Last updated on June 19, 2023
Finding the right glove can be a challenge, especially if you have small hands. A softball glove that is too big can make it difficult to catch the ball, while a glove that is too small can be uncomfortable and not provide enough protection.
After researching and various softball gloves, we have identified the best options for players with small hands. These gloves are designed to provide a comfortable fit while also offering the necessary protection and functionality for playing softball. In this article, we will review each glove in detail and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase.
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Franklin Sports Windmill Series Fastpitch Pro Softball Glove
If you are looking for a high-performance softball glove for young players with small hands, the Franklin Sports Windmill Series Fastpitch Pro Softball glove is a great option.
Pros
- Lightweight mesh design for maximum comfort and quick hands out in the field
- Adjustable wrist closure ensures a comfortable customized fit for all players
- Soft pocket material provides a dynamic, responsive feel when catching the ball
Cons
- Needs to be broken in before use
- May be too big for very small hands
- Only available for right-hand throwers
This glove is perfect for young players with small hands who want a comfortable, high-performance glove. The lightweight mesh design ensures maximum comfort and quick hands out in the field. The adjustable wrist closure ensures a comfortable customized fit for all players. The soft pocket material provides a dynamic, responsive feel when catching the ball.
However, the glove does need to be broken in before use, and it may be too big for very small hands. Additionally, it is only available for right-hand throwers.
Franklin Sports Fastpitch Pro Series Softball Gloves
If you’re looking for a softball glove for small hands, the Franklin Sports Fastpitch Pro Series Softball Gloves is a great option.
Pros
- Lightweight mesh design for maximum comfort and quick hands
- Adjustable wrist closure for a comfortable customized fit
- Soft pocket material for a quick, easy break-in process and responsive feel when catching the ball
Cons
- Not ideal for players with larger hands
- Some users reported the need for additional break-in time
- Not made of leather
This glove is perfect for young players of all ages with its adjustable sizing and comfortable fit. The multi-positional closed-web design is ergonomically designed to contour to the hand intricacies of the female fastpitch player, ensuring enhanced performance around the diamond for a multitude of players and playing styles.
The lightweight technical mesh shell and soft, PU laminated palm provide the ultimate in comfort and flexibility. The adjustable wrist strap provides a custom and versatile fit, ensuring that the glove stays securely in place during play. The soft pocket material ensures a quick, easy break-in process and provides a dynamic, responsive feel when catching the ball.
Rawlings Softball Series Glove
If you’re looking for a softball glove for small hands, the Rawlings Softball Series Glove is a great option to consider. With its all-leather palm, cushioned palm and fingerback linings, and adjustable velcro strap, this glove offers comfort, protection, and a custom fit for every athlete.
Pros
- The all-leather palm helps with pocket formation and shape retention, making it easier to catch and hold onto the ball.
- The cushioned palm and fingerback linings provide added comfort, reducing the impact of catching the ball.
- The Neo-Flex back and velcro strap allow for a custom fit, ensuring that the glove fits comfortably on any player.
Cons
- The 13-inch size may be too large for some players with small hands.
- The glove may require some breaking in before it feels comfortable and performs at its best.
- The Basket Web design may not be the best option for all positions.
If you’re an adult slowpitch softball player, the Rawlings Softball Series Glove is designed with you in mind. Whether you’re playing competitively or recreationally, this glove is a great option for any position on the field. While the 13-inch size may be too large for some players with small hands, the all-leather palm, cushioned palm and fingerback linings, and adjustable velcro strap make up for it in terms of comfort and protection. The Neo-Flex back and velcro strap also allow for a custom fit, ensuring that the glove fits comfortably on any player.
While the Basket Web design may not be the best option for all positions, it does provide a quickly broke-in pocket and complete comfort to give confidence while snagging ground balls and stopping extra base hits. Overall, the Rawlings Softball Series Glove is a great choice for any player looking for a high-quality, durable, and comfortable softball glove.
Rawlings Player Preferred Glove Series
If you’re looking for a quality and affordable softball glove for small hands, the Rawlings Player Preferred Glove Series is a great option.
Pros
- The full grain leather material ensures enhanced durability.
- The basket web is versatile and can be used at any position on the field.
- The zero shock palm padding provides increased impact protection while catching.
Cons
- The glove may require some breaking in before it feels comfortable to wear.
- Some users have reported that the glove is smaller than advertised.
- The color may differ slightly from the photo.
The Rawlings Player Preferred Glove Series is designed for recreational players of various age and skill levels. The glove features quality, full grain oiled leather shells for easy and quick break-in, along with all-leather laces for durability and strength. With popular patterns and styling, the Player Preferred series seamlessly covers baseball, softball, and recreational leagues.
The glove’s basket web is versatile and can be used at any position on the field. The zero shock palm padding provides increased impact protection while catching, making it a great choice for players who want to minimize the risk of injury. Additionally, the adjustable wrist strap allows for a customizable fit for maximum comfort.
While some users have reported that the glove may require some breaking in before it feels comfortable to wear, the full grain leather material ensures enhanced durability over time. However, some users have also noted that the glove is smaller than advertised, so it’s important to double-check the size before purchasing. Finally, the color may differ slightly from the photo, but users have generally been happy with the quality of the glove.
WILSON A2000 FP12 SuperSkin Infield Fastpitch Glove
If you’re a serious ballplayer looking for a high-quality glove that fits your small hands, the WILSON A2000 FP12 SuperSkin Infield Fastpitch Glove is a great option.
Pros
- The dual post web design and fast pitch-specific WTA20RF19FP12SS make it perfect for infielders and pitchers.
- The comfort Velcro wrist closure ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
- The honeycomb cell padding creates a no-sting catch zone, making it easier to catch even the hardest-hit balls.
Cons
- It can be challenging to break in, especially for younger players.
- Some users have reported that the glove is smaller than expected.
- It’s a bit pricier than some other options on the market.
The WILSON A2000 FP12 SuperSkin Infield Fastpitch Glove is made with Pro Stock leather that breaks in perfectly and lasts from one season to the next. The white SuperSkin is twice as strong as regular leather, but half the weight, making it a great choice for serious players. The glove is designed with the custom fit system, so every fastpitch player can have a glove that fits her hand – no matter how tight she wears it.
The dual welting provides a durable pocket, while the honeycomb cell padding ensures a no-sting catch zone. The comfort Velcro wrist closure provides a secure and comfortable fit, making it easier to focus on the game. Although it can be challenging to break in, especially for younger players, the WILSON A2000 FP12 SuperSkin Infield Fastpitch Glove is a serious glove for a serious ballplayer.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best softball glove for small hands, there are a few key features you should look for. Here are some things to consider before making your purchase:
Size and Fit
The most important factor when choosing a softball glove is ensuring that it fits your hand properly. A glove that is too big or too small can affect your ability to field and catch the ball. When shopping for a glove, make sure to try it on and test it out before making your final decision. Look for a glove that is snug, but not too tight, and allows for easy movement of your fingers.
Webbing
The webbing of a softball glove refers to the pattern of leather strips that connect the thumb and index finger to the rest of the glove. There are a variety of different webbing patterns available, each with its own benefits. For small-handed players, a closed web or modified trap web can be a good choice, as they provide a smaller pocket and better control.
Material
Softball gloves can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, synthetic leather, and mesh. Leather gloves are the most durable and offer the best feel and control, but they can be more expensive. Synthetic leather and mesh gloves are more affordable and lightweight, but may not last as long.
Position
The position you play on the field can also affect the type of glove you should choose. In general, infielders tend to prefer smaller gloves with shallower pockets, while outfielders may prefer larger gloves with deeper pockets. Catchers require a specialized glove with extra padding to protect their hand from fast-moving pitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for when choosing a softball glove for small hands?
When choosing a softball glove for small hands, there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, make sure that the glove is comfortable and fits well. You want to make sure that your hand is snug inside the glove, but not so tight that it restricts movement. Secondly, look for a glove with a smaller hand opening and shorter finger stalls to accommodate smaller hands. Lastly, consider the position you play and choose a glove that is designed for that position.
Can a beginner use a softball glove designed for small hands?
Yes, a beginner can definitely use a softball glove designed for small hands. In fact, it may be easier for a beginner to use a smaller glove as it can be more comfortable and easier to control. A smaller glove can also help with proper hand placement and catching technique.
Is it important to get a custom softball glove for small hands?
While a custom softball glove can be helpful for players with small hands, it is not always necessary. Many manufacturers offer gloves designed specifically for smaller hands, so you should be able to find a glove that fits well without having to go the custom route. However, if you have a unique hand shape or size, a custom glove may be the best option for you.
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.
