Review of New Balance MU460 Umpire Plate Shoe

I was sad because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet. So I said, "Got any shoes you’re not using?"

― Steven Wright

Some umpires make really silly choices about their safety when working the dish. I have seen guys forgo a chest protector, shin guards, and even a cup (ouch!), but the most common protective item not worn by amateur umpires is without question the plate shoe. When asked, the reasons are that plate shoes are either too expensive or uncomfortable. Well, the former reason is just silly. The best plate shoes on the market typically hover around $100. Find a good deal, and you can get excellent plate shoes for under $60. That is a small price to pay to protect against a broken toe.

As for comfort, the new line of umpire shoes from New Balance and Reebok fit like comfortable athletic shoes! A few years ago I switched to the New Balance MU450 Plate Shoe because of its sneaker-like fit. Later I discovered the Reebok Field Magistrate Plate Shoe, which won the UMPY Award for the Umpire Shoe category in 2009, 2010, and 2011. The New Balance MU460 is even more comfortable than the Reebok Field Magistrate.

So, What’s New Pussycat?

New Balance sent me a pair of MU460 to test and review. The literature states that the MU460 Umpire Plate Shoe has:

• Breathable mesh upper with met guard to protect the foot
• 40% more cushioning to ensure comfort
• 10% lighter than previous models
• Shoe shine compatible

It is the Official on-field umpire shoe of Major League Baseball. The shoe advertises this fact on the tongue and on the heel. Fortunately the tongue logo is concealed by the pant leg and the heel logo is very small.

Appearance and Construction

The MU460 is a pretty good looking plate shoe. Years ago umpire plate shoes looked like they were designed by Herman Munster. The new generation of umpire plate shoes look good and feel great. The large metatarsal plate on the MU460 is angled toward the toe to give a sleek appearance.

The company has placed its ubiquitous logo on the side of the shoe. Honestly, after wearing New Balance MU450s and the Reebok Field Magistrate plate shoes, I'm numb to the shoe company logos. However, New Balance offers the MU460s in an optional muted logo design.

The New Balance MU460 is made from synthetic leather. It doesn't feel like leather, but I guess it looks like leather and keeps a shiny appearance. I have used both water and scrubbing bubbles on it, and so far it has cleaned up nicely. As a side note, the Reebok Field Magistrate is made from a combination of full grain leather and synthetic leather. 

The metatarsal plate is wide and provides excellent coverage. Under the metatarsal plate is a cushion that is covered with mesh fabric. The shoe's tongue and laces area uses a moisture wicking fabric with a mesh covering. The idea here is twofold: first, pull moisture away from the foot and allow it to evaporate; and second, decrease the weight of the shoe.

Fit and Comfort

The MU460 runs true to size. If you wear a size 11 medium width in a New Balance athletic shoe, order a size 11 medium width in the plate shoe. My thick socks fit comfortably in the MU460, as do thinner socks.

I have a pair of New Balance MU450 in D width size 11. The MU460 are 2E width and size 10.5. The weight of the MU450 is 27 ounces. The MU460 is 28 ounces! Let me reiterate that this is not comparing weights of the same shoe dimensions. Also note that the Reebok Field Magistrate Umpire Plate Shoe in size 11 D is 25.5 ounces.

The MU460 is a very comfortable shoe. There is a generous amount of padding in the ankle area. New Balance advertises the use of ABZORB® (a blend of Dupont™ Engage® and Isoprene rubber) in the heel and forefoot for shock absorption.

The toe box has been increased. The tight toe box was an issue in the old MU450s, so the MU460s are made with a wide and comfortable all steel toe box.

Protection

At the time of this article, I have worn the New Balance MU460s for three plate games. I have not been hit in the foot or toe while wearing this shoe. I am impressed with the metatarsal coverage and the use of the all stell toe box.

New Balance has produced two promotional videos to demonstrate the effectiveness of its shoe:

Price
The New Balance MU460 Umpire Plate Shoe can be purchased from the following retailers:

Homerun Monkey - $109.99. An extra 10% discount can be had by using the code spring10

Ump-Attire.com - $114.99

Honig's - $119.95

Fair or Foul?

There are a lot of things to like about the New Balance MU460 Umpire Plate Shoes. They are more comfortable than either the New Balance MU450s or the Reebok Field Magistrate. The MU460 also offers superior metatarsal protection, an all steel toe box, and the price is competitive to the Reebok Field Magistrate. My call is absolutely Fair!

Review of New Balance MU450MK Plate Shoe

Earlier this year New Balance announced that it wrestled the MLB umpire footwear contract away from Reebok. New Balance supplied plate shoes to MLB umpires during 2011, and are gearing up to introduce a new umpire plate shoe, the MU460, available next month. The MU450 plate shoe is being discontinued.

So why in the world is Midwest Ump doing a review of the MU450?

Can you say “CLEARANCE SALE?” Late fall is the perfect time to purchase umpire gear at a discount.

Appearance

The New Balance MU450MK umpire plate shoe is a terrific shoe. It has a leather upper which takes a shine very well. There is a tragic flaw with this shoe: the universally despised “N” logo on the side. Some umpires black this logo out with paint or shoe polish. To its credit New Balance offers a blacked out version with the new MU460 umpire plate shoe, so the company is listening to its customers.

The metatarsal plate is steel, as is the toe box. Some umpire plate shoes use a composite material that may or may not hold up under impact. You can be assured that the New Balance will protect your feet.

The sole of the MU450 is not cleated, but it has what New Balance calls a “multi-direction traction sole.” Like my sister used to say back in 1984, “Whateva.” That just means that the sole will not cake up with mud.

Fit / Comfort

The fit for the 450 runs a little small in length and width. Usually going up a half size creates a good fit. Plate shoes will conform to your feet somewhat, but it will not expand like other tennis shoes because of the steel reinforcements.  The 450 is offered in D, EE, and EEE widths, and up to a size 14.

The New Balance MU450 is made with Abzorb in the heel and forefoot provides shock absorption and cushioning. Abzorb is “a blend of Dupont™ Engage® and Isoprene rubber.” It is a very comfortable shoe and fits like a sneaker.

The New Balance is also fairly light weight at 27 ounces each. The Reebok Field Magistrate is 25.5 ounces each and the new MU460 is reported to be around 25 ounces.

Price

Since this shoe is being discontinued, there are some opportunities for good bargains. The MSRP on this shoe is $109.00. Currently you can purchase the MU450 for considerably less:

Lester’s Upstate Sports - $85 on sale

Ump-Attire - $99.99

 

Fair or Foul?

The New Balance MU450MK have been an umpire standard for many years at all levels. Here’s a picture of MLB umpire Jim Wolf rockin’ a pair.

The 450s are comfortable and light; they offer amazing protection; and once you take a deep cleansing breath, they are not bad looking. Now they are available at a considerable discount, which is far cheaper than the Reebok Field Magistrates or the New Balance MU460s. I call that kind of deal FAIR!

Review of Reebok NFL Referee II Low Quag

Today's post reviews the Reebok NFL Referee II Low Quag. This base shoe is a popular choice among amateur umpires, especially those who also referee fall football. This year I decided to purchase the Quags as my primary umpire base shoe.

So, what the heck is a Quag?

Plate Shoe Shine Test

Today I am testing four products for cleaning plate shoes. While none of these methods can compare to the good-old-fashion polish and elbow grease method, each of these methods only takes a minute or two to produce a shine.

The methods tested are:

1. Scrubbing Bubbles and Armour All Leather Wipes

2. Murphy's Oil and Hairspray (White Rain firm hold)

3. Sprayway glass cleaner

4. Home-made glass cleaner mixture of white vinegar, water and dish soap.


Methodology
As you can see from the "Before" picture at left (click picture to enlarge), I am testing method one on a Reebok Field Magistrate Plate Shoe; method two on a Reebok Field Magistrate Plate Shoe; method three on a New Balance 450 Plate Shoe; and method four on a New Balance 450 Plate Shoe.

I first sprayed the shoes down with regular water and used a small brush to clean off dirt. Then I applied the cleaner and shining agent (if applicable), waited ten seconds, and wiped dry with a soft cloth.


The Test
Scrubbing Bubbles and Armour All Leather Wipes - I have been using this method for the past year and have good results. The Scrubbing Bubbles quickly clean the leather and the cloth areas. As you can see from the photo, the Armour All wipes produced a very good shine.

There are a couple down-sides to this method. First, the Scrubbing Bubbles are in an aerosol can which could be a problem if left in a hot trunk. The spray is also messy and I have to walk a safe distance away from vehicles and people to spray down my shoes. Buying Scrubbing Bubbles is also expensive over time.

Finally, the Armour All wipes attract dirt. My shoes look fantastic until I hit the field. Within an inning they have lost their luster.

Murphy's Oil and Hairspray - I have never used the Murphy's Oil or hairspray to clean my shoes. Murphy's Oil is a popular product for cleaning leather, and the hair spray brings out a very good shine. I mixed two capfuls of the Murphy's Oil in a small spray bottle filled with water. The Murphy's Oil sprayed quickly and was able to penetrate into creases.

The upside to using Murphy's Oil is the cost. The down side is the Murphy's Oil does not clean a shoe's cloth areas. Hairspray also acts like a dust magnet.

Ammonia-free Glass Cleaner - Ammonia-based glass cleaners like Windex will harm leather. I chose the ammonia-free Sprayway glass cleaner from Wal-Mart which I use to clean household glass. The Sprayway cleaner sprays on like a foam, similar to the Scrubbing Bubbles. The Sprayway produced a decent shine.

Like the Scrubbing Bubbles method, glass cleaner can get expensive. However, unlike Armour All, the glass cleaner does not attract dust because there is no residual film.

Home-Made Glass Cleaner - to try to combat the price issue of store-bought glass cleaners, I mixed white vinegar, water and dish soap. I have used this mixture on household glass and it cleans better than ammonia-based Windex without streaking. I have blacked-out the gaudy white "N" at the side of my New Balance shoes with a Sharpie, and the white vinegar mixture started removing the Sharpie ink. The Home-Made Glass Cleaner cleaned well, but did not leave much of a shine.


Bottom Line
While the Scrubbing Bubbles and Armour All method tends to clean and shine the best, I am intrigued by the ammonia-free glass cleaner. Hairspray and Armour All wipes produce a very good shine, but attract dirt. The ammonia-free glass cleaner cleans, shines, and does not attract dirt.

Long Term Test Results

The summer season is winding down and school is starting soon. . . so now is a good time to do a long-term evaluation of gear. Today’s post reviews gear from last year’s U.M.P.Y Award winners.

Champro PRO-PLUS Gold Super-Xtreme Lightweight Face Mask

I began using the Champro magnesium face mask in May, 2009 and fell in love immediately. It is incredibly light (less than a pound!!!) and very comfortable after switching out the standard pads.

The Champro is also surprisingly durable. I have taken several shots to this mask from different angles and it did not shown a scratch, until. . .one particularly vicious foul ball during a college game hit the Champro mask and caused the upper eye bar to bend. I contacted Champro regarding its warranty. Champro is a solid company that is committed to customer service. I learned that Champro has a one year warranty from the date of purchase that covers product defects. However, foul balls are part of the game and bending from a serious force is expected. Given enough force any mask will bend (but hopefully not break).


Wilson Shock FX 2.0 Titanium Umpire Helmet (Product of the Year)

The Shock FX 2.0 was introduced in late 2009. It contains many safety features and is comfortable. However, I do not wear a helmet while working the plate, so I can’t speak first-hand regarding safety or durability.

Ump-Attire Ultimate Umpire Shirt

Jim Kirk sent me a navy blue Ump-Attire Ultimate Umpire Shirt to test and I have used it for two high school seasons. After several hundred washes it looks good as new and I intend to use it again next spring. As I expected during my initial testing, the Ultimate breathes well and is well constructed. I highly recommend this shirt.

Honig’s Poly Wool Umpire Pants

I wore the same Honig’s Poly Wool umpire plate pants and base pants to every college and high school game I officiated this year. These pants have seen 30 degree ice and 100+ degree sun. The Poly Wool pants do not seem to suffer from the same fading problems of previous Honig’s models.

Despite the label directions, I wash my Poly Wools in cold water after every wear. They are also dried on a permanent press cycle. I have been careful not to over-dry these pants, and there has been no sign of shrinking or unraveling.


Nutty Buddy

The Nutty Buddy is an essential piece of equipment.

Umpires are fond of telling the “took one to the jewels” stories. Hey, I think these stories are funny like the next guy, but you know what? I don’t have a story because I wear the Nutty Buddy. When I do get hit (it happens to us all), it is not serious – heck, it isn’t even uncomfortable! I hope Mark Littell makes a billion dollars from the Nutty Buddy because it is truly incredible.

I have worn the Nutty Buddy for two seasons. It has retained its shape and has not cracked or dented. It is not hot to wear and is comfortable even under extreme conditions. I put it on and forget about it.


Ump-Attire Ultimate Ball Bag

The Ump-Attire Ultimate Pro Style Umpire Ball Bag was introduced in 2009 and has been a big hit with umpires. Jim Kirk at Ump-Attire sent me one to review in March, 2009, and I purchased a second bag a little later to replace the Dry-Lo Ball Bag sold by Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring.

I have been very impressed with the Ultimate Ball Bag which boasts double stitching and a nylon interior. I have washed these bags a number of times in cold water and low heat dry cycle. There is no fading, no unraveling or fraying, and the Ultimate Ball Bag looks as good as new a year and a half later.


Wilson DaviShins Leg Guards / Diamond DLG-LITE Featherweight Shin Guards

I stopped using the Wilson DaviShins after testing the Diamond Featherweight Shin Guards. The Diamonds guards weigh a mere 13.5 ounces! While these guards are light and comfortable, I have experienced two issues with these guards worth noting. First, during an 18U summer “prospects” tournament I took a foul ball directly on the knee cap. The impact hurt, but was not disabling. My opinion is that the result of this impact was a little more serious than I have experienced with other shin guards. This is likely a result of the loose-fit design around the knee.

The second issue also involves the loose-fit design at the knee. I typically wear long compression shorts that cover my knee cap. However, whenever I do not wear a covering on my knee, the shin guard rubs at my knee and is irritating in the 90+ degree heat.


Wilson West Vest Platinum Chest Protector

I have worn my Wilson Platinum chest protector for three years. This protector scored best in my “amateur scientist” drop test and I can attest to its protective qualities. It is built like a tank.

After three years and hundreds of games, the buckles are starting to rust. I spray my Platinum CP with Lysol after every use and it does not seem to retain odor.


Reebok Field Magistrate Plate Shoes

I get more questions about my Reebok plate shoes than any other equipment. I was a big fan of the New Balance MU450MK plate shoes until I tried the Reebok. This shoe is very comfortable and has proven very durable. It has not separated in any area from use. I have not experienced an impact that is noteworthy. Unlike the Reebok, a few years ago I took a foul ball off the toe of my New Balance MU450MK plate shoes and it hurt!

I use Scrubbing Bubbles and Armour All leather wipes before every game and my shoes look good. I have been wearing these shoes for over a year for every plate assignment and they are still going strong!


Bottom Line

All of the choices for last year’s U.M.P.Y Awards have proven very durable. There were a few noteworthy observations, but overall I have been very impressed with these products.

Review of 3N2 Reaction Umpire Shoe

Recently the folks at 3N2 Sports sent me a pair of 3N2 Reaction Umpire Shoes to test. Special thanks to Marty Graham, president of 3N2 Sports, for allowing me the opportunity to review this shoe.

I had never worn a 3N2 shoe prior to this test. Unlike shoes used by umpires from New Balance, Nike, and Reebok, the 3N2 Reaction is specifically designed for and marketed to umpires. This is unique in the shoe industry, so this shoe is especially intriguing to me. The question is: can 3N2 run with the big boys?

Description

Traditionalists will appreciate that the 3N2 Reaction features a completely black and smooth genuine leather upper for easy cleaning and polishing. The 3N2 Reaction also has an entirely black removable tongue to protect the laces. The compression-molded all black EVA midsole is specifically designed to reduce the knee and joint stress associated with prolonged standing.

The 3N2 Reaction is the Official Umpire shoe of the National Softball Association. It weighs 14 ounces on my postage scale. That is one ounce heavier than the popular New Balance MF995LBK advertised at 13 ounces (and made entirely of synthetic materials).

Impression
While the 3N2 Reaction is presently only offered in a medium width (no narrow or wide sizes), my size 10.5 E foot fits comfortably in a size 11 D. Consider this information when ordering. There is plenty of room in the toe box and the forefoot cushion is comfortable. The leather is substantial without being stiff.

I tested this shoe while working the bases during an adult baseball game and found the 3N2 Reaction to have adequate support and stability for moving around the infield. I also appreciated the turf sole for superior traction.

Price
The 3N2 Reaction Umpire Shoe is available at the 3N2 website for $54.99

Also available at All Around Sports LLC for $49.95

At the time of this writing Sports Officials Supplies is offering the 3N2 Reaction at a closeout price of $39.95

Bottom Line
Honestly, the 3N2 Reaction was a pleasant surprise. This field shoe is comfortable, supportive, lightweight, and has a quality feel to it. I prefer its all-black appearance for easy cleaning and the lack of distracting logos. Finally, it is considerably cheaper than many popular umpire shoes. I consider the 3N2 Reaction Umpire Shoe a wise choice for umpires at any level.

***UPDATE***

Marty Graham reports that 3N2 will offer an umpire plate shoe in January, 2010, as well as EE widths for the Reaction Field and Pro-Plate shoe.

Reebok Field Magistrate Plate Shoes

Today I have the opportunity to review the Reebok Field Magistrate plate shoes. The Field Magistrate is brand new for the 2009 season, is endorsed by Major League Baseball, and has been spotted at Major League Baseball games (below are umpires Al Porter and Bob Davidson).

APPEARANCE
Right out of the box you notice the picture of Shamu the Whale painted on the side - I mean the Reebok logo. Traditionalists will state plainly that umpire shoes should be black, and some umpire associations insist on it. Therefore many umpires (myself included) will black out a manufacturer’s logo with a sharpie and shoe polish. The problem with the Field Magistrate is that the logo takes up half of the shoe!

Additionally distracting is the MLB logo stamped on the top of the toe. Why??? These endorsements remind me of a NASCAR jersey. Maybe I’ll start renting out the back of my umpire shirt. . . “After the game head to Hooters!” or “Try the new BK minis!” I suppose that as consumers we have grown accustomed to large print logos on our athletic shoes. However, many umpires would appreciate the option of a subdued, blacked-out logo in these shoes. Reebok are you listening?

The toe of the Field Magistrate seems awkwardly shaped to me and seems to balloon out from my pant leg. In measuring the toe it is no wider than the New Balance MU450.

FIT
I told Reebok that I wear a 10.5 D athletic shoe and they sent me size 11. The fit is fantastic, so keep that in mind when ordering. The standard D width fit fine, even though I sometimes require a wider shoe.

The shoe supported my ankles comfortably and my shin guards fit over the substantial tongue. That was an annoyance when I first dressed, but the fit actually proved to be more comfortable.

COMFORT
These shoes are more comfortable than the New Balance MU450s I usually wear. As stated above, my shin guards fit over the tongue and provided a more comfortable fit. The Play Dry lining is soft and “cushy.” The support is fantastic.

I weighed the Reebok Field Magistrate plate shoe on my handy-dandy postage scale and found that each shoe weighs 25.5 ounces. My New Balance MU450s weigh 27 ounces each.

OBSERVATIONS
The turf sole is both a blessing and a curse. First the positive: traction. The turf sole grabs dry surfaces and provides superior traction.

The negatives: mud. The turf sole that grabs the dry surface also holds onto the mud causing the shoe to gain weight and you to lose that superior traction. Personally, I would rather have the added traction on a dry field. A “street sole” (e.g. on the New Balance MU450) will cause you to slip anyway.

The turf sole also makes it difficult to swipe the plate with your shoe. Don’t get me wrong, I clean the plate regularly with my brush (bouncing out quickly with my back to the field, using a patented five movement technique and looking awesomely professional), but occasionally little Johnny will swing big and cover up a corner and I swipe it off with my shoe without stopping the game. For those times the Field Magistrate under-achieves.

Finally, how am I going to clean these shoes? I’m an old school military vet and I like my shoe polish and brush. I can make my blacked-out New Balance shoes shine so bright they can be seen from space. However, with the multiple logos on the Field Magistrate, using shoe polish and a brush is not practical. I suppose I will have to experiment with Pledge or Scrubbing Bubbles?

AVAILABILITY
Reebok Field Magistrate plate shoes are offered in full and half sizes and in standard and 4E widths. Below is a sampling of current prices:

Ump-Attire $117.95

S.O.S. Sports $103.95

Lester’s Upstate Sports $105.00

Purchase Officials $89.00

The bottom line is that this is a great fitting and performing shoe. Once Reebok reigns in their self-promotion and eliminates the white logos, they can claim to have the ultimate umpire plate shoe.