Buying Guide

Here’s How to Choose the Right Softball Glove for Infielders

Use this as your personal guide to find your infield glove.

Last updated: 28 January 2026 | 4 min read

If you're thinking about buying a new softball glove, it's important to understand the key features that make a glove suitable for your position. Whether you're shopping for a slowpitch or fastpitch glove, knowing what to look for will help you make a smart choice.

This guide will help you learn about the most important glove features and what to focus on when choosing a new infield glove for softball.

Every softball player needs a glove that fits their playing style and position-specific needs. For infielders, the focus is on quick ball transfers and maximum ball control. To choose the right glove, it's important to understand how elements like pocket depth, glove size, and web design affect performance.

Pocket Depth

Softball gloves generally have larger pockets than baseball gloves due to the larger ball size. However, infield gloves tend to have a shallower pocket. This design allows for faster ball transfers, which are essential for quick plays in the infield.

Web Design

Most softball infielders prefer gloves with a closed web. A closed web helps secure the ball more tightly and supports faster, smoother transfers.

Material

Just like outfield gloves, infield gloves come in a variety of leather types, each offering different levels of stiffness, break-in time, and durability.

Synthetic leather is soft and easy to break in, making it a good option for beginners. However, it doesn’t last as long as higher-quality leather.
Pigskin and cowhide leather fall in the middle range. They are relatively easy to break in and offer more durability than synthetic gloves.
Full-grain leather and steerhide are premium materials. They take longer to break in but offer superior performance and a longer lifespan, making them ideal for serious players.

Ultimately, the best glove material depends on your experience level, position, and personal preference. Choose a glove that feels comfortable and suits your style of play.

Level	Type	Position	Glove Size
Youth	Fastpitch	Infield	10.5" to 11"
Youth	Fastpitch	Outfield	11" to 11.5"
Adult	Fastpitch	Infield	11.5" to 12"
Adult	Fastpitch	Outfield / 1st Base	12" to 13"
Adult	Slowpitch	Infield	12" to 13"
Adult	Slowpitch	Outfield	12.5" to 14"

Sizing

Because infielders need quick transfers and fast releases, their gloves are usually the smallest on the field. A smaller glove helps the player get the ball out faster and allows for a smoother transfer, which is especially important in fastpitch softball, where the baselines are shorter and the game is faster.

Fastpitch Softball

In fastpitch, the ball size is typically 11 inches.

Youth players usually use gloves between 10 and 11.5 inches.
Players aged 13 and up often use gloves between 11.5 and 12.5 inches.

Slowpitch Softball

Slowpitch uses a slightly larger 12-inch ball, so players need a larger glove for better control and easier catches.

Youth players generally use gloves between 11 and 12.5 inches.
Players aged 13 and up typically use gloves between 12 and 12.5 inches.
Adult recreational players often use gloves between 12 and 13 inches for more reach and comfort.

Infielder´s Choice

Accessories

To get the most out of your glove, regular maintenance is essential. Just like any piece of gear, your glove needs care to stay in top condition.

There are several useful accessories that help extend your glove’s life:

Break-in tools – Speed up the break-in process and help shape the glove properly.
Glove conditioner or gel – Keeps the leather soft, flexible, and protected against drying out.
Relacer kits – Handy for replacing broken laces and making small repairs yourself.

Don’t underestimate the value of glove care—it can greatly extend the life and performance of your glove.