Innovative strides in football footwear are set to make their debut this season as Marvin Harrison Jr. steps onto the field in the first-ever football cleats designed by New Balance. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the company well-known for its premier running shoes and athletic wear.
Earlier this offseason, Harrison signed a deal with New Balance, cementing his role as the face of their venture into football cleats. His debut will see him likely wear the Prodigy cleats, a gold and white low-top specifically designed for skill players.
New Balance's Venture into Football
New Balance initiated their football cleat project in 2020 with the ambition to revolutionize the gridiron footwear market. "Our first conversations about stepping onto the gridiron kicked off in 2020," the company shared on their website. "The goal—making the best-fitting, most comfortable cleat in the game—was simple. Getting there was not."
The Prodigy cleats are a testament to this ambition, combining the company's storied history of craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation. New Balance's Sports Research Lab played a pivotal role in this development, with NFL stars Chase Young and Will Anderson Jr. testing the prototype designs. These trials provided valuable insights that shaped the final product, ensuring it meets the rigorous demands of the sport.
"We focused on an intelligent approach to product creation that combined our history of best-in-class craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation," New Balance noted. "The prototype designs were wear-tested in our Sports Research Lab by players at every level, including Chase Young and Will Anderson Jr. These insights proved vital throughout the process."
The Prodigy and the Fortress
Alongside the Prodigy, New Balance has introduced another cleat variant called the Fortress. This black and gold high-top is designed to offer enhanced support and durability, catering to players who need extra stability on the field.
Both the Prodigy and Fortress cleats embody New Balance's commitment to setting a new standard in football footwear. "The game deserves better. We won't settle for anything less than setting a new standard," the company emphasized.
Players' Perspective
The enthusiasm for these innovative cleats extends beyond the designers and manufacturers to the players themselves. Kyler Murray, the star quarterback for the Cardinals, expressed his excitement regarding Harrison's potential impact on the field with his new footwear. "I think that takes us to another level," Murray said. "When you got a guy out there that is capable of winning one-on-ones, obviously he's got to go do it and he knows that. We all know it, but as far as manipulating coverage and stuff like that, you got a guy out there that can do that and even if he's not open, he's open. I'm excited to be able to build that with him, but when he does what he does, yeah, I fully expect our offense to be top of the league."
A New Era in Football Footwear
New Balance's entry into the football cleat market signifies a promising new era for players seeking the best in performance and comfort. With both the Prodigy and Fortress cleats, the company aims to provide athletes with the tools they need to excel on the field. As Harrison prepares to debut these cleats, the football world eagerly anticipates seeing how these innovations will translate into performance.
Through meticulous research, top-tier craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, New Balance is poised to make a significant impact on the football field, one cleat at a time.