Reebok FM to NB MU460 - First Impressions

[Mike Prince]

I've used Reebok all-black plate shoes since I started umpiring in 2009. I've always been happy with them in just about every way. But this spring I have started getting some aches and pains after plate games and my best guess is because these shoes have at least a few hundred plate games on them and they have lost some of their cushioning ability. So, the choices I saw were to get another pair of Reeboks or go for a pair of New Balance plates. I originally bought the Reeboks after reading reviews that they were more comfortable and fit truer to size than the MU450's. But, it sounded like this was all fixed in the 460, so I bought a pair from Ump-Attire (thanks U-E premium member discount!) and they arrived today.

Below are my initial thoughts based on a quick trying-on in my office to make sure they fit correctly. After that they went to the gear vault (my car) so I could wear them tonight for a 9U plate (and before my wife gets home from work:))

Fit: This was the hardest part for me because there's a lot of conflicting information on how these fit and I didn't have the benefit of being able to try them on anywhere. I wear a 13D in the Reeboks which fit perfectly; unfortunately I just bought a pair of NB sneakers that I had to size up to a 14 on which didn't make this any easier. I ended up getting a 13EE in the 460's, and IMO they are perfect. I wear Thoro-lo boot socks on the field (which are pretty thick) and the NB's felt just right. If anything I may not have needed the extra width but I think I'll be glad I have it. The toe box is very roomy (more than the Reeboks even). If you are buying these, I'd think twice about sizing up. It appears that these run true to size now.

Comfort: I remember when I got the Reeboks they felt like slippers. These feel better. Not an apples to apples comparison I suppose because the Reebok's are low-cut and these are high-cut, but overall the NB's are extremely comfortable. The collar area is well padded and relatively soft - I felt no discomfort, even in my stance. As mentioned earlier the wide toe box is great, I felt no pressure points.

Construction: I have found that the Reebok "nubbed" soles are not the greatest for some of the dusty fields I work around here, I find myself struggling for footing at times in my wide stance (I am 6'4", 9U/10U ball can be somewhat of a challenge). Plus they clog with mud very easily and the nubs wear very quickly. The NB sole is more like a cross-country running shoe with deep grooves - seems like this will work better on a variety of surfaces and wear better. One thing I noticed is that the NB's look like they are made of plastic - there is a pebbled finish on the leather that is very glossy. The Reebok's look like "real" leather. At a quick glance the Reebok seems like a higher quality shoe from a looks/feel perspective, the NB has far fewer seams and panels (I have had to have my Reeboks repaired as some stitching broke). Other observations:

• Heel Counter - Reebok is nice and solid, the NB feels like it will break down as it is quite pliable out of the box. There's a small MLB logo on the NB heel, a large "Reebok" script on my other shoes . I have a bigger MLB logo on the Reebok met guard, so this doesn't really bother me.
  
• Toe - Reebok is composite, NB is steel (so I've read) and it feels more substantial. I've had a few Reebok toe shots that were painful. This was one reason I went with NB this time.
  
• Metatarsal guard - NB seems like it will "droop" over the toe a bit like the Reebok, will have to see if there is a different way to lace them. Attachment to the shoe is via a thick nylon strap that runs the length of the met guard, seems a bit more solid than the Reebok. Inner padding of met guard is covered with black vinyl on Reebok, grey/white mesh on the NB - I foresee that being a dirt sponge. Plate on NB seems to conform to the shoe a bit better and seems a bit longer, less "flare" than on Reeboks. A big "N" is stiched into the NB met guard.
  
• Laces - seemed to be proper length on the NB, I have a spare set of boot laces in the bag for when they break (tonight or Saturday). If I can get to my game early enough tonight I will replace them pre-game.
  
• Eyelets - appeared to all be metal-reinforced, the Reebok eyelets are not reinforced with metal
  
• Tongue - thick on the Reebok (a great feature of the shoe), also thick on the NB until you get to the TOP and it thins out and feels very "plasticky".
  
• Cleaning - other than the underside of the metatarsal guard, these look like they will be way easier to clean than the Reeboks, far less nooks and crannies. Up around the laces is thick nylon mesh, we'll see how much dirt that picks up. I am hoping the glossy finish of the NB is easy to keep clean with Murphy's and some hairspray.
  
• Shine - as mentioned these are shiny out of the box. Unfair to compare them to my Reeboks in their 4th season, but the NB's seem to be "blacker". I got the version with the black "N" so other than the small heel logo there is nothing else really visible.
  
• Pull strap - like my Reebok mid-cut base shoes, these have a pull tab on the heel to catch my pants. I will probably cut these off after tonight's game.
  
• Insoles - Removable on the Reebok, they look non-removable on the NB's
  

Protection: Maybe it's the mid-cut construction, but the NB feel like they will offer a bit more protection than the Reeboks (aside from the obvious addition of ankle protection). I will probably find out tonight as I get assaulted by 9U pitchers, catchers and batters.

Price: They are both not cheap. Reeboks can be had for well under $100 pretty routinely now that they have been out there in this design for several years, the best price I saw on the 460's was $99. I got mine from Ump-Attire and with my U-E discount paid $103. Think I paid $114.99 for my Reeboks in 2009.

Hopefully this helps someone who is looking for new plate shoes and is wondering about these or how they fit. I will update this as I get some games on the shoes. I've not tried on or owned any other plate shoes other than my Reebok's, so unfortunately I cannot provide more points of comparison.

[Welpe]

Fit: This was the hardest part for me because there's a lot of conflicting information on how these fit and I didn't have the benefit of being able to try them on anywhere. I wear a 13D in the Reeboks which fit perfectly; unfortunately I just bought a pair of NB sneakers that I had to size up to a 14 on which didn't make this any easier. I ended up getting a 13EE in the 460's, and IMO they are perfect. I wear Thoro-lo boot socks on the field (which are pretty thick) and the NB's felt just right. If anything I may not have needed the extra width but I think I'll be glad I have it. The toe box is very roomy (more than the Reeboks even). If you are buying these, I'd think twice about sizing up. It appears that these run true to size now.

I went with my usual formula of regular size with 4E width for NB shoes (I wear a D for everything else!) and the fit was excellent. Good choice on going wider but staying with the same length.

Metatarsal guard - I foresee that being a dirt sponge.

It is, but not a big deal.

Laces - seemed to be proper length on the NB, I have a spare set of boot laces in the bag for when they break (tonight or Saturday).

I did not have the 450s but the laces on the 460s have held up well for me over 10 or so plates and seem to be of good construction. I've checked them for stress knowing of the 450 issues and haven't seen any.

Cleaning - other than the underside of the metatarsal guard, these look like they will be way easier to clean than the Reeboks, far less nooks and crannies. Up around the laces is thick nylon mesh, we'll see how much dirt that picks up. I am hoping the glossy finish of the NB is easy to keep clean with Murphy's and some hairspray.

I clean mine with a 1:10 mixture of murphy's : water and a damp microfiber cloth. Easy clean up and they shine up fast with just a silicone sponge. You will enjoy how easy they are to clean, even the cloth parts.

[Mike Prince]

My partner helped me out last night by forgetting his cup so I did 2 plates. No issues with the shoes whatsoever, quite comfortable and light. Didn't take any toe shots of consequence.

Re-laced the shoes to pull the met plate up just a little bit more.

Very happy with this purchase.

[midmoump]

My MU460s lasted about 40 college games. A catcher stepped on the Met guard and put a nice gash in it. Before I set them aside I was hit on the toe with a foul ball and discovered that the composite toe box is NOT very protective. There is just no substitute for steel.

Pete

[Thunderheads]

My MU460s lasted about 40 college games. A catcher stepped on the Met guard and put a nice gash in it. Before I set them aside I was hit on the toe with a foul ball and discovered that the composite toe box is NOT very protective. There is just no substitute for steel.

Pete

WOW!!!!!!!!!

[Mike Prince]

My MU460s lasted about 40 college games. A catcher stepped on the Met guard and put a nice gash in it. Before I set them aside I was hit on the toe with a foul ball and discovered that the composite toe box is NOT very protective. There is just no substitute for steel.

Pete

Interesting Pete, your review was one that guided my decision to buy the MU460's. So when are you going to change this and update your review?:

Fair or Foul?

There are a lot of things to like about the New Balance MU460 Umpire Plate Shoes. They are more comfortable than either the New Balance MU450s or the Reebok Field Magistrate. The MU460 also offers superior metatarsal protection, an all steel toe box, and the price is competitive to the Reebok Field Magistrate. My call is absolutely Fair!

[Welpe]

Well that is interesting. Who is making a steel toed plate shoe these days?

[Mike Prince]

New Balance's web page says the MU460's have steel toes.

[Mike Prince]

Pete seeing you've set your 460's aside you could take them to the bandsaw in the name of product research...then there will be no mystery as to what's inside!

[midmoump]

Hmmm... New Balance's advertising claims an all steel toe box. My big toe claims otherwise. It surprised me.

Nautilus makes a plate shoe with a steel toe box that is used in the big leagues. That may be my next purchase.

Let me think about cutting the MU460 open. It would be interesting.

Pete