Among the most critical items to have is a glove when it comes to softball!
Not just any glove, but one of remarkable quality and design that aids you in performing at your best.
No dedicated player would want their performance to degrade because of a low-quality glove or a glove not suitable for their position.
There are so many alternatives available from high-quality softball manufacturers that it’s easy to get overwhelmed and unsure of which one to buy.
If you’re searching for a new softball glove but need some assistance filtering your options, this article is here at your rescue.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 best fastpitch softball gloves in 2023.
Top 10 Fastpitch Softball Gloves for 2023: Best Options Available
Fastpitch Softball Gloves | Web Type | Our Ratings | Price |
Wilson A2000 12" | Two-Piece Closed, Basket, Fully Closed | ||
Rawlings Heart Of The Hide | H-Web | ||
Mizuno MVP Prime 13" | H-Web | ||
Wilson A1000 V125 | Fully Closed, Basket, Two-Piece Closed | ||
Nokona X2 Buckaroo 12.5" | Fully Closed, Basket, Two-Piece Closed | ||
Marucci Palmetto Series | H-Web | ||
Wilson A500 Siren 12.5" | Fully Closed | ||
Shoeless Jane 12.5" | Fully Closed, Basket | ||
Louisville Slugger LXT 12" | Fully Closed, Basket |
Best Fastpitch Softball Gloves In 2023
A list of the best fastpitch gloves for 2023 is below, based on how good they are at everything from performance to style to sturdiness and features.
1. Wilson A2000 12″ Fastpitch Glove
- Age Group: 10-12/13-15,
- Position: Pitcher, Infield (Second Base, Short Stop, Third Base)
- Size: 12 inch
- Color: Gray, White
- Web Type: Two-Piece Closed, Basket, Fully Closed
- Throwing Hand: Left
There are many great things about the new series, like fastpitch patterns for female athletes, and there is a lace-up wrist closure for increased comfort.
This strap allows you to customize the fit of the glove, ensuring that it stays securely on your hand during play.
This feature is particularly important in softball, where a poorly-fitting glove can result in missed catches and errors.
The Pro Stock leather used in the construction of this glove ensures it will last a long time.
This glove’s SuperSkin leather, which is extremely light leather, increases the durability of the glove, allowing it to last you for years while also making the glove lightweight and twice as strong as conventional leather.
This glove’s closed webbing will hide the pitcher’s grip in the glove.
The Wilson A2000 12″ Fastpitch Glove is also designed with comfort in mind. The glove’s padding and interior lining make it comfortable to wear for extended periods, which is important in a sport like a softball where games can last for hours.
With two simple color options to pick from, this infield softball glove’s style is also highly appealing to the eye. One of the greatest glove sets on the market at the moment now is this one, hands down.
2. Rawlings Heart Of The Hide 12.75″ Glove
- Age Group: 13-15,
- Position: Outfield
- Size: 12.75 inch
- Color: Gray, White
- Web Type: H-Web
- Throwing Hand: Right, Left
The 2023 Rawlings Heart Of The Hide series glove is made of excellent full-grain leather, ensuring long-lasting durability.
This Glove is a top-quality softball glove that is designed for serious players who demand the best performance from their equipment.
If you have trouble breaking into your previous glove, then this glove is quite simple to break into your relief.
With an adjustable pull strap, you’ll receive a unique fit every time you wear this glove.
The model’s soft, full-grain finger back lining gives it an incomparable feel and fit, and it is also quite durable. For added comfort, the glove has a forefinger pad on the outer backing for further support.
In addition to its performance features, the Rawlings Heart Of The Hide 12.75″ Glove is also designed for comfort.
These gloves are an ideal option in positions where quick glove-to-hand transfers are required.
3. Mizuno MVP Prime 13″ Glove
- Age Group: 13-15,
- Position: Outfield
- Size: 13 inch
- Color: White
- Web Type: H-Web
- Throwing Hand: Right, Left
This glove is specially designed so that it’s a perfect fit for a female’s hands.
The bio-soft leather that has been utilized in the glove’s manufacture is soft and smooth and has a professional appearance. The usage of this leather provides the structure required to maintain control of the softball while it is in the player’s possession.
The velcro wrist straps have been left changeable to make the glove more adaptable.
Mizuno has designed the glove’s construction so that the pocket is located directly under the index finger, resulting in a modest reduction in the effort required for break-in.
Also, the pocket’s location will provide a comfortable catch zone around the index finger and thumb.
The adjustable wrist strap is another standout feature of this glove. Players can customize the fit of the glove to their hand, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
The glove’s extra-long length will aid the outfielder in catching every flyball that comes their way.
4. Easton Ghost Tournament Elite 12.75″ Glove
- Age Group: 13-15,
- Position: Outfield
- Size: 12.75 inch
- Color: White
- Web Type: H-Web
- Throwing Hand: Right, Left
The exterior of this Ghost Tournament Elite glove is constructed using Diamond Pro Steer USA leather.
This material will benefit a player who does not have the hand strength of a collegiate fastpitch player but needs something that will withstand a lot of wear.
Crafted from premium leather, this glove is both sturdy and flexible, providing players with a reliable tool to help them excel on the field.
The gloves include a soft leather lining on the inside for added comfort. The Quantum Closure System allows for fast and simple wrist-fitting modifications for further ease.
One of the standout features of the Easton Ghost Tournament Elite 12.75″ Glove is its deep pocket. This allows players to make secure catches and ensures that the ball remains in the glove during play.
This is especially important in softball, where precise and secure catches can make all the difference in the game.
When it comes to the appearance of these gloves, even though there is only one color choice, the blue logos+ snakeskin embossed on the back of the pinky and thumb contributes to the elegant color scheme.
This long outfield softball glove, complete with H-Web, will be a terrific companion for any outfielder.
5. Wilson A1000 V125 12.5″ Glove
- Age Group: 13-15,
- Position: Outfield, Pitcher, Infield(Second Base, Short Stop, Third Base)
- Size: 12.5 inch
- Color: Black, White, Gold
- Web Type: Fully Closed, Basket, Two-Piece Closed
- Throwing Hand: Right, Left
This series of Wilson is specifically suitable for a pitcher but may be used by infielders and outfielders too.
The web of these gloves is completely closed, making them suitable for use throughout the whole field. A deep web is created using the Victory Style Web, ideal for pitcher use.
The interior of the glove has ultra-breathable material keeping hands dry by drawing water away from the skin.
The rolled dual welting on the rear of the glove’s fingers helps keep the glove’s form over time and ensures that it remains comfortable.
The most significant part about this glove is that it is made of soft full-grain leather, which means that the break-in period is short, and you may have one of these A1000s prepared for playing games in a short amount of time.
The glove’s Pro Laced T-Web design is another noteworthy feature. This unique web design provides a wider opening for the ball to enter, making it easier for players to catch and secure the ball during play.
This feature is especially useful for softball players who need to make quick and accurate catches to excel on the field.
This Wilson softball glove series is top-rated and should be considered a possible option for your next softball glove.
6. Nokona X2 Buckaroo 12.5″ Glove
- Age Group: 13-15,
- Position: Outfield, Pitcher, Infield(Second Base, Short Stop, Third Base)
- Size: 12.5 inch
- Color: Brown
- Web Type: Fully Closed, Basket, Two-Piece Closed
- Throwing Hand: Right, Left
Using the softer kangaroo leather and the firmer, tougher steer hide leather, the two-piece hybrid construction delivers an extremely secure fit.
There are certain drawbacks due to firm leather, such as the time it takes to break in. Leather’s stiffness makes break-in time more time-consuming.
But, without a doubt, they function excellently after being fully broken in.
The gloves include an index finger patch on the shell back for safety and convenience, and the customizable velcro wrist straps make the gloves more player-friendly overall.
An extra important feature of this glove is its deep pocket, which provides sufficient space for catching and securing the ball.
The pocket is designed to be wider than traditional gloves, making it easier for players to catch the ball and keep it in the glove during play.
Designed for seasoned gamers who want to elevate their game, this glove is a step above the competition.
7. Marucci Palmetto Series 12.75″ Glove
- Age Group: 13-15,
- Position: Outfield
- Size: 12.75 inch
- Color: Blue, Tan
- Web Type: H-Web
- Throwing Hand: Right, Left
The outside shell of the glove is made of full-grain cowhide leather. Full-grain cowhide leather will be used for the receiving surface and the glove’s backside.
If the Palmettos are properly maintained, they should endure an extraordinarily long period.
This glove should be softer than the Magnolia Series of gloves that Marucci also manufactures and will take less break-in time before the leather becomes supple and suitable for game usage.
Thanks to the Deep Pocket Depth Design, players may confidently tackle ground balls and fly balls with one hand.
The pocket is also wider and better than traditional gloves, allowing for easier and more accurate catches.
Another noteworthy feature of the Marucci Palmetto Series 12.75″ Glove is its soft lining and breathable mesh backing, which provides a comfortable fit and helps to wick away moisture during play.
If you wear this Marucci Palmetto on your glove hand, you will be able to chase down any flyball thrown your way!
8. Wilson A500 Siren 12.5″ Youth Fastpitch Glove
- Age Group: 7-9,10-12
- Position: Outfield, Pitcher, Infield(Second Base, Short Stop, Third Base)
- Size: 12.5 inch
- Color: Black, Tan
- Web Type: Fully Closed
- Throwing Hand: Right, Left
This glove is suited for all spots on a youth fastpitch diamond.
Wilson has used top-grain leather in this glove, which will deliver the suppleness that young players are looking for.
To compensate for the extra softness, they’ve added Dual Welting to the back sides of the glove’s fingers for structure retention of the glove.
The model has a Quick-Fit Wrist System to avoid the danger of it coming off a player’s hand since a young female’s glove must be able to fit firmly onto a smaller hand without her having to worry about it.
A flexible band has been incorporated inside the hand slot of the glove’s construction to achieve this tight fit.
The highlight of this glove is that there’s almost no break-in time with this glove.
A500 Siren is an excellent choice for players playing on the youth level and is specifically designed for them.
9. Shoeless Jane 12.5″ Softball Glove
- Age Group: 13-15
- Position: Outfield, Pitcher, Infield(Second Base, Short Stop, Third Base)
- Size: 12.5 inch
- Color: Brown
- Web Type: Fully Closed, Basket
- Throwing Hand: Right, Left
Hand-cut and made from Special Aged Antique Tobacco Leather Hides, these gloves are one of a kind.
They are the best fastpitch glove due to the intricacy with which they are manufactured.
They are hand-rubbed with old materials for softening the leather before going through their breaking-in process, giving the glove a beaten-up appearance and feel, similar to that of a broken-in glove.
In addition to its unique appearance, the Shoeless Jane 12.5″ Softball Glove also delivers top-notch performance on the field.
The glove is designed with a deep pocket that helps to secure the ball during catches, and the finger stalls are lined with padding to provide additional comfort and protection.
The glove also features a modified web design that allows for easier ball control and faster transfers.
This glove’s XRD Extreme Shock Absorbent Technology in the palm reduces impact energy and stinging sensation.
If you are looking for a glove that resembles a glove used by a seasoned player, this glove is designed for your hands.
10. Louisville Slugger LXT 12″ Softball Glove
- Age Group: 10-12, 13-15
- Position: Outfield, Pitcher, Infield(Second Base, Short Stop, Third Base)
- Size: 12 inch
- Color: Gray, Gold
- Web Type: Fully Closed, Basket
- Throwing Hand: Right, Left
In 2023, the Louisville Slugger LXT is one of the highest-quality gloves available on the market. The catching performance of this glove is excellent, as one would expect from a name as legendary as Louisville Slugger.
The LXT is made of full-grain leather double-oiled for further durability.
It has an X-Spand wrist aperture for a secure fit on the wrist.
Softball catchers benefit from including Bruise Gard Padding in the hand slot, which prevents the hand from stinging.
The glove is designed with a Pro Soft Leather palm lining and a comfortable, moisture-wicking liner to keep your hands dry and comfortable during long games or practices.
This softball glove is attractive in every aspect, thanks to the gray and metallic color scheme and all of the wonderful functions.
How To Choose Fastpitch Gloves
Softball and baseball are quite similar in their game rules, positions and gears. The only difference between them is that softball is quite bigger than baseball. Therefore, the gloves and the webbing in them are bigger than those of baseball.
Softball gloves have four key components that are webbing, fingers, palm, and heel. The webbing fills the area between the thumb and the fingers that can be either tightly woven or left open according to your preferences.
The fingers are used to secure and support your four fingers and thumb. The palm consists of a pocket in the center of your glove that is used to catch the ball and keep it in the required secured position. The heel is located directly below the palm right above the point where your hand meets your wrist.
After the anatomy of the softball gloves, we come to the hand orientation of the player to choose the correct handedness. To know this feature, you need to throw the ball by using the hand you throw with.
If you threw the ball with your right arm then you need to wear a Right-Hand Throw (RHL) softball glove on your left hand. If you threw with your left arm, wear a Left-hand Throw (LHL) softball glove on your right hand.
Now, to find the best glove for you to enhance your skill level and upgrade your performance, you need to consider the requirements of your position.
If you are a catcher, then you need an extra soft cushioned mitt to keep your fingers together that comes with a large palm to catch more contentedly and steadily.
The First base players prefer long, shallow fingers also with deep pockets and added cushion to scoop easily. Whereas the pitchers and the third base players prefer close webbing as the third base players experience the hardest hits that need extra support and strength from the gloves provided by the closed webbing.
The infielders in the game prefer to use smaller gloves with shallow pockets and an open web as the throw and retrieval of balls become quite quick and easy.
After taking all these points into consideration, we come to the last point to choose the best fastpitch softball gloves that are the sizing of the gloves. This is the most important point of the topic as an incorrect size can totally ruin your game.
To find the perfect fit for your hand, you need to measure from the tip of your index finger to the start of your wrist in inches and this becomes the size of the hand.
However, this size can vary by age and position. However, the gloves of the catcher are measured by their circumference rather than their length to offer a better idea of the catching area.
Final Words
To summarize things, it is understood that at the end of the day, you will prefer a glove you feel good and comfortable in while playing and whether they are the top-rated ones or not.
But, all of the gloves listed above are among the best softball fastpitch gloves on the market right now, and having them all listed together will help you narrow down your options.
The gloves listed are primarily designed for feminine hands and would be best suited to females as all the features and the design has been added considering a female’s hand.
I hope this list can help you in achieving your desired features!
