BREAKING IN A GLOVE

Here's a short video that will help you visualize an effective break-in method in four easy steps. The video demonstrates our custom designed Glove Care Kit that we offer with every glove purchase for only $29.99.

The best way to break in a glove is to use glove oil.  Manufacturers have glove oil specifically made for the types of leather that they use.  Glove oil keeps the leather “alive” while providing a softening condition and minimizing weight gain.  Apply a small amount of glove oil to a sponge or cloth, then use the sponge or cloth to apply the oil to the areas of the glove that are currently firm. Start with the palm, the break point of the glove and then web.  Then use the glove oil on all other parts of the glove including the palm, fingers, laces, and backside of the glove to help moisturize and protect the leather.  Work the glove oil into the leather evenly.  Do not apply the glove oil directly to the glove, as it will be too concentrated at the point of application.  Also, make sure that the laces get oiled so they can stay moisturized so they will not dry and begin to crack. Otherwise, the webbing of the glove will come loose.  Remember that leather is skin and leather experts tell us not to treat glove leather any differently than you would your own skin. Therefore prolonged harsh temperatures (oven, microwave) excessive water soaking, especially use of hot water, abrasives, the salt and acids produced from perspiration and excessive dryness all or individually can be harmful to the glove leather.  You may also use this method and substitute glove oil for shaving cream with lanolin.  Once the leather is conditioned, you need to break the glove in.  The best way to do this is to just play catch with it.  A mallet will help because it simulates catching the ball in the pocket.  This will also help you speed up the break-in time because it can be done anywhere.  Continue to play catch and use the mallet until the glove fits your taste.  Once this is finished, you will have a glove that is game ready.  To help keep the shape of the glove, we recommend wrapping a shaping ball into the pocket when traveling or storing the glove.  This will help prolong the life of the glove from season to season.

Important Points to Remember:

• Excessive glove conditioner/oil will damage and shorten the life of a new glove.
• Allow the glove oil to absorb into the leather for 24 hours while wrapped around a shaping ball.
• Play catch daily until the glove is ready for game play.
• Use the glove oil sparingly, use can always add more.
• At the end of the season, apply glove oil very lightly to keep your glove from becoming brittle.
• Store your glove in a dry place with a shaping ball in the pocket to maintain the form.
• Never put your glove in an oven or microwave, the heat can damage the fibers of the leather.
• Do not use neat’s-foot oil, linseed oil or silicon-type spray, these tend to close the pores of the leather, causing it to dry, harden and become heavy.
• Do not apply the glove oil directly to the glove, as it will be too concentrated at the point of application, apply to a cloth first.
• Water will cause the leather to eventually dry out, crack and the laces to become brittle.
• A glove that is troublesome breaking in, usually means that the leather is very high quality.
• Using a mallet simulates catching a ball in the pocket and will help speed up the break-in time.