The best softball gloves are made of high quality leather which, from the factory, is very stiff and difficult to play with. For decades, players have applied oils to their gloves and implemented time-tested techniques that help to soften and break in the leather until it is malleable and easy to use.
Glove Conditioner or Oil
Glove conditioners contain leather oils that penetrate your glove to make it supple and flexible. The best conditioner to use is a dedicated baseball glove conditioner that is specially designed for your glove's leather type --- either top, premium or full-grain. Alternatives to glove conditioners are lanolin oil, made from sheep wool, and shaving cream, which softens your glove leather in the same way that it softens your skin before shaving.
Clean Rags
Clean rags are required to apply your glove conditioner or oil. Using dirty rags can impart debris and dirt into the leather, which can damage it and reduce its lifespan. Apply a small dose of glove conditioner to your rag and begin working it into the glove, starting in the middle and working your way out. Apply conditioner, using the rag, to all sides and surfaces of the glove. Finish by using a fresh, clean rag to wipe off any excess conditioner, oil or shaving cream.
Rubber Band and Ball
After you have conditioned your glove, use a rubber band and a softball to start to form the pocket of your glove. A glove that is broken in properly will form a softball sized gap inside the glove, when you close it. To form the pocket, place a softball in the glove and wrap a rubber band around the glove to keep it shut. Store the glove in a cool dry place.
Practice
The most powerful technique you can use to break in your softball glove, is regular practice. Regular catching helps break in your glove in the two most important ways. First, the impact of the ball beats the stiffness out of the leather, causing it to stretch and soften. Second, repetitive catches help form the glove's pocket. Eventually, the ball will pop into its spot in the glove automatically, reducing dropped balls and making catches easier.
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