Leather vs Synthetic Baseball Gloves: What’s Better?

Last Updated on April 17, 2025 by Matt Musico

If you’ve ever stood in the baseball glove aisle at your local sporting goods store and felt overwhelmed by all the options — trust me, you’re not alone. From the type of material (leather vs synthetic baseball gloves) to the specialized designs (first baseman gloves vs pitcher’s gloves), choosing the right glove can feel like an impossible task. But don’t worry — I’ve got you covered!

I’ve spent a lot of time navigating the maze of gear, so I know just how confusing it can be, especially if you’re new to the game or helping your young player find their perfect fit. That’s why today, I’m breaking down leather vs. synthetic baseball gloves, along with glove types and positions, so you can make an informed, confident decision.

This is Part Two of a five-part series going through all the details when it comes to finding, buying, breaking in, and caring for your baseball glove. You can go back to Part 1 here, which is about how to choose the right baseball glove size.

Related Reading: 

• Find the Best Youth Baseball Glove
• The 12 Best Baseball Glove Brands
• 15 Best Infield Glove Options for Ballplayers in 2025
• 19 Best Outfield Gloves for Baseball Players in 2025
• The Top First Base Glove Options to Choose From 

Leather vs Synthetic Baseball Gloves

Which One is Right for Your Player?

When you first start shopping for gloves, you’ll quickly notice the two main materials: leather and synthetic. They have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your player’s age, skill level, and commitment to the game.

Leather Gloves: The Gold Standard

Leather gloves are the go-to choice for serious players, and for good reason. If you’re looking for durability, comfort, and performance, leather is where it’s at. Here’s why:

• Durability: Leather gloves, especially full-grain leather, are incredibly durable and built to last. These gloves can withstand years of play and only get better with time as they mold to the player’s hand.
• Break-In Period: Leather gloves need some breaking in — they won’t feel game-ready out of the box. But once broken in, they offer a personalized fit and improved performance.
• Feel and Flexibility: Leather provides a premium feel that helps players grip the ball more securely. It’s also more flexible, making it easier to make that perfect catch.

If your player is serious about the game, or you’re looking for a glove that will last through many seasons of play, leather is the way to go.

Synthetic Gloves: A Great Option for Beginners

On the other hand, synthetic gloves are a solid choice for younger players or beginners who aren’t ready to commit to a full-leather glove just yet. Here’s why:

• Affordability: Synthetic gloves are generally more affordable than leather gloves. For parents who are just starting out and don’t want to spend a ton of money on a glove that may only be used for one or two seasons, synthetic is a good choice.
• Break-In Time: Synthetic gloves require very little break-in time, meaning they’re ready to use right away. This is perfect for younger players who want to hit the field quickly.
• Lightweight: Synthetic gloves tend to be lighter, which can be a great feature for younger players still developing their hand strength.

The one thing to keep in mind is that synthetic gloves don’t have the same durability as leather. They might wear out faster, but for younger or recreational players, they can be an excellent choice.

Editor’s Note: Looking for more personalized recommendations before deciding on your next glove? Set aside five minutes to answer questions via JustGloves’ Glove Coach on their website. It’s an awesome resource!

Position-Specific Baseball Gloves

What Type of Glove Does Your Player Need?

Now that we’ve covered materials, let’s dive into position-specific gloves. Different positions in baseball require different glove designs, sizes, and features to enhance performance. Here’s a breakdown of the most common positions and what to look for in a glove:

Infield Gloves (Shortstop, Second Base, Third Base)

• Glove Size: 11” to 11.75”
• Key Features: Infielders need gloves that allow for fast transfers and quick releases. Look for a glove with a shallow pocket — this helps make fast throws after catching the ball. A glove with a smaller size also helps with quick movements and precision.
• Web Design: A closed web is common for infield gloves, as it keeps the ball secure and allows the fielder to make quick, precise throws.

Outfield Gloves (Left Field, Center Field, Right Field)

• Glove Size: 12” to 12.75”.
• Key Features: Outfield gloves are larger to provide better coverage for catching fly balls. The deeper pocket allows the ball to sit more securely, reducing the risk of it popping out when catching high balls.
• Web Design: Outfield gloves often have an open web design. This helps increase the glove’s depth and creates a larger catching area to secure those high-flying balls.

Pitcher Gloves

• Glove Size: 11.5” to 12”.
• Key Features: Pitchers often prefer slightly smaller gloves so they can hide the ball in their glove during their wind-up. Closed webbing is ideal here, as it helps conceal the ball from the batter.
• Web Design: A closed web is preferred because it hides the ball better, keeping batters from seeing the pitch.

First Baseman Gloves

• Glove Size: 12” to 13”.
• Key Features: First baseman gloves are unique in that they are longer and have a deeper pocket. The larger size helps with scooping throws from infielders and gives extra room for catching balls in the dirt.
• Web Design: A trap web or a closed web is typically used, as this helps secure the ball and allows for easier scooping motions.

Catcher’s Mitts

• Glove Size: 32” to 34”.
• Key Features: Catcher’s mitts are designed to handle fast, hard-thrown pitches. They’re significantly more padded than other gloves and have a unique design to secure the ball when catching pitches.
• Web Design: The closed web is used to help with security and durability.

How to Choose the Best Glove for Your Player

When you’re shopping for your player, think about their position, age, and experience level. If your player is a beginner, a lightweight synthetic glove might be best, but if they’re getting serious about the game, a leather glove will provide better long-term performance. And don’t forget to keep an eye on glove size — it should fit comfortably and securely without being too tight or too loose.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you out:

• What position does your player play? This will determine the size and type of glove needed.
• Is your player a beginner or experienced? A synthetic glove is great for beginners, while a leather glove is better for more committed players.
• What’s your budget? Synthetic gloves are affordable, but leather gloves will last longer and offer a higher-quality feel.

Choosing the right glove doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right information, you can easily navigate the world of baseball gloves and make the best decision for your player’s needs. Whether you choose leather, synthetic, or opt for a glove that suits your player’s position, the key is finding something that fits well, feels comfortable, and helps your player perform at their best.

Part Three of this five-part series will walk you through how to break in your new glove and get it ready for game time.

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