plate shoes
 

I know this topic was discussed quite recently, but I could not find the post.

Does anyone know about the convertible plate/base shoes the MLB umpires are wearing?

I need to replace both my plate and base shoes for next season.

Thanks for the help.

A lot of the MLB umpires have gone to the New Balance 450 plate and 350 base shoes. I wear both and find them very comfortable.

Please don't take this as gospel but I doubt the MLB guys are wearing a convertible shoe. Why would they want the added weight of a steel toe while on the bases? Even if they can remove the instep and metatarsal protection plate, they would still be heavy and uncomfortable I do see alot of them have gone to the Reebok plate shoe that is not available to the public yet. Just like the Nike titanium mask. They want the fever to buy real high so when they are released they can charge an arm and a leg for them. Again, just my dos pesos.

Klokard,

I was thinking along the same lines you mentioned, but it never hurts to ask though, especially when you are trying replace gear with prices no a days.

John,

Maybe you are thinking about the Reebok shoe that is being tested by some MLB umpires? I don't think they are convertible. I think the description of them was that they are basically the current Reebok base shoe with some sort of reinforced toe (not sure if they are steel or hard plastic) and a metatarsal plate sewn on.

Lawrence

The Reebok plate shoes many MLB umpires are wearing is not a convertible shoe. The plate shoe is scheduled to be available to the public next season.

I know you said next season, but do you have a rough date or month that they will be available?

Get the New Balance shoes, trust me.

Amen to the NB 450's
 

Buy that shoe. Get the right size and you will be a happy umpire as far as your feet go. They shine very nicely. I blacked out the N and get a lot of complements on my shoe appearance. My feet thank me every night after games. I also have the 350 high top base shoes. Very comfortable. Worth every penny. I promise. (as long as they are fitted correctly.)

I had a new and unexpected experience last week with my NB450's.
I don't remember if the ball was deflected or not, but the ball hit squarely on the welt at my left big toe and stung for about 1/2 an inning.
...But it didn't leave a mark. :)

Gerry Davis has a plate shoe called the protector. It is very similar to the NB but cheper and patent leather. I was sceptical of it but decided to try it this year and really like it.

An experienced poster indicated the Reebok shoes will be available for the 09 season. He indicated the shoes available to the general public would not be a steel toe shoe, but a "hard toe" like the much criticized Spot-Bilt plate shoes. Apparently, the current plate shoes the MLB guys are wearing are steel toe.

As an aside - does anybody know if the current Reebok base shoes worn by most MLB guys are available for sale anywhere? I cant seem to find them.

the nb450's are fantastic shoes you can get them on ebay for 88 and that includes the shipping.... thats where I got mine:cool:

The Reebok shoe has way, way too much white on it for my liking.

Same here and I completely agree.

There is only on down side to the NB 450 plate shoe (beside the silver N) and that is the laces they come with. I have yet to talk to someone who hasn't broken them within the first few times of wearing them. I found the heavy waxed cord style that is sold by any RedWing shoe store is a great replacement lace.

are these what your are lookin for?
http://refereescall.com/proddetail.php?prod=SH23&cat=19

Ive never had a durability problem with the New Balance shoes but I can tell they arent nearly as durable as the old Plus Pos plate shoes. Ill probably only get three years MAX out of my 450s.

Those old +pos would last forever!!!

I'll concur with the durability. My +POS shoes are like the Volvo of plate shoes. Utilitarian, and hard to kill.

The 450's are like my Escalade. It may not last as long as my wife's Volvo, but it's a whole lot nicer while it does. My +POS have stayed in the closet next to my GD patent leathers all season, they're that nice.

Hey all,

I managed to get a pair of the +POS low top plate shoes not long before they went under. Not too bad on comfort (for what they are), and outstanding protection.

LomUmp:cool:

Well, you were right. I'm $300 lighter from the mask and shoes.