If you’ve spent any time on the field, you probably already know this. But if you’re just walking in, let me tell you straight up: fastpitch and slow-pitch softball are basically two different sports wearing the same uniform.
So it’s fair to assume the gloves should be totally different too, right? Not exactly.
Apart from fastpitch catcher’s mitts, the usual fielder’s gloves are pretty much the same. However, there’s a real difference once you get into padding, webbing, and pocket depth, especially for pitchers and outfielders.
I’m going to walk you through the nitty-gritty of the difference between fastpitch and slowpitch softball gloves, position by position.
So you know exactly what to expect from each glove. And once you’ve learned the ropes, you’ll be ready to own the field.
What’s the Difference Between Fastpitch and Slowpitch Softball Gloves?
Since we’re dealing with two different games, let me break the gloves down for you piece by piece.
Fastpitch Softball
Catcher’s Mitts
If you’re a fastpitch catcher, you’re dealing with pitches that regularly clear 60 mph at the high school and college level, and elite pitchers push well past that. So, without a doubt, you need a heavily padded mitt.
That extra padding helps in two ways:
- It cushions the blow when the ball hits the mitt, giving you the protection and support you need on a hard-thrown pitch.
- Since fastpitch mitts run bigger, it improves your accuracy and catch rate, especially on low pitches and short hops.
Fielder’s Gloves
For fielders, sizing comes down to position:
- If you’re an outfielder, you’re tracking the ball from a long distance, so a bigger pocket helps you close the gap fast. Preferably 12 inches or higher.
- If you’re an infielder, say second base, shortstop, or third base, you can go with a smaller, quicker glove. Sizes between 11.5 and 12 inches work well since infielders need a faster transfer from glove to throwing hand.
Quality
When you’re picking a fastpitch glove, pay attention to build quality. Your glove is going to take a beating over a season, so a cheap, low-grade glove won’t hold up for long.
Try to get one made from full-grain leather or steerhide. Both cost more upfront, but they break in better and last a lot longer than synthetic options.
Note – A word of advice: since fastpitch is all about speed, part of winning is hiding your grip on the ball from the hitter. An open web is a dead giveaway. So, if you’re a pitcher, get a glove with a closed web to keep the hitter guessing.
Slow-pitch Softball
Catcher’s Mitts
Here, you don’t necessarily need the extra padding you’d want in fastpitch. Since you’re handling arcing tosses from the pitcher or the occasional relay from a fielder, you can get away with a regular fielder’s glove or a utility mitt instead of a dedicated catcher’s mitt.
Fielder’s Gloves
Whether you’re an infielder or an outfielder, glove dimensions run similar to fastpitch, though most slow-pitch players lean toward the bigger end of the range since you’re tracking flyballs off a bigger, slower-moving ball rather than reacting to a line drive.
Ball Size
Most adult slow-pitch leagues play with an 11-inch or 12-inch softball, depending on whether it’s a men’s, women’s, or coed division, and whether your league follows USA Softball rules (the group that used to be called the ASA before its 2016 rebrand) or USSSA rules. The two organizations don’t always match exactly, so it’s worth checking your league’s rulebook before you buy.
Some rec leagues also play 16-inch softball, sometimes called Chicago-style or mush ball. That’s traditionally a bare-hand game, so don’t assume you need a bigger glove for it. If your league’s 16-inch division does allow gloves, grab the largest one you can comfortably close around the ball.
Quality
For a solid pair of slowpitch softball gloves, you can go with synthetic leather without much worry. They’re cheap and hold up fine for a casual weekend league. If you play more competitively, full-grain or steerhide will last you multiple seasons instead of one.
Can You Use a Fastpitch Softball Glove for Slowpitch?
In lower-league rec games, players often use the same glove for fastpitch and slowpitch, and for most fielding positions, that’s fine. This holds true for catchers too, since slowpitch catching doesn’t demand the same padding.
But if you’re a pitcher, the story changes. A fastpitch pitcher has to conceal the ball from the hitter. If the seams or your grip are visible through an open web, you’re tipping off how you’re about to pitch. That’s why a fastpitch pitcher’s glove needs solid, closed webbing, something you won’t typically find on a slow-pitch glove.
In a slow-pitch game, since the ball is arriving slowly by design, it doesn’t matter much if the hitter gets a read on your grip.
What Type of Glove Do I Need for the Game?
As I mentioned, quality always precedes quantity. Once you equip yourself with the right gear, you win half of the battle.
It’s not just about accuracy. Having the right glove for your game makes you feel more in control out there, which matters more than people give it credit for. Below, I’ll walk through my favorite pick for each game.
My Favorite Fastpitch Softball Glove
Wilson A2000 Fastpitch Glove Series
If you’re looking for a sleek, sporty glove that can also handle the pressure of fastpitch softball, the A2000 series is the one to look into. It’s available for both right- and left-hand throws, and across positions such as infield, outfield, pitcher, and utility.
Sizing runs 11.5″ to 12″ for infield, 12″ to 12.5″ for outfield, 12″ to 12.5″ for pitcher, and 12″ for utility positions. Always double-check current sizing on Wilson’s site before you buy, since lineups shift from season to season.
The material is Pro Stock Leather, Wilson’s own steerhide, which is noticeably tougher than standard leather. It’s paired with SuperSkin on parts of the glove, which cuts down the weight so you’re not fighting a heavy glove over a long game. It’s also durable enough to weather a full season of hard use.
The glove uses a Victory web and breaks in fairly easily. It comes in a few different colorway options depending on the specific model year, so check what’s currently in stock.
For fit, there’s a Velcro wrist closure, so you don’t need to worry about a petite wrist. You can cinch it as tight as you want and still stay comfortable.
The padding is honeycomb-cell, which keeps the glove flexible while cutting down on sting zones. On the outfield build, there’s dual welting for a well-set pocket.
Details
- Glove Type: Infield/Outfield/Pitcher/Utility
- Material: Pro Stock Leather
- Size: 11″ – 12.5″
- Hand Orientation: Right- and left-hand throw
My Favorite Slow-pitch Softball Glove
Rawlings Player Preferred Glove Series
Sometimes I like a glove with an old-school touch to it. For slow-pitch, the Rawlings Player Preferred series is a great pick. It’s built for adults and covers every position, from infield to outfield to pitcher.
It’s not strictly necessary for a slow-pitch glove to have heavy padding, but this series still has zero-shock palm padding to protect your hand on impact. It also comes roughly 80% factory broken-in, so it’s ready for game action a lot faster than a stiff, straight-off-the-shelf glove.
It has a conventional back and a leather pull-strap closure, so you can adjust the fit. Some players prefer Velcro for finer adjustment, but the pull-strap holds up well over a long season.
The material is full-grain leather throughout, laces included. Both the outer shell and inner lining are soft and flexible, which makes the glove comfortable to wear and easier to break in without sacrificing durability.
Both right- and left-hand throw versions are available. Webbing varies by size: 12″ gloves typically use a basket web, while larger sizes come in H-web and other patterns depending on the position. Rawlings also sells a dedicated Player Preferred catcher’s mitt, so double-check current sizing on their site since exact options can shift by season.
Details
- Glove Type: Infield/Outfield/Pitcher/Catcher
- Material: Full-grain Leather
- Size: 12″ – 14″
- Hand Orientation: Right- and left-hand throw
A Few Words of Wisdom
Now that you know the difference between fastpitch and slow-pitch softball gloves, here’s a quick recap before I let you go. Before you buy, figure out exactly what type of game you’re playing.
If it’s a slow-pitch game, glove size, padding, and webbing don’t make a huge difference. But if it’s fastpitch, the story is different. You need a well-pocketed, closely webbed, and padded glove, especially if you’re pitching or catching.
I’ve covered my top fastpitch and slow-pitch picks above, so you can grab one from here, or check out my full breakdown of fastpitch softball glove reviews when you get the time.
I hope I’ve covered everything there is to know about the differences between fastpitch and slow-pitch gloves. Use this info to up your game. Cheers!
With 4 years of Division II experience, a .272 career batting average, .410 on-base percentage, and 7 home runs, I’m now in my fifth season. I’ve played baseball since age 3, alongside future MLB Draft picks, and I aim to pursue a career in baseball professionally, be it playing, coaching, or scouting.