Shop our range of fastpitch softball catchers mitts for junior, youth and adult players from leading brands including Rawlings, Wilson, Mizuno and All-Star.
Designed for receiving fastpitch softballs, these specialist mitts feature deep pockets, reinforced padding and construction suited to the demands of catching.
Whether you're looking for a lightweight youth softball catchers mitt that's easy to close or a premium leather model for competitive play, Red Stitches offers a selection of sizes, leather qualities and throwing-hand options to suit developing and experienced catchers.
Choosing the Right Softball Catchers Mitt
A softball catchers mitt is designed to handle repeated pitches while providing a secure pocket for receiving and controlling the ball.
Unlike regular fielding gloves, catchers mitts have a rounded shape, additional padding and a deeper pocket designed specifically for catching.
Fastpitch softball catchers mitts are constructed to accommodate the larger softball, with pocket designs and hand-fitting options that differ from many baseball catchers mitts.
Choosing the right mitt depends on the player's hand size, experience, catching technique and level of competition.
What Size Softball Catchers Mitt Do You Need?
Catchers mitts are measured around their circumference rather than from the heel to the top of the index finger, as with regular fielding gloves.
Softball catchers mitts commonly range from approximately 32 to 34 inches.
| Player | Typical Mitt Size |
|---|---|
| Young junior catchers | 31–32 inches |
| Developing junior catchers | 32–32.5 inches |
| Older junior and teenage catchers | 32.5–33 inches |
| Adult and experienced catchers | 33–34 inches |
These sizes are general guidelines. Hand fit, pocket design and the ability to close the mitt comfortably are more important than choosing a size based on age alone.
Youth Softball Catchers Mitts
Younger players benefit from catchers mitts with smaller hand openings, softer materials and manageable break-in requirements.
Models such as the Wilson A500 Siren and Mizuno Prospect are designed with developing players in mind.
A youth mitt should be comfortable, easy to control and flexible enough for the catcher to close securely around the softball.
Choosing a mitt that is too large or too stiff can make catching more difficult, particularly for players who are still developing their receiving technique.
Intermediate and Premium Fastpitch Catchers Mitts
As catchers progress into higher levels of softball, they may prefer mitts with more structured leather, additional padding and greater long-term durability.
Intermediate models such as the Rawlings R9 and Liberty Advanced provide options for players seeking improved construction and performance.
Premium mitts, including Rawlings Heart of the Hide and selected All-Star models, are designed for experienced catchers who want high-quality leather and a mitt capable of maintaining its shape through regular competition.
Premium leather mitts generally require more break-in time but can provide excellent durability when properly maintained.
Narrow-Fit Softball Catchers Mitts
Hand fit is particularly important for softball catchers.
Some mitts feature narrower hand openings or adjustable wrist closures to provide a more secure fit for players with smaller hands.
A narrow-fit catchers mitt can be useful for teenage and adult players who need a full-size catching pocket but find standard hand openings too large.
A properly fitted mitt should feel secure on the catching hand without restricting movement or making it difficult to close.
Softball vs Baseball Catchers Mitts
Although baseball and softball catchers mitts have similar rounded designs, they are not necessarily interchangeable.
Softball catchers mitts are generally designed with pocket shapes suited to the larger softball, while baseball mitts are constructed around the smaller baseball.
The ideal pocket depth, glove closure and hand fit may also differ.
For regular fastpitch softball, we recommend choosing a mitt specifically designed for softball rather than relying solely on the size of a baseball catchers mitt.
Breaking In a Softball Catchers Mitt
A new catchers mitt should be broken in gradually to develop a secure pocket and comfortable closure.
Softer youth and intermediate models may require relatively little break-in, while premium leather mitts can take considerably longer to develop their final shape.
Playing catch, using a glove mallet and carefully working the appropriate hinge areas are effective ways to break in a mitt.
Avoid soaking the mitt in water, excessive heat or aggressive methods that may damage the leather and laces.
Right-Hand and Left-Hand Throw Softball Catchers Mitts
A right-hand throw (RHT) mitt is worn on the left hand, allowing the player to throw with their right hand.
A left-hand throw (LHT) mitt is worn on the right hand for players who throw left-handed.
Check the throwing-hand selection when choosing your mitt, particularly when purchasing for a junior player.
Shop Softball Catchers Mitts in Australia
Red Stitches stocks softball catchers mitts for players of all ages and experience levels, from junior club softball through to competitive fastpitch.
Browse our range online or visit our Thornleigh store for advice on mitt sizing, hand fit, leather quality and choosing the right model.
Explore our complete softball glove collection, baseball catchers mitts and glove care accessories for additional equipment and advice.