Last updated on March 30, 2024
Looking for a new glove is an extremely exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming at times. You want to make sure you’re investing in a quality glove that will perform well and last a long time. While the name on the embroidered label may not matter as much as who’s wearing it, the quality of the materials can have a big impact on how well the glove performs and how long it lasts.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best softball glove manufacturers on the market today. From gloves made with the highest quality leather to gloves that provide the best value for your money, we’ll help you find the perfect glove to fit your needs.
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Best Quality: Nokona
When it comes to quality, Nokona gloves are in a league of their own. These gloves are handmade in Nokona, Texas, with each glove cut, stitched, and laced by hand, one at a time. This commitment to quality sets Nokona gloves apart from mass-produced sporting goods.
Nokona is well-known for its use of high-quality materials, such as Kangaroo hide in its Buckaroo series. Kangaroo hide is stronger, more pliable, and longer-lasting than most other leathers. The company’s Stampede steerhide also has a reputation for playability and durability, while the Buffalo hide in the Alpha series is one of Nokona’s other exotic efforts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Handmade with high-quality materials | Expensive |
| Long-lasting | Takes time to break in |
| Conforms to the player and their style of play | Limited availability |
| Unique and one-of-a-kind |
Most Popular: Wilson
If you’re a serious baseball or softball player, you probably already know about Wilson. Wilson is one of the oldest sporting goods manufacturers in the world, dating back to 1910s Chicago. They’ve been making great ball gloves for over a century, and their tradition continues with the company’s newest models.
Wilson’s A2000 series is a staple on softball and baseball fields around the country. These gloves are made with synthetic Super Skin (polyurethane microfiber) and Pro Stock leather, making them light, strong, and comfortable. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the A800s and Onyx series are great compromises.
Best Value: Rawlings
Rawlings is another company that’s been producing high-quality leather gloves and mitts for over a century. In 2003, Worth, a well-known name in softball gloves, was acquired by the same parent company. While Worth no longer produces gloves, some of its popular models, like the Liberty Advanced series, are now made under the Rawlings label.
Although Rawlings no longer dominates the industry as it once did, it still has a strong presence with gloves like the Heart of the Hide and the affordable Shut Out series. Rawlings uses top-notch materials in most of its softball gloves, and the higher-quality ones tend to last for years when properly cared for.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality materials | No longer dominates the industry |
| Long-lasting | Some models are no longer produced |
| Popular models from Worth now made under Rawlings label |
Most Underrated: Marucci
Marucci may be better known for its top-notch bats, but don’t let that overshadow their gloves. Crafted with precision and care, Marucci gloves are designed to enhance your game, providing the comfort, durability, and flexibility you need to perform at your best. These gloves blend traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering a range of options that cater to every position on the field.
What sets Marucci apart is their attention to the player’s experience. They actively engage with the baseball and softball community, taking feedback and insights directly from the field to inform their designs. This player-centric approach results in gloves that meet real-world needs, from the breathable materials that keep your hand cool under pressure to the adjustable wrist closures that ensure a perfect fit.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Player-informed design for optimal performance. | Less historical pedigree in glove manufacturing compared to some rivals. |
| Durable materials ensure longevity through seasons of play. | Can be on the pricier side, reflecting their quality and craftsmanship. |
| Flexible and comfortable, allowing for natural movement and control. | |
| Offers a variety of models tailored to different positions and player preferences. |
Honorable Mentions:
Easton
Easton is a company that was founded by James Easton and was known for its high-performance aluminum bats. The company was sold in 2006, and since then, the Easton name has lost some of its mystique, at least as far as gloves are concerned. However, this doesn’t mean that the Easton softball glove line is of poor quality. The Stealth Pro series features quality materials and functional patterns. While options within the product lines are limited, the gloves are still good quality. If you’re interested in heirloom quality gloves, you may want to look elsewhere.
Mizuno
If you’re looking for a softball glove that offers quality and reasonable cost, Mizuno is a brand you should consider. Mizuno has also been in the sporting goods manufacturing business for over a century and is based in Osaka, Japan. In softball circles, Mizuno gloves have a well-deserved reputation for quality and reasonable cost that few manufacturers can compete with.
Mizuno’s MVP and MVP Prime series gloves are a great value for the price. The Biosoft pre-oiled leather requires little break-in, and will last and improve through multiple seasons of hard play. Mizuno’s new Global Elite Series gloves may rival the handmade market in terms of cost, but it is in the midrange-cost gloves that the company truly shines.
Verdict
When it comes to finding the perfect softball glove, it’s important to consider both the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Nokona stands out as the top choice for those seeking a high-end, heirloom-quality glove that will last for generations. The company’s commitment to using only the finest materials and expert craftsmanship ensures that each glove is a true work of art.
If cost is a concern, Mizuno offers a range of affordable options that still deliver high-level performance. Their soft, durable, all-leather gloves are designed with the serious player in mind, and even their most affordable models are worthy of consideration.
No matter which brand you choose, it’s important to select a glove that fits properly and is comfortable to wear. With the help of Softball Ace, you can find the perfect glove for your needs and take your game to the next level.
Hunter Tierney is a passionate writer, loving dad, and true sports fanatic. His experience helping his two daughters through softball, in addition to playing baseball at the collegiate level, gives him a fresh perspective on all things softball. He earned his business degree from the University of Phoenix where he also took writing and journalism courses.
