New Balance Ohtani 1: Shohei Ohtani’s First Signature Cleat
Okay… we really like this. Ohtani is a very low key type of guy. So when comes to him having a signature cleat/shoe or other gear, of course we didn’t expect to see something totally over the top or extremely flashy. However, the New Balance Ohtani 1 seems to perfectly capture the essence of one of the greatest ball players in the modern era.
It is classic. It is clean. But it still gives off “the gold standard.”
The Ohtani 1 comes in a crisp white color way. And embellished with gold detailing. Clearly visible on NB’s signature “N” and the cleat’s spikes.
Shohei is excited about this upcoming apparel release. And fans will get their first look and glimpse of the Ohtani 1 in the first retail versions of the cleat during All Star Weekend. Plus, they will be able to finally get their hands on them too.
The Ohtani 1 will be available in cleat and turf versions with a corresponding apparel line as part of a popup experience on July 14 during All-Star Week in Arlington. Then they will also be available the next day on New Balance’s online shop for the Home Run Derby Monday.
So an exhilarating week for baseball. And for Ohtani’s long-awaited collection. Regarding the style and flair of the New Balance drop Shohei states,
“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.”
New Balance also had a little something to say on the collection. They announce,
“The Shohei Ohtani Signature Collection by New Balance.
Inspired by baseball heritage and the one who transcends it. Featuring on-field performance styles and off-field essentials with contemporary, crafted designs.
Available globally July 15th.”
Nevertheless, what all went into the thought process of this particular design. Of course, elements to be more effective on the field were taken into consideration (biometric research was utilized along with multiple in-depth conversations with Shohei to help designers diminish the midsole foam; allowing Shohei to feel more connected with the field underneath him). When it comes to such technical concepts, no one would expect anything less from a stellar athlete.
New Balance Ohtani 1: Shohei Ohtani’s First Signature Cleat
However, what other aspects were taken into consideration? Also, what type of impact is Ohtani having on the New Balance brand? It is still not a very common thing to see a baseball player get a brand deal attached to signature gear. Well, New Balance senior product manager Matt Nuzzo revealed all. Nuzzo mentions,
“Everything Shohei does is through the lens of performance. We talked about that a ton. If it makes him play better and he’s convinced of it, he’s going to wear it.
We realized really quickly that consistency is paramount to Shohei. He doesn’t want a pitching shoe that has a big toe on it and has a different feel underfoot. He likes to be consistent and comfortable in his shoes no matter what he’s doing.
It kind of embodied what he is, right? We needed a shoe that could do it all – the one that does it all – and that’s where he is as a player.
Certainly we’ve had a bit of an uptick, and Ohtani’s payoff is not going to be solely in baseball. I think he validated our premium nature in the sport, but he’s [also] now a face of the brand alongside [tennis star] Coco Gauff, [soccer standout] Bukayo Saka, [Olympic track champ and World Record holder] Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and [two-time NBA champion] Kawhi Leonard.
It’s a time that’s really transcendent for our brand. So having an athlete as transcendent as Ohtani? What a partnership.”
So then, New Balance is entering a new era. Uncharted territory. In a realm where most are mainly familiar with Nike; New Balance is cutting through the noise and making waves of their very own. They are changing the gear game, their way. And they are doing it with some of the biggest sports stars of today.
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