Shohei Ohtani Steps Up to the Plate with New Balance
There’s a new player in the game of sportswear. Shohei Ohtani, in collaboration with New Balance, is proud to present his first signature collection. The collection, which highlights his outstanding abilities as a hitter and a pitcher, includes on-field performance gear, off-field sports fashion essentials, and his debut signature cleat. The anticipated launch day is July 15.
Exclusive Early Access in Texas
Residents of Fort Worth, Texas, will have the exclusive opportunity to shop the collection a day before the official retail launch at the New Balance MLB All-Star Weekend pop-up event.
Shohei’s Personal Touch
The collection prominently features Shohei’s logo, a sketch of him rounding first base, which was unveiled by New Balance in March. The logo pays homage to his love for the game, his remarkable base running ability, and his distinctive talents as both a hitter and a pitcher.
Inspiration Pulled Straight From the Diamond
The collection is a nod to the game itself. The blend of classic neutral tones with Marsh Green draws inspiration from the infield dirt, pitcher’s mound, and outfield. The pieces, including a woven jacket, woven pants, and cotton tees, marry tradition and modern minimalism. Details such as the overlocking stitch lines on the French Terry pieces mimic the stitching on a baseball, and many items feature double pockets, reflecting Shohei’s unique dual talent.
Details Matter
Shohei, a skilled craftsman, pays attention to every detail. Each design has been thoughtfully crafted to replicate the comfort and movement needed for the demands of pitching and batting, catering to athletes who believe that every detail counts.
“I hold 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. Every item can fit an athlete’s wardrobe on and off the field and collaborating with New Balance to capture that perfect balance was such an exciting moment for me,” shares Shohei.
Introducing the Ohtani 1
The Ohtani 1, where versatility meets high performance, is the showpiece of the collection. The cleat, designed with insight from Shohei, caters to the unique needs of the two-way player, sitting closer to the ground for comfort and durability. It features a premium PU upper for durability without compromising flexibility, and is available in metal cleat and turf styles.
Every Detail Matters
“In designing Shohei’s spike, we knew every detail mattered,” says Matt Nuzzo, Senior Product Manager for Field of Play at New Balance. He mentioned the importance of comfort, durability, and ground feel to Shohei, which influenced the design of the cleat, particularly the flat underfoot surface and the slightly lower studs.
YOU ASKED…
What is the Shohei Ohtani Signature Collection?
The Shohei Ohtani Signature Collection is a collaboration between the two-time American League MVP and New Balance. It consists of on-field performance gear, off-field sports fashion essentials, and Shohei’s debut signature cleat.
When does the Shohei Ohtani Signature Collection launch?
The official launch date for the collection is July 15.
What is the Ohtani 1?
The Ohtani 1 is Shohei’s debut signature cleat, designed for high performance and versatility on the field. It features a premium PU upper and is designed to sit closer to the ground for comfort and durability.
Who is Matt Nuzzo?
Matt Nuzzo is the Senior Product Manager for Field of Play at New Balance.
Editor’s Note: All listed prices were correct at the time of publication. This article contains editorial selections and paid partnerships. Please note that this article may contain some affiliate links to products and we may receive a commission for selected purchases.
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