Marvin Harrison Jr. Set to Debut New Balance's First Football Cleats
The football world is buzzing with anticipation as Marvin Harrison Jr. prepares to debut the first-ever football cleats designed by New Balance. Signing a deal earlier this offseason, Harrison has aligned himself with a brand long celebrated for their prowess in crafting premier running shoes and athletic wear.
Harrison's new cleats, aptly named the Prodigy, are a gold and white low-top designed specifically for skill players. As New Balance looks to make a significant impact on the football cleat market, the Prodigy model represents a critical step forward in the brand's ongoing journey.
According to New Balance, their foray into the gridiron began in earnest in 2020. "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."
Drawing from their extensive history of crafting top-tier footwear, New Balance combined this heritage with forward-thinking innovation. The company's Sports Research Lab proved instrumental in this development phase, with NFL stars Chase Young and Will Anderson Jr. taking on a hands-on role in testing prototype designs. "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 stated.
Additionally, New Balance has introduced another variant called the Fortress. This black and gold high-top cleat is designed for enhanced support and durability, catering to players who prioritize these features on the field. Together, the Prodigy and Fortress cleats signify New Balance's commitment to setting a new standard in football footwear, aiming to elevate the game in terms of both performance and style.
Kyler Murray, quarterback for the Cardinals, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the potential impact of Harrison's partnership with New Balance. "I think that takes us to another level," Murray said, highlighting the significance of having a player of Harrison's caliber equipped with advanced footwear. "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."
New Balance's declaration that "The game deserves better. We won't settle for anything less than setting a new standard," underscores their uncompromising vision as they enter the competitive arena of football footwear. With input from top athletes and a dedication to blending craftsmanship with innovation, the company aims to carve out a significant niche in the market.
As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on Harrison and his New Balance Prodigy cleats. Whether he lives up to the expectations placed upon him by his teammates and fans alike remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: New Balance is poised to make a lasting impression on the sport.