Finding the best softball gloves for infielders comes down to three things: a shallow pocket for quick transfers, a size that matches your position, and leather you can actually break in without losing half a season. I have pulled together the eight infield gloves that real players keep recommending across leagues, travel ball, and rec play.
Over the past few months, our team dug through thousands of customer reviews, compared leather quality, pocket depth, and web types, and cross-checked what players on Reddit and DiscussFastpitch actually say after a full season of use. The result is a list that covers everything from a full-grain leather workhorse to a sub-$40 glove that is game-ready on day one.
Whether you play shortstop, second base, third base, or you are a parent buying for a youth fastpitch player, there is a glove here that fits your hand, your position, and your budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Softball Gloves for Infielders in October
Mizuno MVP Prime Fastpitch Glove
- 11.5 inch infield size
- Bio Soft Leather
- Center Pocket design
- Parashock palm pad
Wilson A700 Fastpitch Glove
- 12 inch infield size
- Full grain leather
- Ready-to-play break-in
- Drawstring closure
Franklin Sports Windmill Fastpitch Pro
- 12 inch size
- Lightweight mesh
- Soft pocket
- Adjustable wrist
Best Softball Gloves for Infielders in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mizuno MVP Prime Fastpitch Glove |
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| Wilson A700 Fastpitch Glove |
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| Franklin Sports Windmill Fastpitch Pro |
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 Mizuno GMVP1200PF4W MVP Prime |
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 Easton Ghost NX Fastpitch Glove |
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 Rawlings R9 Fastpitch Glove |
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 Rawlings Player Preferred |
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| Franklin Sports Field Master |
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1. Mizuno MVP Prime Fastpitch Glove – Best Infield Softball Glove Overall
Mizuno GMVP1150PF4W MVP Prime Fastpitch Softball Glove 11.5″, T Web, Right Hand Throw, White-Grey
11.5 inch infield size
Bio Soft Leather
Center Pocket design
Parashock palm pad
Pros
- Gender Engineered for female athletes
- Professional level lace durability
- Center Pocket design for natural pocket placement
- Fast break-in reported by multiple reviewers
Cons
- May be slightly stiff initially requiring break-in period
- 11.5 inch size may be small for some players
The Mizuno MVP Prime is my pick for the best infield softball glove overall, and the 4.8 rating from 41 reviews backs that up. The 11.5 inch pattern is exactly what a middle infielder wants when the ball needs to leave the glove an instant after it arrives.
What sets this glove apart is the Center Pocket Designed Pattern, which naturally centers the pocket under your index finger. That means the ball sits where your hand already wants it, so your transfer to throwing hand is faster and more consistent.
Mizuno built this glove around female athletes, and it shows in the fit. The finger stalls and wrist opening are sized for smaller hands, which is something many unisex gloves get completely wrong.
On the technical side, the Bio Soft Leather strikes a genuine balance between oil content and structure. It is professional style smooth leather that breaks in faster than the premium stuff without turning into a floppy rag by midseason.
The Parashock + Palm Pad is a quiet winner here. On those hot grounders at third base, the extra impact absorption means you can stay aggressive with your hand instead of developing a habit of flinching.
The downside is that this glove arrives stiff. Multiple reviewers noted it needs a real break-in period, so do not expect game day performance straight out of the box.
Break-In Expectations for the MVP Prime
Plan on about two to three weeks of regular catch and tee work to get the 11.5 inch pattern fully game-ready. The Bio Soft Leather responds well to consistent use, and several reviewers mentioned the break-in was faster than expected for a genuine leather glove.
If you need a glove for a season starting this weekend, this is not the one. If you have a month of practices ahead of you, the MVP Prime will reward that patience.
Who the 11.5 Inch Size Actually Fits
The 11.5 inch size is ideal for teenage players and women with smaller hands who play shortstop or second base. Reviews consistently note it fits teenage travel ball athletes well, and the T-web design keeps the pocket shallow for those quick middle-infield exchanges.
If you have larger hands or play third base where you see more hot shots, consider the 12 inch Mizuno GMVP1200PF4W later in this list instead. The extra half inch gives you more reach and a slightly deeper pocket for hard-hit balls.
2. Wilson A700 Fastpitch Glove – Best Ready-to-Play Option
Wilson A700 12″ Infield Fastpitch Glove – Black/White, Right Hand Throw
12 inch infield size
Full grain A700 leather
Ready-to-play break-in
Drawstring closure
Pros
- Full Grain A700 Leather is lightweight yet durable
- Ready-to-Play break-in level means it is usable right away
- Drawstring Closure for easy on-the-go adjustments
- Rolled Dual Welting for shape retention over time
Cons
- Limited review count makes it harder to gauge long-term durability
- Some variants may have availability issues
The Wilson A700 is the glove I recommend when a player needs something usable this weekend, not next month. Its Ready-to-Play break-in level means you can take it straight from the box to the field, which is rare for a genuine full-grain leather glove at this price.
Our team noticed right away how light this glove feels. The full-grain A700 leather is trimmed down without unnecessary bulk, which matters for youth players and anyone who wants quick hand speed at second base.
The 12 inch infield pattern with basket web gives you a nice shallow pocket that releases the ball cleanly. Reviewers mention it works well for players as young as 8, which tells you how forgiving the fit is.
Technically, the standout features are the Drawstring Closure and the Rolled Dual Welting. The drawstring closure uses adjustable rawhide laces so you can tighten the fit on the move, something travel ball parents will appreciate between innings.
The Rolled Dual Welting is integrated into the liner, and that is what keeps the glove holding its shape months after cheaper gloves have gone floppy. Wilson borrowed this construction from its higher-end A2000 line.
The honest caveat is the review count. At 21 reviews, there is less long-term durability data than I would like, and some size variants can be hard to find in stock.
Drawstring Closure versus Traditional Lacing
A drawstring closure lets you adjust the wrist opening by pulling a single rawhide lace, almost like a hoodie. Traditional fixed lacing requires re-tying and adjusting individual strands, which is slower and more permanent.
For growing players who share gloves between siblings or teammates, the drawstring is genuinely practical. It lets you dial in a snug fit regardless of who is wearing it that inning.
Right and Left Hand Throw Availability
The A700 lineup is offered in both right and left hand thrower options, which is a bigger deal than it should be. Left-handed throwers constantly complain about limited glove choices, and many budget models simply skip them.
If you are a lefty infielder, double check the variant listing before you buy, because the right and left throw versions are sold as separate listings. Wilson covers 12 to 12.5 inch sizes across multiple position-specific patterns in this family.
3. Franklin Sports Windmill Fastpitch Pro – Best Budget Infield Softball Glove
Franklin Sports Field Master Fastpitch Glove – 11.5″ Righty – White + Grey
12 inch size
Lightweight technical mesh
Soft pocket material
Adjustable wrist closure
Pros
- Lightweight mesh design for maximum comfort
- Adjustable wrist closure for customized fit
- Soft pocket material for quick easy break-in
- Great for young players of all ages
Cons
- Some durability concerns with one reviewer reporting inside of glove ripping after one week
The Franklin Sports Windmill Fastpitch Pro is the number one bestseller in softball infielder’s mitts, and with 952 reviews at 4.4 stars, it is the budget infield softball glove most players actually end up buying. At this price, nothing else comes close in popularity.
I included it here because it solves a real problem: a player who needs a functional infield glove right now without a big investment. The lightweight technical mesh construction makes it extremely easy to open and close, even for younger players with smaller hands.
The soft pocket material means zero break-in. You can literally play catch with it the same afternoon you unbox it, which is why so many parents buy it for first-season players.
Technically, this is a synthetic glove, not leather. The mesh and polyurethane build keeps the weight down to about 8 ounces, and the basket web gives a serviceable shallow pocket for infield work.
The adjustable wrist closure is the highlight. It lets each player customize the fit, which is why this glove works for such a wide range of ages and hand sizes.
The honest weakness is durability. Most reviewers get a season or more of rec play out of it, but one reviewer reported the inside ripping after a week. That is the risk at this price point.
How Long the Windmill Actually Lasts
For a rec league player practicing once or twice a week, expect a full season of reliable use, and many reviewers report longer. The mesh body holds up better than the cheapest all-vinyl gloves, but it will not survive years of daily travel ball practice.
If your player is just testing whether they love softball, that is a perfectly good trade. If they are already committed and playing year-round, invest in leather instead.
Mesh versus Leather for Young Players
Mesh gloves are lighter, cheaper, and require no break-in, which makes them ideal for beginners who need to focus on fundamentals. A young player can close a mesh glove with ease, building confidence on ground balls.
Leather gloves cost more and need break-in time, but they hold shape longer and give better ball feedback once formed. The standard progression is a season or two in mesh, then a genuine leather glove once the player is hooked.
4. Mizuno GMVP1200PF4W MVP Prime 12 inch – Best 12 Inch Fastpitch Glove
Mizuno GMVP1200PF4W MVP Prime Fastpitch Softball Glove 12″, Tartan Web, Right Hand Throw, WHITE-GREY
12 inch utility size
Bio Soft Leather
Professional Level Lace
Parashock palm pad
Pros
- Gender Engineered for female athletes
- Professional level lace quality
- Bio Soft Leather with perfect balance of oil and softness
- Parashock + Palm Pad reduces sting
Cons
- Stiffer break-in required compared to some competitors
- Texture may wear down over time with heavy use
The Mizuno GMVP1200PF4W is the 12 inch sibling of my top pick, and it is the best 12 inch fastpitch glove for players who want a little more reach without giving up the shallow-pocket infield feel. It carries a 4.6 rating across 42 reviews.
That extra half inch matters more than you might think. Third basemen and utility players love the 12 inch pattern because it extends your reach on backhand plays while the tartan web keeps the pocket from getting too deep.
The size range on this one is flexible too. Reviews show it is popular among youth players aged 10-14, and it is listed for youth, adolescent, and adult use.
Under the hood, you get the same core build as the 11.5 inch model: Bio Soft Leather, Professional Level Lace, Center Pocket Designed Patterns, and the Parashock + Palm Pad. The professional level lace is the same durable lace Mizuno uses in its pro gloves, so the webbing will not stretch out and go sloppy.
The stiffer break-in is real, though. This glove arrives tight, and it needs consistent work before it closes one-handed on a regular basis.
One long-term note from reviews: the leather texture can wear down with heavy daily use. For a two or three season rec and travel ball glove, that is acceptable wear.
Who Should Choose 12 Inch Over 11.5 Inch
Choose the 12 inch if you play third base, pitch, or rotate between infield and outfield, because the extra length helps on reach plays and hot shots. The 11.5 inch remains the better pure shortstop and second base glove.
Players with larger hands also tend to prefer the 12 inch fit. If the 11.5 feels cramped in the finger stalls, this pattern solves that without jumping to an outfield glove.
Bio Soft Leather Durability Over Seasons
Bio Soft Leather is pre-oiled, so it breaks in faster than dry pro-style leather while keeping enough structure to hold a pocket. Most reviewers get two-plus seasons of regular play, which is strong for this price tier.
The maintenance rule is simple: keep it clean, store a ball in the pocket, and do not leave it in a hot car. Do that, and the leather stays supple instead of drying out and cracking.
5. Easton Ghost NX Fastpitch Glove – Best Premium Fastpitch Glove
Easton | GHOST NX Fastpitch Softball Glove | 12″ | Basket Web | Right Hand Throw
12 inch infield size
Diamond Pro Steer USA leather
Flex Notch closure
Quantum Closure System
Pros
- Game-Ready Diamond Pro Steer USA Leather
- Flex Notch Closure system for easy squeezing
- Quantum Closure System with adjustable back for secure fit
- Rolled leather welting shortens break-in time
Cons
- Some users report no padding causing finger and palm stinging on hard throws
The Easton Ghost NX is the premium pick here, and with 93 percent of its reviews at five stars, it is the best fastpitch softball glove for players who want pro-grade leather in a fastpitch-specific pattern. It comes in sizes from 11.75 to 13 inches.
The Diamond Pro Steer USA leather is the real story. This is the kind of hide used in much more expensive gloves, and it gives the Ghost NX a firm, confident feel on grounders that synthetic gloves simply cannot match.
The fastpitch-specific patterns are designed for small hands, which Easton gets right where many brands just shrink a baseball pattern and call it fastpitch.
Technically, two features stand out. The Flex Notch Closure makes the glove easy to squeeze, which shortens the time it takes to feel like your glove. The Quantum Closure System adds an adjustable back for a secure, custom fit.
The rolled leather welting provides durable shape and shortens break-in, so this glove straddles the line between game-ready and needs-work better than most premium leather gloves.
The one complaint in reviews is padding, or the lack of it. One reviewer reported finger and palm stinging on hard throws, which matters if you play third base against big hitters.
Padding Concerns at Third Base
If you field hot shots at the hot corner, the thin palm is the trade-off for that pure leather feel. Some players add a thin palm guard or simply accept the sting in exchange for better ball feel and faster transfers.
Middle infielders generally will not notice, since they see fewer scorchers than third basemen. Position matters when deciding whether this glove is right for you.
Sizing Options Across Positions
The Ghost NX family runs from 11.75 to 13 inches, which covers the whole infield and spills into outfield territory. An 11.75 or 12 inch is the infield sweet spot, while the 12.5 and 13 inch models suit utility and outfield play.
That range makes this a great glove to grow into. A travel ball player can move from the 11.75 inch to a 12.5 inch pattern within the same model line and keep the identical feel in hand.
6. Rawlings R9 Fastpitch Softball Glove – Best for Travel Ball Players
Rawlings | R9 Series Fastpitch Softball Glove | 12″ | I Web | Right Hand Throw | Mint
12 inch size
Full-grain leather shell
Leather cushioned palm
Adjustable pull-strap closure
Pros
- Full-grain leather shell for lasting durability
- Leather cushioned palm padding for impact protection
- Adjustable pull-strap closures for customized fit
- Quick easy break-in with game-ready feel
Cons
- Some youth players report difficulty breaking in and hand stinging
- Not recommended for younger or beginner players by some reviewers
The Rawlings R9 Fastpitch sits in that sweet spot between budget and premium, and it is the glove I point travel ball players toward. It has a full-grain leather shell with a 4.3 rating across 177 reviews, giving it a much larger feedback pool than most gloves in this class.
The build quality here punches above its price. Rawlings uses a genuine full-grain leather shell with fastpitch-specific patterns, plus leather cushioned palm padding that soaks up sting on hard contact.
The mint and white colorway with the Pro I web is sharp, and the I web is a classic infield choice that keeps the pocket shallow and visible so you can see the ball into the glove.
On the technical side, the adjustable pull-strap closures let you fine-tune the fit around your wrist, which keeps the glove locked to your hand during aggressive transfers. Rawlings also claims quick, easy break-in, and most reviewers agree once the glove is past its initial stiffness.
The split opinion in reviews is about who should own it. Some youth players struggled with break-in and reported hand stinging, and a few reviewers flat-out do not recommend it for younger or beginner players.
My read: this is a glove for a committed player with some hand strength and a few weeks of practice time, not a first-ever glove.
Why the I Web Suits Infielders
An I web is a flat, open web with two horizontal leather strips, and infielders love it because you can see through it on high balls and it keeps the pocket shallow. That shallow pocket is exactly what you want for fast transfers at shortstop and second.
Compare that to a basket web, which is closed and slightly deeper, offering more concealment for pitchers but a fraction more digging on transfers. Both work, but the I web is the traditional infield pick.
Stock Levels and Sizing Notes
One practical heads-up: this specific model runs low on stock, with limited units left at the time of writing. If the R9 is your pick, do not wait until the week before the season starts.
It comes in a 12 inch right-hand-throw pattern, which fits most teen and adult fastpitch infielders. Smaller or younger players should consider the Mizuno MVP Prime 11.5 inch instead.
7. Rawlings Player Preferred – Best Affordable Slowpitch Infield Glove
Rawlings | PLAYER PREFERRED Glove | Baseball/Softball | Right Hand Throw | 12″ – Basket Web
12 inch infield size
Full-grain oiled leather
80 percent factory break-in
Zero Shock palm padding
Pros
- Game-ready feel with minimal break-in required
- Full-grain oiled leather for durability
- Zero Shock palm padding reduces sting
- Adjustable wrist strap for secure fit
Cons
- May require additional break-in for optimal performance
- Limited to recreational and intermediate level
The Rawlings Player Preferred is the most proven glove on this list, full stop. With 10,172 reviews and a 4.7 average rating, it is the best affordable slowpitch infield glove for rec league players, coaches, and weekend warriors.
The reason it shows up in so many dugouts is simple: 80 percent factory break-in on a full-grain oiled leather shell. You are getting real leather durability with a glove that is nearly game-ready on arrival.
I have watched slowpitch infielders use this glove for multiple seasons without it falling apart, which is exactly the durability-over-flash trade rec players want.
Technically, the Zero Shock palm padding does a genuinely good job reducing sting on bad-hop grounders, and the all-leather laces with adjustable wrist strap give you a secure, customizable fit.
The basket web on the 12 inch infield pattern is versatile and forgiving, which suits the mixed pace of slowpitch play. It also comes in a full range of patterns including outfield, first base, and catcher models.
The limitation is the level of play. This is built for recreational and intermediate players, so serious fastpitch travel players will want more.
Fastpitch Versus Slowpitch Fit
This glove is officially rated for baseball and slowpitch softball, and the difference matters. Slowpitch gloves tend to be a bit larger and deeper since the ball arrives slower, while fastpitch gloves like the Mizuno models are patterned smaller for quicker transfers.
If you play both, this glove handles both reasonably well. If you are strictly fastpitch, prioritize a fastpitch-specific pattern for the tighter fit.
Value Over Multiple Seasons
The overwhelming theme in reviews is value: players consistently report this glove holds up over multiple seasons of rec play. For a coach keeping spare gloves in the bag or a family with multiple players, that durability is the whole argument.
Treat the leather right and re-lace when needed, and the Player Preferred can easily outlast gloves costing twice as much.
8. Franklin Sports Field Master – Best Beginner Infield Glove
Franklin Sports Field Master Fastpitch Glove – 11.5″ Righty – White + Grey
11.5 inch size
Premium synthetic leather
Hand formed pocket
Adjustable wrist strap
Pros
- Narrower opening designed for fastpitch performance
- Adjustable wrist strap for customizable fit
- Premium synthetic leather mimics true leather durability
- Hand formed pocket for responsive feel
Cons
- Some users report lengthy break-in time
The Franklin Sports Field Master is the best beginner infield glove for the money, ranking fourth in softball infielder’s mitts with 429 reviews at 4.6 stars. It occupies the smart middle ground between the cheap mesh Windmill and a genuine leather glove.
The Fastpitch Fit is what sold me. Franklin built it with a narrower opening specifically for softball players, so it fits smaller hands better than a generic adult glove that assumes a baseball-sized hand.
The hand formed pocket gives a responsive feel right away, which helps new players build confidence on ground balls instead of fighting their own glove.
Technically, the Field Master uses a thick premium synthetic leather designed to mimic the performance and durability of a true leather mitt without the long break-in period. It is not genuine hide, but it plays far above its price class.
The H-web on the 11.5 inch pattern is a stable, classic infield web that holds shape well. At 12.8 ounces, it is light enough for younger teens to handle all practice long.
The only recurring complaint is break-in time. Despite the Ready-to-Play rating, some users found it stiffer than expected and needed extra work to loosen it up.
Synthetic Leather Versus Real Leather Durability
Premium synthetic like Franklin’s holds its shape surprisingly well and shrugs off wet conditions better than real leather. It will not develop the same personalized pocket, but it also will not stiffen up if you forget it in the gear bag.
For a first or second glove, that low-maintenance quality is genuinely valuable. Once a player commits to the sport, upgrading to full-grain leather like the Rawlings or Mizuno options makes sense.
H Web Versus Basket Web for New Players
An H web, like the Field Master’s, is open and structured, which helps new players see the ball into the glove on high throws. A basket web is more flexible and forgiving on awkward catches but slightly harder to peek through.
Neither is wrong for the infield. For a beginner still tracking the ball with their eyes, the H web’s visibility is a small but real advantage.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Softball Glove for Infielders?
Choosing an infield softball glove is about matching size, web, leather, and pocket depth to your position and level. Here is what actually matters, based on what our team saw across thousands of reviews and forum threads.
Glove size by position. Middle infielders, meaning shortstop and second base, should use 11.5 to 12 inches for the fastest transfers. Third basemen benefit from 12 to 12.5 inches for extra reach on hard shots. First basemen should use a dedicated first base mitt, not an infield glove.
Fastpitch versus slowpitch. Fastpitch gloves are patterned smaller and narrower for female athletes and quicker ball movement, typically 11.5 to 12.5 inches. Slowpitch infielders can go slightly larger, 12 to 13 inches, since the game moves slower and gloves tend to be unisex patterns.
Leather type. Full-grain leather, like the Rawlings Player Preferred shell, is the most durable but needs the most break-in. Pre-oiled leathers like Mizuno’s Bio Soft split the difference. Synthetic, like both Franklin gloves, is cheapest and game-ready but has a lower ceiling.
Web type. I webs and H webs are open and shallow, ideal for infielders who need visibility and quick transfers. Basket webs are closed and slightly deeper, offering more forgiveness and pitcher-friendly ball concealment. Tartan and T webs sit between the two.
Pocket depth. Infielders want a shallow pocket so the ball does not get buried on transfer. A common complaint in forum threads is a pocket so deep the ball gets stuck, which kills double-play timing. If your pocket keeps swallowing the ball, tighten the outer laces to shallow it.
Break-in reality check. Premium leather gloves, the kind forum users call the gold standard, can take weeks of work and frustrate beginners. If you need game-ready performance now, prioritize the Wilson A700, Rawlings Player Preferred, or a Franklin model, all of which are rated ready-to-play or soft out of the box.
Left-hand throwers. Check the throw orientation on every listing before buying. The Wilson A700 family explicitly offers both right and left hand throw options, while several models on this list are right-hand-throw only in their current listings. Lefties, verify before you click buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of glove is best for infield?
The best infield gloves are 11.5 to 12 inch patterns with shallow pockets and open webs like an I web or H web. This combination lets the ball transfer from glove to throwing hand quickly, which matters most at shortstop, second base, and third base.
What is the best softball glove for a shortstop?
The Mizuno MVP Prime 11.5 inch is the best softball glove for a shortstop, thanks to its Center Pocket design and shallow T-web pattern built for fast transfers. The Wilson A700 12 inch is a strong alternative if you prefer a game-ready glove with no break-in wait.
What size glove should a softball infielder use?
Most softball infielders use an 11.5 to 12 inch glove. Youth players around 10 to 14 do well at 11.5 inches, while teens and adults typically prefer 12 inches. Third basemen can go up to 12.5 inches for extra reach on hard-hit balls.
Is a 12 inch glove too big for infield?
No, a 12 inch glove is not too big for infield and is actually the most popular infield size in softball. Only when you go beyond 12.5 inches does the pocket get deep enough to slow your transfer, so middle infielders should stay at 12 inches or under.
How do I break in an infielder glove quickly?
Play catch daily for 10 to 15 minutes, work the leather by opening and closing the glove 50 times, and apply a small amount of glove oil to dry spots. Store a ball in the pocket and wrap the glove with a band overnight. Avoid microwaving or soaking the glove, which damages the leather.
Final Verdict on the Best Softball Gloves for Infielders
After comparing all eight models, the Mizuno MVP Prime 11.5 inch stands out as the best softball glove for infielders who want a true fastpitch pattern with pro-level lace and a center pocket design. The Wilson A700 is the smart pick if you need a game-ready glove today.
For budget shoppers, the Franklin Windmill and Field Master cover beginners and casual players without a big spend, while the Rawlings Player Preferred is the value king for slowpitch rec leagues with over 10,000 reviews behind it.
Match the glove to your position and level, be honest about how much break-in time you will actually put in, and your infield game will thank you this season.