New Balance to Continue with 4 of 8 Umpire Shoe Models

May 16th, 2022

New Balance Umpire Field Shoes in Row on Field

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.

New Balance Umpire Plate Shoes - All-Black New Balance Umpire Plate Shoes - Black and White New Balance All-Black Field Umpire Shoes New Balance Referee Shoes - Black and White

Discontinued Styles

However, NB will no longer manufacture LOW-CUT plate shoes and MID-CUT base shoes moving forward.

New Balance Umpire Low-Cut All-Black Umpire Shoes New Balance Low-Cut Umpire Shoes with White New Balance Mid-Cut Black and White Field Umpire Shoes New Balance Mid-Cut Umpire Field Shoes - All-Black

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

Picture of Jim Kirk

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, 2024, 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
    Reply

  • New Balance discontinuing LOW-CUT plate shoe will force me to find another brand, unfortunately.

    • Comment by Blake Hensley
    • Jun 20, 2022
    Reply
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