New Balance to Continue with 4 of 8 Umpire Shoe Models
May 16th, 2022
It has been a difficult year for umpires to find New Balance umpire plate and base shoes. Factory shutdowns last fall cascaded to cause delays that are stretching through mid-2022.
In order to get back on track with an adequate supply of plate and base shoes for umpires late 2022 and beyond, New Balance is cutting some styles to insure there is capacity for continuing models.
COntinuing Styles
Styles that will continue for NB include MID-CUT plate shoes and LOW-CUT base shoes. Both styles will continue to include all-black and white "N" logo options.
Discontinued Styles
However, NB will no longer manufacture LOW-CUT plate shoes and MID-CUT base shoes moving forward.
Limited Stock Available on Discontinued Models
Limited stock of the discontinued styles continue to be available here at the present time. We recommend if you prefer these styles that you look for your size availability and grab now before they are gone.
NB had shared with us they had been considering this difficult decision and allowed us input. We had hoped they would keep 1 low-cut plate option and 1 mid-cut base option.
Stock Arriving Later on Continuing Styles
While we didn't get exactly what we wanted, we are grateful for NB’s ongoing commitment to umpires. More of the popular mid-cut plate and low-cut base shoe models should be available late 2022 and fully stocked by 2023.
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About the Author
President Jim Kirk
Jim is a leading expert, educator and author on umpire gear, safety & appearance. After playing baseball at Centre College, he worked as a high school umpire. He became involved in E-Commerce while working on an MBA in the early 2000s and bought Ump-Attire.com in 2006, He eventually led it to the leading umpire gear & attire retailer worldwide, a “Best Places to Work in Louisville” honor in 2020 & 2021 and a National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Preferred Vendor. He maintained a long-standing relationship with Minor League Baseball Umpire Development & Training Academy for 10 years. He serves as an adviser to UMPS CARE Charities, the charity of MLB umpires, served as a 2-term board of director from 2012-2018, and was named their 2015 Ambassador Award recipient. A supporter since the inception of the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy, he was named to their Board of Directors in 2020.
Comments
This is unfortunate news as I use the mid-cut black and white base shoe for officiating football. Have been for years. I hope they bring it back. I know many others that use the shoe.
- Comment by Michael Wheeler
- Sep 1, 2022
ReplyNew Balance discontinuing LOW-CUT plate shoe will force me to find another brand, unfortunately.
- Comment by Blake Hensley
- Jun 20, 2022
Reply