Mitt Myth Bustin’ Blog

From the Leather Experts at Advanced Leather Solutions

Kevin Gillan 6/6/23 Kevin Gillan 6/6/23

Again with the myths people have come up with to break-in a glove.

Microwaves are for popcorn, not your A2000. From baking gloves in the oven to running them over with a truck, players have tried every "hack" imaginable to skip the break-in process. The problem? These methods work by destroying the leather rather than conditioning it. Extreme heat cooks the internal collagen protein, while water dunking washes away the tanning liquors that keep the hide flexible.

The result is a glove that feels soft today but turns brittle and tears tomorrow. In this article, Advanced Leather Solutions debunks the most dangerous break-in myths and explains the correct mechanical and chemical approach to shaping your pocket without sacrificing the structural integrity of the leather.

This is an email just received:

“Thanks Kevin! So far it is surprisingly doing the trick. Such a paradigm shift from hitting it with a mallet after drenching it in hot water .”

Let me dive a little deeper, parsing this brief email:

“…surprisingly doing the trick.” It’s no surprise to me that it’s working. We understand the science of leather so I know it works. It’s the nature of the chemistry to render a more supple leather after being treated. As leather experts we understand what works and what’s a joke. It’s simple, fast and yes, as noted does the trick. The only downside is so few people know about it. I can’t afford a giant marketing budget so this hidden gem, Mitt-Spit Break-In, is a product that actually performs as advertised yet so few people know about it. Help me spread the word.
“… hitting it with a mallet.” It is true, leather is really tough and can take a beating. Pounding the crap out of the glove takes a lot of energy for little real benefit. It’s hard to damage the leather by thumping it a bunch. It’s just not doing the leather much good. It’s the caveman approach when the science of leather has produced a more effective solution - Mitt-Spit Break-In.
.”… drenching it in hot water.” Now we’re over the edge. Hot water will have the exact opposite effect!! The leather will be permanently damaged with hot water. a.) The heat will cause the internal leather fibers to shrink. b.) The water will cause a pH reaction as the pH of the leather (acidic) and the pH of the water (typically alkaline) interact with a chemical reaction that causes the breakdown of the internal fiber structure. In a simple word, it causes the leather to rot. c.). As the wet glove dries, it will shrink and pucker, particularly along the seams. Leather shrinks if it gets wet. So the glove may lose its intended shape.

So yes Mitt-Spit break-in works. Whereas hitting it with a mallet is a lot of work with little pay off and soaking it with hot water damages the leather and will shorten the life of the glove.

Glove manufacturers should apply Mitt-Spit break-in at the factory so when the new glove is purchased, it is already broken in. What a novel idea!!