Toe Shot

[JimKirk]

Guys,

I apologize to all of you for not providing the proper information on the MU460 product description. The plates on the New Balance shoes are NOT steel toe. We take great pride in having lots of details about our products online but our website was not updated correctly in this case.

Umpire plate shoes made by manufacturers (speaking Reebok, New Balance, 3n2, Pentagon) these days all have composite toes. In New Balance's case it uses the highest grade of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and then designed variable thicknesses in high impact zones to balance protection and weight. In other words, the toe has the most solid thickness and protection where other areas have less.

TPU can be very thin such as in running shoes and it can also be placed in the most durable of productive pieces with a more solid foundation. As you can see in New Balance's video, there is a great amount of confidence in their design, one in which allows it to be lighter in weight and more comfortable while also providing more protection via surface area. I know the shoes have been very well received by many umpires from recreation to the MLB level for all those reasons.

Again, I apologize for any confusion on the type of material that makes up the protective toe. If there is anyone who has purchased the MU460 plate shoes from us and wants to discuss concerns further, you are welcome to contact me directly at jim@ump-attire.com.

[Marcus6]

Guys,

I apologize to all of you for not providing the proper information on the MU460 product description. The plates on the New Balance shoes are NOT steel toe. We take great pride in having lots of details about our products online but our website was not updated correctly in this case.

Umpire plate shoes made by manufacturers (speaking Reebok, New Balance, 3n2, Pentagon) these days all have composite toes. In New Balance's case it uses the highest grade of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and then designed variable thicknesses in high impact zones to balance protection and weight. In other words, the toe has the most solid thickness and protection where other areas have less.

TPU can be very thin such as in running shoes and it can also be placed in the most durable of productive pieces with a more solid foundation. As you can see in New Balance's video, there is a great amount of confidence in their design, one in which allows it to be lighter in weight and more comfortable while also providing more protection via surface area. I know the shoes have been very well received by many umpires from recreation to the MLB level for all those reasons.

Again, I apologize for any confusion on the type of material that makes up the protective toe. If there is anyone who has purchased the MU460 plate shoes from us and wants to discuss concerns further, you are welcome to contact me directly at jim@ump-attire.com.

Kudos to you, Jim.

Hey, Honig's website says steel toe and the New Balance site says it as well. How can the own company make those false claims?

Men's Baseball Shoes - New Balance 460

This shoe is built for umpires standing behind the plate. The steel toe and lace flap work together to protect the foot from foul balls and the errant catcher's spike. ABZORB® cushioning in the heel and forefoot will provide long-lasting comfort. New Balance is the official provider of on-field umpire footwear for Major League Baseball.

WEIGHT:703 grams (24.8 oz)

Features

• Premium leather upper for comfort, durability, and breathability
  
• Steel toe and lace flap provide foot protection
  
• Official on-field umpire shoe for MLB:
  
• Shoe shine compatible:
  
• 40% more impact protection than predecessor:
  
• Upper mesh for breathability beneath met guard:
  

[Welpe]

Jim I appreciate your response to this. Unfortunately I think this shoe has a gap of some kind in the coverage where the toe box meets the met guard. The next time you speak to a New Balance rep, I'd appreciate you directing them to this thread.

[Marcus6]

There's only one way to know for sure..........

[JimKirk]

We have been in touch with New Balance through our rep and have shared this thread and the error on their website.

The response from one of the product managers is as follows:

"The benefits of moving to composite are that we can significantly enhance the coverage area and provide protection to a much larger portion of the foot. It would be impossible to mold a steel toe to provide the same level of coverage. Even if that were possible, the weight would be prohibitive."

Thanks to Mark for notifying about this thread. Anything else you want me to comment on, please don't hesitate to give me a heads up.

[Marcus6]

We have been in touch with New Balance through our rep and have shared this thread and the error on their website.

The response from one of the product managers is as follows:

"The benefits of moving to composite are that we can significantly enhance the coverage area and provide protection to a much larger portion of the foot. It would be impossible to mold a steel toe to provide the same level of coverage. Even if that were possible, the weight would be prohibitive."

This still doesnt make any sense. Is there that big of a difference in the toe box area in the 460s compared to the 450s? If there is, then design it to accommodate a steel toe. It doesnt seem like it. I actually had a pair of 450s basically fall apart and I got to see the steel toe - NB needs to understand that guys want this and are willing to trade off a few ounces. Put the DECEPTIVE marketing/advertising aside and focus on quality and what people want. None of their explanations make any sense to a normal person, IMO.

[rth54]

Personally, I find New Balance's response to this situation to be quite troubling. To simply respond to questions about the misrepresentation of the product by pointing to the benefits of the new materials used in its production, rather than acknowledging that they erred, seems to me to be less than straightforward. I purchased these shoes specifically on the basis of their claims that the shoes had both the steel toe and were lighter in weight, anticipating (I think quite reasonably) that they would provide better protection as well as comfort. Given the fact that the New Balance's claims are not accurate, i might as well stay with Reeboks which I find to be quite comfortable and offer generally adequate protection. I will no longer purchase New Balance products.

[kylejt]

I'm keeping my 450's, and use my +POS in reserve for four man (where I dont' have to hike as much).

THe 460's are just uglier than the 450's(and I didn't think that was even possible).

[justwin]

I'm keeping my 450's, and use my +POS in reserve for four man (where I dont' have to hike as much).

THe 460's are just uglier than the 450's(and I didn't think that was even possible).

whoever u bought these NB460 plate shoes should be responsible for compenating u for false advertisements...whether it be UA or honigs or whoever ...we cannot usually deal with the manufacturer to get this situation rectified..the individual retailers who sold us these false advertised shoes should be held accountable

[Marcus6]

We have been in touch with New Balance through our rep and have shared this thread and the error on their website.

The response from one of the product managers is as follows:

"The benefits of moving to composite are that we can significantly enhance the coverage area and provide protection to a much larger portion of the foot. It would be impossible to mold a steel toe to provide the same level of coverage. Even if that were possible, the weight would be prohibitive."

Thanks to Mark for notifying about this thread. Anything else you want me to comment on, please don't hesitate to give me a heads up.

Jim,

Were the first generation Field Magistrates steel toed? I found an old blog post that you wrote (http://umpattire.blogspot.com/2009/02/detailed-looks-at-4-new-reebok-umpire.html) that indicates they were. ???? I know the current generation Magistrates are not.

[Marcus6]

whoever u bought these NB460 plate shoes should be responsible for compenating u for false advertisements...whether it be UA or honigs or whoever ...we cannot usually deal with the manufacturer to get this situation rectified..the individual retailers who sold us these false advertised shoes should be held accountable

I know what you are saying, but it's tough for a retailer to investigate all product claims by a manufacturer. In this case, I put 100% of the fault/blame with NB and the deception about their product. This is a huge selling point with plate shoes, and it's not realistic to conclude this was an oversight on their part. I'm convinced it was blatant and intentional.

I didn't like how UA discreetly changed their product description on the website without mentioning anything here, since it's pretty obvious this thread brought the issue to light.

[MidAmUmp]

whoever u bought these NB460 plate shoes should be responsible for compenating u for false advertisements...whether it be UA or honigs or whoever ...we cannot usually deal with the manufacturer to get this situation rectified..the individual retailers who sold us these false advertised shoes should be held accountable

I know what you are saying, but it's tough for a retailer to investigate all product claims by a manufacturer. In this case, I put 100% of the fault/blame with NB and the deception about their product. This is a huge selling point with plate shoes, and it's not realistic to conclude this was an oversight on their part. I'm convinced it was blatant and intentional.

I didn't like how UA discreetly changed their product description on the website without mentioning anything here, since it's pretty obvious this thread brought the issue to light.

I would guess that all of the companies get their product descrpitions from the manufacturers. I don't hold any company at fault. I guess if you want to blame anyone, blame New Balance. I didn't purchase my shoes based on a product description so I don't feel anyone lied to me. Chances are pretty good that the majority of plate shoes made today do not have a "steel toe" in them. Everyone wants light weight, more athletic shoes. I can remember the +POS and Gerry Davis 5 lb. monstrosities. I'll take the NB's and Reeboks any day over those things.

I wouldn't expect Jim or anyone else to come on here to issue a press release when they've made changes to product descriptions. He doesn't frequently post topics on here so why expect him to acknowledge website changes on here? Yes, I (among others), exposed the fact the NB's have a plastic plate. Jim seems to be a stand up guy (I've never met him, hope to at my clinic this year) and appears to have followed up with New Balance based on this topic. He's given a reasonable explanation of what he found out from them (unnecessary, but appreciated) and that's that. He's done more than enough and he and his company do not need to bear any of the blame on this.

[Marcus6]

whoever u bought these NB460 plate shoes should be responsible for compenating u for false advertisements...whether it be UA or honigs or whoever ...we cannot usually deal with the manufacturer to get this situation rectified..the individual retailers who sold us these false advertised shoes should be held accountable

I know what you are saying, but it's tough for a retailer to investigate all product claims by a manufacturer. In this case, I put 100% of the fault/blame with NB and the deception about their product. This is a huge selling point with plate shoes, and it's not realistic to conclude this was an oversight on their part. I'm convinced it was blatant and intentional.

He's done more than enough and he and his company do not need to bear any of the blame on this.

Then we agree

[Marcus6]

As you can see in New Balance's video, there is a great amount of confidence in their design, one in which allows it to be lighter in weight and more comfortable while also providing more protection via surface area.

This video is a marketing tool at best and doesnt say anything. They shoot an air cannon (with no reference to the ball's MPH) at the met guard and the whole point is that the shoe wasnt damaged. That is not relevant. Doesnt show them taking a toe shot. Ive never really heard of anybody being injured taking a pitch/foul ball to the met guard. Clever marketing but its not relevant and doesnt convey any important information.

[JimKirk]

We have been in touch with New Balance through our rep and have shared this thread and the error on their website.

The response from one of the product managers is as follows:

"The benefits of moving to composite are that we can significantly enhance the coverage area and provide protection to a much larger portion of the foot. It would be impossible to mold a steel toe to provide the same level of coverage. Even if that were possible, the weight would be prohibitive."

Thanks to Mark for notifying about this thread. Anything else you want me to comment on, please don't hesitate to give me a heads up.

Jim,

Were the first generation Field Magistrates steel toed? I found an old blog post that you wrote (http://umpattire.blo...bok-umpire.html) that indicates they were. ???? I know the current generation Magistrates are not.

Yes, I remember specifically asking for clarification with Reebok twice on that shoe. And was told that it was.

[JimKirk]

I'm keeping my 450's, and use my +POS in reserve for four man (where I dont' have to hike as much).

THe 460's are just uglier than the 450's(and I didn't think that was even possible).

whoever u bought these NB460 plate shoes should be responsible for compenating u for false advertisements...whether it be UA or honigs or whoever ...we cannot usually deal with the manufacturer to get this situation rectified..the individual retailers who sold us these false advertised shoes should be held accountable

I understand your frustration, and I feel it as well. We certainly would never intentionally make a claim that we felt was not correct.

If you or anyone else has bought a pair of New Balance MU460s from us, and you are not satisfied with the shoes for any reason, e-mail me personally at jim@ump-attire.com, with what I can do to assist you.

[johnnyg08]

As you can see in New Balance's video, there is a great amount of confidence in their design, one in which allows it to be lighter in weight and more comfortable while also providing more protection via surface area.

This video is a marketing tool at best and doesnt say anything. They shoot an air cannon (with no reference to the ball's MPH) at the met guard and the whole point is that the shoe wasnt damaged. That is not relevant. Doesnt show them taking a toe shot. Ive never really heard of anybody being injured taking a pitch/foul ball to the met guard. Clever marketing but its not relevant and doesnt convey any important information.

Were you injured, or did you simply feel it? If you felt it and weren't injured, the shoe did its job. They thought the shoes were steel toe, they aren't. The gear only helps prevent injury, it doesn't say that you're guaranteed to not get hurt. Or are you more upset that the shoes were represented as being steel toe?