Smitty making shoes

[mw94]

https://www.gerrydavis.com/product/B21PSM2020B/Smitty-Mid-Umpire-Plate-Shoe.html?cid=25

[grayhawk]

Looks very similar to the previous version of the New Balance plate shoe.

[umpstu]

2 hours ago, grayhawk said:

Looks very similar to the previous version of the New Balance plate shoe.

You got that right.

[BT_Blue]

Saw the ad in my email today. It was... interesting... for sure.

[wolfe_man]

Smitty makes me chuckle.  They take everyone else's gear and put their logo on it, then go right out charge the same amount as the original product.  See Smitty F3 mask, Smitty Douglas CP, Smitty New Balance shoes, etc. If you're going to rip off partner with others, then at least offer us a deal for your product.  If not, why wouldn't I just use F3, Douglas, NB instead? I get the marketing thing, but there is no reason for me to buy anything with a Smitty logo when I can buy the "real" version for the same money.  

[acpar72]

And why not bring the 450 back instead of 460?

[midtnump]

Kudos to Smitty for stepping up and hopefully filling a void left by Reebok's departure. Another option out there. 

[tpatience]

1 hour ago, midtnump said:

Kudos to Smitty for stepping up and hopefully filling a void left by Reebok's departure. Another option out there. 

It’s just a NB shoe with a smitty logo. It’s not really another option

[kylejt]

I'm sure they found the Chinese building that built them, and cut a deal to fire up the line.

Yeah, the 450 was real leather, a steel toe, and the best sole for releasing mud IMO. Probably not cost effective to bring back.

[BT_Blue]

5 hours ago, kylejt said:

Probably not cost effective to bring back.

Pretty much what I was thinking. Also, who know if the factory still has the molds and specs for the 450s. Those things came out at least 15 years ago.

[boyinr]

Anyone try this shoe yet?  My NB460 V3 have ripped where the plate attaches to the toe after about 50-60 games.  I am going to take it to a cobbler but, I don't hold much hope to be able to stop this from tearing further.  Hate to spend another $150 on this model again.  I liked the fit and the lightweight but, not as durable as I had hoped/expected.       

[Jimurray]

46 minutes ago, boyinr said:

Anyone try this shoe yet?  My NB460 V3 have ripped where the plate attaches to the toe after about 50-60 games.  I am going to take it to a cobbler but, I don't hold much hope to be able to stop this from tearing further.  Hate to spend another $150 on this model again.  I liked the fit and the lightweight but, not as durable as I had hoped/expected.       

I bought the Smitty because the NB V3 high cut was a lot lower in the heel than the V2 and I didn't like how it felt. The Smitty has the older high cut dimension and a better tread than the older NB but you will need some better insole inserts. Sizing seems a little bit bigger but not enough to change to a half size lower.