch gloves can be used all over the diamond, the selection of a slowpitch softball glove is more of a preference than anything.

What size glove should I get for slowpitch?

Slowpitch gloves will only range between 12in. and 14in. Thus, a slowpitch player can choose any glove for the sport but if the player is primarily an outfielder they might opt for a 13in. or 14in. glove.

Do you need a glove for slowpitch softball?

Yes, you need a glove to play defense in slowpitch softball. All gloves will feature the same style but each defensive position player will wear a glove to catch the ball.

What is the difference between a slowpitch and fastpitch glove?

The main difference between slowpitch and fastpitch gloves is the size comparison between the two. Since the standard for a slowpitch ball is 12in. and the standard for a fastpitch ball is 11in., slowpitch softball gloves will be bigger than a fastpitch glove.