Think that grip is the main limiting factor in your batting performance? You should give batting gloves a shot!
With their grippy palm surface – which is typically made of leather – batting gloves allow you to overcome the limited traction of human skin.
I know that hundreds of glove models are out there and that choosing the right pair can be difficult. With today’s guide on the best batting gloves, I’m hoping to point you in the right direction and help you invest your money efficiently!
1. Franklin Sports CFX Pro - All-Around Best Batting Gloves
- MLB CHOICE: As the official batting gloves of the...
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Constructed from premium quality...
- NATURAL FIT: These gloves are made specially to...
- QUAD-FLEX TECHNOLOGY: Anticipates flexing of your...
- TECTONIC FIT INSERTS: Accommodates flex without...
In case you have little time and want the best right now, Franklin Sports CFX Pro batting gloves should be strongly considered.
These are all-around the finest gloves on my list – they may not particularly excel in any category, but they are perhaps the most balanced gloves on the market.
Comfort are the strongest suits of Franklin CFX Pro gloves. To ensure a snugger, closer fit, CFX Pro have a seamless palm with QUAD-FLEX technology. QUAD-FLEX reduces material buildup between the bat and your hand by preventing the leather from folding onto itself.
Tectonic Fit also inserts “accommodate flex without adding bulk” to the back of the glove. The thumb can boast added flexibility and further improve how well you can wrap your hands around the bat.
The palm material is super-important in batting gloves too. CFX Pro shine in this area thanks to sheepskin leather. According to Franklin Sports, this leather variety is soft, grippy, and tends to live longer than other types of leather.
Finally, CFX Pro gloves are not too expensive, so you could say that they offer superb value for the money. Combined with the interesting features, this makes CFX Pro the all in all best batting gloves on my top 10.
Pros
- Floating thumb for increased flexibility.
- Very comfortable – fits the hand really snugly.
- Flexes easily thanks to the so-called tectonic fit inserts.
- A ton of color options.
Cons
- Not the greatest durability – will only last a season or two with heavy use.
2. Franklin Sports Neo Classic II - Second-Best Glove Pick
- DIGITAL Cabretta sheepskin leather
- Patented TRI-CURVE fit
- QUAD-FLEX palm creasing
- Floating thumb & logo technology
- Breathable ventilated back
The Franklin Sports Neo Classic II gloves are very similar to CFX Pro, but I like the look of CFXs better. Hence why I placed Neo Classic II on the second spot (though it’s actually better in one aspect).
When it comes to features, Neo Classic II is pretty much identical to CFX Pro. More notably, things like QUAD-FLEX, the floating thumb, and leather palms make a return.
One thing Neo Classic II doesn’t have is the Tectonic Fit plates. However, instead, these gloves have a breathable and flexible spandex back. So if you want something like CFX Pro but with better breathability, Neo Classic II should work wonderfully.
Pros
- Mobile thumb.
- Grippy leather palm.
- Delivers excellent contact with the bat.
- Breathable and flexible.
Cons
- Weak seams.
3. EvoShield EvoCharge - Most Protective Batting Gloves
- Gel-to-Shell technology: begins soft and flexible,...
- Custom-molding shield: Molds to user's body shape,...
- Sheepskin leather palms: for better control and...
- Sleek molded pull tab: to secure supportive wrist...
- Shield is hand washable: air dry
EvoShield EvoCharge gloves were designed with protection in mind.
The highlight of EvoCharge batting gloves is the Gel-to-Shell technology. With this technology, some areas of the glove mold to your hand’s shape after being exposed to air. After that, the hardened glove will disperse impact, protecting your hands and arms from violent pitches.
Gel-to-Shell ensures a snugger fit as well. Aside from that, EvoCharge gloves feature a Lycra backhand that is breathable and flexible. The sheepskin leather palm is there for added tackiness too.
With all that, EvoShield EvoCharge is an excellent choice if you want something snug and protective (though hand mobility may suffer due to the molded shell).
Pros
- Disperses impact to dampen strong pitches.
- Fits the hands really snugly.
- Sheepskin palm for excellent grip.
- Breathable and flexible Lycra backhand.
Cons
- May not be as flexible as less protective gloves.
4. Franklin Sports MLB Powerstrap - Most Secure Batting Gloves
- MLB OFFICIAL: As the newest addition to our MLB...
- NEW WRIST TECHNOLOGY: The new Powerstrap wrist...
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Constructed from premium quality...
- NATURAL FIT: These gloves are made specially to...
- ALL SIZES: These gloves come in all youth and...
The Powerstrap gloves are notable for their secure fit, which is thanks to the Powerstrap wrist closure. Powerstrap sits tight on the hand “swing after swing with no adjustments” (Franklin Sports’ words).
The strong closure isn’t the only noteworthy thing in Powerstrap gloves. This pair is designed to fit athletes’ hands naturally to minimize interference during play. The leather palm should also keep your hands, figuratively speaking, glued to the bat, while the vent holes will keep air moving.
In the end, MLB Powerstrap is a pretty well-rounded glove, but I’d recommend it to those who are looking for a really secure fit.
Pros
- Super-secure Powestrap wrist closure.
- Grippy leather palms.
- Vent holes for breathability.
- A good range of colors available.
Cons
- Nothing to complain about.
5. Franklin Sports MLB Cold Weather Pro - Best Batting Gloves For Cold Weather
- ALL WEATHER: Created with our highest quality...
- ENGINEERED FOR OUTDOORS: Premium polar fleece...
- GENUINE LEATHER: Handled, processed, and...
- WINTER SPORT GLOVES: When you're playing baseball...
- TOUCH SCREEN COMPATIBLE: Fitted with touch screen...
Baseball games aren’t always held on pleasantly warm days. In case your hands start shivering uncontrollably at the smallest hint of cold, the Franklin MLB Cold Weather Pro gloves are a wonderful choice.
Cold Weather Pro gloves feature a neoprene back combined with a special wrist lining to improve insulation and keep heat inside. The insulation makes these gloves a bit thick, so you may lose some amount of control and sensitivity in them. But if there is no way you can tolerate low temperatures, you don’t really have a choice.
Control might be lacking in these gloves, but what will not is grip. Cold Weather Pro batting gloves feature a leather palm with the familiar QUAD-FLEX creasing to make sure that you have a solid hold of the bat each time you wrap your hands around it.
Combined, all these features make Cold Weather Pro an excellent choice for low temperatures.
Pros
- Insulated to keep the hands warm.
- Excellent grip.
- QUAD-FLEX minimizes material buildup on the bat.
Cons
- Only available in combinations of black/white/gray.
6. Nike Men’s Force Edge - The Most Stylish Batting Gloves
Alright, if one of the reasons to buy a new pair of gloves for you is to make a statement on the field, I would recommend Nike Men’s Force Edge. Plus, Force Edge is a nice buy if you want something on the cheaper side.
Our previous batting glove models looked pretty nice, but they didn’t evoke any kind of attraction in me. Force Edge gloves are a completely different deal.
Nike has managed to make a really sleek-looking glove that instantly catches the eye with its elegance. The honeycomb mesh pattern on the upper combines wonderfully with the white/creme color scheme. Nike’s Swoosh is the cherry on top, adding a little bit more flair to the gloves.
I got more artistic in my writing than these gloves may be deserving, but looks are subjective, and I really dig the design of Force Edge.
Enough drooling at Force Edge’s gorgeousness, though – a clean design isn’t the only thing it has to offer.
Nike Force Edge gloves are also breathable thanks to the half-mesh upper and vent holes throughout the glove’s synthetic leather part. Force Edge isn’t the most breathable glove model on this list, but it should keep your hands cool.
The angled tab closure allows you to somewhat adjust how the glove sits on your wrist as well, which is a nice little touch.
Grip is decent in Force Edge too, but since its palm is made of synthetic leather, you won’t be getting as strong of a hold on the bat as with genuine leather gloves.
At the low price, Force Edge’s tackiness is adequate, but know that there are better options out there regarding grip.
Pros
- Extremely good-looking.
- Rather inexpensive.
- Pretty decent breathability.
- Angled tab closure for a snugger fit.
Cons
- Relatively weak grip due to the synthetic leather.
7. Lizard Skins Komodo Elite V2 - The Most Breathable Batting Gloves
- At Lizard Skins we took all the great things from...
- The Komodo Elite V2 Adult Batting Gloves have a...
- The anatomical design of the Adult Komodo Elite V2...
- The top of the Komodo Elite V2’s are constructed...
- The Adult Komodo Elite V2 Baseball Batting Gloves...
If you want gloves for hot-day matches, you will be hard-pressed to find anything better than Lizard Skins Komodo Elite V2 at its price point. These are the coolest batting gloves on my top.
Komodo Elite V2 features excellent breathability thanks to a combination of mesh and ventilation holes on the fingers. The mesh is the main contributor to these gloves’ coolness, and there is more of it in Komodo Elite V2 than in any other glove model on this list.
Elite V2 are excellent performance-wise as well, thanks to the sheepskin leather palm. According to Lizard Skins, sheepskin leather is more breathable and softer than traditional leather. And needless to say, it has incredible grip too.
I also dig the look of the Komodo Elite V2 gloves – especially the white version. The shiny Lizard Skins logo looks sort of odd on the gloves, but other than that, they feel and look great (and also cool).
Pros
- Breathable mesh back.
- Super-grippy sheepskin palm.
- Vent holes on the fingers.
- Pretty good-looking (especially the white gloves).
Cons
- I’m not a fan of the shiny brand logo on the back of the gloves.
8. Under Armour Boy’s Clean Up 19 - Best Youth Batting Gloves
- Built with HeatGear fabric to keep your hands...
- Genuine leather palms provide a soft feel, amazing...
- Synthetic overlays add support in all the right...
- Perforations built over the fingers for extra...
- Elastic wrist cuffs provide support & a locked in,...
Under Armour’s Clean Up 19 gloves are a fantastic choice for the youth. This pair is inexpensive yet offers all the essentials.
Most remarkably, Clean Up 19 has genuine leather palms to help you securely grip the bat. Comfort is quite nice in these gloves, too – the HeatGear fabric keeps your hands cool and dry, allowing you to have all your focus on the game. There also are perforations on the fingers for slight breathability.
All in all, for the price, I don’t think you’ll find anything better for youth than Clean Up 19.
Pros
- Excellent for the youth.
- Rather inexpensive.
- Keeps the wearer’s hands cool and dry.
- Genuine leather palms for a secure grip.
Cons
- Nothing to complain about.
9. Easton HF3 Hyperskin - Best Budget Batting Gloves
- Hyperskin back of hand for lightweight Ergonomic...
- Fused silicon adds Structure while maintaining...
- 2-piece Ergonomic goatskin palm is soft yet...
- Neoprene wrist offers durable and breathable...
- Right Hand Throw = Left Hand Glove, Left Hand...
In case you want something that doesn’t rip your wallet apart, Easton HF3 Hyperskin is a fairly nice option.
Needless to say, at this price point, you will need to accept some compromises. Most importantly, the palm here is synthetic and thus has a weaker grip than leather-palm gloves. The durability of HF3 Hyperskin isn’t too spectacular as well.
On the other hand, HF3 Hyperskin gloves are light, flexible, and rather breathable. So if you are shopping for your first pair of gloves but aren’t sure what to buy, a cheap pair like this one is a good place to start.
Pros
- Very easy on your pocket.
- Flexible and ergonomic.
- Keeps your hands cool.
- A bunch of color options.
Cons
- Flimsy-ish.
- Relatively weak grip.
10. Marucci PITTARDS Reserve Batting Glove - Best Grip In Wet Conditions
- Digitally embossed Pittards sheepskin palm with...
- Silicone printed back for maximum movement while...
- Pittards thumb wrapping to provide additional...
- Wide neoprene cuff for flexibility and support
Marucci PITTARDS Reserve batting gloves offer incredible grip in pretty much any conditions, though they particularly shine when wet. The sheepskin palm infused with Gripster technology performs reliably on rainy days (though it shows its best when dry, obviously).
The Reserve batting glove is also rather stiff and supportive thanks to its silicone-printed back, though it retains a fair bit of flexibility for comfort as well. Interestingly, the thumb area is reinforced in this glove, too – if your old gloves tended to wear quickly in the thumb, this glove may work for you brilliantly.
In conclusion, if you feel that you are at your weakest when it’s raining, consider investing in Marucci Reserve. Though do note that these gloves are fairly expensive.
Pros
- Stays grippy when wet.
- Sheepskin leather palm for excellent tackiness in all conditions.
- Durable thumb area.
- Supportive and flexible.
Cons
- Fairly expensive.
The Only Buying Guide You’ll Ever Need For Batting Gloves
It may seem to you that choosing the best batting gloves is very easy. Well, it’s unquestionably easier than selecting a bat or helmet, but there still are some points that you need to take into account. More about them below.
Material
Batting gloves are mostly made of either genuine leather or a synthetic replacement.
Leather is prized for its durability and excellent grip. Not that synthetic gloves have trash grip, but if you want the best of the best, leather would be the right choice.
With that said, many people don’t like the stiffness of leather. Leather can take a long time to break in too. These downsides aren’t present in synthetic gloves – they are flexible and feel comfier to many people.
Which material to go for? Well, you should try both leather and synthetic gloves to find out. However, some brands make gloves with leather palms for grip and synthetic back and fingers for increased flexibility and comfort.
Padding and protection
How much padding and protection do you need to have?
This depends on your preferences, so I can’t give you recommendations specific to your case. However, I can tell you that more protected, thickly-padded gloves will weigh more and will possibly worsen your control over the bat.
If you are buying gloves specifically to reduce stinging and vibrations, thicker gloves would be better. Otherwise, I’d advise you to go for lighter gloves.
You may need to try more than one glove model to figure out what works the best for you.
Breathability/warmth
Weather can vary quite a bit from game to game, and your gloves need to take that into account. Not for performance, no – just to ensure that you stay comfortable during the game.
On colder days, you shouldn’t wear very breathable gloves. You want all the body warmth to stay inside – ventilation holes would be counter-intuitive for this goal. Look for something with more insulation.
As for hotter days, look for mesh backs and vent holes – the more, the better.
Moisture-wicking
Ideally, your batting gloves should have a moisture-wicking liner inside. This kind of liner will drive moisture away from your skin, thus keeping your hands dry and cool.
Perhaps not a major feature, moisture-wicking is one of those things I would want to always have not only in gloves but any piece of equipment that directly comes in contact with skin. Once you feel how much better moisture-wicking liners make you feel, there’s no going back.
Wrist length
Wrist lengths can vary in batting gloves quite considerably.
High-profile gloves will engulf a larger portion of your wrist, thus providing added support but limiting mobility. On the other hand, low-profile gloves aren’t as protective but allow you to have a full range of motion in your wrist.
Unless you specifically need added support from your gloves, I recommend starting with a low-profile pair. Though you should probably try both styles to figure out which one works the best for you.
Added features
Many batting gloves have fancy features, like articulated/floating thumbs for increased mobility. This isn’t a must-have, but it can be a nice perk to have if you have the budget and want to feel less restricted on the field.
Some gloves also have pre-curved fingers with added protection. If you are really worried about your arms and hands’ health, perhaps a glove with pre-curved fingers would be able to help you.
Sizing
Next, we have sizing.
Your batting glove should sit snugly on your hand – not too tightly and not too loosely. Very tight gloves will limit your range of motion and may cut blood flow, while loose gloves will flap around and perhaps even slide off.
# of gloves included
Some people may not realize this, but some batting gloves don’t come in pairs. Instead, some gloves only come in singles – for the right or left hand.
To avoid wasting your money, make sure you know what you are dealing with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best batting gloves?
In my opinion, Franklin Sports CFX Pro are the overall best gloves on my top 10. They don’t cost a lot, have excellent grip, and boast an outstanding comfort level thanks to features like the seamless palm, floating thumb, and tectonic pads.
Do batting gloves make a difference?
Yes, batting gloves do make a difference, given that you need their benefits. All in all, four big reasons to invest in a pair of gloves are:
- Increased grip thanks to the tacky palm surface.
- Shock absorption and thus less transfer of power from the ball to your joints. Among other things, this can help you decrease the so-called sting.
- Prevention of blisters, bumps, bruises, and scars.
- Warmth on cold game days.
Batting gloves can be super-useful both on cold and hot days. On cold days, they are going to obviously keep your hands warm and comfy. On hot days when your hands get all sweaty and lose grip, gloves will be able to save the day by providing a grippy surface for the bat to hold onto.
Who was the first MLB player to wear batting gloves?
Former MLB player Kenneth “The Hawk” Harrelson is generally credited as the batting glove’s inventor.
An avid golf player, Harrelson got a blister on his left hand during one of his batting practices. He decided to put on his red All-Star golf glove to cover the blister. Harrelson wore the glove in a game against the Yankees and successfully hit several balls.
According to Harrelson, the Yankees were all wearing red golf balls on the batting practice the next day. This is how batting gloves started in baseball.
Can you wear a batting glove on your throwing hand?
You should check out the rules of your league or association, but as far as the MLB is concerned, there is no specific prohibition against wearing batting gloves on one’s throwing hand.
With that said, many players don’t wear gloves on their throwing hands, so you probably shouldn’t bother.
Why do baseball players wear batting gloves under their gloves?
Generally, when baseball players wear batting gloves under their fielding gloves, it’s to make the outer glove more tight-fitting and absorb sweat.
Can you use baseball batting gloves for softball?
Yes, you can – in fact, many gloves are marketed as both softball and baseball gloves! The main difference between softball and baseball batting gloves is their design. Baseball is mostly played by men and softball by women, which has impacted how gloves for each sport are designed and marketed.
How long do batting gloves last?
Ideally, batting gloves one-two seasons. But the longevity of batting gloves hugely depends on their quality. Low-end gloves may not even last you a few weeks with intense practice.
Final Words
As final words, try to get the best grip and comfort you can for your budget. Then, consider smaller things like breathability or warmth.
Now, what do you think about my top 10? Do you have any experience with the showcased batting gloves? If you do, share with us in the comments below!
