How to Break In a Glove In 7 Easy Steps

For decades, Wilson Master Glove Craftsman Shigeaki Aso has perfected his glove break-in method. Learn how to break in your baseball glove quickly and easily with these 7 steps. 

BASEBALL GLOVE BREAK-IN WITH ASO SAN

Step I: Warm up some water

Get warm water (warm - not boiling) – pour it into the pocket/palm of the glove with the finger side up to ensure water doesn’t get inside the finger stalls. The water will make it easier to stretch the leather, allowing you to shape the glove more effectively.

Step II: Positon the glove 

Position the glove with the back fingers facing your chest and pointing up. Grasp it by the thumb and pinky and squeeze, jockeying each side back-and-forth. This makes the heel pad softer, getting it one step closer to game-ready.

Step III: Stretch it out

Take the glove by the top of the pinky and thumb and stretch it out. The finger tops and web lace will stretch, but will slightly return to its original state once dry. If you do not like loose finger top lace, don’t pull too much during this step.

Step IV: Form the pocket with a mallet

Open the glove and, using your mallet, begin to form your pocket. Take into account what position you play and whether you prefer a deep or shallow pocket before beginning this process. Form the pocket where you want to be catching the ball.

Step V: Pound

Close your glove and begin pounding it with your mallet on the thumb side around the W logo, shifting the glove back and forth. Then, flip your glove and fold the pinkie side and pound from the back, establishing your break points so it’s easier to open and close the glove.

(Optional) Step VI: Loosen the web top laces

 Form an ‘S’ shape with the web top and squeeze down for five to six seconds. It will be easier to close the glove if you fold the web top. This helps loosen the web top laces, making it even easier for your glove to close just the way you want it to.

Step VII: Test it out

 Play catch to finish the break-in process.

Want to see Aso’s glove break-in process in action? Check out the full video above.

Updated September 7, 2022