October 4, 2004
BOSTON, October 4, 2004 – New Balance will offer football players the opportunity to have properly-fitting footwear starting in June 2005 with the debut of the first-ever cleated footwear line available in multiple widths as part of their Team Sports program.
"When it comes to performance and comfort, nothing is more important than a proper-fitting shoe," says Kent Richard, Associate Product Manager, Cleated at New Balance. "We realize that the fit requirements of larger, more powerful cleated athletes are not being met in the marketplace today, and New Balance's strong foundation of fit and width sizing makes us the best manufacturer to address their special requirements."
To highlight this new venture to team dealers, coaches and players, New Balance has recently launched www.finallywidecleats.com. The site features product and technology information.
New Balance will offer all of the new cleated football footwear in three widths (D, 2E and 4E) for every style in three product segments – the Strength Collection, the Speed Collection and the Coaches Collection.
The Strength Collection
The Strength Collection will be built on a brand-new football last and offered on 2-width outsoles for better fit and position of cleats.
Designed for the impact position player, the ultimate strength MF1200 shoe features an I.S.S. foot support system, supportive power strap, high abrasion lining and a TPU-reinforcement wrap for added support and durability. The 7-stud detachable cleat has a Pebax® outsole with metal tip cleats and asymmetrical toe cleat placement. The performance synthetic upper is enhanced by a foam padded collar and breathable mesh tongue. Two color-ways – white and black – will be available in up to size 18 with a MSRP of $99.95.
The MF790 is a performance strength shoe built for all fields and turf surfaces. Available in a mid and low model, the 790 has a supportive PU wrap for added support and durability with a supportive power strap on the mid part of the shoe. The molded TPU outsole has a 15 cleat configuration while the performance synthetic upper offers high abrasion lining, foam padded collar and breathable mesh tongue. Color-ways include black and white in up to size 18 with a MSRP of $74.95 for the mid and $69.95 for the low.
The Speed Collection
The Speed Collection is built on a brand-new Speed last and available in three widths up to size 16.
The MF990 is a supportive speed shoe built for the skill position player. The shoe features the N-Lock midfoot support system, a medial Stability Web and I.S.S. foot support system for the ultimate in stability, structure and support. The Pebax® outsole has asymmetrical toe cleat placement for the 7 stud detachable cleat while the lightweight performance synthetic upper adds high abrasion lining, a foam padded collar and breathable mesh tongue. The 990 is available in two color-ways – black and white – and has a MSRP of $94.95 for the mid and $89.95 for the low.
A lightweight shoe built for the fastest players on the field, the MF890 is available in both a mid and a low model and features an I.S.S. foot support system and a molded TPU outsole with a 15 cleat configuration. The lightweight performance synthetic upper is enhanced by high abrasion lining, a foam padded collar and breathable mesh tongue. Available color-ways include black and white with a MSRP of $84.95 for the mid and $79.95 for the low.
Coaches Collection
The MB690 is an updated all-purpose training shoe for coaches of cleated sports. The 690 features a full EVA midsole and molded Abzorb® insert in the heel and forefoot for the ultimate in cushioning and comfort. A Stability Web® in the midfoot provides support while the performance leather upper is enhanced by high abrasion lining, foam padded collar and a breathable mesh tongue. Available in three widths up to a size 16, the 690 is available in both black and white colorways with a MSRP of $64.95.
For more information on New Balance and the football footwear program, please visit www.finallywidecleats.com.
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, is a leading manufacturer of technologically innovative width-sized performance footwear and athletic apparel for women, men, and children. The range of product categories includes running, walking, cross training, basketball, tennis, adventure, and kids. New Balance employs more than 2,600 people around the globe, and in 2003 reported worldwide sales of $1.3 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com
