In a sport that prides itself on being America’s pastime, most of the companies representing the baseball have abandoned American manufacturing. Nokona baseball gloves are one of the few glove companies that can say they are American Made.
The Nokona Classic Walnut glove is offered in 11.5″, 12″ and 12.75″. I went with the 12.75″ since I’ll be using the glove for baseball and softball. I’m sure most that use the glove strictly for baseball would prefer the 11.5″ or 12″ glove.
The fit is great, and when trying on several different gloves from multiple companies, it was clear the quality of leather used in the Nokonas is superior. The break-in time took a bit longer than cheaper gloves I’ve had, but that is expected. There are some extra holes drilled into the wrist closure, and I used them to re-lace the glove to be a snugger fit around my wrist.
I’ve been using the glove for a few months of moderate use and I can tell that it will be a glove I’ll have for many years to come. The performance and materials are perfect, the look is timeless and the sound of the ball hitting the sweet spot has the familiar ‘pop’ sound that Nokona’s crunch leather has been known to have.
From Nokona’s website: Since 1934, Nokona has been producing ball gloves for America’s pastime right here in the United States. Made with top-grain American hides provided by American ranchers, our leathers are tanned in the USA to Nokona’s specifications. This ensures that the highest American and Nokona standards are met so that you can wear your glove with great confidence and pride. Nokona gloves are still produced in the very same small town in Texas, in the original 100+ year-old building where Nokona all started. They are made by Americans who carefully cut, stamp, stitch, lace, and embroider each glove by hand. Each Nokona has its own unique identity and feel, based on the careful selection of leather per part and its hand-crafted construction. Nokona puts classic American workmanship into every glove, using special techniques developed over the past 77 years.
