Different Types of Leather Used in Gloves

Full Grain Leather

Full grain refers to the full, unadulterated hide in its natural form. Simply put, its the best you can get. You will find the glove to be stiffer and heavier than other leather gloves, with a longer break in time. However once broken in produce better performance and durability.

- Rawlings Sandlot (Shell)

- Wilson A700

- Mizuno Premier (Shell)

Kip Leather

Kip Leather is stronger, smoother and more durable than other types of leather. It is also light weight making it perfect for high end baseball gloves. These gloves tend to have a much shorter break in time compared to full grain leather.

- Rawlings Pro Preferred

Cow Hide

Also known as all-leather it is the most common type used in baseball mitts. It can be dyed in many different colours. Cow hide has a medium weight and relatively quick break in, but can wear out quickly. Great for all-round and youth players.

- Rawlings R9

- Wilson A500

- Mizuno Select

- Marucci Oxbow

Premium Steer Hide

Expect a long break in with steer hide. It is a premium material used in pro-level gloves. Steer hide is stiffer, heavier and more durable than other types of leather.

- Wilson A2000 

- Rawlings Heart of the Hide 

- Mizuno Pro

- Marucci Cypress

Baseball and Softball gloves are made up of different parts, including the web, fingers, heel, palm and more. Together these components make up the different reasons that make some gloves better than others. Also in use are synthetic materials which we have not covered here.