So I got myself some NB450's
 

After all the hoopla, I had to get some. I'm wearing them the first time, and like was said, they are tight so maybe I should have gotten them bigger. I'm trying to determine if I will return them or not. Very good looking shoe though, but I don't have that "sneaker" feel everyone raved about, I bought the same size as my spotbilts, and I dont see a weight difference.. if they arent heavier.

I got them from lesters and they were very quick to respond to the couple of emails I sent pre order. I'm sure if I decide to return them, they will take care of it no problems.

Gotta figure out what to do, maybe just "break em in" or maybe try another size. This is the problem with online ordering though...

I like the NB 450s. They're heavy, but seem lighter when you wear them (if that makes sense).

I got mine at http://www.refshop.com/ for $89.95.

So do you sharpie black out the white N on the side and the little white stripes on the tread, or do you leave it as-is?

I got the 450's this year as well. I have used them twice now. The first game they were a little stiff, especially around the ankles, but they felt good for the second night. I really like them. I did order mine 1/2 size larger than my normal size. I polished the "N" and the "other stuff", then touched it up with a sharpie. I'll probably keep a sharpie in the equipment bag for touch ups. I have been told, by guys on this board, that after several polishings it should cover eventually. :)

Mine are as-is. At least for now.

Personally, I don't want to work that hard. Until New Balance figures out that they should market the plate shoes the way they do most field shoes, with a black N, then I won't be buying them.

Actually, its not white. Its gray and its cloth (something I didnt know looking at the pics). I will likely sharpie it out. I will probably return this pair though. I'm going to call them and talk to them about sizing. The threads I wont worry about. The shoe is very sharp looking.

I have the 450s and the 350s and like both of them. I ordered 1/2 size larger and got the E width. I just use Honor Guard on them and a damp cloth. The N is slowly changing color.

The NB 450's will break in easy. I got the 450's and NB 350 base shoes in July of 2006 and have not had a drop of polish on them and they continue to look brand new. I use a spray bottle with water and soft cloth for cleaning.

Wade....if you like the NB450's you will probably like the NB350's also.

To each his own, but I wouldn't exactly describe a shoe with 3 or 4 huge rivets visible as "sharp looking." :rolleyes:

They have those in addition to the white/really light grey "N" logo?? Wow. Now I might have to reconsider my stance on these shoes. :rolleyes:

I assume this is the shoe they are talking about:

http://www.ccathletic.com/photos/450-2T.jpg

I am holding out for patent leather. :eek:

*just kidding, for those of you scoring at home. Incidentally, I got spotbilts because I am too lazy to spend that much time with a sharpie on a shoe. the white spots are just about gone...and they feel just fine.

That would be the critter.

Sadly, I know people who still wear those. The other day one of the ones who had his patent leather belt and shoes on was asking me how to get started in college ball. My response to him was "get rid of those, first." Don't think he much cared for that response, but I went on to explain the official NCAA UIP stance on patent leather, and the reasoning.

They don't want the umpire to look prettier than the coach? ;)

I just got a pair in the mail and they felt tight at first, too, but I put my custom insoles in and now they feel great. However, I have not used them on the diamond yet, because my shin guards have toe flaps that don't sit right on the shoe. Also, my shin guards are 18 1/2" but with a mid shoe like this I think I'd want a 17" leg guard. I have ordered a pair of low-cut (full grain leather!) shoes that I think will work better. Now that I have moved to a true plate shoe, my next leg guards won't need a toe protector. What kind of leg guards do you wear with this shoe?

Pretty much... ;)

Personally I use Gerry Davis shin guards... others will have other recommendations.

They are hard toe.. the lesson of hard toe/steel toe is a painful one.

No need to player hate brotha :D

Those have a toe guard, right? I think I'd need to go to a shorter shin guard, or a low-cut shoe with my current ones (Wilson West Vest A3409 WV).

It's removable (velcro). Nice feature when I am working low level rec or something and dont wear my plate shoes. I just throw on the guard.

I dont know if I am recommending them or not.. at first I didnt like them. Now they are growing on me. The big seller for me on them was the ankle guard. Those are great.

3 rivets (2 bottom 1 top), exact same size as spotbilts 6 (3 top 3 bottom). I have them side by side comparing them.

I am wondering why either of them need exposed rivets at all. My old Riddell's (man, I wish they still made those) don't have them. There is no need for them.

I've always thought the Spotbilt plate shoes were ugly, because of the rivets. So, I guess the NB is only half ugly! ;)

All personal taste... nothing more.

Does that mean that the NB are ug, or are they ly?

I'd go with ug... but I guess you can take your pick...

http://www.homevestors.com/images/ug_history2_sm.gif

Hey, I once dated the Lee twins, Ug & Home.

Did they have sisters named Merry and Happy?

Hey that reminds me, you know they sell them in EEEE, maybe you get your fred flintstone feet in them and finally wear shoes while working a game.

What about the all-natural face mask, and ball bag on a stick?