New Balance 350 help

[shipwreck]

I saw some New Balance 350's the other day at a tournament and liked the looks of them. I think they may be discontinued but was wondering where was the cheapest and best place to buy some. I like the way they clean up and they look like a well built shoe. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Dave

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by shipwreck

I saw some New Balance 350's the other day at a tournament and liked the looks of them. I think they may be discontinued but was wondering where was the cheapest and best place to buy some. I like the way they clean up and they look like a well built shoe. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Dave

I've been using the NB shoes and they are light and comfortable and all that. And they do polish up nicely. I was given a pair of the 3N2 that I must wear when working some games - they polish up nicely, they are very light and so far, I like them a lot. As for where to get the NB, check with any of the reputable dealers.

[umpirebob71]

I've been wearing the 3N2 shoes the last two weeks, and I really like them.

[shipwreck]

Steve, on the 3N2's, does the size and width seem the same as your other shoes? I would like to get close to the right size the first time and I will be ordering them online. Thanks, Dave

[Steve M]

Dave,
I went with a half size bigger and they fit fine.

[txtrooper]

I have the 350 and the 450 shoes. I bought them Barcelona Sporting Goods in Houston. They give a 10% discount to Umpires. I really like both pair of shoes and believe the 450's cost $90 bucks out the door and the 350's were somewhere around $60. I had to buy one shoe size bigger than I normally wear.

[NCASAUmp]

I have the 350s, and they're great. I bought them at Honig's last year around this time, and they have a nice "black" option. Okay, it's not 100% black (there's some minor trim that's silver, but that's easily Sharpied). However, the big "N" is black, not silver.

Unfortunately, since they're discontinued, Honig's doesn't have many of the regulars left. They do, however, have a bunch of the wides.

As far as I know, they're the only vendor that carry them with this black option.

My only complaint is the way the panels on the front-inside meet up. You know how Bubba The Catcher likes to take that step back in SP games? Well, if he catches it just right, it will loosen the stitching between the leather panels.

[kcg NC2Ablu]

I have both 350 and 450 ... you can get them on ebay still. and honigs

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Steve M

I've been using the NB shoes and they are light and comfortable and all that. And they do polish up nicely. I was given a pair of the 3N2 that I must wear when working some games - they polish up nicely, they are very light and so far, I like them a lot. As for where to get the NB, check with any of the reputable dealers.

What kind did you wear before NB for comparison sake? What do you mean by "must wear when working some games"?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

What kind did you wear before NB for comparison sake? What do you mean by "must wear when working some games"?

It means when you get something free for promotional purposes, you must wear them to work the games involved in that league or you will not be working that league for long

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

It means when you get something free for promotional purposes, you must wear them to work the games involved in that league or you will not be working that league for long

Where do I sign up for free shoes?

[kcg NC2Ablu]

amen to that ... let me know where that league is

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

What kind did you wear before NB for comparison sake? What do you mean by "must wear when working some games"?

Cecil,
Prior to the NB shoes - I've got the 350's and the 450's, I wore Spot-Bilt base shoes (a couple of pairs). They were good, but I tried the NB and liked them. Now that I've tried the 3N2's, I like them too.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by kcg NC2Ablu

amen to that ... let me know where that league is

Doesn't make any difference because you are not going to be allowed to wear you Wilson mask.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Doesn't make any difference because you are not going to be allowed to wear you Wilson mask.

This always amuses me. I've never been told what equipment to wear. I guess my titanium mask would be out (or have I not been following along).

For those looking for NB350 -- I have a pair of the NB995 shoes that out-comfort even those (and I had the 350s for a few seasons).

I just got a pair of plate shoes that are the most comfortable I have ever put on -- the Reebox RBK shoe -- this shoe would give those who hate white on the shoes an immediate stroke.