Breaking in a softball glove doesn’t have to be a pain. With a little know-how, you can break in your glove quickly and easily, without sacrificing comfort or quality. So, whether you’re a new softball player or a seasoned veteran, read on for some tips on how to break in a softball glove.

Why you need to break in a softball glove


A softball glove, like any other glove, needs to be broken in before you can use it in a game. The process of breaking in a softball glove helps the leather mold to the shape of your hand and also makes the glove more flexible. This flexibility is important because it allows you to make quicker, more accurate catches. Breaking in a softball glove typically takes several days or longer, but there are ways to speed up the process.

How to break in a softball glove

There are a few different ways that you can break in your new softball glove. One way is to simply wear the glove as much as possible. This will help the leather to soften and mold to the shape of your hand. Another way is to rub some conditioner or wax into the glove. This will help to soften the leather even further. Finally, you can try breaking in your glove by repeatedly folding it in half and then opening it up again. This will help to stretch out the leather so that it is more pliable.

The benefits of breaking in a softball glove

There are many benefits to breaking in a softball glove. A broken-in glove will be more comfortable to wear, fit better and feel softer on your hand. It will also provide better protection from the elements and help your hand grip the ball more effectively. Breaking in a glove can be a time-consuming process, but it’s well worth the effort.

The best way to break in a softball glove

There’s no “wrong” way to break in a softball glove, but there are definitely some methods that work better than others. The most important thing is to be patient—it can take weeks or even months to get your glove game-ready.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Start with a soft, clean ball. A tennis ball or Wiffle ball is perfect.

2. Put the ball in the palm of the glove and close the glove around it.

3. Use your other hand to mold the pocket around the ball. Continue doing this until the pocket feels nice and snug.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with as many balls as you can fit into the glove. The more you do this, the softer and more pliable the leather will become.

5. Once you’ve used up all your balls, stuff the glove with newspaper and tie it shut. This will help hold its shape as it dries overnight.


6. In the morning, take out the stuffing and give the glove a good once-over, paying special attention to any areas that feel stiff or rigid. Repeat steps 2-5 until the glove is broken in to your liking!

How often should you break in a softball glove?

There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on how often you play softball, the level of play, and personal preference. If you only play a few times a year, you may not need to break in your glove very often. However, if you play regularly or at a high level, you may need to break in your glove more often. Some people prefer to break in their glove after every game, while others only do it once or twice a season. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how often to break in your glove based on your playing habits and preferences.

How to properly store your softball glove

  • To keep your glove in good condition and to extend its life, it is important to take proper care of it when you’re not using it. Here are a few tips on how to store your glove:
  • Avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures. Too much heat can cause the leather to dry out and become brittle, while too much cold can make the leather stiff and hard.
  • Do not store your glove in direct sunlight. The UV rays can damage the leather.
  • If possible, store your glove in a cool, dry place. A closet or drawer is ideal.
  • Do not store your glove in a humid environment, as this can cause the leather to mildew or rot.
  • If you must store your glove in an environment that is not ideal, be sure to check on it regularly to make sure that it is not being damaged by the conditions.

Tips for breaking in a new softball glove

  • There’s nothing like the feel of a brand new softball glove. But before you can take it out on the field, you’ll need to break it in first. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
  • Start by working the leather with your hands. This will help soften it up and make it more pliable.
  • Once the leather feels softer, start working the glove around a softball. Slowly work the ball in and out of the glove, paying particular attention to the pocket area.
  • After you’ve worked the ball in and out of the pocket a few times, start catching some soft tosses with your new glove. Again, focus on getting a good feel for the pocket area.
  • Once you’ve caught a few balls with your new glove, it’s time to start using it in game action. Remember, it will take some time for your glove to fully break in. But with a little patience and perseverance, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time!

Troubleshooting: My softball glove is too stiff

If your softball glove is too stiff, there are a few things you can do to break it in. First, try softening the leather by working some sort of leather conditioner into it. You can also try moistening the leather, either with water or a weak solution of vinegar and water, and then working the glove back and forth to loosen it up. Finally, if all else fails, you can try using a hairdryer on low heat to loosen the leather.