Last Updated on November 9, 2023 by Matt Musico
Looking for the best infield glove to improve your game? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, having the right glove makes a huge difference. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, you’ll find a guide to the best infield gloves available right now. We’ll provide essential information you need to know, including size, design, and materials used. Those will be the key factors in helping you find the perfect infield glove — for both your playing style and budget.
Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. We may receive a commission for any purchases made after clicking them. When making a purchase online, be sure to do enough due diligence before buying a product.
Why Infield Gloves Matter
Infield gloves are designed to help you catch, field, and throw the ball with precision, speed, and accuracy. Here are a few reasons why infield gloves matter:
- Better Control: Infield gloves are smaller and more compact than outfield gloves. This gives you better control over the ball to make quick and accurate throws.
- Improved Fielding: Infield gloves are designed to help you field ground balls and line drives with ease. They have a shallow pocket so you can quickly retrieve the ball and make a throw to the appropriate base.
- Protect Your Hand: Infield gloves are made with high-quality leather, providing protection to your hand from hard-hit balls. They also have padding to absorb the shock of catching a ball.
- Durability: Infield gloves are made with high-quality materials that are designed to last. They’re built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use so you get the most value for your money.
Related Reading: Best Baseball Glove Brands: 29 Top Choices from 12 Brands
Infield Glove Materials
Leather
The best infield gloves are made of high-quality leather. It’s durable and provides a comfortable fit. Top brands like Wilson, Rawlings, and Mizuno use top-grain leather. The leather is carefully selected and treated to ensure it’s strong and flexible.
The most popular leather used for infield gloves is steer hide. It’s thick and durable, making it ideal for the high-impact nature of being an infielder. Other types of leather used for infield gloves include kip leather, which is lightweight and flexible, and kangaroo leather, which is strong and lightweight.
Synthetic
Synthetic materials like vinyl and nylon are also used to make infield gloves. These materials are less expensive and often used in youth gloves. Synthetic gloves are lightweight and require little to no break-in time. They are also easy to clean and maintain.
However, synthetic gloves aren’t as durable as leather gloves. They are more prone to wear and tear, and they don’t provide the same level of comfort and flexibility as leather gloves.
Leather gloves are the more popular choice for serious players, while synthetic gloves are a good option for beginners and youth players.
Size Guide for Infield Gloves
A glove that’s too small or too big can affect your performance. So, it’s important to make sure you’re paying attention to how big the gloves are that you’re considering.
For adults, the recommended size for an infield glove is between 11.5 and 12 inches. Youth players should look for gloves between 9 and 11 inches. The size of the glove also depends on the position you play.
Second basemen and shortstops typically look for gloves between 11 and 11.75 inches, while third basemen usually look for gloves between 11.5 and 12 inches.
When trying on gloves, make sure to wear a batting glove or a similar glove to simulate the feel of a game situation. A properly fitting glove should feel snug but not too tight while also allowing for easy movement of the hand.
It’s also worthwhile to check the webbing and choose the style you want. The H-web and I-web are popular choices for infielders. The H-web provides a larger surface area for catching the ball, while the I-web offers more flexibility.
Now, let’s not forget that these are just general guidelines. What’s most important is your personal preference and what’s most comfortable when you’re actually using it. Experiment with different features to find one that feels best for you.
Highly-Rated Infield Gloves
When it comes to finding the best infield glove, you should choose a brand you trust. Here are the top brands and models to consider.
Gloves priced over $200
- Nokona S-1150I Handcrafted Alpha Baseball Glove: $459.95
- Rawlings Pro Preferred Baseball Glove: $379.95
- Wilson A2K Infield Baseball Glove: $299.95
- Rawlings Heart of the Hide Baseball Glove: $299.95
- Wilson A2000 SuperSkin Baseball Glove: $299.95
- Rawlings Heart of the Hide R2G ContoUR Baseball Glove: $249.95
- Shoeless Joe Professional Baseball Glove: $229.95
Gloves priced under $200
- Marucci Ascension Baseball Glove: $199.95
- Akadema ProSoft Select Baseball Glove: $179.95
- Easton Flagship Baseball Glove: $139.95
- R9 Baseball Glove (Rawlings): $129.95
- Mizuno MVP Prime Baseball Glove: $119.95
- Rawlings Sandlot Baseball Glove: $89.95
- Franklin Sports Baseball Fielding Glove: $84.99
- Mizuno Franchise Baseball Glove: $74.95
Care Tips for Your Infield Glove
To keep your infield glove in top condition, follow the following tips.
Storing your glove. Prevent mold and mildew by storing your glove in a cool and dry place. Also, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Clean it regularly. After each use, wipe off dirt/debris with a soft cloth. And, to prevent the leather from cracking, regularly apply a leather conditioner. Don’t use oil or petroleum-based products because they can also damage the leather.
Breaking in your glove and general care. If you get a new glove that needs to be broken in, hit the pocket repeatedly with a glove mallet. To avoid damaging the glove, don’t use excessive force when catching a ball, thinking it’ll speed up the break-in process. And lastly, keep the laces tight while also replacing any broken or frayed laces promptly.
Conclusion
By now, you should feel a lot more confident when it comes to finding the best infield glove for your needs. Every time you get overwhelmed, just remember all of the things we talked about here. And most of all, pay attention to what you like and don’t like. After all, you’re going to be the one wearing and using the glove during games. You have to like using it, too!
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