How to Break in a New Softball Glove

There’s nothing quite like the feel of a brand new softball glove—stiff, shiny, and… basically unusable. At least until you break it in. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or shopping for your kid’s first real glove, knowing how to break in a new softball glove properly can make a huge difference in performance, comfort, and longevity.

Forget the hacks you’ve heard. No ovens, no shaving cream, no microwave tricks (yes, that’s a thing, though I have no idea why). Just good old-fashioned time, technique, and glove conditioner. Here’s how to do it right.

Why Break in a Softball Glove?

New glove leather is stiff. That’s a fact. To form a pocket, close the glove easily, and feel comfortable on a player’s hand, you need to go through a break-in process. This softens the leather, forms the finger stalls to your hand, stretches the laces, and shapes the glove to your playing style. Breaking in your glove the right way means better performance and a longer-lasting mitt.

Breaking in a New Softball Glove

Step 1: Apply Glove Conditioner (Lightly!)

Start the break-in by applying a light coating of glove conditioner. This helps soften the leather and keeps it from drying out during the rest of the process. Don’t overdo it—too much conditioner can saturate the glove and break down the leather over time by collecting dirt (the opposite of what it’s supposed to do) and grinding the particles into the leather over time.

Avoid using glove oil or other DIY methods like shaving cream, petroleum jelly, or mink oil. They’re simply not good for a glove.

Tip: Rub a small amount of conditioner into the palm, pocket, and around the thumb and pinky. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight to loosen the leather slightly, and then buff off any excess.

Step 2: Use a Glove Mallet or Ball

The best way to break in a glove is to simulate game use. A glove mallet designed for baseball and softball gloves mimics the impact of a ball, helping you shape the pocket and soften the leather gloves without damaging them. There are a few ways to make it happen.

The first option is to simply put your glove on your hand and strike the glove in the pocket repeatedly. This will help form a deep, round pocket perfectly designed for a ball.

The second method is to place a ball inside the pocket and strike the glove repeatedly with the mallet—especially around the ring fingers, thumb, pinky, and heel of the glove. This helps the glove start to form its ideal shape and builds that perfect ball glove pocket.

No mallet? Use a real softball or baseball, depending on the type of glove.

Step 3: Play Catch—A Lot

The most effective and time-tested way to break in any baseball or softball glove is simple: play catch. Repeated catching and ball impact forms the glove naturally to your hand and playing style.

Try to play catch daily for short sessions. As the leather loosens, you’ll notice the glove gets easier to close, more responsive, and starts feeling like an extension of your hand.

This method works for all types of ball gloves, including first base mitts, synthetic gloves, and leather gloves. Just keep the sessions consistent.

Bonus Tips for Breaking In Your Glove

• Avoid heat: Don’t use the oven, hot water, or warm water to break in your glove. It might seem like a shortcut, but it can dry out or damage the leather.
• Know your materials: Synthetic gloves break in faster than leather but won’t last as long. If you’re using synthetic material, you’ll still want to follow the same steps (just expect quicker results).
• Understand position fit: Catchers and softball players may need a deeper pocket, while infielders often prefer a shallow one for quicker transfers. Tailor your break in to your position.
• Don’t wrap your glove with bands or belts: Wrapping the glove helps preserve the pocket but causes the pinky and thumb to curl inward—a shape that I personally dislike and that make it harder to catch. It’s okay to put a ball in the glove when it’s in a bag, but don’t wrap it. This doesn’t necessarily apply to softball catcher’s mitts.
• Flare the pinky and thumb out slightly: While shaping your glove, flare the pinky and thumb out slightly. This creates a better funnel to the pocket, and since softball fields are smaller and the action is faster, every little detail matters.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to break in a new softball glove is a rite of passage in the game. With the right mix of conditioner, a glove mallet, consistent play, and patience, you can take your stiff, brand new glove and turn it into a game ready tool that feels just right.

The break in process isn’t instant, but it’s worth it. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just the best way to break in a glove—with your own effort and a lot of catch.