Plate Shoes

[txtrooper]

I am retiring my old Reebok plate shoes and can’t find any new black Reeboks in my size. I have tried the New Balance in the past and they were not as comfortable as the Reeboks. Are the new model New Balance better than the old 450’s? What are you all wearing?

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

You can't beat the 3N2's - they are comfortable as all hell, and give pretty good protection. They are nice and light too - have actually worn them on the bases a time or two. I'm in my 4th season with mine, and they still look as good as ever.

[Welpe]

I have the NB 460s and like them quite a bit. Very comfortable and will take a shot. Plus they fit my duck feet well.

The new style Reebok Zigs get a lot of good reviews but I can't wear them.

Hope you haven't floated away yet. We got out a few days before the flooding started.

[Umpteenth]

I went with the NB's this year and I really like them. I have wide feet and they have the room I need.

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by txtrooper

I am retiring my old Reebok plate shoes and can’t find any new black Reeboks in my size. I have tried the New Balance in the past and they were not as comfortable as the Reeboks. Are the new model New Balance better than the old 450’s? What are you all wearing?

Reebok has gotten out of the umpire shoe market and won't be making anymore plate shoes. Whatever you're finding on-line is just existing stock that's selling out, which is why you'll have trouble finding certain sizes.

I really liked their Magistrate plate shoes. My pair is about five years old and I still use them. But the chances of finding another pair in my size is probably about zero.

The New Balance 460's had some documented quality issues when they first came out. I talked to quite a few umpires, plus read accounts from others on various forums, who had the metatarsal plate ripping off the shoe near the attachment point. Maybe they've addressed it now that the 460's have been out a couple of years.

[Rich]

I've worn my Zigs for a couple of years now and this thread prompted me to find a pair in my size so I don't have to figure out which other pair to order.

I did like the 3N2's comfort, but the durability left a lot to be desired when I bought them. That was years ago, though.

[txtrooper]

Thank you all for the responses, I believe I am going to try the 3N2. I was talking with some other umpires and it appears they are liking that shoe over the New Balance. We have not floated away, but have had a heck of a lot of rain for this area. We have a complex in West Houston that is still under water.

[CecilOne]

Do you know the difference between the 2 versions of New Balance plate shoes, New Balance 460 and MU460MBK (more expensive)?

[CecilOne]

Thanks

[CecilOne]

Does it make sense that EE in NB is needed or the same as D in 3N2?
IOW, are NB cut narrower than 3N2?

Or, will my new EE base shoes eventually break down to too wide?