Tips for Breaking In Slowpitch and Fastpitch Softball Gloves

A high-quality leather softball glove is a durable, long-lasting piece of equipment that also improves your performance on the diamond. Unfortunately, when the glove is brand-new, it's usually as stiff as the dugout bench. Therefore, both slowpitch and fastpitch softball gloves need to be broken in before using them in a game. Bownet® wants your glove to last for years - and the right break-in process helps with this.

Let's look at how to break in women's and men's softball gloves so you're ready to #PlayAnywherePlayNow.

Adult and Youth Softball Glove Break-In Methods

There are several effective ways to soften glove leather. Here's how each technique works and why you might choose it.

• Play Catch - Without a doubt, the safest and best way to break in a softball glove is to catch softballs. As the leather softens, it will mold to your hand, and even ordinary gloves will feel like custom softball gloves. The only downside is that this method can take a while, so if you bought a glove on Tuesday for a game on Thursday, you'll need a faster option.
• The Glove Hammer - Also known as a glove mallet, this is a "brute force" method when time is a factor. Pour hot water over the glove (don't soak it), then use the hammer to work the pocket and crease. You can get a glove hammer with a flat end for general walloping or a round-end hammer to help with forming. Be careful, though, as mistakes or over-hammering can cause damage.
• Leather Oil and Conditioner - A little glove oil or conditioner can help break in a glove. Add a light coating and use a clean cloth to gently rub it in. Using mink oil can improve the water resistance - but remember to only use products approved by the manufacturer. Avoid the webbing as well, since this leather is thinner and has a higher risk of over-softening.
• Glove Wrapping - This is a supplementary method to the other techniques discussed. Place a softball in the pocket, wrap the glove tightly around the ball using rubber bandsor stings, and let it sit for a couple of days. This stretches the leather and makes it more malleable.

How Not to Break in a Softball Glove

• Don't let someone else wear it. You want the glove to fit your hand, not someone else's. A glove worn by someone else will feel unnatural to you.
• Never steam your glove. This technique can damage the fibers and shorten a glove's lifespan. For many glove manufacturers, steaming the glove cancels the warranty.
• Don't use petroleum jelly, olive oil, lip balm or shaving cream. Each of these will saturate the leather and cause it to dry out or feel heavy.
• Avoid ovens and microwaves. They might make the leather feel softer at first, but the heat pulls moisture out so the glove ends up dry and cracked.

You'll need more than just a great glove to #TrainLikeAPro. Bownet lets you create your own training system with hitting nets, softballs, pitcher aids and other softball gear.