When shopping for a baseball or softball glove, the price range can be vast…from as low as £20 to as much as £500. So, what explains this wide range of prices?

The difference often comes down to the materials used, the quality, the brand, and the intended use of the glove. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll break down the reasons behind the price difference and help you understand what to expect at each price point. We’ll also highlight specific gloves we sell, to give you an idea of what you can get for your budget and needs.

What Affects the Price of a Glove?

1. Materials Used

The primary factor in a glove’s price is the type and quality of leather used. Premium gloves typically use top-quality full-grain or Pro Stock leather, which offers durability, comfort, and a better fit. More affordable gloves tend to use synthetic leather, entry-level leather or a combination of both, which may not last as long but is easier to break in.

2. Quality 

High-end gloves feature high quality craftsmanship, with hand stitching and meticulous attention to detail. Less expensive gloves are usually machine-made, which can affect their comfort and durability. Higher-priced gloves also tend to have advanced features, such as enhanced padding or moisture-wicking linings.

3. Brand Reputation and Technology  

Renowned brands like Rawlings, Wilson, and Mizuno are known for producing gloves with advanced technology, better materials, and a professional-level fit. This reputation and the technology incorporated into the glove often contribute to a higher price.

4. Position-Specific Design  

Gloves are designed for specific positions, such as first base mitts and catchers mitts. The gloves made for these positions typically cost more due to their specialised design and larger sizes. 

What You Get at Different Price Points

£20 - £50: Entry-Level Gloves

These gloves are typically made from synthetic materials or a combination of leather and synthetic materials. They are easy to break in and are best suited for beginners, recreational players or young players who are still growing.

Recommended Gloves:

1. Rawlings (PL115BC) Players Series 11.5" Youth Baseball / Softball Glove - £24.99

A perfect starter glove for younger players or those with smaller hands, the Rawlings Player Series glove is lightweight and made from synthetic leather, offering a comfortable fit and easy break-in process.

2. Rawlings (RSB120GB) RSB™B Series 12" Baseball/Softball Glove – Was £54.99 Now £44.99  

A great choice for beginners, the Rawlings RSBB Series glove is made from durable synthetic leather and offers a comfortable fit. Its 12" size is perfect for both baseball and softball players, with a quick break-in period that makes it ready for play in no time.

What You Get:

✅ Made from synthetic or a combination of synthetics and leather
✅ Ideal for beginners and youth players
✅ Easy to break in with a short lifespan for serious play

£50 - £100: Mid-Range Gloves

Mid-range gloves are crafted from higher-quality cowhide or a combination of synthetic and leather materials. They are designed for intermediate players who want a balance of durability, comfort, and performance.

Recommended Gloves:

1. Rawlings Renegade Series 12" Baseball/Softball Glove - £74.99

The Rawlings Renegade offers better construction with a durable leather shell and a great fit. This glove is designed for serious amateur players and can withstand the demands of competitive play.

2. Rawlings Player Preferred 12.5" Baseball/Softball Glove - £79.99

The Rawlings Player Preferred glove is crafted with full-grain oiled leather for durability and quick break-in. Featuring Zero Shock™ palm padding for impact protection and a comfortable fit with Velcro® closures, this glove is perfect for recreational baseball and softball players seeking a game-ready feel.

What You Get:

✅ Better-quality leather like cowhide or hybrid leather
✅ Moderate break-in time
✅ Suitable for intermediate players or those seeking better longevity

£100 - £200: Premium Gloves

Premium gloves are made from top-quality leather like full-grain or Pro Stock leather. These gloves are designed for serious players who require the highest level of performance, durability, and comfort.

Recommended Gloves:

1. Rawlings R9 Series 12.5" Softball Glove - £149.99

The Rawlings R9 Series glove features a soft, all-leather shell for durability and a game-ready feel. With pro-style patterns, reinforced palm padding for impact reduction, and padded finger back liners for comfort, this glove is designed for serious players. The double-laced basket web and pull-strap back ensure a secure, customised fit.

2. Rawlings R9 Series 12.75" Baseball/Softball Glove - £149.99

The Rawlings R9 Series glove features a soft, all-leather shell for durability. With pro-style patterns, a Pro H™ web, and reinforced palm padding for impact reduction, this glove offers comfort with padded finger back liners and a padded thumb loop. Available in left or right fit, it’s designed for players seeking a game-ready glove with a secure, comfortable fit.

What You Get:

✅ Made from Pro Stock or full-grain leather
✅ Longer break-in period, but superior long-term comfort
✅ Perfect for competitive players and professionals

£400+ Custom Gloves 

When you purchase custom gloves, you can select almost every feature you'd like to personalise. Choose your leather type, handedness, size, pattern, webbing, color options, laces, lining, trim, and other customisations. To create your perfect glove, visit the Rawlings Custom Glove Builder (Click Here).

Recommended Gloves:

1. Rawlings "Custom" Heart of The Hide Series Baseball Glove *Special Order* - £419.99

The Rawlings "Custom" Heart of The Hide Series Baseball Glove is a premium, special-order glove crafted for elite performance. Made from the finest steer-hide leather, it offers exceptional durability, comfort, and a perfect break-in. Designed for serious players, this glove delivers pro-level quality with a custom feel to match your game.

What you get:

✅ Your choice of high-quality leather – Made from pro-grade steerhide, offering superior durability and a firm structure.

✅ Fully customizable features – Choose your webbing, color, and fit to create a glove that suits your game.

✅ Long-term comfort and use – Steerhide is stiffer and requires a longer break-in period, but it holds its shape exceptionally well over time.

✅ Perfect for professionals – A trusted choice for serious players seeking a tough, high-performance glove with lasting reliability.

2. Rawlings "Custom" Pro Preferred Series Baseball Glove *Special Order* - £519.99

The Rawlings "Custom" Pro Preferred Series Baseball Glove is a top-tier, special-order glove built for ultimate performance. Crafted from the finest kip leather, it offers superior durability, a comfortable feel, and a flawless break-in process. Known for its pro-level quality and unmatched craftsmanship, this glove is designed for serious players seeking precision and reliability on the field. With customisable options, it delivers a personalised playing experience.

What You Get:

✅ Your choice of high-quality leather – Crafted from premium kip leather, which has a fine grain structure and smooth texture, providing a luxurious feel.

✅ Fully customizable features – Design your glove with personalized webbing, color, and fit for a pro-level experience.

✅ Long-term comfort and use – Kip leather offers a quick break-in period while still maintaining excellent durability, making it ideal for players who want comfort without sacrificing longevity.

✅ Perfect for professionals – A top-tier glove trusted by elite athletes for its lightweight feel, superior craftsmanship, and exceptional responsiveness.

Which Glove Should You Choose? 

Choosing the right glove depends on your budget, skill level, and playing position. Entry-level gloves, typically made from synthetic or a combination of synthetic and leather are ideal for beginners and recreational players due to their easy break-in and affordability.

Mid-range gloves offer a good balance of quality and durability, often crafted from cowhide or a mix of synthetic and leather materials, making them suitable for intermediate players seeking reliable performance.

Premium gloves, made from full-grain or Pro Stock leather, provide the highest quality and comfort, catering to serious and competitive players.

For those seeking a truly personalised experience, custom gloves allow you to choose the leather, size, web pattern, and other details to tailor the glove to your exact preferences. Custom gloves combine the quality of premium options with the added benefit of a bespoke fit and design, making them an excellent choice for elite players.

Shop the Whole Range Now!