In a groundbreaking move that is set to change the landscape of football gear, Marvin Harrison Jr. will be making history by debuting the first-ever football cleats designed by New Balance. This development marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has been synonymous with premier running shoes and athletic wear but is now confidently stepping onto the gridiron.
Harrison, who inked a deal with New Balance earlier this offseason, will likely don the Prodigy cleats—gold and white low-tops engineered for skill players. These cleats are a testament to New Balance's commitment to bringing the same level of comfort and performance they are known for in running to the realm of football.
A Strategic Move into Football
New Balance began its football cleat project back in 2020, aiming to set a new standard in football footwear. The undertaking was anything but simple. "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."
To ensure the best possible product, New Balance employed an intelligent approach to product creation, blending their history of best-in-class craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. The prototype designs were rigorously wear-tested in New Balance's Sports Research Lab by players at every level, including NFL stars Chase Young and Will Anderson Jr. "We focused on an intelligent approach to product creation that combined our history of best-in-class craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. 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," New Balance explained.
Introducing the Prodigy and Fortress Cleats
The Prodigy cleat, which will be worn by Harrison, is specifically designed for skill players looking for agility and speed. It features a sleek gold and white design that ensures both style and substance on the field. However, the Prodigy isn’t the only innovative product on New Balance's roster. The brand has also introduced the Fortress cleat—a black and gold high-top designed for enhanced support and durability, aimed at players who demand more from their footwear.
New Balance’s additive venture into football cleats appears to be more than just a fleeting experiment—they’re setting their sights on setting new standards. "The game deserves better. We won't settle for anything less than setting a new standard," the company boldly declared, indicating their passionate commitment to revolutionizing football footwear.
Changing the Game
The integration of advanced materials, ergonomic design, and rigorous testing has positioned New Balance as a serious contender in the football gear market. This sentiment resonates with Kyler Murray, quarterback for the Cardinals, who spoke highly of the impact Harrison and the New Balance cleats could have on the field. "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."
As Marvin Harrison Jr. steps onto the field in his New Balance cleats, he carries with him not just the hopes of his team, but also the expectations of a brand aiming to break new ground. With football being a game of inches, the quality and performance of gear can make all the difference. New Balance’s meticulous approach to their football cleat project, driven by innovation and real-world player insights, promises a new era of athletic performance on the football field.
Only time will tell how well these cleats will perform under the bright lights and high pressure of professional football, but one thing is clear—New Balance is here to compete.