Softball Equipment

Mens softball equipment

Whether you play fastpitch softball or slowpitch softball, having the best softball equipment is necessary for a successful season. On this page, you'll find a complete list including brief summaries and reviews of the most important pieces of equipment for softball players of all levels.

Best Softball Equipment

In this artcile, we will cover the basic equipment every softball player should be wearing while playing the sport.

• Bat
• Gloves
• Uniform (Shirt, Pants, Socks and Cleats)

2024 Slowpitch Softball bats

What are the best softball bats, you ask? After talking with thousands of players, coaches and parents, the Nxtrnd team has come up with the ultimate list of the best slowpitch bats for the upcoming season. 

Whether you're looking for a balanced bat or for an end loaded model, we've got you covered with many different options.

1. DeMarini Nautalai Slow Pitch Softball Bat
2. Miken Last Call Slow Pitch Softball Bat
3. Easton Fire Flex CXN Slow Pitch Softball Bat

The Best Softball Bat

DeMarini Nautalai

Being balanced enough for a wide variety of hitters to use it, the DeMarini is the best of both worlds. Extremely durable and perfectly weighed, this bat still packs the punch a lot of heavy hitters are looking for in their bat.

Miken Last Call (MLC12U)

The Last Call is a true testament to how great Miken Bats has been over the years. Featuring a 12 inch barrel length and a 1/2 ounce end load, this model is a great option for all types of hitters.

Easton Fire Flex

The new and improved Easton Fire Flex is back and better than ever. If you owned the CXN a few years back and loved it, then the new Fire Flex is for you! Featuring a two piece composite model packed with Easton tech, this bat's connection point between the barrel and handle, and insanely large hitting surface will allow a one-of-a-kind feel when swinging.  

Men's Softball Glove

Since softballs are bigger in size than baseball gloves, softball gloves must be larger and longer than traditional baseball gloves. When stepping on the field, having the right mitt is crucial to winning a game and having a good time.

If you're new to the sport or are looking for a new glove this season, you may be wondering what softball glove to select?

We have you covered with our curated list of the best softball gloves.

1. Nokona X2 Buckaroo 13" Slow Pitch Softball Glove
2. Rawlings Player Preferred 14" Slow Pitch Softball Glove
3. Shoeless Joe Professional Series 14" Softball Glove

Best men's Softball Glove

Nokona X2 Buckaroo 13"

Nokona gloves are hard to beat. Sized at 13" and featuring a fully closed web, the X2 can be used in nearly every position and is an excellent option for both infield and outfield.

Pros:

• Composite padding system provides superior protection
• 2 Year Manufacturers Warranty
• Lightweight, Durable and Comfortable

Cons:

• None

Rawlings Player Preferred 14"

For the price, you can't go wrong with the Rawlings Player Preferred Gloves. This glove is under $100 and is one of the most highly rated gloves available with hundreds of five-star reviews. The Player Preferred Softball glove features an adjustable pull strap back, a basket web with support strap and a zero shock palm for high impact protection,

Pros:

• Very Durable
• No Fitting Adjustments Needed
• The Gloves Come Semi Broke-In
• The Basket Doesn't let anything come out

Cons:

• The Lacing can feel slightly loose

Shoeless Joe Professional Series 14"

These gloves are some of the most unique designs in the game today. Featuring a special-aged antique tobacco leather that increases the feel, style, and smell of the gloves. The Shoeless Joe Gloves also requires minimal break-in and arrives ready to play with a 14 inch size and H-web design. 

Pros:

• Ready to use out of the packaging
• Unique design
• Very comfortable for larger hands

Cons:

• Not the most padding

Best softball socks

In the article below, we will not only review the best softball socks, but we will also explain everything you need to know on how to choose softball socks - including materials and construction, style and technology.

What are the best softball socks?

The best softball socks should fit snugly and stay in place without being too tight that cuts off your blood flow. Some players may prefer over-the-calf styles while others may go for crew length or lower cuts.

Even though your cleats offer a certain level of protection, the best softball socks will be engineered with strategic cushioning to ensure optimal comfort at all times. In addition, these socks should be made of materials containing added spandex to allow enough stretch to fit a wide variety of sizes.

1. XTD Scrunch Sock
2. Adidas Rivalry Sock
3. UA Over-The-Calf Sock

Best Softball Sock: XTD Padded Scrunch Sock

Made of moisture wicking yarns, the XTD Over-the-Calf Softball Socks are designed to keep your feet cool and dry as you work up a sweat. Thanks to their unique scrunch sock design, these socks will stay up on your leg no matter the intensity of play. 

Key Features:

• Scrunch Benefits – The "Scrunching" of the socks prevents them from slipping down while you run, allowing you to focus on your game.
• Made For Cleats – The ankle padding protects your ankles against blisters caused by thin cleat collars. The ribbed underfoot increases the socks grip and foot stability.
• Improved Comfort – The socks also come with a mesh top of foot for more breathability, a cushioned heel and toe for a comfortable fit, and added arch support to counter foot fatigue.

OTC Sock

Another good over-the-calf style sock is the OTC by Nxtrnd. This sock contains a mesh knit for added breathability and temperature regulation. Furthermore, the sock features added support around the ankle area for enhanced stability.

Key Features:

• Targeted cushioning on the footbed provides shock absorption
• Arch and ankle compression offer added stability
• Available in 10 colors

UA Softball Sock

The Under Armour Over-the-Calf sock keeps odors at bay thanks to a unique nylon material blend that is moisture-wicking and odor blocking. The socks feature a lightweight knit construction designed to be soft, breathable and quick drying.

Key Features:

• Dynamic arch support helps minimize foot fatigue
• The footbed is fully cushioned
• Ventilation channels increase breathability

How tall are softball socks?

The right length for your softball socks is one part function and one part personal preference. Some players prefer to wear socks that finish below the knee, while other players prefer their socks to arrive just over the knee. The right length is one that will allow the player to run most freely without discomfort.

How do you wear softball socks?

The right style of wearing softball socks is crucial for your comfort and look. You've probably noticed that different players wear them in different ways, which is why we're giving you these top tips on how to wear your softball socks to maximize your performance.

1. Over the Knees
2. Below the Knees
3. Socks and Sleeves

Over the knee socks

This type of sock eliminates the risk of socks falling down and offers more skin protection. In addition, over the knee socks are best for playing in freezing temperatures since they help keep the knee joint warm thus mitigating possible injuries.

Below the knee socks

Players wear socks below the knee for maximal knee flexibility which is essential for increased performance and also allows more comfort. Some players use tape to fix the socks to the shins so they stay in place the whole game.

Socks and Sleeves

Having become increasingly popular in recent years because of the unique scrunch/layered look, the combination of short socks and cut-off long socks connected together by tape is one of the most thoughtful methods to wear socks.

For this reason, Nxtrnd specifically designed the XTD Sock. No more cut-off long socks or additional leg sleeve purchases. The XTD sock is a long padded sock that measures 34" when fully extended.

The extended length allows the sock to collapse and scrunch over itself, remaining high on the leg. In fact, since the socks are worn "scrunched", it will not fall down the leg while running but will remain comfortable and protective at all times.