How to Choose a Softball Catchers Mitt

Catcher’s mitts come with a wide range of options so you can fully customize your equipment for success. Learn more about this essential tool to dominate behind the plate.

“Catching demands a sharp eye, a strong arm, quick legs and an analytical mind. At times, you’ll control the tempo of the team defense, making it all more important to choose the proper mitt," says Maureen Lawrence, a DICK'S Sporting Goods Associate and Division I Athlete and Coach. 

It’s a demanding position. Choosing a mitt that suits your specific needs is vital to your success because it’s your most important tool. The right glove can build your confidence, leading to stronger, more reflexive plays.

Keep the following in mind when you choose:

SOFTBALL GLOVES VS. SOFTBALL MITTS

"While the term 'glove' and 'mitt' are used interchangeably in softball, there’s a difference, especially when it comes to catchers," says Lawrence.

A glove (like a winter glove) has separate finger pockets, allowing for greater flexibility, versatility and speed. But a catcher’s mitt is designed to keep your fingers closer together and trade unnecessary versatility for added security. And by security, we mean both of the safety variety and the ensure-you-catch-that-ball variety.

Mitts are complex, with a number of options when it comes to construction. Keep the following in mind when making your final decision:

WEBBING

Another major difference between baseball and softball catcher’s gloves is that, while baseball mitts almost exclusively use closed webbing, softball mitts commonly boast open webbing. This design sacrifices some support, but because softball mitts tend to come in larger sizes, the added visibility proportionate to the size of the ball makes this necessary.

"Closed webbing may be beneficial to hide your pitch calls, but if you’re using a large glove, open webbing will be necessary for greater visibility," says Lawrence.

BACK

More traditionally, catcher’s mitts have closed backs that strengthen support of your wrist, but that may not be necessary for your success. An open back, which has a space between the wrist strap and the upper part of the glove, allows for greater mobility. To further improve mobility and control, some models even include an external finger slot on the back of the mitt. When making your purchase, try to strike a good balance between mobility and security.

PADDING

Players need to be mindful about padding. A glove with too much of it won’t leave enough room for the bigger ball. On the other hand, a bigger ball means more pressure on a wider surface area of your hand, requiring more protection in the form of more padding.

Pro Tip: When you make your choice, be sure that the product is listed specifically for softball. These models take into account the need for more space without sacrificing protection by using thinner forms of padding.

MATERIALS

Using a leather model is another one of those personal questions. You have to consider how long you want to spend breaking in your glove and how long you need your glove to last.

Less expensive leathers like synthetics and pigskin break in quickly but may only last one season (or less, if you’re playing in an advanced league). They’re usually a good option for younger players and players who haven’t fully committed to multiple seasons.

Full-grain or steer hide leathers take much longer to break in — months, typically, and can come with a higher price tag — but they won’t wear so quickly. So, if you plan on playing for a couple years, the cost may be worth it to you in the long run. You will, however, have to buy them a couple months in advance to break them in during practice. Some models come partially “factory broken,” expediting the break-in process.

"Synthetic or pigskin break in quicker but also wear out sooner. If you are committed to a few seasons of play, consider the extra investment to upgrade to a full-grain or steer hide leather, which is more durable and will last longer but has a higher price tag," states Lawrence.

SIZING 

Remember, catcher’s mitts are measured by their circumference, not by length. Players ages 12 and under will typically look for a mitt around 32.5" and players 13 and older need catcher’s mitts around 33" or 34" so that you can get a full enough pocket for the bigger ball.

While bigger is better in softball, keep in mind that a bigger mitt will lower your visibility and agility, so be sure to work with this balance. Some options exist to counteract the lower visibility and agility, which you’ll read more about below.

When you’re seeking the perfect mitt, remember to play to your strengths and weaknesses. Do you need a little more mobility? Find a glove with an open back. Will structure help boost your game? Choose an option with thicker padding.

A wide range of options exist to allow customization. Boost your game by choosing the catcher’s mitt that will leave you feeling comfortable and confident behind the plate.