Any Suggestions?

[Astrosdawg07]

[midmoump]

If you believe this issue was caused by a product defect, try contacting the retailer first. A product returned for defect usually has to go through the retailer first, who will coordinate with the manufacturer. Every retailer has its own established policy. For instance, Ump-Attire has a very reasonable return policy:

Returns Policy

Hassle-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell and the easiest returns available.

No Authorization or Return Number Needed

You may return any unused or defective item for a full refund or credit within 60 days of delivery by simply returning the item(s) and referencing your order number to the address below:

* Ump-Attire.com

6244 Old Lagrange Rd #10

Crestwood, KY 40014

Have a defective product beyond 60 days?

Please call us, and we'll work with the manufacturer to try and issue a replacement.

If you need to contact New Balance directly, the email address is: customerhelp@newbalance.com

Be advised, I have tried to email New Balance and have never received a response. Let us know how this turns out.

Pete

[boyinr]

That is the weakest part of the NB 450. A single layer of unreinforced leather with 4 rivets. If you are looking to have them repaired try a local cobbler/shoe repair store. I have a local guy that is super talented and has repaired everything from baseball gloves to luggage. He has also fixed some shoes. IMO that does not look like too tough of a fix.

[Astrosdawg07]

That is the weakest part of the NB 450. A single layer of unreinforced leather with 4 rivets. If you are looking to have them repaired try a local cobbler/shoe repair store. I have a local guy that is super talented and has repaired everything from baseball gloves to luggage. He has also fixed some shoes. IMO that does not look like too tough of a fix.

Turns out your right, I was able to take a flat head and work the leather back around the rivet. However I do not know if this will last. I've had these for almost 3 seasons now, and almost leaning towards new Reeboks for the 2011 season!

[Fittske24]

I've had these for almost 3 seasons now, and almost leaning towards new Reeboks for the 2011 season!

I say go for the Reeboks! You won't regret it! If you lile the NB's you will LOVE the Rebooks!

[Astrosdawg07]

I say go for the Reeboks! You won't regret it! If you lile the NB's you will LOVE the Rebooks!

My only question is do I go low or with the mid cut? I prefer low for sure while working the bases, but for the plate I don't know anything other than my NB mids.

[boyinr]

Turns out your right, I was able to take a flat head and work the leather back around the rivet. However I do not know if this will last. I've had these for almost 3 seasons now, and almost leaning towards new Reeboks for the 2011 season!

Likely a cobbler will sew a new piece on to the part that is attached to the shoe and rerivet that piece on to the metatarsal plate. For the $10 or so it might be worth it to have a spare pair.

I like low cut on the bases and mid cut shoes for the plate. Not sure why but, thats the way I have always done it.

[Fittske24]

My only question is do I go low or with the mid cut? I prefer low for sure while working the bases, but for the plate I don't know anything other than my NB mids.

With the reeboks you can't lose either way.

I would say it depends on what type of shinguards you wear. The mids may cause them to sit higher. I prefer the lows.

[mazzamouth]

I have a pair Of NB 450.. love them. I bought the Reeboks last season cause everyone was all over them.. They are a very good shoe.. comfy, light, has traction. I bought the low pair, I am not a fan of high tops.. my shin guards cover them up..LOL

[UmpTTS43]

I have never had a pair of plate shoes last for more than 2 seasons. It just may be me.

[blue32]

I have never had a pair of plate shoes last for more than 2 seasons. It just may be me.

I'm right there with you, TTS. I get about 2 seasons out of my plate shoes @approx 80 plate games a season. I always make sure I have one pair of gamers, and one pair of new backups standing by in case of a structural issue. I highly recommend this policy, because you never know when something might happen. As soon as I am ready to retire my gamers, I order a new pair.

I think it's just better for my feed to replace my shoes regularly. The soles break down, and even though they still look good, they are not providing the support they did when new. Our feet are some of our most important assets, so they need to be treated well.

BTW, I had the same issues with the NB450's. This happened on my first 2 pairs. Luckily, NB replaced them both. The last replacement pair I sold to a new umpire at a cut rate price, and used the dough towards another pair of Reeboks.

[grayhawk]

I had the same thing happen to my Spot Bilt's. I just used some Shoe Goo and it's now attached better than it was before. I think a tube costs about $5.