There is a lot written on the internet about baseball glove care. Much of it is wrong, for example, the clogging of leather pores with conditioning agents. The general theme is that the "conditioner" blocks the ability of the leather to breath. So let's take a look at the science of it.
To answer the question directly --- the right glove oil chemistry does not clog leather pores. However, a heavy, viscous chemistry can. For example, Vaseline slathered across a piece of leather will NOT soak in, but just sit on the surface. All it does is add weight to the glove and block the leather (skin) from breathing. So, you end up with a greasy, gloppy mess that does in fact block pores.
A good starting point is to ask: Why does leather need regular glove oil anyway?
Here's some background: Leather has natural moisturizing agents that have been infused into the leather at the tannery. This is what makes the leather pliable, not stiff as wood. A average of 25% of the leather's mass is moisture. Because leather is porous, it breathes. So, it loses moisture through evaporation. As leather loses moisture, it stiffens and actually can shrink (loses mass). Therefore, it's important for the long term life of glove leather, to keep the leather moisture content at the proper level. This is accomplished by using a properly chemically engineered glove oil.
What then is the right chemistry for a leather glove?
A baseball glove oil should have the following attributes:
1. A softening agent that the leather will absorb is essential. If it doesn't soak in then it's useless. The glove oil should be absorbed deeply, migrate into the internal leather fibers, not just the surface.
2. Baseball glove oil should be engineered specifically for baseball glove leather, not cross marketed from other intended uses. There are many different types of leather. How the leather is tanned (processed) at a tannery determines its characteristics. The products developed for treating that leather, once in the hands of a consumer, should take that into consideration.
3. It should be made with quality ingredients that will have long lasting, positive effects on leather.
4. Glove oil should be pH balanced to the leather. If it isn't, then it can actually be harmful, (i.e. saddle soap) break down the leather, shortening the life of the leather. More on this point in another post.
5. It should be easy to apply and creamy in texture so you can see it as you apply it.
6. It should NOT leave a sticky or oily residue on the leather.
7. A thin coating of glove oil should dissipate into the leather rapidly.
8. It should leave a smooth, leather-like feel to the glove after it has been applied.
9. It should have a pleasant, new leather aroma.
These are the attributes Advanced Leather Solutions engineered into Mitt-Spit Glove oil. With 35 years experience working with leather as a leather restoration company, Advanced Leather Solutions know what's good for leather and what can be harmful. We understand the chemical engineering behind quality leather care products and have applied this knowledge to Mitt-Spit Solutions, a whole class of products that you can count on for the long term vitality of your baseball glove. Go to Mitt-Spit Products to buy the correct products for your glove.