New Balance Fortress Cleats Review: Built for Big Skill Players

Introduction

Alright, let’s talk about the New Balance Fortress cleats! These are a serious game-changer, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them. New Balance is back in the football scene, and these cleats promise three key things: comfort, durability, and performance. Whether you're cutting across the field or going in for a big play, these cleats are designed to keep up.

In this review, I’ll dive into everything you need to know — from first impressions and fit to traction and style. Stick around, because you won’t want to miss this one!

First Impressions and Unboxing

Right out of the box, the New Balance Fortress cleats make a strong impression. The first thing you notice is the sleek black colorway – it’s completely murdered out, giving it a bold, clean look. Honestly, these look even better than the Prodigy cleats I reviewed earlier.

Now, let’s talk about the packaging. The cleats come in a cool drawstring bag that feels high-quality. It’s black with New Balance written in gold, and underneath that, it says First Edition in black, which adds a premium touch. On the back, it has "New Balance Gridiron," their social media handle for football.

Upper and Material Quality

The first thing I noticed about the New Balance Fortress cleats is the thickness and stiffness of the upper. Just like the Prodigy, it has a tough TPU material that doesn’t bend easily. You can feel the strength when you press on it, which is a good sign for durability. It’s built to last, and that extra thickness adds an element of protection, especially during hard cuts and tackles.

The design also provides excellent side-to-side lateral support, which is crucial for quick movements on the field. Compared to other cleats, like the Prodigy, the Fortress feels more robust, especially around the sides, which gives me confidence that they’ll hold up during tough plays.

Booty System and Fit:

One of my favorite features of the Fortress cleats is the sock-like booty system. It wraps around your foot perfectly, locking you in for a secure fit. The material is soft and breathable, giving your foot a snug feel without being too tight. It extends up to the ankle, adding even more comfort with a soft knit that feels great during movement.

The ankle support is a step up from the Prodigy. While the Prodigy also had a similar system, I found the Fortress to be more comfortable, especially around the top. The booty system doesn’t shift around, keeping everything in place, which is super helpful when you're making quick moves.

This fit makes the Fortress feel more stable and locked in, compared to other cleats I’ve tried.

Traction and Performance

The traction plate on the New Balance Fortress cleats is built for big skill players, and it shows. The first thing you’ll notice is the sharp triangle studs, which are designed for maximum grip.

These studs dig deep into the grass, making sure you feel locked in during every step. Whether you're sprinting down the field or making sharp cuts, the studs provide excellent traction, giving you the confidence to move without slipping.

The plate itself is extremely stiff, which is perfect for quick, explosive movements. It reminds me of the Nike Alpha Menace Elite 2, with a similar sturdy build.

The stiffness helps with pushing off and cutting, making sure your foot stays stable and doesn’t bend in ways that could cause discomfort or injury. The plate even comes up the sides of the cleat, adding extra lateral support.

For bigger players who need that extra stability, these cleats are a top contender. They’ve got the support and traction you need to dominate on the field.

Comfort and Support

When it comes to comfort, the New Balance Fortress cleats deliver where it counts. The insole is packed with New Balance’s FuelCell technology, which adds a layer of soft cushioning underfoot.

This is one of the highlights for me – you can really feel the extra padding, especially when you’re running or making sharp movements.

There’s also a decent amount of padding around the heel and sides, which helps keep your foot in place and reduces any rubbing or discomfort. However, like the Prodigy, the upper is pretty stiff, so while the cushioning underneath is great, the top part of the cleat could feel a bit rigid, especially after long periods of wear.

Style and Design

The New Balance Fortress cleats have a sleek, bold design that immediately catches your eye. The black colorway is clean and murdered-out, making it one of the sharpest looking cleats on the market.

The addition of chrome details, like the New Balance logo on the sides and heel, gives them a premium feel.

On and off the field, these cleats stand out. The minimalist, yet stylish design makes them versatile and perfect for players who want to look good while performing at their best.

So far, there’s this black version and a white colorway, but I’m hoping for more options soon!

Best Position and Use

The Fortress cleats are definitely built for big skill players. They’re perfect for positions like quarterbacks, linebackers, running backs, tight ends, and edge defenders.

The cleats provide the right amount of support for players who need to move fast and powerfully, especially with all the side-to-side cuts and quick sprints involved.

Their wider fit and strong lateral support make them ideal for bigger, stronger players. If you’re looking for a cleat that gives you both stability and traction while delivering explosive performance on the field, the Fortress is designed for you.

Price and Final Thoughts

The New Balance Fortress cleats retail for $170, which is in line with other premium football cleats like the Nike Alpha Menace Elite 3.

For the quality, durability, and performance these cleats offer, the price feels fair.

They’re packed with features like the FuelCell technology and a stiff traction plate that make them a great choice for serious players.

If you’re a big skill player looking for a cleat that offers comfort, support, and killer looks, the Fortress is worth every penny.

I highly recommend giving these a shot! Let me know what you think – drop a comment below!