New Balance V3 All-Black Mid-Cut Umpire Plate Shoes
Product Video
Official Review: New Balance V3 Umpire Plate Shoes
Ty Unthank takes you behind the plate and shares why MLB Umpires prefer New Balance Plate Shoes.
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Official Reviews
Dave L. Lake Stevens, WA |
By far the best plate shoes on the market! Love the instep protection and the availability of the wide size. Doing up to 4 to 5 high school fastpitch softball games a week, they provide all the protection needed.
Jimmy S. Vicksburg, MS |
Looks really good. I was really surprised by how well they fit.
Yumiel N. Montréal, QC |
The perfect plate shoes. They are very light, look amazing, best protection ever and they clean very easily. They also have a laces pocket so you can hide the extra laces.
Noel C. Coppell, TX |
The best plate shoes by far. Comfort and protection at a peak. Just buy a size wider if you do a lot of games. I bought 9 wide and they fit great. No complaint. Very easy to clean off with a rag or brush and above all you always look professional. I recommend these plate shoes over the rest. No comparison.
Bob H. Anchorage, AK |
Very comfortable for a full day behind the plate! No pinching or hot spots. Definitely pleased with my purchase.
Matt B. Marietta, GA |
These are the most comfortable plate shoes I have ever worn. They look professional and are easy to keep clean. If you are in the market for plate shoes, I highly recommend these shoes.
Peter C. Groton, MA |
Extremely comfortable. Fit true to size and they look sharp.
Daniel H. Santa Rosa, CA |
I had to get new plate shoes as my my feet flattened and got wider, at my age, and my toes were getting crunched in my old shoes. These New Balance shoes in a larger size fit very well they're very comfortable and I'm very happy with the new shoe. The shipping was fast and efficient. What a great shoe!
Anthony S. Audubon, NJ |
I love the mid cut New Balance plate shoes. This is my second pair and I recommend them for any umpire from the beginning level to the MLB. They are a solid shoe, very very comfortable. Can easily be kept clean and shine. The reason I had to buy another pair was because my first pair lasted me for over six years. Highly recommend this plate shoe.
Mark W. Brooker, FL |
I had to send it back to get a wider size but they're great.
Philip H. Howell, MI |
Highly recommend, amazing plate shoes that are very comfortable and feel light on your feet. This is worth the investment to protect your feet.
Vincent L. Palm Beach Gardens, FL |
These plate shoes are the most comfortable shoes I have purchased for umpiring. They were such a great fit that I could wear them right out of the box. As well as the protection is amazing. Took a mid eighties fastball to the top of the foot and didn't feel much.
John U. Elkader, IA |
I used the low-cut version of these plate shoes for years until they wore out. I'm disappointed that they're no longer available, but the high-top does the job. They still still fit well and feel comfortable, even on hot, humid days. My only concern is that my right shoe and shin guard (West Vest brand) don't seem to sit well together. I'm still adjusting those, but since the left side works well, I'm sure it'll be fine.
Don T. London, ON |
Just received these shoes after having them highly recommended by a colleague. The fit is as expected and they are very comfortable. The protection looks great! Will be trying them out at a game later this week.
Samson D. Grand Junction, CO |
The insoles that came with them sucked, but once I put in a different pair of insoles they’ve been great. The first game I had them I got hit in the foot and didn’t feel a thing. It’s definitely a worthwhile investment if you plan to umpire often.
Connor T. Beacon, NY |
I love these shoes. I’ve worn them for a few games and they’re really comfortable now that they’re broken in. They offer plenty of protection, and yet are relatively lightweight. The shoes also look really nice.
Michael Kirkland, WA |
Incredibly comfortable and excellent support and feel. Not as much noticeable comfort difference on dirt, but turf is night and day. Four back-to-back games on turf with no foot pain at the end of the day.
RJ S. Denison, TX |
I replaced my old New Balance plate shoes that were low-cut. I went to the mid-cut. I love them! More support and more comfort. Great decision!
Ricardo A. Bakersfield, CA |
The most comfortable plate shoe so far that I have had.
Frank M. Pasadena, MD |
Comfortable, wore them for two games without breaking them in. They were lightweight, and cleaning them was easy.
Brian C. Van Buren, MO |
Very comfortable!! I've only worn them a few games but I already love them.
Jim E. Las Vegas, NV |
Thirty-plus years ago, I used the +POS shoes and never had an issue with them. Fast forward to now, and they don’t exist. Once I learned that these shoes are the official shoes for MLB umpires, there was no question about getting them, and they are fantastic! Easy on, easy to clean and they feel fantastic! If they are considered the best by MLB umpires, why not wear the best for yourself?
Peter S. Havre De Grace, MD |
Comfortable, wore all day yesterday breaking in before first games. Lightweight, cleaned up and shined. Ready for another year.
Garry R. Lake Wylie, SC |
Light weight, well designed. Cleans easily.
Drew M. Lafayette, IN |
Very comfortable shoe. Much lighter than my old steel toe shoes I had for years. Looking forward to using these in a game.
Donald T. Bronson, FL |
THE shoe for plate work for umps with wide-width feet…4E. Great support, they look great and are easy to clean. The hidden laces protect against trips. They can take a 100-MPH pitch or a 200-pound catcher’s misstep. Great shoe.
Rodger J. Addison, IL |
Best plate shoes available. I wish they would hold up a little better. Only get two seasons out of them. They begin to rip at the cloth sections that are on both sides under the instep protection.
Michael L. Mukilteo, WA |
These replaced my older New Balance plate shoes, which suffered a failure on both shoes in the same place at the same time. They were great shoes and I'm hoping that these will be likewise. I should have believed a previous review that suggested buying one size wider than usual. They were correct! My originals were Ds, but the new Ds were just too tight in the toe box. Thankfully Ump Attire's easy return policy let me get a pair of 2Es quickly and painlessly. The toes fit well, but the heels are a bit loose. I can't say how they work during games yet as we're in the cold, wet off-season up here in the Pacific NW. I'll try to remember to follow-up in April or May.
Scott M. Torrance, CA |
These are very comfortable and protective. Very easy to clean with the exception of the mesh...but with a little work, it can be done.
Michael O. Lakeside, CA |
Great reliable product. Fit is comfortable, the wide foot option being key to that comfort. The pocket for the laces gives a nice clean look. Easy to clean and nice shine. Protection is excellent, never took a shot to the foot that I’ve ever felt in these shoes.
Malik B. Kentwood, MI |
My second pair. Very comfortable and protects my feet well.
Keith E. Burnsville, MN |
Light and comfortable. The wider size option fits me perfectly.
Charles T. Franklin, NJ |
The New Balance plate shoes are awesome! Very light and comfortable. It's like wearing slippers when your behind the plate.
Rick C. Villa Park, IL |
Very comfortable. Easy on and off. Worked 4 games in them. Was like walking on air.
Alan S. Morris, CT |
From the start - comfortable and easy to clean. Glad I made the purchase.
Jeff D. Poland, OH |
Love the New Balance plate shoes. Comfortable, durable and lightweight.
Jason W. Middletown, PA |
I was amazed at how comfortable these New Balance Shoes are. Great shoes. Highly recommend.
John L. Columbia, SC |
These shoes are great. The fit as expected. No real breaking-in in period needed. This is my second pair. The last pair lasted 12 years. The only thing I don’t like is the mesh material they have on the sides. They are a pain to keep clean.
Tyler M. Algonquin , IL |
The best plate shoes on the market. Easy to clean, comfortable, and protective. If you think you need wide ones, you probably don’t, as they run about a half size bigger.
Nicolas C. HARRISBURG, PA |
These plate shoes are nice, and they were a 10.5 2E, but when I tried them on, I needed to get a 10.5 4E. I don't know if the shoes they are making are more narrow or if my foot is just getting fatter.
Nicholas K. LAND O LAKES, FL |
Very good fit and quality plate shoes.
Mike H. KINGSTON, PA |
These shoes look great. They hold a shine really well. They clean up easily. The one issue I have is that they are narrower than normal. I bought a 2E which would be slightly wider as recommended, but I had to return for a 4E. But now they look too wide.
Steven A. Oneonta, NY |
These shoes are amazing!!! Super comfortable out of the box. Easy care!!!
Doug S. Russells Point, OH |
Shoes have been comfortable from day one. First time wearing mid-cut plate shoes. Provides plenty of protection.
Mike Y. Los Angeles, CA |
These are my first pair of New Balance plate shoes and so far, they're the best plate shoes I've worn. I've had 3N2 and Smitty's prior to the New Balance. The New Balance plate shoes are lighter, more comfortable, and better looking. I really like the fact you can hide your shoelaces in the slot in the tongue of the shoe.
Iziah C. Aiea, HI |
I really like the feel of these and they are very comfortable.
Chad G. Euharlee, GA |
I bought the new New Balance plate shoe. It was so comfortable the first game I used them. I didnt have to worry about my protection. Great shoe for any level. Ump Attire always has had great products and still taking care of me over the years of my umpiring. I will only buy from Ump Attire because they stand behind their products.
Gary W. Redding, CA |
Finally changed out my old plate shoes and what a difference! Much lighter and very comfortable.
Steve S. Ashburn, VA |
Good fit and great look. Glad I upgraded to these.
Thomas N. Scranton, PA |
Awesome fit, great value, and fast shipping!
Rick S. Hayward, CA |
Just received my shoes and they feel really comfortable. Haven’t worn them in a game yet but looking forward to it.
Marco G. Manteca, CA |
The shoes are comfortable and they were easy to break in. They seem to be tough and they were ready for the season. Thank you.
John L. Saint Paul, MN |
Good and comfortable fit. Worth the price.
Bennett B. Elk Grove, CA |
Great shoes with a comfortable fit. Easy to “break-in”. Great protection and light weight. Best umpire plate shoe I’ve ever used.
Mark S. Springfield, VA |
Great plate umpire shoe. The only ones I can wear due to very wide feet. I did have to go up a 1/2 size from my usual New Balance sneakers.
Robert B. Northern CA |
Fantastic quality. Personally I'm not a fan of the higher cut, but with Ump-Attire.com's free returns I was able to purchase with confidence and return the one's I didn't need.
Margaret B. Rockford, IL |
Prefer the support, now to get my shin guards to cooperate so they don’t rub against each other.
Douglas S. Crescent City, CA |
These umpire plate shoes are lightweight and gives me enough support to do several games in a day. I had to buy a second pair to have on hand because I have been doing so many baseball and softball games.
Robert P. Sylmar, CA |
Very comfortable shoes!!! After doing multiple games in a day my feet don’t hurt like my old shoes I use to have. Plus the protection in these are great. Highly recommend these.
Jim B. Myerstown, PA |
Best umpire shoe purchase I every made! So comfortable! I love the look!
Mike S Oregon |
Love these umpire plate shoes!! Lightweight, comfortable, cool, and I like the added side instep coverage (in case my feet aren't perfectly aligned forward). These replace the earlier NB plate shoes. Those lasted 8 years (finally wore out on the inside and started to look ratty outside). I don't know if these will last as long, but they are way more comfortable and lighter. I ordered a half size larger. My last NB plate shoes were 11.5 2E (fit perfectly), and I ordered size 12 2E this time, and I'm glad I did. The half size larger than before fits perfectly.
Irvin M. Maryland |
Super light, comfy and durable! My feet feel great after a game.
Dexter D. Lithonia, GA |
Great umpire plate shoe.
Joe S. Lawndale, NC |
Feels great and looks great. Scuffs easy on the toe end.
Lawrence S. Brick, NJ |
The fit on my wide, high-instep feet is great. They were comfortable from the first game on.
Jeff Hembd Twin Falls, ID |
Just amazing, comfortable, umpire plate shoes.
Dave A. Redding, CA |
The New Balance Umpire Plate shoes are much updated shoes then my older plate shoes from 5 years ago. The updated shoes are much lighter to wear on the field. My old ones were very heavy. I would recommend this shoes to all umpires that are looking for a new pair of plate shoes. The only item on shoes that I would like to see updated is the shoes laces. The shoes laces could be a higher quality like a boot kind that is tougher rounded type. Otherwise, the shoes are great!!
Sasha H. Daytona Beach, FL |
I’ve trusted New Balance for both all my umpiring footwear both plate and bases. I have never been disappointed.
Brian C. Andalusia, Al |
I really enjoy the comfort and stability of the New balance V3 over the previous New Balance umpire plate shoe. Another great plate shoe from New Balance.
Chester R. West Des Moines, IA |
These are the lightest and most comfortable New Balance plate shoes that I’ve ever owned.
Kyle A. Schertz, TX |
Just bought a pair of these last week. On the same day the shoes arrived, I received a steroid shot in my foot at the doctor (plantar fasciitis & bone spur). The next morning I called 2 games behind the plate wearing these shoes. They were absolutely amazing. Incredibly comfortable. My previous pair was low-cut, these new ones are mid-cut. I love the mid-cut a lot more than the low-cut ones. Highly recommend these shoes, you won't be disappointed.
Sam Y. Carrollton, TX |
Great umpire plate shoes!! Long lasting, fits great, never have had a problem with any New Balance plate shoes. Looks great and easy to keep clean. They are a little bit more expensive than other shoes but they are well worth it! Highly recommend to every umpire!
Jacob P. Frankfort, IN |
They're great umpire plate shoes!
Questions About This Product
Q: | I’m 6’0 and my Wilson Pro Gold shin guards are 17.5”. How would mid-cut shoes sit with my shin guards? Or do you recommend the low cut? – Matt Barksdale |
A: | Shin guards paired with mid-cut umpire plate shoes will sit slightly higher on your leg than when paired with low-cut umpire plate shoes. For best results, please review our Crew How-To: Measure and Size Your Umpire Shin Guards. With Free Returns, there is no risk in ordering the desired shoe and trying on in your home for fit and function. – Sherie SandiferOffice/Service Manager |
Q: | I wear orthotics. Are the insoles removable with this shoe? – David Chandler |
A: | Yes, the insole of these umpire plate shoes can be removed. – Cortney AndersonCustomer Service Specialist |
Q: | I need to replace my old NB plate shoes but I am worried about the leather being synthetic. I know how to put a shine on them using Kiwi Parade Gloss but I don't know what products work with synthetic leather. Any advice? Thanks. – Michael Lechnar |
A: | Absolutely. No need to worry. We recommend Pedag Shoe Polish on NB plate shoes. Use the black color to darken and fill in scuffs. Use the clear to maintain a high functioning shine. – Ty UnthankMarketing Specialist, HS & College Umpire |
Q: | Are the NB V3 Mid Cut shoes really 31 oz per shoe? The 3N2 shoes are only 18 oz... – Jim Scott |
A: | At the largest size, 15 4E, they weigh in at 31 oz per shoe. New Balance plate shoes weigh UP TO 31 oz per shoe. – Brandon LawsonSupport Specialist, Pro Umpire School Graduate and Umpire, Football Official & Basketball Referee |
Q: | Are these shoes leather or synthetic? – Robert Schwalb |
A: | These plate umpire shoes are constructed from a hi-gloss synthetic leather. – Ty UnthankMarketing Specialist, HS & College Umpire |
Q: | They're available? – Socrates Feliciano Sánchez Vázquez |
A: | Select your shoe size and width to see available stock. – Palmer ThompsonCustomer Service Specialist, Football Official |
Q: | Width? What is the difference between standard, wide, extra wide? – Perry Azevedo |
A: | 1/8th of an inch. When you see D width, that is the standard width. For instance, if you go into a shoe store and ask for a size 12, the clerk will bring you a 12 in D width. 2E is considered a wide shoe and 4E an extra wide. For more on sizing, see our Fitting Room. Customer Service Specialist, Football Official |
Q: | How much height does this shoe give me? What I mean is how many inches taller will I be? I'm asking because I want to know if the height of the shoe will affect my plate pants. I currently have the 3N2 Reaction Pro Low Umpire Plate Shoes and my plate pants were hemmed with those shoes in mind. How much of a difference will it make in terms of height? – Alistair Mcevilly |
A: | There is a 1/2 inch difference between the shoes. The New Balance midsole is just under 1 1/2 inches. The 3n2 Reaction Pro Low Cut Umpire Plate Shoes, at the heel, are 2 inches tall, including the cleats. Marketing Specialist, HS & College Umpire |
Articles Related To This Product
New Balance to Continue with 4 of 8 Umpire Shoe Models
Mid-cut umpire plate shoes and low-cut base shoes in current color styles will continue while low-cut plate and mid-cut bases will no longer be manufactured.
How-To Make Excess Shoelaces Disappear into NB Plate Shoes
For those wearing the New Balance V3 Umpire Plate Shoes, check out a quick tip to make your excess shoelaces "disappear"!
Ty Unthank Shows How-To Clean & Polish Your Umpire & Referee Shoes
Protect your umpire shoe investment and look your best on the field with these tips that include using Pedag Premium Shoe Polish.
PRODUCT ALERT: MLB Logo vs NB Logo on New Balance Umpire Shoes
V3 plate and base shoes stock arriving after this date for the 2020 season will have the NB logo on the tongue.
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WARNING: Participants in any sports activity assume risk of injury. This equipment may be used to help aid in preventing or reducing the extent of injury. No equipment can guarantee umpire or player safety from injury during participation, and use of this equipment carries no such guarantee. Do not use any umpire equipment that is damaged in any way.