How do I break in my glove?
 
First of all, let us say Thanks for buying Kelley!  Now, with that out of the way, let's talk about glove care.  Let's start with what you should NOT do when breaking your glove in: 

  • Do Not soak your glove in water

  • Do Not bake your glove in the oven

  • Do Not microwave your glove

  • Do Not put any petroleum substances on your glove


     
    All Kelley gloves come pre deep-oiled to help with break-in.  You will notice that your Kelley glove is probably a little more stiff than the ones you pick up in a retail store.  This is because we use thicker/higher grade materials in our products.  By injecting oil during the tanning process, we are helping with the break-in of your glove.  You will not notice this benefit until you start to use your glove and the oil begins to break it in from the inside out!  This method allows us to put the best possible materials into our gloves in order to create a product that will hold its form and last with rigorous play - yet will still be easy to break-in.  You don't have to put any oil on your glove to break it in, however, putting

    Kelley Glovolution

    in the palm/hinge area will help to expedite the process: 
     
    Put a liberal amount of

    Kelley Glovolution

    on the palm area and rub it in. Unlike other oils, Kelley Glovolution will not make your glove heavy. Also rub small amounts of oil into the strings throughout the glove. 
     
    The next step is to work in the hinges. The hinges are what allow the glove to close. To work the hinges, we recommend you do the following:
     
    Put your hand in the glove and begin to close it. You will see the hinges fold near the areas marked above. Once you have found your hinge break-points, remove your glove and begin gently folding it back and forth in these areas. Do this 50 to 75 times or until the hinges feel comfortable to you.
     
    The best and most natural way to form your pocket is to play catch. By doing this, the pocket will become customized to your catching style. Another way you can form your pocket is by pounding the pocket area with your fist. When you do not have time to work with your glove, put a softball in it and wrap it closed.
     
    You should always keep something in your glove when you are not using it. Not only will this help to insure a nice pocket, but it will keep your glove from getting lonely as well!
     
    We have come up with a few things you can do to maintain the look, performance and life of your glove:

    1. clean your glove as often as possible (use a damp cloth)

    2. keep the strings on your glove tight

    3. refrain from throwing your glove

    4. recondition it with Kelley Glovolution once per month

    5. as mentioned before, keep something in the pocket

    6. if you feel your glove starting to dry out, lightly rub some Olive Oil in it

    7. if possible, be selfish with your glove. other users will hamper the custom fit

    8. talk to your glove often. praise it for good work

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