Choosing the right leather for your glove doesn’t have to be complicated, but let’s also avoid picking one just because it has all the fancy colors. Picking a glove that looks turn key without knowing some finer details may leave you with buyers remorse. One of the things we want to factor in when choosing the right leather for your glove is functionality, durability, what position you play, and then customization.
Cowhide Ball Glove Leather
One option is our cowhide leather glove. This leather has been the top choice for decades. It’s primarily used in all positions, mainly for its extreme durability. Full grain leather is primarily steerhide or cowhide which is the toughest leather to break in due its heavier weight and age of the cattle.
The break-in process may take some time, but once its form-fitted to your hand you’re ready to gobble up anything that comes your way. This leather will stand the test of time and be very rewarding once broken in. It is still among some of the most popular gloves by professionals.
Japanese Kip For Baseball Gloves
Our second choice is Kip or Kipskin leather. It has become one of the most popular leathers because of its smooth appearance, softer texture while still maintaining its pro performance.
Although this leather is softer and more easily broken in, it is still a premium leather from a younger calf which gives it its unique soft yet durable feel. This glove is widely used by infielders and outfielders because of its light weight, smoother feel, while still maintaining its durability. We would recommend this leather from adults to even stronger youth players.
Customizing Custom Leather Baseball Gloves
Both types of gloves have a wide array of color customizations, from the binding, pocket, web, lacing, and stitching. If you have the time to break-in a glove, you can’t go wrong with a cowhide leather glove that may be in your price range.
If you have a little more in your budget and the serious baseball player then I would go with the Kip leather for its professional look and feel. Either way, both leathers serve their purpose.
Find what works best for YOU.