Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the brightest young talents in football, is set to make history with his choice of footwear this season. Harrison will debut the first-ever football cleats designed by New Balance, marking a significant step for the company that is traditionally known for its premier running shoes and athletic wear.
Harrison's partnership with New Balance began earlier this offseason when he inked a deal with the athletic brand. This move not only signifies a personal milestone for Harrison but also underscores New Balance's ambitions in the football cleat market.
The Prodigy Cleats: A New Standard
The cleats that Harrison is likely to sport are named the Prodigy. These gold and white low-tops are crafted specifically for skill players, combining the best of New Balance’s craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. "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."
The journey to creating the Prodigy cleats began in 2020 when New Balance embarked on their football cleat project. With the help of players like Chase Young and Will Anderson Jr., who wear-tested prototype designs in the New Balance Sports Research Lab, the company gathered essential insights. "We focused on an intelligent approach to product creation that combined our history of best-in-class craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation," New Balance noted. "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."
Introducing the Fortress Cleats
In addition to the Prodigy, New Balance has introduced another cleat variant called the Fortress. This black and gold high-top is designed for enhanced support and durability, aiming to meet the diverse needs of football players. Together, these cleats represent New Balance's dedication to setting a new standard in football footwear. "The game deserves better. We won't settle for anything less than setting a new standard," the company asserted.
Anticipation and Excitement
Kyler Murray, the dynamic quarterback for the Cardinals, also expressed his enthusiasm for Harrison’s potential impact on the field. "I think that takes us to another level," Murray said. "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 entry into the football cleat market is a bold move that promises to shake up the industry. By leveraging their strong heritage in athletic wear and incorporating insights from top-tier players, New Balance aims to provide football athletes with footwear that excels in both comfort and performance. As Harrison steps onto the field with the Prodigy cleats, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how these innovations take the game to new heights.
Indeed, Harrison’s debut in New Balance cleats is more than just a personal milestone; it represents a new era for the company and the sport. With the Prodigy and Fortress cleats, New Balance is not just joining the football cleat market – they’re aiming to dominate it.