Marvin Harrison Jr. is set to make history on the gridiron with the debut of New Balance's first-ever football cleats. Harrison, who inked a deal with New Balance earlier this offseason, will don the Prodigy cleats, marking a key milestone for the athletic wear giant known for its premier running shoes and athletic apparel.
The Groundbreaking Cleats
The Prodigy cleats encompass a gold and white low-top design, tailored for skill players like Harrison. New Balance's entry into the football cleat market began in earnest in 2020, driven by the ambition to deliver unparalleled fit and comfort. "Our first conversations about stepping onto the gridiron kicked off in 2020," the company noted on their website. "The goal—making the best-fitting, most comfortable cleat in the game—was simple. Getting there was not."
Prototypes were rigorously tested in New Balance's Sports Research Lab, drawing valuable insights from football stalwarts like Chase Young and Will Anderson Jr. "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," the company revealed.
A New Era in Football Footwear
New Balance’s vision for football footwear extends beyond just one cleat. Alongside the Prodigy, they have introduced the Fortress cleats, a black and gold high-top designed for enhanced support and durability. Both designs underscore New Balance's commitment to innovation and quality. "The game deserves better. We won't settle for anything less than setting a new standard," asserted the company, encapsulating their ethos.
Excitement on the Field
The anticipation surrounding Harrison's debut in the new cleats is palpable. Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback Kyler Murray expressed his enthusiasm about 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."
With the Prodigy cleats poised to make their inaugural appearance, all eyes will be on Harrison and his performance on the field. New Balance’s foray into football footwear, backed by rigorous testing and innovative design, is a bold step aimed at redefining standards in the sport. As the football season unfolds, the impact of these new cleats on Harrison's game and the broader athletic community will be closely watched.