Shohei Ohtani Gets a Signature New Balance Cleat
Shohei Ohtani is getting a signature collection with New Balance, which includes a cleat bearing the baseball superstar’s name.
The New Balance signature collection for Ohtani — who signed with New Balance in January 2023 — will feature on-field performance styles, off-field sports style essentials and his first signature cleat, the Ohtani 1. New Balance explained via statement that the Ohtani 1 was created with “the unique needs of the two-way player” in mind, and was designed “to sit closer to the ground.”
It features the brand’s FuelCell foam, added for comfort and durability, with a raised triangle pattern along the toe box that New Balance stated is “reminiscent of the ceilings in some NPB [Nippon Professional Baseball] ballparks in Japan.” They were also built with premium PU uppers for durability and “consistency throughout the long season without compromising flex.”
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New Balance will launch the Ohtani 1 in two colors: white with gold and black with gold. The look will also be available in both metal cleat and turf styles.
“In designing Shohei’s spike, we knew every detail mattered,” New Balance senior product manager for field of play Matt Nuzzo said in a statement. “Comfort, durability and ground feel were the most important to him, so there are no contours or recesses on the plate to maintain a flat surface underfoot to help prevent mud from caking and to allow the studs to interact with the ground. The studs themselves are approximately 2 mm lower to the ground compared to traditional spikes, as this concept of ground feel and using the ground as leverage is something well understood in Japanese baseball but less so in other parts of the baseball world where thick, cushioned midsoles act to help alleviate the stud pressure underfoot.”
Aside from the cleats, New Balance said the apparel selections in Ohtani’s collection are inspired directly by the game of baseball. For instance, the range — which includes a woven jacket, woven pants and cotton T-shirts — pairs classic neutral tones with the brand’s marsh green hue, which is reminiscent of the infield dirt, the pitcher’s mound and the outfield. There are also French Terry pieces designed with overlocking stitch lines that New Balance said “mimic the stitching on a baseball,” and several items feature double pockets, which serve as a nod “to the duality of Shohei’s unique talent as a two-way player.”
“I have a deep respect for the heritage of baseball and the sport itself, and I love that the collection pays tribute to the traditional old-school style while bringing a new-school twist,” Ohtani said in a statement. “Every item can fit an athlete’s wardrobe on and off the field and collaborating with New Balance to capture that perfect balance was such an exciting moment for me.”
The Shohei Ohtani Signature Collection arrives July 15, however consumers in Fort Worth, Texas, can shop the collection 24 hours in advance of the retail release at the New Balance MLB All-Star Weekend pop-up event. New Balance confirmed more on-field performance drops for the collection are expected in the winter.
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
