Under Armour has joined forces with sports card grader Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper to debut a limited-edition cleat known as the Gem Mint Harper 9. Only 500 pairs will be released on Aug. 1, available online only.
The turf shoe will include holographic details and the official PSA grading label on the heel. Every pair comes with an authenticated and PSA-holdered Bryce Harper x PSA Harper 9 custom slabbed schematic card; 20 randomly selected pairs will come with a card signed by Harper.
The cleat also features Under Armour’s IntelliKnit upper, described as breathable and offering stretch and compression as needed; Under Armour also describes an “engineered fit” that enhances comfort while reducing flex pressure with a bootie design that provides “locked-in” support. Meanwhile, synthetic leather in the forefoot increases durability while the lacing structure “articulates” to the foot, also helping with support. Additional features include the Charged Cushioning midsole and a “versatile” outsole that can handle different surfaces. The shoe comes in a mint green colorway and features a pattern of Harper’s “BH” initials.
Harper debuted the Gem Mint Harper 9 cleat on July 29 in a game against the Yankees. The baseball star first signed with Under Amour in 2011 and his first signature cleat was released in 2016. In the intervening years, the 31-year-old athlete has teamed up with the American brand to drop several shoes, including superhero-themed cleats for Father’s Day in 2018.
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PSA, meanwhile, has previously worked with MLB players Bobby Witt Jr. and Corbin Carroll. This collaboration with Under Armour and Harper marks PSA’s first foray into fashion. The company is known as one of the most prominent trading card and collectibles graders.
