New Balance Prodigy Football Cleats Review: A Fresh Take on Traction and Fit
Introduction
Let’s dive into the New Balance Prodigy football cleats! It’s been a while since New Balance stepped into the football cleat game, but they’re back with a fresh look.
Today, I’m going to walk you through my unboxing and first impressions of these cleats, and then dive into how they perform on the field.
We’ll cover everything from comfort, fit, and traction, to whether they’re worth the price. So, if you’ve been eyeing these cleats, keep reading—you won’t want to miss this!
First Impressions & Unboxing
The unboxing of the New Balance Prodigy football cleats was pretty cool. First off, they came in a sleek bag, which felt like a nice touch.
I haven't seen cleats come in a bag like this since Nike's earlier models, so it definitely stood out. The bag itself had a soft, premium feel, with a gold New Balance logo and "First Edition" printed on it. It’s a small detail, but it made the unboxing feel special.
Pulling the cleats out, they looked sharp. The white and silver color combo really popped, and the chrome logos added a clean, modern touch. My first thought?
These look solid. Now, let’s see how they actually perform!
Design and Build Quality
The New Balance Prodigy cleats have a sleek and clean design. The white and silver colorway, with chrome New Balance logos, gives them a modern, high-end look. They definitely stand out on the field without being too flashy.
Materials Used
The upper is made from a thick synthetic material, which feels sturdy but a bit stiff. It’s clear that the cleats are built for durability.
The tongue is part of a one-piece design, almost like a "booty" system, made from a stretchable mesh knit material. This should provide a snug fit while still allowing for some flexibility.
Durability
These cleats seem to be built tough. The reinforced toe and side sections add extra durability, which should hold up well during intense games. The material is on the thicker side, so it feels like it will offer solid protection and last through multiple seasons.
The overall structure feels solid, with a focus on side-to-side support, which is important for making sharp cuts.
Comfort
When I first slipped on the New Balance Prodigy cleats, I had high hopes. New Balance is known for making super comfortable footwear, so I was expecting the same here. But the reality was different.
The cleats felt pretty stiff all around, especially in the upper. The internal booty system did hug my foot nicely, but the overall stiffness of the cleat didn’t allow for much flexibility.
Discomfort Points
The main discomfort I noticed was in the tongue and heel.
The tongue is way too thin, so I could feel the laces digging into the top of my foot, which got annoying pretty fast. As for the heel, there wasn’t enough padding.
I could feel my foot pushing up against the heel cup, and the sides of the collar dug into my ankle a bit, which wasn’t great for long-term wear.
Comfort Expectations vs. Reality
I really expected these cleats to be as comfortable as other New Balance shoes. Sadly, that wasn’t the case.
They didn’t live up to the comfort reputation that New Balance is known for, especially with the stiff upper and lack of cushioning in key areas like the heel and tongue.
Fit and Support
Overall Fit
The New Balance Prodigy cleats fit true to size, but they are definitely on the tight side. If you prefer a little extra room in the toe box, these might feel a bit cramped. However, they do offer a wide fit option if you need more space.
Support Features
One standout feature is the Phantom Fit, which is a multi-layer synthetic material that wraps the foot securely. This provides a lot of support, especially during quick cuts.
The cleats also have extra padding on the sides, which helps with stability and keeps your foot locked in place.
Side-to-Side Support
When making cuts or sudden movements, the side-to-side support is solid.
You can really feel the cleats holding your foot in place, which is great for maintaining balance and control. Overall, these cleats provide excellent support, even though the tight fit may not be for everyone.
Traction
Traction Plate and Studs Design
The traction plate on the New Balance Prodigy cleats is built from a stiff nylon and TPU material, designed to offer a lot of grip. The studs are where things get interesting.
The cleats feature unique T-shaped studs, which aren’t something you see on most football cleats. These T-studs have multiple depths, making it easy to stop quickly and accelerate fast.
Performance on Different Surfaces
I tested these on both turf and grass, and they held up well on both. The deeper studs provide excellent grip on grass, while still allowing for smooth movement on turf.
The traction is one of the best features of these cleats, especially when it comes to making sharp cuts and quick changes in direction.
Who It's For
These cleats are perfect for skill players. If you're a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, or defensive back, these will suit you well. Their lightweight build and low-cut design make them ideal for fast players who rely on speed and agility.
The tight fit and solid side-to-side support are perfect for quick movements and cuts, giving skill players the control they need.
Price and Final Thoughts
At $170, the New Balance Prodigy cleats are on the pricier side for football cleats. While they offer excellent traction and solid support, the comfort might leave something to be desired for some players.
If you’re looking for cleats with great grip and fit, and don’t mind a stiffer feel, they might be worth the investment.
But for the price, you may want to try them on before making the final call. Let me know in the comments—do you think these are worth the $170 price tag?