Nothing is better for a baseball player than stepping into the batter’s box and getting ready to face the opposing pitcher. At this moment, it’s just you against another player in a scenario where the game becomes a one-on-one encounter rather than a team sport.

Of course, before stepping into the batter’s box, you’ll want to have the right equipment. Naturally, you’ll need a bat, but a pair of batting gloves is another essential piece of gear as you prepare to hit.

There are many different products on the market, so here’s a look at the best batting gloves to buy in 2024.

Things to Consider When Buying Batting Gloves

Baseball is a sport built on tradition, as the equipment hasn’t evolved too much over the past 150 years. Sure, the gloves and bats are higher in quality, and there are helmets and other pads for batters, but there are very few additions to the gear you’ll need to play.

One of the most considerable changes over the past few decades is the popularity of batting gloves. These small gloves are essential because they help the player maintain a grip on the bat while taking a swing. They can also prevent blisters, offer shock absorption, and make holding the bat more comfortable.

There are many different batting gloves types available, so look around to find one that suits your needs the best. Here are the main things you should consider.

Size

Before deciding which batting gloves to buy, you’ll want to make sure you have the right size. Most products come in youth and adult sizes, although the actual measurements will vary.

When making sure you have the proper size, you’ll want to look at the size chart and measure from the bottom of your hand to the top of your middle finger. Products like Franklin Sports 2nd-Skinz Batting Gloves come in many different adult and youth sizes, giving you lots of options when making your selection.

Material

Most batting gloves on the market have a leather construction. The reason is that leather is readily available and durable, making it more likely that the gloves will last.

At the same time, leather isn’t the most breathable, so many manufacturers will use mesh, Lycra, and other material for the area that covers the back of the hand or fingers. That way, the glove has the same durability in the sections that receive the most abuse while being more comfortable for the player.

Some products, like Seibertron B-A-R PRO 2.0 Signature Baseball/Softball Batting Gloves, use synthetic leather as a way to cut costs and offer their batting gloves at lower prices. Synthetic materials are often more breathable, too, since the manufacturer has more control over its properties.

Use by Professionals Players

It doesn’t matter to everyone, but for some, selecting batting gloves that the pros wear is important. After all, not only do MLB players use top-of-the-line products, but they also look pretty cool doing it. If this is something you’re interested in, Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves are some of the most popular batting gloves in Major League Baseball. However, every hitter has their personal preferences.

Closure

After putting the glove on, you’ll have to close it around your wrist to lock it into place. Velcro is generally used for this step, as it allows you to customize the fit a little bit.

There’s often some elastic, too, which brings a bit more flexibility while you swing. You don’t want to close the Velcro too tightly because it restricts motion, making it more challenging to adjust your hitting stroke.

Breathability

On hot days, hands can sweat and quickly get uncomfortable. Leather gloves can rapidly make the problem even worse.

Batting gloves are often breathable, though, which helps players keep a solid grip on the bat and reduces rubbing on the inside of the glove. The result is a more comfortable experience when playing with these gloves.

The way these gloves achieve breathability differs. Franklin Sports MLB Shok-Sorb Neo Batting Gloves have a mesh backing, while Rawlings 5150 Adult Baseball Batting Gloves use a flexible heathered material.

You’ll want to carefully consider the breathability of your chosen batting gloves, especially if you’re playing ball in the summer heat.

Flexibility

Flexibility and breathability have a lot in common because the material used influences them. A flexible batting glove is crucial because it allows for a tight fit without being restrictive.

A loose-fitting glove is more likely to slip and rub on your hands, causing blisters. Therefore, you’ll want a tight glove. However, you don’t want it to prevent your hand from moving or flexing when wearing it.

Flexible material, like Lycra and spandex, allows for movement while ensuring your hand doesn’t slip during the swing. The result is better performance and a comfortable fit for the player. Louisville Slugger Genuine Adult Batting Gloves are some of the most flexible gloves available.

Color Options

One of the most important aspects of choosing a batting glove, particularly for younger players, is the appearance. In the past, batting gloves would be a single shade, often matching the team’s primary color. However, these items have evolved and now come in various colors, depending on the brand and model.

For example, Under Armour Men’s Clean up 19 Baseball Gloves come in over a dozen color patterns, allowing players to choose the option that best matches their team’s jerseys.

Making a Decision

A lot of your decision on the best batting glove to buy will come down to personal preference. Some players will go with the color they like best. In contrast, others will look for additional padding on the palm like Rawlings Adult Workhorse 950 Series Batting Gloves, or highly breathable material.

Go over all of your options and choose the batting gloves that will improve your performance the most at a price point you can handle. Now you know what to look out for, here are the best batting gloves to buy in 2024.

Top 10 Best Batting Gloves 2024

1. Best Overall Gloves: Franklin Sports MLB Digitek Batting Gloves

Quick Facts:

• Material: Leather and microfiber
• Size: Adult and youth
• Used by pros: No

Franklin Sports MLB Digitek Batting Gloves provide a professional appearance and feel without the cost of a pro-level product. Thanks to their camo print coming in multiple color options, these items are attractive while maintaining a high level of flex and functionality. Unfortunately, these gloves can experience durability issues when used in competitive games because the seams can rip.

Key Features

One of the first things you’ll notice about Franklin Sports MLB Digitek Batting Gloves is the leather heel patch, which adds some padding to the glove and protects the hands. This product is also highly flexible, thanks to its tri-curve technology creating a snug fit that conforms to the hand. There’s microfiber material on the fingers, too, providing additional grip.

There are issues with the glove’s breathability, as hands tend to get sweaty when using them.

Verdict

As long as you aren’t playing in sweltering weather or participating in ultra-competitive games, Franklin Sports MLB Digitek Batting Gloves are an excellent option. Thanks to their flexibility, these gloves are comfortable and have an excellent grip, keeping your hands on the bat. Overall, this is a high-quality batting glove for recreational players at an affordable price.

2. Best Premium Gloves: Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves

Quick Facts:

• Material: Leather
• Size: Adult and youth
• Used by pros: Yes

When you see a Major League Baseball player step into the batter’s box, more often than not, he’ll be wearing Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves. These gloves’ quality is unmatched, as they have a leather construction that provides excellent grip and protection during games. The result is a glove that, while expensive, offers superb value for players of all skill levels.

Key Features

Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves come in multiple sizes and colors, allowing players to personalize their look. The gloves are flexible and conform to the shape of your hand, thanks to their tectonic inserts, and they’re breathable for use in hot weather. There are durability issues with the seams on the gloves, which can give out, but the leather is top-quality and will last for years.

Verdict

While Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves can be a bit pricey, they’re also a premium product and usually worth the cost. These items are flexible and breathable, and the leather is highly durable, as well. You’ll want to keep your eye on the seams, but this product is for use on MLB fields, so it’s sure to get the job done for you.

3. Best Lycra Gloves: Louisville Slugger Genuine Adult Batting Gloves

Quick Facts:

• Material: Synthetic leather, Lycra, and neoprene
• Size: Adult and youth
• Used by pros: No

For the ultimate in comfort, it’s tough to beat Louisville Slugger Genuine Adult Batting Gloves. The Lycra back creates an ultra-stretchy batting glove that is incredibly flexible at the plate. Keep in mind that these gloves only come in two shades, black and white, so it isn’t possible to buy them in most team colors for a personalized look.

Key Features

In addition to the Lycra back, another great feature offed by Louisville Slugger Genuine Adult Batting Gloves is the neoprene wrist strap. This strap holds the gloves on the hand, adding to its comfort. The synthetic palm is also comfortable, although it experiences some durability issues with heavy use.

Verdict

Louisville Slugger Genuine Adult Batting Gloves aren’t for competitive players, but if you’re heading out to play a couple of rec games per week, they’re a reliable option. You won’t mistake these gloves for a pro-quality product, and the lack of colors is a concern. Still, for a comfortable, flexible, and inexpensive batting glove, this item is worth considering.

4. Best Budget Gloves: Seibertron B-A-R PRO 2.0 Signature Baseball/Softball Batting Gloves

Quick Facts:

• Material: Synthetic
• Size: Adult and youth
• Used by pros: No

You won’t find Seibertron B-A-R PRO 2.0 Signature Baseball/Softball Batting Gloves on any professional baseball diamonds, but that’s perfectly fine because this product provides excellent performance for recreational players at an affordable price. These items only come in a few colors and run a bit small, but they’re a perfect option for players who don’t need extra features.

Key Features

Seibertron B-A-R PRO 2.0 Signature Baseball/Softball Batting Gloves have a unique look thanks to the silicone on the fingers. This silicone provides additional grip, helping players hold onto their bats. These gloves are thick, too, thanks to the extra padding on the palm. As a result, it does a fantastic job of protecting the hands from vibrations when hitting the ball.

Verdict

If you want to save a bit of money over professional-quality batting gloves like Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro, Seibertron B-A-R PRO 2.0 Signature Baseball/Softball Batting Gloves are a great choice. The material is synthetic but gets the job done thanks to its solid grip and additional padding. This product is available at an affordable price point for recreational players, too. Just make sure you size up to avoid disappointment.

5. Best Moisture-Absorbing Gloves: Under Armour Men’s Clean up 19 Baseball Gloves

Quick Facts:

• Material: Leather, polyester, and synthetic materials
• Size: Adult
• Used by pros: No

When playing baseball in the middle of the summer, you’ll be glad that you have Under Armour Men’s Clean up 19 Baseball Gloves. This product features HeatGear moisture-wicking technology, so your hands will stay cool and dry as you play. This product also comes in a variety of attractive colors and with perforated fingers for added breathability.

Key Features

There’s a lot to like about Under Armour Men’s Clean up 19 Baseball Gloves, as they’re incredibly comfortable for recreational players. The elastic cuffs will lock your hands into place as you swing the bat, and the reinforced palms ensure added durability. These gloves are a bit pricey, and they only come in adult sizes, but they’re a high-quality product that will stand up to all kinds of use.

Verdict

You’ll spend a bit more for Under Armour Men’s Clean up 19 Baseball Gloves than many other brands, but you truly get what you pay for with this product. These gloves are durable, flexible, and moisture-wicking, ensuring your hands are comfortable when swinging the bat. One drawback is that you can’t buy this exact product for your kids, but for an adult, very few items match its features.

6. Best Shock-Absorbing Gloves: Franklin Sports MLB Shok-Sorb Neo Batting Gloves

Quick Facts:

• Material: Leather, spandex, and Lycra
• Size: Adult and youth
• Used by pros: No

Franklin Sports MLB Shok-Sorb Neo Batting Gloves provide the best shock absorption on the market thanks to their Shok-Sorb technology. These gloves have a padded insert that absorbs the ball’s impact, allowing players to focus on the pitch instead of the sting that often follows. This padding also makes the glove great for cold-weather games when stinging hands are more common. Keep in mind, however, that the stitching on these gloves tends to come apart quickly.

Key Features

Functionally, Franklin Sports MLB Shok-Sorb Neo Batting Gloves have a good grip because of the soft leather in the palms. They are also highly breathable items due to the spandex and Lycra back that allows air to circulate and keep your hands comfortable in warm weather. These gloves look great, too, as the colors really pop. However, these gloves lack color options compared to Under Armour Men’s Clean Up 19 Baseball Gloves.

Verdict

The additional protection MLB Shok-Sorb Neo Batting Gloves provide your hands is reason enough to give them a try. If you’re the type of hitter who tends to get jammed on inside pitches, which can hurt your hands, having this shock-absorbing technology can help. While the stitching tends to come out of these gloves over time and the lack of color options is concerning, there’s no better product for preventing stinging hands that can quickly hinder your game.

7. Most Durable Gloves: Rawlings Adult Workhorse 950 Series Batting Gloves

Quick Facts:

• Material: Leather and spandex
• Size: Adult
• Used by pros: No

When it comes to a thick and durable batting glove, nothing matches Rawlings Adult Workhorse 950 Series Batting Gloves. These items feature a Dura-Plus pad on the palm, providing extra cushioning, and Oitac 2 Treatment leather, which stands up to heavy use. The leather palm also offers an excellent grip. It’s worth noting that these gloves are some of the most expensive on the market and only come in a few colors, making it challenging to match them to your team’s jerseys.

Key Features

Beyond the durability of Rawlings Adult Workhorse 950 Series Batting Gloves, these items are highly flexible because of the double-knit spandex backing. This material also makes the gloves breathable, keeping your hands cool on hot days. It’s also worth noting that this product is only available in adult sizes.

Verdict

Although Rawlings Adult Workhorse 950 Series Batting Gloves are expensive, they don’t have the same durability concerns as Franklin Sports MLB Digitek Batting Gloves. In fact, they’re perhaps the industry’s most durable batting gloves.

You’ll sacrifice some color options when going with this product. Still, the additional protection they offer your palms, along with the excellent grip they provide, make it likely that you’ll get your money’s worth when making this purchase.

8. Best for Kids: Franklin Sports 2nd-Skinz Batting Gloves

Quick Facts:

• Material: Leather and Lycra
• Size: Adult and youth
• Used by pros: No

It’s tough to beat Franklin Sports 2nd-Skinz Batting Gloves when shopping for your kids because this product comes in five different youth sizes, compared to Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro, which comes in three. These gloves also feature fun color schemes that your kids are likely to enjoy and offer a comfortable fit for young players.

These items are relatively inexpensive, too, although they tend to rip when used by competitive players.

Key Features

Franklin Sports 2nd-Skinz Batting Gloves have a high-grade leather patch in the palm that provides additional cushioning and a Lycra back that adds flexibility. They also feature digital etching on the palm, creating more grip. The result is a comfortable glove that protects the bottom side of the hand when hitting a pitch. Remember that these aren’t the most breathable batting gloves, so you’re better off with something else when playing in hot weather.

Verdict

If you’re looking for an inexpensive batting glove for your child or even one for yourself, Franklin Sports 2nd-Skinz Batting Gloves provide excellent protection and bright color schemes. These gloves have some durability concerns and don’t allow your hands to breathe, but still offer great value at an affordable price point.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for batting gloves specifically for a child, you may also be interested in checking out our guide to the best youth baseball bats.

9. Best Color Options: Rawlings 5150 Adult Baseball Batting Gloves

Quick Facts:

• Material: Goat leather and Lycra
• Size: Adult
• Used by pros: No

For a batting glove that really pops, Rawlings 5150 Adult Baseball Batting Gloves should be on your radar. These items come in multiple contrasting camo patterns, creating some of the most attractive options on the market. They’re also incredibly comfortable, thanks to their Lycra fingers and FlexFit heathered material backing. Unfortunately, this product doesn’t come in youth sizes, so kids can’t take advantage of these color choices.

Key Features

Rawlings 5150 Adult Baseball Batting Gloves have a good deal of flex, thanks to the stretchy material on the back. Their goat leather construction also makes them incredibly durable, while the grip and breathability on these items are excellent.

One drawback is the fit, as these gloves tend to run very small, much like Seibertron B-A-R PRO 2.0 Signature Baseball/Softball Batting Gloves. As a result, it can be challenging to find the right size. Sizing up is highly recommended.

Verdict

As long as you’re aware of the sizing issues associated with Rawlings 5150 Adult Baseball Batting Gloves, you can trust that you’re getting a durable product with excellent grip, flexibility, and breathability. This product also looks great thanks to its highly contrasting colors, which come together to create a superb batting glove for recreational adult players.

10. Best Female Gloves: Mizuno Finch Fastpitch Softball Batting Gloves

Quick Facts:

• Material: Leather and mesh
• Size: Adult and youth
• Used by pros: No

Jennie Finch is possibly the biggest name in the history of fastpitch and having her name attached to Mizuno Finch Fastpitch Softball Batting Gloves gives them instant credibility. These gloves are specially designed with female fastpitch players in mind and offer a stable fit and outstanding grip. These items come in attractive colors that stand out, although there are only a few options, and are incredibly durable.

Key Features

Mizuno Finch Fastpitch Softball Batting Gloves provide a fair amount of padding on the palms, absorbing shock and protecting players from getting sore hands. These gloves also feature good flexibility thanks to their mesh backing and a quick-adjust strap that ensures a good fit. Young players might find these gloves a bit itchy, but they’re a reliable product for adult and youth fastpitch players alike.

Verdict

First things first, you should be aware that Mizuno Finch Fastpitch Softball Batting Gloves are for female fastpitch players, not male baseball players. Once you’re aware of their intended usage, you should know that this is a high-end product with ample padding and shock absorption qualities. The material also very flexible, albeit a little itchy for young players. It also lacks the color options of some baseball batting gloves, but the colors this product offers look great.

Guide to Buying the Best Batting Gloves

There’s a lot to take in when selecting a batting glove. Younger players will often focus on the color patterns, while older, more competitive buyers will consider performance-related aspects like shock-absorption, palm padding, grip, breathability, and flexibility.

After purchase, you’ll also want to take care of your gloves to ensure they last for more than a few games.

Luckily, a bit of research will show you precisely what you should look for in a pair of batting gloves.

History of Batting Gloves

A few different people share credit for the invention of the batting glove.

For instance, on September 4, 1964, Ken Harrelson of the Kansas City Athletics wore a golf glove to protect a blister on his hand in a Major League game against the New York Yankees. He went on to hit two home runs in the game, which garnered some attention.

However, Harrelson didn’t necessarily invent batting gloves; other players, including Bobby Thomson of the New York Giants and Larry Doby, the American League’s first African-American player, used them for batting practice. There are even accounts of Lefty O’Doul using a batting glove in 1932 and Hughie Jennings doing the same in 1901.

Therefore, we really don’t know who invented the batting glove, but it rose to prominence because of Irving H. Franklin. Franklin was the founder of the Franklin Sports brand that is all over this list and deserves credit for bringing batting gloves to a mainstream audience. His brand became the official batting glove of Major League Baseball in the late 1980s. His partnership with Philadelphia Phillies’ third baseman and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt is also responsible for bringing batting gloves to every clubhouse in the league.

What Is Shock Absorption?

Absorbing shock is one of the primary jobs of your batting gloves. The gist is that vibrations run down the bat and into your hands whenever you contact the ball.

When you get jammed by an inside pitch, and the ball misses the bat’s sweet spot, the vibrations can be quite severe, causing pain or stinging in the hands.

Bat manufacturers are working hard to reduce the stinging that occurs when you miss the sweet spot, and contemporary batting gloves are also doing their part. For example, Franklin Sports MLB Shok-Sorb Neo Batting Gloves have additional padding in the palms that protects the hands from the pain these vibrations can cause. If you find yourself with sore hands after every game, going with a shock-absorbing batting glove is your best option.

Are Batting Gloves Necessary?

Although most professional players now use batting gloves, they aren’t an essential piece of equipment. You can play baseball without them, although you could see your performance suffer. That’s because batting gloves do a few different jobs for hitters.

For starters, batting gloves are responsible for helping players hold into their bats when taking a swing. When you’re sweating in the summer heat, holding onto the bat can be difficult. A batting glove provides additional grip, so the bat doesn’t go flying out of your hands.

Batting gloves also protect your hands. When taking a swing, there’s a fair amount of friction between your hands and the bat. There’s often tape on the bat, too, which adds to this friction.  Over time, you can develop blisters or abrasions during games. Wearing batting gloves protects your hands from these factors, making the sport more enjoyable.

There’s also the performance factor when using batting gloves. If you’re worried about the sting from a poorly hit ball or more concerned about developing a blister than hitting the ball, it can make you a less effective player.

Using a batting glove allows you to focus on hitting the ball, making you a better player for your team.

Leather or Synthetic?

When looking at batting gloves options, you’ll see that some have a genuine leather construction, while others contain synthetic materials. Generally, there isn’t much difference in how the materials feel, although leather tends to be more durable.

There’s a caveat, though, as thin leather gloves will break down faster than well-made synthetic ones like Seibertron B-A-R PRO 2.0 Signature Baseball/Softball Batting Gloves. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look at glove quality rather than material.

Some players also prefer the natural feel of leather gloves.

The good news is that batting gloves are relatively inexpensive, so you can try a few pairs to determine which material type you like best.

Two Gloves or One?

You might see some professional players wearing only one batting glove when at the plate. There’s no advantage to this choice, as it’s more a matter of personal preference.

As you get used to your batting gloves, try a few different configurations. If you find that you’re more comfortable using one glove, go with it. Otherwise, wearing two gloves is the recommended method when hitting.

Pro Tip: Most gloves come as a pair when you purchase them, but the odd brand sells singles. Make sure you’re buying a pair to avoid disappointment when your order arrives.

Cleaning Your Gloves

The more you play baseball, the dirtier your gloves will get. Therefore, you’ll want to come up with a method of cleaning them without causing premature wear.

As a rule, you should never put your batting gloves in the washing machine. The seams on these gloves tend to be fragile, and a washing machine and the detergent are hard on them. The washing and drying process can also cause leather gloves to shrink.

If you have leather gloves, feel free to use a leather cleaner on them. However, you’ll want to dilute the cleaner before application because batting gloves are thinner than shoes and other items that these products are designed to clean.

You can also use dish soap and a cloth for a surface cleaning on your batting glove. Try an old toothbrush if you have dirt in any crevices, but try to prevent the gloves from getting too wet. In situations where you end up with water on the gloves, wring them out as much as possible and hang them to dry before using them again.

Sliding Gloves

When watching a professional game on television, you might notice that players take their batting gloves off after reaching base. From there, they’ll put a larger glove on one of their hands while base running.

These are called sliding gloves, and they offer additional protection when diving headfirst into a base. Sliding gloves aren’t necessary for recreational players, as headfirst dives are rare, but they’re yet another piece of equipment worth researching.

Wrapping Up

For such a simple product, batting gloves have a lot of different options. Many of these items are customizable to your team’s colors and come in a variety of materials. There are various padding, flexibility, and breathability options, too. Therefore, the choice of which one to go with is never an easy one. All of these products having something in common, though: they’ll protect your hands and help you to hold onto the bat when taking a swing during your next baseball game.